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Showing 24781 – 24800 of 30345 publications

Drawdown and Dynamics of Groundwater Table in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Kathmandu Valley — 2014 — WHE6974EE76C6

Groundwater drawdown in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, averages 0.7249 meters annually, mirroring critical trends observed in Mexico City's alluvial deposits where subsidence is already a concern. This rapid depletion, driven by excessive groundwater extraction for domestic and industrial use, threatens water security and environmental stability, as nearly half the valley's population relies on these resources. The study employed linear regression modeling to analyze drawdown rates alongside standard deviation ranges, revealing a shift in drainage patterns toward the southwestern part of the valley. These findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable groundwater management to mitigate hydrological, hydrogeological, and environmental risks, including land subsidence and water scarcity.

Dune systems of the Namib Desert – a spatial and temporal perspective

Namib Sand Sea — 2014 — WHECF99CAD027

The Namib Sand Sea has been shaped by consistent aeolian processes over 15 million years under stable wind regimes and sediment supply. The extent and characteristics of its dune fields reflect regional variations in accommodation space, wind dynamics, and sediment availability. This study provides a spatial and temporal analysis of these dune systems, offering insights into their long-term evolution and the factors influencing their development.

Dynamic Change in Spring Habitat use by the Brown Eared Pheasant (Crossptilon mantchuricum) in the Huanglong Mountains, Yanan City, Shaanxi Province, China

Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2014 — WHECC7047EF0E

Research reveals that the brown eared pheasant (Crossoptilon mantchuricum), a threatened species, exhibits dynamic habitat preferences during spring, shifting between pre-breeding and breeding seasons in Huanglongshan Nature Reserve, China. During the pre-breeding season (February–May 2011), these birds favored mixed forests with intermediate sun exposure on gentle slopes (<10°), near water sources and footpaths, characterized by larger tree diameters, lower shrub density, reduced grass cover, and lower altitudes. Conversely, breeding-season habitats included slightly higher altitudes, increased shrub density, moderately steep slopes (10°–20°), and greater distance from water and paths. These shifts align with seasonal vegetation and food-resource availability, underscoring the need for adaptive conservation strategies to accommodate such habitat dynamics.

Dynamic Monitoring of Yin Xu Site by Remote Sensing

Yin Xu — 2014 — WHE25E9DC3E40

Remote sensing reveals that the protection planning system for Yin Xu, China's 3,300-year-old Shang Dynasty capital, has been effective but is threatened by rapid urban expansion. The study used aerial photo interpretations and field-validated classifications to monitor changes in settlements, riverways, roads, factories, and green areas from 1972 to 2010. While the heritage site's protection efforts have largely succeeded, adjacent construction has negatively impacted its preservation.

Dynamic Unfolding and the Conventions of Procedure: Geometric Proportioning Strategies in Gothic Architectural Design

Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Former Abbey of Saint-Rémi and Palace of Tau, Reims — 2014 — WHE6B462D6651

Gothic architectural design employs dynamic geometric proportioning strategies that differ fundamentally from classical methods. These strategies involve conventions of procedure governing the sequential unfolding of forms, creating a unique architectural order distinct from the static proportions seen in classical design. This study clarifies these often misunderstood practices by leveraging computer-aided design (CAD) software to analyze measured buildings and original design drawings, including the towers of Ulm and Freiburg, and cross-sections of cathedrals like Reims and Prague. By reconstructing step-by-step geometric sequences, the research provides a rigorous foundation for understanding Gothic proportion, challenging previous unreliable interpretations, such as those by Konrad Hecht.

Dynamics and trends of overwintering colonies of the monarch butterfly in Mexico

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve — 2014 — WHE39D6014A59

Monarch butterfly overwintering colonies in Mexico have experienced a significant decline, with the surface area occupied by butterflies dropping 44% between the 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 seasons—reaching the smallest recorded level in two decades. Only three of the 19 monitored colonies showed consistent presence throughout all seasons, while the total cumulative forest area used by monarchs was 106.53 hectares, with 83.68% within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. This decline is attributed to habitat loss due to herbicide use and land-use changes in the U.S., extreme climate conditions across North America, deforestation in Mexico, and unregulated tourism. The study underscores the urgent need for protection and restoration of overwintering sites and migratory habitats to conserve this iconic species.

Dynamics of Piton de la Fournaise volcano observed by passive image interferometry with multiple references

Pitons Management Area — 2014 — WHE82057F0B3D

A long-term increase in seismic velocities, averaging about 0.25% per year, has been identified at Piton de la Fournaise (PdF) volcano using passive image interferometry with multiple references. This trend is superimposed by short-term changes linked to summit seismo-tectonic earthquakes, indicating the influence of volcanic activity. Post-eruptive deflation periods show increased velocities associated with subsidence, while pre-eruptive inflation phases exhibit decreasing velocities. Seismic crises can correspond to either increasing or decreasing velocity depending on whether magma movement leads to deflation (due to eruption) or inflation (non-eruptive intrusion). The study suggests that these velocity changes reflect the dynamics of a shallow magma reservoir rather than surface eruptions, with the strongest effects observed in the central summit area. The research utilized 2010 and 2011 data from a network of 21 seismic stations to investigate these phenomena.

Early diagenetic processes generate iron and manganese oxide layers in the sediments of Lake Baikal, Siberia

Lake Baikal — 2014 — WHE8C536154F7

Research at Lake Baikal reveals that distinct iron and manganese oxide layers buried within sediments arise from early diagenetic processes, creating complex redox gradients. The study demonstrates that the dissolution of these oxides is closely linked to anaerobic methane oxidation (AOM), either through sulfate reduction or direct iron reduction, leading to sharp mineral boundaries in sediment cores. Additionally, anaerobic nitrification of ammonium was observed as an alternative pathway for Mn(IV) dissolution. Using filter tube samplers and portable capillary electrophoresis, the study elucidates the sequence of biogeochemical processes responsible for the formation, transformation, and dissolution of these layers, while also discussing their implications for sediment patterns and redox discontinuities.

Early Food Production in Southeast Asia

Ban Chiang Archaeological Site — 2014 — WHE8388FF373B

Recent archaeological research has revealed that Southeast Asia, particularly the Ban Chiang region, emerged as a significant center for early food production around 4500 years before present (bp), with notable advancements in rice and root crop domestication. This shift occurred post-bronze and iron introduction, marking a pivotal transition from foraging to agriculture. The study synthesizes existing data, including local and international publications, to address gaps in regional knowledge, as most research is concentrated in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines, with limited data from other Southeast Asian nations. Comparative analysis with well-dated sites like Ban Kao and Khok Phanom Di in Thailand provides a relative chronology, highlighting the region's role in global food production systems.

Early Silurian ‘algal meadows’ of Anticosti Island, eastern Canada: an analogue to modern sea grass meadows?

Anticosti — 2014 — WHE8D9CEB975B

Research on Anticosti Island, eastern Canada, reveals that Early Silurian thallophytic algal meadows may have functioned as significant carbon sinks, analogous to modern sea-grass meadows or kelp forests. This discovery suggests that these ancient algae played a crucial role in assimilating CO2 during the early Palaeozoic era, when complex life was predominantly marine and lacked the diversity of today's ecosystems. The study, based on well-preserved fossil records from Anticosti, proposes that thallophytic algae were major primary producers, contributing substantially to carbon sequestration despite their soft-bodied nature and sporadic fossil record.

Earthquake Damage and Repair: New Evidence from Jerusalem on the 1927 Jericho Earthquake

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2014 — WHE2464CD0FFE

A field survey in Jerusalem's Old City uncovered numerous iron anchors used to stabilize earthquake-damaged structures following the 1927 Jericho earthquake, revealing a previously undocumented repair technique. These anchors, classified into six types and found on pre-twentieth-century walls, were part of a strategy implemented by the British Mandate to reinforce weakened buildings. The study maps their locations, characterizes their host structures, and provides new evidence of the earthquake's impact on Jerusalem, located 30 km from the epicenter near the Dead Sea.

Eating and Drinking at the Royal Hospital of Mozambique Island: Medicine and Diet Change between the end of the 18th and the early 19th century

Island of Mozambique — 2014 — WHE84CCC484F2

European medical discourse significantly influenced hospital diets on Mozambique Island between the late 18th and early 19th centuries, leading to the exclusion of locally traditional dishes. The study reveals how culinary traditions from Indian, Portuguese, and African origins were integrated into the Royal Hospital's diet but were later reshaped by European medical practices. This shift reflects broader changes in colonial-era medical discourse and its impact on dietary customs across East Africa. The research approach combines historical analysis with culinary anthropology to trace these transformations, offering insights into the intersection of medicine, culture, and colonization.

Ecological Aspect of the Analysis of a Project for Economic Development of the Kurshskaya Kosa (Curonian Spit) National Park as a Specially Protected Natural Territory

Curonian Spit — 2014 — WHEEB563439F0

A critical analysis of economic development plans for the UNESCO-listed Curonian Spit National Park reveals that recreational activities risk degrading this fragile ecosystem. Using ecological economics principles, researchers demonstrate a need to reduce tourist load and refine methodologies for assessing park capacity. The study introduces non-financial indices, including degradation metrics, to evaluate environmental impacts while balancing socio-economic benefits. Comparative analysis, induction, synthesis, and mathematical modeling support findings that challenge conventional development approaches, advocating stricter ecological restrictions on infrastructure projects in protected areas. These insights directly inform policy recommendations, aiming to preserve the park's ecological integrity and improve the livelihoods of local communities.

Economics of marine protected areas

Lake Malawi National Park — 2014 — WHE5833E1BDA9

Marine protected areas (MPAs) can significantly enhance fishery benefits and economic value, particularly when fully protected. A study analyzing the bioeconomic impacts of MPAs, including Lake Malawi National Park, found that these areas contribute to sustainable fisheries by increasing fish stocks outside reserve boundaries—a phenomenon known as 'spill-over.' The research employed dynamic spatial models and game theory tools like Ecopath with Ecosim (Ecoseed) to evaluate costs and benefits. Findings indicate that well-designed MPAs can yield economic gains for local communities, even when accounting for implementation costs. This approach offers a cost-effective strategy for balancing conservation and fisheries management in regions like East and Southern Africa.

Ecosystem under restoration: a sustainable future for the cultural landscape of San Antonio River, Texas

San Antonio Missions — 2014 — WHE60FD0122AB

Urban river restoration can successfully reconcile flood protection with the preservation of cultural landscapes. The San Antonio River Improvement Project (SARIP) demonstrates that strategic ecosystem restoration, such as the Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration Project, can reverse the ecological and aesthetic impacts of mid-20th century channelization while enhancing the historic integrity of a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate. By analyzing SARIP's 13-mile river enhancement efforts (2001–2014), this study highlights how reintegrating natural river dynamics—such as meanders, floodplains, and riparian vegetation—can restore both ecological function and the ancestral relationship between land and water, as advocated by Leopold's 'land ethic'. The approach combines hydrological modeling with cultural landscape assessment to inform sustainable urban development.

Efecto de la heterogeneidad espacial y estacional del suelo sobre la abundancia de esporas de hongos micorrizógenos arbusculares en el valle semiárido de Tehuacán-Cuicatlán, México

Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica — 2014 — WHE1ACB1E109E

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) spores are significantly more abundant beneath the canopies of Mimosa species, forming resource islands (RIs), compared to open areas (OA) in the semi-arid Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley. This study reveals that AMF spores are most concentrated near the trunks of Mimosa trees, with decreasing abundance toward the canopy margins and OA. Seasonal variations also play a role, as spore numbers peak during the wet season and decline through the dry season. The findings highlight the importance of Mimosa RIs as reservoirs for AMF spores, which could enhance plant survival and establishment in nutrient-poor, semi-arid environments. This research underscores the ecological significance of AM fungi in shaping plant diversity across arid and temperate ecosystems.

Effect of Oriental beech root reinforcement on slope stability (Hyrcanian Forest, Iran)

Hyrcanian Forests — 2014 — WHE81AF3C21ED

Oriental beech roots significantly enhance slope stability in the Hyrcanian Forest, increasing the factor of safety by 27–44% for shallow soil layers (1 m) and 15–26% for deeper layers (2 m). Root reinforcement effects peak at 10–20 cm depth, boosting shear strength by up to 1.47 kPa. The study used the Wu model to quantify root distribution and tensile strength across slope gradients of 10–45°, revealing a power relationship between root diameter and strength (mean: 38.23 ± 1.19 MPa). Root benefits amplify with steeper slopes and thinner soil, highlighting their critical role in preventing shallow landslides.

Effect of Potassium Nitrate on Antioxidants Production of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in vitro

Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape — 2014 — WHE1D83084840

Research on date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia, reveals that potassium nitrate (KNO3) significantly influences antioxidant production and callus formation during somatic embryogenesis. The study found that while full KNO3 concentration optimizes general callus growth, half the concentration enhances phenolic compound formation and browning emergence across various date palm cultivars. Notably, the Shishi cultivar exhibited the highest phenolic content (2.053 ± 0.010a mg/g) and strong antioxidant activity when cultured with reduced KNO3 levels, with ABTS inhibition at 80.694 ± 0.439 and UM Trolox at 801.575 ± 2.391. This suggests a dose-dependent effect of KNO3 on both growth and antioxidant production in date palms, offering insights for optimizing cultivation techniques to maximize antioxidant yield.

Effect of wildlife damage on the life of people living around Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park — 2014 — WHE0F8B464D82

A significant burden of wildlife damage is imposed on local communities living near Kaziranga National Park, yet these costs are often overlooked at both international and national levels. The study reveals that people around the park face substantial losses from crop destruction, livestock deaths, and property damage caused by wild animals, leading to widespread dissatisfaction with park authorities. Unlike developed nations, compensation is not a viable solution in developing countries like India, where such damages are difficult to control. The research highlights that addressing this issue requires a two-pronged approach: implementing effective crop protection measures and providing alternative livelihood opportunities for affected communities. This would help foster local support for conservation efforts in conflict-ridden areas.

Effective spatial scales for evaluating environmental determinants of population density in Yakushima macaques

Yakushima — 2014 — WHEFC51ECC388

Research identifies the optimal spatial scale for assessing environmental factors influencing Yakushima macaque population density, finding that a 400-meter radius best correlates with group range size. The study highlights broad-leaved forests as positively impacting macaque density, while mixed forests and forestry areas negatively affect it. Conducted across 30 sites using data from 403 automatic cameras, the research evaluates natural vegetation types, altered habitats, hunting pressure, and feral dog densities. By employing generalized linear mixed models, the study emphasizes the need for simultaneous evaluation of all potential factors at appropriate spatial scales to inform effective conservation strategies.