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Publications

Showing 29521 – 29540 of 30315 publications

Combining local‐ and large‐scale models to predict the distributions of invasive plant species

Olympic National Park — 2010 — WHEC236F26E46

A novel approach combining local and large-scale models reveals significant long-term invasion risk for three invasive plant species within Olympic National Park (ONP). While less than 4% of the park faces high near-term risk, a staggering 67-99% is at moderate or high long-term risk. The study compared logistic regression with presence-only methods and ensemble models to predict distributions, finding that larger-scale climate envelope models, derived from native and invaded ranges, provided more accurate long-term predictions despite lacking finer resolution. This research introduces an index of near- and long-term invasion risk, offering a strategic framework for monitoring and management in ONP. By integrating multi-scale modeling with real-time data, the study proposes a dynamic approach to overcome the limitations of static habitat distribution models.

Commemoration of Grunwald Battle in 1910: Political and Cultural Aspects

Vilnius Historic Centre — 2010 — WHE80E4ED18E9

The 1910 commemoration of the Grunwald Battle, marking its 500th anniversary, revealed both cultural unity and political tensions among former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth territories. While the event in Krakow drew 150,000 attendees from across partitioned lands—including delegations from the UK, US, France, and Russia—it also highlighted growing Lithuanian-Polish divisions. Lithuanian representatives boycotted Krakow’s celebrations but participated in Vilnius, emphasizing their national aspirations. The study examines how this commemoration showcased Polish cultural resilience while exposing political fractures, using historical records of events, exhibitions, and participant accounts to analyze its broader implications for identity and independence movements.

Community based conservation and management of mountain ungulates in Tajikistan

Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) — 2010 — WHEE3D85AD21D

Mountain ungulate populations in Tajikistan, including Marco Polo argali, Tajik markhor, and Bukhara urial, face significant threats from poaching and habitat degradation despite state-imposed hunting restrictions. A community-based conservation project initiated in 2008 has shown promise in reversing these declines by engaging former poachers and local communities to manage wildlife sustainably. This approach, supported by NGOs and international organizations, has led to the creation of private conservancies and community initiatives that focus on protection, monitoring, and sustainable use while fostering policy dialogue for long-term conservation. The project highlights the potential for collaborative management to mitigate unsustainable practices and support both biodiversity conservation and local development.

Community Expansion and Infrastructure Development: Implications for Human Health and Environmental Quality in the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador

Galápagos Islands — 2010 — WHEF4D930D8F8

Urban expansion and infrastructure development in Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island, Galápagos, pose significant risks to human health and environmental quality. The study reveals that the rapid growth of the community has outpaced the development of essential services like water and sanitation, leading to potential contamination and waterborne diseases. Researchers used a combination of geospatial analysis—including time-series aerial photographs and satellite images—to map infrastructure and assess its proximity to natural environments. Complementing this with qualitative data from interviews with health officials and residents, the study highlights the critical need for sustainable urban planning to mitigate adverse impacts on both public health and ecosystem integrity.

Community is Cult, Cult is Community: Weaving the Web of Meanings for the Chalcolithic

The Historic Town and Archaeological Site of Gedi — 2010 — WHED6628D79D2

A critical reassessment of ritual behavior and its socio-economic implications during the Chalcolithic period in the Southern Levant reveals that while archaeological evidence of cultic activities has grown significantly, existing interpretations remain largely unchallenged. This study addresses the 'mid-level theory gap' by synthesizing data from key sites—Gilat, En Gedi, and Teleilat Ghassul—to propose new frameworks for understanding how communities experienced and participated in ritual practices. It challenges traditional assumptions about material culture and cultural theory, urging a more nuanced approach to interpreting Chalcolithic socio-economic complexity.

Community-Based Tourism and Ecotourism Are Potential Means to Facilitate the Conservation of Natural Resources of the Sundarbans – a Theoretical Perspective

The Sundarbans — 2010 — WHEDB7A7E4F99

Community-based tourism (CBT) and ecotourism hold significant potential to facilitate the conservation of natural resources in the Sundarbans Reserved Forest (SRF), offering multiple benefits while addressing key challenges. These alternative tourism models can generate employment, support local enterprises, and promote environmental awareness through principles like eco-development, moderate development, and informative education. However, their implementation is hindered by gaps in government policy, limited knowledge among locals, poverty, and insufficient institutional support. The study identifies critical factors for success, including community participation, market engagement, capacity building, and collaborative partnerships. It underscores the need for scientific research and coordinated efforts from governments, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders to unlock the full potential of CBT and ecotourism in the Sundarbans, thereby enhancing both conservation efforts and local livelihoods.

Comparative Perspectives on Communal Lands and Individual Ownership

Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape — 2010 — WHEF04121AE29

A comparative analysis reveals that communal land tenure models, despite challenges, offer sustainable governance for Indigenous communities. The study examines case studies from Australia, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa, and the Pacific Islands to assess the implications of shifting from communal to individual ownership. It highlights that while individual titles may drive economic development, they often undermine social justice and environmental sustainability. The research employs qualitative methods, including legal analysis, historical context, and empirical data, to evaluate the long-term viability of communal land management. Key findings suggest that recognizing and preserving communal land rights is crucial for equitable access to resources and sustainable community development.

Comparison of Test Performance and Evaluation of Novel Immunoassays for Tuberculosis in a Captive Herd of Wood Bison Naturally Infected with Mycobacterium Bovis

Wood Buffalo National Park — 2010 — WHE455C8FA9E5

A study comparing tuberculosis diagnostic tests in a captive herd of wood bison revealed significant variability in test performance, with sensitivities ranging from 50% to 92% and specificities from 34% to 100%. While the multiantigen print immunoassay (MAPIA) showed high sensitivity and agreed significantly with the rapid test (RT), no single test consistently detected all infected individuals. The research suggests that using multiple tests, particularly those incorporating multiple antigens, can optimize detection of bovine tuberculosis in bison, though even comprehensive testing may fail to identify all infected animals.

Compelling Science Saves a River Valley

Waterton Glacier International Peace Park — 2010 — WHE479A728B66

A comprehensive environmental assessment demonstrated that the Flathead River, a pristine waterway flowing through Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), maintains significantly better water quality and biodiversity compared to the nearby Elk River, which has been affected by decades of coal mining. The study revealed that the Elk basin had over 1000 times higher nitrate levels, 100 times more sulfates, and 10 times greater selenium concentrations than the Flathead, with corresponding losses in aquatic biodiversity. This scientific evidence, combined with a UNESCO fact-finding mission and diplomatic efforts, led to a landmark accord prohibiting coal mining and gas extraction in the transboundary North Fork of the Flathead River Basin, setting an international precedent for valuing ecosystem protection over resource extraction.

Competing for tourists at Victoria Falls: A historical consideration of the effects of government involvement

Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls — 2010 — WHE54B90B7081

A long-standing transnational struggle over tourism development at Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls has been shaped by competing government policies, revealing the complex interplay between commercial and spiritual interests. This historical analysis demonstrates how colonial and post-colonial governments in Zambia and Zimbabwe have alternately promoted and stifled tourism, influencing the site's status as one of southern Africa's earliest tourist destinations. The study employs a historical perspective to trace these dynamics, highlighting the border dispute's impact on tourism policies and outcomes.

Comprehend the Incomprehensible: Kofi Setordji's Travelling Memorial of the Rwanda Genocide

Memorial sites of the Genocide: Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi and Bisesero — 2010 — WHE0AA8B62EA5

Kofi Setordji's travelling memorial, a mobile art installation, serves as a poignant and innovative response to the Rwanda Genocide, aiming to make the incomprehensible comprehensible. This study explores how Setordji's work, through its mobility and interactive elements, challenges traditional memorialization practices by engaging communities in multiple locations across Africa and Europe. The research employs qualitative methods, including interviews with artists, curators, and visitors, to analyze the installation's impact on collective memory and remembrance. By focusing on the interplay between art, memory, and globalization, this study highlights the potential of mobile memorials to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic approach to commemorating historical trauma.

Configurational approach to identifying the earliest hominin butchers

Lower Valley of the Awash — 2010 — WHE1362DDC591

A re-evaluation of fossil evidence from the Dikika site in Ethiopia's Lower Awash Valley challenges claims that Australopithecus afarensis, a species previously unlinked to butchering, engaged in tool-assisted meat-eating approximately 3.4 million years ago. Using a taphonomic configurational approach, researchers argue that the purported butchery marks on two fossils are likely random striae caused by sediment abrasion, not hominin activity. This conclusion undermines earlier suggestions of significantly earlier butchering behavior and reaffirms that the best evidence for hominin butchery remains from 2.6 to 2.5 million years ago, associated with more derived species.

Conflitos entre macacos-prego e visitantes no Parque Nacional de Brasília: possíveis soluções

Brasilia — 2010 — WHE8EEEF5BDC5

A significant increase in conflicts between capuchin monkeys and visitors at the swimming pools of Brasília National Park (PNB) has been linked to food brought by tourists, which attracts the monkeys. Research conducted on-site reveals that these interactions often lead to aggressive behavior from the monkeys, posing risks to visitors' safety and health. The study proposes practical solutions for park management to mitigate these conflicts, including better waste management, visitor education, and environmental enrichment strategies for the monkeys. These recommendations aim to reduce human-monkey interactions while preserving the ecological balance of the park.

Congo Peafowl use both primary and regenerating forest in Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

Salonga National Park — 2010 — WHEABE756ADD1

A study on the Congo Peafowl (Afropavo congensis) reveals that this endangered species, endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo, significantly favors regenerating secondary forest over primary forest for habitat use. Researchers analyzed two contiguous forest blocks in Salonga National Park—one primary and one secondary, with regeneration exceeding 30 years—using systematic transect surveys and exhaustive searches for secondary signs like feathers and droppings. Results showed a higher frequency of peafowl presence in secondary forest, with 19 out of 31 bird sightings occurring there. Microhabitat preferences also differed: birds in secondary forest were closer to watercourses, had fewer large trees, and exhibited lower plant species richness. Additionally, droppings from secondary forest contained fewer taxonomic groups, suggesting dietary or ecological differences. This finding underscores the critical role of old regenerating forests in peafowl conservation, emphasizing their inclusion in habitat connectivity planning to support this vulnerable species.

Congratulations to the Singapore Botanic Garden Sesquicentennial 2009

Singapore Botanic Gardens — 2010 — WHEA28B348486

A landmark celebration of the Singapore Botanic Gardens' 150th anniversary (2009) highlights its significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a global center for botanical research. The publication emphasizes the gardens' historical importance, scientific contributions, and conservation efforts over a century and a half. It underscores the site's role in biodiversity preservation, horticultural innovation, and educational outreach, while also acknowledging challenges in maintaining its legacy amid urban development. The document reflects on the gardens' evolution from colonial-era beginnings to its present status as a symbol of Singapore's natural heritage.

Conservation at risk: conflict analysis in the Białowieża Forest, a European biodiversity hotspot

Białowieża Forest — 2010 — WHE1B6E4F380B

Neither opposing groups in the Białowieża Forest debate advocate for long-term biodiversity conservation strategies. Persistent tensions stem from mutual distrust, conflicting data interpretations, local vested interests, and economic insecurity among stakeholders. The study suggests a shift toward restoration-oriented management that integrates bottom-up social processes addressing local needs with clear communication of conservation values. Incorporating incentives into legislation and funding is crucial for successful governance and management of this irreplaceable ecosystem.

Conservation of the Gold-EmbroideredEpitaphiosFrom the St Paul Monastery, Mount Athos: the Hidden Story of an Ecclesiastical Textile

Mount Athos — 2010 — WHE282475C84B

A rare, fifteenth-century gold-embroidered ecclesiastical textile from the St Paul Monastery on Mount Athos revealed hidden historical and artistic details during conservation. The study uncovered extensive overpainting and previously unknown reverse-side inscriptions, providing new insights into the textile's significance and craftsmanship. Despite logistical challenges—including transporting a restricted-access object to a female-operated conservation studio—the team developed specialized treatments to stabilize the fragile textile for future display. This research highlights both the scientific and cultural value of Mount Athos' World Heritage Site, offering a deeper understanding of its ecclesiastical textiles.

Considerations on the Urban Process and Space Formation of the City of Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic)

Colonial City of Santo Domingo — 2010 — WHE13B8E5956A

Santo Domingo, the first European city founded in the Americas with a grid layout during Spanish colonial rule, exhibits unique urban formation characteristics that have persisted to the present day. A study analyzing 916 historical maps from the Archive of the Indies in Seville reveals how the city's spatial development evolved over centuries, providing insights into its transformation and conservation challenges. This research combines cartographic analysis with fieldwork to clarify the enduring patterns of Santo Domingo's urban structure, offering a model for understanding colonial urbanism in America.

Constantine’s twin basilica at Trier

Roman Monuments, Cathedral of St Peter and Church of Our Lady in Trier — 2010 — WHEA6D031906B

Archaeological excavations at Trier's cathedral have confirmed the existence of Constantine’s twin basilica, a monumental complex built between 326 and 348 AD on the ruins of an imperial palace. This discovery challenges earlier assumptions about the site's structure, revealing two longitudinal halls—each capable of holding 6000 people—connected by a three-aisled hall in the east and a square baptistery in the west. The north basilica, slightly larger with a monumental entrance, featured a polygonal structure interpreted as a memoria, while the south basilica retained its original form. Excavations also uncovered ceiling frescoes from an earlier palace, dating before 326 AD, which depict members of Constantine’s family, further validating the legend linking Helena, Constantine's mother, to the basilica's foundation. Unlike other fourth-century twin basilicas, the Trier complex stands out for its scale and significance, offering unique insights into Constantinian church architecture.

Construction Period of the Nasca Lines in the Pampa of Nasca

Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa — 2010 — WHE3C6BB289AC

A comprehensive analysis of the Nasca Lines, utilizing high-resolution satellite imagery, reveals a previously unrecognized network spanning the entire Pampa de Nasca. This network includes multiple 'line centers' and connecting lines that extend north-south across the plateau, challenging earlier assumptions about their distribution and connectivity. The study suggests that these lines may have served as pathways or information transmission routes, though their exact purpose remains unclear.