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Publications

Showing 16141 – 16160 of 30345 publications

Assessing Public Perceptions and Solutions to Human-Monkey Conflict from 50 Years in Sri Lanka

Ancient City of Polonnaruwa — 2019 — WHE25B1D3DDC8

In Sri Lanka's biodiversity hotspot, human-monkey conflict (HMC) is increasing due to high human density and unnatural primate population growth. A survey of 13 villages near the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa revealed that while rural residents generally hold neutral or positive sentiments toward monkeys, 80% desire their translocation from properties to protected areas—a solution deemed impractical. The study found that public understanding of HMC's underlying causes is poor, hindering effective conflict resolution. The research suggests a combination of feeding bans, localized contraceptive interventions, and extensive education as benign alternatives to primate destruction. Strengthening exclusive protected habitats for wildlife emerges as a priority for coexistence.

Assessing socio-economic vulnerability to climate change-induced disasters: evidence from Sundarban Biosphere Reserve, India

The Sundarbans — 2019 — WHE0B6371DB5A

Communities in the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve (SBR), India, face very high socio-economic vulnerability to climate change-induced disasters such as cyclones and storm surges. The study identified Basanti, Gosaba, Kultali, Namkhana, and Patharpratima blocks as particularly vulnerable, while Kakdwip, Sagar, and Hingalganj showed high vulnerability. This finding was derived from a pragmatic analysis combining exposure metrics—like storm surge height, flood inundation, and drainage factors—with sensitivity and adaptation data from a field survey of 570 households. The research highlights that constant exposure to extreme weather events, coupled with weak infrastructure and poverty, hinders socio-economic progress. Recommendations for improvement include stronger infrastructure, early warning systems, disaster monitoring centers, better transport connectivity, and enhanced livelihood opportunities. This approach effectively demonstrates the impact of climate change on coastal communities and suggests adaptive measures to mitigate vulnerabilities.

Assessing the capabilities of historical tourism and its impact on rural sustainable development, (case study: rural settlements of Soltaniyeh area, Zanjan province)

Soltaniyeh — 2019 — WHEC468E6C5CB

A positive and significant correlation exists between historical tourism capacity and rural sustainable development in the Soltaniyeh area, Zanjan province. The study, conducted on 319 randomly sampled households across 12 rural settlements, found that metrics such as tourist acceptance capacity, hospitality unit potential, and recreational service provision were strongly linked to environmental-ecological, socio-economic, and physical development dimensions. Conversely, group tour operational capacity and accommodation service potential did not contribute significantly to sustainable development outcomes. These findings underscore the need for targeted policy interventions to enhance tourism infrastructure and services, thereby fostering rural sustainability in the region.

Assessing the efficacy and impact of management of an invasive species in a protected area: Poa annua on sub‐Antarctic Macquarie Island

Macquarie Island — 2019 — WHE69D3968CAB

Management of invasive species in remote, protected areas poses significant challenges due to the difficulty of eradication and potential off-target impacts. This study assessed the efficacy and impact of both physical and chemical control methods on Poa annua, an invasive grass species, at sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island. While none of the four physical disturbance methods tested effectively reduced P. annua cover as one-off treatments, herbicides such as glyphosate and trifloxysulfuron sodium proved effective with minimal damage to native grasses, indicating potential selectivity. The research highlights that an integrated weed management program, combining strategic herbicide use with follow-up chemical and physical interventions, could balance control outcomes and biodiversity preservation. This study underscores the importance of site-specific testing of control methods and understanding their off-target impacts in managing alien plant species in protected areas.

Assessing the long‐term carbon‐sequestration potential of the semi‐natural salt marshes in the European Wadden Sea

Wadden Sea — 2019 — WHE6039399ADB

Salt marshes in the European Wadden Sea, despite rapid succession over the past 80–120 years, demonstrate a significant long-term carbon-sequestration potential compared to their former tidal-flat ecosystems. However, deep-core analyses reveal substantial losses of organic carbon (OC) in well-aerated marsh soils, emphasizing the need for thorough sampling to avoid overestimating sequestration rates. The study, using foraminiferal taxa and grain size distributions, found that while salt marshes effectively store more OC than tidal flats, a large portion of this preserved carbon originates from marine-derived allochthonous sources rather than atmospheric CO₂ uptake by vegetation. This insight challenges assumptions about the primary contributors to blue carbon stocks and underscores the complexity of incorporating these ecosystems into carbon-crediting programs.

Assessing the Relationship between Forest Structure and Fire Severity on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park — 2019 — WHE17756DCE2F

High fire severity on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon leads to forests with lower canopy cover and increased surface roughness, while more frequent low-severity fires result in denser canopies and smoother terrain. A three-component structure classification—incorporating canopy cover, vertical fuel distribution, and surface roughness—proved a stronger predictor of fire impacts than mean canopy height alone. Using airborne laser scanning (ALS) data, researchers analyzed post-fire forest structure across an elevation gradient, revealing that fire severity introduces heterogeneity in vegetation types. This study provides a novel dataset linking fire behavior to structural changes, offering critical insights for fire management and conservation efforts at Grand Canyon National Park.

Assessment of Carbonaceous Aerosols at Mount Tai, North China: Secondary Formation and Regional Source Analysis

Mount Taishan — 2019 — WHEE8BD99405B

Aerosol concentrations at Mount Tai, North China, reveal significant secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation, particularly during cloud/fog events, with OC and EC levels exceeding those recorded at other domestic or international sites. The study identified three primary emission sources—diesel vehicle exhaust, biomass burning, and a mix of gasoline vehicle emissions with coal combustion—contributing 26.4%, 19.0%, and 54.5% to carbonaceous aerosols, respectively. Regional sources in the northwest, southwest, and east coastal areas also significantly impacted PM2.5 loading. The research employed thermal-optical reflectance (TOR) analysis and source apportionment techniques like PSCF and PMF to characterize these patterns.

Assessment of Challenges and Potentials of Osunosogbo Sacred Grove Among Staff of National Commission for Museum and Monument, Osogbo, Osun State Nigeria

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove — 2019 — WHE89C1483CD3

A positive and significant relationship exists between challenges, potentials, and the development of Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove. The study reveals that factors such as inadequate funding, lack of security, poor facilities, and inconsistent policies negatively impact the site's growth. It recommends increased government funding, collaboration with private tourism investors, and policy reforms to retain revenue for conservation and safety. This research provides actionable insights for the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Bureau of Tourism Development in Osun State, and Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation.

Assessment of Inland Passenger Water Navigation in Bydgoszcz-Torun Functional Area and its Development Concept

Medieval Town of Toruń — 2019 — WHE9FED363278

A study reveals that inland passenger water navigation in the Bydgoszcz-Toruń Functional Area (B-TOF), Poland, holds significant potential for urban ecological recreation and tourism enhancement. This area, unique globally for its connection of two water trails (E-40 and E-70) forming the 'Bydgoszcz Water Node,' could benefit from expanded water connections, including a proposed water tram in Toruń—a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site—and new marinas. The research used strategic planning documents and a simulation transport model to project passenger flows under three socio-economic scenarios (optimistic, stable, regressive) for 2020–2030. While the proposed investments require substantial funding, their non-profit nature aligns with broader goals of promoting sustainable transport, ecological urban development, and leisure tourism in the region.

Assessment of Land Use in A Conservation Unit in the Brazilian Pantanal by Remote Sensing

Pantanal Conservation Area — 2019 — WHED3704C79B8

A study assessing land use changes in the Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN SESC Pantanal), a Ramsar site and critical conservation unit in Brazil's Pantanal biome, reveals significant vegetation recovery over 12 years. From 2000 to 2012, forest cover increased by more than 15.6%, while shrub and grassland classes declined by 6.6% and 9.1%, respectively. The research leveraged MODIS satellite data (MCD12Q1 product) to evaluate large-scale conservation impacts, demonstrating its utility despite limitations in spatial resolution and biome-specific classification challenges. This approach provides a robust tool for monitoring ecosystem dynamics in the Pantanal, offering insights into the effectiveness of protected areas in mitigating land-use pressures.

Assessment of Local People Opinion After World Heritage Site Designation, Case Study: Historic City of Yazd, Iran

Historic City of Yazd — 2019 — WHE75797219B3

A majority of local residents in Yazd, Iran, expressed dissatisfaction with the city's inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage List, with over 80% reporting no change in their quality of life post-designation. The study, based on interviews with 400 individuals, revealed a lack of awareness and misunderstanding about the roles of national and international organizations in heritage management. This challenges the assumption that local communities are inherently supportive of World Heritage Site (WHS) designation. The research highlights the need for better communication and engagement to align WHS conservation efforts with local expectations.

Assessment of Remote Sensing Data to Model PM10 Estimation in Cities with a Low Number of Air Quality Stations: A Case of Study in Quito, Ecuador

City of Quito — 2019 — WHE7C5970D3D9

Researchers developed an artificial neuronal network (ANN) model using remote sensing data to estimate PM10 concentrations in Quito, Ecuador, achieving the highest accuracy (R² = 0.68, RMSE = 6.22) among tested methods. This approach offers a viable solution for cities with limited air quality monitoring infrastructure. The study compared Landsat-7 ETM+, Landsat-8 OLI/TIRS, and Aqua-Terra/MODIS satellite data alongside land use regression techniques, demonstrating that ANN outperforms traditional models in predicting PM10 levels. By leveraging publicly available remote sensing datasets, this method provides a scalable tool for air quality assessment in urban environments with sparse ground measurements.

Assessment of Riverbed Sediments Originated from Volcanic Ash Soils in Jeju Island

Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes — 2019 — WHEF589C05DB6

A study assessing riverbed sediments from volcanic ash soils on Jeju Island reveals that high levels of phosphorus (TP), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) are primarily of natural origin, linked to volcanic activity. Two sampling stations exhibited 'Very Poor' pollution status due to elevated TP content, while the third showed a 'Fair' status with Class II Cr and Ni pollution. Comparisons with previous studies confirmed that these pollutant levels mirror those found in original volcanic ash soils, suggesting minimal anthropogenic influence. The research underscores the need for tailored assessment criteria that account for Jeju Island's unique geological characteristics.

Assessment of Structural and Conservation Practices on Vernacular Houses of Axum, Ethiopia

Aksum — 2019 — WHE08E7ABA70B

Most vernacular houses in Aksum, Ethiopia, are deteriorating due to improper conservation practices driven by modernization and urbanization pressures. These traditional structures, which reflect the societal knowledge of early settlements, are often altered with cement plastering, chemical paints, and electrical installations that compromise their original fabric. While some houses retain their authentic form, others have been significantly transformed or neglected, posing risks to their preservation. The study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive documentation, conservation management plans, and community engagement to safeguard these historical buildings. Responsible parties, including government offices, universities, and experts, are called upon to collaborate in raising awareness and implementing sustainable conservation strategies.

Assessment of Zingiberaceae (Tribe Alpinieae) from North East Sarawak, Malaysia

The Archaeological Heritage of Niah National Park’s Caves Complex — 2019 — WHECF7AA5B955

A preliminary assessment of Zingiberaceae (Tribe Alpinieae) from North East Sarawak, Malaysia, has documented 30 species across eight genera, including seven potentially new to science. The study, conducted in Similajau, Niah, and Lambir Hills National Parks, highlights the rich biodiversity of Borneo, with most species endemic to the island. Eight species are also found in other parts of the Malesian region. The research underscores the need for further fieldwork due to the localized distribution and vast forest areas of Sarawak, suggesting that the number of Alpinieae species may increase significantly with additional exploration.

Asteroidenedslag på Jorden og dinosaurernes endeligt – spor i Stevns Klint

Stevns Klint — 2019 — WHEFC5CACE8CF

A thin layer of clay at Stevns Klint, Denmark, contains extraterrestrial traces from the catastrophic asteroid impact that led to the extinction of dinosaurs and over half of Earth's life 66 million years ago. This Fiskeleret layer marks the end of the Cretaceous period and the beginning of a new era. The findings provide evidence of how the asteroid collision triggered one of the most significant mass extinctions in Earth's history, offering insights into the dramatic transition between geological epochs. Stevns Klint serves as a classic site for studying the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary, making it an ideal location for educational fieldwork.

Augmented Reality Storytelling – Narrative Design and Reconstruction of a Historical Event in situ

Beaches of the D-Day Landings, Normandy, 1944 — 2019 — WHE6E801F8B8D

Augmented reality (AR) can effectively reconstruct historical events while preserving narrative coherence and enriching user experience. This study demonstrates that AR storytelling, when designed with careful consideration of genre conventions from documentary film and location-based media, can blend sequential narrative flow with on-demand background information without compromising the authenticity or coherence of the event. The research analyzed extensive contemporary documentation—including photos, films, drawings, paintings, maps, and official reports—to create an AR simulation of the Omaha Beach landing during D-Day. Testing with visitors confirmed that this approach enhances historical immersion while maintaining factual accuracy. The findings suggest that AR can serve as a powerful tool for educational and historical reconstruction when grounded in rigorous source material and user feedback.

Authigenic Mineral Texture in Submarine 1979 Basalt Drill Core, Surtsey Volcano, Iceland

Surtsey — 2019 — WHE3052B91240

A groundbreaking study of the 1979 Surtsey volcano, Iceland, reveals complex authigenic mineral textures in submarine basalt, offering new insights into low-temperature hydrothermal alteration. Using advanced synchrotron X-ray microdiffraction, microfluorescence, and Raman spectroscopy, researchers mapped nanocrystalline clay minerals (nontronite), zeolites, and Al-tobermorite within vesicular and fractured lapilli from drill cores at depths of 157.1 m, 137.9 m, and 102.6 m. Notably, linear microstructures with crystallographic preferred orientation—unprecedented in young basalt—were identified alongside potential biological signatures, such as degraded carbonaceous matter. These findings challenge existing models of basalt alteration, providing a mineralogical baseline for studying oceanic environments over time.

Authority and How to Attain It: Pausanias, Description of Greece and Archaeological Excavations at Olympia

Archaeological Site of Olympia — 2019 — WHE11DF6120C7

This study reveals the dynamic interplay between archaeological fieldwork and textual authority, demonstrating how Pausanias' Description of Greece shaped classical archaeology. Unlike canonical works, Pausanias' authority was not inherited but built through fieldwork confirmations and refutations in Greece's landscape. His descriptions influenced major discoveries, such as Schliemann’s Mycenae excavations, and even impacted Greek toponymy post-independence. At Olympia, long-term excavations deepened understanding of Pausanias’ work while simultaneously evolving archaeological practices and epistemological foundations. The research underscores the inseparable link between practical fieldwork and interpretive study in archaeology.

Avaliação de Impactos e Danos Ambientais em Zonas Costeiras do Brasil - Angra dos Reis e Paraty

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2019 — WHEEBFD29819A

Coastal areas in Rio de Janeiro, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Paraty and Ilha Grande, face significant environmental degradation due to human activities. This study identifies critical impacts on biodiversity and quality of life, using the Pressure-State-Impact-Response (PSIR) framework. Findings reveal urgent needs for improved urban infrastructure, which directly affects public health, while also highlighting positive conservation efforts such as the maintenance of protected areas and Paraty's adherence to the Green Passport initiative. The research combines bibliographic data analysis with visual representations to inform strategies for mitigating environmental pressures and enhancing biodiversity preservation.