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Showing 18641 – 18660 of 30345 publications

Limited dispersal explains the spatial distribution of siblings in a reef fish population

Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System — 2018 — WHE29888691E3

A groundbreaking study on the Belize Barrier Reef reveals that sibling coral reef fish (Elacatinus lori) are often found in close proximity, challenging long-held assumptions about marine larval dispersal. Researchers genotyped 4,074 recently settled individuals across a 41 km transect using 71 microsatellites, identifying 371 sibling pairs with 50% located within 3 km and 99% within 18 km. The findings suggest limited dispersal rather than cohesive sibling movement, providing new insights into marine larval dispersal dynamics. This study emphasizes the importance of accurate sibling identification and spatial analysis to unravel ecological kin structuring mechanisms.

Limited distribution of Caenorhabditis japonica in Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2018 — WHEAAC339BDAB

A species-specific and female host-biased phoretic association between the nematode Caenorhabditis japonica and the shield bug Parastrachia japonensis has been identified, with C. japonica exhibiting a limited distribution in Japan. The study surveyed nematodes from P. japonensis across islands ranging from Kyushu to Okinawa, revealing that C. japonica was present in six sampled populations from Kyushu, Amami Oshima, and Tokunoshima Islands but absent from those on Okinawa Island. This limited distribution suggests the origin of C. japonica and its restricted phoretic association with P. japonensis in this region.

Link between cattle and the trophic status of tropical high mountain lakes in páramo grasslands in Ecuador

Sangay National Park — 2018 — WHEFD3F517DF8

Extensive cattle grazing in the high-altitude páramo grasslands of Ecuador's Andes significantly influences the trophic status of tropical mountain lakes, with cattle abundance emerging as a key predictor of chlorophyll-a concentrations. A survey of 30 lakes in Cajas National Park revealed that higher cattle presence correlates with increased phytoplankton biomass and shifts in community composition, favoring diatoms and dinoflagellates over chlorophytes. Notably, Lake Culibrillas in Sangay National Park, where livestock farming is more intensive, exhibited chlorophyll-a levels more than double those observed in Cajas NP lakes, marked by a pronounced dinoflagellate bloom. Despite these increases, water quality remained low in eutrophication terms (0.02–1.8 µg/L), suggesting that while current grazing practices do not cause severe degradation, further intensification could deteriorate lake conditions. The study highlights the potential ecological risks of expanding livestock farming in páramo ecosystems.

Linking Theory with Practice: Assessing the Integration of a 21st Century Approach to Urban Heritage Conservation, Management and Development in the World Heritage Cities of Florence and Edinburgh

Historic Centre of Florence — 2018 — WHEE56522A9F6

A new paradigm for urban heritage conservation and management has emerged in the 21st century, integrating perspectives from urban planning and socio-economic development. This study assesses the consistency of existing policies with this paradigm using a novel multi-scalar and multi-sectorial framework, focusing on Florence (Italy) and Edinburgh (UK). The research found that some key principles of the new approach are already embedded in local practices, offering insights into strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It highlights good practices while identifying discrepancies, providing actionable recommendations for policymakers to revise urban management strategies in line with contemporary international standards.

Lion Densities in Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

Selous Game Reserve — 2018 — WHE533EFAE9A6

Lion densities in the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania, were found to be significantly lower than previously estimated, with an average of 1.2 lions per 100 km², highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts. This study utilized camera trapping and lion scent marking surveys across different habitats within the reserve to assess population density and distribution. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring lion populations in large, protected areas to inform conservation strategies and ensure the long-term survival of this iconic species.

Lithuanian Troy: Preservation and Interpretation of Kernavė, a UNESCO World Heritage Archaeological Site

Kernavė Archaeological Site (Cultural Reserve of Kernavė) — 2018 — WHE0AA3A9B67A

Kernavė, known as the 'Troy of Lithuania,' stands out as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich archaeological and historical significance, spanning from the Final Palaeolithic era to the present. This study highlights the critical importance of preserving and interpreting such sites, which not only shed light on the origins and development of modern society but also underscore the necessity for their conservation. The research focuses on Kernavė's unique cultural landscape and numerous archaeological objects, emphasizing its role as a 'Mecca for archaeologists.' By examining preservation, management, and interpretation strategies, the study provides valuable insights into safeguarding similar heritage sites globally.

Litter dynamics of evergreen deciduous broad-leaved mixed forests and its influential factors in Shennongjia, China

Hubei Shennongjia — 2018 — WHE5E7425DE9B

Long-term late spring coldness significantly reduces annual litter production and standing crop in evergreen deciduous broad-leaved mixed forests, according to a study conducted in Shennongjia, China. The research found that while average annual litter production (5.94 t•hm⁻²) and standing crop (10.46 t•hm⁻²) remained stable from 2009 to 2014, 2015 saw a notable decline due to prolonged cold conditions in late spring. Litter dynamics exhibited double peaks—March to May and October—and were influenced by lagged effects of air temperature and relative humidity, with warmer annual averages increasing litter seasonality. The study analyzed meteorological data from 2009–2015 to quantify these relationships, highlighting climate sensitivity in subtropical forest ecosystems.

Liturgic emphasis, dramaturgy, identity of power and episcopal jurisdiction (XVIth-XVIIIth centuries)

Convent of Christ in Tomar — 2018 — WHEEE0C270BC6

A rare glimpse into the psychological and physiological responses of a high-ranking church official during a significant liturgical ceremony is provided by this study. Focusing on the unedited solemn ceremony of the imposition of the pallium—a distinctive band symbolizing episcopal power—on Archbishop Augustin of Jesus in 16th-century Portugal, the research reveals the profound impact of such rituals on the protagonist's identity and jurisdiction. The analysis draws from two biographical records and situates the event within the broader context of Portuguese Church hierarchies and political ceremonies during the Habsburg dynasty. By examining the unusual stop at the Convent of Christ in Tomar for this ceremony, the study sheds light on the interplay between liturgical dramaturgy, power dynamics, and episcopal authority.

Liturgical chants of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra: specifics and sequence of musical notation and printing

Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — 2018 — WHEA124C3BEFA

Liturgical chants of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (KPL) represent a unique and historically significant tradition within Orthodox Christian liturgy, distinguished by their antiquity, authenticity, and sonorous quality. This study identifies key characteristics of KPL's liturgical chant, traces its historical development from the late 11th century to the present, and examines the principles governing the selection and publication of these chants. It also provides an overview of the Lavra's notational and publishing activities, highlighting efforts to restore authentic chant practices. The research employs a combination of historical analysis, textual study of surviving manuscripts, and examination of modern restoration processes. Notably, KPL's chants are marked by their lack of secular embellishments, maintaining a solemn, prayerful quality that distinguishes them from other forms of liturgical music.

Livelihood Assets and Strategies among Rural Households: Comparative Analysis of Rice and Dryland Terrace Systems in China

Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces — 2018 — WHE984E788C67

A comparative analysis of the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces System (HHRTS) and Shexian Dryland Terraces System (SDTS) reveals that traditional agricultural knowledge plays a crucial role in sustaining pure agricultural livelihood strategies among rural households. The study, involving 304 households, found that households with stronger understanding of traditional practices are less likely to shift to nonagricultural or part-time agricultural strategies. Livelihood assets, particularly cultural and technological elements, were higher in the HHRTS (2.249) compared to the SDTS (1.832). The research suggests that enhancing farmers' knowledge of traditional agriculture is essential for the dynamic conservation of these heritage systems.

Lives before and after Stonehenge: An osteobiographical study of four prehistoric burials recently excavated from the Stonehenge World Heritage Site

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2018 — WHEC669BA695A

A groundbreaking osteobiographical study of four prehistoric burials from the Stonehenge World Heritage Site reveals that the monument's landscape attracted people from beyond Britain both before and after its construction. The research, combining radiocarbon dating, stable isotope analyses, and dental calculus examination, identified an adult from the Middle Neolithic period—immediately preceding Stonehenge’s building—and two adults and a perinatal infant from the Middle Bronze Age, shortly after structural modifications ceased. Notably, the two Middle Bronze Age adults, though differing in ancestry and geographic origin, were buried similarly, suggesting shared lifestyle traits, possibly high mobility, outweighed ethnic differences in burial practices. One individual likely originated outside Britain, reinforcing the idea that Stonehenge’s allure extended beyond its construction phase.

Livestock depredation by wild carnivores in the Eastern Serengeti Ecosystem, Tanzania

Serengeti National Park — 2018 — WHEFBA5E6DAC9

Livestock depredation by wild carnivores, particularly spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta), remains a significant issue in the Eastern Serengeti ecosystem, fostering negative human-wildlife interactions and threatening carnivore conservation. A 2016 survey of Maasai (pastoralists) and Sonjo (agropastoralists) tribes revealed higher depredation rates among Maasai due to larger livestock numbers and proximity to the Serengeti National Park boundary, with most incidents occurring during daytime grazing in the dry season. Unlike the Sonjo, the Maasai reported depredation by lions (Panthera leo), cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), and African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), alongside hyenas and leopards (Panthera pardus). Comparisons with a 2010 study highlight temporal changes in depredation patterns. Both tribes rely on multiple protection techniques, including Maasai use of knives/spears and Sonjo use of bows/poisoned arrows, to mitigate losses.

Living Dendrolitic Microbial Mats in Hamelin Pool, Shark Bay, Western Australia

Shark Bay, Western Australia — 2018 — WHEB683809114

Hamelin Pool in Shark Bay, Western Australia, hosts the largest and most diverse living marine stromatolites, including seasonally ephemeral dendrolitic microbial mats. These modern structures, dominated by filamentous cyanobacteria like Lyngbya aestuarii, form shrub-like morphologies with thick 'trunks' and finer 'branches,' providing a rare opportunity to study dendrolite formation in real time. The research, conducted through an intensive field program, reveals the complex interplay between microbial communities and environmental factors, offering new insights into ancient microbialite structures preserved in the rock record.

Living with the dead in the killing fields of Cambodia

Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection — 2018 — WHED3D7D787B6

Post-Khmer Rouge Cambodia witnessed a profound shift in the relationship between the living and the dead, transforming distrust into reciprocal support. This study reveals how the dead evolved from feared entities to benevolent allies, playing a crucial role in post-conflict reconstruction. By analyzing interactions at Choeung Ek Genocidal Center and Koh Sap Island, the research demonstrates that these relationships mirror local politics, illustrating the integral role of managing the dead in societal security. The approach combines qualitative analysis with comparative case studies, highlighting the complex dynamics of memory, conflict resolution, and social transformation.

Local attitudes to the proposed translocation of blue sheep Pseudois nayaur to Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal

Sagarmatha National Park — 2018 — WHE00C0D49783

A proposed translocation of blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) to Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal, aims to reduce livestock depredation by snow leopards while providing an alternative prey base. However, the study reveals mixed local attitudes toward this conservation strategy. While quantitative analysis shows moderate support, qualitative insights highlight significant concerns, particularly among women and livestock owners. Key apprehensions include potential crop damage and competition for forage, especially in resource-dependent communities. Multiple regression analysis indicates that these groups are significantly less supportive, though the model's explanatory power is limited. Addressing local reservations will be critical for future consultation, planning, or implementation of such conservation efforts.

Local conservation and perceptions of heritage in Old Rauma World Heritage Site

Old Rauma — 2018 — WHE7CAAFE83C5

Residents' diverse perspectives on heritage in Old Rauma offer valuable insights for conservation management. The study identifies three distinct community groups with varying frames of reference and values about heritage, highlighting the importance of understanding local perceptions to effectively govern privately owned properties under international conventions. It suggests that fostering communication forums could enhance social learning and support practical, locally developed conservation methods. This approach would strengthen governance and advisory bodies by integrating local knowledge, needs, and community dynamics into heritage management strategies.

Local extinction of the Asian tiger mosquito ( Aedes albopictus ) following rat eradication on Palmyra Atoll

Site of Palmyra — 2018 — WHE4BBEC55BA6

A local extinction of the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) has been documented following rat eradication on Palmyra Atoll, marking a potential first accidental secondary extinction of a mosquito species. The study, conducted by Lafferty et al., relied on anecdotal biting reports, collection records, and extensive trapping (black-light and scent traps) to track the mosquito's presence before and after rat removal. While Aedes albopictus was abundant prior to eradication, no captures or biting reports were recorded over two years post-eradication, contrasting with the persistent abundance of the southern house mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus). The researchers hypothesize that rats served as a critical blood meal source for Aedes, with humans and seabirds alone insufficient to sustain its population. This finding suggests that preferred host availability can limit mosquito populations, offering new insights into disease vector control strategies targeting introduced species like rats.

Local knowledge and biodiversity in the Marquesas islands

Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands — 2018 — WHEADF86040B4

Research on the Marquesas Islands reveals that local medicinal knowledge about biodiversity is shaped by intricate gift logics and power dynamics, often driven by a deep-seated fear of loss among communities. This interdisciplinary study, involving multiple institutions, highlights how such knowledge circulates and is preserved, offering critical insights for debates on access and benefit-sharing of biological or genetic resources in French overseas territories and globally. The findings underscore the importance of recognizing and protecting indigenous knowledge systems while addressing broader policy implications.

Localización de satélites y cromosomas NOR para la interpretación del cariotipo de Sesbania virgata (Papilionoideae, Sesbanieae) de dos poblaciones americanas

Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan — 2018 — WHED553183345

Research on Sesbania virgata reveals distinct karyotypes between two geographically isolated populations—one from Tlacotalpan, Mexico, and another from Salta, Argentina. The study identified only two secondary constrictions associated with macrosatellites in the short arms of the smallest chromosome pair, contrary to prior assumptions that suggested their location on long arms. Crucially, these regions actively participate in nucleolar organization during prometaphase, confirming their role as nucleolus organizer regions (NORs). This finding aligns with established patterns in plant chromosomes, particularly leguminous species, and suggests ongoing speciation driven by chromosomal arm ratio changes. The study employed surface-spreading and air-drying techniques to analyze root meristem cells, providing a robust methodology for cytogenetic comparison.

Long-term concentrations of fine particulate matter and impact on human health in Verona, Italy

City of Verona — 2018 — WHE2FA8191E47

Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Verona, Italy, is linked to significant health impacts, with approximately 299 deaths per year attributable to PM2.5-related diseases across the province, including 88 deaths annually within the city itself. These findings, derived from ground-based measurements spanning 2002–2015 and epidemiological models, reveal that 11.3% of respiratory and cardiovascular deaths in Verona are caused by PM2.5 pollution. Despite slight improvements in air quality over the studied period, the study underscores the persistent health risks posed by fine particulate matter in one of Europe's most polluted regions.