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Showing 18241 – 18260 of 30345 publications

Digenetic trematodes of fishes from the Galapagos Islands and the neighboring Pacific

Galápagos Islands — 2018 — WHEC17F850D0A

A comprehensive survey of digenetic trematodes in Galápagos fish populations revealed that 82 species of Digenea parasites were found across nearly 100 different host species, with approximately 43% of the 532 examined fishes harboring these parasites. This high prevalence underscores the rich parasitic diversity in the region's marine ecosystems. The study, conducted during the third Allan Hancock Expedition to the Galápagos Islands in 1934, employed a thorough examination of fish specimens, many of which were identified by experts at the U.S. National Museum. The findings contribute significantly to our understanding of parasite-host dynamics in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Digital Enchantment of Drottningholm

Royal Domain of Drottningholm — 2018 — WHEEE2F51C15D

A counter-factual digital experience at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Drottningholm, Sweden, demonstrates how historical figures from the 18th century can be integrated into a living portrayal of past court life. While technically feasible, this project raises critical questions about broadening social perspectives—such as class, gender, and ethnicity—and the artistic choices needed to visualize activities in the palace and park. It also explores which forms of digital interaction best engage diverse visitor groups. The study suggests that while such an approach may offer poetic pleasures, bridging the historical gap remains a theoretical challenge, leaving unanswered whether Hans-Georg Gadamer's concept of 'fusion of horizons' can be achieved in practice.

Digital restoration of the Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci and multimedia tools to experience edutainment

Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci — 2018 — WHED6C3F38618

A groundbreaking digital restoration of Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper reveals previously unseen details, including an ideal city sketched behind Jesus and a salt shaker disrupted by Judas, using high-definition imaging and pigment cloning. The project, displayed at the Leonardo3 Museum in Milan, reconstructs the fresco's original colors through virtual archaeological techniques, comparing it with contemporary copies like Giampietrino's version. Multimedia tools and virtual reality (VR) enable an 'edutainment' experience, allowing users to interactively explore the painting as it appeared when da Vinci created it. This innovative approach combines art history, science, and heritage preservation, offering a new way to engage with cultural landmarks.

Dike intrusion and deformation during growth of the Half Dome pluton, Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park — 2018 — WHEC7545698A6

A detailed analysis of the Half Dome pluton in Yosemite National Park reveals that its growth was driven by multiple intrusive events, characterized by complex internal deformation and dike intrusion. The study identifies at least four ages of dikes, with evidence suggesting dozens of discrete intrusive increments. Synintrusive bulk strain patterns indicate E-W extension and N-S contraction, consistent with Late Cretaceous Cordilleran tectonics, implying that regional tectonic dilation played a significant role in creating space for the pluton's growth. Additionally, narrow shear zones and extreme strains are observed, but late-magmatic to subsolidus recrystallization obscured the pluton's intricate structure and deformation history.

Dilemma of local socio-economic perspectives in management of historic ruins in Kilwa Kisiwani World Heritage Site, Tanzania

Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara — 2018 — WHE2038A52BE8

Local residents of Kilwa Kisiwani World Heritage Site, Tanzania, view historic ruins not only as culturally significant but also as vital economic assets that generate income, employment, and infrastructure development. However, their socio-economic dependence on these ruins often leads to destructive practices, such as illegal digging, quarrying, and animal grazing, due to limited alternative livelihoods and inconsistent business opportunities. This study reveals a critical gap in conventional Cultural Heritage Management (CHM), which overlooks local economic perspectives, thereby undermining sustainable conservation efforts. By integrating socio-economic discourse into heritage management, the research offers new strategies for balancing conservation with community needs, contributing to both the economist-anthropologic debate on CHM and practical policy recommendations.

Diomedea dabbenena

Gough and Inaccessible Islands — 2018 — WHEA66885F3B4

A rare albatross species, Diomedea dabbenena, exhibits significant migratory behavior between the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Geolocation data reveals that non-breeding adults traverse from the southwestern Atlantic during the austral summer to the southeastern Atlantic and Indian Ocean, extending as far as Australia in winter. Additionally, banded specimens found in Brazilian waters suggest a seasonal presence influenced by oceanographic features like the Subtropical Convergence, particularly off the coast of Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Historical museum records further support these findings, indicating a distribution pattern tied to specific environmental conditions.

Directing the faithful, structuring the sacred space: funerary epigraphy in its archaeological context in late-antique Tipasa

Tipasa — 2018 — WHE1018422A32

A late 4th-century inscribed mensa mosaic from the Matarès necropolis at Tipasa, Algeria, provides unique evidence of the refrigerium, a commemorative meal ritual performed at tombs. Unlike other examples, this inscription explicitly names the rite in situ, supported by archaeological features such as a water basin and channel, suggesting a structured sacred space for dining with the dead. The vivid marine mosaic, likely flooded or 'refreshed' during rituals, further implies a rich, allusive meal experience. A second epitaph from the same cemetery demonstrates direct integration into these rites, reinforcing their significance in late-antique funerary practices.

Discovery of a new open-air Hoabinhian site in Luang Prabang province (Lao PDR). Dating and technological study of the lithic assemblage

Town of Luang Prabang — 2018 — WHE1192BB4BCC

Researchers have uncovered a new open-air Hoabinhian site near Lak Sip, Luang Prabang province (Lao PDR), providing significant insights into the variability of this Southeast Asian techno-complex. The discovery includes sumatralithes dated to approximately 5,500 years ago, offering a rare opportunity to study the temporal and spatial dynamics of Hoabinhian technology. This finding contributes substantially to the understanding of prehistoric technological evolution in Laos and its broader regional context.

Discovery of a recovering climax Acropora community in Kanton Lagoon in the remote Phoenix Islands Protected Area

Phoenix Islands Protected Area — 2018 — WHEA75D2B457E

A resilient coral community in Kanton Lagoon, part of the remote Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA), has shown remarkable recovery from near-total mortality caused by thermal stress. Despite temperatures reaching up to 30.5°C, which typically induces bleaching, Acropora stands within the lagoon exhibited minimal signs of thermal stress, suggesting that recovering coral species may have developed greater resistance. An expedition in 2015 documented a 52.8% recovery of hard corals, indicating a potential shift toward a more thermally tolerant climax community. This discovery highlights the capacity for coral reefs to rebound under protected conditions, even after severe disturbances.

Disentangling the drivers of functional complexity at the metagenomic level in Shark Bay microbial mat microbiomes

Shark Bay, Western Australia — 2018 — WHEC76AF1713C

A groundbreaking metagenomic analysis of Shark Bay's microbial mats reveals the functional complexity underlying its biogeochemical cycles, particularly carbon fixation via the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway. The study identified 87 medium-to-high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), including novel bins under the Asgard archaeal groups Thorarchaetoa and Lokiarchaeota. Key pathways for sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus cycling, and environmental adaptation—such as UV resistance, hypersalinity tolerance, and heavy metal resistance—were mapped at a millimeter scale using shotgun sequencing on the Illumina NextSeq 500 platform. Over-representation of genes like those for sulfate assimilation, methanogenesis, and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthase suggests specialized carbon storage and microbial interactions. The research also highlights putative viral defensive mechanisms, offering new models for how biogeochemical processes and adaptive responses partition in these extreme environments.

Dissolved Organic Matter Influences N2 Fixation in the New Caledonian Lagoon (Western Tropical South Pacific)

Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems — 2018 — WHE503956C72E

Heterotrophic diazotrophs, which rely on dissolved organic matter (DOM) for nitrogen fixation, contribute minimally to overall N2 fixation activity in the New Caledonian lagoon compared to photosynthetic cyanobacterial diazotrophs. A study using the photosynthesis inhibitor DCMU revealed that heterotrophic diazotrophs accounted for less than 10% of total N2 fixation, with their activity increasing near shore where labile DOM was more abundant. Experimental additions of carbohydrates (DOC), amino acids (DON), and phosphonates (DOP) showed significant increases in nifH gene expression and bulk N2 fixation rates only under DOP treatment, suggesting a nuanced relationship between DOM composition and diazotroph activity. The research highlights the dominance of cyanobacterial diazotrophs like Trichodesmium while emphasizing the need for further exploration of heterotrophic diazotrophs in response to rising anthropogenic DOM inputs.

Distribution and Population Size of the Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus) in Mexico

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2018 — WHE3B15622C5C

Mexico hosts approximately 1,901–2,725 breeding pairs of the Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus), representing about 50% of the eastern Pacific population and 25% of the global population. This species breeds on 14 confirmed Mexican islands (two in the North Pacific, 12 in the Gulf of California, and six in the Tropical Pacific) and potentially on six more. The largest colonies include Peña Blanca in Colima (1,250–1,650 pairs), Farallón de San Ignacio in Sinaloa (150–228 pairs), and San Benedicto in the Revillagigedo archipelago (50–200 pairs). The study estimates population sizes across key breeding sites, highlighting their significance for global conservation. Protection of these colonies is critical for the species' survival.

Distribution of benthic foraminiferal assemblages in the transitional environment of the Djerba lagoon (Tunisia)

Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory — 2018 — WHE2F6D5D313E

Research on the Djerba lagoon, Tunisia, reveals a salinity gradient that significantly impacts seagrass distribution and environmental conditions, transitioning from hypersaline to normal marine environments. The study, conducted in July 2014, analyzed surface sediment and seawater samples to measure grain size, organic matter content, and living foraminiferal assemblages, while also assessing the concentration of 17 chemical elements. Key findings include the adaptation of benthic foraminifera to varying conditions, with species like Ammonia spp. and Haynesina depressula thriving in hypersaline waters, Brizalina striatula dominating seagrass-colonized areas, and epifaunal species such as Rosalina vilardeboana and Amphistegina spp. inhabiting hard substrata near the lagoon's seaward transition. This research highlights the ecological resilience of foraminiferal assemblages in transitional coastal environments.

Distribution of cysts of Strongyluris sp. (Nematoda) in the pallial system of Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822 from Vila Dois Rios and Vila do Abraão, Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2018 — WHE1411F24E9D

Research on the distribution of Strongyluris sp. cysts in the pallial system of Achatina fulica reveals that larger mollusks, particularly those over 9 cm in size, exhibit significantly higher cyst abundance compared to smaller individuals. This pattern was observed in two coastal villages, Vila Dois Rios (VDR) and Vila do Abraão (ABR), on Ilha Grande, Brazil. The study suggests that the increased hemolymph circulation in larger specimens may facilitate nutrient delivery for parasite larvae development, or that longer exposure to parasites allows more extensive colonization. No significant differences were found between the two locations regarding cyst abundance. The findings highlight a potential relationship between host size and parasite load, offering insights into the ecological dynamics of this nematode-mollusk interaction.

Distribution of Rhacophorus feae Boulenger, 1893 and Rhacophorus maximus Günther, 1858 (Anura: Rhacophoridae) in Thailanda: Rhacophoridae) in Thailand

Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex — 2018 — WHE1E70C1C3AA

Two tree frog species, Rhacophorus feae and Rhacophorus maximus, exhibit highly restricted distributions within Thailand. R. feae is confined to northern provinces, including Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, while R. maximus is limited to upper northeastern and western regions, spanning Loei, Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi, Ratchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces. This distribution pattern was confirmed through voucher specimens and visualized on an updated map, providing critical insights into the geographic ranges of these species. The study relied on field surveys and specimen analysis to delineate their habitats, contributing valuable data for conservation efforts in Thailand's diverse ecosystems.

Distribution of Rhododendron falconeri Hook. F. (Ericales: Ericaceae) in Yuksam-Dzongri trekking corridor of Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim, India

Khangchendzonga National Park — 2018 — WHE81524979B9

A threatened rhododendron species, Rhododendron falconeri, exhibits striking features during its flowering period and holds significant potential for conservation within Sikkim's Khangchendzonga National Park. This study maps the distribution of R. falconeri along the Yuksam-Dzongri trekking corridor, providing critical insights into its habitat preferences and conservation status. Researchers employed field surveys to assess the species' presence across varying elevations, contributing essential data for developing long-term conservation strategies. The findings underscore the importance of preserving this ecologically and aesthetically valuable plant for both biodiversity protection and landscape sustainability in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Distributions and Abundances of Sublineages of the N2-Fixing Cyanobacterium Candidatus Atelocyanobacterium thalassa (UCYN-A) in the New Caledonian Coral Lagoon

Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems — 2018 — WHE097363E010

Researchers have identified distinct environmental factors influencing the abundance and diversity of sublineages of the nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Candidatus Atelocyanobacterium thalassa (UCYN-A) in the Noumea lagoon, New Caledonia. The study found that UCYN-A1, the dominant sublineage, thrives in cooler temperatures (<23°C), lower nitrate concentrations, and specific wind conditions, while UCYN-A2 is more abundant under different environmental parameters, including higher silica and chlorophyll a levels. Using qPCR and oligotyping to analyze nifH gene diversity, the study revealed that these sublineages exhibit unique ecological niches, contributing to our understanding of nitrogen fixation in tropical coral lagoons. This research highlights the importance of UCYN-A in supporting primary production in oligotrophic marine environments.

Divergent foraging strategies during incubation of an unusually wide-ranging seabird, the Murphy’s petrel

Henderson Island — 2018 — WHED2D9895BD1

Murphy's petrels exhibit two distinct foraging strategies during incubation, with one group traveling up to 4800 km around the South Pacific Gyre while another forages closer to home. Birds on longer trips gain more mass and encounter prey more frequently during directed movement, suggesting that in unproductive waters, covering larger areas increases foraging success. Analysis of long-term data reveals consistency in these strategies across years, with lighter birds benefiting from tailwinds and reduced competition. The study used GPS tracking and salt-water immersion loggers to differentiate between directed movement and area-restricted search behavior, providing insights into the adaptive foraging tactics of this wide-ranging seabird.

Diversidad y carbono almacenado en el área forestal permanente de Álvaro Obregón, Calakmul, Campeche

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2018 — WHEE87AA528DB

The tropical forests of Calakmul, including the Permanent Forest Area (AFP) of Álvaro Obregón, demonstrate significant recovery potential for biodiversity and carbon storage after over 20 years of regeneration. This study reveals that flooded forests (SI) exhibit higher tree species diversity (3.02–3.06) and density (5,920–8,630 individuals/ha) compared to medium subperennial forests (SMSP), which show intermediate diversity (2.8–2.65) and lower density (3,720–5,170 individuals/ha). Carbon storage is notably higher in SI (36.44–44.58 Mg C/ha) than in SMSP (16.6–37.17 Mg C/ha), underscoring the role of these ecosystems in climate mitigation while supporting diverse flora. The findings highlight the importance of long-term forest management in preserving both biodiversity and carbon sequestration in recovering tropical forests.

Diversitas Floristik dan Struktur Vegetasi di Hutan Gunung Payung, Taman Nasional Ujung Kulon

Ujung Kulon National Park — 2018 — WHE56CEEA1490

A study on Mount Payung, Ujung Kulon National Park, revealed significant differences in floristic diversity and forest structure between two plots: Pasir Ipis and Gunung Keneng. The research identified 105 species across 43 families, with Pasir Ipis exhibiting higher species richness (90 species) compared to Gunung Keneng (61 species). Dominant species varied, with Neesia altissima and Barringtonia racemosa being prominent in Pasir Ipis, while Pseuduvaria reticulata and Dillenia excelsa dominated Gunung Keneng. The forest structure analysis indicated a dynamic status, characterized by a high proportion of small-diameter trees (75-80%) and fewer large-diameter individuals (>100 cm), suggesting recent disturbance and regeneration. This study provides critical insights into the ecological dynamics of Ujung Kulon National Park's flora.