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Showing 22441 – 22460 of 30345 publications

Spatial and Temporal Abundance of the reef gastropod Tectus niloticus (Gastropoda: Tegulidae) in Marine Protected Areas in Palawan, Philippines: Prospects for Conservation

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park — 2016 — WHE63EC22E315

Effective protection within the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) has led to high densities of the reef gastropod Tectus niloticus or 'trochus', with larger individuals being abundant across three habitat types. However, trochus density declines with distance from the Ranger Station, indicating that proximity to protection is critical for population health. The study also found a decline in abundance between 2006 and 2008 at permanent monitoring sites, followed by slight recovery trends toward 2010, suggesting resilience when fishing pressure is relieved. In contrast, unguarded and continuously exploited Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) on mainland Palawan harbored the least numbers of trochus, but the presence of recruits in these areas hints at potential population recovery if fishing restrictions are strictly enforced. This research underscores the importance of well-managed MPAs in restoring biodiversity, benefiting both ecosystems and fisheries.

Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of a Mortality Event among Central African Great Apes

Forest Massif of Odzala-Kokoua — 2016 — WHED0C3619959

A significant mortality event among great apes in the Forest Massif of Odzala-Kokoua, Republic of Congo, likely due to a disease outbreak, was linked to ecological and human impact factors. Researchers analyzed 17,383 ape nests (2007-2011) using spatial modeling to identify the outbreak's origin in western Odzala-Kokoua, north of previous Ebola epizootics. Roads were found to attenuate disease spread, suggesting their potential role in mitigating transmission. The study highlights critical variables for great ape disease ecology, offering insights for wildlife management and zoonotic risk reduction.

Spatial impacts of the creation of Brasília: A natural experiment

Brasilia — 2016 — WHECB15E25ECB

A massive development initiative, such as the creation of Brasília and its associated highway network, had only limited population impacts and zero per capita income effects on Brazil's spatial structure outside of Brasília itself. Using a unique 'spatial-difference-in-differences' approach, the study examined data spanning 70 years (1939–2008) to test whether Brasília's inauguration in 1960 changed the country's urban population distribution and per capita GDP. The research controlled for various macroeconomic conditions, city-specific factors, convergence forces, industrial structure changes, and agglomeration impacts from São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. While the western coastal and interior regions saw a statistically significant increase in their share of Brazil's urban population (from 4.8% in 1959 to 9.0% in 2008), no evidence of per capita income effects related to proximity to Brasília was found, indicating that even large-scale development projects may have limited broader economic impacts.

Spatial-temporal distribution of the black rhino population in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Ngorongoro Conservation Area — 2016 — WHEB9153B4BA3

Black rhinos in the Ngorongoro Crater exhibit distinct spatial and temporal distribution patterns, shifting between wet and dry seasons. During the dry season (August-September 2015), they concentrated on shrub-dominated slopes and riverine areas, while wet season sightings (May-June 2015) were more frequent on the crater floor, where forage resources were abundant. The study, conducted through monthly road drives during both seasons, mapped rhino presence alongside vegetation analysis to assess habitat preferences. Human activities, such as tourism infrastructure and livestock grazing near community interfaces, were identified as potential disruptions to natural distribution patterns. Establishing buffer zones could help preserve these critical habitats for black rhinos, one of Tanzania's rarest native species.

Spatial-Temporal Variability of the Thermohaline Properties in the Coastal Region of Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves — 2016 — WHE9DDBBA15B5

A study of the coastal region of Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil, reveals distinct seasonal patterns in thermohaline properties. During the rainy season, surface water temperatures rise while salinity decreases, with spatial homogeneity observed across the archipelago. Nutrient concentrations also show seasonal uniformity, suggesting a stable tropical marine mass influences the region's waters. Researchers conducted four campaigns between 2013 and 2014, collecting data at five stations during both wet and dry seasons to analyze these patterns. This findings contribute to understanding the chemical and biological processes active in this UNESCO-listed area.

Spatio-temporal variation of predator diet in a rural habitat: stone martens in the villages of Białowieża forest

Białowieża Forest — 2016 — WHEFABA589EA6

Stone martens (Martes foina) exhibit significant dietary plasticity, adapting their feeding habits to seasonal, annual, and spatial variations in food availability within the villages of Białowieża Forest. The study found that fruits and birds were the primary food sources, accounting for 41.5% and 32.9% of consumed biomass respectively. However, dietary composition varied notably across seasons, with birds dominating in spring while fruits were more prevalent from summer to winter. Small mammals played a crucial role in smaller villages, particularly those near forest edges, where bank voles (Myodes glareolus) were the dominant prey. Conversely, larger villages saw higher consumption of rats (Rattus sp.) and poultry during winter. This adaptability suggests that stone martens specialize in fruits but supplement their diet with other resources when availability is low.

Spatio-Temporal Variation Study of Physico -Chemical Parameters Characterizing Water Quality of Oued M’zab Region, Algeria

M'Zab Valley — 2016 — WHE1835E5BE43

Groundwater in the UNESCO-listed M'Zab Valley, Algeria, exhibits significant spatio-temporal variations in physico-chemical parameters due to domestic, agricultural, and industrial pollution. The study, conducted by Amer et al. (2016), found that total suspended solids reached up to 71.72 mg/L, with high concentrations of sulphates (2597 mg/L), chlorides (1633 mg/L), and sodium (1970 mg/L). Salinity showed the most pronounced variations across sampling points, indicating widespread pollution infiltration. The research involved monthly water sampling from wells distributed along the river's flow, measuring parameters like temperature, salinity, and suspended particles. These findings underscore the urgent need for preventive measures to preserve groundwater quality in this ecologically significant region.

Species richness and activity pattern of bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae) in the restinga area of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Barreirinhas, Maranhão, Brazil

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park — 2016 — WHEA3E3AD088F

A study in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park revealed that the bee community in coastal dune vegetation exhibits seasonal activity patterns, with increased abundance during the rainy season. Researchers collected 1211 individuals from 59 species using entomological nets and Moerike traps over a one-year period (August 2009 to July 2010). The findings align with known patterns in Maranhão and other northeastern Brazilian coastal areas, highlighting the dominance of species such as Trigona sp. gr. fulviventris, Apis mellifera, and Centris spp. This research contributes to understanding bee diversity and ecological dynamics in unique restinga ecosystems, which are critical for biodiversity conservation.

Species Richness Responses to Structural or Compositional Habitat Diversity between and within Grassland Patches: A Multi-Taxon Approach

Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta — 2016 — WHEFAFBAA02E3

Habitat diversity positively influences species richness (SR) across multiple taxa, but each taxon responds to different aspects of habitat diversity. In Hortobágy National Park, Hungary, a study found that the wet-dry gradient (compositional habitat diversity at the between-patch scale) was primarily linked to SR in orthopterans, ground-dwelling arthropods, and all animals combined. Within patches, plant association richness (compositional habitat diversity) affected vegetation-dwelling arthropods, while vegetation height (structural habitat diversity) influenced ground-dwelling arthropods and birds. Patch area and management practices also played significant roles in SR for specific taxa. Despite these positive relationships, no consistent pattern emerged when pooling data across all taxa, highlighting the complexity of detecting general habitat diversity-SR relationships. The findings underscore the need for targeted management strategies to conserve biodiversity in complex landscapes.

Spider diversity (Arachnida: Araneae) in Atlantic Forest areas at Pedra Branca State Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea — 2016 — WHECAC4B7313A

A comprehensive survey of spider diversity in Pedra Branca State Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, reveals a rich and likely underestimated biodiversity. The study recorded 14,626 spider specimens, representing 49 families and 373 species or morphospecies, including at least 73 undescribed taxa. Species accumulation curves suggest the park may harbor up to 468 species, significantly surpassing previous estimates from nearby areas like Tijuca National Park (308 species) and Marapendi Municipal Park (159 species). This research expands the known distribution range of 45 spider species while highlighting the Atlantic Forest's ecological significance as part of Rio de Janeiro's UNESCO World Heritage Site. The findings underscore the need for further exploration to fully capture this region's arachnid diversity.

Spread of Amphibian Chytrid Fungus across Lowland Populations of Túngara Frogs in Panamá

Darien National Park — 2016 — WHEA38C9FD415

A study tracking the spread of the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) across lowland habitats in Panamá from 2009 to 2014 reveals that this pathogen, already enzootic in highland regions, has expanded its range into remote lowland areas, including Darién National Park. The research focused on the Túngara frog (Physalaemus pustulosus), a common and abundant species in these regions, which may serve as asymptomatic reservoirs or dispersal agents for Bd. While highland populations were infected at the study's onset, central Panamá recorded its first positive samples in 2010, with Bd detected in eastern sites by 2014. This expansion underscores the importance of studying lowland species to understand their role in Bd dynamics and potential impacts on more susceptible highland amphibians.

Srovnávací Studie Povrchu Křemenných Zrn na Lokalitách Jižní a Jihovýchodní Moravy

Moravian Church Settlements — 2016 — WHE4B74AEF307

A comparative study of quartz grain surfaces at archaeological sites in southern and southeastern Moravia reveals that sediment development at the Mikulčice site likely occurred in a similar environment, characterized by both aeolian (wind-blown) transport and low-energy fluvial processes. The research analyzed samples from Mikulčice—home to significant Slavic churches and palaces—and other genetically distinct sites using exoscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and multivariate analysis (NMDS). A comparative sample from the Arabian Peninsula's Rub-al Khali desert provided additional context. Findings suggest that the site's sandy sediments, up to 30 meters thick, were influenced by both wind and river processes, offering insights into the sedimentary history of this UNESCO-listed Moravian Church Settlements region.

St Faith’s Chapel at Westminster Abbey: The Significance of its Design, Decoration and Location

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2016 — WHEFCEAEBBB91

St Faith’s Chapel at Westminster Abbey, built by King Henry III in the 13th century, stands out as a locus of high status due to its unique design, decoration, and materials. The chapel's use of Purbeck marble for wall shafts and corbels, along with its painted decorations and 13th-century floor tiles, supports claims that it served as the sacristy and vestry of the Benedictine church. This study examines the chapel’s fittings, sculpture, and painted decoration to argue for its significance in the abbey's architectural and liturgical context.

Stabilisation of the Jackfield slope at Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire

Ironbridge Gorge — 2016 — WHE880C1265CD

A hybrid stabilization scheme effectively addressed slope instability at Jackfield, Ironbridge Gorge, UK, by leveraging the Viggiani method to mobilize passive resistance from stable ground and transmit it into the slide mass. The design carefully balanced geotechnical and structural factors of safety using numerical examples, avoiding compounding risks. Key innovations included precise pile strength determination and optimized spacing, ensuring both stability and cost-efficiency. This approach offers a robust model for mitigating landslide risks in young geological formations prone to instability.

Staging Mass Participation Marathons in Heritage Tourism Destinations: Seeing Through the Eyes of Distance Runners

Himeji-jo — 2016 — WHE188170062B

Marathon organizers leveraging World Heritage sites as a unique selling point must prioritize operational quality and community engagement to enhance the value proposition for runners. A study analyzing feedback from 530 participants in the Himeji Castle Marathon and Mt. Fuji Marathon revealed that while heritage status is pivotal, operational efficiency and social interactions significantly influence the co-creation of value during such events. This insight underscores the need for organizers to integrate local businesses and residents more actively to foster a richer experience, balancing heritage appeal with practical and social dimensions.

Stalin’s afterlife: an inconclusive conclusion

Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow — 2016 — WHEFFB2FB5854

Stalin's legacy experienced rapid obliteration within the Soviet Union following his death, with his embalmed body removed from public display in Lenin Mausoleum and buried modestly in the Kremlin cemetery. This shift marked a stark contrast to his once-dominant presence, reflecting an inconclusive conclusion to his political afterlife. The study examines this transformation through historical analysis, highlighting the hasty dismantling of personal elements associated with Stalin, such as state-sanctioned mourning rituals and public tributes, which were abruptly abandoned in favor of a collective effort to distance from his regime.

Stan i perspektywy badań archeologicznych nad socjotopografią Torunia

Medieval Town of Toruń — 2016 — WHEC83FA8E05D

Archaeological research on the socio-topography of Toruń, Poland, has revealed over 500 archaeological units—including sites and trenches—shedding light on the town's spatial development from its incorporation in the Middle Ages to the end of the 18th century. By analyzing 284 archive files and more than 15,800 photographs, researchers reconstructed the transformation of Toruń’s socio-topographic structure, organization, and interactions across medieval and early post-medieval periods. The study employed interdisciplinary methods, integrating archaeology, history, anthropology, archaeozoology, archaeobotany, and paleopedology to visualize chronologies on cartograms and assess environmental influences on urban development. While the research highlights the state of current knowledge, it also identifies gaps and future directions for understanding Toruń’s socio-topographic evolution.

Stanza Rossa

City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto — 2016 — WHE0135780399

A theoretical and practical exploration of Marco Frascari's architectural vision for nurturing happiness through bathroom design, exemplified by the Stanza Rossa in Vicenza, Italy. The study reveals a unique integration of memory, imagination, and disciplinary knowledge to propose buildings with therapeutic functions, fostering meaningful human-architectural relationships. Unlike traditional apocalyptic or high-tech utopian futures, Frascari's designs envision spaces that prioritize corporeality and well-being, with bathrooms and kitchens playing central roles in his Dream Tower concept.

State Building, Rural Development, and the Making of a Frontier Regime in Northeastern Ethiopia,c.1944–75

Lower Valley of the Awash — 2016 — WHE3F7DC0F404

The rise and fall of the sultanate of Awsa, a semi-independent Muslim chiefdom in northeastern Ethiopia between 1944 and 1975, was driven by frontier regime strategies that exploited foreign investment in commercial agriculture. This study reveals how Ali Mirah leveraged these resources to consolidate power at the fringes of Ethiopia's Christian empire, shaping statecraft in the Lower Awash Valley. By analyzing grey literature and primary sources, the research demonstrates the interplay between local governance and external economic influences during this period.

State support policy concerning the conservation of traditional architectural heritage in Safranbolu, Turkey

City of Safranbolu — 2016 — WHEB0BD19A62E

Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994 and a well-preserved Ottoman city, offers valuable insights into the effectiveness of state-supported financial tools for conserving traditional architectural heritage. This study reveals that grant-aided subsidies and loan systems, administered by the central government, have significantly influenced the protection, conservation, and restoration efforts in Safranbolu. By evaluating these policies, researchers found that while they provide essential funding mechanisms, their impact varies depending on factors such as accessibility, implementation efficiency, and alignment with local needs. The study highlights the importance of tailored financial strategies to ensure sustainable heritage conservation, offering a model for other World Heritage Sites facing similar challenges.