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Publications

Showing 29041 – 29060 of 30315 publications

Selectivity of terrestrial gastropod extinctions on an oceanic archipelago and insights into the anthropogenic extinction process

Ogasawara Islands — 2011 — WHEF254ECFEEC

Anthropogenic impacts have led to nonrandom losses of phenotypic diversity among terrestrial gastropods in the Ogasawara Islands, with extinction patterns varying by island and type of threat. Extinct species exhibited significantly smaller geographic ranges compared to surviving ones, but current declines do not show significant range differences between threatened and non-threatened species. Extinctions were selective based on shell spire index (SI), a functionally important trait, though the relationship between body size and extinction vulnerability differed among extinction agents—some being strongly size-selective while others were not. The study suggests that as anthropogenic threats have shifted from habitat loss to predation over time, so too have the patterns of biodiversity loss, indicating that resilience to one type of threat does not ensure long-term survival.

Selling EthniCity: Urban Cultural Politics in the Americas (review)

Historic City of Sucre — 2011 — WHEBCE736B1F4

A collection of essays examines the role of ethnicity and cultural elements in urban planning and city promotion, revealing how cultural, political, and economic elites construct unique city images. The study highlights the use of heritage programs, festivals, and tourism to shape perceptions of places like New Orleans, Chicago, Oaxaca, and Sucre, Bolivia. It also explores the commodification of ethnic identities in cities such as Quito, Detroit, Seattle, Los Angeles, Mérida, and Vancouver, demonstrating how these processes influence urban landscapes and public spaces.

Sensitivity Analysis of Baseline Carbon Estimates for a Bolivian REDD Initiative (The Noel Kempff Mercado National Park Climate Action Project)

Noel Kempff Mercado National Park — 2011 — WHE165ECE2969

A sensitivity analysis reveals that carbon baseline estimates for the Noel Kempff Mercado National Park REDD+ initiative are highly sensitive to temporal calibration periods and geographic scope, with deforestation rates and avoided carbon emissions most influenced by these factors. The study used a spatially explicit modeling approach, combining remote sensing data with the GEOMOD land-use change model, to simulate deforestation dynamics under a business-as-usual scenario. Findings underscore the critical role of methodological choices in reducing uncertainty and enhancing the robustness of carbon accounting in REDD+ projects. This research advances measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems by demonstrating how sensitivity analysis can improve transparency, credibility, and reproducibility in carbon baseline estimation.

Serologic Surveillance of Pathogens in a Declining Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) Population in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, USA and a Reference Site

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2011 — WHEC90461A518

A declining harbor seal population in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, showing over 70% decline since 1992, was found to be immunologically naïve to distemper viruses and other pathogens. Serologic surveillance conducted between 2007 and 2008 revealed low prevalence of antibodies against Leptospira spp., with no detectable serum antibodies for Toxoplasma gondii, morbilliviruses, or Cryptosporidium in fecal samples. Giardia was detected in 6% of fecal samples from Glacier Bay, while no antibodies were found in reference samples from Kodiak Island. The study suggests that pathogens are unlikely to be the primary cause of the population decline, highlighting potential vulnerabilities to emerging diseases due to limited immunological exposure.

Settling into an Increasingly Hostile World: The Rapidly Closing “Recruitment Window” for Corals

Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System — 2011 — WHE705240932E

Research on the Belize Barrier Reef reveals that coral recruitment is becoming increasingly challenging due to a rapidly closing 'recruitment window.' The study found that annual coral recruitment rates declined by over 50% within two years, with substrates hospitable to corals being overtaken by inhospitable organisms like sponges. This shift occurs within approximately 9–14 months following a disturbance, after which the environment becomes hostile to coral settlement and survival. The study deployed terra-cotta plates at 10 m depth for 38 months, monitoring changes in benthic communities and their impact on coral spat survivorship.

Sex Scandals, Sexual Violence, and the Word on the Street: The Kolasówna Lustmord in Cracow's Popular Press, 1905–1906

Historic Centre of Kraków — 2011 — WHE6A086E2C8C

A study of the 1905 'Lustmord' scandal involving the murder of nine-year-old Marya Kolasówna in Kraków reveals how the popular press shaped public discourse on sexual violence and deviance, while also reflecting and interacting with street-level conversations. The research demonstrates that media coverage, though sensationalistic, contributed to a nascent public sphere by mediating between authorities and citizens, framing violence against women and children as stemming from 'sexual urges or temporary insanity.' Unlike conventional critiques, the study argues that such coverage was part of broader discussions on morality, urban life, and social order, rather than mere false consciousness. The analysis combines close reading of press narratives with contextualization within medical and legal discourses to illustrate the complex dynamics between media, public opinion, and authority in fin-de-siècle Kraków.

Sexy substances and the substance of sex: findings from an ethnographic study in Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture — 2011 — WHE85C6AFDE28

An ethnographic study in Ibiza reveals that substances, particularly drugs and alcohol, play a pivotal role in promoting sexual encounters among British youth tourists. Unlike previous research that primarily focuses on survey-based methods and overlooks interactions with non-tourist social players, this study highlights the involvement of promotion representatives, strippers, and prostitutes in these dynamics. By adopting Bakhtin's concept of the 'carnivalesque,' the research offers a nuanced understanding of how substances facilitate and shape sexual behaviors in holiday destinations. Conducted through 38 focus groups, observations, and informal conversations over three summers (2009–2011), this work fills a critical gap by examining sexual relations beyond those strictly between British tourists.

Shahr-i Sokhta and the chronology of the Indo-Iranian regions

Shahr-i Sokhta — 2011 — WHEA228A45519

A 2011 study challenges the established chronology of Shahr-i Sokhta, suggesting its final phases (III and IV) occurred in the late 3rd millennium to early 2nd millennium BCE. This revised dating implies potential interactions between the Helmand sites (Shahr-i Sokhta and Mundigak) and the Indus Civilization. The research evaluates arguments for contemporaneity by examining archaeological sequences from the western Indus Valley and Makran, questioning proposed links between Shahr-i Sokhta and Indus sites.

Shark reactions to scuba divers in two marine protected areas of the Eastern Tropical Pacific

Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary — 2011 — WHEFB3CA790D1

Shark reactions to scuba divers vary significantly based on diver behavior, observation strategy, and proximity. This study found that sharks exhibit stronger behavioral responses when divers employ 'direct approach,' sudden movements, or move closer than 4 meters. These actions, along with the use of camera flashes and noise, tend to elicit evasion or alert reactions in sharks, particularly those species targeted by divers. Interestingly, divers are more intrusive towards species they perceive as less threatening and easier to access due to environmental conditions. The research, conducted in two marine protected areas—Galápagos Marine Reserve (Ecuador) and Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary (Colombia)—analyzed five shark species using four reaction categories and five diver behavior categories. It highlights the need for responsible diving practices to minimize impacts on shark behavior and ecology.

Shell morphology of the freshwater snail Gundlachia ticaga (Gastropoda: Ancylidae) from four sites in Ilha Grande, southeastern Brazil

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2011 — WHEC3D26667B8

A study on the freshwater snail Gundlachia ticaga from Ilha Grande, Brazil, reveals significant phenotypic plasticity in shell morphology across four populations. Using nine morphometric characters and discriminant analysis, researchers found that shells from preserved and highly modified environments exhibited similar traits, challenging previous diagnostic criteria for identification. The findings highlight that narrower, elongated shells could be misidentified as Ferrissia, while broader, roundish shells might be confused with Burnupia. The absence of radial lines is not a reliable diagnostic feature, emphasizing the need to analyze apical micro-sculpture and soft parts for accurate species identification.

Short‐ and long‐term control of Vespula pensylvanica in Hawaii by fipronil baiting

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — 2011 — WHE29EC240AF7

A 0.1% fipronil chicken bait, enhanced with heptyl butyrate, demonstrated long-term efficacy in suppressing the invasive western yellowjacket wasp (Vespula pensylvanica) population in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The study found a 95% reduction in wasp abundance within three months post-treatment and sustained a 60.9% population reduction even a year later, compared to untreated sites. Heptyl butyrate significantly increased the bait's attractiveness while minimizing non-target impacts on other arthropods. This approach offers a highly effective large-scale management strategy for invasive wasp control with lasting ecological benefits.

Should the UK be nominating More World Heritage Sites?

State Historical and Cultural Park “Ancient Merv” — 2011 — WHEF77199485D

This article challenges the UK's approach to nominating World Heritage Sites, questioning its practicality and ethical implications amid shifting political and economic landscapes. It synthesizes insights from analyses of Tentative List Review processes for English Heritage, responses to DCMS consultations, and work on nominations like the Twin Monastery of Wearmouth and Jarrow, alongside management plans for sites such as Ancient Merv in Turkmenistan. While acknowledging the ideals behind the World Heritage concept, the author expresses doubts about its implementation, aiming to provoke further discussion on the matter.

Shrapnel in Omaha Beach Sand

Beaches of the D-Day Landings, Normandy, 1944 — 2011 — WHE2ABF3171B6

A study of sand samples from Omaha Beach, collected 44 years after the D-Day landings, revealed persistent traces of shrapnel and other remnants from the intense battle. Despite efforts to clear the beach over decades, microscopic analysis confirmed the presence of metal fragments, offering a tangible link to the historical event's violence. The research highlights the enduring impact of human conflict on even seemingly pristine coastal environments. By comparing sediment samples with historical accounts, the study underscores the challenges faced by Allied forces during the landings, including ineffective naval bombardment and strong German defenses. This work provides a scientific perspective on the long-term preservation of war-related artifacts in natural landscapes.

Simultaneous thin section and phytolith observations of finely stratified deposits from Neolithic Çatalhöyük, Turkey: implications for paleoeconomy and Early Holocene paleoenvironment

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2011 — WHE884B5B4DEE

A groundbreaking analysis of Neolithic Çatalhöyük deposits reveals that phytoliths—microscopic plant silica structures—can serve as reliable indicators of early agricultural practices and paleoenvironmental conditions. The study, combining thin section micromorphology with phytolith observations, demonstrates that these deposits, dated between 7400 and 6000 BC, reflect a wet marshland environment while also providing evidence for wet farming of wheat. However, the research highlights significant background noise due to frequent fire use, which complicates interpretations where phytolith counts are low. This dual approach offers new insights into the taphonomy of deposits, emphasizing the importance of considering post-depositional processes in reconstructing past human-plant interactions and environmental conditions.

Site Suitability Analysis for Bay Scallop Aquaculture and Implications for Sustainable Fisheries Management in the Ha Long Bay Archipelago, Northern Vietnam

Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago — 2011 — WHE4B0C2B3B15

A comprehensive site suitability analysis reveals that while 98% of the Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago is environmentally suitable for bay scallop aquaculture, infrastructural constraints limit the practical area to just 38%. This study combines environmental factors like temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll-a with infrastructural considerations such as proximity to landing points and markets to assess optimal zones for sustainable scallop farming. The findings highlight a critical trade-off between ecological potential and logistical feasibility, suggesting that strengthening fisheries infrastructure or developing post-harvest processing plants could be pivotal strategies for advancing aquaculture in this UNESCO World Heritage Site while mitigating over-exploitation of capture fisheries.

Slaves without Shackles: An Archaeology of Everyday Life on Gorée Island, Senegal

Island of Gorée — 2011 — WHE87EB07A9D9

Archaeological evidence from Gorée Island, Senegal, reveals the complex social dynamics of a transnational community shaped by slavery and cultural interactions. While slavery is often a central theme in historical narratives about the island, its material traces remain subtle. The study identifies patterns in settlement growth, material culture, and cultural exchanges that illuminate everyday life among free Africans, enslaved people, and Europeans during the 18th century. By analyzing documentary and archaeological records, researchers uncover how diverse identities negotiated coexistence, contributing to a nuanced understanding of Gorée's historical significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Small Mammals Of Sangay National Park, Chimborazo Province And Morona Santiago Province, Ecuador

Sangay National Park — 2011 — WHE549D4DEBDF

A comprehensive survey of small mammal diversity in Sangay National Park, Ecuador, identified 23 species, including two endemic to the park and one newly described. The study highlights the rich biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, with notable findings such as the presence of the Andean mouse (Thomasomys cinereiventer) and the Sangay rice rat (Oryzomys macconnelli sangayensis). Researchers employed a combination of live-trapping, camera trapping, and morphological analysis to document species composition, distribution, and ecological traits. This work underscores the importance of Sangay National Park as a critical habitat for small mammals in the Andean region.

Small-mammals from the Middle Pleistocene layers of the Sima del Elefante (Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos, northwestern Spain)

Archaeological Site of Atapuerca — 2011 — WHEA53C882413

A new biochronological, palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic scenario for the latest Middle Pleistocene (ca. 250-350 ka) in the Sierra de Atapuerca emerges from the first description of its small-mammal assemblage at Sima del Elefante. The highly diverse TEURU phase fauna, comprising 17 species including insectivores, chiropters, rodents and a lagomorph, points to a patchy landscape of humid meadows and woodlands under mild climatic conditions. These findings, compared with other proxies like herpetofauna, malacofauna, large-mammals and charcoals, refine our understanding of environmental dynamics during this period in northwestern Spain.

So Fair a House

Göbekli Tepe — 2011 — WHE7DE8DDC4CB

Göbekli Tepe, a Pre-Pottery Neolithic site in Turkey, challenges conventional interpretations of its structures as solely ritual or religious buildings. Research suggests that while these structures may have had symbolic significance, they could also have served domestic functions, potentially as houses with rich cultural meanings. This study critiques the reliance on modern distinctions between sacred and profane spaces to identify prehistoric ritual sites, proposing an alternative hypothesis that emphasizes the multifunctional nature of Neolithic architecture. The analysis examines archaeological evidence and methodological challenges in distinguishing ritual from domestic spaces, offering a nuanced perspective on the social organization and symbolic practices of early Near Eastern societies.

Socioeconomic Implications of Water Pollution in an Urban Environment A Case Study in Meda Ela Catchment, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Sacred City of Kandy — 2011 — WHE4DFE35C793

High levels of water pollution in Meda Ela, a tributary of the Mahaweli River in Kandy, Sri Lanka, pose significant socioeconomic challenges. The study reveals that unplanned waste disposal and indifference towards environmental practices contribute to severe pollution, leading to health risks, mosquito breeding grounds, and unpleasant odors. Despite 93% of the community having good educational backgrounds, they continue to dispose of solid and liquid wastes into the stream. This pollution not only affects local residents with flash floods and bad odors but also threatens the Mahaweli River, a primary drinking water source for Kandy city. The research recommends implementing a community-based management system to mitigate these impacts and improve water quality in the catchment.