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Showing 23101 – 23120 of 30345 publications

Biochemical characterization of a new thermostable lipase from Bacillus pumilus strain

Medina of Fez — 2015 — WHE16FB989B4F

Researchers have identified a novel thermostable lipase from Bacillus pumilus, isolated from tannery waters in the Medina of Fez. This enzyme demonstrates exceptional thermal stability, retaining 60% of its activity after exposure to 100°C for 5 minutes and maintaining full activity at 70°C for 30 minutes. Unlike previously studied lipases, this enzyme exhibits non-inducible production and a molecular weight of 27 kDa, with optimal activity at pH 8 and 45°C. Its N-terminal amino acid sequence shows high homology with other Bacillus lipases, suggesting potential for biotechnological applications. The study employed PCR sequencing, gel filtration, and cation exchange chromatography to purify the enzyme and assess its biochemical properties.

Biodiversity of grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) grown in the Province of Verona

City of Verona — 2015 — WHE761EDFFE74

A molecular analysis of grapevine cultivars from the Province of Verona reveals complex genetic relationships among seven representative varieties, including both cultivated and ancient types. Using PCR-based DNA microsatellite (SSR) analysis, researchers identified significant intravarietal dissimilarity in five cases, suggesting that some grapevines—such as Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara, Trebbiano di Soave, and Verdicchio—share common ancestors and likely evolved in the Valpolicella hills. The study also confirmed previously described synonyms between Trebbiano di Soave and Verdicchio, as well as Dindarella and Pelara, with a specific SSR marker (VVMD36) providing a reliable tool for differentiation. This work highlights the genetic diversity and historical connections among grapevine varieties in this UNESCO-listed region.

Biostratigraphy of the Lower Cretaceous Schrambach Formation on the classical locality of Schrambachgraben (Northern Calcareous Alps, Salzburg Area)

Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg — 2015 — WHE0C9FE01167

A detailed biostratigraphic analysis of the Schrambach Formation at its type locality, Schrambachgraben, reveals that the deposits are divided into at least three tectonic slices, each with distinct stratigraphic and paleontological characteristics. The study identifies a transitional sequence from the Oberalm to Schrambach Formations, dating the uppermost part of the Oberalm Formation to the Middle Berriasian (Elliptica Subzone) and the lower Schrambach Formation to the early Late Berriasian (Fusca Acme Zone). The second tectonic slice is dated to the Early Valanginian based on calpionellid occurrences, while the uppermost accessible part of the section indicates an Early Valanginian age. Additionally, a new genus and species, Schrambachoceras weidichi, were identified, along with ammonites and non-calcareous dinoflagellates from the Late Valanginian Neocomites peregrinus Zone in the basal Rossfeld Formation. This research provides critical insights into the stratigraphic complexity and tectonic history of the Lower Cretaceous Schrambach Formation in the Northern Calcareous Alps, Salzburg.

Bivalves and gastropods of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Philippines

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park — 2015 — WHE31AB24E4FA

A comprehensive survey of marine bivalves and gastropods at Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Philippines, identified 96 species, including 17 bivalves and 79 gastropods. Notably, 64 species were recorded for the first time in the park, suggesting a richer biodiversity than previously documented. The study also confirmed the presence of seven CITES-listed giant clams and three nationally protected gastropod species. However, 36 species previously reported were not found, indicating potential declines or shifts in distribution. Observations were limited to intertidal and shallow subtidal zones, implying that further surveys could reveal additional species, potentially increasing the known diversity to at least 132 species.

Black Legacies: Race and the European Middle Ages by Lynn T. Ramey (review)

Vézelay, Church and Hill — 2015 — WHE5B87CEB829

A groundbreaking scholarly work challenges the notion that racial prejudice is a modern phenomenon, tracing its roots to the European Middle Ages. Lynn T. Ramey's 'Black Legacies: Race and the European Middle Ages' argues that medieval culture was not color-blind but contained proto-racial discourses, predating and influencing nineteenth-century scientific racism. By analyzing a diverse range of sources—including medieval texts, classical ethnographies, biblical commentaries, colonial debates, and modern films—Ramey demonstrates how the period contributed to the development of racial consciousness. She critiques the scholarly tradition that isolates race studies to modernity and the Romanticized nineteenth-century view of the Middle Ages, which projected essentialist origins and scientific racism backward onto medieval times. Ramey's approach combines post-colonial and literary analyses, revealing a complex history of prejudice that underpins European civilization.

Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsiiDe Wild.) in Rwanda’s Forestry: Implications for Nature Conservation

Nyungwe National Park — 2015 — WHE6053ED03A7

Acacia mearnsii, an Australian-native invasive tree species, was introduced to Rwanda between 1903 and 1918, with formal records dating back to 1941. It played a significant role in Rwanda's forestry until the late 1960s but has since declined. However, it persists in Eucalyptus plantations within specific agro-bioclimatic zones and has invaded national parks and forest reserves above 1,600 meters altitude, notably Nyungwe National Park (NNP), East Africa's largest montane rainforest. The study recommends further research on the biomass and spatial patterns of this species in NNP to support effective conservation practices.

Blue Petrels Halobaena caerulea discovered breeding on Gough Island

Gough and Inaccessible Islands — 2015 — WHE44D68E0EF9

A breeding colony of Blue Petrels (Halobaena caerulea) has been discovered on Gough Island, extending their known range 700 km northward to 40° S. This finding challenges the previously understood latitudinal distribution of this species, which was thought to breed only between 47° and 56° S. While the colony is located in a frequently visited area, it may have been overlooked rather than representing a recent range expansion. The study suggests that breeding on Gough Island occurs later than at more southern colonies, indicating potential differences in reproductive timing across their range.

Bottom-up effects of a no-take zone on endangered penguin demographics

Robben Island — 2015 — WHE3DC24EE975

An 18% increase in chick survival for endangered African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) was observed during a three-year fishery closure around Robben Island, South Africa. This localized no-take zone led to a predicted 27% higher population compared to continued fishing, demonstrating bottom-up benefits for highly mobile marine predators. However, the population decline persisted due to high adult mortality linked to broader-scale prey scarcity. The study highlights that while small no-take zones can support predator demographics, they must be part of larger, ecosystem-based conservation strategies.

Bóvedas sexpartitas : los orígenes del gótico

Bourges Cathedral — 2015 — WHE470659B243

A recent study reveals that the sexpartite vault, a complex and innovative architectural feature, played a pivotal role in the early development of Gothic architecture across Europe. This research demonstrates that the sexpartite vault emerged in France during the late 12th century, characterized by its intricate design with six sections and advanced geometric strategies that simplified auxiliary structures, allowing for greater design freedom. The study also traces its spread and subsequent decline across Europe, highlighting its significance in notable cathedrals such as Bourges and Notre Dame de Paris. Utilizing modern technologies like laser scanning, photogrammetry, and total stations, the research provides unprecedented insights into the stereotomy and construction techniques of these vaults, offering new data on their geometric complexity and historical evolution.

Brand equity do Forte Lahore como uma marca de destino turístico

Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore — 2015 — WHE0283B2E21A

A study reveals that brand image and associations significantly boost loyalty towards the Lahore Fort thereby enhancing its overall brand equity as a tourist destination. Conducted in Pakistan using the Customer-Based Brand Equity (CBBE) model, the research surveyed 237 tourists to analyze relationships between brand awareness, image, associations, and loyalty through robust statistical methods like regression and confirmatory factor analysis. Findings suggest strategic improvements for policymakers to strengthen Lahore Fort's appeal as a global heritage attraction.

Brand Equity of Lahore Fort as a Tourism Destination Brand

Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore — 2015 — WHEC591EC5350

Brand image and associations significantly boost loyalty, which in turn strengthens the overall brand equity of Lahore Fort. A survey-based study using Customer-Based Brand Equity (CBBE) model analyzed data from 237 tourists, applying robust statistical techniques such as correlation, regression, and confirmatory factor analysis (PLS method). The findings reveal that enhancing brand image and associations can effectively improve tourist loyalty, ultimately benefiting the fort's performance as a tourism destination. This study provides actionable insights for policymakers to strategically enhance Lahore Fort’s appeal.

Brasilia, vers un développement urbain partagé

Brasilia — 2015 — WHEB3E89B52D2

Brasília's urban development, shaped by mid-20th-century modernist state policies, presents a paradox: while designed to function as a high-quality tertiary city for federal institutions and the modern elite, it also reflects persistent social inequalities. The study reveals that despite efforts to protect its planned structure from spontaneous urban sprawl, Brasília's growth has led to conurbation with surrounding areas, reinforcing poverty, environmental degradation, and social exclusion. This research analyzes the mechanisms, actors, and outcomes of this dual urbanization process, questioning whether a new modernist public action could foster more equitable access to urban resources in the metropolitan region.

Breeding Ecology of the Japanese Bush Warbler in the Ogasawara Islands

Ogasawara Islands — 2015 — WHE4C20F81F43

Island populations of birds often exhibit distinct breeding behaviors compared to mainland counterparts due to ecological differences. A study on the Ogasawara Islands revealed that Japanese Bush Warblers (Cettia diphone) lay smaller clutches—typically three or four eggs—and experience higher brood mortality from starvation, unlike their mainland counterparts. Additionally, male parental care was observed but at a lower frequency than expected, suggesting food scarcity and strong intraspecific competition as key factors influencing these behaviors. The research, based on observations of four nesting attempts, highlights unique reproductive strategies in this isolated island population.

Breeding Season Home Range and Habitat Use of Mexican Spotted Owls ( Strix occidentalis lucida ) Below the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park — 2015 — WHE1A5CA18260

Mexican Spotted Owls (Strix occidentalis lucida) below the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park exhibit a strong preference for limestone cliffs within their breeding season home ranges, contrasting with observations in Utah where sandstone cliffs dominate nesting sites. The study, conducted from 2004 to 2005, used radio-tracking of five adult male owls to estimate home range sizes averaging 355 hectares (minimum convex polygons) and 372 hectares (90% fixed kernels). Owls demonstrated limited use of adjacent forested plateaus, focusing instead on narrow rocky canyons. Habitat selection analysis revealed a disproportionate use of limestone cliffs, which were central to their home ranges and nest sites. The research also identified core conservation zones of approximately 40 hectares around nest sites, aligning with adaptive kernel 30% isopleths. This study provides critical insights for the Mexican Spotted Owl Recovery Plan by delineating key habitat features essential for their breeding season survival.

Bridging the Gap With Subfossil Douglas-Fir At Mesa Verde, Colorado

Mesa Verde National Park — 2015 — WHE1A6C60AA29

Research at Mesa Verde National Park has revealed that subfossil Douglas-fir logs and living trees provide critical new insights into the climate history of southwestern Colorado, particularly during the 'Great Drought' of the late 13th century. By analyzing earlywood (EW), latewood (LW), and total ring width (TRW) chronologies spanning AD 722–2011, scientists have shown that cool-season drought was more severe and sustained than previously thought, offering a potential explanation for the depopulation of the region during this period. This study bridges a significant chronological gap (AD 1250–1400) in the Central Pueblo chronology, improving our understanding of past climate conditions and their impact on human settlements.

Buczacka figura św. Jana Nepomucena autorstwa Jana Jerzego Pinsla

L'viv – the Ensemble of the Historic Centre — 2015 — WHED003B219B1

A roadside stone figure of St. John of Nepomuk, commissioned by local magnate Mikołaj Bazyli Potocki around 1750 and situated in Buczacz (now Ukraine), exemplifies the rich artistic legacy of Jan Jerzy Pinsel, a prominent Rococo sculptor from the Lviv school. This lesser-known work, part of Pinsel's collaboration with architect Bernard Meretyn, features intricate heraldic elements and inscriptions on its pedestal, offering insights into the saint's cult in the region and the cultural patronage of the time. The study also documents the sculpture's history, including its destruction and restoration, while highlighting the broader artistic flourishing of Lviv and surrounding areas during the mid-18th century, following periods of conflict that had previously diminished their cultural significance.

Buffalo Soldiers at Kīlauea, 1915–1917

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — 2015 — WHEB8DEB23951

Between 1915 and 1917, African American soldiers from the Twenty-fifth Infantry Regiment, known as 'Buffalo Soldiers,' played a pivotal role in the development of Kīlauea Volcano on Hawai‘i Island. Their contributions spanned trail-building, tourism, and security, while also advancing scientific research at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (established 1912). This period saw the establishment of Kilauea Military Camp and Hawaii National Park (later formally opened in 1921), marking a significant milestone in the region's history. The study leverages historical records and newspaper coverage to shed light on the soldiers' experiences, their interactions with Hawai‘i’s multicultural society, and their lasting impact on the landscape and infrastructure of Kīlauea.

Buffer Zone Management Issues in Chitwan National Park, Nepal: A Case Study of Kolhuwa Village Development Committee

Chitwan National Park — 2015 — WHEF84E528198

Rhino presence and resource dependency vary significantly within Chitwan National Park's buffer zones, with closer settlements experiencing more pronounced impacts. A study of Kolhuwa Village Development Committee found that households near the park boundary faced greater challenges in food production, fuelwood dependence, and economic reliance on external income compared to those farther away. The research segmented the buffer zone into 'Close' and 'Far' settlements based on proximity to the park, revealing distinct patterns in resource use and dependency. Households closer to the boundary also reported longer involvement in buffer zone activities. These findings highlight the need for targeted zoning strategies in park management to address intra-zone dynamics effectively.

Building information modelling for historical building Historic Jeddah - Saudi Arabia

Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah — 2015 — WHEC0752669AA

A novel approach combining remote survey data collection, architectural photogrammetry, and terrestrial laser scanning with Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been successfully applied to document and preserve engineering information for historical buildings in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This method addresses longstanding challenges faced by the municipality of Jeddah, where traditional documentation techniques have often been time-consuming, unreliable, or incomplete. By integrating these advanced technologies, researchers have developed a robust system for capturing detailed, accurate, and comprehensive data on heritage structures, ensuring better preservation and management of Historic Jeddah's architectural legacy.

Building Opposition at the Early Tudor Tower of London: Thomas More’s Dialogue of Comfort

Tower of London — 2015 — WHE80ECB4472E

Thomas More's Dialogue of Comfort against Tribulation (1534), written during his imprisonment at the Tower of London, fundamentally redefined the site’s cultural significance by challenging the royal ideology that had long symbolized monarchical power. Through four progressive transgressions against Henry VIII, More reframed the Tower as a symbol of resistance to royal tyranny, laying the foundation for an early modern tradition of oppositional literary and cultural representations. This study reveals how More’s work subverted the established narrative of the Tower, transforming it from a tool of royal propaganda into an emblem of defiance against authoritarian rule.