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Showing 28621 – 28640 of 30315 publications

Evaluation of noninvasive genetic sampling methods for cougars in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park — 2011 — WHEB6BA9C1315

Noninvasive genetic sampling (NGS) using snow tracking proved to be an efficient and reliable method for monitoring cougar populations in Yellowstone National Park, outperforming traditional hair snare techniques. Over three years, snow tracking yielded more samples at a lower cost, accurately identifying and sexing 22 individuals with high success rates, particularly for males (0.77–0.88). While female capture probabilities varied (0.42 in 2004 vs. 0.88 in 2005), snow tracking demonstrated potential for demographic monitoring of cougars and other carnivores in similar climates. This study highlights NGS as a logistically feasible alternative to invasive methods, offering scalable solutions for wildlife conservation.

Evaluation of nutrient flux from Shiretoko into the ocean using MRI-GCM

Shiretoko — 2011 — WHEBAAE279577

Researchers found that rainfall intensity, particularly its standard deviation, significantly controls nutrient flux from Shiretoko's inland areas to the coast. This discovery highlights a key factor influencing coastal ecological systems. To estimate future nutrient supply, the study used bias-corrected data from the Meteorological Research Institute Global Climate Model (MRI-GCM), which aligns well with observed rainfall data. A synthetic generation technique produced hourly rainfall data, crucial for assessing nutrient dynamics in Shiretoko's river basins. The findings suggest that nonlinearity in rainfall intensity strengthens its impact on nutrient flux, providing critical insights for understanding coastal nutrient cycles.

Evaluation of oil shale mining heritage in Estonia

Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin — 2011 — WHEC937F54603

Restoration of oil shale mining landscapes can successfully integrate industrial heritage with ecological and recreational functions, as demonstrated by case studies from Estonia, France, and Germany. The study highlights the potential for repurposing mining sites through innovative landscape design, blending natural and industrial elements to create multifunctional spaces. By analyzing Estonian oil shale mining restoration efforts alongside European examples—such as the Nord-Pas de Calais coal region in France and the Fürst-Pückler-Land exhibition in Germany—the research identifies key strategies for sustainable redevelopment. These include ecological landscape techniques and creative reuse, offering a model for revitalizing post-industrial sites while preserving heritage.

Evaluation of radon concentration in well and tap waters in Bursa, Turkey

Bursa and Cumalıkızık: the Birth of the Ottoman Empire — 2011 — WHE20722527E2

A study evaluating radon concentrations in well and tap waters in Bursa, Turkey, found that while most samples were below safety limits, seven sites exceeded the USEPA's recommended threshold of 11.1 Bq l(-1). Radon levels ranged from 1.46 to 53.64 Bq l(-1) in well water and 0.91 to 12.58 Bq l(-1) in tap water, with all values significantly below the EU's revised reference level of 100 Bq l(-1). The research used AlphaGUARD PQ 2000PRO radon gas analyser across diverse geologic formations, comparing local data with international standards. Annual mean effective doses from water consumption were minimal, ranging from 0.02 to 1.11 µSv a(-1), indicating low health risks.

Evaluation of urban expansion and its impact on surface temperature in Beijing, China

Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital — 2011 — WHE5E261A8FE5

Urban expansion in Beijing between 2004 and 2009, particularly around the central axis, led to a significant increase in built-up areas by approximately 139.19 km² (4% of the study area) and altered land surface temperature (LST) patterns. High-temperature zones were initially concentrated south of the central axis, extending to the fifth ring road in 2004, but this distribution was mitigated by 2009. The study found a strong negative correlation between LST and NDVI for both years, with LST changes accounting for about 40% of NDVI changes. This suggests that urbanization not only increases built-up areas but also significantly impacts thermal environments, potentially influencing local climate dynamics.

Evidence for long‐distance dispersal of Sophora microphylla to sub‐Antarctic Macquarie Island

Macquarie Island — 2011 — WHE2E7A83B17A

A single seed of kowhai (Sophora microphylla), a species not native to Macquarie Island, was discovered on the island's lakeshore. This finding suggests that long-distance dispersal by birds, followed by additional transport mechanisms, may enable the colonization of oceanic islands by certain plant species, including those in the Edwardsia group of Sophora. The discovery highlights the potential for multi-stage dispersal processes to overcome geographical barriers in sub-Antarctic ecosystems.

Evidence for Seed Dispersal by Rodents in Tropical Montane Forest in Africa

Nyungwe National Park — 2011 — WHE255787C0FD

Researchers have uncovered evidence that rodents, specifically the Kivu brush-tailed rat (Cricetomys kivuensis), play a significant role in seed dispersal within Nyungwe National Park's tropical montane forests. The study, conducted through seed-removal experiments, analysis of rodent burrows and caches, examination of cotyledon burial in seedlings, and camera trap imagery, demonstrates that these rodents remove and hoard large seeds of the Carapa grandiflora tree. This finding highlights an understudied aspect of seed dispersal in African ecosystems, with potential implications for forest regeneration and biodiversity.

Evidence of a changing size–frequency distribution of landslides in the Kyrgyz Tien Shan, Central Asia

Western Tien-Shan — 2011 — WHED30B7B1D6E

Research in the Maily-Say Valley, Kyrgyz Tien Shan, reveals a significant shift in landslide size-frequency distribution over the past 50 years, suggesting increasing landslide-related hazards. Analyzing five inventories (1962–2007) using remote sensing and spatial analysis, scientists observed a rise in both the number and size of unstable slopes, alongside a decreasing power-law exponent—a trend indicative of heightened geomorphic activity. The study employed image subtraction techniques based on NDVI to detect new landslide activations, confirming systematic changes in slope instability patterns in Central Asia.

Evidencias de glaciación en el Valle del General (Costa Rica) durante el Pleistoceno Tardio

Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park — 2011 — WHE3A0FD061C3

Research in the Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves reveals unexpected evidence of Late Pleistocene glaciation at elevations below 1000 meters, challenging previous assumptions that glacial activity in Costa Rica was confined to peaks above 3000 meters. The study identifies distinct glacial landforms, including U-shaped valleys, frontal and lateral moraines, megalithic deposits with striations, polished rock planes, and striae parallel to valleys along the San Rafael, San Pedro, and Peñas Blancas rivers. These features provide compelling evidence for significant glaciation during the Late Pleistocene in the Valle del General, suggesting that glacial processes extended to lower elevations than previously recognized.

Evolución del paisaje y aprovechamientos económicos en la falda de la sierra cordobesa (Siglos XIII-XV).

Caliphate City of Medina Azahara — 2011 — WHE7B908AB653

A detailed analysis of historical records reveals that the landscape at the foot of the Sierra Cordobesa, long assumed to be primarily dedicated to extensive livestock grazing, was actually a diversified agricultural zone during the 13th to 15th centuries. This area, home to significant historical sites like the ruins of Madinat al-Zahra (Córdoba la Vieja), supported not only pastures but also olive groves, vineyards, and gardens that played a crucial role in supplying Córdoba's markets during the Late Middle Ages. The study challenges traditional narratives by leveraging documentary sources to reconstruct a more complex economic landscape, highlighting its multifaceted contributions to the region's subsistence and trade.

Evolution and biogeography of the flora of the Socotra archipelago (Yemen)

Socotra Archipelago — 2011 — WHE2175C5551A

The Socotra Archipelago, an isolated continental fragment in the Western Indian Ocean, exhibits remarkable floristic diversity and endemism shaped by at least 18 million years of isolation. Despite its significance as a unique biogeographical system—often likened to the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean—it remains understudied. This research reveals that Socotra's flora has undergone significant local adaptations and radiations, providing key insights into island biogeography. By analyzing origins, affinities, disjunctions, and environmental influences, the study elucidates the evolutionary processes contributing to its distinct biodiversity. The findings highlight Socotra as a critical case study for understanding long-term isolation and ecological specialization in island ecosystems.

Expedition Yukon 1967: Centennial and the Politics of Mountaineering in Kluane

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2011 — WHEA2CC000474

The Yukon Alpine Centennial Expedition of 1967, organized by the Alpine Club of Canada to celebrate Canada's centennial, achieved 33 climbs in the St. Elias Range, including 27 first ascents, while also naming geographic features and leaving a cultural imprint. This expedition, funded by multiple governments, challenged traditional narratives of nationhood through its approach to mountain landscapes, contributing to the establishment of Kluane National Park in 1972. The study examines how these encounters and stories intersect with local knowledge, cultural landscapes, and environmental philosophy, providing insight into the politics of mountaineering and Canadian federalist nationalism in northern regions.

Exploring “Borderlity” on the Ogasawara Islands

Ogasawara Islands — 2011 — WHEEB44889F3B

Residents of the Ogasawara Islands, a remote UNESCO World Heritage Site, exhibit a notable unawareness of their geopolitical positioning due to historical disconnection from Japan and proximity to U.S. naval administration. This 'borderlity'—a sense of being neither Japanese nor American—stems from the islands' isolation and lack of strong ties to either nation. A questionnaire-based case study revealed that inhabitants perceive their locality as detached from both countries, reinforcing this unique geopolitical identity. The findings underscore how geographical and administrative factors shape local perceptions of belonging.

Extinction Risk Assessments at the Species Level: National Red List Status of Endemic Wild Cinnamon Species in Sri Lanka

Sinharaja Forest Reserve — 2011 — WHE6AA2958E42

Among the seven endemic wild cinnamon species in Sri Lanka, three are classified as Threatened (Cinnamomum litseaefolium, C. rivulorum, and C. sinharajaense), two as Highly Threatened (C. capparucoronde and C. citriodorum), one as Indeterminate (C. ovalifolium), and only C. dubium as Not Threatened. This assessment, based on eco-geographical surveys, herbarium data, and potential distribution modeling using DIVA-GIS, highlights critical threats including habitat destruction, urbanization, and unsustainable agriculture. The study underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these ecologically and economically valuable species, particularly those endemic to Sinharaja Forest Reserve.

Extradosed Prestressed Concrete Bridge with High-Strength Concrete, Japan—Yumekake Bridge

Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range — 2011 — WHE0E933CB415

The Yumekake Bridge, located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range, Japan, represents a groundbreaking achievement in bridge engineering. It is the nation's first extradosed prestressed concrete bridge utilizing high-strength (60 MPa) and self-compacting cast-in-place concrete for both the tower and box girder, along with high-strength materials for the piers. This innovative design enhances slenderness and seismic resistance, addressing structural challenges in steep ravines like the Kumano River. The bridge's special features are detailed in this study, showcasing advancements in material science and civil engineering that could inform future infrastructure projects in similar environments.

Extreme wave event in Ilha Grande Bay: a case study

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2011 — WHE195619EF10

A study modeling wind-generated waves in Ilha Grande Bay, Brazil, revealed significant wave heights of up to 1.5 meters during storm conditions, posing risks to coastal structures and beaches. Researchers used the WAVEWATCH III spectral model with Reanalysis II wind data to simulate both typical and extreme wave scenarios. The findings highlight the potential for such modeling techniques to predict and mitigate coastal damage in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Paraty and Ilha Grande, which are valued for their unique culture and biodiversity.

Fall and Rise of Nesting Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) at Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles: Positive Response to Four Decades of Protection (1968–2008)

Aldabra Atoll — 2011 — WHE2DAADDB250

Aldabra Atoll has witnessed a remarkable 500%–800% increase in its nesting green turtle population over four decades of protection since becoming a nature reserve in 1968. Initially, the population faced intense exploitation, but standardized track count protocols implemented from 1980 onward revealed significant recovery. The study monitored 52 nesting beaches across the atoll's 83-km outer rim, classifying them into six groups and tracking reproductive output through egg clutch estimates. Notably, Settlement Beach (SETT), historically the most exploited, showed the highest rate of increase during Phase 2 (1994–2008). This research underscores the effectiveness of long-term conservation efforts in restoring endangered species.

Features of Regional Hydrogeology and Groundwater Distribution of Volcanic Rocks in Jeju Island

Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes — 2011 — WHE03B0DC7280

Jeju Island's volcanic rocks exhibit distinct groundwater distribution patterns, primarily influenced by regional hydrogeological features. The study reveals that the island can be divided into four regions—east, west, south, and north—each with unique groundwater characteristics. In the east and west, basal groundwater and lower sub-basal groundwater dominate, while in the south and north, sub-basal and upper groundwater are more prevalent. The correlation between aquifer depth and groundwater levels is highest in the southern region, gradually decreasing towards the northern, eastern, and western regions. This research leverages data from 203 groundwater wells across Jeju Island, including agricultural, municipal, and monitoring wells, to analyze hydrogeological structures such as clinker layers, fractures, and volcanic tuffs.

Feeding ecology of Ara ararauna (Aves, Psittacidae) at firebreaks in western Cerrado, Brazil

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2011 — WHE3546929651

Blue-and-yellow Macaws (Ara ararauna) in the Cerrado Protected Areas of Brazil, particularly Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks, are highly attracted to firebreaks due to the abundance of fruiting Anacardium humile shrubs. A study observed 76 macaw flocks foraging at these sites between September 2006 and February 2007, revealing that seeds from A. humile were their primary food source. Macaws also consumed young apical parts, leaves, flowers, and branches of other plant species, with a significant preference for shrubs over trees. Their foraging activities often resulted in damage to reproductive and young plant parts, highlighting the ecological impact of macaw behavior on these protected areas.

Fighting Fires: Creating the British Fire Service, 1800––1978, by Shane Ewen

Old and New Towns of Edinburgh — 2011 — WHEDDBA01EBDA

A devastating fire in Edinburgh's Old Town in 1824, which destroyed historic structures and exposed systemic inefficiencies in firefighting, catalyzed the municipalization of fire protection in Britain. This event enabled James Braidwood to establish foundational principles for organized firefighting, influencing urban centers like London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, and others. Shane Ewen's 'Fighting Fires: Creating the British Fire Service, 1800–1978' traces the evolution of fire services from fragmented insurance-dependent models to a nationalized, publicly funded system, accelerated by wartime demands. The study highlights the tension between professionalization efforts by senior officers and the exploitation of rank-and-file firefighters, as well as the pivotal role of World Wars in standardizing practices and improving labor conditions. Ewen's work challenges historical narratives by emphasizing Victorian local government responsiveness and the enduring impact of urban fires on public service reform.