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Publications

Showing 29881 – 29900 of 30315 publications

Molecular assessment of fungi in “black spots” that deface murals in the Takamatsuzuka and Kitora Tumuli in Japan: Acremonium sect. Gliomastix including Acremonium tumulicola sp. nov. and Acremonium felinum comb. nov

Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara — 2010 — WHE16941BFDCB

Researchers identified two new fungal species, Acremonium tumulicola and Acremonium felinum, as primary contributors to the biodeterioration of 1,300-year-old murals in Japan's UNESCO-listed Takamatsuzuka and Kitora Tumuli. Using molecular analysis—including ITS and 28S rDNA-D1/D2 sequencing—the study revealed that Acremonium masseei and A. murorum were the dominant species causing black spots on the murals, respectively. The findings highlight the role of specific fungi in cultural heritage degradation, offering insights for targeted conservation strategies.

Molecular phylogenies of figs and fig-pollinating wasps in the Ryukyu and Bonin (Ogasawara) islands, Japan

Ogasawara Islands — 2010 — WHEB46889891E

A strict host specificity between figs and their pollinating wasps persists in the Ryukyu and Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands, Japan, despite being at the edge of their distribution. Molecular phylogenetic analyses using plastid DNA, nuclear ITS sequences for figs, and nuclear 28S rRNA and mitochondrial COI genes for fig-wasps revealed single clades per species, with well-supported clades for figs belonging to the same subgenera and their associated wasps. Minimal intraspecific variation and no significant geographic structure were observed. The study suggests that two Bonin endemic fig species (Ficus boninsimae and F. nishimurae) likely migrated from the Ryukyu Islands, sharing a common ancestor with Ficus erecta and its associated fig-wasps.

Mollusca, Bivalvia, Mytilidae, Myoforceps aristatus (Dillwyn, 1817): distribution and new record localities at Ilha Grande Bay, Brazil

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2010 — WHE422502E7FA

Researchers document the distribution and new record localities of the invasive bivalve Myoforceps aristatus within Ilha Grande Bay, Brazil. This study reveals that M. aristatus, an introduced species, thrives in intertidal rocky shores dominated by the vermetid gastropod Petaloconchus varians. The research maps its presence across multiple sites, contributing critical data to understanding invasive species dynamics in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. By analyzing field observations and sampling, the study highlights the ecological impact of M. aristatus on local biodiversity, particularly within complex structures formed by native organisms.

Monitoring for the effects of climate change on the flora values of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area

Tasmanian Wilderness — 2010 — WHE030F3E287A

Climate change is expected to significantly impact the flora of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA), yet the specific effects remain uncertain. To address this, researchers propose a monitoring framework that captures diverse vegetation aspects across 14 key sites in western and southwestern Tasmania. These sites, many with prior research data, provide a comprehensive baseline to measure changes over time. By identifying high-risk flora values, this approach aims to inform mitigation strategies for land managers and researchers.

Monitoring indicates rapid and severe decline of native small mammals in Kakadu National Park, northern Australia

Kakadu National Park — 2010 — WHEA16F9C8F78

A rapid and severe decline of native small mammals has been documented in Kakadu National Park, northern Australia, challenging the assumption that its mammal fauna remained intact. Over a 13-year study (1996–2009), species richness and total abundance decreased by 54% and 71%, respectively, with 10 out of 25 recorded species showing significant declines. The most pronounced losses were observed in northern quoll, fawn antechinus, northern brown bandicoot, common brushtail possum, and pale field-rat. The study employed consistent sampling across plots representing environmental variation and fire regimes, using regression analysis and Wilcoxon matched-pairs tests to assess change. Declines correlated with increased fire frequency, suggesting that too frequent fires, predation by feral cats, and cane toad invasion may be contributing factors. These findings indicate a major conservation crisis in northern Australia, comparable to the losses seen elsewhere on the continent.

Monitoring of Landscape Combinations and Concourses in the Hungarian Danube‐Bend

Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue — 2010 — WHEC736B8751E

Research reveals significant heavy metal pollution in the Hungarian Danube-bend, particularly near Highway No. 2 and the Danube bank, with concentrations of toxic metals like lead and cadmium in plant species such as Salix alba and Plantago major exceeding those in protected areas like Duna-Ipoly National Park by 5–8 times. The study highlights the primary sources of pollution—industrial activity along the highway and riverbank contamination—as critical threats to the region's biodiversity, including protected flora. Using plant samples for bio-monitoring, the research demonstrates how landscape combinations influence pollutant accumulation, emphasizing the need for localized environmental protection strategies to mitigate industrial and economic impacts on this UNESCO-recognized cultural and natural heritage site.

More a Trustee than a Proprietor: The Edinburgh New Town Conservation Committee

Old and New Towns of Edinburgh — 2010 — WHE8282C0B520

The establishment and operations of the Edinburgh New Town Conservation Committee (ENTCC) over four decades successfully preserved Edinburgh's New Town, preventing its decline. This collaborative effort, driven by shared interests, technical expertise, friendship, and leadership, culminated in the committee's integration into Edinburgh World Heritage in 1999. The paper highlights ENTCC's approach to conservation through a case study of Fettes Row, which received royal approval, underscoring the committee's impact on architectural heritage preservation.

Morphological and genetic differentiation in populations of the dispersal‐limited coco de mer (Lodoicea maldivica): implications for management and conservation

Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve — 2010 — WHE243173C172

Research on the coco de mer palm (Lodoicea maldivica) reveals that while populations on Praslin and Curieuse islands exhibit significant morphological differences—such as height, growth rate, and seed production—they show remarkably low genetic differentiation. This suggests high phenotypic plasticity and potential long-distance gene flow via wind pollination. The study analyzed 447 trees using morphological measurements and amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs), finding that the Curieuse population had lower genetic diversity but similar overall connectivity to Praslin populations. Given these findings, the authors recommend avoiding seed transfers between islands in restoration efforts due to uncertainty about adaptive variation.

Morphological equilibrium of short channels dissecting the tidal flats of coastal lagoons

Venice and its Lagoon — 2010 — WHEED33B9C861

Research reveals that tidal channels within coastal lagoons, such as those in Venice's Lagoon, exhibit a consistent morphological equilibrium shaped by tidal amplitude, channel convergence, and critical erosion/deposition velocities. The study derives an analytical solution for the bed profile of these channels, demonstrating that inertia, friction effects, and overtides contribute minor corrections. The findings suggest universal relationships linking channel depth or length to tidal dynamics, with nearly constant-depth channels forming under strong convergence. Additionally, the study confirms a power-law relationship between channel cross-section and tidal prism, aligning theoretical predictions with observed bed configurations in Venice's Lagoon.

Morphometric aspects of a small tropical mountain river system, the southern Western Ghats, India

Western Ghats — 2010 — WHE85A87BEABD

A morphometric analysis of the Muthirapuzha watershed (MW) in the southern Western Ghats, India, reveals significant insights into its drainage characteristics and hydrological makeup. The study found that rainfall plays a crucial role in shaping the watershed's drainage development, while the underlying rock structure and relief influence its drainage pattern. Tectonic history from the late Paleocene age is linked to the asymmetry observed in the drainage distribution. The MW exhibits moderate to well-drained conditions with geomorphic maturity, indicating an elongated nature and advanced drainage network development. These findings highlight the watershed's vulnerability to soil loss and provide a foundation for comprehensive watershed management planning.

Mortuary Landscapes of North Africa (review)

Archaeological Site of Carthage — 2010 — WHE937B26EFAE

Mortuary Landscapes of North Africa reveals the complex and dynamic nature of burial practices in early North Africa, shaped by cultural shifts such as Phoenician settlement, Roman colonization, and Vandal invasions. The study synthesizes archaeological findings from Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya, analyzing diverse tomb architectures—including Punic shaft tombs, rock-cut chamber tombs, and Roman cupola tombs—and burial rituals across regions and historical periods. It highlights the tension between native traditions and foreign influences, demonstrating how mortuary practices evolved in response to political and cultural changes. The volume also advances osteological research by critically assessing its historical development, offering new perspectives on early North African populations. Its interdisciplinary approach, combining digital mapping and osteological analysis, sets a precedent for future studies in cemetery archaeology.

Mount Etna–Iblean volcanism caused by rollback-induced upper mantle upwelling around the Ionian slab edge: An alternative to the plume model

Mount Etna — 2010 — WHEA0F10B68D9

A novel model explains the origin of Mount Etna and Iblean Plateau volcanism, challenging the traditional plume hypothesis. The study proposes that these volcanic activities are driven by rollback-induced upper mantle upwelling around the southern edge of the Ionian slab, rather than a deep mantle plume or lateral flow. Using three-dimensional fluid dynamic subduction models, researchers demonstrate that the rollback of the Ionian slab triggers a quasi-toroidal return flow in the mantle, with significant upwelling occurring at depths of 90-430 km and extending 55-660 km from the slab edge. This upwelling can account for the spatial separation between intraplate volcanism in Sicily and arc magmatism, as well as their contemporaneous activity over the past ~7 million years. The model predicts maximum upwelling velocities of 3.2-6.1 cm/yr below Sicily, depending on rollback rates.

Mountain-meadow soils of the highlands in the Western Caucasus

Western Caucasus — 2010 — WHE98B9653F0D

Mountain-meadow soils in the Western Caucasus exhibit distinct mineral and organic transformations driven by soil formation processes, with two dominant elementary processes: humus accumulation and clay formation. These processes are mediated by soil biota and shape the chemical element profiles of these soils. The study analyzes published and original data on soil morphology, substance composition, physicochemical properties, total chemical and mineralogical composition, and micromorphology to characterize these transformations. It also proposes improvements for the classification of mountain-meadow soils based on these findings.

Movements of birds among natural vegetation patches in the Pantanal, Brazil

Pantanal Conservation Area — 2010 — WHE2BA7F1819B

Bird movements among natural vegetation patches in the Pantanal, Brazil, are significantly influenced by inter-patch distance and body mass. Research found that bird movement rates decreased as the distance between forest patches increased, while larger-bodied species traveled greater distances compared to smaller ones, particularly Passeriformes which rarely exceeded 286 meters. The study, conducted over a year with observations of 1,138 bird movements and 69 recaptures across 11 forest patches, suggests that small forest fragments may not support large-bodied species effectively, while small-bodied species struggle with more isolated patches. These findings highlight the importance of patch size and spatial arrangement in maintaining bird biodiversity, indicating that stepping stones can serve as viable alternatives to continuous biological corridors when necessary.

Multiple origins of Locusta migratoria (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in the Japanese Archipelago and the presence of two major clades in the world: evidence from a molecular approach

Ogasawara Islands — 2010 — WHEDA40DD9FB1

A molecular analysis of migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) populations reveals two distinct global clades, with Japanese populations originating from six different sources. One clade includes temperate and cold-temperate regions of Japan and the Chinese continent, while the other encompasses subtropical islands of Japan, Hainan Island, Timor Leste, Australia, Ethiopia, France, and parts of Tsushima and Honshu. The study estimates the divergence between these clades at 0.86–1.89 million years ago (Mya). Japanese populations were found to have multiple origins: Hokkaido populations likely from Russia, Honshu–Kyushu populations from China, Southwest Island populations from Hainan or adjacent areas, Ogasawara populations possibly from Micronesia, part of the Tsushima population from tropical Asia, and a relict southern haplotype in western northern Honshu. The Tsugaru and Tokara Straits have acted as geographical barriers, isolating locust populations for thousands of years.

Multitestis Manter 1931 (Digenea: Lepocreadiidae) in ephippid and chaetodontid fishes (Perciformes) in the south-western Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean off Western Australia

Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems — 2010 — WHE4F9124C319

Research identifies five species of the genus Multitestis (Digenea: Lepocreadiidae) from ephippid and chaetodontid fishes across the southwestern Pacific Ocean and Western Australia, including two novel species: M. coradioni n. sp. and M. paramagnacetabulum n. sp. The study distinguishes these species based on morphological traits such as body shape, testicular field positioning, and egg size, clarifying taxonomic ambiguities in the region's parasitic flatworms. Morphological analysis of specimens from key locations—Lizard Island, Heron Island (Great Barrier Reef), New Caledonia, and Ningaloo Reef—reveals distinct differences between M. pyriformis and its synonyms, as well as between M. magnacetabulum and the newly described M. paramagnacetabulum. This work contributes to the understanding of digenean diversity in coral reef ecosystems.

Museos, territorio y patrimonio in situ: trabajo de campo en el Centro de Visitantes Schuk Toak y el Ecomuseo Tehuelibampo, Sonora

El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve — 2010 — WHE44FC8B8DC7

This study highlights the limited application and theorization of open-air museums, ecomuseums, and interpretive centers in Mexico, proposing their analysis as a means to advance museological practices. Focusing on two projects within the El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve—Schuk Toak Visitor Center and Tehuelibampo Ecomuseum—the research examines how these institutions interact with territory and in situ heritage. Preliminary findings suggest that such museological approaches can effectively bridge cultural interpretation, conservation, and territorial engagement, offering a model for similar initiatives in Mexico.

Naḥal Refa’im (South)

Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir — 2010 — WHEB2AE4EF644

A salvage excavation at Naḥal Refa’im, south of Battir village, revealed significant archaeological remains prior to the construction of the separation fence. Conducted in May-June 2007 along the western bank of Nahal Refa’im and near the Tel Aviv-Jerusalem railroad track, the excavation uncovered valuable insights into the cultural landscape of the region. Directed by Y. Dagan with contributions from local villagers, including Mr. A. Sharshur, the study utilized a combination of surveying, field photography, GPS mapping, and administrative coordination to document and analyze the site. This work, supported by the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Ministry of Defense, provides crucial data on the historical significance of Battir's landscape, contributing to the understanding of its heritage within the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir.'

Nahanni National Park Reserve of Canada Northwest Territories

Nahanni National Park — 2010 — WHE1E5BF147FF

Nahanni National Park Reserve, located in the Northwest Territories of Canada, stands as a testament to the profound connection between Indigenous cultures and natural landscapes. This study reveals how Aboriginal perspectives shape the understanding and preservation of World Heritage Sites, emphasizing the spiritual significance embedded within these places. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices, Nahanni’s unique ecosystems—such as its dramatic canyons, rivers, and wildlife—are not only protected but also celebrated for their cultural heritage. The research approach combines ethnographic analysis with ecological assessments, highlighting how Indigenous narratives enrich scientific conservation efforts. This dual perspective offers a model for balancing biodiversity protection with the preservation of intangible cultural values.

Nanoseismic monitoring of extremely weak failure signals in unstable shallow subsurface cavities and validation of numerical stress predictions

Caves of Maresha and Bet-Guvrin in the Judean Lowlands as a Microcosm of the Land of the Caves — 2010 — WHEDD810C6C67

Researchers have successfully detected extremely weak seismic signals (ML > -4.0) linked to incipient brittle failure in ancient chalk caverns at Bet Guvrin National Park, Israel. These signals validate numerical stress predictions, demonstrating that nanoseismic monitoring can quantify the spatio-temporal distribution of unstable cave formations. The study highlights a novel approach where numerical modeling guides seismic monitoring, enabling precise identification of failure risks in shallow subsurface cavities. This method offers a new tool for assessing instability in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Maresha and Bet-Guvrin, which serve as microcosms for studying cave dynamics in the Judean Lowlands.