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Noi cercetari la Porolissum / New Researches at Porolissum

Frontiers of the Roman Empire – Dacia — 2013 — WHEAA878C6249

Archaeological research at Porolissum, a Roman fort in Dacia, has identified a previously unknown ballistarium—a specialized building for storing artillery projectiles and war machines. Excavations between 2010 and 2012 uncovered a 25 × 10-meter structure near the fort's main gate, characterized by five distinct habitation layers dating from AD 140 to 180/190. The discovery of approximately 90 stone projectiles (9 cm diameter) and other military artifacts, along with parallels from British auxiliary forts, confirms its role as a ballistarium. Additionally, geophysical surveys revealed extensive civilian habitation, including large stone buildings and dwellings, expanding knowledge of the Roman town municipium Septimium Porolissensis.

Nonlinear effects of group size on collective action and resource outcomes

Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains — 2013 — WHEAB71EC6D5C

A nonlinear relationship between group size and collective action, particularly forest monitoring, has been identified, with intermediate-sized groups (neither too small nor too large) demonstrating the highest levels of cooperation and leading to the greatest gains in forest cover. This finding challenges previous assumptions about group dynamics and suggests that both direct and indirect effects of group size influence outcomes. The study analyzed data from Wolong Nature Reserve since 1995, controlling for confounding factors. It proposes strategies to enhance collective action and resource management, such as punishing free-riding behavior, improving enforcement and social capital, and facilitating self-selection during group formation. These insights offer practical guidance for the governance of common-pool resources, including those in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries.

Northern Colorado Plateau piñon‐juniper woodland decline over the past century

Mesa Verde National Park — 2013 — WHE3EDD4EE884

A century-long decline in piñon-juniper woodlands on the Northern Colorado Plateau, including areas near Mesa Verde National Park, has been attributed to increased fire frequency since Euro-American settlement. Analysis of General Land Office survey records and modern datasets revealed net declines of 3–7% in piñon-juniper woodlands and 12–19% in montane shrublands, with corresponding increases in sagebrush shrublands (16–26%). Fire rotations, both natural and human-caused, have shortened to 188–216 years, contradicting the expectation that fire exclusion would lengthen them. Cheatgrass expansion, linked to shorter fire rotations in sagebrush, threatens landscape stability. To restore historical vegetation patterns, managers are advised to reduce intentional burning, minimize human-set fires, and control cheatgrass. These findings suggest that without intervention, the region may transition to a landscape dominated by early seral sagebrush and grassland, outside its historical range of variability.

Northernmost record of Shepherd’s beaked whale (Tasmacetus shepherdi) – a morphological and genetic description from a stranding from Shark Bay, Western Australia.

Shark Bay, Western Australia — 2013 — WHED0D6D08594

A dead Shepherd’s beaked whale (Tasmacetus shepherdi), a species with one of the least understood distributions among cetaceans, was found on a beach in Shark Bay, Western Australia, extending its known range northward to 26°20′S—the northernmost record for this species. Genetic analysis confirmed the identification, while age estimation via tooth dentine growth layers suggested the specimen was between 12 and 15 years old. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about T. shepherdi’s circumpolar distribution in temperate Southern Hemisphere waters (33°S–50°S) and provides critical data on its range, morphology, and genetics.

Notes on food of Capricornis milneedwardsii in the Cat Ba archipelago, Hai Phong, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago — 2013 — WHEC9B3D024A2

Research identifies at least 33 plant species, primarily shrubs from secondary evergreen moist forests on limestone, as key dietary components for the Southwest China serow (Capricornis milneedwardsii) in Vietnam's Cat Ba Archipelago. The study, combining ranger interviews and field surveys, reveals that these plants—many with medicinal or edible value—are under severe local exploitation, posing potential threats to the species' survival. As a browser, the serow predominantly consumes leaves and twigs of low-growing vegetation, highlighting its specialized foraging behavior in limestone ecosystems.

Numerical Analysis of Sediment Transport in Amitori Bay, Iriomote Island, Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2013 — WHE710A0324F9

A numerical analysis of sediment transport in Amitori Bay, Iriomote Island, Japan, reveals distinct seasonal patterns and the impact of extreme weather events on sediment distribution. During summer, sediment particles from the eastern reef are more prevalent than those from the western reef, while winter shows an almost equal distribution between both reefs. Extreme events like Typhoon 1109 and heavy rainfall lead to widespread sediment dispersion across the bay due to strong winds and increased river flow. The study used a multi-sigma coordinate coastal ocean model (CCM) to simulate water movement under varying conditions, followed by particle tracking analysis to assess sediment transport dynamics.

Nutrient dynamics in the Sundarbans mangrove estuarine system of Bangladesh under different weather and tidal cycles

The Sundarbans — 2013 — WHEADA00AA2CB

Nutrient levels in the Sundarbans mangrove estuarine system of Bangladesh exhibit significant seasonal and tidal variations, with monsoon periods characterized by elevated phosphate, sulfate, and ammonia concentrations alongside reduced dissolved oxygen and salinity. Unlike other areas, the western Sundarbans experiences limited freshwater input during monsoons, which mitigates variability in nutrient dynamics. The study analyzed water samples from six locations across high and low tides during post-monsoon, winter, and monsoon seasons (2010–2011), revealing distinct seasonal patterns in nitrate, phosphate, sulfate, and ammonia levels without consistent tidal fluctuations. These findings advance the understanding of nutrient distribution seasonality and its potential tidal influence, offering critical data for the sustainable management of coastal mangrove ecosystems.

O centro histórico de Lima, Peru: novos usos da Rua Jirón de La Unión

Historic Centre of Lima — 2013 — WHEC025CAB058

A predominant commercial use characterizes the current landscape of Jirón de la Unión Street, a central artery within Lima's Historic Centre. This finding emerges from a study that employed bibliographical, cartographic, photographic, and documentary surveys alongside fieldwork to analyze land use and urban scenery. The research, conducted by Gregório de Andrade and Morais Soares (2013), sheds light on the evolving dynamics of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where patrimonial management policies have been in place since the 1980s. By examining these new uses, the study offers insights into the complex spatial organization challenges faced by Lima's historic urban core.

Object-based mapping of native vegetation and para grass (Urochloa mutica) on a monsoonal wetland of Kakadu NP using a Landsat 5 TM Dry-season time series

Kakadu National Park — 2013 — WHE8D6503C75C

A multi-temporal Landsat 5 TM time-series analysis significantly enhances the accuracy of mapping native wetland vegetation and para grass (Urochloa mutica) in Kakadu National Park, achieving an overall accuracy of 82% (kappa = 0.80) compared to single-date classifications. This approach improves segmentation quality and spectral separability, offering a reliable tool for strategic conservation efforts. The study demonstrates that integrating object-based classification with multi-temporal satellite data can effectively distinguish vegetation classes in monsoonal wetlands.

Observation et modélisation spatiale de la température dans les terroirs viticoles du Val de Loire dans le contexte du changement climatique

The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes — 2013 — WHEBAA3F24190

Climate change is significantly altering temperature patterns in the viticultural terroirs of the Loire Valley, with projections indicating a decrease in frost risk by April but an increase in extreme heat events (>30°C and >35°C) during veraison and berry ripening. This study analyzed spatial temperature variability using regional weather stations and high-resolution modeling (RAMS at 5 km resolution), revealing that local factors can sometimes influence temperatures as significantly as larger-scale climate trends. Multicriteria modeling on the Coteaux du Layon vineyards identified key local drivers of temperature variability, while RAMS simulations reduced large-scale biases compared to ARPEGE-Climat (50 km resolution). The findings underscore the complexity and fine-scale nuances of climate impacts on viticultural regions.

Observation of mega-dune evaporation after various rain events in the hinterland of Badain Jaran Desert, China

Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes — 2013 — WHE6C625CDB30

Local atmospheric precipitation does not significantly contribute to recharging the groundwater system in the hinterland of Badain Jaran Desert, China. This conclusion was drawn from a study analyzing evaporation on mega-dune surfaces following various rain events, categorized into conventional precipitation (CP), ordinary annual maximum (OAM), and extreme precipitation (EP). The research used long-term precipitation records, automatic weather station data, and eddy covariance system measurements to assess evaporation patterns. Results showed that CP and OAM evaporated within 1-3 days and 3-4 weeks, respectively, while EP required a prolonged period due to the upper dry sand layer's influence. These findings provide insight into the formation mechanisms of lakes in this unique desert region.

Observation on the interplay of sea level rise and the coastal dynamics of the Curonian Spit, Lithuania

Curonian Spit — 2013 — WHE5BE59D2D98

Despite long-term sea level rise, the Curonian Spit's coastal dynamics show no consistent correlation with such changes. While individual-year average shoreline displacements may reflect sea level variations, long-term trends remain uncorrelated. Since 1910, the southern part of the Lithuanian sector has experienced recession, the northern part accretion, and the central part stability. This finding challenges the Bruun Rule's assumption that sea level rise uniformly enhances coastal erosion. The study compared maps from different years with coastal monitoring data to assess shoreline displacement rates, providing a nuanced understanding of the spit's complex dynamics.

Observations of mice predation on dark-mantled sooty albatross and Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross chicks at Gough Island

Gough and Inaccessible Islands — 2013 — WHE2DA87E6773

A groundbreaking observation reveals that introduced house mice (Mus musculus) are significant predators of chicks from two albatross species—Atlantic yellow-nosed albatrosses (Thalassarche chlororhynchos) and dark-mantled sooty albatrosses (Phoebetria fusca)—at Gough Island. This is the first documented evidence of mice preying on these summer-breeding albatross species in the region. While predation rates appear low (~2% for Atlantic yellow-nosed albatrosses), ongoing monitoring suggests potential escalating impacts. The study, conducted over three breeding seasons, underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to eradicate invasive mice from Gough Island to protect these vulnerable species and others affected by this predator.

Odontometric determination of sex at Mound 72, Cahokia

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site — 2013 — WHED826BB452C

A groundbreaking analysis of dental remains from Mound 72 at Cahokia challenges previous assumptions about the site's mortuary practices. While earlier skeletal analyses suggested that four mass graves contained only female skeletons, this study reveals that each group actually included individuals classified as male using modern odontometric techniques. The research employed discriminant function equations derived from a pooled sample of skeletons from nearby sites, addressing methodological limitations posed by poor bone preservation and the developmental stage of the original specimens. These findings necessitate a reevaluation of archaeological interpretations regarding Cahokia's social structures and burial customs.

Old Men’s Truth: The ‘Poverty Generation’ of Neighborhood Men Talk about Life in Jerusalem’s Old City

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2013 — WHE4B333AC163

A generational divide shapes the lived experiences of lower-class Palestinian men in Jerusalem's Old City, revealing stark contrasts between their formative years under Jordanian rule (1948–1967) and subsequent periods. These 'old men,' united by shared age, spatial ties, and social class, contrast their childhood marked by poverty and communal values with post-1967 economic growth, materialism, and individualism—both now overshadowed by perceived decline in community, education, and occupation policies. The study challenges traditional periodization of generations, emphasizing how political events and domination intersect with generational identity.

Olympia’s Harbour Site Pheia (Elis, Western Peloponnese, Greece) Destroyed by Tsunami Impact

Archaeological Site of Olympia — 2013 — WHED446C64C1A

Research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Olympia, Greece, reveals that its harbour site Pheia was destroyed by tsunami impacts, likely in the 6th century AD. The study identified three distinct tsunami events—dating to the 6th millennium BC, around 4300 ± 200 cal BC, and the Byzantine to post-Byzantine period—using sedimentological, geoarchaeological, and geochemical analyses of marine deposits found far inland. These deposits, some cemented into beachrock, suggest tsunamis reached up to 18–20 meters above current sea level due to wave refraction and channeling effects, such as the Katakolo Pass. The findings highlight the significant tsunami risk posed by the seismically active Hellenic Arc, where tectonic plate subduction generates destructive waves along the Greek coast.

On the 3D documentation of the Igel Column — Original and copy: Structured 3D survey and analytical 3D information system

Roman Monuments, Cathedral of St Peter and Church of Our Lady in Trier — 2013 — WHEB624046E33

A groundbreaking approach to preserving the Igel Column, a 23-meter Roman monument in Trier, Germany, and its early 20th-century replica, has been developed using advanced 3D documentation techniques. The study successfully integrated terrestrial laser scanning, structured light scanning, and SFM photogrammetry from both a lifting platform and a Micro Aerial Vehicle (MAV) to create photorealistic high-resolution 3D models of both structures. These models were managed in ArcTron3D's database-supported 3D information system, aSPECT3D, enabling systematic access to project data for restoration purposes. This method provides a comprehensive solution for documenting and analyzing decaying monuments, offering valuable insights for conservation efforts.

On the factors influencing the development of sporadic upwelling in the Leeuwin Current system

Ningaloo Coast — 2013 — WHE14321306CA

Sporadic upwelling events along the West Australian coast, particularly within the Leeuwin Current system, exhibit significant variability in both space and time, with the Ningaloo region experiencing the highest frequency of such events—up to 140 days annually. These transient phenomena, lasting 3–10 days, are influenced by upwelling-favorable winds, mesoscale eddies, geostrophic flows, stratification, nitracline, and local topography, leading to intermittent nutrient enrichment that can occur year-round north of 30°S. The study analyzed satellite data over a 15-year period (1995–2010) to quantify these events and their drivers, revealing that while they are most common from September to April, they are not limited to this period.

On the threshold of certainty: The incredulity of Thomas in the narthex of the katholikon of the Hosios Loukas monastery

Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios — 2013 — WHEAE721C5330

The mosaic depiction of the Incredulity of Thomas in the narthex of Hosios Loukas monastery (11th century) reveals how medieval art engaged with evolving beliefs about faith and sensory perception. This monumental representation serves as a symbolic confirmation of Christ's dual nature, using iconographic elements like a door behind Christ and His wound to guide believers toward salvation. The study analyzes the scene's liturgical and dogmatic significance within the narthex's liminal space, highlighting its role in reinforcing Eucharistic and funerary contexts. By examining the believer's bi-directional movement through this transitional area, the research demonstrates how the Incredulity of Thomas functioned as both a marker of divine truth and a path to spiritual attainment.

Online appendix 1:How objective are protected area management effectiveness assessments? A case study from the iSimangaliso Wetland Park

iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Maputo National Park — 2013 — WHEDA3011F1E7

Protected area management effectiveness assessments, while intended to improve conservation practices, may yield inconsistent results depending on the assessment's operating conditions. A case study of iSimangaliso Wetland Park revealed significant discrepancies between two applications of the same tool, with national and provincial assessments scoring differently due to variations in spatial detail, management hierarchy consultation, time allocation, and peer review depth. The study highlights the need for standardized 'indispensable constants'—such as clear participation guidelines and rigorous peer review—to ensure credible and reliable outcomes. Without such standards, disparate scores could undermine the credibility of these assessments, jeopardizing their utility in conservation efforts.