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Publications

Showing 22821 – 22840 of 30345 publications

Variations in water storage in China over recent decades from GRACE observations and GLDAS

Qinghai Hoh Xil — 2016 — WHEC1D5D97631

Recent decades have seen significant variations in terrestrial water storage (TWS) across China, with notable increases in regions such as the Hoh Xil, middle and lower reaches of the Changjiang River, southeastern coastal areas, and the headstream region of the Yellow River on the Tibetan Plateau. Conversely, long-term depletions were observed in North China and the southwest rivers region. This study leveraged Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) Tellus products alongside Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) simulations to analyze TWS trends from 2003 to 2013 across eight major basins. Findings revealed that soil moisture storage contributed over 50% of TWS variance in most basins, with precipitation and runoff exerting a stronger influence on southern regions compared to the north. The study also highlighted potential impacts of groundwater exploitation on TWS responses in the Hai River and Yellow River basins, where TWS continued to decline until 2012.

VaTIS

City of Valletta — 2016 — WHEECB4764FB8

Smart urban management through data-driven travel solutions is demonstrated by the Valletta Travel Information Service (VaTIS), which leverages automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) and low-cost sensors to analyze traffic patterns. The system, implemented in its first phase using existing camera data and secondary travel behavior records, shows promise for optimizing infrastructure use and managing travel demand more efficiently. This research highlights the potential of integrating intelligent applications with sensor technology to not only improve urban planning but also pave the way for future user engagement strategies aimed at behavior change. The findings underscore the scalability and adaptability of such systems in addressing the challenges posed by limited resources in heritage cities like Valletta.

Vector Surveillance for Dengue Virus Detection in the Archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves — 2016 — WHE71C33368A8

A study conducted in the Brazilian Atlantic Islands of Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas revealed that the minimum infection rate (MIR) for dengue virus (DENV) in mosquito samples was significantly higher when using the NS1-Ag detection method, with an MIR of 9.18 when considering all pools and 17.54 for pools with RNA integrity. This suggests that NS1-Ag detection is the most sensitive method for DENV surveillance in mosquitoes, especially where serotype identification is not required. The research, conducted between 2011 and 2012, also highlighted the importance of constant entomological surveillance in the region due to the continuous threat of dengue or other arbovirus epidemics. The study emphasized the need for improved storage and transportation protocols for mosquito samples and the inclusion of endogenous controls in RT-PCR to avoid false-negative results.

Vegetation of feather grass steppes in the western Pamir Alai Mountains (Tajikistan, Middle Asia)

Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) — 2016 — WHE3426075D98

Researchers have identified four distinct feather grass steppe associations and two communities in the western Pamir Alai Mountains, Tajikistan, proposing the first syntaxonomical scheme for graminoid steppe vegetation in this region. The study distinguished Stipetum drobovii, Stipetum lipskyi, Stipetum margellanicae, and Stipetum jagnobicae associations, along with Bromus tectorum-Stipa arabica and Stipa turkestanica subsp. trichoides communities, assigning them to the new alliance Poo bulbosae-Artemision persicae and provisionary order Carici stenophylloidis-Stipetalia arabicae within the Irano-Turanian class of steppe vegetation. The findings highlight altitude and organic topsoil cover as key factors influencing species composition, marking a significant contribution to understanding steppe vegetation diversity in Tajikistan and Middle Asia.

Vegetation of the Koobi Fora Region Northeast of Lake Turkana, Marsabit County, Northern Kenya

Lower Valley of the Omo — 2016 — WHE138B949B8C

Despite sharing similar physiognomic traits, the Koobi Fora region northeast of Lake Turkana, Marsabit County, Northern Kenya, exhibits a distinct angiosperm flora compared to nearby regions like the Omo Valley and Marsabit. A survey between 2012 and 2014 identified 367 plant species (361 angiosperms) across approximately 2600 km², with 137 species newly documented in this area. Only 98 species are common to all three regions, highlighting unique taxa in each, which constitute about one-third of their respective floras. The region's vegetation is predominantly grassland or dwarf shrubland (covering most of the area), with smaller portions of shrubland, riparian forest, and woodland. This study provides a comprehensive flora list for Koobi Fora, contributing to the understanding of its biodiversity despite its arid climate (mean annual temperature 32°C, rainfall 130 mm/year).

Villa Adriana, esperienze di rilievo digitale ed analisi per il restauro e la musealizzazione dell’Edificio dei Pilastri Dorici

Villa Adriana (Tivoli) — 2016 — WHEC02AAAF2FF

A digital surveying project using 3D laser scanning technology has revealed structural inadequacies in the 1956 reconstruction of the Doric pillar peristyle at Villa Adriana, an ancient Roman imperial residence. This finding underscores the need for critical reassessment of restoration practices to balance preservation with historical accuracy. The study proposes an innovative approach to site enhancement, integrating interactive technological devices such as touchscreens and projections to immerse visitors in a multilevel learning experience that spans historical and scientific analysis. Unlike traditional passive exposure to artifacts or drawings, this method enables users to 'travel back in time' to the Hadrianic period, offering deeper engagement with the site's heritage.

Vinland in der Gelehrtenwelt des Mittelalters (Chapter 8)

L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site — 2016 — WHEE1A171E742

In 1961, the Norwegian couple Helge and Anne Stine Ingstad uncovered archaeological remains of a Viking expedition at L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, confirming Norse presence in North America over 400 years before Columbus. The discovery provided tangible evidence of the 'Vinland' described in medieval sagas, such as the Grænlendinga Saga, which detailed the Vikings' arrival and their encounter with sweet dew on grass. This study, by Rudolf Simek, explores the motivations behind the Viking voyages—whether driven by adventure, resource scarcity, or other factors—and examines their nautical prowess, worldviews, and historical narratives. It also addresses misconceptions, including 'Viking Hoaxes,' that emerged in the U.S., highlighting the intersection of history, archaeology, and medieval scholarship.

Vinland wiederentdeckt (Chapter 2)

L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site — 2016 — WHE2B29DD27C8

Archaeological evidence of the Viking expedition to North America, predating Christopher Columbus by over 400 years, was rediscovered at L'Anse aux Meadows on Newfoundland's coast. The discovery, made in 1961 by Norwegian researchers Helge and Anne Stine Ingstad, confirmed historical accounts from the Grænlendinga Saga, detailing the Vikings' arrival in Vinland. This study explores the motivations behind their journey—whether driven by adventure, resource scarcity, or other factors—and examines their nautical expertise, boat designs, and worldviews. It also debunks 'Viking Hoaxes,' a phenomenon of exaggerated Viking narratives in the U.S., providing a balanced historical perspective.

Vinland!

L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site — 2016 — WHECF939B56FF

Archaeological evidence of Viking exploration in North America was uncovered at L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, by Norwegian researchers Helge and Anne Stine Ingstad in 1961. This discovery confirmed the historical accounts from the Grænlendinga Saga, detailing the Vikings' arrival in Vinland around 400 years before Columbus. The site revealed insights into Viking shipbuilding, navigation, and cultural practices, challenging earlier misconceptions about their presence in North America. The research also explored the motivations behind their expeditions, including resource scarcity and adventurous spirit, while debunking American 'Viking Hoaxes' that had previously distorted public perception.

Virtual Scene Construction of Large-Scale Cultural Heritage : A Framework Initiated from the Case Study of the Grand Canal of China

Struve Geodetic Arc — 2016 — WHEB50E26660A

A novel framework for constructing large-scale 3D models of cultural heritage sites, such as the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the UNESCO-listed Struve Geodetic Arc, has been developed. This approach leverages remote sensing data and a 3D geographic information system to enhance scene organization and management. The method addresses limitations in previous studies by providing a scalable solution for representing extensive heritage sites, offering improved tools for preservation and analysis.

Virtual unrolling and deciphering of Herculaneum papyri by X-ray phase-contrast tomography

Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata — 2016 — WHEBC4E0FE3C5

Researchers have successfully decoded the largest portion of Greek text ever detected inside unopened Herculaneum papyri, using X-ray phase-contrast tomography and advanced virtual-unrolling algorithms. This breakthrough reveals previously hidden writings from a 1st-century BC Epicurean philosopher, Philodemus of Gadara, preserved in carbonized scrolls at the 'Villa dei Papiri' in Herculaneum since the 79 AD Vesuvius eruption. The non-destructive technique achieved unprecedented spatial resolution and contrast, bringing to light philosophical treatises that had remained inaccessible for nearly 2000 years.

Visitors’ views of human origins after visiting the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site

Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa — 2016 — WHECBB78E157F

Visitors to the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, a significant locale for hominid fossil discoveries, overwhelmingly perceive it as the birthplace or origin of humanity. A survey of over 800 adult visitors revealed that 63% associated the term 'cradle' with human origins, and 77% of South African respondents believed no other site could claim this title. While nearly 60% accepted human evolution from ape-like ancestors, 25% disagreed, with South Africans showing less acceptance than international visitors. Those who accepted evolution cited evidence and knowledge as their basis, whereas 60% of rejectors grounded their stance in religious beliefs, with 33% citing evidence for rejection. The study underscores the complex interplay between public perception, scientific literacy, and cultural or religious influences on views about human origins.

Visuality and Diasporic Dynamism: Goans in Mozambique and Zanzibar

Stone Town of Zanzibar — 2016 — WHE1E2C1A442E

This study highlights the significant role of understudied minority Goan communities in shaping port cities along littoral Africa, using visual representations from Mozambique and Zanzibar. By analyzing photo archives from Ricardo Rangel (Mozambique, 1970s) and Ranchhod Oza (Zanzibar, 1950s), the research reveals how Goan diasporic dynamism contributed to the cultural fabric of these historic urban centers. The visual approach offers new insights into the everyday lives and expressive moments of Goans in distinct geographic and temporal contexts, emphasizing their interconnectedness through Indian Ocean trade networks.

Vocal Ability and Musical Performances of Nuclear Damages in the Marshall Islands

Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site — 2016 — WHE7C78F4C818

Marshallese women from Bikini and Rongelap Atolls use 'radiation songs' to sonically represent the physical and physiological impacts of U.S. nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands (1946–1958). These compositions, analyzed through recurring motifs like disabled vocal techniques, text setting, silences, and rhetorical questioning, expose the broader cultural and structural violence of radiation exposure. The study proposes a stylistic framework that familiarizes listeners with the sonorized logic of radiation, highlighting its political significance in challenging biopolitical controls and revealing confined disability as a consequence of nuclear damage.

War rue Bonaparte: 1856–1864

Vézelay, Church and Hill — 2016 — WHE2F73BAD9A3

Eugène Viollet-le-Duc's architectural dominance in mid-19th-century France is underscored by his simultaneous restoration projects, including Vézelay, Notre-Dame de Paris, and Carcassonne, which collectively accounted for substantial government spending. His prolific output, exceeding 20 million francs across multiple sites, rivaled contemporaries like Hector Lefuel and Léon Vaudoyer. Beyond grand restorations, Viollet-le-Duc demonstrated versatility in private commissions, from eccentric châteaux to boldly simple residences, cementing his reputation as a leading figure in French architecture.

Warsaw Triangulation Base As a Part of The Struve Arc

Struve Geodetic Arc — 2016 — WHEF08472B847

The Warsaw Triangulation Base, part of the Struve Geodetic Arc, played a critical role in 19th-century geodesy during its time under Russian rule (1815–1917). This study highlights its significance within the broader 'Russian-Scandinavian Arc' project, which involved precise measurements across three bases—Warsaw, Tarnogród, and Częstochowsk—to establish accurate terrestrial reference systems. The research focuses on the historical and scientific contributions of these bases, emphasizing their integration into global geodetic networks. By analyzing archival data and triangulation techniques, the study reconstructs the methodological approach used during this period, providing insights into early geodetic practices in the Polish Kingdom. This work underscores the enduring legacy of the Struve Arc as a foundational element in the development of modern geodesy.

Was bleibt von Vinland? (Chapter 10)

L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site — 2016 — WHE073708564F

In 1961, the Norwegian couple Helge and Anne Stine Ingstad uncovered archaeological remnants of a Viking expedition at L'Anse aux Meadows on Newfoundland's coast, providing tangible evidence of Norse exploration in North America over 400 years before Columbus. The discovery shed light on the motivations behind these voyages—whether driven by adventure, resource scarcity, or other factors—and challenged long-standing narratives about Viking origins and seafaring capabilities. Rudolf Simek's analysis delves into the historical accounts, such as the Grænlendinga Saga, which vividly describes the Vikings' arrival in Vinland, while also examining their nautical expertise, boat designs, and worldviews. Additionally, the work debunks 'Viking Hoaxes,' a phenomenon of exaggerated or fabricated Norse-American connections that gained traction in the U.S.

Water as a renewable energy

Hanseatic City of Lübeck — 2016 — WHECFB8DACFA4

The Hanseatic City of Lübeck demonstrates the significant role water has played in its development and industrial growth. Situated along the Trave River, which flows into the Baltic Sea, Lübeck's strategic location and adaptive river management have shaped its urban landscape over 800 years. The study highlights how the connection between the Trave and Wakenitz rivers was repeatedly adjusted to support profitable mills and industrial activities, ultimately enclosing Lübeck on all sides. This historical adaptation underscores the importance of water as a renewable energy source in sustainable urban development. The research approach involves analyzing the river's impact on Lübeck's growth, trading, agriculture, and industry, providing insights into the interplay between natural resources and human ingenuity.

Water quality of Danube Delta systems: ecological status and prediction using machine-learning algorithms

Danube Delta — 2016 — WHE0AEB16199A

The Danube Delta, Europe's largest wetland, exhibits moderate ecological status based on biological indicators but shows good water quality when assessed through chemical parameters and machine-learning algorithms. This study leverages benthic fauna analysis alongside multicriterial indices to evaluate spatial and temporal variability in the Southern Branch of the Danube Delta (Saint Gheorghe). By integrating coliform bacteria data with chemical parameters, researchers developed a real-time classification model using machine learning, offering an innovative approach to water quality monitoring. The findings underscore the potential of computational methods to complement traditional ecological assessments, providing actionable insights for managing this critical UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Water Framework Directive.

Watermill principle applied to energy harvesting for sensor nodes in underground environments

Historic Centre of Siena — 2016 — WHE381110240B

A novel energy harvesting system, inspired by the watermill principle, enables autonomous operation of wireless sensor nodes in underground environments. This innovation allows for real-time remote monitoring of critical environmental parameters in historic aqueducts, such as Siena's 'Bottini,' without relying on external power sources. The system leverages water flow to drive an electric motor, coupled with a power control mechanism that manages energy accumulation and consumption. Laboratory tests validated the effectiveness of this approach, demonstrating its potential for long-term, self-sustaining monitoring in culturally significant underground infrastructures.