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Publications

Showing 28341 – 28360 of 30315 publications

A Hebrew/Aramaic graffito and Poppaea’s alleged Jewish sympathy

Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata — 2011 — WHEA143F5653F

A previously unpublished Hebrew/Aramaic graffito discovered in villa 'A' of Oplontis, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Torre Annunziata, may provide new evidence linking the site to Poppaea Sabina, Nero's second wife. Flavius Josephus described her as a sympathizer with the Jews ('theosebēs'), but definitive proof has remained elusive. This graffito, found accidentally, could strengthen this long-standing hypothesis and offer insights into the Jewish diaspora in Campania before 79 CE. The study calls for scholarly collaboration to interpret the inscription, potentially deepening our understanding of ancient Jewish life in the region.

A History of Race in Muslim West Africa, 1600–1960

Timbuktu — 2011 — WHE88794983C9

Racial categories deployed in contemporary conflicts across the southern Sahara Desert often trace their roots to pre-colonial era ideas, where blackness was associated with slavery and non-blackness with predatory banditry. This study reconstructs an African intellectual history of race spanning over 350 years in the Niger Bend region of northern Mali, using Arabic documents from Timbuktu, French colonial sources, and oral interviews. It reveals that these racial constructs, which persist today, predate European colonization and have significantly influenced inter-African relations since the 17th century.

A history of Samos to the Persian war

Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos — 2011 — WHE85E6F6AF9E

This historical reconstruction reveals Samos' strategic evolution from a Mycenaean outpost (c. 1400–1125 BCE) to a dominant maritime power before the Persian Wars, highlighting its pivotal role in ancient Greek politics and warfare. Key findings include Samos' colonization by Epidaurians (c. 875 BCE), its naval expansion under Amphikrates (705–700 BCE), and its complex alliances with Athens, Argos, and Corinth, which reshaped Aegean dynamics. The study traces Samos' military campaigns—such as its support for Sparta during the Messenian Revolt (c. 665 BCE) and its rivalry with Miletos—while documenting political transitions from tyranny to democracy (c. 600 BCE). Notably, it identifies Polykrates I's regime (572–541 BCE), a period of cultural flourishing marked by the construction of the Heraion and the rise of Pythagoras, before its collapse under Persian pressure (541 BCE). The research methodically synthesizes archaeological and historical records to map Samos' geopolitical shifts, offering insights into its military, economic, and cultural significance during a transformative era. This work underscores Samos' dual legacy as both a naval powerhouse and a cradle of intellectual innovation, setting the stage for its later role in the Ionian Revolt (499 BCE).

A Local Counter-Narrative on the Conservation of Mountain Gorillas

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — 2011 — WHE1B846918C3

A study of narratives around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park reveals a dominant 'ambivalence narrative' among local villagers, contrasting sharply with externally produced win–win and traditionalist narratives. This counter-narrative highlights significant costs for villagers while expressing cautious optimism about future economic benefits from tourism. The research, using social science narrative analysis, validates villagers' dissatisfaction with the status quo and identifies necessary changes to realize their hopes. This finding challenges dominant discourses on protected areas in Africa.

A London Charter's Visualization: The Ancient Hellenistic-Roman Theatre in Paphos

Paphos — 2011 — WHE5A6D5D1E80

Virtual reconstruction of the ancient Hellenistic-Roman theatre in Paphos, Cyprus, successfully applies the principles of the London Charter to trace its architectural evolution. This approach combines digital modeling with historical analysis to visualize the theatre's development over time, providing a new method for studying complex heritage sites. The study highlights how virtual techniques can preserve and interpret cultural heritage while adhering to internationally recognized standards.

A multi-model approach to stakeholder engagement in complex environmental problems

Ningaloo Coast — 2011 — WHE2F0C8BC366

A multi-model approach to stakeholder engagement in complex environmental problems reveals how integrated modeling can effectively inform policy-making for the management of the Ningaloo Coast. The study demonstrates that combining conceptual models, toy models, single-system models, and shuttle-models provides a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between fishing, tourism, infrastructure development, and ecosystem health. This approach allows for a nuanced comprehension of the region's dynamics, including the effects of gear regulations, market values, climate impacts, and larger food-webs. The findings highlight the importance of stakeholder engagement in developing robust environmental management strategies.

A multitracer approach for characterizing interactions between shallow groundwater and the hydrothermal system in the Norris Geyser Basin area, Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park — 2011 — WHE23F4056D78

Researchers identified two distinct groundwater systems—shallow, cool water and deep, high-temperature hydrothermal—that mix to form springs with intermediate characteristics in Yellowstone National Park's Norris Geyser Basin. Using a multitracer approach, including stable isotopes, major/minor element chemistry, chlorofluorocarbons, and tritium, the study constrained flow paths and refined conceptual models of groundwater circulation in this complex hydrothermal system. This method provides new insights into the interactions between shallow and deep groundwater, enhancing understanding of geothermal processes in dynamic environments like Norris Geyser Basin.

A New Application of Fiber-Optic Reflection Spectroscopy (FORS): Characterization of Low-Temperature Alteration of Chlorite Schist and Implications for Understanding Ancient Stone Cooking Vessels

State Historical and Cultural Park “Ancient Merv” — 2011 — WHE88B86206A7

Fiber-optic reflection spectroscopy (FORS) emerges as a groundbreaking tool for detecting low-temperature thermal alterations in chlorite schist, a material used in ancient stone cooking vessels. Traditional techniques like X-ray diffraction and FT-IR spectroscopy fail to capture these subtle changes, which occur below 450 °C without crystalline modification. This study demonstrates FORS's potential by analyzing medieval (12th-13th centuries AD) chlorite cooking pots from Merv, Turkmenistan, against experimental reference specimens. The findings reveal that FORS can track oxidation state and structural alterations, offering new insights into the thermal history of ancient artifacts. This innovation opens avenues for understanding past cooking practices and the temperatures attained by these vessels during use.

A new Discidae subgenus and two new species (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) from the Canary Islands

Laurisilva of Madeira — 2011 — WHE538608180B

Researchers have identified two new species of land snails (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) from the Canary Islands, belonging to the family Discidae. These discoveries are part of a broader study that raises the subgenus Atlantica to genus rank and describes shell and anatomical characteristics for these new species, which are largely restricted to the laurisilva, a laurel-rich forest found in humid subtropical and warm-temperate regions between 600 and 1,200 meters above sea level. This study provides the first detailed anatomical data for Canary Islands and Madeiran Discidae species, previously known only by shell characters. The findings contribute to our understanding of the biodiversity and speciation within this unique Macaronesian region.

A new karst-dwelling species of Kalophrynus (Anura: Microhylidae) from Gunung Mulu National Park, Borneo, Malaysia

Gunung Mulu National Park — 2011 — WHEE494667CE7

Researchers have identified a new species of frog, belonging to the genus Kalophrynus (Anura: Microhylidae), endemic to the karst hills and mountains of Gunung Mulu National Park, Borneo. This discovery, described in detail by Dehling (2011), highlights unique morphological traits such as medium size, a distinct white dorsolateral line separating black dorsum and flanks, and a red to reddish-orange iris. The species is found at elevations between 70 and at least 1200 meters within the Melinau Limestone Formation. It differs from other Kalophrynus species through a combination of features including slender forelimbs, specific finger and toe proportions, and an advertisement call characterized by seven pulses lasting approximately 161 milliseconds with a dominant frequency between 2250–2650 Hz. This finding contributes to the understanding of biodiversity in karst ecosystems and underscores the significance of Gunung Mulu National Park as a critical habitat for endemic species.

A new species of Anolis (Squamata: Iguania: Dactyloidae) formerly referred to as A. pachypus from the Cordillera de Talamanca of western Panama and adjacent Costa Rica

Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park — 2011 — WHE5AC7E0C465

Researchers have identified a new species of Anolis lizard, Anolis benedikti, previously misclassified as A. pachypus. This discovery was made through detailed morphological analysis of specimens from the Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves and adjacent areas in Panama and Costa Rica. The new species is distinguished by its unique male dewlap coloration—red with a yellow anterior margin—and pholidotic characteristics, setting it apart from closely related species like A. magnaphallus, A. pachypus, A. pseudopachypus, and A. tropidolepis. This finding contributes to the understanding of anoline diversity in the Cordillera de Talamanca, a region of significant biodiversity within UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

A new species of Cresponea (Roccellaceae, Ascomycota) from Gough Island

Gough and Inaccessible Islands — 2011 — WHEDA754977E7

Scientists have identified a new species of lichen, Cresponea sorediata, from Gough Island, part of the UNESCO-listed Gough and Inaccessible Islands. This discovery is notable for its unique characteristics: a sorediate thallus (without apothecia) and diagnostic substances including usnic acid and is. The research relied on morphological analysis and chemical profiling to distinguish this species from others in the Cresponea genus, contributing to our understanding of biodiversity in remote oceanic environments.

A new species of marsupial frog (Anura: Hemiphractidae: Gastrotheca) from the Andes of southern Peru

Manú National Park — 2011 — WHEDBDAD1E303

Researchers have identified a new species of marsupial frog, Gastrotheca nebulanastes, in the cloud forests of Manu National Park, Peru. This discovery, supported by phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial DNA, reveals that G. nebulanastes is closely related to G. atympana but distinct from G. excubitor. The new species thrives primarily between 2400–2800 meters elevation and exhibits unique traits in finger proportions, skin texture, coloration, and advertisement calls. This finding expands our understanding of biodiversity in the Andes and highlights the ecological diversity within Peru's cloud forests.

A New Species of Marsupial Frog (Anura: Hemiphractidae: Gastrotheca) from the Río Abiseo National Park in Peru

Río Abiseo National Park — 2011 — WHE11C6C90F3F

Researchers have identified a new species of marsupial frog, Gastrotheca phelloderma, within the Río Abiseo National Park in Peru. This discovery, based on 29 specimens collected between 1989 and 1999, distinguishes the species by its unique dorsal markings—two reddish-brown paravertebral ridges with prominent warts—and granular venter. Unlike other Gastrotheca species, it lacks integumentary-cranial co-ossification and produces tadpoles rather than exhibiting direct development. The study highlights its close resemblance to G. phalarosa but differentiates it through distinct skin texture, coloration, and anatomical features such as a palmar tubercle and inner tarsal fold. This finding contributes to the understanding of biodiversity in the Andes and underscores the importance of protecting such unique species within UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

A new species of symbiotic flatworms,Paracatenulagalateiasp. nov. (Platyhelminthes: Catenulida: Retronectidae) from Belize (Central America)

Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System — 2011 — WHE18D9E6E9BA

Researchers have discovered a new species of symbiotic flatworm, Paracatenula galateia, in the shallow back-reef sands of Belize's Barrier Reef. This mouthless marine catenulid platyhelminth stands out due to its large size, ribbon-shaped body, and unique bipartite inclusions interpreted as sperm, distinguishing it from other members of the genus. The worms host intracellular bacterial endosymbionts, likely sulfur-oxidizing chemoautotrophs, which inhabit a specialized 'trophosome region' behind the brain while leaving the anterior rostrum bacteria-free. Phalloidin staining revealed intricate subepithelial muscle systems and dorsoventral fibers, while serotonergic nervous system mapping identified a brain at the base of the rostrum and longitudinal fibers extending both anteriorly and posteriorly, with a concentration in the 'dorsal cord.' This discovery sheds light on the morphological and symbiotic adaptations of catenulid flatworms in coral reef ecosystems.

A New Species of Utricularia (Lentibulariaceae) from Chapada dos Veadeiros (Central Brazil)

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2011 — WHE4CB9A0EE20

Researchers have identified and described a new species of the carnivorous plant genus Utricularia, named Utricularia densiflora, found in the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park within Brazil's Cerrado Protected Areas. This discovery is notable for its distinct morphological features, including rudimentary floral buds, sessile glands on the peduncle, and a highly congested inflorescence, which differentiate it from other Utricularia species. The study places U. densiflora in section Oligocista, noting its similarity to U. erectiflora and U. meyeri. Additionally, the researchers provide an identification key for Utricularia species inhabiting the park, contributing valuable taxonomic insights to the region's biodiversity.

A Place of Burning: Hero or Ancestor Cult at Troy

Archaeological Site of Troy — 2011 — WHE05108265C5

Research at the Archaeological Site of Troy reveals evidence of Early Archaic ritual activity near a Late Bronze Age cemetery, dubbed 'A Place of Burning.' This site mirrors patterns found in hero and ancestor cults elsewhere, suggesting that Troy's inhabitants used associations with Bronze Age remains to bolster territorial claims and elite power. The study, conducted by Carolyn Chabot Aslan, analyzed ritual practices outside the city walls, providing insights into how growing populations may have influenced social structures and cultural identity during this period.

A Place of History: Archaeology and Heritage at Cidade Velha, Cape Verde

Cidade Velha, Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande — 2011 — WHE3BC09FE8E0

Cidade Velha, Cape Verde's historic center, stands as a stark reminder of its past as a thriving but slavery-based transshipment hub. Archaeological and social research reveals how the town's fortified architecture, once a symbol of colonial power, reflects the brutal infrastructure sustaining trans-Atlantic trade. Interviews with local residents highlight lingering effects of this history on contemporary attitudes toward heritage. The study combines historical analysis with archaeological findings to shed light on the complex legacy of slavery in Cape Verde.

A preliminary disease survey in the wild Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) population in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Okavango Delta — 2011 — WHE4485F5A677

A preliminary disease survey of wild Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, found no visible signs of illness or Mycoplasma crocodyli antibodies in 144 examined individuals. While Hepatozoon pettiti was detected in 55.3% of blood smears, no significant hematological differences were observed between infected and uninfected crocodiles, suggesting a common but non-pathogenic prevalence. Only 7.6% of crocodiles showed leech infestation. The study highlights the need for further research to clarify the role of wild crocodilians as potential reservoirs of infection.

A Preliminary Report on Archaeological Investigations at Two Western Australian Regional Convict Depots

Australian Convict Sites — 2011 — WHE596D781B39

Archaeological excavations at two Western Australian regional convict depots, York and Toodyay, revealed significant insights into the structural diversity and construction techniques of 19th-century convict-era buildings. The study uncovered four structures in York, including a previously unknown privy, and seven in Toodyay, such as barracks, a hospital, and the Superintendent’s quarters. These findings highlight the variability in construction styles, attributed to limited supervision and fluctuating skill levels among the convict workforce. Despite the challenges in confidently attributing deposits to the convict era—with less than 30% of contexts and only about 10% of deposits definitively linked—the research provides a rare glimpse into the material culture and lifeways of convict depots, offering new perspectives on the regional characteristics of Australia’s convict system.