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Publications

Showing 22361 – 22380 of 30345 publications

Review of the current distribution of southern elephant seals in the eastern South Pacific

Península Valdés — 2016 — WHE51260A3709

Southern elephant seals, once extirpated from the eastern South Pacific due to hunting, are showing signs of recolonization. A review of 409 confirmed sightings from 1900 to 2014 and tagged seal data reveals their presence from Cape Horn Archipelago in southern Chile to Ecuador, including oceanic island groups. Three incipient pupping sites south of 51°S in Chile indicate slow population growth, though the immigration source remains unclear. Satellite tagging suggests some seals originate from Peninsula Valdés and the Falkland/Malvinas Islands, with preliminary mtDNA analysis hinting at a stronger genetic link to the latter.

Revision of the early crocodylomorph Trialestes romeri (Archosauria, Suchia) from the lower Upper Triassic Ischigualasto Formation of Argentina: one of the oldest‐known crocodylomorphs

Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks — 2016 — WHEC9E0487251

A detailed revision of the early crocodylomorph Trialestes romeri from Argentina's Ischigualasto Formation challenges prior classifications, confirming it as one of the oldest known non-crocodyliform crocodylomorphs. The study resolves debates about its phylogenetic placement and rejects earlier interpretations that suggested a mesotarsal ankle joint or dinosaurian affinities. Using comprehensive phylogenetic analysis, researchers positioned Trialestes within Crocodylomorpha, closer to Crocodyliformes than other early archosaurs like Pseudhesperosuchus. This work clarifies the species' taxonomic status and significance, highlighting it as one of the most complete early crocodylomorphs from the late Triassic period.

Revision of the genus Promicrogaster (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae) from Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica, with a key to all species previously described from Mesoamerica

Area de Conservación Guanacaste — 2016 — WHE595CA22A8E

A comprehensive revision of the wasp genus Promicrogaster (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) from Costa Rica's Area de Conservación Guanacaste identifies 21 new species and provides a key to all Mesoamerican species. The study reveals that Promicrogaster is predominantly Neotropical, with most species thriving in cloud forests above 1,000 meters. Notably, all verified host records indicate these wasps parasitize caterpillars living deep within plant tissues, though no ACG-specific host data exists. The research restricts the genus to the New World and reclassifies a previously described Indian species as incertae sedis.

Revitalisation of Horto Botânico and Vale dos Contos in Ouro Preto - MG, Brazil

Historic Town of Ouro Preto — 2016 — WHEC5537D7268

Revitalization efforts for Ouro Preto's Horto Botânico and Vale dos Contos, the city's most significant urban green space, have successfully transformed these areas into a public park that enhances tourism, leisure, and environmental engagement. The project restored accessibility and functionality, fostering direct interaction with nature while preserving historical significance. By analyzing the physical, functional, and visual relationships between the park and its surroundings, the study highlights how such interventions can create differentiated options for urban recreation and conservation in UNESCO-listed heritage sites.

Revolution at the Crossroads: Re- Framing the Haitian Revolution from the Heights of Platons

National History Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers — 2016 — WHE410AC54C38

A re-examination of the Haitian Revolution reveals its roots in the covert struggles and vibrant political traditions of enslaved people, challenging conventional narratives that focus solely on military leaders. The study highlights how spiritual practices, provision grounds, marronage, and market networks were pivotal in constructing resistance and social meaning, rather than viewing the revolution as a singular event. By analyzing a revolt around Les Cayes using rich archival sources, including seized mailbags, the research provides unprecedented insights into the mobilization of enslaved people's political power during this formative period.

Rezension über Bruckneudorf und Gamzigrad: Spätantike Paläste und Großvillen im Donau-Balkan-Raum. Akten des Internationalen Kolloquiums in Bruckneudorf vom 15. bis 18. Oktober 2008.

Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Palace of Galerius — 2016 — WHE3ABF07F4D7

A comprehensive analysis of late antique palaces and grand villas along the Danube-Balkan region, including Gamzigrad-Romuliana, reveals significant insights into architectural styles, metallurgical practices, and regional trade networks. The study combines archaeological findings from multiple sites, employing advanced techniques such as lead isotope analysis and multi-layered chert sourcing to trace material origins and distribution patterns. Notably, it highlights the sophisticated craftsmanship of Bronze Age copper production in Austria and its widespread influence, as well as the mineralogical features of ancient gold mining in Bulgaria. Additionally, the research explores the role of script in identity formation among ancient peoples, offering a nuanced understanding of cultural dynamics during the Younger Alpine Iron Age.

Rhythms and Identity in Boyne Valley Landscapes

Brú na Bóinne - Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne — 2016 — WHED55EFB8AEB

This study reveals that the Boyne Valley's landscape, rich with archaeological sites and seasonal rhythms, serves as a dynamic repository of human-environmental narratives. It demonstrates how integrating empirical data from geography, archaeology, history, and anthropology—alongside cultural elements like legend, poetry, and music—can transform static museum representations into a living, evolving narrative. The research highlights the significance of combining diverse knowledge systems to understand power relations, identity, and sustainable development in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Brú na Bóinne. By juxtaposing time-slice landscape representations with field observations, the study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in reanimating places and preserving their cultural and ecological heritage.

Rice Domestication Revealed by Reduced Shattering of Archaeological rice from the Lower Yangtze valley

Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City — 2016 — WHECAAD0F0675

Archaeological evidence from the Lower Yangtze Valley reveals that rice domestication, marked by reduced shattering traits, was already underway around 9000–8400 BP at the Huxi site. Analysis of spikelet bases shows a progression from wild (shattering) to intermediate and non-shattering forms, indicating early human selection for domesticated rice. The findings also suggest that japonica rice (Oryza sativa subsp. japonica), a significant lineage, emerged during this period. Further examination of sites like Kuahuqiao, Tianluoshan, Majiabang, and Liangzhu confirms ongoing selection for non-shattering traits over millennia, highlighting a prolonged domestication process. The study integrates seed, phytolith, and contextual data to trace the transition from wild rice to cultivated forms, providing insights into early agricultural practices in the region.

Rideau

Rideau Canal — 2016 — WHEAB87FB1084

Rideau Canal serves as both a cultural and historical symbol in Ottawa, Canada. This essay explores the personal connection to the Canal through the lens of ice skating, highlighting its role in shaping individual identity while also reflecting on its broader national significance. The piece delves into the Canal's origins and its enduring appeal, contrasting personal nostalgia with collective heritage. Through vivid storytelling, it examines how local experiences intertwine with larger narratives of national identity, offering a unique perspective on the cultural resonance of this iconic waterway.

Rift Valley fever vector diversity and impact of meteorological and environmental factors on Culex pipiens dynamics in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Okavango Delta — 2016 — WHEEBB95E6FF3

A study on the Okavango Delta, Botswana, reveals that Culex pipiens is the dominant mosquito species, accounting for nearly 70% of captures, with its population dynamics significantly influenced by temperature, rainfall, and flooding levels. The research, conducted between 2011 and 2012 using CO₂-baited net traps, identified 32 mosquito species but detected no Rift Valley Fever (RVF) virus in pooled samples. A mechanistic model demonstrated that local rainfall and flooding accurately represented the spatial distribution of Cx. pipiens abundance, with temperature being the primary driver for its global population dynamics. The study suggests that peaks in mosquito abundance, particularly from March to May, could indicate periods of higher RVF risk, providing a basis for targeted surveillance and control strategies.

Riscos de incêndios florestais no parque nacional de Brasília. Brasil

Brasilia — 2016 — WHE0F56B77A84

A significant portion of the Parque Nacional de Brasília, covering 83% of its area, is at high to very high risk of forest fires, with 3% facing extreme risk. This finding stems from a study that developed a fire risk model using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), incorporating variables such as land use, terrain slope, slope orientation, and road networks. The methodology was validated against recorded fire hotspots in 2010 and successfully replicated in other areas within the Cerrado biome, providing a strategic framework for fire combat planning.

Risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep and cattle from Fernando de Noronha Island, Brazil

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves — 2016 — WHEFFA43C846C

A study on Fernando de Noronha Island, Brazil, revealed significantly higher prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep (85.0%) compared to cattle (10.7%), highlighting distinct risk factors for each species. For sheep, contact with felines emerged as a critical risk factor, while cattle showed higher infection rates linked to extensive farming systems, water sources, the presence of more than three cats per farm, and rat infestation in feed storage areas. The research employed indirect immunofluorescence assays on serum samples from all animals across farms, followed by univariate analysis and logistic regression to identify these factors. This study underscores the impact of environmental and management practices on Toxoplasma gondii transmission in insular ruminant populations.

Roadkill hotspots in a protected area of Cerrado in Brazil: planning actions to conservation

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2016 — WHEED05F78C2C

A study identifying critical roadkill hotspots within the Cerrado Protected Areas of Brazil reveals key locations where animal mortality is highest, threatening local fauna, including endangered species like the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), paca (Cuniculus paca), and maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus). The research, conducted from 2012 to 2013 along roads near Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks, documented a mortality rate of 1.46 animals per kilometer per year, with mammals and reptiles accounting for the majority of roadkill cases. Hotspots were linked to natural vegetation remnants and intersections with riparian forests, suggesting these areas are vital crossing points for wildlife. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted mitigation strategies to protect biodiversity in protected regions.

Roadside raptor surveys in Valdes Peninsula (Patagonia, Argentina)

Península Valdés — 2016 — WHE0E74A5AAA8

Roadside surveys on the Valdés Peninsula, Argentina, revealed lower raptor abundances compared to continental Patagonia, with 9 species recorded across two sampling periods. The most frequently observed were the turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) and chimango caracara (Milvago chimango). Conducted along a 451-km transect in November 2012 and April 2013, this study highlights the peninsula's unique avifauna while underscoring its distinct ecological dynamics. The findings contribute to baseline data for conservation efforts in this UNESCO-listed site.

Robinia pseudoacacia L. in the Western Caucasus

Western Caucasus — 2016 — WHED80D3A594F

Robinia pseudoacacia L., commonly known as black locust, does not reduce arboreal species diversity in riparian forests of the Western Caucasus despite its increasing dominance over native tree species. The study, conducted by Akatov et al. (2016), reveals that while R. pseudoacacia is most abundant where native dominants hold a middle-level presence, its proliferation does not negatively impact overall forest diversity. Researchers analyzed distribution, age structure, and population dynamics across the region, finding that most individuals are under 20 years old, suggesting rapid colonization but limited long-term persistence. The study highlights the resilience of riparian forests to invasive species, offering insights into ecological succession and conservation strategies for UNESCO World Heritage Sites like those in the Western Caucasus.

Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering: From the Past to the Future

Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia — 2016 — WHEA9846F0E3E

A comprehensive exploration of rock mechanics and engineering, 'Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering: From the Past to the Future' presents groundbreaking insights from EUROCK2016, an international symposium held in Cappadocia, Turkey. This collection of 204 accepted papers and eight keynote addresses delves into diverse aspects of rock mechanics, emphasizing future directions in engineering technologies. The contributions span fundamental theories to practical applications, including stability analysis, design methodologies, and the preservation of historical sites like Göreme National Park. Advanced analytical and numerical methods are highlighted, alongside innovative approaches for underground excavations, waste disposal, and carbon dioxide sequestration. The symposium, organized by the Turkish National Society for Rock Mechanics, continues a distinguished European series, offering valuable insights for researchers and professionals in rock mechanics and engineering.

Rodents: food or pests in Neolithic Orkney

Heart of Neolithic Orkney — 2016 — WHE5130DC52F8

Neolithic inhabitants of Orkney exploited or controlled rodents, providing the first evidence for such practices in Europe. Skeletal remains from four locations within and around Skara Brae, a renowned Neolithic site, reveal that rodent bones accumulated due to deliberate human activity. Burnt bones found in household waste deposits suggest rodents were used as a nutritional resource and may have been targeted for early pest control. This study contrasts with previous research focused on recent dietary use of rodents, offering new insights into ancient human-rodent interactions.

Roman ship graffiti in the Tower of the Winds in Athens

Acropolis, Athens — 2016 — WHE99AC562708

Two Roman ship graffiti, depicting an unusual oared vessel with a pointed bow and additional sail, were discovered on the interior walls of the Tower of the Winds at the Acropolis of Athens. These graffiti, featuring distinctive elements such as thole pins and a possible multi-sheet sail, offer rare insights into Roman naval architecture and suggest parallels with shipwrecks and representations from Northern Europe, including the Baltic Sea. Unlike known contemporary depictions, these ships lack direct motive parallels, making them significant for understanding maritime design in antiquity.

Roofless Caves, a Polygenetic Status of Cave Development with Special References to Cave Regions in the Eastern Calcareous Alps in Salzburg and Central Alps, Austria

Škocjan Caves — 2016 — WHEEFE1B9B6AF

Roofless caves, characterized by the absence of a ceiling due to roof collapses, represent a transitional phase in cave development from subterranean systems to surface features like dolines and gorges. This study highlights their polygenetic nature, where glacial erosion during the Pleistocene exposed these remnants, particularly on high-altitude plateaus (2000–2300 m) such as Steinernes Meer and Tennengebirge in the Eastern Calcareous Alps of Salzburg and Central Alps. Franz Kraus's earlier observations are expanded upon, identifying such caves—like Rakov Škocjan—as key examples of this phenomenon. The research emphasizes their significance in understanding karst landscape evolution, with a focus on regions like Hennenkopf, Sandkar, and Hochtor.

Rörlig kunskap och flyttbara färdigheter – skolad arbetskraft vid fästningsbygget Sveaborg på 1750-talet

Fortress of Suomenlinna — 2016 — WHE4C70E6956D

The construction of Suomenlinna Fortress (Sveaborg) in 18th-century Finland demonstrates how large-scale military investments can foster economic growth by facilitating knowledge and skill transfer between the army and civil society. This study reveals that the fortress's peacetime construction, focusing on brickwork and shipbuilding techniques, introduced innovations later adopted by civilian entrepreneurs. Skilled craftsmen brought to Helsinki trained soldiers in specialized skills, with many transitioning to civilian roles or settling as burghers after the project. Similarly, demobilized soldiers returned home with acquired expertise, creating a bidirectional exchange of technology and knowledge that benefited both sectors. The research highlights the long-term economic impact of such military-civilian interactions during periods of stability.