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Showing 25861 – 25880 of 30315 publications

Access to improved water and its relationship with diarrhoea in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal: a cross-sectional study

Kathmandu Valley — 2013 — WHEF7DC8C480E

In the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, access to sufficient water—regardless of source—significantly reduces the risk of diarrhoea compared to inadequate water consumption. A study analyzing data from 2,282 households found that those consuming less than the WHO-recommended 100 liters per capita daily faced up to a 2.92-fold higher risk of diarrhoea. Additionally, households relying on alternative water sources alongside improved water had an 1.81-fold increased likelihood of illness. These findings held true even after accounting for socioeconomic factors, water treatment practices, and sanitation facilities, suggesting that ensuring adequate water quantity is critical in preventing diarrhoea, particularly in densely populated urban areas.

Achieving Ground Water Sustainability in Iran through Qanat Rejuvenation

The Persian Qanat — 2013 — WHEE166D3AF35

Rejuvenation of ancient Persian qanats offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for groundwater management in arid regions, outperforming conventional dams. The study highlights that floodwater spreading and artificial groundwater recharge (ARG) can restore 30,000 desiccated qanats while preserving aquifers, unlike dams which face issues like sedimentation, evaporation, and high costs. Long-term ARG projects demonstrate that maintaining constant flow in qanats ensures groundwater sustainability, providing a viable alternative for water-short regions with suitable geological conditions.

Acoustic evaluation of the cathedral of Seville as a concert hall and proposals for improving the acoustic quality perceived by listeners

Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville — 2013 — WHE39EBCBD51D

Researchers have identified key acoustic modifications to enhance the cathedral of Seville's performance as a concert hall, improving subjective sound quality for listeners. By simulating and calibrating acoustic models based on in-situ measurements, the study proposed a new audience layout for 1500 people and corrective measures that align with the cathedral's historical significance while optimizing parameters like early decay time, perceived sound level, clarity, and spatial sensation. These findings offer practical solutions to balance heritage preservation with modern acoustic standards.

Active eukaryotes in microbialites from Highborne Cay, Bahamas, and Hamelin Pool (Shark Bay), Australia

Shark Bay, Western Australia — 2013 — WHE00DFF03B5A

A study of microbialites at Highborne Cay, Bahamas, and Hamelin Pool (Shark Bay), Australia, reveals significant novel eukaryotic diversity within these organosedimentary structures. Using RNA-based sequencing to focus on active organisms, researchers identified diverse communities dominated by stramenopiles, alveolates, metazoans, amoebozoans, and rhizarians, with many sequences showing less than 80% similarity to known GenBank entries. Notably, Hamelin Pool exhibited particularly high levels of novel eukaryotic diversity, possibly linked to its hypersaline conditions. The study also found vertical structuring in protist populations and highlighted greater foraminiferal diversity in bioturbated thrombolite mats at Highborne Cay, suggesting complex interactions between eukaryotes and sedimentary fabrics that may influence microbialite formation.

Active sinking at the bottom of the Rincón de Parangueo Maar (Guanajuato, México) and its probable relation with subsidence faults at Salamanca and Celaya

Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines — 2013 — WHE3A5BE7E094

Research at the Rincón de Parangueo Maar, a Quaternary maar in Guanajuato, Mexico, reveals active sinking at its lakebed with a fault displacement rate of approximately 50 cm/year—significantly higher than regional subsidence faults. The study identifies an annular normal fault system and evidence of rotational slides, planar slides, and rollover anticlines, suggesting dynamic sediment mass movement toward the crater's depocenter. Abundant evaporites in the playa-lake sediments imply salt dissolution and brine infiltration may contribute to this process, potentially linked to aquifer subsidence or diatreme activity. The findings contrast with other dried crater-lakes in the region, highlighting unique deformation mechanisms at Rincón de Parangueo.

Adapting the Scottish tenement to twenty‐first century standards

Old and New Towns of Edinburgh — 2013 — WHEC7634BB283

A post-occupancy evaluation of a 19th-century sandstone tenement block in Edinburgh, adapted for modern energy standards, revealed both successes and challenges. The project integrated low-carbon technologies—such as internal insulation, ground-source heat pumps with underfloor heating, sunspaces, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR)—to reduce energy consumption while preserving the building's historic form and appearance. Despite these innovations, the study found higher-than-expected energy use and instances of poor indoor environmental quality due to system malfunctions and user interactions. These findings highlight critical gaps in designing energy-efficient refurbishments for heritage buildings, particularly regarding occupant health concerns and long-term performance. The research underscores the need for more rigorous design approaches and further investigation into balancing carbon reduction goals with building sustainability.

Adaptive Reuse in the Traditional Neighbourhood of the Old City Sana’a -Yemen

Old City of Sana'a — 2013 — WHECE2CBC874B

Adaptive reuse in Sana'a's traditional neighborhoods, such as Hara Al-Abhar, has shown mixed outcomes. While it boosts household income and revitalizes local handicrafts, increased vehicular access and the conversion of public spaces into parking areas disrupt residents' privacy, particularly for women, who retreat indoors. The study employed on-site spatial observations, measurements, and structured interviews to assess these impacts, revealing a complex balance between economic benefits and social consequences in preserving the cultural heritage of Yemen's Old City.

Additional Evidence for Morpho-Dimensional Tooth Crown Variation in a New Indonesian H. erectus Sample from the Sangiran Dome (Central Java)

Sangiran Early Man Site — 2013 — WHEF2D08D62D1

A new analysis of fifteen previously unreported or briefly described human fossil teeth from the Sangiran Dome, Central Java, reveals significant morpho-dimensional variation and time-related structural reduction in Javanese Homo erectus. The sample, primarily composed of permanent molars with one incisor and one premolar, shows a marked decrease in mesiodistal diameter, frequent loss or reduction of the lower molar distal cusp (hypoconulid), and more square occlusal outlines. Additionally, it exhibits a low frequency of the Y-groove pattern, dominated instead by X and + patterns—a rare combination in Lower to early Middle Pleistocene paleoanthropological records but observed in Chinese H. erectus and H. heidelbergensis. This suggests complex intermittent exchanges between continental and insular Southeast Asia during the Pleistocene.

Adranosite-(Fe), (NH4)4NaFe2(SO4)4Cl(OH)2, a new ammonium sulfate chloride from La Fossa Crater, Vulcano, Aeolian Islands, Italy

Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) — 2013 — WHED7BF6B9266

Researchers have discovered adranosite-(Fe), a new mineral with the ideal formula (NH4)4NaFe2(SO4)4Cl(OH)2, at La Fossa Crater on Vulcano Island in the Aeolian Islands, Italy. This iron-rich analogue of adranosite forms pale yellow acicular crystals and is structurally characterized by NaO4Cl2 square tetragonal bipyramids linked through helicoidal chains with composition [FeO4(OH)2SO4]n. The mineral's discovery sheds light on its formation in high-temperature, anthropogenic environments, similar to those found in coal dumps. The study employed single-crystal X-ray diffraction and chemical analysis to elucidate its structure, density (measured: 2.18(1) g/cm³; calculated: 2.195 g/cm³), and optical properties, including uniaxial negative birefringence with ω = 1.58(1) and ε = 1.57(1). This finding expands the known mineralogy of volcanic environments and highlights the significance of anthropogenic influences on mineral formation.

Advanced Representation Technologies Applied to the Temple of Neptune, the Sphinx and the Metope in the Archaeological Park of Paestum

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula — 2013 — WHE23E923D4DA

Advanced representation technologies, including surveying and 3D modeling, significantly enhance the vulnerability assessment of historic structures within UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This study demonstrates how these techniques can be applied to optimize preventive conservation strategies for the Temple of Neptune, the Sphinx, and the Metope in Paestum's Archaeological Park. By accurately detecting risk situations, such methods enable minimally invasive maintenance practices, improving both economic efficiency and cultural preservation outcomes. The research highlights the potential of systematic 3D modeling to streamline restoration cycles while minimizing intervention costs.

Adventures, hardship and a scientific legacy: Ludwig Leichhardt’s 1843 journey to Mt Royal in the Hunter Valley, NSW.

Gondwana Rainforests of Australia — 2013 — WHEFEEC119C15

Ludwig Leichhardt's 1843 expedition to Mt Royal, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, reveals a largely unchanged landscape and rich scientific legacy. His diary and herbarium records document plant and animal species, specimens collected, and landscape descriptions that provide insight into his early botanical exploration. The study highlights the significance of Leichhardt's plant specimens in Sydney and Melbourne herbaria, relating to his lesser-known journey from Newcastle to Moreton Bay. This expedition offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by 19th-century naturalists while underscoring the enduring value of Leichhardt's contributions to natural history.

Affinities of Sponges (Porifera) of the Marquesas and Society Islands, French Polynesia

Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands — 2013 — WHE7A3613BDDE

A comparative analysis of sponge faunas from the Marquesas and Society Islands in French Polynesia reveals significant differences between these archipelagos, with only four shared species out of 75. The Marquesas, dominated by Poecilosclerida, exhibit taxonomic diversity akin to remote Hawaiian fauna, while the Society Islands, rich in Dictyoceratida, reflect their coral reef and lagoon environments. Multivariate statistical analyses show closest faunal similarities between these islands and other southwestern Pacific regions like Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia, with minimal overlap observed with geographically isolated areas such as Palau or the Great Barrier Reef. This study highlights the unique biogeographical affinities of French Polynesian sponge communities, offering insights into their ecological adaptations.

Alaska jako przykład obszaru recepcji turystycznej

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2013 — WHE151BD23F51

Alaska, with its vast expanse of 1,717,854 km² and sparse population density of 0.5 persons/km², stands out as a prime example of a tourist reception area due to its unique natural landscapes. The state's diverse topography, characterized by glaciers, active volcanoes, fjords, and towering mountains, attracts approximately 2 million visitors annually, significantly impacting the U.S. tourism economy. This study highlights Alaska's role in shaping global tourism trends, driven by its protected areas, including eight national parks and numerous monuments. The research underscores the importance of these natural wonders in fostering sustainable economic growth through tourism.

Alban Horry, Poteries de Lyon 1500-1850 - Morceaux choisis du quotidien à Saint-Georges

Historic Site of Lyon — 2013 — WHEDBD3875CFD

Archaeological excavations at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lyon, conducted between 2002 and 2004 during the construction of Parc Saint-Georges, uncovered the largest collection of post-medieval ceramics in the city. This exceptional assemblage, discarded by residents along the Saône River, provides unprecedented insight into the evolution of everyday pottery from the 16th to the 19th century. The findings reveal shifts in ceramic production, design, and usage, reflecting broader socio-economic changes during this period. The study, led by Alban Horry of Inrap, combines detailed ceramic analysis with historical context to offer a comprehensive view of Lyon's material culture.

Alimentación y reproducción de las principales especies ícticas del río Mesay durante el período de “aguas altas”

Chiribiquete National Park – “The Maloca of the Jaguar” — 2013 — WHE332E040F4F

During the high-water season, migratory fish species in the Mesay floodplain-river complex of Chiribiquete National Park, Colombia, exhibit feeding and reproductive behaviors that align with those observed in other Amazonian environments. The study, conducted between July and September 2000, identified 79 fish species from 15 families, with fruits and seeds as their primary dietary components. Approximately 46% of the captured fish were near maturity, while 35% were fully mature, suggesting that this period is critical for accumulating fat reserves necessary for gonadal maturation and breeding migrations. The research highlights the floodplain's role in providing abundant food resources and refuges during high-water levels, supporting the reproductive success of these species.

Almejas en golfos norpatagónicos, Argentina: Disponibilidad trófica para aves playeras migratorias

Península Valdés — 2013 — WHEA38E948EC0

Península Valdés, Argentina, provides sufficient clam abundance to support migratory shorebirds during their stopover period. The study found that the clams Darina solenoides and Tellina petitiana, particularly those measuring 3–18 mm in length, serve as key trophic resources for these birds. Benthic sampling across three beaches (Fracasso, Blancas, and Colombo) revealed that Fracasso beach offered the most suitable clam sizes for shorebirds, followed by Blancas beach. The research estimates population parameters such as spatial distribution, density, and age structure to assess the region's potential as a foraging site, highlighting its ecological importance for migratory species.

Altertumskundliches Wissen in Weimar

Classical Weimar — 2013 — WHE02B7E26929

This study reveals the profound impact of archaeological knowledge, particularly after Winckelmann's death, on German classicism and romanticism. Using Classical Weimar as a case study, it demonstrates how rapidly disseminating antiquarian knowledge shaped the perception of the ancient world during the Age of Goethe. The research approach involves analyzing the influence of archaeological discoveries and their integration into literary and artistic expressions, providing new insights into the cultural development of the period.

Ambient noise surface wave tomography of the Iranian Plateau

Lut Desert — 2013 — WHEE5B59F7811

A prominent low-velocity zone beneath the central Alborz mountain range, characterized by high topography, suggests elevated crustal temperatures within a thin lithosphere. This finding, derived from ambient noise surface wave tomography, provides new insights into the crustal structure of the Iranian Plateau. The study employed the fast marching surface tomography (FMST) method to generate 2-D group and phase velocity maps using data from permanent broad-band and mid-band seismometers. Shear wave velocities were also estimated, revealing significant lateral variations in crustal thickness. Notably, the research highlights crustal thickening beneath the Zagros Fold and Thrust Belt, Sanandaj-Sirjan metamorphic Zone, and Lut Desert, contrasting with crustal thinning observed under the Kavir Desert and Urmieh-Dokhtar Magmatic Arc. The suture zone resulting from the subduction of the Arabian plate is also inferred along the boundary of these regions.

Amphibia, Anura, Bufonidae, Rhinella manu Chaparro, Pramuk and Gluesenkamp, 2007; Rhinella tacana Padial, Reichle, Mcdiarmid and de la Riva, 2006: distribution extension and country record from southern Peru

Manú National Park — 2013 — WHE3A47445EDF

A significant expansion of known distribution ranges for two arboreal toad species, Rhinella manu and Rhinella tacana, has been documented in southern Peru. The study reports the first record of Rhinella tacana in Peru, extending its range by approximately 582 km, while also providing a substantial distribution extension (235 km) for Rhinella manu beyond its type locality in Manu National Park. These findings were derived from surveys conducted in montane forests, offering critical insights into the ecological range and conservation status of these species. The research underscores the importance of continued fieldwork in understudied regions to refine our understanding of biodiversity distribution.

An annotated checklist of parasitic lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera) from the Galápagos Islands

Galápagos Islands — 2013 — WHE8BE3D28935

A comprehensive annotated checklist identifies 104 species and subspecies of parasitic lice from the Galápagos Islands, including 26 new species records and eight new genus records. The study reveals 17 endemic species (16 bird-associated, one mammal), 79 native species, and eight introduced by humans, while correcting nine misassigned species in prior literature. It also documents 17 new host-louse associations, providing detailed taxonomic histories, distributions, and biogeographical statuses for each valid species. Additionally, the research designates four lectotypes from the Kellogg Collection, contributing significantly to the understanding of louse biodiversity and host-parasite dynamics in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.