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Showing 26161 – 26180 of 30315 publications

Effects of Long Term Hg Contamination on Soil Mercury Speciation and Soil Biological Activities

Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija — 2013 — WHECB2662E12B

Long-term mercury (Hg) contamination from the Idrija mining site, carried by the Isonzo River for centuries, does not appear to significantly stress soil biological activities despite high Hg levels. A study found that while total Hg concentrations ranged from 0.2 to 80 μg g–1 near the riverbanks, most soil microbial biomass and activities remained unaffected, except for arylsulphatase and acid phosphatase, which showed negative correlations with Hg. Elemental mercury and mercuric sulfide dominated the speciation. Among plants, Rubus spp. exhibited notable Hg uptake (up to 1 μg g–1). Though microbial resilience suggests limited ecological impact, Hg transfer through the food chain remains a concern.

Effects of photoperiod on egg production in Eurytemora affinis Poppe, 1880 (Copepoda: Calanoida) from the Seine Estuary (France)

Paris, Banks of the Seine — 2013 — WHE08EBB149B0

Research on the calanoid copepod Eurytemora affinis in the Seine Estuary reveals that short photoperiods (≤12 hours of light) and constant darkness can induce diapausing egg production, with a maximum of 6% observed under these conditions. This finding suggests that E. affinis, a key species in the estuary's mesozooplanktonic community, employs an egg bank strategy for long-term survival or adverse condition resilience. The study used an experimental device combining five photoperiods and two temperatures to assess diapausing egg production across two clutches, also noting a significant increase in non-viable eggs between clutches. While photoperiod is a key factor, other environmental variables likely influence this reproductive strategy. The observed diapausing egg percentage (7%) aligns with natural sediment samples from the estuary, supporting the hypothesis of an adaptive survival mechanism.

Effects of repeated fires on native plant community development at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — 2013 — WHEB06A1F03B6

Repeated wildfires in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park's mesic and wet forests can shift ecosystems into treeless, less-desirable stable states by overwhelming community resilience. Unlike single fires that top-kill dominant trees like Metrosideros polymorpha (which often survive via basal sprouting) and reduce native tree fern (Cibotium glaucum) survival, repeated fires drastically increase mortality by killing these resprouts. Post-fire understorey composition also diverges unexpectedly from once-burned or unburned forests, with aggressive herbaceous species rapidly occupying space, potentially stalling native forest recovery. The study highlights how feedback processes post-fire may lock ecosystems into novel states, delaying or preventing natural succession.

Effects of restriction of wild herbivore movement on woody and herbaceous vegetation in the Okavango Delta Botswana

Okavango Delta — 2013 — WHEA66508CBB6

Restricting wild herbivore movement via fencing in Botswana's Okavango Delta has significantly reduced woody plant cover and diversity on the wildlife management side, compared to tribal grazing areas. A study found that woody vegetation was nearly halved (P = 0.011), with lower diversity (P = 0.004) due to concentrated herbivore activity, despite minimal changes in herbaceous layers. The research used paired vegetation surveys along the southern Buffalo Fence, sampling 20 sites every 2 km, with quadrats for herbaceous and woody plants. While the fence may benefit some herbivore species, it appears to detrimentally impact overall plant diversity.

Effects Of Sea Otter Colonization On Soft-Sediment Intertidal Prey Assemblages In Glacier Bay, Alaska

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2013 — WHE6CDA362FFA

Sea otter recolonization in Glacier Bay, Alaska, has demonstrated significant top-down structuring of soft-sediment intertidal prey assemblages over a multi-decadal timescale. As sea otter densities increased from zero to over 8,500 individuals between 1993 and 2012, clam populations showed a 50% probability of decline at densities of approximately 6 otters per km², with preferred prey species like Saxidomus giganteus declining even at lower densities (<2 otters per km²). Energy recovery rates for otters decreased significantly with increasing otter density, indicating that higher predator densities require more energy expenditure. The study, which sampled 45 intertidal sites before and after otter colonization, found consistent effects on clam populations similar to those observed in other habitats, highlighting the broader ecological impact of sea otters as a top predator.

Eighteen Lectures on Dunhuang

Mogao Caves — 2013 — WHEEAC9E771BB

A monumental discovery in the Mogao Caves near Dunhuang in 1900 uncovered a medieval monastic library, hidden since the 11th century. This trove of manuscripts, initially sold to foreign scholars, revolutionized multiple academic fields by providing unprecedented firsthand material from China's middle period. 'Eighteen Lectures on Dunhuang' offers the first English summary of this transformative field, tracing its history and scholarly contributions. The book bridges Eastern and Western scholarship, synthesizing decades of research into an accessible overview for academics and educated readers alike.

Eine Aussicht auf Reval (Tallinn) samt ihrer Befestigungen

Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn — 2013 — WHEFBECED0640

A 19th-century oil painting by Karl (Carl) Ferdinand von Kügelgen offers one of the most historically accurate and artistically significant depictions of Tallinn's fortifications, revealing insights into its urban and military landscape during the early 1800s. The work, housed in Estonia's Art Museum, stands out for its realist style, contrasting with Kügelgen's usual Classicist approach, and provides a detailed portrayal of the city's earthen entrenchments and defensive structures, including the Nunnavall, which may have been constructed during the Livonian War (1558–1583). The painting also captures the spatial separation between the medieval city center and its surrounding Russian Empire fortifications. While Tallinn's Old Town and city wall remain largely intact today, the entrenchments depicted in the artwork have since been leveled to create parks. This study, conducted by Ragnar Nurk, leverages art historical analysis and archival research to interpret the painting's significance as both a cultural artifact and a historical document.

Einleitung : für eine transnationale Geschichte der Museumsinsel

Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin — 2013 — WHE1F7693BF53

Museum Island (Museumsinsel), Berlin, stands as a unique global cultural hub with deep transnational significance, yet its international allure is often understated by local comparisons to the Louvre. While one-third of current visitors are foreigners, historical visitor data is scarce, leaving gaps in understanding cross-cultural engagement. The study employs qualitative analysis of notable figures—such as Mary Shelley, Guillaume Apollinaire, Samuel Beckett, and Charlie Chaplin—to illustrate the island's emotional and intellectual resonance worldwide. It challenges simplistic comparisons to Parisian institutions, emphasizing its distinct historical, aesthetic, and architectural identity. This approach reveals how Museum Island transcends national narratives, fostering a transnational dialogue that defies linear historical or collection-based parallels.

El Hipogeo Neolitico de Badde de Janas (Putifigari, Cerdeña, Italia): Una Nueva Domus de Janas Con Representaciòn Del Techo

Funerary Tradition in the Prehistory of Sardinia – The domus de janas — 2013 — WHE1805847FA8

A newly discovered Neolithic hypogeum, Badde de Janas in Sardinia, features a realistic depiction of a double-sloped roof within its main chamber, mirroring the design of domestic structures. This finding challenges assumptions about the scarcity of rectangular dwellings in Neolithic Sardinia and suggests that such representations may instead symbolize cult buildings, akin to the 'Red Temple' at Monte d'Accoddi. The study compares this tomb with nearby S’Incantu, reinforcing its significance as a possible ritual or ceremonial space rather than a direct representation of contemporary housing.

El lenguaje visual de la arquitectura-escultura de la zona arqueológica del Tajín, patrimonio de la humanidad

El Tajin, Pre-Hispanic City — 2013 — WHED05A66F16E

El Tajín reveals a sophisticated visual language through its architecture and sculpture that encapsulates the cultural and cosmological thought of its ancient inhabitants. This study identifies recurring formal elements, compositional structures, morphological patterns, and aesthetic canons in representative buildings, providing new insights into their iconographic and iconological significance. The research employs structuralist and formalist analysis, supported by linear drawings to clarify visual components, allowing for a detailed examination of both individual units and overall building morphology. By contextualizing El Tajín within Mesoamerica's historical, social, and religious landscape, the study underscores the enduring relevance of its visual language today, contributing to its preservation and restoration efforts.

El trabajo en las minas de Guanajuato durante la segunda mitad del siglo xviii

Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines — 2013 — WHE05CCAA8E12

During the second half of the 18th century, labor practices in Guanajuato's mines were shaped by state-led mining modernization, which imposed forced labor and stringent regulations. This study reveals that despite the diversity of trades among workers, their development was constrained by a complex system of labor control involving both state intervention and corporate influence. The findings highlight how these measures limited workforce growth in one of the era's most advanced industrial sectors.

Electrophoretic Analysis of Protein Patterns in Date Palm “Khalas” Cultivar Leaflets Among Different Locations of Al-Ahsa

Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape — 2013 — WHE48C3F45018

A study analyzing protein patterns in date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) leaflets from 10 locations within Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia, revealed distinct genetic variations among the 'Khalas' cultivar. Using SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and clustering methods like NJ and UPGMA, researchers identified three major clusters, with Cluster 1 potentially representing the original 'Khalas' cultivar due to its monomorphic protein patterns. Clusters 2 and 3 showed unique or low-protein-content bands, suggesting genetic divergence likely from seed propagation. The findings underscore the importance of identifying the original cultivar to preserve superior traits in cultivated trees, though further genetic and biochemical studies are recommended for confirmation.

Elephant effect on forest physical structure and plant species composition in Salonga and Malebo (Lac Tumba landscape), Democratic Republic of Congo

Salonga National Park — 2013 — WHE67E8AB5E5A

A study on Salonga National Park and Malebo in the Democratic Republic of Congo reveals that forest elephants significantly influence understorey openness, with 94% of it positively correlated to elephant abundance. The research also found that elephant trails create distinct plant species gradients: fruit-bearing plants, which are dispersed by elephants, decline within 20 meters of trail centers, while leaf-browsed plants increase, suggesting dynamic trail movement over time. Projections indicate a potential fourth optimum point at 76 meters from the trail center, where both plant types would be absent. Based on these findings, the study concludes that a minimum corridor width of 150±2 meters is necessary to connect fragmented elephant habitats effectively.

Emergence and Evolution of Territorial States in Qatar and Bahrain

Al Zubarah Archaeological Site — 2013 — WHE0DD06C30DB

A complex territorial dispute between Qatar and Bahrain over maritime boundaries, involving islands, shoals (fashts), and the district of Zubarah in Qatar, has hindered boundary delimitation. The study explores the historical emergence and evolution of territorial states in the region, shedding light on the intricate geopolitical dynamics that have shaped the Persian Gulf's security landscape. By analyzing archival records and legal documents, researchers trace the origins of these disputes, providing a nuanced understanding of how territorial claims have evolved over time. This work highlights the interplay between historical narratives and modern geopolitical strategies in the context of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Emergence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka 2008–2011

Ancient City of Polonnaruwa — 2013 — WHE9014C17AA9

A significant rise in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) cases was observed in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, between 2008 and 2011, with an annual incidence of 26.2 per 100,000 population. The study identified clear spatial and temporal clustering, with cases peaking monthly from August to November and geographically concentrated in three administrative divisions, where incidence ranged from 94.7 to 54.1 per 100,000. Males were disproportionately affected (65.9%), and nodules and crusts were the most common lesion types, primarily located on upper limbs or the face. The research analyzed data from 362 patients, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance in Sri Lanka to address this emerging health concern.

Emergence of diversity

Vredefort Dome — 2013 — WHEDD1864C530

The Orosirian Period (2.05 to 1.8 billion years ago) marked the emergence of eukaryotes, coinciding with a temperate climate and significant geological activity, including two major meteor impacts—Vredefort in South Africa and Sudbury in Canada. This era saw the rise of the eukaryote last common ancestor (ELCA), which competed with established prokaryotes within biofilms. The study highlights how revolutionary evolutionary advances often occur in small, localized environments, emphasizing the competitive dynamics between ELCA and its prokaryotic predecessors. The research sheds light on the critical transition from prokaryotic dominance to eukaryotic diversification during a pivotal chapter in Earth's history.

Emergence of Spatial Patterns in a Simple Model of Wetland Ecosystem: Application to Keoladeo National Park (KNP), India

Keoladeo National Park — 2013 — WHEC39825A2D6

A stable spatial pattern emerges in wetland ecosystems, such as Keoladeo National Park (KNP), where 'good biomass' persists despite the dynamic presence of 'bad biomass.' The study identifies critical parameters—growth rate and carrying capacity for bad biomass, along with carrying capacity and half-saturation constant for good biomass—that determine ecosystem health. Using a diffusion-based model, researchers simulated spatiotemporal dynamics and analyzed stability, revealing how these factors influence species persistence or extinction. Computer simulations further highlighted the role of these parameters in maintaining ecological balance.

Emergency assessment of post-fire debris-flow hazards for the 2013 Rim Fire, Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park — 2013 — WHE13DB96EFD3

A high probability of significant debris-flow hazards exists within and downstream of the 2013 Rim Fire burn area in Yosemite National Park and the Stanislaus National Forest, California. Empirical models predict a 60-80% likelihood of debris flows in 28 out of 1,238 drainage basins following a 10-year recurrence interval rainstorm, with 901 basins potentially generating over 10,000 cubic meters of debris. These findings highlight the moderate risk to nearby populations, infrastructure, wildlife, and water resources, emphasizing the need for vigilance regarding weather forecasts and adherence to evacuation orders.

Empleo de plantas medicinales en usuarios de dos hospitales referenciales del Cusco, Perú

City of Cuzco — 2013 — WHE1248D2B5B9

A significant majority of patients at two major hospitals in Cusco, Peru, reported using medicinal plants, with 83.2% having used them at some point and 75.3% within the last month. Notably, 85.7% expressed a desire for physicians to prescribe these plants during consultations. The study, conducted between August and September 2011, employed a non-probabilistic sampling method involving 250 participants and identified digestive, urinary, and respiratory issues as the most common conditions treated with medicinal plants. This cross-sectional research highlights the widespread integration of traditional medicine alongside conventional healthcare in Cusco, suggesting a potential for greater collaboration between modern medical systems and traditional practices.

Endophytic Xylariaceae from the forests of Western Ghats, southern India: distribution and biological activities

Western Ghats — 2013 — WHE2C98D93738

A study of the Western Ghats' forests revealed that endophytic fungi from the Xylariaceae family, found in 49 tree species across dry thorn and stunted montane evergreen habitats, exhibit dual life strategies. These fungi thrive as both endophytes within leaves and saprotrophs on plant litter, producing enzymes like cellulase, laccase, and lipase. Molecular analysis identified most isolates as belonging to Xylaria or Nemania, while their extracts showed inhibitory effects against fungi, bacteria, and algae, suggesting competitive advantages in forest floor ecosystems. The study highlights the potential of these fungi for biotechnological applications due to their unique ecological roles.