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Showing 22841 – 22860 of 30345 publications

Wave attenuation and Coastal Protection by Shelly Ridges: Mont-Saint-Michel Bay, France

Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay — 2016 — WHE3DEE6A2269

Shelly ridges in Mont-Saint-Michel Bay, France, demonstrate remarkable wave attenuation capabilities, reducing energy by 92% to 98% as waves traverse well-formed systems. This significant dissipation, primarily affecting wind-wave and swell energy while leaving infragravity frequencies dominant, highlights their role in coastal protection. In contrast, degraded or breached ridges show reduced attenuation (70% to 90%), with a mix of gravity and infragravity energy. The study employed monthly topographic surveys using DGPS and hydrodynamic measurements via miniature pressure sensors deployed since February 2015, providing preliminary evidence that shelly ridges mitigate wave impact on shorelines. Further research under stronger wave conditions is needed to solidify these findings.

Weathering and precipitation after meteorite impact of Ni, Cr, Fe, Ca and Mn in K-T boundary clays from Stevns Klint

Stevns Klint — 2016 — WHE3745B2BB7B

A study of K-T boundary clays from Stevns Klint, Denmark, reveals that elements such as Ni, Cr, and Fe in impact-related glasses undergo weathering and diagenesis to form stable hydrates and oxides. XANES and EXAFS analyses indicate that these elements adopt structures similar to Ni(OH)₂, Cr₂O₃, and FeOOH, respectively. Notably, Ca maintains a diopside-like structure, potentially retaining information about the meteorite impact conditions. Mn exhibits a divalent state akin to MnCO₃, with its scarcity in Fe-group elements attributed to consumption by life activity or diffusion. This research provides insights into the post-impact chemical transformations and environmental processes at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Westminster 1640–60

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2016 — WHED0E3BBBB28

Westminster, traditionally seen as a royal stronghold, exhibited complex political and social dynamics during England's civil wars and interregnum (1640–60). This period saw the coexistence of moral reformers, military presence, and elite sociability within its distinctive geography. The study reveals that despite Westminster's historical association with monarchy, it became more closely tied to state governance than ever before, with its iconic buildings and local government playing pivotal roles in shaping political crises. Religious divisions and the revival of fashionable society also marked this era, highlighting the area's multifaceted character during a time of significant upheaval.

When endemic coral‐reef fish species serve as models: endemic mimicry patterns in the Marquesas Islands

Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands — 2016 — WHE39D756F0E3

Researchers have uncovered endemic mimicry patterns among coral-reef fish species in the Marquesas Islands, revealing a unique aspect of the region's biodiversity. Unlike widespread mimicry observed across the Indo-Pacific, these patterns involve endemic Marquesan species serving as models for other local species, adding to the islands' ecological distinctiveness. The study analyzed fish behavior and morphology to document these novel mimicry dynamics, providing new evidence for the Marquesas Islands' status as a global hotspot for marine biodiversity.

When, where and whom: assessing wildlife attacks on people in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Chitwan National Park — 2016 — WHE2A0ED5531C

A significant portion of wildlife attacks on people in and around Chitwan National Park, Nepal, occurs outside the protected area, with 89% of incidents recorded between 2003 and 2013 happening beyond its boundaries. These attacks are unevenly distributed across seasons and months, predominantly occurring during the day, particularly in the morning. Rhinos (38%), tigers (21%), sloth bears (18%), elephants (9%), and wild boar (8%) were the primary perpetrators. Victims were mostly male, engaged in resource collection or farming, and lacked knowledge of animal behavior. The study used data from stakeholders, field observations, and surveys to identify key correlates such as site, season, time, activity, gender, and awareness. Mitigation strategies are recommended, including habitat management within the Park and raising public awareness about wildlife behavior, along with forming a participatory emergency rescue team for high-risk areas.

Where the whale sharks are: An innovative satellite tagging programme to track the movements of whale sharks from Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Ningaloo Coast — 2016 — WHE9ED706D16B

Whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, do not undertake long trans-oceanic migrations but instead make shorter forays along the coast or to nearby foraging areas. This finding emerges from an innovative satellite tagging programme that tracked 12 whale sharks using Wildlife Computers SPOT tags over periods ranging from 15 to 156 days (mean: 93.4 ± 13.1 SE). Preliminary data revealed homing migrations to the southern part of Ningaloo Reef, with sharks returning within 44 to 93 days (mean: 65.7 ± 7.8 SE), indicating commuting and foraging behaviors critical for conservation planning. The study also pioneered an educational initiative, funding tags through school participation in a STEM-focused learning programme, which engaged students from pre-primary to senior high school levels. This dual-purpose approach not only advanced scientific understanding but also fostered marine awareness and education.

White-lipped peccaries are recorded at Iguaçu National Park after 20 years

Iguaçu National Park — 2016 — WHE537794048F

After two decades of absence, white-lipped peccaries (WLP), the most endangered ungulate in the Neotropics, have been recorded again within Iguaçu National Park (INP). This rediscovery, following confirmed reports of local extinction in the mid-1990s and subsequent surveys throughout the 2000s, suggests a potential population recovery, likely due to emigration from surrounding areas. The study highlights the critical need for urgent conservation measures to re-establish WLP populations and restore their ecological role within the park's ecosystem.

Who visits World Heritage? A comparative analysis of three cultural sites

Independence Hall — 2016 — WHE89004C6B28

Visitors to UNESCO World Heritage Sites exhibit distinct demographic patterns that differ from the general heritage tourist profile. A comparative analysis of three sites—Independence Hall (USA), Studenica Monastery (Serbia), and Volubilis (Morocco)—revealed that while these visitors are highly educated, they lack similarities in age, income, or residence. This challenges the conventional perception of middle-aged, middle-class heritage tourists. The study employed survey-based research with descriptive statistics to identify these trends, providing a foundation for broader demographic studies on World Heritage Site tourism.

Whole Pots Full of Idolatrous Powdered Herbs

Taos Pueblo — 2016 — WHE0CC5603351

Research suggests that peyote (Lophophora williamsii) may have played an unexpected role in New Mexican history, particularly among the Tewa curing society and possibly during Popé's visionary experiences at Taos Pueblo. While historical records are scarce, the study proposes that visual phenomena associated with peyote—such as red and yellow hues—could provide new insights into its ritual use by prehispanic Southwestern Pueblo peoples and Spanish colonists before the 1680 Pueblo Revolt. The analysis draws on Popé's reported vision of figures emitting 'fire' in a kiva, offering a potential link between peyote use and historical accounts.

Why do foresters oppose the enlargement of the Białowieża National Park? The motivation of the State Forests Holding employees as perceived by social actors engaged in the conflict over the Białowieża Forest

Białowieża Forest — 2016 — WHE4CB91DBCBE

A study reveals that foresters' opposition to expanding Białowieża National Park stems from multiple interconnected factors, including professional identity, economic concerns, and differing visions for nature conservation. Key motives identified through discourse analysis of interviews with 36 stakeholders include the fear of job loss or status decline, competition with national parks, and attachment to traditional forestry practices like hunting. The conflict highlights deep divisions between forestry interests—supported by an epistemic community of forest scientists—and conservation advocates, with path dependency and institutional prestige further complicating resolution. This research underscores the complex social dynamics shaping land-use conflicts in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Widespread Neogene volcanism on Central Kerguelen Plateau, Southern Indian Ocean

Heard and McDonald Islands — 2016 — WHEA1E796F111

A broad region of the Central Kerguelen Plateau (CKP) experienced widespread Neogene volcanism, likely triggered by the incubation of plume material beneath a relatively stationary plateau. This study presents new age determinations and compositions for rocks from 18 dredge hauls across eight submarine areas, revealing two distinct phases of volcanic activity: large early Miocene sea knolls (22–16 Ma) aligned NNW–SSE between Îles Kerguelen and Heard and McDonald Islands, possibly linked to hotspot activity now beneath Heard Island; and much younger activity (5 Ma to present) in volcanic fields up to 300 km northeast of Heard Island. Geochemical data suggest decreasing mantle source melting over time, with compositions including basanite, basalt, and trachybasalt, similar to nearby lavas. Pre-existing crustal faults likely provided pathways for melts from the Heard mantle plume to reach the surface.

Wild capuchin monkeys adjust stone tools according to changing nut properties

Serra da Capivara National Park — 2016 — WHE69A6914F1A

Wild bearded capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) in Brazil's Serra da Capivara National Park demonstrate the ability to adjust their stone tool use based on the maturation stage of cashew nuts. The study found that while fresh, caustic cashew nuts are easier to crack, the monkeys prefer using larger stones to process them, likely to minimize contact with the hazardous substance. This indicates a sophisticated adaptation in foraging behavior, as capuchins distinguish between nut stages within the same species and modify their tool selection accordingly. Researchers conducted field experiments using stones of varying weights and two maturation stages of cashew nuts to test this hypothesis, revealing nuanced cognitive flexibility in wild primates.

Wild Mammals of Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park — 2016 — WHE45AFB4203B

Yellowstone National Park, home to 117 wild mammalian species, is the focus of a comprehensive study that combines taxonomic classification, geographic range analysis, and conservation status assessment. The research provides detailed species accounts, including habitat associations and field measurements, supported by color photos and distribution maps. It also delves into the history of mammalogy in Wyoming, zoogeography, and prehistoric mammals, while addressing current conservation challenges. This work serves as an indispensable resource for wildlife biologists, offering a wealth of data and nearly 1,000 references to inform conservation efforts in this ecologically significant region.

Wild vertebrate roadkill in the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, Central Brazil

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2016 — WHE5FE186DE1B

A study of roadkill in Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, a critical Cerrado protected area, revealed significant vertebrate mortality linked to habitat structure and seasonal variations. Over three years, 824 animals from 138 species were recorded as roadkill along two main roads, with the highest rates during the wet season (0.096 animals per km). Amphibians, birds, reptiles, and mammals showed distinct associations with forest, pastures, grasslands, and unpaved roads, respectively. The findings highlight the need for mitigation measures such as highway fencing and wildlife crossing structures to reduce roadkill in this ecologically vital region.

Window of opportunity of Liparis loeselii populations during vegetation succession on the Wadden Sea islands

Wadden Sea — 2016 — WHE75CAA8B8DE

Liparis loeselii, a rare orchid found in dune slacks of the Wadden Sea islands, thrives under specific hydrological and soil conditions. The study reveals that its window for colonization is narrow, lasting approximately 20 years under favorable management. Large populations are associated with young dune slacks influenced by anoxic calcareous groundwater, which maintains high soil pH levels critical for the orchid's survival. Hydrological modeling indicates that sea level rise threatens these freshwater lenses, but artificial sand nourishment could mitigate this effect. The study highlights the vulnerability of small-scale hydrological systems to environmental changes and underscores the importance of continuous slack formation in sustaining populations, as seen in Texel's Hors area.

Wireless Sensor Network for Wildlife Tracking and Behavior Classification of Animals in Doñana

Doñana National Park — 2016 — WHE24489A6810

A hierarchical wireless sensor network deployed in Doñana National Park has demonstrated the potential for high-accuracy wildlife behavior classification, addressing longstanding challenges in tracking and monitoring endangered species. The system integrates intelligent devices equipped with neural networks to analyze sensory data collected from animals, enabling real-time detection of behaviors that may threaten their survival. Once identified, this information is transmitted to an external database for further analysis by biologists. This approach significantly reduces power consumption while enhancing the efficiency and precision of wildlife monitoring in one of the world's most biodiverse protected areas.

Women, Art and Architectural Patronage in Renaissance Mantua

Mantua and Sabbioneta — 2016 — WHEBE3C2E8B14

A groundbreaking study reveals the significant religious patronage role of Isabella d'Este, challenging her portrayal as solely a secular patron. Sally Hickson's research, combining archival analysis and visual object examination, uncovers the influence of female mysticism on Renaissance Mantua's art and architecture. It highlights the lesser-known contributions of Margherita Cantelma and the cultural impact of nuns like Livia Gonzaga, offering new insights into sacred patronage and devotional practices among women in late 15th to early 16th century Mantua.

Wood exploitation and food supply at the border of the Roman Empire: the case of thevicusof Thamusida – Sidi Ali ben Ahmed (Morocco)

Frontiers of the Roman Empire — 2016 — WHE4EFD6D15CB

Archaeological research at the Roman vicus of Thamusida in Morocco reveals that this frontier settlement was self-sufficient in both forestry and agricultural products from the 1st century BC to the 4th century AD. Interdisciplinary analysis, combining archaeobotanical and archaeometric studies, demonstrates sustained exploitation of a nearby Quercus suber (cork oak) forest for timber, fuelwood, cork, and livestock fodder, indicating human influence predating Roman occupation. Charred remains also highlight a diverse diet based on locally grown cereals like barley and naked wheats, pulses such as horse bean and pea, and fruits including olives and grapes. While the settlement relied primarily on local resources, imported goods like oil and wine were transported via amphorae from across the Roman Empire, underscoring its integration into broader trade networks despite its remote location.

Woody plant species diversity in the last wild habitat of the Derby Eland (Taurotragus derbianus derbianus Gray, 1847) in Niokolo Koba National Park, Senegal, West Africa

Niokolo-Koba National Park — 2016 — WHEEB9C42FD54

Niokolo-Koba National Park (NKNP) in Senegal is the last refuge for the critically endangered Derby Eland, and a study reveals that its woody plant diversity plays a crucial role in supporting this subspecies. Researchers identified 50 tree species across 29 families, with Combretaceae being the most dominant. Key environmental factors such as altitude, fire occurrence, and vegetation cover significantly influence plant distribution. The findings highlight the importance of in-situ fencing for sustainable conservation efforts to protect this endangered species in its native habitat.

Working Together: Clusters of Artisans in the Roman City

Timgad — 2016 — WHE0DEF75DB48

Roman cities commonly featured clusters of artisans, driven by landlords' strategic allocation of space to optimize economic and social interests. This study identifies spatial clustering patterns in three Roman sites—Pompeii, Timgad, and Silchester—through archaeological evidence and textual analysis, revealing a phenomenon akin to modern urban economic clustering. The research suggests that elite landlords facilitated market-driven artisan grouping, aligning with their broader objectives. By comparing these cases, the study underscores the prevalence of such clustering in Roman urban landscapes.