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Showing 13641 – 13660 of 15962 publications

Using playback to estimate the distribution and density of the world’s smallest flightless bird, the Inaccessible Island Rail Atlantisia rogersi

Gough and Inaccessible Islands — 2020 — WHEADCD98CFFD

The Inaccessible Island Rail, the world's smallest flightless bird, is estimated to have a population of approximately 10,300 individuals on its namesake island. This study utilized playback surveys at 350 sites to overcome the challenges posed by the bird's secretive behavior and the rugged terrain, revealing a stable population that warrants continued 'Vulnerable' status. The research highlights the critical threat of alien mammal introductions, emphasizing the need for their removal from neighboring islands to mitigate potential catastrophic impacts on this unique species.

Using Principal Components Analysis and IDW Interpolation to Determine Spatial and Temporal Changes of Surface Water Quality of Xin’anjiang River in Huangshan, China

Mount Huangshan — 2020 — WHE28C7879852

A decade-long assessment of the Xin'anjiang River in Huangshan, China, reveals stable water quality from 2008 to 2017 but highlights significant pollution at the Pukou sampling point. The study, using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation on 960 monthly samples, identified nutrient and organic pollution as major factors degrading water quality. Agricultural activities, erosion, domestic, and industrial discharges were pinpointed as primary sources of contamination. PCA accounted for 87.24% of the variance, while IDW interpolation mapped spatial-temporal changes, guiding targeted pollution control efforts. This combined approach proves effective in managing water quality and mitigating eutrophication pressure in Thousand Island Lake, offering a robust framework for environmental safety.

Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques to Evaluate the Sand Reservation Project in Al Ahsa Oasis

Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape — 2020 — WHE06B0385D5A

A significant reduction in sand encroachment has been observed in Al Ahsa Oasis following the implementation of the Sand Reservation Project, as demonstrated by remote sensing and GIS analysis. The study utilized the Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI) to assess land cover changes, revealing a notable decrease in areas affected by sand movement. This project, a collaborative effort between local authorities and researchers, highlights the effectiveness of targeted interventions in mitigating environmental degradation in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The findings underscore the potential of remote sensing techniques for monitoring and evaluating large-scale conservation efforts.

Using scale modelling to assess the prehistoric acoustics of Stonehenge

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2020 — WHE47BEC49EA9

Stonehenge's prehistoric acoustics were significantly enhanced, with stone reflections creating an average mid-frequency reverberation time of 0.64 ± 0.03 seconds and amplifying speech by 4.3 ± 0.9 dB. This study used acoustic scale modelling, a novel approach for prehistoric monuments, to quantify these effects. Unlike the current ruin or a full-size replica, the model's accurate representation of ancient geometry revealed that Stonehenge's sound environment improved both musical sounds and speech communication within its circle compared to outside. While different configurations of bluestones had minimal impact on acoustics, suggesting sound was not the primary motivation for their arrangement, the findings imply that ritualistic activities at Stonehenge likely involved sophisticated auditory experiences.

Uso de bebederos artificiales por el sereque centroamericano (Dasyprocta punctata) en la reserva de la biosfera de Calakmul, México

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2020 — WHEBA9420B1CF

Artificial water troughs effectively mitigate the impact of water scarcity on wildlife during dry seasons, particularly benefiting the Central American agouti (Dasyprocta punctata). A study in Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, Mexico, found that these troughs were consistently used by agoutis and other mammals and birds, with a relative abundance of 160.08±85.44 individuals recorded over 1121 days of monitoring during the dry season of 2019. The research employed camera traps to estimate abundance and activity patterns, revealing primarily diurnal visits. This approach provides insights into habitat modification strategies in protected areas, demonstrating that artificial water sources can support biodiversity even under drought conditions.

Usos Productivos y Rituales de las Rutas Incaicas del Sector Central de la Quebrada de Humahuaca (Jujuy, Argentina)

Quebrada de Humahuaca — 2020 — WHE30ACC39572

A high degree of Inka intervention and control characterized the Quebrada de Humahuaca, positioning it as a unique case of provincialism within the empire. The study reveals that transversal routes, which connected the central sector to other regions, were strategically adapted for intensive agricultural production and the crafting of luxury goods in Pucar de Tilcara. These routes also played a pivotal role in disseminating religious practices centered around worship at sacred sites (wakas). Functional, architectural, and spatial analyses of the road system, alongside the identification of tambos (rest stops or waystations), underscored their significance in facilitating resource exchange and reinforcing imperial control in this frontier region. The findings highlight the Quebrada de Humahuaca's role as a key node in the Inka network, despite its distance from the empire's core.

Utilization of res using seawater source heat pump with and without energy storage: Comparison of Thermal and Battery Energy Storage

Old City of Dubrovnik — 2020 — WHE9B08F768C7

A combination of wind and solar electricity generation with seawater heat pump systems can cover 67% of the energy load for Dubrovnik's Old City while significantly reducing CO2 emissions by 433.71 tonnes annually. The study found that integrating thermal energy storage with these renewable sources further optimizes system performance, cutting storage capacity requirements by up to 78% compared to solar-only systems and 60% for wind-only systems. However, battery energy storage, while more compact (40 times smaller in volume), incurs substantially higher investment costs and levelized cost of heat—13 times greater than thermal storage. The research highlights the potential of power-to-heat technologies in decarbonizing heating and cooling sectors, particularly in heritage-protected areas where outdoor infrastructure is restricted.

Utilizing Biotechnology Tools for Silecting Salt Tolerant Rootstock of Peach Hassawi

Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape — 2020 — WHE0347403C37

Bitter almond emerged as the most salt-tolerant rootstock for Hassawi peach, surviving salinity levels up to 3500 ppm NaCl, outperforming both peach (2500 ppm) and ghwj (2000 ppm). This study utilized biotechnology tools to evaluate the performance of eight rootstocks under progressive salinity stress, identifying bitter almond as the optimal choice for grafting in Al-Ahsa oasis due to its high tolerance and compatibility with Hassawi peach. The research also recommended excluding plum rootstock because of its low salinity tolerance and poor harmonization with peach, which negatively impacts grafting success.

Valongo

Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site — 2020 — WHECFA3CD58B1

Valongo Wharf serves as a powerful symbol of Brazil's complex relationship with its history of slavery and racial inequality. The site, which has been the focus of archaeological and sociopolitical action, reveals uncomfortable truths about the subjugation of Black people by Whites that persist in collective memory. This study highlights the challenges and limitations faced by White archaeologists in investigating such sensitive sites, emphasizing the need for Afro-descendants to take a more active role in the recovery and interpretation of their own past. By examining Valongo Wharf's significance, the research sheds light on contemporary issues of racial recognition, social justice, and the ongoing struggle for fundamental rights for Brazil's Black population.

Valoração econômica de bens e serviços ecossistêmicos no Parque Nacional da Serra da Capivara: uma abordagem baseada no Método do Custo de Viagem

Serra da Capivara National Park — 2020 — WHE6936128418

Serra da Capivara National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northeastern Brazil, generates an estimated annual recreational use value of R$ 7.1 million through tourism, with potential for up to R$ 2.1 billion if fully realized. This valuation highlights its significance as a cultural and natural destination, attracting visitors who prioritize landscape observation, museum visits, and archaeological sites. The study used the Travel Cost Method via an online survey of tourists in June 2019, revealing that most visitors are highly educated and affluent, willing to pay entrance fees for conservation. These findings underscore the need for infrastructure investments and environmental protection to sustain both ecological integrity and economic tourism.

Valorización inmobiliaria regional y escenario post-COVID-19. El caso de la Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina

Quebrada de Humahuaca — 2020 — WHEB525AB92E0

The Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina, has experienced significant land value appreciation due to capital redirection toward real estate, exacerbated by high inflation and tourism growth following its UNESCO World Heritage designation. A multiscalar study analyzing property prices from 2004 to 2018 revealed that the region's economic transformation stems from investment-seeking refuge in stable assets, coupled with increased tourist demand. The research suggests that while the area's economy is heavily reliant on tourism—making it vulnerable to global crises—the post-COVID-19 scenario may see a decline in property values and economic depression, posing challenges for sustainable development.

Valuing ecosystem services of Sundarbans Mangrove forest: Approach of choice experiment

The Sundarbans — 2020 — WHE0801E42DD2

Residents of the Sundarbans mangrove forest, Bangladesh, show significant willingness to pay for ecosystem services, with marginal willingness-to-pay (MWTP) values ranging from Tk. 0.015 to Tk. 0.329 across different options, indicating a potential demand despite lower MWTP in some cases. The study used a choice experiment approach, involving focus group discussions and surveys in seven villages, to measure MWTP and compensating surplus (CS) for services like fish, shrimp larvae, crab capture, and fruit/honey collection. Key factors influencing choices included age, income, education, family composition, and occupational status. The findings highlight the economic value of ecosystem services in the Sundarbans, with option 3 yielding the highest surplus (Tk. 0.551), suggesting strong local support for conservation efforts.

Variability in badlands erosion; problems of scale and threshold identification

Dinosaur Provincial Park — 2020 — WHE507407F58E

Badlands, such as those found in Dinosaur Provincial Park, exhibit accelerated erosion and are perpetually near threshold conditions, making them highly sensitive to variations in geomorphic processes. This study reveals that adjacent units within badland slope profiles can respond differently to similar extrinsic thresholds due to variations in lithology durability and intrinsic qualities. Over a ten-year period, researchers analyzed spatial and temporal variability in erosional and depositional processes, examining how different surface types adjust their form and character in response to external factors. The findings highlight the challenges in identifying erosion thresholds and understanding landform responses during subthreshold periods, emphasizing the disequilibrium nature of badlands.

Variability of Chemical Properties of the Atmospheric Aerosol above Lake Baikal during Large Wildfires in Siberia

Lake Baikal — 2020 — WHE27711FAF31

Wildfires in Siberia significantly alter the chemical properties of atmospheric aerosols over Lake Baikal, increasing concentrations of ions (NH4+, K+, NO3−, SO42−), elements (B, Mn, Zn, As, Sr, Cd, Pb), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These changes, driven by smoke emissions from wildfires, pose a greater environmental risk than regulated anthropogenic sources in the region's central ecological zone. The study analyzed aerosol composition near Lake Baikal during fire events, revealing that submicron particles and trace elements indicate air mass transport from fire-prone areas. While sporadic, these natural disturbances disproportionately impact smaller tributaries, contributing to pollution across Baikal's ecosystems.

Variations in radon dosimetry under different assessment approaches in the Altamira Cave

Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain — 2020 — WHEB151BE77D2

Radon dose levels in the Altamira Cave can vary by up to 500% depending on assessment approaches, highlighting significant uncertainty in radiation exposure estimates. The study found that the mean annual radon concentration inside the cave (3500 Bq m⁻³) far exceeds international safety limits for both occupational and non-occupational settings. Researchers analyzed dose rates under four equilibrium scenarios between radon and its progeny, incorporating the unattached fraction of radon progeny (fₚ) derived from particle concentrations. The findings underscore the need for site-specific studies to determine equilibrium factors (F) and fₚ to reduce variability in dose assessments, particularly relevant for show caves with high radon levels.

Vascular plant colonisation of Surtsey Island (1965-1990) - a dataset

Surtsey — 2020 — WHE4ACAB8C882

A comprehensive dataset of vascular plant occurrences on Surtsey Island, Iceland, documents the early stages of primary succession from 1965 to 1990. This rare record of unperturbed colonization over three decades provides an invaluable baseline for studying ecological processes in pristine conditions. The dataset includes 10,094 georeferenced plant observations, offering a unique opportunity for comparative research on plant dynamics and succession. Surtsey's isolation and early protection efforts minimize human disturbance, making it an ideal natural laboratory for tracking ecosystem development on new volcanic substrates.

Vatican City: the smallest country on earth but probably the most visited.

Vatican City — 2020 — WHE401F90FE34

Vatican City, the world's smallest sovereign state, likely ranks as the most visited country due to its strategic location within Rome and its status as a premier pilgrimage destination. This study highlights how Vatican City's unique transfrontier relations and constant border crossings contribute significantly to its tourism dynamics. By analyzing geopolitical factors, scale limitations, and resource constraints, the research provides insights into the microstate's tourism challenges and opportunities. The findings underscore the importance of understanding the interplay between geopolitics and tourism in small, dependent territories.

Vegetation change on subantarctic Macquarie Island

Macquarie Island — 2020 — WHEB656FD4550

Macquarie Island has undergone rapid vegetation change following the successful eradication of feral rabbits, rats, and mice in 2011. This large-scale project revealed that the absence of grazing pressure allows plant species distribution and vegetation structure to be primarily influenced by abiotic factors like climate. Research using repeat photographs over 34 years and satellite imagery demonstrated geographic variation in vegetation trends post-eradication. Spatial analysis showed that south-westerly winds were more damaging to plants than prevailing westerlies, while steep air temperature lapse rates limited diurnal and seasonal variation. Tussock grass and megaherbs, which declined by 2009, rebounded by 2014 without grazing pressure. However, high-elevation feldmark vegetation showed no consistent trends linked to rabbit impacts or climate change. Species distribution models indicated that generalist plant species have a smaller 'core range' where they dominate. The study highlights the ongoing ecosystem recovery and the interplay between climate change and the absence of grazing in shaping Macquarie Island's lowland vegetation.

Vegetation Composition of Savanna Ecosystem as a Habitat For The Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) on Padar and Komodo Islands, Flores East Nusa Tenggara Indonesia

Komodo National Park — 2020 — WHE8243402E81

The savanna ecosystems of Padar and Komodo Islands, crucial habitats for the endangered Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), exhibit 60% species composition similarity despite distinct local characteristics. The study identified 17 plant species across 11 families, with Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Poaceae being dominant. Using nested plots and PRIMER software for cluster analysis and ANOSIM testing, researchers confirmed that while both islands share common vegetation traits, their savannas retain unique species profiles. These findings underscore the dual conservation threat posed by invasive alien plant species (IAPS) to these fragile ecosystems, emphasizing the need to protect remaining savanna habitats to safeguard Komodo dragon populations.

Vegetation cover dynamics mapping of the curonian spit national park using ALOS and SENTINEL-2 satellite imagery

Curonian Spit — 2020 — WHEB2B0883492

Between 2007 and 2017, the Curonian Spit National Park experienced contrasting vegetation dynamics on its lagoon and sea sides. While forest cover expanded and sand stabilization increased along the lagoon due to protective measures, sea-side foredunes eroded under wind, wave, and recreational pressure, reducing forest area and increasing exposed sands. High-resolution ALOS and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, combined with automated classification algorithms (Random Forest and Maximum Likelihood Estimation), enabled precise mapping of these changes. The study quantified key ecosystem indicators—forest cover percentage, coniferous tree share, waving sand extent, and vegetation-fixed sand coverage—revealing critical shifts in park structure over a decade.