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Showing 27561 – 27580 of 30315 publications

Homortomyces gen. nov., a new dothidealean pycnidial fungus from the Cradle of Humankind

Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa — 2012 — WHEEA699E87F7

Researchers have identified and described Homortomyces, a novel genus of pycnidial fungus, associated with leaf spots on Combretum erythrophyllum trees near the Sterkfontein caves in South Africa's Cradle of Humankind. This discovery was made through morphological analysis and phylogenetic studies using DNA sequences from the LSU, ITS, and 5.8S rRNA genes. The genus is distinguished by its transversely septate, brown conidia, pycnidial condiomata, and muriform conidia, which lack mucoid sheaths. While its placement within Dothideomycetes is confirmed, familial relationships remain unresolved. This study contributes to the understanding of fungal diversity in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly those with significant paleontological importance.

Host selection and parasite infection in Aedes taeniorhynchus, endemic disease vector in the Galápagos Islands

Galápagos Islands — 2012 — WHED4EE7C8EFC

Research on the black salt-marsh mosquito (Aedes taeniorhynchus) in the Galápagos Islands reveals that this endemic species, while primarily feeding on mammals and reptiles, may also play a role in maintaining avian vector-borne pathogens. Blood-meal analysis and PCR-based parasite screening identified filarial worms and Haemoproteus parasites, suggesting rare but significant bird-feeding events. Additionally, three distinct Hepatozoon DNA sequences were isolated from mosquitoes and iguanas, indicating multiple parasite species in the archipelago. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that A. taeniorhynchus may have facilitated a recent breakdown in host-species associations of these parasites, altering their evolutionary dynamics.

How ‘Aegidian’ Were Later Augustinian Hermits Regarding Intellectual Cognition? Gerard of Siena, Michael of Massa and the Object of the Intellect

Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge — 2012 — WHE4EC5A630C5

A significant portion of medieval Scholastic learning and literature, often overshadowed by university settings, actually originated in the studia or study-houses of religious orders, which were more numerous and widely distributed across Europe. This study highlights that prominent figures like Albert the Great, Thomas Aquinas, and John Duns Scotus spent more time teaching in these studia than in universities, contributing to a substantial body of Scholastic works. Additionally, it underscores the role of papal courts, such as the Sacred Palace at Avignon, and royal courts as crucial loci for intellectual discourse during this period. The research draws from contributions by leading scholars, including essays presented at the XVth annual Colloquium of the Société Internationale pour l’Étude de la Philosophie Médiévale, to explore the institutional contexts and intellectual activities of various religious orders and courts.

How do tourists look at Sintra’s world heritage?

Cultural Landscape of Sintra — 2012 — WHEA3C64B6975

Tourists primarily visit Sintra due to its UNESCO World Heritage status, with the majority praising the preservation of its Palaces and Parks. However, they also highlight the need for urban renovation in the historic center. The study reveals that most visitors prefer one-day trips, suggesting a gap in marketing strategies to encourage longer stays. Conducted through surveys in 2010, this research underscores the importance of sustainable tourism policies to mitigate the impacts of mass tourism on Sintra's cultural landscape.

How Influential Was Giovanni di Napoli, OP, at the Papal Court in Avignon?

Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge — 2012 — WHE321BC13472

Giovanni di Napoli, OP, significantly influenced Scholastic learning and discourse at the Papal Court in Avignon during the later Middle Ages. While universities were traditionally seen as the primary hubs for Scholastic activity, this study reveals that religious orders' studia played an even more pivotal role due to their wider distribution across Europe and greater numbers. Many prominent Scholastic masters, including Albert the Great, Thomas Aquinas, and John Duns Scotus, spent substantial time teaching in these studia rather than in universities. Additionally, the Papal Court, particularly the Sacred Palace at Avignon, emerged as a significant locus for intellectual activity alongside royal courts. The research compiles contributions from experts to explore this understudied aspect of medieval Scholasticism, emphasizing its institutional context and broader impact.

How selective are elephants as agents of forest tree damage in B windi I mpenetrable N ational P ark, U ganda?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — 2012 — WHE9C374F82C9

Elephants in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park exhibit selective behavior when damaging forest trees, favoring mid-successional species such as Newtonia buchananii and Myrianthus holstii. The study analyzed 897 trees along 26.84 km of elephant trails, finding that small trees were more likely to be toppled or have branches broken, while large trees were predominantly debarked. Elephant damage was also more frequent in open areas than closed ones, suggesting a feedback loop where elephants help maintain open habitats beneficial for species like mountain gorillas. These findings indicate potential vulnerability of certain tree species to increasing elephant populations and highlight the need for further research on the ecological impacts of changing elephant numbers.

How Small-volume Basaltic Magmatic Systems Develop: a Case Study from the Jeju Island Volcanic Field, Korea

Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes — 2012 — WHEA55535E41E

Research on Jeju Volcanic Island reveals that small-volume basaltic magmatic systems develop through distinct stages of mantle melting and fractionation, influenced by subduction processes. The study found that while older monogenetic centers (4.07 Ma) show significant olivine fractionation, younger ones (5.02 Ma) exhibit deeper clinopyroxene and olivine fractionation. Isotopic data indicate two contrasting sources: a shallower one for high-Al alkali and subalkali lavas, and a deeper one for low-Al alkali magmas. The authors propose that mantle melting began under partially hydrous conditions at ~2.5 GPa, transitioning to drier conditions and extending to 3-3.5 GPa, increasing melt volume from shallower zones. This process may have been triggered by accelerated heat transfer or increased mantle upwelling, potentially linked to tectonic events such as the opening of the Sea of Japan (~15 Myr ago) and Philippine Sea plate rotation (~2 Ma).

How the Thomists in Cologne Saved Aristotle: The Debate over the Eternity of the World in the Late-Medieval Period

Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge — 2012 — WHE90F1327F4E

This volume reveals that the majority of late-medieval Scholastic learning and discourse occurred not in universities but in the studia or study-houses of religious orders, which were more numerous and widely distributed across Europe. It highlights that prominent figures like Albert the Great, Thomas Aquinas, and John Duns Scotus spent significant time teaching in these studia rather than as Regent Masters in universities. Additionally, it underscores the role of the Papal Court, notably at the Sacred Palace in Avignon, and royal courts as significant loci for Scholastic activity. The research approach involves contributions from multiple scholars exploring the study and teaching of philosophy and theology across various institutional settings, including those of Dominicans, Franciscans, Augustinian Hermits, Carmelites, Benedictines, Cistercians, and papal and royal courts.

Hunting in Ancient and Modern Amazonia: Rethinking Sustainability

Manú National Park — 2012 — WHEFC26BABD75

A groundbreaking computer model reveals that indigenous hunting practices in the Amazon have been more sustainable than previously thought, challenging static sustainability indices. This study uses dynamic modeling to assess long-term impacts on wildlife populations, validated by field data from contemporary sites and applied to archaeological contexts. The findings shed light on ancient food taboos and primate biogeography while offering insights for the future management of Manu National Park in Peru.

Hunting, Law Enforcement, and African Primate Conservation

Taï National Park — 2012 — WHED484AC9E06

Hunting significantly impacts the density and distribution of primate species in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire, with red colobus monkeys being most affected while Campbell's monkeys showed greater resilience. The study found that primate densities were up to 100 times higher near a research station and tourism site with minimal hunting compared to areas with high hunting activity. By integrating systematic ecological monitoring with law enforcement patrols, the researchers successfully targeted zones of highest hunting pressure, demonstrating an effective strategy for conservation management. This approach highlights the potential for coordinated monitoring and enforcement to mitigate hunting impacts on primate populations in tropical forests.

Hydrochemical Variations of Springs in Huanglong Scenic of Sichuan Provience during July

Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2012 — WHED07C3427FB

Researchers identified Springs 2#, 5#, and 6# as the primary sources of water in Huanglong Scenic Area, with their flow dynamics closely linked to seasonal variations. Notably, rising springs exhibited significantly higher bicarbonate (HCO3-) concentrations (~900 ppm) compared to decreasing springs (~350 ppm), suggesting distinct hydrochemical processes at play. The study employed a combination of automatic hydrochemical logging, in situ titrating, and indoor analysis to track real-time changes in water quantity, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, and bacterial levels across the springs. This approach revealed intricate relationships between spring behavior and environmental factors, offering critical insights for understanding the hydrochemistry of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hydrogen sulfide intrusion in seagrasses from Shark Bay, Western Australia

Shark Bay, Western Australia — 2012 — WHE5DDB7A3BD5

Despite significant hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) intrusion into seagrass tissues—ranging from less than 20% to 100% in roots and rhizomes—no deleterious effects were observed in six seagrass species from Shark Bay, Western Australia. This finding contrasts with other coastal regions like Florida Bay, where sulfide toxicity has been linked to seagrass dieback. The study examined sulfide accumulation and anatomical differences in aerenchyma (air channels) and cell wall thickening, which may influence H₂S intrusion. While total sulfur accumulation varied among species, no consistent pattern emerged between larger, long-lived species and smaller, less persistent ones. Sediment sulfide concentrations were notably lower in Shark Bay than in Florida Bay, suggesting that current conditions may mitigate adverse effects.

Hyperparasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera, Trigonalidae) reared from dry forest and rain forest caterpillars of Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Area de Conservación Guanacaste — 2012 — WHEBC809B5DB9

A study of hyperparasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera, Trigonalidae) in Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica, identified five species associated with dry and rain forests. These generalist hyperparasitoids, including Lycogaster apicipennis, Taeniogonalos woodorum sp. n., Taeniogonalos fasciatipennis, Trigonalys championi, and Trigonalys maculifrons, were reared from caterpillars parasitized by Ichneumonidae and Tachinidae. Morphological and DNA barcoding data confirmed species separation, while Taeniogonalos gundlachii was found to be restricted to eastern North America, with the Costa Rican population reclassified as T. fasciatipennis. The research clarifies taxonomic confusion and highlights habitat-specific distributions of these hyperparasitoids in ACG's diverse ecosystems.

Ice Patch Archaeology in Alaska: 2000 – 10

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2012 — WHEB33FD6199E

Research on ice patch archaeology in Alaska reveals that high-altitude ice patches have been integral to the subsistence cycles of Alaskan people for at least 4,000 years. Over a decade-long study spanning multiple national parks and preserves, including Wrangell-St. Elias, researchers uncovered cultural materials from 13 ice patches, primarily linked to caribou hunting but also indicating diverse subsistence activities such as bird hunting, berry harvesting, and small mammal snaring. The findings are based on ethnographic documentation, animal behavior, alpine ecology, geology, and archaeological analyses, providing new insights into the historical and cultural significance of these environments.

Ideals Represented in Gardens - Focused on Thomas Jefferson's Academical Village and Monticello -

Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville — 2012 — WHE18B548EE12

Thomas Jefferson's gardens at Monticello and the University of Virginia serve as spatial representations of his ideals, blending national values such as freedom and democracy with personal aspirations for rural life and higher education. These designed landscapes—Monticello, Academical Village, and Poplar Forest—metaphorically express symbolic meanings through their spatial organization, allowing visitors to engage with and share Jefferson's vision. The study highlights how gardens function as practical stages for revealing ideals, demonstrating the interplay between cultural values and natural influences.

Identification, Distribution and Conservation Status of the African Golden CatCaracal aurataIn Kenya

Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest — 2012 — WHE9F033279B5

The African golden cat (Caracal aurata) is one of Kenya's rarest mammals, with its population highly fragmented and distribution poorly understood. This study compiles 46 records from 38 sites across Kenya, revealing that the Mau Forest is the only location where specimens remain available for research. Most sightings occur in four major highland forests: Mount Elgon, Mau Forest, Aberdares Range, and Mount Kenya, alongside scattered records in other regions like Tsavo National Parks and Arabuko-Sokoke Forest. The research introduces an open-access database ('GoldenCatBase') to centralize data on the species' distribution and conservation status, aiming to raise awareness and guide future studies.

Ideología y espacio: conquista Inka en la quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina

Quebrada de Humahuaca — 2012 — WHE684B6FD4A1

The Inka Empire's conquest of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina, was not merely driven by economic or logistical motivations but was deeply rooted in ideological and spatial strategies. This study reveals that the Inka imposed their worldview through the production and restructuring of socially constructed space, demonstrating a sophisticated process of domination. By analyzing the relationship between ideology and space, the research sheds light on how the Tawantinsuyu (Inka Empire) reshaped conquered territories, particularly at the La Huerta archaeological site. The findings challenge conventional explanations by emphasizing the role of spatial organization as a key component in social processes during conquest.

Ideology, Polity, and Social History of the Teotihuacan State

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2012 — WHE636250DA3D

The Central Mexican Highlands, home to two of Mesoamerica's most populous ancient cities—Teotihuacan and Tenochtitlan—hosted unprecedented urban development due to unique local conditions. Teotihuacan, with an estimated population of 100,000–150,000, emerged as a complex society with distinct ideological and political structures. This study identifies the underlying factors that facilitated such large-scale urbanization in this region, offering insights into the social organization and governance of one of Mesoamerica's most influential states. The research combines archaeological evidence with historical analysis to reconstruct Teotihuacan's polity and ideology, providing a framework for understanding its long-term impact on regional development.

Il Martyrion di Hierapolis di Frigia (Turchia)

Hierapolis-Pamukkale — 2012 — WHE2653EEE4F2

Hierapolis, an ancient city in Phrygia (modern-day Turkey), is renowned for its historical significance and prosperity. This study focuses on the Martyrion of Hierapolis, a notable structure within the city. The research delves into the architectural and cultural importance of this site, highlighting its role as a center of worship dedicated to Cybele, the patron goddess of the colony since its inception. The study explores the economic and political flourishing of Hierapolis during antiquity, providing insights into its urban development and religious practices. By analyzing historical records and archaeological evidence, the research offers a comprehensive understanding of Hierapolis's significance in ancient Phrygia.

Il significato paleoclimatico dei carbonati continentali olocenici centro-sahariani: memoria delle forzanti orbitali e di eventi climatici rapidi

Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus — 2012 — WHE7DEF6B37D6

A study of Holocene continental carbonates in the hyperarid central Sahara reveals significant paleoclimatic insights, indicating that the African Humid Period began shortly after the Pleistocene/Holocene transition. The research, conducted on fossil springs and lake sediments in the Tadrart Acacus massif and Murzuq edeyen, used radiometric dating (U-series and 14C) and stable isotope analysis to demonstrate a progressive decline in precipitation during the early Holocene, with springs drying out around 8000 years BP. The data also show that lake levels fluctuated seasonally due to changes in rainfall, which were influenced by orbital forcing and rapid climatic events, such as the 8.2 BP arid phase. This study underscores the sensitivity of Saharan paleoclimates to orbital variations and highlights the region's complex hydrological history.