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Showing 16441 – 16460 of 30345 publications

Double seismic zone and seismicity in the mantle wedge beneath the Ogasawara Islands identified by an ocean bottom seismometer observation

Ogasawara Islands — 2019 — WHEDEDCD830FA

A double seismic zone, characterized by two distinct planes separated by approximately 30–35 km within the subducting Pacific slab beneath the Ogasawara Islands, has been identified through a temporary ocean bottom seismometer (OBS) network deployed from July to October 2015. This finding aligns with similar observations at other trenches like Japan and Mariana, suggesting consistent geological structures in subduction zones. Additionally, the study revealed unusual seismicity in the mantle wedge at depths of 20–50 km beneath the Ogasawara trough, potentially linked to structural formations at the onset of oceanic slab subduction. The OBS network provided more precise hypocenter locations, horizontally separated by tens of kilometers from previously published data, including those from the Seismological Bulletin of Japan and USGS, which were found to be offset westward by about 30 km.

Drivers of tropical rainforest composition and alpha diversity patterns over a 2,520 m altitudinal gradient

Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park — 2019 — WHE4E674065CB

A study on the Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves reveals two distinct forest compositional zones—lowland (430–1,120 m asl) and montane (>2,150 m asl)—with a transitional zone (1,400–1,600 m asl) where lowland tropical and montane holarctic species coexist. Montane forests exhibit significantly lower alpha diversity, strongly influenced by altitude, soil, and spatial factors. Researchers analyzed 32 undisturbed rainforest plots using NMS ordination and linear regressions to assess the relationship between forest composition, alpha diversity metrics, and environmental variables. The findings suggest that vegetation and soil respond to altitude as an integrated system, challenging niche assembly models.

Drone-based effective counting and ageing of hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) in the Okavango Delta in Botswana

Okavango Delta — 2019 — WHE7FDEA6ACE8

A drone-based method proved more effective and accurate than traditional land counts for estimating hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) numbers and age classes in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Drone surveys at 40 meters altitude yielded counts 10.6% higher than land counts and 17.6% higher than drone counts at greater heights, with early morning being the least effective time due to hippo activity and submersion. While age classification from drones was comparable to land counts, land-based methods slightly outperformed drones in identifying juveniles and subadults, particularly at higher altitudes or during active periods. This low-cost, repeatable approach offers a rigorous alternative for monitoring hippo populations, addressing the challenges posed by their aggressive behavior and amphibious lifestyle.

DSM Quality of Korean Satellite KOMPSAT-3 in Comparison to AW3D30 and Sentinel-1A in Respect of Airborne Laser Scanning

Historic Areas of Istanbul — 2019 — WHE079428D0EC

Korean satellite KOMPSAT-3 demonstrates superior digital surface model (DSM) quality compared to AW3D30 and Sentinel-1A, as shown by a comprehensive analysis of accuracy and morphological detail in Istanbul's historic peninsula. Using airborne laser scanning (ALS) DSM as a reference, the study evaluated absolute and relative accuracies, revealing that KOMPSAT-3's 5 m spacing DSM outperformed the other datasets in both precision metrics—standard deviation (SZ) and normalized median absolute deviation (NMAD)—and detailed terrain representation. Launched in 2012 with a ground sampling distance of 0.7 m, KOMPSAT-3's stereo imaging capability enables high-resolution 3D earth data, offering significant advantages for large-scale modeling and heritage site analysis.

Du pouvoir comtal au pouvoir royal : le château de Carcassonne

Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne — 2019 — WHEC7F46AF761

Recent research reveals that the origins of Carcassonne's medieval castle trace back to the early Middle Ages, serving as the capital of a Carolingian pagus. While the earliest comtal phase remains poorly understood, significant transformations occurred under the Trencavel family in the 12th century, strategically positioning the fortress against rival powers. The castle's strategic importance peaked during the royal phase post-Crusade, becoming a key administrative seat until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659 diminished its role. From the 19th century onward, it transitioned into a Monument historique, undergoing extensive restoration by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and successors.

Dunai történet Budapesten : A Graphisoft Park jövőtudatos fejlesztése

Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue — 2019 — WHE0508D57E10

Graphisoft Park, a former industrial site transformed into a business park and university campus, exemplifies forward-thinking urban development in Budapest. The project, initiated by Graphisoft, the creator of ArchiCAD® software, showcases high-quality contemporary Hungarian architecture deeply rooted in the site's built and natural heritage. Unlike traditional private real estate developments, this 25-year evolution demonstrates a dynamic adaptation to its urban surroundings, initially oriented towards the Danube but later integrating with adjacent areas. The study highlights the park's strategic development process, illustrating how private investment can harmonize with historical context while responding to future urban needs.

Dung beetle diversity and functions suggest no major impacts of cattle grazing in the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands

Pantanal Conservation Area — 2019 — WHEBCB511CF4B

A study on the Pantanal Conservation Area reveals that cattle grazing does not significantly impact dung beetle diversity or their ecological functions, such as dung removal and soil bioturbation. Despite differences in species composition and functional groups between grazed and ungrazed grasslands, the research found no major impacts on overall abundance, richness, or biomass of dung beetles. Specifically, large roller beetles were absent from non-cattle areas, while medium rollers showed higher abundance in grazed systems. The study suggests that density compensation among functional groups may conserve ecological functions, implying that livestock production can coexist with the conservation of dung beetle communities in the Pantanal wetlands.

Durham Cathedral and Cuthbert Tunstall: a Cathedral and its Bishop during the Reformation, 1530–1559

Durham Castle and Cathedral — 2019 — WHE86423F84C2

Durham Cathedral, often perceived as having played a marginal role during the English Reformation, was instead actively engaged in diocesan matters under Bishop Cuthbert Tunstall's conservative yet reform-oriented leadership (1530–1559). This study challenges the notion that cathedrals were irrelevant institutions by demonstrating their potential as tools for ecclesiastical reform. It reveals that both Tunstall and his evangelical successors recognized the cathedral's strategic value in reshaping diocesan governance, bridging the emerging confessional divide. The research employs historical analysis of diocesan records and episcopal correspondence to illustrate the cathedral's dynamic involvement in Reformation-era changes, offering new insights into its adaptive role during a pivotal period of religious transformation.

Early Christian Female Pilgrimage to the Shrines of Saint Menas, Saint Simeon the Elder, and Saint Thecla1

Abu Mena — 2019 — WHE9AB0ED2FD9

Late Antiquity saw many women travel as pilgrims with greater freedom and mobility than previously recognized, often independent of marital or sexual status. This study reveals how shrines like Abu Mena (Saint Menas), Qal'at Sem'an (Saint Simeon the Stylite the Elder), and Seleucia (Saint Thecla) catered specifically to female pilgrims through segregated spaces, gender-specific narratives about pilgrimage dangers, and products designed for women. By integrating textual and material evidence from these sites, researchers demonstrate that while elite female pilgrims like Egeria or Paula have dominated historical accounts, ordinary women constituted the majority of pilgrims and played a significant role in shaping pilgrimage practices.

Early–Middle Formative Period Subsistence in the Teotihuacan Valley, Mexico: Pre-Hispanic Plant Remains from Altica

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2019 — WHE02F8F1B0F3

Excavations at the Early–Middle Formative period site of Altica in the Teotihuacan Valley, Mexico, reveal critical insights into early agriculture and plant use during a transitional phase in the region's subsistence economy. Macro- and microbotanical evidence indicates that maize cultivation became firmly established by the end of the Early Formative period, marking a shift from earlier agricultural practices in the southern Basin of Mexico to more intensive farming in the semiarid northern sector. This transition likely set the stage for increased population density and social complexity. Altica stands out as one of the few surviving rural communities from this pivotal period, offering rare pre-Hispanic plant remains that shed light on subsistence strategies prior to broader agricultural diversification.

Earth Observation, Remote Sensing and Geoscientific Ground Investigations for Archaeological and Heritage Research

Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa — 2019 — WHEB29582B5A4

Advanced Earth observation (EO) and remote sensing (RS) techniques, combined with geoscientific ground investigations, are revolutionizing the study of archaeological records and cultural heritage. This book presents cutting-edge research that leverages very high-resolution satellite images, airborne surveys, geographic information systems (GIS), and nondestructive laboratory analyses to reconstruct ancient manufacturing technologies and validate hypotheses about historical events shaping landscapes. Case studies include iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Nasca Lines in Peru, as well as lesser-known areas in tropical forests and arid environments that were once lush with vegetation. The collection also addresses the legal and educational challenges of applying these technologies for heritage preservation, particularly in Africa.

Eastern Virgin Hinterlands: Formative Period (AD 700–AD 1225) Settlement Practices in Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park — 2019 — WHE02BC62F938

A new model of settlement practices during the Formative Period (AD 700–1225) in Grand Canyon National Park reveals distinct variations among the Virgin Ancestral Puebloan, Kayenta Ancestral Puebloan, and Cohonina traditions. The study highlights how these groups adapted to the region's ecological diversity, offering deeper insights into their social structures and environmental interactions. Researchers analyzed archaeological data to identify patterns in settlement distribution and organization, providing a framework for understanding the dynamics of early Puebloan communities in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ebola in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo: One Health approach to infectious disease control

Virunga National Park — 2019 — WHEBE38B22A6A

A One Health approach is critical for controlling Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in North-Kivu and Ituri provinces, where transmission has expanded despite extensive response efforts. The study highlights that the proximity to wildlife, such as Virunga National Park, and high population movement due to conflict exacerbate transmission dynamics. While current strategies—including screening, vaccination, therapeutics, and community mobilization—have been implemented by the DRC Ministry of Health (MoH) with WHO support, challenges persist in curbing the outbreak's spread. The research underscores the need for integrating human, animal, and environmental health measures to effectively manage infectious diseases like EVD in complex, conflict-affected regions.

Echolocation and Stratum Preference: Key Trait Correlates of Vulnerability of Insectivorous Bats to Tropical Forest Fragmentation

Central Amazon Conservation Complex — 2019 — WHE470548A1B3

Aerial insectivorous bats exhibit distinct vulnerabilities to tropical forest fragmentation, with echolocation call structure, vertical stratum preference, and wing aspect ratio emerging as critical predictors of sensitivity. Species with constant-frequency calls, which thrive in dense vegetation, are particularly susceptible to fragmentation compared to those with frequency-modulated calls. Understory species also show greater vulnerability than canopy-dwelling bats, while high-aspect-ratio wings correlate with occupancy of forest edges and clearings. These findings, derived from a large-scale ecological experiment across the Central Amazon, underscore the importance of preserving structurally complex forests to ensure the long-term persistence of vulnerable bat species in fragmented landscapes.

Ecological and geochemical evaluation of ecosystems of the Curonian Spit (Russia)

Curonian Spit — 2019 — WHE5C9F8BADBD

A study of the Curonian Spit reveals that heavy metal concentrations (Cu, Zn, Pb, Mn, Sr, Ni, Ca, Fe, Br, Rb) in dominant plant species and soils are below toxic levels and comparable to less urbanized regions. This finding suggests the site's ecosystems are resilient to heavy metal accumulation, providing a baseline for environmental standards in the Kaliningrad region. Researchers analyzed metal content in foredune, palve area, and large dune ridge ecosystems using quantitative methods, confirming that concentrations do not exceed sanitary limits and are ecologically non-toxic.

Ecological Character Displacement in Non-Congeneric Frogs

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2019 — WHEBB3B379EDD

Competition, not reproductive interference, drives ecological character displacement in non-congeneric frogs. Researchers analyzed phenotypic divergence between Odorrana amamiensis and Babina subaspera on Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, and Iriomote Island, testing Schluter's criteria for ecological character displacement. They found that O. amamiensis exhibited phenotypic changes related to prey preference and availability, with little reproductive interference between the species. This suggests competition is a primary driver of divergence in non-congeneric organisms, offering a novel model to study ecological character displacement while minimizing confounding factors.

Ecological Restoration of Abies religiosa Forests Using Nurse Plants and Assisted Migration in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Mexico

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve — 2019 — WHEFD855087FC

Assisted migration of Abies religiosa (sacred fir) combined with nurse plants significantly improves afforestation success in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. Research found that seedlings planted under existing nurse plants exhibited survival rates of 72% and 94% at two sites, compared to just 18% and 10% in open areas without shade protection. The study also demonstrated that transferring tree populations 400 meters upward in elevation—an approach known as assisted migration—does not negatively impact seedling growth, potentially aligning them better with future climate conditions. These findings suggest that incorporating nurse shrubs like Baccharis conferta into reforestation strategies can enhance ecological restoration efforts, particularly in high-elevation regions vulnerable to climate change.

Ecology of West Nile Virus in the Danube Delta, Romania: Phylogeography, Xenosurveillance and Mosquito Host-Feeding Patterns

Danube Delta — 2019 — WHE64C11716A9

Research on the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, Romania, reveals that West Nile virus (WNV) has experienced at least two separate lineage 2 introductions—one from Africa into the delta and another from Greece into southeastern Romania—during the 1990s and early 2000s. The study, spanning 2014 to 2016, analyzed genetic diversity, phylogeography, xenosurveillance, and mosquito host-feeding patterns using data from over 659,000 mosquitoes. Findings indicate that WNV activity in the region is continuous but low, with evidence of in situ evolution shaping its genetic diversity. Notably, Culex pipiens s.l./torrentium emerged as a potential bridge vector due to its catholic host-feeding pattern, predominantly feeding on non-human mammals and birds. While no WNV-RNA was detected in blood-fed mosquitoes, specific antibodies were found in dogs and horses, suggesting persistent but low virus activity during the study period.

Economic valuation of Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis, ouwens 1912) and its contribution to locally-generated revenue of West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province

Komodo National Park — 2019 — WHEF70AAEA2F3

Komodo National Park's tourism, driven by the iconic Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), generates an annual economic value of approximately Rp 5.99 trillion. This figure translates to an individual value of Rp 2.11 billion per Komodo dragon annually, based on estimates derived from the Individual Travel Cost Method (TCM). The study highlights that tourism in this UNESCO World Heritage Site contributes significantly, accounting for 44% of locally-generated revenue and 5% of West Manggarai Regency's total Locally-Generated Revenue. These findings underscore the Komodo dragon's critical role as a conservation instrument, emphasizing its intangible existence value and the need for sustainable management to preserve this vulnerable species in its natural habitat.

Economic Value of non-Timber Forest Product Utilization at Padali Resort, Ujung Kulon National Park

Ujung Kulon National Park — 2019 — WHEB7FF6E1000

Research at Padali Resort, Ujung Kulon National Park, reveals that non-timber forest products (NTFPs) contribute significantly to local economic welfare, with a total annual value of Rp. 262,460,702.25. The study identifies eight key NTFPs—sugar palm, bamboo, durian, dogfruit, coconut, mangosteen, melinjo, and stink bean—of which 62.62% are used commercially. Padasuka Village shows the highest dependence on these resources, accounting for half of the total economic value. The findings highlight the park's role in supporting community livelihoods through sustainable NTFP utilization. The study employed literature reviews, interviews, and field observations, with quantitative analysis using a market price approach to assess economic contributions.