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Showing 1681 – 1700 of 15962 publications

Bioarqueología de la violencia interétnica. Un modelo para abordar el ataque indígena al Fuerte San José (Península de Valdés, Chubut, República Argentina)

Península Valdés — 2025 — WHE4BF1C6191C

A novel bioarchaeological model has been developed to characterize the material traces of a 19th-century indigenous attack on the Spanish Fuerte San José in Península Valdés, Argentina. This approach integrates historical documentation, ethnohistoric data, and bioarchaeological evidence from similar conflict scenarios to derive specific expectations for identifying and analyzing skeletal remains linked to the 'malón' of 1810. The model aims to distinguish these violent events from other causes of mortality in the enclave, contributing to the emerging field of bioarchaeology of violence. By synthesizing disparate data sources—including taphonomic processes and osteological records—the study provides a framework for future investigations into interethnic conflict during the colonial period.

Bioclimatic assessment and thermal comfort of traditional Riads in Fez Medina

Medina of Fez — 2025 — WHEF1F321ACD1

Traditional Moroccan Riads in Fez Medina demonstrate remarkable resilience to climate variability, significantly reducing indoor thermal discomfort from over 80% to nearly 10–12% through passive bioclimatic design. The study reveals that courtyard configurations and high-thermal-inertia materials like rammed earth walls—with a 12-hour thermal lag—effectively mitigate heat swings while meeting Moroccan thermal regulation standards for U-values. By integrating Mahoney Tables, Givoni’s psychrometric chart, operative temperature, PMV–PPD indices, and ASHRAE 55/ISO 7730 simulations, researchers quantified the benefits of envelope optimization in enhancing thermal comfort. These findings underscore the potential of adaptive reuse for sustainable thermal engineering, positioning Riads as exemplary models for climate-adaptive architecture.

Biocultural Diversity at Risk Amidst and Beyond Overtourism: The Decline in Wild Green Foraging in Corfu over the Past 50 Years

Old Town of Corfu — 2025 — WHE5A58033048

Over the past five decades, Corfu's wild green (WG) biodiversity has declined significantly, with species dropping from 58 in 1971 to 42 in 2024. This reduction is attributed to urbanization, shifts in land use, and the rise of tourism-driven economies, which have diminished herbaceous vegetation. Climate changes, including a 1.5 °C temperature increase and reduced rainfall, further exacerbate this loss. The study also highlights the cultural shift away from traditional foraging practices, particularly those centered on women's roles, and the impact of formal botanical education. To mitigate biodiversity loss and preserve cultural heritage, integrating traditional ecological knowledge into conservation strategies is urgently needed.

Bioecological characteristics of Iceland with reference to national parks

Þingvellir National Park — 2025 — WHE86AC8F1A01

Iceland's unique subarctic climate, shaped by its North Atlantic location near the Arctic Circle, significantly influences its bioecological characteristics. The study reveals that while only 24% of Iceland is covered with stable vegetation, vast areas (76%) remain uncultivable due to harsh conditions like sand fields, lava flows, and glaciers. National parks, including Þingvellir, play a crucial role in preserving this fragile ecosystem. The research provides a detailed bioecological profile of Iceland, emphasizing the sparse plant cover and the dominance of tundra zones, with only 1.2% of the land forested. By focusing on national parks, the study highlights their importance in conserving biodiversity amid extreme environmental conditions.

Biofilm driven bioweathering on limestone; a humidity dependent process

Pasargadae — 2025 — WHE3272833C77

Cyanobacterial biofilms significantly accelerate limestone weathering at UNESCO World Heritage Site Pasargadae, with humidity playing a critical role. Research revealed that Chroococcidiopsis spp., dominant in endolithic biofilms, trigger microfracturing and mineral dissolution while forming rhombohedral CaCO₃ crystals under controlled hydration-desiccation cycles (29.5–100% RH). The study links phototrophic microbial activity to carbonate precipitation-dissolution dynamics in semiarid climates, emphasizing water availability as a key factor in biofilm-driven degradation. While findings highlight the process's humidity dependence, further research is needed to fully understand microbial community interactions.

Biological invasion by the cycad‐specific scale pest Aulacaspis yasumatsui ( Diaspididae ) into Cycas revoluta ( Cycadaceae ) populations on Amami‐Oshima and Okinawa ‐jima, Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2025 — WHEDDC7317283

A recent biological invasion by the cycad-specific scale pest Aulacaspis yasumatsui threatens wild populations of Cycas revoluta, Japan's only native cycad, on Amami-Oshima and Okinawa-jima islands. This invasive species, originally from southeastern Asia, causes significant mortality in non-adapted cycad populations, with potential ecological impacts still understudied. The research highlights the urgent need for monitoring the pest's spread and evaluating biological control methods using native predators. Given C. revoluta's known genetic diversity, establishing in situ and ex situ conservation colonies is recommended to preserve its genetic composition if populations decline.

Biophysical impacts and psychosocial experiences associated with use of selected long-distance walking tracks within the Wet Tropics region of North Queensland, Australia

Wet Tropics of Queensland — 2025 — WHEE31DB6EDBF

A multidisciplinary study of long-distance walking tracks in the UNESCO-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland revealed significant but localized biophysical impacts, particularly track widening, erosion, and human littering, with seasonal variations in severity. The research also identified key psychosocial factors influencing hiker experiences, such as crowding, feral animals, and inadequate wayfinding. Using a human-environment transactional model, the study confirmed that impacts are interconnected—affecting both the environment and visitor satisfaction—and provided actionable management recommendations for mitigating negative effects while enhancing recreational experiences.

Biosphere reserves of India and their key faunal species

Sundarbans National Park — 2025 — WHE22288059E7

India's biosphere reserves, including Sundarbans National Park and others, serve as critical habitats for numerous endangered and endemic faunal species. These protected areas, such as the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, are home to iconic species like the Royal Bengal Tiger, while regions like Nanda Devi support the Snow Leopard and Himalayan Musk Deer. The study highlights the ecological significance of these reserves in preserving unique biodiversity, including lesser-known species essential for maintaining ecological balance. Conservation efforts within these reserves are vital for safeguarding India's natural heritage and promoting long-term sustainability. The research underscores the importance of protecting these habitats to ensure the survival of key faunal species found nowhere else globally.

Bird community responses to urbanization and vegetation parameters across the city of Salzburg, Austria

Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg — 2025 — WHE937980C1D2

Urbanization poses significant threats to biodiversity, yet cities can still foster avian diversity through strategic planning of green spaces. A study in Salzburg, Austria, reveals that bird species richness increases with grass cover and the presence of native trees, even in highly urbanized areas. While exotic tree species dominate overall, native trees prevail in areas with abundant vegetation. Building density negatively impacts bird diversity at all scales, but local-scale factors like unsealed soil (grass) and native trees play a crucial role in supporting bird communities. The research highlights that different bird species respond uniquely to habitat parameters, suggesting tailored urban configurations can promote biodiversity even within dense urban matrices.

Bizans’ta Eulogia Olgusuna Manisa Müzesi Pişmiş Toprak Ampullalarıyla Bir Bakış

Abu Mena — 2025 — WHEB054C98B4E

Ampullas, traditionally seen as simple containers made of metal, glass, or fired clay, are revealed to hold deeper significance in Byzantine Christian art. These small vessels, often filled with water, oil, or dust from sacred sites, symbolize eulogia—blessings tied to revered objects like the Holy Cross or holy oils. Unlike other eulogia items, ampullas stand out due to their mass production and religious iconography, creating a unique category. A study of eight fired-clay ampullas from Manisa Museum suggests they date back to the 5th–7th centuries, linking them to the Abu Mena pilgrimage site in Egypt. The research relies on comparisons with parallel examples since provenance remains unclear, offering insights into Byzantine religious artifacts and their cultural exchange between Anatolia and Egypt.

Blue Carbon Investment Potential in Lamu and Kwale Counties of Kenya: Carbon Inventory and Market Prospects

Lamu Old Town — 2025 — WHEB620291D34

Mangroves and seagrasses in Lamu and Kwale Counties, Kenya, store substantial carbon, with mangrove densities reaching 560.23 Mg C ha−1 in Lamu and 526.34 Mg C ha−1 in Kwale—over 70% of which is locked in sediments. These ecosystems also outperform national averages for seagrass carbon storage (171.65–220.29 Mg C ha−1), offering significant potential for climate mitigation through carbon markets. However, mangrove and seagrass degradation—losing 0.49% to 0.67% annually—poses risks, with projected emissions of up to 18.96 million tCO2e in Lamu under a business-as-usual scenario. Restoration could unlock revenues of USD 3.59 million annually for mangroves and USD 216,040 for seagrasses at a conservative carbon price of $20/tCO2e, highlighting the dual benefits of blue carbon investments for climate action and local livelihoods.

Boas Práticas de Ensino e Aprendizagem da Língua Inglesa para Profissionais da Hotelaria em Manaus/Am

Amazonia Theaters — 2025 — WHE0F251A9415

A significant gap exists between the English proficiency requirements for hotel professionals and their actual language skills, despite the critical need for fluency in the sector. A 2023 study by SINDECHRSAM and SENAC/AM in Manaus identified that non-formal educational environments, employing gamification, dramatization, and experiential learning techniques—such as visits to the UNESCO-listed Teatro Amazonas—can effectively address this challenge. The research, rooted in Bourdieu's sociological education theory, demonstrated that such methods foster critical thinking, autonomy, and practical skill development among learners, particularly when tailored to the specific interests and needs of hotel workers.

Bodies in buildings: Human remains and the life histories of houses at Neolithic Çatalhöyük

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2025 — WHEEF0AF0001A

At Neolithic Çatalhöyük, human remains were intricately linked to the life cycles of houses, marking architectural milestones and reflecting shared biographies between individuals and their built environment. Unlike other regions where burials often occurred in abandoned structures, most inhumations at Çatalhöyük took place during house occupation, with bodies embedded in floors or platforms. This study reveals how the construction, adornment, transformation, and abandonment of houses were intertwined with the lives of those buried within them, using examples to illustrate these connections.

Bonds and affinities among successional spaces: spatial performativity in the New Museum of the Acropolis in Athens

Acropolis, Athens — 2025 — WHE9C11E5E5CB

Archaeological excavations during the construction of the New Museum of the Acropolis, Athens, uncovered a Byzantine-era neighborhood, leading to an innovative integration of museum and excavation spaces. The study reveals how successive layers of spatial meaning—from ancient Greek to Byzantine dwellers and modern visitors—interact dynamically, creating a unique 'makeshift' symbolic landscape. This finding challenges traditional notions of heritage interpretation, demonstrating that spatial performativity evolves through time, shaped by both institutional design and visitor agency.

Bone Histology Reveals the Slow Life History and Skeletal Adaptations of the Amami Rabbit Pentalagus furnessi (Lagomorpha: Mammalia)

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2025 — WHE9E24F6EA01

Bone histology of the Amami rabbit (Pentalagus furnessi) reveals its slow life history and unique skeletal adaptations, contrasting sharply with mainland lagomorphs. The study found that Amami rabbits exhibit rapid growth until about two years old, followed by gradual growth until five years, when bone growth ceases due to epiphyseal closure. This delayed maturation aligns with K-strategy reproductive traits, suggesting a response to island ecological conditions characterized by limited predation and resources. Additionally, the Amami rabbit's dense limb bones with thick cortices and small medullary cavities indicate robustness suited for its steep, rugged habitat, differing from other lagomorphs adapted for leaping locomotion. The research used histological analysis of limb bones to uncover these growth patterns and ecological adaptations, providing insights into insular mammal evolution.

Bone weathering in a Mediterranean climate region: An experimental case study from Doñana National Park (Spain)

Doñana National Park — 2025 — WHEA75AB3EAE8

Bone weathering progresses more slowly in Mediterranean climates, with larger animals exhibiting even slower rates. This study, conducted over six years at Doñana National Park (Spain), found that horse tibias reached only stage 1 weathering, aligning with previous findings on body size effects. Unlike tibias, wild boar skulls showed distinct modifications due to structural differences. The research also characterized local meteorological and soil conditions, contributing to the calibration of weathering scales in Mediterranean contexts—a critical gap given the region's abundant fossil assemblages.

Book Review - Hopewell Ceremonial Landscapes Of Ohio: More Than Mounds And Geometric Earthworks, by Mark J. Lynott

Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks — 2025 — WHEDABF71FDDD

Hopewell Ceremonial Landscapes of Ohio challenges conventional perceptions of the Hopewell culture by revealing its complexity beyond geometric earthworks and mounds. Mark J. Lynott's book, published in 2015, argues that these landscapes were not merely ceremonial but also functional, serving as centers for trade, social interaction, and astronomical observations. Through interdisciplinary analysis—integrating archaeology, geophysics, and historical records—the study reconstructs the cultural significance of these sites, emphasizing their role in shaping Hopewell society. The research approach combines field surveys, artifact analysis, and spatial modeling to uncover patterns that highlight the sophistication of Hopewell engineering and cosmological beliefs.

Books Briefly

ESMA Museum and Site of Memory – Former Clandestine Centre of Detention, Torture and Extermination — 2025 — WHE622CD6DEB6

A three-year interdisciplinary research project (2019–2021) revealed that staging difficult pasts through theatre, performance, and museum installations can challenge accepted narratives while evoking emotional responses. The study, involving Polish curators, artists, and scholars, examined global case studies—including the ESMA Memory Museum in Buenos Aires, where a performance by Wojtek Ziemilski used film and live condemnation to confront perpetrators of Argentina's Dirty War, and the Museum of Terror in Budapest, which links WWII commemoration with anti-communist struggles. Another project, 'We Walked Just This Way,' demonstrated how performative actions can bridge historical trauma across generations by recontextualizing artifacts like a replica corpse-transport truck. The research highlights the potential of transnational memory work to disrupt passive remembrance and foster critical engagement.

Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) aggregations at Cocos Island National Park, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, between 2017-2022

Cocos Island National Park — 2025 — WHEF2F47C5321

Research on bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) aggregations at Cocos Island National Park, Costa Rica, from 2017 to 2022 reveals that the northeastern and southwestern quadrants serve as critical feeding grounds, likely due to high productivity near seamounts. The study found no significant seasonal or annual differences in sightings but noted an increase in individuals per group during 2020-2021, possibly linked to reduced human activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. While juveniles and pups were consistently present until 2022, their absence that year suggests potential shifts in habitat use or population dynamics. The research used systematic monitoring via the PRONAMEC protocol, dividing the park into quadrants and analyzing group composition, location, and seasonality to inform conservation strategies for this remote yet ecologically vital marine area.

Bricks from the Twelfth-Century Churches in Pskov

Churches of the Pskov School of Architecture — 2025 — WHED9784B3FD5

A unique analysis of twelfth-century brickwork from Pskov's pre-Mongol churches reveals distinct architectural traditions and local adaptations. The study identifies key features of ceramic fabric, molding techniques, and brick formats, demonstrating strong ties to the Novgorod School while highlighting deviations such as advanced brick marking, absence of dentils in cornices, and unplastered facades. Notably, rare brick stamps—including princely emblems like bidents—were found on plinths from St. Demetrius of Solun Church, offering unprecedented insights into medieval craftsmanship and symbolism. The research synthesizes existing data to reconstruct the design and construction methods of these landmarks, providing a foundation for future studies on Pskov's architectural heritage.