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Showing 24481 – 24500 of 30345 publications

Acorn-foraging activity and feeding behaviour by two species of freshwater crabs (Brachyura: Potamidae) from Okinawa Island, Ryukyu Islands, Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2014 — WHE8DE42E8436

Research reveals that two species of freshwater crabs, Geothelphusa grandiovata and Candidiopotamon okinawense, play an unintended role in the dispersal of acorns from Castanopsis sieboldii and Quercus miyagii in the Yanbaru forest on Okinawa Island. These crabs forage for acorns near streams, storing them in burrows where some germinate, thereby aiding seed dispersal in areas where natural lodging is difficult. Laboratory feeding experiments confirmed that the crab G. grandiovata leaves characteristic feeding scars on acorns, matching those found around their burrows. This behavior suggests a symbiotic relationship between the crabs and these tree species, facilitating forest regeneration along valley slopes.

Acoustic Identification of Bats in the Southern Western Ghats, India

Western Ghats — 2014 — WHE816E65DCD5

Researchers have successfully identified echolocation calls of 15 bat species from the Valparai plateau in India's southern Western Ghats, including five species documented for the first time. Using discriminant function analyses with leave-one-out cross-validation, they achieved 100% accuracy in classifying bats with constant frequency (CF) calls and 90% success with frequency modulated (FM) calls. The study highlights significant biogeographical variations in call frequencies among some species, emphasizing the need for localized call libraries to accurately identify tropical bat species and preserve biodiversity data. This work contributes crucial acoustic data for ecological studies and conservation efforts in tropical ecosystems.

Acoustic structure and variation in mountain and western gorilla close calls: a syntactic approach

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — 2014 — WHE56AB272BDE

Gorilla close calls exhibit a complex, combinatorial structure with five intergraded acoustic unit types that form 159 distinct combinations. This syntactic approach reveals non-random flexibility in vocalizations, challenging traditional discrete-graded distinctions and expanding understanding of combinatorial systems beyond long-distance calls. The study compared mountain gorillas (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda) and western lowland gorillas (Bai Hokou, Central African Republic), identifying subtle but significant differences linked to environmental and social factors. Findings suggest these vocalizations may serve nuanced social functions, offering new avenues for studying ape communication.

Activity Reconstruction of Post‐Medieval Dutch Rural Villagers from Upper Limb Osteoarthritis and Entheseal Changes

Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder) — 2014 — WHE3F073BC0BD

A study of 19th-century Dutch rural villagers from the Beemster Polder reveals that while most engaged in high levels of physical activity, no clear distinction was found between manual laborers and a potential wealthier class with less strenuous work. Gendered differences were observed in muscle attachments: males showed more pronounced biceps brachii, linked to lifting, while females exhibited stronger triceps brachii, possibly from activities requiring flexed-elbow pushing or pulling. However, osteoarthritis prevalence did not differ between sexes, complicating direct comparisons due to hormonal and anatomical factors. The study also found a low correlation between osteoarthritis and entheseal changes as activity markers, suggesting complex and variable etiologies that require further research for more reliable activity reconstruction.

Aeshna shennong sp. nov., a new species from Hubei Province, China (Odonata: Anisoptera: Aeshnidae)

Hubei Shennongjia — 2014 — WHE8EA2436AD0

Researchers have identified and described Aeshna shennong, a new species of dragonfly (Odonata: Anisoptera: Aeshnidae) from Hubei Province, China. This discovery was made through morphological analysis and comparison with its closest relative, A. petalura. The holotype specimen was collected in Dajiuhu National Wetland Park within Shennongjia National Nature Reserve, highlighting the region's biodiversity significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate. Additionally, new distribution records of A. petalura from mainland China were documented, expanding our understanding of its range.

African islands and the formation of the Dutch Atlantic economy: Arguin, Gorée, Cape Verde and São Tomé, 1590–1670

Island of Gorée — 2014 — WHE3046BB3AAF

Atlantic islands played a pivotal role in the expansion of European overseas empires, yet their significance within the Dutch maritime empire remains understudied. This study highlights the strategic importance of African islands—Arguin, Gorée, Cape Verde, and São Tomé—as linchpins in the 17th-century Dutch Atlantic economy. By analyzing notarial archives from Amsterdam, Dutch West India Company (WIC) records, and voyage journals, researchers demonstrate how these islands facilitated commercial circuits, strengthened colonial ambitions, and supported military strategies of the Dutch Republic and WIC. The findings underscore the geo-strategic value of these islands in shaping transcontinental trade networks and European maritime dominance during this period.

After collapse: Continuity and Disruption in the settlement by Kura-Araxes-linked pastoral groups at Arslantepe-Malatya (Turkey). New data

Arslantepe Mound — 2014 — WHEF06A89B502

Recent excavations at Arslantepe Mound, Turkey, reveal that the collapse of the Late Chalcolithic centralized system was followed by the establishment of Kura-Araxes-linked pastoral groups. Contrary to previous assumptions, these groups did not represent a momentary intrusion but rather a strategic reoccupation of the site, leveraging its central role in the Malatya region. The study highlights both continuity and disruption, with Arslantepe serving as a power center for mobile, likely transhumant groups that competed with local populations for control over the region. This challenges the narrative of abrupt cultural shifts, suggesting instead a more complex interplay between continuity and change.

Against Chauvet-nism. A critique of recent attempts to validate an early chronology for the art of Chauvet Cave

Decorated Cave of Pont d’Arc, known as Grotte Chauvet-Pont d’Arc, Ardèche — 2014 — WHEACE025AF0C

A critical reassessment challenges the widely accepted early chronology for the art of Chauvet Cave, questioning whether its 'black series' charcoal drawings belong to the Early Upper Palaeolithic (Aurignacian) rather than the Mid and Late Upper Palaeolithic. The study argues that despite nearly two decades of debate, the original research team has failed to address key objections raised in peer-reviewed literature. Radiocarbon dating initially suggested an earlier date for these artworks, which would significantly alter our understanding of Upper Palaeolithic art development. This critique emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific validation and peer scrutiny to ensure accurate historical interpretations.

Age constraints on the dispersal of dinosaurs in the Late Triassic from magnetochronology of the Los Colorados Formation (Argentina)

Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks — 2014 — WHE6B8D054F3B

A new magnetochronological study of the Los Colorados Formation in Argentina's Ischigualasto-Talampaya Natural Parks reveals that dinosaur-bearing deposits span from 227 to 213 million years ago, confirming their Norian age and predating the Jurassic by over 11 million years. This finding demonstrates a diachronous rise of dinosaurs across the Americas, with North American records (Chinle Formation) appearing later in the Norian. The research suggests that early dinosaur faunas thrived in a temperate humid belt before broader dispersal, likely driven by climate shifts and reduced atmospheric CO₂ levels. The study employs magnetic polarity correlations to refine age constraints, providing critical insights into Late Triassic vertebrate evolution.

Agent-Based Modeling in Coupled Human and Natural Systems (CHANS): Lessons from a Comparative Analysis

Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains — 2014 — WHE1D5D0D5365

Agent-based modeling (ABM) offers significant potential for understanding coupled human and natural systems (CHANS), particularly in capturing complex dynamics such as feedback loops, nonlinearity, and resilience. However, the lack of standardized infrastructure limits comparability across studies. This study advances CHANS research by developing a protocol based on the ODD framework to standardize ABM documentation and comparison. Through a comparative analysis of two renowned CHANS—Wolong Nature Reserve in China and Chitwan National Park in Nepal—the researchers identify four key lessons: representing agents and landscapes, the need for standardized modules, the impact of scheduling on model outcomes, and interpreting 'surprises' in model results. This protocol aims to enhance the comprehension, comparison, and envisioning of CHANS processes, ultimately advancing the science of CHANS.

Agriculture and tourism linkage constraints in the Siem Reap-Angkor region of Cambodia

Angkor — 2014 — WHE3AE64CF0E9

Local farmers in Cambodia's Siem Reap-Angkor region face significant constraints in linking their agricultural production to the tourism market, primarily due to structural supply-side issues and institutional barriers. These challenges, while similar to those in other developing countries, are compounded by the unique context of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where demand-side factors also play a role. The study highlights that farmers' inability to engage effectively with the tourism sector stems from interconnected market, institutional, and structural limitations. Unlike previous research focusing on demand-side perspectives, this study adopts a supply-side approach, centering on farmers' experiences through qualitative methods, including stakeholder interviews and farmer questionnaires. Findings offer critical insights for policymakers aiming to strengthen agriculture-tourism linkages, potentially alleviating poverty in the region.

Ajanta: History and Development, Volume 6 Defining Features

Ajanta Caves — 2014 — WHE44C25CB932

A groundbreaking analysis of the Ajanta Caves challenges long-held historical narratives by attributing their cultural flourishing to Emperor Harisena's Vakataka dynasty (c.460–477) rather than the Guptas, reshaping our understanding of India's 'Classic Age' (5th Century CE). By meticulously examining defining features—such as evolving Buddha imagery, monastic living arrangements, and architectural techniques—the study supports the controversial but increasingly accepted 'short chronology.' It also explores how competition and conflict drove Ajanta's rapid development and eventual decline. This interdisciplinary approach, blending art history with historical analysis, provides concrete evidence to redefine India's cultural trajectory during this pivotal period.

Aksum: Water and Urbanization in Northern Ethiopia

Aksum — 2014 — WHE8A4EF4603F

Aksum, located between modern northern Ethiopia and central Eritrea, exemplifies the intricate relationship between water resources and urbanization, a dynamic that has significantly shaped its history. This region, recognized for its early state societies in sub-Saharan Africa, saw the emergence of complex societies from the second millennium BC, culminating in the kingdom of Aksum (50 BC–AD 700/800). The study reveals how Aksum's strategic geographical and topographic position, coupled with abundant water and land resources, sustained its growth for a thousand years. It engaged in long-distance trade, developed literature and coinage, and played a pivotal role in the spread of Christianity into Africa. The research integrates environmental, archaeological, and historical sources to elucidate how early societies interacted with their diversified environment and devised strategies to manage water and land resources effectively. These findings highlight the resilience of local subsistence systems, which persisted even after the collapse of temporal power towards the late first millennium AD.

Allometric equations for predicting aboveground biomass of beech-hornbeam standsin the Hyrcanian forests of Iran

Hyrcanian Forests — 2014 — WHEC5DB93E63A

Researchers developed accurate allometric equations to predict aboveground biomass in beech-hornbeam stands of Iran's Hyrcanian Forests, a critical UNESCO World Heritage Site. Using diameter at breast height (DBH), height, and wood density as input variables, the model achieved a precision of 10.3% average deviation (R²adj = 0.965) when all three were combined. Notably, DBH alone explained 68% of the observed biomass variation, while adding height slightly improved accuracy. Wood density did not significantly enhance predictions. This study provides the first biomass prediction model for these forests, offering a tool to assess carbon storage and support conservation efforts.

Alongshore variations in beach-dune system response to major storm events on the Danube Delta coast

Danube Delta — 2014 — WHE4104A50945

Beach-dune systems along the Danube Delta exhibit significant alongshore variations in vulnerability to extreme storm events, with impacts ranging from moderate deposition to severe erosion. The study found a strong correlation between the effects of the December 1997–January 1998 storm cluster and predictions using two storm impact indexes: Sallenger's Storm Impact Categories and Armaroli et al.'s Dune Stability Factor. This variability is driven by nearshore slope, sediment availability influenced by deltaic lobe evolution and human interventions, river discharge, and pre-existing coastal morphology. The research highlights the dynamic response of deltaic systems to short-term storm events and long-term sediment dynamics, offering insights into their resilience under changing climatic conditions.

Alternative narratives and missing data: refining the chronology of Chichen Itza

Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza — 2014 — WHE0E742AD89B

A refined chronology for the ancient Maya city of Chichen Itza, based on Bayesian calibration of radiocarbon determinations from recent stratigraphic excavations at the Great Terrace, offers a more precise framework for understanding its occupation dynamics during the 9th to early 11th centuries AD. This study integrates multiple lines of evidence—hieroglyphic inscriptions, ethnohistorical sources, ceramic typologies, and architectural styles—to address inconsistencies in previous chronologies. Key insights include the potential temporary decline of Chichen Itza in the mid-10th century and its eventual collapse in the 11th century. Future research is directed toward elucidating earlier settlement phases during the Preclassic and Early Classic periods.

An Additional Incunabulum in Westminster Abbey Library

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2014 — WHED84561D28D

A previously unrecorded incunabulum, an early printed book from the 15th century, has been identified in Westminster Abbey Library. This discovery adds to the known collection of such rare texts, expanding the catalogue documented by Cook and Foot (2013). The research involved a systematic review of the library's holdings, focusing on identifying additional incunabula that may have been overlooked or misclassified. The finding highlights the significance of Westminster Abbey Library as a repository of historical printed materials, contributing to the broader understanding of early book production and preservation in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

An analysis of the habitat of the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis (Mammalia: Perissodactyla: Rhinocerotidae) at the Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Chitwan National Park — 2014 — WHEC3CD5E68B4

Research identifies 517.82 km² of suitable habitat for the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) within Chitwan National Park, Nepal, using a habitat suitability index model (HSI) based on food and cover availability. The study leveraged Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing data to quantify habitat fragmentation across four identified types, revealing 476 patches that could be prioritized for conservation efforts. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that even minor variations in food or cover parameters significantly impact HSI values, underscoring the critical role of these factors in rhinoceros habitat selection. These findings provide actionable insights for targeted management and monitoring to support both the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros and sympatric species.

An anomalous cluster of Irukandji jelly stings (Cnidaria: Cubozoa: Carybdeida) at Ningaloo Reef

Ningaloo Coast — 2014 — WHE843A747FAC

An anomalous cluster of Irukandji jelly stings (Cnidaria: Cubozoa: Carybdeida) was documented at Ningaloo Reef, with an unusually high number of cases reported between March and June 2013. The event, occurring in the northern regions of Ningaloo Marine Park and extending into Exmouth Gulf, involved seven confirmed sightings of three Irukandji species. This unusual concentration of stings highlights the need for further study on the factors contributing to such events. The research relied on documented cases and sightings to analyze the spatial and temporal patterns of Irukandji jelly occurrences.

An appraisal of the qualifying role of hydraulic heritage systems: a case study of Qanats in central Iran

The Persian Qanat — 2014 — WHEC187FB370C

A case study of Qanats in central Iran reveals the significant but often overlooked role of hydraulic heritage systems in urban drainage and water management. These ancient underground channels, known for their sustainability over millennia, demonstrate functional interconnectedness with society and ecology. However, a modern drainage system modeled after Qanat techniques led to a dramatic drop in groundwater levels, highlighting both the potential and pitfalls of integrating historical hydrosystems into contemporary infrastructure. The study underscores the need to reconsider the qualifying role of such heritage systems in revitalization plans, balancing their historical significance with modern engineering challenges.