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Publications

Showing 24641 – 24660 of 30345 publications

Change in structural and compositional diversity with altitude: a study from Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR), West Himalaya, India

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks — 2014 — WHEC6E4F50FA3

A study of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve reveals distinct patterns in plant community structure and composition across temperate (2100–3000 m) and sub-alpine (3000–3600 m) zones, highlighting higher tree, sapling, seedling, and shrub densities in the temperate zone, while herb density peaks in the sub-alpine. Among 344 recorded vascular plant species—comprising 95 families, 227 genera, 40 trees, 64 shrubs, and 240 herbs—the research identifies 13 forest communities, including native, endemic, economically significant, and rare/endangered species. These findings prioritize conservation efforts for the region's biodiversity, emphasizing altitude-driven ecological gradients in plant distribution and abundance.

Changes in Severity Distribution after Subsequent Fires on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA

Grand Canyon National Park — 2014 — WHE36265F9C9F

Research on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park reveals that subsequent fires have minimal influence on the distribution of high-severity burn patches, with second entry fires often exhibiting a near-random overlap with initial severity patterns. Between 2000 and 2011, 48% of re-burned areas experienced equal severity in both fires, while 26% each burned with higher or lower severity in the second fire. Despite this, high-severity patches showed little change in size distribution post-second entry, though their total area increased due to new and expanded patches. These findings suggest that fire-on-fire interactions may not significantly alter landscape-level severity patterns, offering insights for land management strategies.

Changing glacial lakes and associated outburst floods risks in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Indian Himalaya

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks — 2014 — WHE677CAF2862

A significant expansion of glacial lakes and heightened risks of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) have been identified in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Indian Himalaya. The study, using Landsat satellite imagery from 1976 to 2010, mapped 35 glacial lakes, with 14 located above 4500 meters, revealing a marked increase in their size and damage potential. Some lakes merged, forming larger bodies, all of which pose severe threats due to their GLOF risks. This research underscores the growing societal impact of climate-induced changes in the Himalayan region.

Changing research trends in the field of archaeological wood at the Conservation Department, Faculty of Archaeology, Cairo University

Historic Cairo — 2014 — WHEAFA4849170

Research at the Conservation Department, Faculty of Archaeology, Cairo University, has identified evolving trends in the treatment and conservation of archaeological wood from Historic Cairo since 1980. The study critically reviewed Arabic-language masters' and doctoral dissertations, revealing five key focal points: types of wood used throughout Egyptian history, assessment of wood decay, wood properties and composition, treatment and conservation of decorated wood, and the evaluation of chemicals and polymers in wood treatment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of historical research while highlighting shifts in conservation methodologies over time.

Changing the look of a city: The v-Corfu case

Old Town of Corfu — 2014 — WHE8772E961AE

Virtual Corfu (v-Corfu) demonstrates how virtual worlds can enhance education and cultural heritage preservation for UNESCO World Heritage Sites. By integrating historical buildings, monuments, and sites into a virtual environment, the study shows that v-Corfu can promote the study of Corfu's history, highlight its culture, and increase its attractiveness to students, tourists, or inhabitants. The approach leverages the duality of real and virtual worlds through movie-like virtual tours (v-tours) and avatars of historical figures, providing interactive, site-specific information via virtual assistants (v-assistants). This method bridges gaps between past and present, offering a novel way to engage with heritage sites while preserving their physical existence.

Chant Linear Notation Manuscripts of the Library of Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius

Architectural Ensemble of the Trinity Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad — 2014 — WHE129375CDB4

A significant shift in the design and composition of chant monastic manuscripts is documented, marking a transition from kryuki notation to linear notation in the Trinity Sergius Lavra library during the late 17th to 19th centuries. This study introduces new scientific findings by analyzing manuscript sources from the Russian State Library, revealing changes in both the visual representation and the repertoire of chants preserved in the monastery's collection. The research highlights how these modifications reflect broader trends in monastic chant notation while contributing fresh insights into the evolution of liturgical manuscripts.

Chapitre 1. Historique des missions et des recherches sur l’épave Arles-Rhône 3

Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments — 2014 — WHE1882E7D86F

The Arles-Rhône 3 shipwreck, discovered in 2004 within the Rhône River near Arles, France, represents one of the most exceptionally preserved Gallo-Roman barges ever found. Excavated between 2008 and 2011, the wreck retained its hull, internal loading layout, and furniture, offering unprecedented insights into Roman maritime trade and shipbuilding techniques. The barge was lifted from the site in 2011 after removing over 1,000 cubic meters of port refuse sediment, which was meticulously documented and sifted for archaeological material. Restoration involved advanced treatments, including PEG immersion, freeze-drying, and resin impregnation, followed by reassembly using 3D imaging. The barge is now exhibited at the Museum of Arles Antique, showcasing its original load, furnishings, and sailing gear, providing a tangible link to Roman riverine commerce.

Chapitre 9. Le chaland Arles-Rhône 3 dans la batellerie gallo-romaine : étude typologique et interprétation historique

Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments — 2014 — WHE30C3DE3490

A recent study reveals that the Arles-Rhône 3 barge, dating from the 50s AD, represents a unique blend of Mediterranean maritime and continental fluvial architectural traditions within Gallo-Roman river craft. The barge's slender hull with an elongation coefficient of 1/10, combined with its structural complexity—including mixed bilge strakes and half-trunk fir wood sides—distinguishes it from other wrecks in the Rhône-Saône basin. This design choice, likely influenced by Arles' strategic position as a port city, suggests a sophisticated technical expertise in boatbuilding that integrated Mediterranean maritime influences while maintaining fluvial characteristics. The study also highlights the economic implications of such design choices, with the barge's 'profitability coefficient' indicating potential adaptations to short-haul transport on the Rhône River.

Characteristics of Malaysian ecotourist segments in Kinabalu Park, Sabah

Kinabalu Park — 2014 — WHE6EE92A9EF3

A study of Malaysian ecotourists in Kinabalu Park, Sabah—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and global biodiversity hotspot—identified three distinct segments: hard, structured, and soft ecotourists. Discriminant analysis revealed that 82% of the variance in segment differentiation was explained by trip characteristics, including expectations for services and preferences for arranged travel. Notably, 60% of respondents fell into the structured or soft ecotourist categories, reinforcing established ecotourism typologies across regions. The findings highlight common traits among ecotourists along a hard-soft spectrum, offering insights for sustainable tourism management in protected areas.

Characterization of hydraulic mortars from archaeological complexes in Petra

Petra — 2014 — WHEEA10F72F00

A groundbreaking mineralogical and petrographic characterization of hydraulic mortars from Petra's archaeological complexes reveals the raw materials and hydraulicity-enhancing components used by the Nabataeans to transform a desert city into an artificial oasis. The study, conducted on samples from the Great Temple and Garden and Pool Complex, employed polarized light microscopy (PLM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal analyses (DTA-TGA) to identify textures, hydraulic reaction areas, and elemental compositions. This research provides unprecedented insights into the provenance of raw materials used in these mortars, contributing significantly to our understanding of ancient engineering practices at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Characterizing the Phylogenetic Tree Community Structure of a Protected Tropical Rain Forest Area in Cameroon

Dja Faunal Reserve — 2014 — WHE662E4ED187

A study of the Dja Faunal Reserve, a protected tropical rainforest in Cameroon, reveals that neutral dispersal limitation is a major driver of community assembly, with weak environmental variation contributing to a lack of significant phylogenetic structure across transects. While habitat types show minimal influence on overall phylogenetic diversity, finer analyses detected subtle clustering in species from the Annonaceae family and overdispersion in Apocynaceae, suggesting niche-based processes at play. The research re-analyzed data from 372 taxa to partition phylogenetic diversity, providing insights that could enhance conservation efforts in this hyperdiverse yet threatened ecosystem.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil) from Western Ghats of North West Karnataka, India

Western Ghats — 2014 — WHEBB7ABC1E25

The essential oil of Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil) from the Western Ghats region of North West Karnataka, India, exhibits strong bactericidal properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi. The oil's chemical composition is dominated by methyl eugenol (39.3%) and methyl chavicol (38.3%), which together account for 98.6% of its total content. These compounds demonstrate minimal bactericidal concentrations ranging from 0.143 ± 0.031 to 1.875 ± 0.684 mg/mL, highlighting the oil's potential as a natural antimicrobial agent. The study employed hydro-distillation followed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to analyze the oil, alongside tube-dilution assays to assess its antimicrobial efficacy.

Children affected by severe drought in a rural community in the central highlands of Sri Lanka

Central Highlands of Sri Lanka — 2014 — WHEE961B8FFA0

Severe drought in rural Sri Lanka significantly impacts children's health, with protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) being the most critical issue. A study in Serupitiya, a drought-affected village, found that 12% of school-aged children and 5% of preschoolers suffered from severe acute PEM, with malnutrition increasing significantly with age. Other prevalent health issues included respiratory infections, skin sepsis, poor oral hygiene, and disturbed sleep. Despite these challenges, preventive healthcare strategies effectively prevented PEM and micronutrient deficiencies in under-fives. The study also highlighted increased household stress levels and economic hardships, but noted no mortality among infants or under-fives and a zero drop-out rate for children under 12 years. The research used a community-based cross-sectional approach, including medical examinations, nutritional assessments, and focus group discussions to gather data from 68 households.

Chronological Framework for the Early Talayotic Period in Menorca: The Settlement of Cornia Nou

Talayotic Menorca — 2014 — WHE82A145C5BC

New radiocarbon dating evidence from the prehistoric site of Cornia Nou, Menorca, reveals key phases in the early Talayotic period. Analysis of 27 samples indicates three distinct occupation phases: 1100–900 BC (Phase 4), 900–800 BC (Phase 5), and 800–600 BC (Phase 6). Additionally, the western talayot's construction likely predates the 1st millennium cal BC. This study, conducted by a team linked to the Museum of Menorca over six years, provides critical insights into the chronological framework of this significant Talayotic settlement.

Cities Awarded the ECoC Title from 2014 to 2018: An Overview

City of Valletta — 2014 — WHEEFA17FA99D

Ten European cities awarded the European Capital of Culture (ECoC) title from 2014 to 2018 demonstrated how culture-driven urban regeneration can serve as a catalyst for transformation, with Valletta and Leeuwarden representing the final cohort. The study reveals that these large-scale projects, rooted in diverse interpretations of 'culture,' such as openness (Pilsen), overcoming violence (San Sebastian), or rethinking societal structures (Aarhus), rely on substantial public and private investment. Analysis of bid books, budgets, and funding sources highlights the financial and conceptual frameworks underpinning these initiatives, offering insights into their potential for territorial regeneration.

Classical Swine Fever in Wild Hog: Report of its Prevalence in Northeast India

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary — 2014 — WHE1D891209A0

A first-of-its-kind study reports the prevalence of Classical Swine Fever (CSF) in wild hogs across Northeast India, marking a significant finding for the region's epidemiology. The research identified three isolated cases of CSF in wild hogs from Kaziranga, Manas, and Jaldapara National Parks, confirming the virus' presence through post-mortem analysis, histopathological findings, and detection of the CSFV genome in affected tissues. Additionally, CSF-specific antibodies were detected in two wild hogs and eighteen feral pigs, suggesting widespread exposure. Phylogenetic analysis linked the isolates to genotype 2.2 of Indian CSFV strains, highlighting potential implications for disease transmission dynamics in the region. This study provides critical insights into the epidemiology and biology of CSFV in wild animals, filling a significant gap in understanding its spread.

Classifying Complex Mountainous Forests with L-Band SAR and Landsat Data Integration: A Comparison among Different Machine Learning Methods in the Hyrcanian Forest

Hyrcanian Forests — 2014 — WHE3A87F557E3

Integrating L-band SAR and Landsat data significantly improves the classification accuracy of forest stand age classes in complex mountainous regions, such as the Hyrcanian Forest. The study found that combining these datasets achieves an overall accuracy (OA) of 86%, a notable improvement over using either dataset alone or traditional classifiers like maximum likelihood classification (MLC). Among machine learning methods, support vector machines (SVM) and random forest (RF) outperformed neural networks (NN), with SVM and RF showing the highest robustness and accuracy. Terrain correction was crucial, as non-corrected data failed to differentiate forest classes effectively (OA = 65%). The research highlights the potential of multisource remote sensing for precise forest classification in challenging terrains.

Climate change and related management issues in the mountains of Southeastern Europe – the Pirin National Park in Bulgaria

Pirin National Park — 2014 — WHEF38FA98ECB

Climate change in Pirin National Park, Bulgaria, is projected to significantly alter alpine ecosystems and their services, posing long-term threats. Research indicates that these changes could disrupt the region's biodiversity and environmental functions, necessitating proactive adaptive management strategies. The study evaluates vulnerability predictions and emphasizes the urgent need for conservation measures to mitigate potential impacts on this UNESCO World Heritage Site. By analyzing climate trends and ecological responses, the research provides a foundation for evidence-based management decisions in mountainous regions facing similar challenges.

Climate change underlies global demographic, genetic, and cultural transitions in pre-Columbian southern Peru

Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture — 2014 — WHE6EF3F5B81C

Research reveals that climate change drove significant demographic, genetic, and cultural shifts in pre-Columbian southern Peru. Using mitochondrial DNA from the Rio Grande de Nasca drainage (840 BC–1450 AD), Bayesian serial coalescent simulations demonstrated migrations from coastal valleys to the Andean highlands during increased climate variability around 640 AD, coinciding with the decline of the Nasca culture. A subsequent back-migration occurred post-1200 AD, linked to droughts in the highlands and improved coastal conditions after the collapse of the Wari and Tiwanaku empires, leading to genetic homogenization in the region.

Climate windows for Polynesian voyaging to New Zealand and Easter Island

Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands — 2014 — WHE7F36729097

A climate window during the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA, A.D. 800–1300) facilitated Polynesian voyaging to and from isolated East Polynesian islands, including New Zealand and Easter Island, by enabling off-wind sailing routes. The study used paleoclimate data assimilation to reconstruct Pacific wind patterns at bidecadal resolution, revealing that the intensification and poleward expansion of the subtropical anticyclone between A.D. 1140–1260 created favorable conditions for such voyages. This challenges the prevailing view that tradewind easterlies dominated prehistoric navigation, instead supporting the possibility of reliable off-wind sailing routes during this period.