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Showing 23141 – 23160 of 30345 publications

Characterization and Classification of Vegetation Canopy Structure and Distribution within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Using LiDAR

Great Smoky Mountains National Park — 2015 — WHE5463789133

A comprehensive analysis of vegetation canopy structures in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, covering 139,859 hectares, reveals critical habitat patterns essential for threatened and endangered species. Using advanced LiDAR technology, researchers captured three-dimensional canopy data, surpassing traditional two-dimensional remote sensing methods. The study developed a computationally efficient approach to process large-scale LiDAR datasets, providing valuable insights into the distribution of vegetation and animal habitats in this biodiverse ecosystem. This research supports forest and wildlife management by offering detailed information for conservation planning and biodiversity monitoring.

Characterization of indole acetic acid endophyte producers in authoctonus Lemna gibba plants from Xochimilco Lake

Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco — 2015 — WHE89BEC78D90

A study on the Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco reveals that endophytic phytobacteria isolated from Lemna gibba plants exhibit high indole acetic acid (IAA) production, positioning them as promising candidates for biofertilizers. Researchers identified 17 isolates during the dry season and 14 in the rainy season, with seasonal variations influencing bacterial diversity and water quality. The findings contribute to understanding plant-microbial interactions in aquatic ecosystems, particularly within Lemnaceae species, and highlight their potential for mitigating eutrophication while promoting plant growth.

Characterizing seawater oxygen isotopic variability in a regional ocean modeling framework: Implications for coral proxy records

Site of Palmyra — 2015 — WHE0EDA11D4B1

A new ocean modeling approach reveals significant local variability in seawater oxygen isotopic ratios (δ18O) that affects coral proxy records, particularly at Palmyra Atoll. The study found that tropical instability waves (TIWs) generate large temperature and δ18O excursions, introducing nonlinear processes that alter the relationship between salinity and seawater δ18O. These findings highlight the importance of considering mesoscale oceanographic features when interpreting coral δ18O data for reconstructing climate phenomena like El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The research used a high-resolution regional ocean model to simulate δ18O variations over three decades, providing critical insights into the physical context of reef environments that can improve paleoclimate reconstructions.

Chemical Element Concentrations in the Blood of Green Turtles (Chelonia Mydas) Captured at Fernando De Noronha Marine National Park, Brazil

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves — 2015 — WHEB190596D2E

Research reveals alarmingly high serum levels of certain chemical elements in green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park, Brazil, suggesting significant ocean contamination. The study analyzed 31 juvenile turtles, measuring concentrations of essential elements like calcium and selenium alongside potentially toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, and uranium. Findings indicate that some metal levels exceed minimal risk thresholds for human health, though baseline values for green turtles remain undefined, leaving their ecological impacts unclear. By correlating element concentrations with turtle size, the study hints at possible cumulative effects but underscores the need for further investigation to assess contamination risks in this UNESCO-listed marine ecosystem.

Chirothere Footprint Sites from the Otter Sandstone Formation (Middle Triassic, late Anisian) of Devon,United Kingdom

Dorset and East Devon Coast — 2015 — WHE99C0A3BF68

Fossilized chirothere footprints, likely from a large species such as Chirotherium barthii, have been discovered in the Middle Triassic Otter Sandstone Formation of Devon, UK. These tracks, preserved uniquely in mudstone and often in convex epirelief, suggest subaqueous formation, challenging previous assumptions about their depositional environment. The footprints are concentrated in higher strata of the formation, supporting evidence for a less arid climate with a higher water table during this period. The study documents three distinct sites near Sidmouth and Salcombe Hill Cliff, including rare manus imprints, providing new insights into Triassic vertebrate behavior and paleoenvironmental conditions.

Christianization of the Philippines

Baroque Churches of the Philippines — 2015 — WHE467151F1A0

The Christianization of the Philippines was facilitated by fundamental congruencies between Filipino traditional religion and Catholicism, allowing Christianity to take root, develop, and dominate without significant tension. This study highlights how the Church embedded itself in indigenous culture, particularly through Baroque church architecture and religious art, as seen in the Church of Saint James the Great at Paete, Laguna, and San Pedro de Alcantara Church at Pakil, Laguna. It also examines H. Richard Niehbur’s typology of gospel-culture relationships to explain this process. The research approach combines historical analysis with cultural and architectural studies to correlate the role of Baroque churches in the Christianization of the Filipino people.

Christians in Late Pagan, and Pagans in Early Christian Lithuania: The Fourteenth and Fifteenth Centuries

Kernavė Archaeological Site (Cultural Reserve of Kernavė) — 2015 — WHE6EF0CEE0A6

A shift from large-scale political strategies to the personal religious preferences of dukes and their entourages was pivotal in Lithuania's Christianization, beginning with Grand Duke Jogaila. This study reveals that individual lifestyle choices, rather than grand political decisions, drove the incremental adoption of Christianity among the ruling elite during the 14th and early 15th centuries. While Christians were primarily concentrated in Vilnius and Kernavė, their presence, often encouraged by pagan rulers for skilled labor needs, solidified Christian influence. Pagans, lacking cohesive religious identity, posed no significant opposition to the grand-ducal conversion decrees of 1387. The study also highlights a syncretic religious landscape post-conversion, where folk practices persisted among lower strata and rural populations, complicating the distinction between paganism and early Christianity.

Cien años de la cultura agustiniana: reflexiones acerca de un propósito convertido en despropósito

San Agustín Archaeological Park — 2015 — WHEC22D6E3951

A critical reflection on the current management of San Agustín Archaeological Park reveals a shift from its original purpose to one marked by discontent, particularly concerning community engagement and political dynamics. The study examines the 2013 declaration of the Year of Augustinian Culture and the controversy surrounding the exhibition 'The Return of the Idols,' highlighting how the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH) has approached conservation and community relations. It frames this analysis through Jacques Rancière's concept of politics as a space for dissent, contrasting it with state/police power structures. The research underscores tensions between heritage preservation efforts and the needs or perspectives of local communities in San Agustín and Isnos.

Cleaning, Protecting, or Abating? Making Indigenous Fire Management “Work” in Northern Australia

Kakadu National Park — 2015 — WHEB42803B7E4

Indigenous fire management programs, particularly those aiming to shift burning from late to early dry seasons, risk replacing the nuanced, community-driven practices with standardized goals that alienate local Aboriginal communities. While Kakadu National Park's program achieved some success in altering fire regimes, it faced criticism for failing to meet expectations, leading to disillusionment among stakeholders. This study argues that institutionalized management models, even those tied to carbon emissions reduction, may replicate these issues by treating Indigenous people as implementers rather than genuine partners. The research combines ethnographic and ecological data to critique the broader implications of such programs in northern Australia.

Clines in salt lakes in the Badain Jaran Desert and their significances in indicating fresh groundwater discharge

Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes — 2015 — WHEE91A814DC8

A study of the Badain Jaran Desert's salt lakes reveals that even in deep, wide lakes with high width-to-depth ratios (>90), distinct thermoclines and chemoclines exist. These layers, characterized by rapid changes in temperature and salinity (TDS ranging from 60 to 160 g/L), are influenced by concentrated discharges of fresh groundwater near the lake bottom. This phenomenon, observed in both deep and shallow salt lakes, suggests that groundwater contributes significantly to the water and salt content of these ecosystems. The research, conducted on Sumu Barun Jaran, the second-largest salt lake in the desert, used depth-dependent temperature and conductivity measurements to identify these layers. While thermocline temperatures align with static water heat transfer models, indicating minimal influence from groundwater discharge heat, seasonal variations in these clines warrant further investigation.

Co-benefits of low carbon passenger transport actions in Indian cities: Case study of Ahmedabad

Historic City of Ahmadabad — 2015 — WHE3EBCE4F662

A four-fold increase in energy demand from urban passenger transport is projected for Ahmedabad by 2035 under business-as-usual conditions. However, a low carbon scenario (LCS) demonstrates significant co-benefits, including a 74% reduction in NOx and an 83% decrease in PM2.5 emissions compared to the baseline. Key strategies for achieving these reductions include fuel switching—particularly to decarbonized electricity—modal shifts, and substitution of travel demand. The study employs quantitative modeling using the Extended Snapshot (ExSS) Model to assess these scenarios, highlighting how developing cities can leverage carbon finance to avoid infrastructure lock-in and foster sustainable mobility plans without adverse behavioral or environmental consequences.

Coastal climate change and aging communities in Atlantic Canada: A methodological overview of community asset and social vulnerability mapping

Old Town Lunenburg — 2015 — WHEB35F8396A2

Critical assets essential to older populations in rural and coastal communities of Atlantic Canada are at risk from coastal climate change, including flooding and extreme weather events. This study combines population projections, sea-level rise scenarios for 2025–2026, community asset mapping, infrastructure analysis, and municipal policy reviews to assess vulnerabilities in five municipalities across Lunenburg and Annapolis counties. It identifies how aging populations—particularly vulnerable due to Nova Scotia's oldest demographics—are affected by climate impacts on key services and infrastructure. The research provides a methodological framework for communities to map changes and plan adaptations, offering actionable insights for municipal planning responses.

Colchic and Hyrcanian forests of the Caucasus: similarities, differences and conservation status

Hyrcanian Forests — 2015 — WHE5BFD3C9C8B

The Caucasus ecoregion is distinguished by its high vascular plant endemism (over 25%) and the presence of two Tertiary flora refugia: Colchic and Hyrcanian. Both regions host temperate rainforests, yet they exhibit significant differences in flora composition, vegetation zonation, and ecosystem vulnerability. While Colchic forests benefit from substantial protection (16.5% under IUCN categories I-IV), gaps persist in their spatial coverage. In contrast, Hyrcanian forests, particularly in Iran, face critical conservation challenges due to a lack of high-category protected areas, hindering effective ecosystem safeguarding. These disparities underscore the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies to preserve these unique biodiversity hotspots.

Collaborative Histories of the Willandra Lakes

Willandra Lakes Region — 2015 — WHE05A5A0677F

The Willandra Lakes Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in south-western New South Wales, Australia, holds one of the most significant archaeological records of Pleistocene Aboriginal life. A pivotal discovery in 1968 unearthed the remains of Mungo Lady, a young woman who lived approximately 42,000 years ago and is recognized as the earliest known human cremation. This finding transformed perceptions of the region from a sparsely populated sheep station to a site of profound geological and cultural significance. Over four decades of research has revealed a rich tapestry of human-environment interactions, contributing to our understanding of Australia's deep history. The region was designated a National Park in 1979 and listed as a World Heritage Area in 1981, underscoring its unique natural landforms and cultural importance.

Collecting for Peace: Memories and Objects of the Asia-Pacific War

Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) — 2015 — WHE55C0E3A19D

This study examines the ongoing efforts to collect and preserve objects, photographs, and personal narratives related to the Asia-Pacific War, particularly focusing on the experiences of hibaku (recipients of the atomic bomb) in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It highlights the significance of such collections in maintaining historical memory and public awareness, while also noting the challenges in distinguishing between relevant and tangential material. The research approach involves analyzing museum exhibits, calls for donations, and personal narratives to understand the motivations behind continued collection efforts, which vary across generations and have evolved since 1945.

Collective Narratives: Community Based Theatre Practices

Vilnius Historic Centre — 2015 — WHE6BEC98DABF

Community-based theatre emerges as a powerful tool for marginalized groups to share collective narratives, foster social dialogue, and challenge exclusion. This study highlights its potential in Lithuania, where such practices remain underdeveloped despite their global significance. It examines two case studies: 'Pro Memoria Sv. Stepono 7,' a collaborative production involving a multicultural community in Vilnius's old town, and performances by Kaunas dance theatre Aura, which engaged elders, disabled individuals, and blind people in narrative creation. The research rethinks traditional performance analysis criteria to accommodate participatory creative strategies that amplify community voices, beliefs, and interests.

Cologne Cathedral as an International Monument

Cologne Cathedral — 2015 — WHEA3FF9C2FD9

Cologne Cathedral, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, stands as an exceptional testament to human creativity and the enduring influence of Christian belief in Europe. Towering over the cityscape, its twin spires draw millions of visitors annually, making it Germany's most popular building. Beyond its architectural significance, the cathedral holds deep cultural resonance, symbolizing local identity and resistance against modernization efforts. A 1970s song, 'Mer losse d'r Dom en Kölle,' humorously defends the cathedral against relocation plans, reflecting the city's strong emotional attachment to this historic monument.

Colonization, succession and conservation: the invertebrates of Anak Krakatau, Indonesia, and contrast with Surtsey

Surtsey — 2015 — WHE46AA621C50

A comparison of invertebrate colonization and succession on Anak Krakatau, Indonesia, and Surtsey reveals the dynamic interplay between aeolian and vegetation-based processes in shaping new ecological communities. The study highlights the challenges in interpreting these processes due to the species-rich tropical fauna and human-induced disturbances, such as increased visitor numbers and volcanic activity. While both islands offer unique insights into ecological succession, Anak Krakatau's complex environmental influences complicate conservation efforts. This research underscores the need for robust monitoring and inventory studies to inform effective management strategies, contrasting the scenarios of terrestrial invertebrate conservation on these two iconic sites.

Commemorating the Seafarer

Maritime Greenwich — 2015 — WHEAC94217000

Memorials to British seafarers, shipbuilders, and shipwreck victims from the 16th century onward reveal significant shifts in Britain's cultural and social relationship with the sea. These memorials—ranging from stained glass windows, church monuments, and public sculptures to modest carvings—capture the perils of maritime life and their profound impact on families and society. Iconography such as depictions of wrecked ships demonstrates widespread transmission across high-status and popular forms, illustrating broader naval and commercial seafaring histories. The study, rooted in cultural history, combines case studies with over 100 illustrations to highlight the diverse roles of sailors, from naval officers and merchants to fishermen and lifesavers.

Community characteristics of a mid-subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest plot in the Wuyi Mountains, Fujian Province, southeastern China

Mount Wuyi — 2015 — WHE3A5C950F13

A mid-subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest in Mount Wuyi, Fujian Province, exhibits distinct community characteristics, including diverse flora composition and unique floristic traits. The study analyzed a 9.6 ha plot, following international protocols (CTFS), revealing insights into the DBH structure and spatial distribution patterns of vascular plants. Key findings highlight the ecological significance of Mount Wuyi as a preserve of primary mid-subtropical forest ecosystems, contributing to our understanding of biodiversity in this region.