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Showing 15201 – 15220 of 15962 publications

New Luminescence Ages for the Galería Complex Archaeological Site: Resolving Chronological Uncertainties on the Acheulean Record of the Sierra de Atapuerca, Northern Spain

Archaeological Site of Atapuerca — 2014 — WHE7765AB6A40

New luminescence dating techniques applied to the Galería Complex at Atapuerca reveal that the site's archaeological deposits are significantly younger (up to 50%) than previously estimated using polymineral thermoluminescence (TL) chronologies. The study employed post-infrared infrared stimulated luminescence (pIR-IR) and thermally transferred optically stimulated luminescence (TT-OSL) dating, which provided more precise ages for the Middle Pleistocene deposits. Key findings include an age of up to 370 thousand years (ka) for the basal sterile sands and a depositional period during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 9 (~313±14 ka) for the lowermost sub-unit containing Mode II Acheulean lithics. Overlying units, rich in archaeopalaeontological remains, were deposited during late MIS 8 or early MIS 7 (~240 ka). These results suggest that pIR-IR and single-grain TT-OSL dating are effective for resolving Middle Pleistocene chronologies at Atapuerca, offering a refined timeline for the site's Acheulean record.

Nine new species of Timonius (Rubiaceae) from Kinabalu Park, Borneo

Kinabalu Park — 2014 — WHE49333FE8A4

Nine new species of Timonius (Rubiaceae) have been identified from Kinabalu Park, Borneo. These include T. abanii, T. beamanii, T. bullatus, T. kinabaluensis, T. leopoldii, T. ophioliticus, T. pannosus, T. stenolobus, and T. tambuyukonensis. Six of these species are believed to be endemic to the Kinabalu massif, while four are found exclusively on ultramafic soils. The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of the region and underscores the importance of Kinabalu Park as a conservation priority.

Notes on the diet and habitat selection of the Sri Lankan Leopard Panthera pardus kotiya (Mammalia: Felidae) in the central highlands of Sri Lanka

Central Highlands of Sri Lanka — 2014 — WHE207CF8ACCF

Sri Lankan leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya) exhibit flexible hunting strategies and habitat preferences in the fragmented central highlands, where they target a diverse range of prey—from large species like sambar deer to specialized smaller ones such as porcupines—without relying on domestic animals despite human proximity. Fecal analysis revealed no predation on dogs, suggesting atypical behavior compared to other regions. Leopards favor dense undergrowth and tall grasslands over open forests or pine plantations, likely due to avoidance of human activity. This study highlights the need for landscape-level conservation strategies beyond protected areas, addressing critical knowledge gaps in one of the world's most endangered leopard populations.

Nuevos usos del patrimonio arqueológico de el tajín, a través de los procesos de turistificación, mercantilización y espectacularización

El Tajin, Pre-Hispanic City — 2014 — WHE5D6F87B21A

Archaeological heritage sites, including El Tajín in Veracruz, Mexico, are increasingly transformed into administrable resources through processes of touristification, commercialization, and spectacularization. These changes redefine their economic value and local significance while impacting surrounding communities. The study employs ethnographic analysis to reveal how El Tajín's heritage has been repurposed for tourism, highlighting its broader implications on both the site and its inhabitants.

Oceanic Boundary Conditions for Jakobshavn Glacier. Part I: Variability and Renewal of Ilulissat Icefjord Waters, 2001–14

Ilulissat Icefjord — 2014 — WHE500C60732F

Jakobshavn Glacier's retreat in Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland, is linked to the variability of fjord waters. A 13-year study (2001–2014) found that while summer basin temperatures averaged 2.8°C from 2009 to 2013, excluding a cooler anomaly in 2010, potential densities remained consistent (27.20 ≤ σθ ≤ 27.31 kg m⁻³), matching Disko Bay waters since at least 1980. The 2010 temperature dip was advected from Disko Bay, indicating annual or faster renewal of fjord basin waters. Velocity profiles suggested a renewal timescale of about one month, with subglacial discharge driving circulation, while external baroclinic forcing was ineffective due to the mouth sill. This suggests that oceanic conditions play a critical role in glacier dynamics.

Oceanic Boundary Conditions for Jakobshavn Glacier. Part II: Provenance and Sources of Variability of Disko Bay and Ilulissat Icefjord Waters, 1990–2011

Ilulissat Icefjord — 2014 — WHE3ED6DD7F33

Jakobshavn Glacier's response to temperature changes in Ilulissat Icefjord is influenced by the exchange of basin waters with neighboring Disko Bay, which occurs at least annually. The study reveals that the warm Atlantic-origin core of the West Greenland Current does not penetrate deep into Disko Bay or the fjord due to bathymetric impediments on the west Greenland shelf. Instead, the fjord basin is filled by an equal mix of Atlantic water and less-saline polar water, with the latter often originating from the East/West Greenland Current but sometimes from the colder Baffin Current. The annual temperature cycle of the West Greenland Current does not propagate into deep Disko Bay or the fjord basin due to depressed isopycnals during warm autumn/winter phases. Anomalously cool conditions in Ilulissat Icefjord during summer 2010 were linked to high freshwater flux through the Canadian Arctic and a weak West Greenland Current, allowing cold Baffin Current water to flood the shelf. Conversely, record warm waters in Disko Bay and Ilulissat Icefjord in 2011/12 were attributed to subpolar gyre warming associated with a negative North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index during winter 2009/10.

Ohio Hopewell Ceremonial Bladelet Use at the Moorehead Circle, Fort Ancient

Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks — 2014 — WHEDAE6594BE7

A microwear analysis of Hopewell bladelets from the Moorehead Circle, Fort Ancient Earthworks, reveals that these ceremonial artifacts were used for a wide range of tasks, similar to those found at other Ohio sites. This challenges the notion that bladelets in ritual contexts served solely symbolic or ceremonial functions, instead indicating their multipurpose utility even in high-activity ceremonial settings. The study applied use-wear analysis—a method previously limited to domestic contexts—to a well-provenienced ceremonial assemblage, providing new insights into prehistoric activities at this significant site.

Ohio Hopewell Depictions of Composite Creatures: Part II–Archaeological Context and a Journey to an Afterlife

Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks — 2014 — WHE93D26EFFC2

A groundbreaking analysis of four Hopewell artifacts depicting composite creatures from the Turner earthwork in Ohio reveals their likely role in a ritual drama guiding the deceased through underwater and underground realms during their journey to the afterlife. This challenges traditional beliefs about Woodland-Plains Indian eschatology, which typically involved an earth-disk or ascension. The study integrates archaeological context with biological identification of the creatures' components and historical knowledge, offering new insights into Hopewell ceremonialism beyond 'world renewal' narratives. It also critiques recent interpretive trends in Woodland archaeology, emphasizing the importance of eschatological matters and questioning the political motivation behind mortuary rites.

Optimizing enforcement and compliance in offshore marine protected areas: a case study from Cocos Island, Costa Rica

Cocos Island National Park — 2014 — WHEBB3BB00A9F

Illegal fishing at Cocos Island National Park, Costa Ricafollows predictable spatial and temporal patterns, offering potential for optimized enforcement. Analysis of patrol records revealed that illegal activity is concentrated on a seamount within the park and peaks during the third quarter of each year, likely due to oceanographic conditions. The lunar cycle also significantly influences the timing of incursions, suggesting that patrol efforts could be strategically allocated to reduce costs while maintaining compliance. Repeat offenders are common, with unenforced regulations and weak governance potentially contributing to non-compliance. The study provides actionable recommendations for improving enforcement efficiency, governance, and policy design in marine protected areas, with broader applicability to other conservation challenges.

Ordination, Purification, and Consecration: Episcopal Privilege at Bourges Cathedral

Bourges Cathedral — 2014 — WHE3F7A49A888

Medieval bishops, particularly those at Bourges Cathedral, wielded profound influence through religious, intellectual, and political spheres. This volume explores how their authority was articulated and perceived, revealing bishops as symbols of piety, intellectual life, and action. Through interdisciplinary essays, it examines the production of images—created by, for, and about medieval episcopacy—to dissect the complex interplay between privilege and perception. The research employs a multifaceted approach, analyzing visual and textual representations to illuminate the nuanced ways bishops shaped societal narratives during this pivotal era.

Outdoor testing of photovoltaic modules during summer in Taxila, Pakistan

Taxila — 2014 — WHEB54018E154

A comparative analysis of photovoltaic (PV) module performance in Taxila, Pakistan, during summer revealed that monocrystalline silicon (c-Si) modules exhibited the highest average efficiency, while amorphous silicon (a-Si) modules outperformed others in terms of performance ratio. The study found a significant decrease in both efficiency and performance ratio with rising module temperatures, which were approximately 20°C higher in summer compared to winter months. This decline correlated with ambient temperature fluctuations ranging from 18.1°C to 38.6°C. The research utilized outdoor monitoring to assess actual operating conditions of c-Si, polycrystalline silicon (p-Si), and a-Si modules, offering critical insights into PV performance under Taxila's climate.

Peculiarities of soil cover in the subalpine belt of the Putorana Plateau

Putorana Plateau — 2014 — WHECE51ED5964

A distinct soil classification emerges for the subalpine belts of the Putorana Plateau, revealing cryometamorphic soils (granuzems) and organic-accumulative soils as dominant in mountain tundra, alongside abrazems. In contrast, lowland forest-tundra areas are characterized by cryoturbated soils (cryozems), primarily developing on sandy loamy glaciolacustrine deposits. This study leverages a substantive-genetic classification framework, integrating morphological and physicochemical data to elucidate the unique soil dynamics shaped by subaerial aeolian processes in these high-altitude ecosystems.

Perennial border reconstruction in the castle park in Lednice

Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape — 2014 — WHE2D16AB3C86

A meticulously reconstructed perennial border in the Lednice castle park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, reflects the original design principles and botanical aesthetics of landscape architect Markéta Roder-Müller. The project successfully documented the evolution of the flower bed over time, analyzed Müller’s design approaches, and provided a blueprint for renewal that was implemented in autumn 2010. This work preserves the historical integrity of the site while offering practical insights into sustainable perennial border restoration techniques.

Performance-Based Assessment of the Arsenal de Milly of the Medieval City of Rhodes

Medieval City of Rhodes — 2014 — WHE296C2C04C0

A performance-based assessment (PBA) of the Arsenal De Milly, a significant unreinforced masonry structure within the Medieval City of Rhodes, reveals critical insights into its seismic vulnerability. The study, employing advanced modeling strategies—including finite element analysis, equivalent frame approach, and macro-block modeling—demonstrates that the structure's response to earthquakes varies significantly depending on the method used. Nonlinear static procedures, as proposed by the PERPETUATE project, were pivotal in this assessment. Microtremor measurements further refined the mechanical parameters of the models, enhancing their accuracy. The findings underscore the importance of tailored seismic analysis methods for preserving cultural heritage assets, particularly those with complex soil foundations and high mass values.

Plant colonization, succession and ecosystem development on Surtsey with reference to neighbouring islands

Surtsey — 2014 — WHE0B6A3CF10E

Seabirds, particularly seagulls and puffins, play a pivotal role in the development of volcanic island ecosystems by transferring nutrients from sea to land, significantly accelerating plant colonization, soil formation, and biodiversity. A study on Surtsey, a volcanic island formed in 1963, revealed that seabird colonies led to the establishment of dense grasslands with higher species richness, diversity, biomass, and soil carbon compared to low-impact areas. By 2013, Surtsey hosted 69 vascular plant species, more than twice as many as neighboring islands, with bird dispersal becoming the dominant pathway after 1985. However, long-term impacts of seabirds result in species-poor grasslands, similar to those found on older neighboring islands like Elliðaey and Heimaey. The research compared permanent plots on Surtsey, Elliðaey (puffin colony), and Heimaey (no seabirds) to assess plant succession, soil formation, and invertebrate communities, highlighting the contrasting effects of nutrient input on ecosystem development.

Police and Security in the World Heritage City of Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala — 2014 — WHE053A7C077E

Antigua, Guatemala faces growing security challenges that contradict its image as a tranquil colonial city. Research reveals that both locals and tourists are increasingly concerned about crime, particularly tourism-related offenses and drug trafficking, which the city was ill-prepared to handle. The study employs ethnographic methods, focusing on police dynamics, to explore the ambiguous attitudes of Antigüeños and Maya communities toward law enforcement. It highlights how tourism's lens interacts with policing, challenging perceptions shaped by the site's heritage status. The findings draw on theories of 'spectacle' (Debord), 'state of exception' (Agamben), and 'system nervous' (Taussig) to contextualize these tensions within a transnational tourist framework.

Q fever outbreak in the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, Switzerland

Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces — 2014 — WHE107A3C973E

A Q fever outbreak linked to sheep in the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, Switzerland, was identified through epidemiological investigations and veterinary testing. The study found that 43% of sheep carried Coxiella burnetii, while 30% exhibited anti-Coxiella antibodies, highlighting a significant zoonotic risk. Mitigation measures, including flock vaccination and public health alerts, successfully limited the outbreak to 14 human cases, preventing a larger epidemic. The research underscores the importance of surveillance in low-endemicity regions, leading to the reintroduction of mandatory Q fever reporting in Switzerland.

Queen Anne, Court Culture and the Construction of Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace — 2014 — WHEBE223F240F

Blenheim Palace, gifted by Queen Anne to the Duke of Marlborough, stands as a monumental symbol of her reign and military victories. However, Queen Anne's role in its creation has been understudied. This research reveals that Marlborough's evolving relationship with Queen Anne and her court significantly influenced the palace's architectural development and symbolic purposes. By re-examining major historical sources, the study sheds new light on the complex dynamics between power, patronage, and architectural expression during the early 18th century.

Regenerating the “Creative Place”: A New Approach in Promoting Contemporary Heritage of Islamic -Iranian City (Case Study: Naqsh-E-Jahan Square of Isfahan)

Meidan Emam, Esfahan — 2014 — WHECB3D61A930

A new model for sustainable urban development, rooted in cultural identity and contemporary heritage, has been proposed through the concept of 'creative place.' This approach integrates art, culture, knowledge-based organizations, and community projects to regenerate historic Islamic-Iranian cities, such as Naqsh-e-Jahan Square in Isfahan. By analyzing environmental components and leveraging the unique features of Iranian-Islamic architecture and urbanism, this study demonstrates how recognizing and utilizing contemporary heritage can establish a foundation for sustainable regeneration. The research employs content analysis and literature review to identify key factors that contribute to the realization of creative places, offering a strategic framework for balancing tradition with modern needs.

Regularities of spatial differentiation of fauna and bird population on the Putorana Plateau

Putorana Plateau — 2014 — WHE3079A39D48

Bird species diversity and population density on the Putorana Plateau decline with altitude, with the most significant drop occurring between subalpine and alpine belts. Most species span multiple altitude belts, but their abundance decreases from west to east across the plateau. Forest belt bird communities exhibit greater stability and homogeneity compared to alpine and subalpine belts, showing minimal fluctuations in diversity and density. The study analyzed 137 nesting bird species, revealing that population dynamics tend to increase toward peripheral regions of mountain systems.