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Showing 29301 – 29320 of 30315 publications

Why are anopheline mosquitoes not present in the Seychelles?

Aldabra Atoll — 2011 — WHEFFB060BE7A

Anopheline mosquitoes, known vectors of malaria, are absent from the Seychelles archipelago despite its tropical climate, with the exception of Aldabra Atoll where they were introduced and later eliminated. A 2008 field survey across 17 granitic islands and 10 coralline atolls, including Mahé, Praslin, and Aldabra, found no evidence of larval or adult anophelines, confirming their absence in the Seychelles. The study attributes this to the remoteness and wind patterns protecting granitic islands, while the lack of permanent freshwater on southwestern atolls, combined with a long dry season, prevents mosquito breeding. Additionally, the absence of native land mammals in the Seychelles, similar to other regions like Antarctica or New Caledonia, suggests an obligatory relationship between anophelines and terrestrial mammals for blood-feeding.

Why become speckled? Ontogeny and function of speckling in Shark Bay bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops sp.) 1

Shark Bay, Western Australia — 2011 — WHEFCED443C45

Bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay, Western Australia, develop speckled patterns on their ventral sides starting at around 10.2 years of age, with speckles increasing in number and density throughout their lifespan. This study, tracking 88 dolphins from birth to age 34, found that while the onset of speckling does not differ significantly by sex, it correlates with sexual maturity in females, particularly aligning with the age of first parturition. The research suggests that speckle patterns likely serve a communicative function rather than concealment, as predation risk and hunting success peak much earlier in life. This finding challenges traditional assumptions about color pattern functions in cetaceans and highlights the potential for ventral speckling to signal reproductive status or condition.

Why Do They Come? Understanding Attendance at Ranger-Led Programs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park — 2011 — WHEB95E3A3747

A mismatch exists between ranger perceptions and visitor motivations for attending ranger-led programs at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While rangers believed that tangible rewards, specific topic interest, or serendipity would drive attendance, visitors were more motivated by entertainment, the chance to see unique attractions, and a positive group experience. The study highlights the importance of gathering direct feedback from park visitors rather than relying solely on ranger insights to improve program design and increase participation.

Wiktor Andrzej Daszewski: Essay presented on his 75th birthday anniversary (and list of publications)

Archaeological Site of Carthage — 2011 — WHEF68E29A944

Professor Wiktor Andrzej Daszewski, renowned for his extensive contributions to Mediterranean archaeology, is celebrated for his groundbreaking discoveries and leadership. He led Polish excavations at Nea Paphos in Cyprus from 2006 until his passing in 2021, continuing his research even after retirement. Notably, he excavated the Graeco-Roman harbor site at Marina el-Alamein in Egypt over two decades, significantly advancing understanding of ancient maritime structures. Daszewski also played a pivotal role in preserving and restoring the archaeological heritage of Carthage under UNESCO, demonstrating his commitment to cultural conservation. His prolific output on mosaic art further solidified his legacy in the field.

Wild Brown Trout Affected by Historical Mining in the Cévennes National Park, France

The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape — 2011 — WHED351B030B9

Historical mining and metallurgy in the Cévennes National Park, France, have left a lasting impact on wild brown trout populations. Sixty percent of trout at one site exceed EU maximum allowed cadmium or lead concentrations in foodstuffs, with metal levels in fish tissues reflecting sediment contamination. Lead isotope signatures confirm exposure to mining waste drainage, while developmental instability, measured through fluctuating asymmetry, correlates significantly with cadmium and lead concentrations, suggesting adverse effects on fish development. Despite the region's current low industrial activity, these findings highlight the need to consider historical mining heritage in long-term environmental management strategies.

Wilderness and Culture: Tourist Views and Experiences in the Laponian World Heritage Area

Laponian Area — 2011 — WHE64C168FF66

Tourists perceive the Laponian World Heritage Area as a pristine wilderness characterized by untouched nature, wild animals, and minimal human influence, even while acknowledging its use for Sami reindeer herding practices and tourism development. This study reveals that tourists do not view these uses as contradictory, highlighting a nuanced understanding of wilderness that balances natural preservation with cultural and economic activities. To explore these perceptions, researchers surveyed tourists about their views on landscape and the concept of wilderness, providing insights into how people interpret and experience protected areas in northern Sweden.

Wilderness, wasteland or home? Three ways of imagining the Lower Omo Valley

Lower Valley of the Omo — 2011 — WHE8AFAF5EE8F

The Lower Omo Valley is perceived differently by conservationists, state officials, and local communities. Conservationists view it as a 'wilderness' needing protection from human activity, while state officials see it as an unproductive wasteland inhabited by 'nomads,' requiring political control. Local people, however, consider it their home, integral to their livelihoods and identity. This study identifies these three competing imaginings as legitimating ideologies of place-making projects with unequal power dynamics. Conservation efforts, often linked to state coercion, have advanced the state's objectives in the region, while new developments like hydro-electric dams and commercial plantations pose challenges to wilderness protection goals.

Window constrained inversion of gravity gradient tensor data using dike and contact models

Vredefort Dome — 2011 — WHE510A43F572

A new constrained inversion technique for interpreting gravity gradient tensor data reveals that the central dome area of the Vredefort impact structure is dominated by vertical structures, likely linked to transient crater formation and crustal uplift. The method, tested with synthetic examples, effectively differentiates between dike and contact models, selecting the one with the smallest data-fit error. By analyzing the strike direction and transforming measured components into a strike coordinate system, researchers can estimate source parameters such as horizontal position, depth, thickness, dip angle, and density contrast. Applied to Vredefort Dome in South Africa, this approach supports geological interpretations of vertical structures formed during impact events.

Winterströme: Goethes erste Harzreise , and: Im Labyrinth der Täler: Goethes zweite Harzreise , and: Die Würde der Steine: Goethes dritte Harzreise (review)

Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water Management System — 2011 — WHE49F084D76B

This review examines Bernd Wolff's three novels, which intricately weave Goethe's Harz journeys into the broader context of his literary and scientific development during his first decade in Weimar. The novels, rooted in detailed historical and geological accounts of the Harz region, including its mining heritage such as the Rammelsberg mines, reveal how these expeditions influenced Goethe's evolving worldview, from his early works like Harzreise im Winter to his later scientific and philosophical pursuits, including osteological studies and Spinozist thought. Wolff's extensive knowledge of Goethe's oeuvre, the Weimar milieu, and the Harz's human and geological history—despite not being a professional Germanist—enhances the narratives with authenticity, blending courtly intrigue, natural wonders like the Teufelskanzel, and the region's mining legends. The review highlights how these journeys served as both a framework for Goethe's literary conceptions and a catalyst for his growing interest in natural sciences.

With Weber Against Weber: In Conversation With Pierre Bourdieu

M'Zab Valley — 2011 — WHE2FE1A276C2

Pierre Bourdieu's work on the M'Zab Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Algeria, reveals a striking parallel between the ascetic Kharijite Muslims and Max Weber's Protestant ethic. This study highlights how religious austerity, akin to Calvinist Puritanism, correlates with economic prosperity and adaptability among the Kharijites—despite their traditional Islamic roots. Bourdieu draws on Weber’s framework to analyze the Kharijites' disciplined lifestyle, educational attainment, and bilingualism, which collectively facilitate their success as traders in North Africa. The research underscores a unique intersection of religious practice and economic behavior, offering insights into the cultural dynamics of pre-capitalist societies.

Wood-rotting fungi in eastern China 6. Two new species of Antrodia (Basidiomycota) from Mt. Huangshan, Anhui Province

Mount Huangshan — 2011 — WHEB2B6CB6D2F

Researchers have identified two new species of wood-rotting fungi, Antrodia bambusicola and A. huangshanensis, from Mount Huangshan in Anhui Province, eastern China. These discoveries expand the known diversity of the genus Antrodia (Basidiomycota) and contribute to understanding fungal biodiversity in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Antrodia bambusicola is distinguished by its thin, annual basidiocarps with white to cream pore surfaces and growth on fallen Bambusa spp., while A. huangshanensis exhibits larger pores, branched hyphae at dissepimental edges, and a preference for dry environments, causing brown rot on Pinus massoniana branches. The study employed morphological and microscopic analyses to characterize these species, providing insights into their ecological roles and taxonomic significance.

World Heritage Angkor and Beyond

Angkor — 2011 — WHEF0C2931E8B

Angkor, Cambodia's ancient Khmer capital and one of the world's most renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites, faces significant challenges due to rapid tourism growth since its 1992 listing. Research reveals that while mass tourism has spurred economic development, it also deepens existing inequalities rather than benefiting the poor. The study critically analyzes Angkor's heritage nomination process and its broader implications, including strained Cambodian/Thai relations over the temple of Preah Vihear. It examines how UNESCO listings influence site management and local communities, raising concerns about sustainable development in heritage tourism.

World Heritage hot spots: a global model identifies the 16 natural heritage properties on the World Heritage List most at risk from climate change

Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve — 2011 — WHE9C06C54D73

A global model identifies 16 natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, as most vulnerable to climate change within the next 40 years. These sites, spanning islands, coastal regions, and mountains, face significant risks that could threaten their World Heritage status. The study employs a multi-model approach using general circulation models (GCMs), vulnerability assessments, and Human Influence Index (HII) to create the World Heritage Vulnerability Index (WHVI). This index quantifies relative risk among properties, highlighting areas where proactive adaptation strategies should be prioritized to mitigate climate impacts.

World Heritage Sites and Domestic Tourism in Thailand

Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns — 2011 — WHE86397D488E

Rapidly growing domestic tourism, driven by Thailand's urban middle class, exerts significant pressure on UNESCO World Heritage Sites, challenging conservation efforts. This study highlights how metropolitan development and shifting lifestyle patterns redefine the use of cultural (Historic City of Ayutthaya, Historic Town of Sukhothai) and natural (Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex) heritage sites, creating tensions between tourism mobilization and preservation. The research employs a qualitative approach to analyze these dynamics, revealing how urban influences reshape attitudes toward national heritage.

Writing in Space: Glottographic and Semasiographic Notation at Teotihuacan

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2011 — WHE1E0F035B73

Research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Teotihuacan reveals that ancient scribes employed a sophisticated notational system, consciously distinguishing between glottographic (language-based) and semasiographic (idea-based) writing. This distinction was achieved through the strategic use of graphic space in speech scrolls, where infixes always represented semasiographic elements while affixes could encompass both types. The study applies an integrational theory of writing to challenge Western-centric notions that true writing must solely represent language, demonstrating a nuanced approach to notation that predates and differs from known systems in the West.

Xochicalco: Tlayohualchieliztli or camera obscura

Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco — 2011 — WHE80C9C4560E

Research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Xochicalco, Mexico, presents evidence that a shaft with a zenith-oriented aperture functioned as a pre-Columbian camera obscura, or tlayohualchieliztli. This would mark the first documented use of an image-forming device in Mesoamerica. The study determined that while the shaft's aperture was too large for pinhole optics, it could have been covered with a screen containing a smaller borehole, optimizing light conditions for celestial observations. Analysis suggests the shaft was oriented to capture images of the sun during daytime and the moon at night, with amate paper or cloth used to record positions. The research combines optical modeling and astronomical alignment studies to support this hypothesis.

XXXVII Congresso Nazionale Italiano di Biogeografia

Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) — 2011 — WHEA3DCC6A9E6

The Aeolian Islands, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Isole Eolie, serve as a critical case study for understanding Mediterranean biodiversity and biogeography. This congress highlighted the islands' unique position as a hotspot for endemic species, relict flora and fauna, and evolutionary dynamics shaped by insularity and paleogeographic changes. Researchers from multiple disciplines—including terrestrial and marine biogeography, paleontology, and geology—collaborated to analyze historical shifts in faunal and floral distributions, offering insights into the region's complex ecological history. The study also emphasized the impact of human activity on native species and the introduction of invasive species, underscoring the need for targeted conservation strategies.

Yakushimabryum longissimum(Pylaisiadelphaceae) gen. & sp. nov., from the Yakushima Island, Japan

Yakushima — 2011 — WHE4105C085C0

Scientists have discovered a new genus and species of moss, Yakushimabryum longissimum, on Yakushima Island, Japan. This unique bryophyte is characterized by its glossy, yellowish-green appearance, absence of leaf costa, and distinctive filamentous gemmae composed of smooth, long-rectangular cells. Phylogenetic analysis using rbcL data reveals that it does not closely relate to similar genera like Clastobryopsis or Gammiella, but instead shares an affinity with Isocladiella and Isopterygium. The study combines morphological observations with molecular techniques, providing a key to Japanese Pylaisiadelphaceae genera. This discovery contributes to the understanding of bryophyte diversity in UNESCO-listed Yakushima, known for its rich biodiversity.

Yirmisekiz Mehmed Çelebi Nin Sefaretnamesinin Mimarî Açıdan Okunması ve Fransız Mimarlığının Sa'dâbâd Sarayı'na Muhtemel Etkisi

Palace and Park of Fontainebleau — 2011 — WHE8368FBA649

A detailed analysis of the architectural observations made by Ottoman diplomat Yirmisekiz Mehmed Celebi during his embassy to France (1718-1730) reveals significant parallels between French Baroque gardens and elements found in later Ottoman Tulip Period architecture, particularly at the Sa'dabad Palace. Celebi's travelogue, or sefaretname, provides unprecedented insights into the complexity of French palaces like Versailles and Fontainebleau, emphasizing their fountains, canals, and garden systems. This study suggests that Celebi's firsthand experiences may have influenced Ottoman aristocratic tastes, challenging previous scholarly debates on the extent of French architectural influence during this transformative era. The research employs a comparative approach, examining Celebi's descriptions against known examples of Ottoman architecture to assess potential cultural transfer.

Геодезичний зріз України по меридіану 26 43" : матеріали про пошук пунктів Геодезичної дуги Струве [Geodetic Intersection of Ukraine on the Meridian 26 43: Materials on Struve Geodetic Arc Site's Search]

Struve Geodetic Arc — 2011 — WHE43292C999D

A comprehensive effort to locate and restore the Ukrainian segment of the Struve Geodetic Arc was conducted between 2009 and 2010. This study documented critical findings related to the identification and preservation of key geodetic points along the meridian 26°43'. The research employed a systematic approach, combining historical analysis with fieldwork to pinpoint the exact locations of these significant landmarks. By integrating archival data with modern surveying techniques, the study provided valuable insights into the arc's historical significance and its role in 19th-century geodesy. This work not only contributed to the understanding of the Struve Geodetic Arc but also laid the groundwork for its inclusion on the UNESCO list.