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Publications

Showing 16821 – 16840 of 30345 publications

Is the Timing, Pace, and Success of the Monarch Migration Associated With Sun Angle?

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve — 2019 — WHE7625A23DA4

Monarch butterflies' fall migration to Mexico is influenced by the sun's position, with successful migrants adhering to a 'migration window' defined by the daily maximum vertical angle of the sun (SASN). This study analyzed over 1.38 million tagged monarchs from 1998 to 2015, revealing that those reaching overwintering sites typically migrated within an SASN range of 46° to 57°. The migration follows a slow-fast-slow pattern, consistent with monarchs targeting latitudes with matching SASN. Migration timing may impact population success, as years with low overwintering abundance showed higher late migrant percentages. The findings suggest environmental factors like temperature and daylength interact with SASN to shape migration dynamics.

Isolation of novel quorum-sensing active bacteria from microbial mats in Shark Bay Australia

Shark Bay, Western Australia — 2019 — WHEC9A3A5943B

Researchers have identified novel quorum-sensing active bacteria in the microbial mats of Shark Bay, Western Australia. The study, published in FEMS Microbiology Ecology, isolated 30 unique bacterial strains from a library of 165, belonging to Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes, which activated an AHL biosensor. Notably, several of these isolates, including members of Virgibacillus, Halobacillius, Microbacterium, and Brevibacterium, have not been previously shown to produce signal molecules. The presence of multiple signaling molecules was further confirmed using thin-layer chromatography (TLC). This is the first study to delineate AHL-based signaling in Shark Bay's microbial mats, suggesting that quorum sensing may play a significant role in coordinating complex phenotypes within these communities.

Issues and Strategies for the Conservation of the Artificial Water System in Hongcun, China

Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun — 2019 — WHEC5BC8A5B12

Hongcun Traditional Village's artificial water system, a critical yet often overlooked cultural landscape, faces significant conservation challenges due to modernization and local policies. This study identifies key issues arising from the past 20 years of interventions and proposes a methodological approach for its preservation, drawing on European experiences. The research highlights the need to shift focus beyond historic buildings to include open spaces and environments, which are equally valuable components of heritage conservation. By analyzing the impacts of current practices, the paper offers practical strategies to safeguard this unique water system while ensuring sustainable development.

Japan: A Stabilizer for the U.S.-Led System in a New Era

Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) — 2019 — WHE07AB03B722

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's leadership in Japan has significantly strengthened the bilateral military alliance with the United States, positioning Japan as a stabilizer for the U.S.-led system in the Indo-Pacific. This study highlights how Abe cultivated strong relations with both President Barack Obama and Donald Trump, achieving historic firsts such as addressing a joint U.S. Congress and escorting a sitting U.S. president to Hiroshima's ground zero. The research argues that Japan's strategic focus on bolstering its own defense capabilities while maintaining close ties with the U.S. is crucial for regional stability amid growing geopolitical uncertainties, including threats from North Korea and China. The study emphasizes the enduring importance of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, underscoring Japan's reliance on the U.S. nuclear umbrella for national security.

Jason Silverman. “Achaemenid Sources and the Problem of Genre”

Bisotun — 2019 — WHE5112C3D812

Achaemenid inscriptions, including the Cyrus cylinder and Behistun, are often misclassified due to attempts at rigid categorization. Research suggests that the Second Isaiah may belong to the genre of oral (dictated) poetry rather than being a direct prophetic source. This challenges traditional interpretations by emphasizing the fluidity and contextual nature of ancient texts. The study employs comparative analysis of well-known examples to highlight how genre classification can distort scholarly understanding, advocating for a more nuanced approach that considers the dynamic nature of written evidence from this period.

Jean-Marc Hofman & Emmanuel Pénicaut (dir.), Le Crac des Chevaliers. Chroniques d’un rêve de pierre

Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din — 2019 — WHE33F775B0B2

A new book, 'Le Crac des Chevaliers. Chroniques d’un rêve de pierre,' edited by Jean-Marc Hofman and Emmanuel Pénicaut, sheds light on the historic significance of the Crac des Chevaliers in Syria, a symbol of modern Syrian architecture. The publication draws from the archives of Paul Deschamps, housed at the Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine in Paris, to revisit this monumental fortress that had previously been the subject of a seminal work by P. Deschamps. Through meticulous archival research and historical analysis, the book offers an in-depth exploration of the Crac des Chevaliers' architectural grandeur, its strategic importance during the Crusades, and its enduring legacy as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jefferson’s Body: A Corporeal Biography by Maurizio Valsania

Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville — 2019 — WHE1481A179C6

Jefferson’s Body: A Corporeal Biography by Maurizio Valsania offers a novel approach to understanding Thomas Jefferson's personality and worldview through the lens of corporeality. The study reveals that Jefferson, while presenting an idealized image of moderate masculinity rooted in Enlightenment principles, harbored paradoxical views on 'others,' particularly Native Americans, African Americans, and women, reflecting the racialized and gendered hierarchies of his era. Valsania's method combines historical narrative with insights from anthropology, psychology, and whiteness studies to analyze Jefferson's physical presence, medical conditions, and social interactions, arguing that his body both shaped and was shaped by his beliefs.

Jerusalem Western Wall Plaza Excavations I

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2019 — WHE4037492980

Excavations in the northwestern part of Jerusalem's Western Wall Plaza have revealed 15 distinct strata spanning 2700–2800 years, providing unprecedented insights into the area's history from the Late Iron Age to the Byzantine period. This is the first excavation in this region, located approximately 100 meters west of the Temple Mount, and has uncovered significant architectural remains, including Roman and Byzantine structures such as the Eastern Cardo. The findings include quarries, architecture, and artifacts that shed light on the development and use of this strategically important area over millennia.

Joining Historic Cities to the Global World: Feasibility or Fantasy?

Historic Centre of Florence — 2019 — WHE2C9C5F4BDA

Historic cities, including Florence, face challenges and opportunities in the era of globalization. While Florence's unique environmental qualities have made it a top tourist destination, its long-term sustainability depends on strategic urban planning to attract global economic investment and skilled labor. A study involving 384 randomly selected participants in Florence's historic center revealed that creating a precise and distinctive city image is crucial for historic cities to thrive globally. The research used descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis to assess the feasibility of this transition, highlighting the need for balanced urban development to maintain cultural heritage while embracing global integration.

Josephus: Noble Sicarii Suicide or Mass Slaughter at Mount Masada?

Masada — 2019 — WHE69E95C4296

A reevaluation of Josephus Flavius' account of the events at Mount Masada in 74 CE challenges the prevailing view that he was an unreliable historian. This study argues that, despite his tendency to embellish narratives, Josephus' portrayal of the Masada events can largely be trusted for historical accuracy. By analyzing his track record across multiple historical accounts, the research suggests that while rhetorical strategies may have influenced his writing, they do not invalidate the core details of his Masada narrative. This finding offers a nuanced perspective on one of history's most debated events, balancing skepticism with a measured assessment of Josephus' credibility.

Joyce C. White & Elizabeth G. Hamilton (ed.). Ban Chiang, northeast Thailand, volume 2A: background to the study of the metal remains (University Museum Monograph 149). 2018. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press; 978-1-931707-21- £48.

Ban Chiang Archaeological Site — 2019 — WHEA873E6671B

A comprehensive analysis of metal artifacts from Ban Chiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northeast Thailand, reveals significant insights into early metallurgical practices and trade networks. The study, edited by Joyce C. White and Elizabeth G. Hamilton, employs advanced techniques to examine the composition, craftsmanship, and provenance of metal objects dating back thousands of years. Findings highlight the sophisticated skills of ancient metallurgists and their connections with distant regions, contributing to a deeper understanding of Southeast Asia's prehistory.

Judicial Power in the Vatican City State

Vatican City — 2019 — WHE1634F66E16

Vatican City State's judicial system stands out globally due to its unique structure, shaped by the absolute and elective monarchy where the Supreme Pontiff holds full legislative, executive, and judicial authority. This research highlights how the Vatican's power distribution differs significantly from other nations, leading to an original judicial framework. The study delves into the development and organization of this system, providing insights into its complexities and distinct characteristics.

Justification about the existence and location of Chartres’ cathedral labyrinth based on astronomy and geometry

Chartres Cathedral — 2019 — WHE0D7DB874FC

A geometric-astronomical correlation between Chartres Cathedral's rose window and its labyrinth has been identified, suggesting that the labyrinth was purposefully aligned with the Taurus constellation during the cathedral's construction (J1200–). The study projects the daily orbits of Taurus stars through the rose window, revealing their paths on the cathedral floor plan. Notably, 'Elthor,' the central bull of the constellation, aligns with the labyrinth's center, hinting at mythological motivations behind this alignment. This discovery sheds new light on the intentional design and symbolic significance of medieval architecture.

Kakumitsuyaku kara Okinawa mondai e: Ogasawara henkan no seijishi (From the Secret Agreement on Nuclear Weapons to the Okinawa Problem: The Political History of the Bonin Islands Reversion)

Ogasawara Islands — 2019 — WHEE98513CA2D

A secret agreement allowing the United States to store nuclear weapons on the Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands persisted even after Japan regained control of the archipelago in 1968, challenging the narrative that its reversion was purely an act of U.S. generosity. This diplomatic study reveals mutual benefits for both nations during negotiations, contrasting with previous research that primarily focused on Okinawa's reversion. By analyzing the Ogasawara case, the author identifies continuity between the two revertion processes and critiques the oversimplification of Japan-U.S. postwar relations, emphasizing the need to consider strategic interests beyond goodwill.

Kapadokya Bölgesinin Drenaj Özellikleri

Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia — 2019 — WHEBDD97023F2

Research identifies drainage properties as critical factors shaping the unique badlands morphology and fairy chimneys of Göreme National Park and Cappadocia. The study reveals that ignimbrite and tuff formations exhibit the highest drainage density (15.3 km/km²), significantly influencing landform development, while plateau surfaces like basalt, dacite, and andesite show markedly lower densities. Using GIS-based analysis of 1/25,000 scale topography maps, the team digitized valley thalwegs and applied Strahler order methods to quantify stream orders, finding that 53% and 22.7% of streams belong to first and second orders, respectively. These findings underscore the determinant role of drainage conditions in sculpting Cappadocia's iconic landscapes.

Karabalgasun – Stadt der Nomaden: Die archäologischen Ausgrabungen in der frühuigurischen Hauptstadt 2009–2011 by Burkart Dähne

Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape — 2019 — WHE6318EA7804

Archaeological excavations at Karabalgasun, the capital of the early Uyghur Empire (c. 744–840 CE), reveal significant insights into urbanism and sedentary practices in the Inner Asian steppes during the Turco-Mongol era. The study, led by Burkart Dähne, utilized LIDAR technology to map the extensive city layout, covering over 30 km², and conducted excavations from 2009 to 2011. Findings challenge traditional assumptions about nomadic lifestyles, suggesting a complex transition towards sedentism in this region. The research focuses on architectural features, providing a detailed analysis of urban structures that were previously largely unknown or unpublished. This work contributes to the broader understanding of urbanization and cultural shifts in Inner Asia, an area often neglected in historical and archaeological studies due to its inaccessibility and focus on pastoral nomadic practices.

Karst features and related social processes in the region of the Vikos Gorge and Tymphi Mountain (Northern Pindos National Park, Greece)

Zagori Cultural Landscape — 2019 — WHE6A78B3117D

A study of the Vikos Gorge and Tymphi Mountain region in Greece reveals that while karst terrains typically experience low population density due to harsh natural conditions, the establishment of national parks and the rise of geotourism may mitigate depopulation trends. The research highlights significant geological features, including a maximum gorge depth of 1144 meters, width of 2420 meters, and a depth-to-width ratio of 0.76, alongside unique spherical rock concretions. Digital terrain analysis provided precise morphometric data. Demographic analysis showed that while the Zagori region suffers from rural depopulation, settlements near Vikos Gorge exhibit relative population stabilization due to tourism. However, this has introduced new conflicts between growing geotourism and nature conservation goals.

Keeping Watch in Babylon

Babylon — 2019 — WHED924D18095

A groundbreaking collection of essays, 'Keeping Watch in Babylon,' offers unprecedented insights into the Astronomical Diaries of ancient Babylon, a vast archive of nearly 1000 clay tablets spanning five centuries (6th to 1st century BCE). These meticulous records not only document celestial observations but also provide invaluable data on the economy and history of Mesopotamia and its surrounding regions. The volume delves into the identities of the scholars who maintained these diaries, their motivations, and how their observational practices evolved over time. Drawing from diverse disciplines such as Assyriology, Classics, ancient history, and the history of science, this interdisciplinary work sheds light on the intellectual and cultural dynamics of Babylonian scholarship during its golden age.

Ketidakadilan Gender Pada Perempuan Dalam Industri Pariwisata Taman Nasional Komodo

Komodo National Park — 2019 — WHE26911FDC00

Gender inequality significantly disadvantages women in the tourism sector of Komodo National Park, limiting their access to opportunities and reinforcing marginalization. Women's participation is confined largely to low-skilled roles such as food vending, while men dominate higher-value positions and decision-making processes. The study highlights systemic subordination, where men benefit disproportionately from the park's economic potential, despite women comprising a substantial portion of the workforce. Using qualitative methods, including purposive sampling and thematic analysis (Miles & Huberman), researchers in Komodo Village uncovered patterns of exclusion that underscore broader issues in gender equity within protected area management. These findings advocate for targeted interventions to promote equitable development and welfare outcomes for women in tourism-driven conservation contexts.

Kew Gardens and the Emergence of the School Museum in Britain, 1880–1930

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — 2019 — WHEBC83D662C7

Between 1880 and 1930, the Kew Museum of Economic Botany significantly influenced educational reform by supplying schools with botanical specimens for object-based learning. This initiative was highly popular, with demand exceeding supply, leading to alternative solutions being developed. The distribution of specimens extended Kew's ethos into classrooms, offering diverse curricular benefits from nature study to geography. The research suggests that these objects held additional meanings and uses beyond their intended educational purposes. The study also highlights the movement of museum expertise and practices across professional and institutional boundaries during this period, proposing new avenues for further exploration.