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Communication at the Abbey of St. Gall

Abbey of St Gall — 2011 — WHECFC2CE9C24

Monastic culture at the Abbey of St. Gall, traditionally viewed as highly literate, relied on a diverse and sophisticated range of communicative practices that went beyond written media. This volume challenges the perception that oral communication was secondary to literacy in medieval monastic settings, demonstrating instead that monks and nuns frequently used spoken word as a vital complement to other forms of communication for exchanging information. The research compiles five thematic chapters that explore the contexts in which oral communication played a crucial role, revealing its complexity and significance in monastic practices during the central Middle Ages.

Comparação da vegetação arbustivo-arbórea de uma área de cerrado rupestre na Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás, e áreas de cerrado sentido restrito do Bioma Cerrado

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2011 — WHE368C58E654

A study of the rupestrian vegetation in Alto Paraíso de Goiás, within Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, reveals distinct floristic and structural traits that set it apart from other Cerrado areas. The community, dominated by species adapted to rocky outcrops, exhibits high density (1,977 individuals/ha) and area basal (11.25/m²/ha), largely due to the presence of monocotyledons like Velloziaceae and Arecaceae. Excluding these species reduces density and area basal significantly, highlighting their ecological importance. The study also found low floristic similarity with other Cerrado areas, suggesting unique adaptations in this rupestrian ecosystem. Phytogeographic patterns indicate that altitude, geographic proximity, and adjacency to neighboring biomes (Amazonian Forest, Atlantic Forest, and Caatinga) influence vegetation composition.

Comparative microbial sampling from eutrophic caves in Slovenia and Slovakia using RIDA ®COUNT test kits

Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst — 2011 — WHE54AE372CD3

A comparative study of microbial contamination in eutrophic caves from Slovakia and Slovenia revealed significant variations in biocontamination levels, with some cave surfaces exhibiting high microbial loads, particularly those influenced by human activity or bat colonies. The research utilized RIDA®COUNT test kits to quantify total bacteria, coliforms, yeast, and molds across swabs, water, and air samples from multiple caves. Findings indicated that surfaces in Ardovská Cave (Slovakia) were moderately colonized, while certain areas of Postojna Cave (Slovenia) showed high microbial counts, suggesting substantial anthropogenic impact. Additionally, a notable 4-fold decrease in coliform bacteria along the Pivka River flow within Postojna Cave highlighted the influence of human pollution near cave entrances. The study validated the RIDA®COUNT test kit as a robust tool for monitoring eutrophication and human influence in karst ecosystems.

Comparative morphology and phylogeny of Nicotiana section Suaveolentes (Solanaceae) in Australia and the South Pacific

Lord Howe Island Group — 2011 — WHE573F2DD1CA

The evolutionary relationships within the Nicotiana section Suaveolentes, primarily composed of Australian endemics, have been clarified through a combined morphological and molecular analysis. The study revealed that N. fragrans (New Caledonia and Tongatapu) and N. fatuhivensis (Marquesas islands) form a basal lineage in the Australian and South Pacific clade, while N. forsteri (eastern mainland Australia, Lord Howe Island, and New Caledonia) is the sister taxon to all other Australian species within this section. A phylogenetic sequence was identified, reflecting a reduction in chromosome number, with early lineages exhibiting counts of n = 24 or 23. Two distinct clades emerged: the 'N. simulans clade' (n = 20) and the 'N. suaveolens clade' (n = 19, 18, 16, or 15). The research integrated discrete morphological characters of seeds and trichomes, along with gap-coded quantitative measurements of flowers and vegetative organs, analyzed using maximum parsimony and splits network methods. These findings were compared to and combined with previously published molecular datasets, providing a comprehensive understanding of the group's evolutionary history.

Comparative study of preferences for eco-tours in Shiretoko between general public and visitors

Shiretoko — 2011 — WHE859910F249

A comparative study of eco-tour preferences in Shiretoko, Japanreveals distinct preferences between potential new visitors and repeaters. New visitors favor renowned destinations like Kamuiwakka, while repeaters prefer primitive settings such as Lake Rausu. Additionally, repeaters prioritize detailed guide explanations and smaller group sizes over other tour features. The study used choice experiments to analyze these preferences, providing insights for balancing nature conservation with local economic benefits through targeted eco-tour offerings.

Comparison of Blood Values and Health Status of Floreana Mockingbirds (Mimus Trifasciatus) on the Islands of Champion and Gardner-by-Floreana, Galápagos Islands

Galápagos Islands — 2011 — WHE7C477B2A4B

Floreana Mockingbirds (Mimus trifasciatus) on Gardner-by-Floreana exhibit significantly better health metrics compared to those on Champion Island, including higher body condition index scores, packed cell volumes, and lymphocyte counts, alongside lower heterophil and eosinophil counts. Over four years of monitoring, no evidence of Chlamydophila psittaci DNA or antibodies to paramyxovirus-I, adenovirus-II, or Mycoplasma gallisepticum was detected in either population, though ectoparasites varied between islands. A coccidian species was found exclusively in fecal samples from Gardner-by-Floreana birds. These findings suggest Gardner-by-Floreana as a healthier source population for the ongoing reintroduction plan to Floreana Island, where the main population was extirpated over a century ago. The study integrated physical examinations, hematology, and parasite analysis to assess health status, providing critical data for conservation decisions.

Comparison of stream macroinvertebrate assemblages in canyon ecosystems of the Blue Mountains (Australia) with and without recreational traffic: a pilot study in impossible terrain

Greater Blue Mountains Area — 2011 — WHEF68B08A60C

Despite expectations, current visitation levels in canyons of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area show no measurable impact on stream macroinvertebrate assemblages or water quality. The study compared four high-visitation canyons (20-100 visits/week) with four unvisited/low-visitation canyons (0-5 visits/week), as well as impacted and non-impacted areas within two high-traffic canyons, over two seasons. Macroinvertebrate assemblages included pollution-sensitive taxa, such as Ephemeroptera (42.3% of all animals), and water quality remained pristine across all locations. While inherent differences among canyons were observed, no significant relationship between visitation levels and ecological indicators was found, contrary to the concerns of land managers.

Computer-Assisted Archaeological Line Drawing

Longmen Grottoes — 2011 — WHEC37B8EF7F4

A groundbreaking computer-assisted archaeological line drawing method has been developed, significantly enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of documenting cultural heritage sites. This innovative approach leverages 3D modeling to streamline the traditionally labor-intensive process of creating archaeological reports. Applied to the Longmen Grottoes in China this technique demonstrates its potential to revolutionize the way such sites are investigated and preserved. The method not only reduces manual effort but also provides more informative and detailed representations, as illustrated in an accompanying video that showcases its practical application.

Conflicts over Protection of Marine Living Resources: The 'Volga Case' Revisited

Heard and McDonald Islands — 2011 — WHECA0FC62579

International legal disputes over marine living resources often prioritize strategic considerations beyond the certainty of winning, as demonstrated by the 'Volga Case.' This study revisits a 2002 incident where a Russian fishing vessel was detained near Australia's Heard and McDonald Islands for alleged illegal fishing. The case involved complex litigation in international and Australian courts, with Russia also challenging Australia under UNCLOS. By analyzing this dispute, the research highlights that nations may employ litigation as a pacific settlement strategy even when legal outcomes are uncertain, revealing nuanced motivations in maritime security conflicts.

Connectivity, small islands and large distances: the Cellana strigilis limpet complex in the Southern Ocean

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2011 — WHECBA3B73CE5

A genetic investigation of the Cellana strigilis limpet complex, endemic to New Zealand's subantarctic islands, reveals two distinct lineages with high genetic structuring and minimal connectivity. Despite the Southern Ocean being a continuous medium, large distances between isolated island groups act as significant barriers to gene flow, leading to high self-recruitment and the presence of private haplotypes unique to individual islands. This study underscores the subantarctic islands' role as refugia during the last glacial maximum and provides insights into contemporary population connectivity in remote oceanic environments.

Construction of Geotourism and Its Contribution to the Sustainability of Regional Development in Australia

Willandra Lakes Region — 2011 — WHEC36F1790E9

Geotourism in Australia, particularly within UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Willandra Lakes Region, significantly contributes to regional sustainability when geosites form strong, interconnected networks. Research reveals that large-scale geotourism, characterized by widespread and diverse geosite clusters, fosters multi-functional tourism options and organic linkages with other regional resources, unlike small-scale or medium-scale geotourism. This study categorizes Australian geotourism into three scales—small, medium, and large—and demonstrates that only large-scale geotourism effectively sustains regional development by generating diverse tourism products and reinforcing ecological connections.

Content and character of metal accumulation in fish of the Kichera River (a tributary of Lake Baikal)

Lake Baikal — 2011 — WHEBF68BE7E0B

A study of metal accumulation in fish from the Kichera River, a tributary of Lake Baikal, reveals that metals such as manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), and mercury (Hg) are present in varying concentrations in muscle tissue and liver across different trophic levels. The research highlights significant differences in metal accumulation patterns between these tissues, with liver showing higher concentrations of certain metals like Cd and Hg compared to muscle tissue. This suggests a potential bioaccumulation risk for predator species higher up the food chain. The study employed chemical analysis to quantify metal content, providing critical insights into environmental contamination levels in this ecologically significant region.

Contextual Factors Influencing Support for Sea Turtle Management Actions in Ogasawara Islands, Japan: An Application of Conjoint Analysis

Ogasawara Islands — 2011 — WHE78E2642306

Restrictions on beach access were the most significant factor influencing public support and compliance with sea turtle management actions in the Ogasawara Islands, Japan. A 2007 survey of residents (n = 553) used conjoint analysis to evaluate preferences for three management strategies: beach patrol, behavioral restrictions, and access restrictions. Findings revealed that greater deviations from current conditions—particularly increased restrictions—led to lower support and compliance. This study underscores the importance of contextual factors in shaping public responses to wildlife conservation measures, providing critical insights for designing effective management policies.

Contrasting responses of Peromyscus mice of Yosemite National Park to recent climate change

Yosemite National Park — 2011 — WHEBF53DCA563

A study of Peromyscus mice in Yosemite National Park reveals contrasting responses to climate change between two species. While the generalist Peromyscus maniculatus showed no distribution shifts, the specialist P. truei expanded its range into new habitats, challenging its classification as a habitat specialist. Genetic analysis suggested cryptic geographic changes in P. maniculatus, while morphometric data confirmed that P. truei's subspecies is limited by climate variables rather than habitat preferences. These findings highlight the need to reassess natural-history assumptions in predictive models of species' responses to climate change, emphasizing the importance of verifying ecological generalizations with empirical data.

Contrasting weathering and climate regimes in forested and cleared sandstone temples of the Angkor region

Angkor — 2011 — WHE0DDA893F58

A striking contrast emerges between forested and cleared sandstone temples at Angkor, revealing how climate regimes influence weathering patterns. While 74% of sculpted lotus petals in wooded areas remain virtually intact, showing only superficial biochemical weathering, 70% of those in cleared sites suffer severe mechanical destruction due to extreme wetting-drying cycles. These cycles, driven by direct exposure to monsoon rains and sunlight, cause rapid sandstone decay through swelling-shrinking movements. Forested environments buffer these conditions, maintaining stable humidity and reducing thermal stress, which protects the stone. Additionally, lithobionts (stone-dwelling organisms) in wooded areas contribute to slower biochemical weathering. The study highlights that while local damage can occur from tree roots, forest cover provides an overall protective effect against sandstone decay.

Contribución de los cafetales bajo sombra en la conservación de murciélagos en la Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala — 2011 — WHE93196E7A3F

A study in Antigua Guatemala revealed that shaded coffee plantations, while supporting a diverse array of bat species, may not fully function as ecological corridors for forest-dwelling bats. Researchers found that while both shaded coffee plantations and remaining forest habitats hosted 12 bat species, the composition differed significantly: plantations favored generalist frugivorous species like Artibeus, Dermanura, and Sturnira, whereas forests harbored more specialized and landscape-sensitive species such as Phyllostomus discolor and Myotis keaysi. Despite no significant difference in overall diversity between habitats, the study estimated a 42% complementarity index, suggesting limited overlap in bat communities. This indicates that while shaded coffee plantations contribute to bat conservation, they may not effectively connect forest patches for certain species.

Coordinated feeding tactics of the Guiana dolphin, Sotalia guianensis (Cetacea: Delphinidae), in Ilha Grande Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2011 — WHECCB31CDE73

Researchers have uncovered that Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) in Ilha Grande Bay, Brazil, exhibit sophisticated coordinated feeding tactics, with a notable preference for strategies involving herding and capturing prey, particularly during spring-summer when larger schooling fish spawn. The study, analyzing 201 feeding bouts, identified four distinct tactics, with those engaging more individuals proving most effective for targeting larger schools of fish like Sardinella brasiliensis. A groundbreaking finding was the presence of calves in 95% of these coordinated behaviors, including jumps, suggesting social learning plays a crucial role in their development and survival. This expands our understanding of the dolphins' feeding strategies and their adaptability to seasonal changes.

Coping with Violence in the Thai-Cambodian Border: The Silence of the Border

Temple of Preah Vihear — 2011 — WHE53247BBF9B

The designation of Preah Vihear Temple as a UNESCO World Heritage Site exacerbated the long-standing Thai-Cambodian border dispute, leading to increased violence and economic stagnation. Despite expectations of economic revival through tourism and preservation funding, military skirmishes and protests disrupted local economies, damaged infrastructure, and affected transnational ethnic communities like the Kui, Khmer, and Thai villagers. The study highlights three distinct cultural perspectives on the conflict—militaries, political elites/activists, and local villagers—each with differing interests and media access, revealing a complex interplay of power and representation that has silenced local voices.

Cosmic particles (micrometeorites) and nanospheres from the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K/T) boundary clay layer at the Stevns Klint Section, Denmark

Stevns Klint — 2011 — WHE9E30F8721E

A significant discovery of extraterrestrial metallic particles and nanospheres in the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K/T) boundary clay layer at Stevns Klint, Denmark, suggests that the asteroid impact 65 million years ago was accompanied by a substantial fall of finely dispersed cosmic matter. These particles, including iron, copper, Fe-Ni, Fe-Ni-Co, and Fe-Cr alloys, as well as magnetite and aluminosilicate balls, imply an intense supply of micrometeorites or asteroid fragments during the event. The findings challenge previous reconstructions by highlighting the need to account for this vast amount of cosmic dust in understanding the boundary events.

Cronologías de ancho de anillos de queñoa (Polylepis tarapacana) para los últimos 500 años en el Altiplano de la región de Arica y Parinacota, Chile

Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region — 2011 — WHEC1B87C9AE7

Arica and Parinacota's high-altitude environment holds clues to the Chinchorro culture's advanced practices, including artificial mummification, dating back over 500 years. This study reconstructs climate variability in the region using tree-ring width chronologies of queñoa (Polylepis tarapacana), capturing the last five centuries with unprecedented precision. The research reveals distinct periods of drought and moisture, correlating with historical records of human settlement patterns and cultural practices. By analyzing annual growth rings, scientists identified environmental stressors that likely influenced Chinchorro society's adaptations, providing a rare intersection of paleoclimatology and archaeological evidence in the UNESCO-listed Atacama Desert.