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Showing 18681 – 18700 of 30345 publications

Mantophasmatodea from the Richtersveld in South Africa with description of two new genera and species

Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape — 2018 — WHEAA3780A53E

A remarkable discovery of two new genera and species of Mantophasmatodea—Kuboesphasma compactum and Minutophasmarichtersveldense—in the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape challenges the rarity observed in this order. Unlike other regions where only one or two species typically coexist, four distinct mantophasmatodeans inhabit the Richtersveld, suggesting unique ecological or evolutionary conditions. The study combines morphological analysis with phylogenetic discussion to characterize these taxa, providing a distribution map and taxonomic key for future research. This finding underscores the biodiversity significance of the Richtersveld.

Manual skills for food processing by mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — 2018 — WHE8E79B926C6

Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, exhibit sophisticated manual skills for processing hard-to-access plant foods, including those defended by stinging hairs or tough periderm. Unlike their Virunga counterparts—known for complex thistle and nettle preparation—Bwindi gorillas demonstrate hierarchical organization in their food-processing techniques, using 19 distinct grips, three of which are newly documented. These grips align with or resemble those used by other wild and captive African apes and humans, suggesting functional adaptations in hand morphology for forceful grasping, essential for both manipulation and arboreal locomotion. The study challenges the notion that diet alone fully explains gorilla hand specialization, highlighting instead a broader adaptive role.

Mapping Frictions Inhibiting Bicycle Commuting

City of Valletta — 2018 — WHE745706CE91

Researchers identified 284 locations across three cities—Münster (Germany), Castelló (Spain), and Valletta (Malta)—where cyclists experience frictions that hinder smooth commuting. These frictions, characterized by slower cycling speeds, were mapped using a crowdsourced geospatial dataset collected via an experimental mobile geo-game involving 57 participants over one-week periods. The study revealed that factors such as distance to bicycle paths, surrounding infrastructure, and urban location significantly impact cycling behavior, offering critical insights for urban planners aiming to promote sustainable transport.

Mapping sedimentary basins and crust on/offshore western Greece by deep seismic soundings: The Corfu and Lefkas-Killini profiles

Old Town of Corfu — 2018 — WHE2C215F28CE

A deep seismic sounding study of the Corfu and Lefkas-Killini profiles in western Greece has revealed the intricate structure of sedimentary basins and crustal layers beneath the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Corfu. The research identified five distinct sedimentary layers, each characterized by unique seismic velocities, ranging from Neogene formations to Mesozoic limestones and Triassic evaporites. Notably, a lower limestone layer with oil and gas potential was mapped beneath the evaporites, trapped due to velocity inversion. The study also highlighted the maximum thickness of continental crust at 40 km below Ippiros, providing critical insights into the geological evolution of the region.

Mapping the lagoon at aldabra atoll, western Indian Ocean

Aldabra Atoll — 2018 — WHE57E1391F94

Aldabra Atoll, renowned for its biodiversity and undisturbed status, has been the subject of a groundbreaking lagoon mapping study that reveals two dominant habitat types covering 68% of its lagoon area: 'sparse macroalgae and seagrass assemblage on sand' (35%) and 'dense macroalgal mat on sand' (33%). The research utilized advanced geospatial technologies, including satellite remote sensing and in situ ground-referencing over 3.5 weeks, to create the first detailed maps of benthic community character and bathymetry. These maps provide a baseline for monitoring future environmental changes, with lagoon floor elevations ranging from -0.2 to -30 meters, highlighting a predominantly shallow (<3 m) platform with deeper channels, particularly Grande Passe in the northwest.

Mapping Vegetation and Land Use Types in Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve Using Google Earth Engine

Fanjingshan — 2018 — WHEB24706F8AB

Researchers developed a robust method to map vegetation and land use types in Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve (FNNR), a biodiversity hotspot in China, using Google Earth Engine. The study demonstrated that multi-seasonal Landsat image composites combined with elevation data significantly improved mapping accuracy by addressing challenges posed by steep terrain and persistent cloud cover. By leveraging spectral vegetation indices (SVIs) and shade/illumination normalization techniques, the team achieved consistent classification accuracies above 70%, even with limited training data. Advanced machine learning routines, optimized through tuning techniques, ensured reliable monitoring of forest cover and land use in FNNR and similar mountainous, cloud-prone regions.

Maps From Mud—Using the Multiple Scenario Approach to Reconstruct Land Cover Dynamics From Pollen Records: A Case Study of Two Neolithic Landscapes

Heart of Neolithic Orkney — 2018 — WHEB3225C013D

A novel approach using the Multiple Scenario Approach (MSA) reveals that Neolithisation had persistent and subtle impacts on land cover, even during periods of lower archaeological activity. The study introduces LandPolFlow, a software package that combines landscape constraints with probabilistic models to reconstruct past land cover from pollen records. Applied to two contrasting Neolithic landscapes—one wetland-dominated in Somerset and the other treeless in Orkney—the research demonstrates how this method can statistically identify plausible scenarios of past vegetation. By grouping pollen data into 200-year 'timeslices,' it provides a dynamic reconstruction of land cover changes, offering new insights into human-landscape interactions during the Neolithic period.

Marine Chronometers at Greenwich: A Catalogue of Marine Chronometers at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich

Maritime Greenwich — 2018 — WHE2421481B8D

A groundbreaking catalogue of over 200 marine chronometers at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, offers unprecedented technical and historical insights. Each chronometer was meticulously dismantled, studied, and recorded, with detailed illustrations including newly commissioned line drawings and photographs. The collection provides a comprehensive history of marine timekeeping, highlighting John Harrison's pioneering work, which is described in minute detail for the first time. The catalogue also includes biographical details of all makers, a chapter on 19th-century chronometer manufacturing, and practical guidance for assessing and dating chronometers—valuable resources for collectors and dealers. Appendices feature pictorial records of maker punches, compensation balances, a technical glossary, and inventory number concordance, ensuring accessibility and depth for both academic and general audiences.

Marine protected areas and migratory species: residency of green turtles at Palmyra Atoll, Central Pacific

Site of Palmyra — 2018 — WHE4019973BB0

Green turtles at Palmyra Atoll exhibit remarkable residency patterns, with most remaining within the protected area's boundaries for extended periods. Satellite telemetry and flipper tagging over six years revealed high site fidelity, small home ranges, and minimal long-distance movement despite being a migratory species. Only one tracked turtle ventured beyond the atoll, traveling ~5600 km in a near-circular loop. This behavior suggests Palmyra's protected waters serve as a critical, high-quality habitat with low turnover, emphasizing its importance for regionally endangered turtles. The study highlights the potential of marine protected areas to support long-term residency in migratory species.

Martin Luther: A Christian between Reforms and Modernity

Wartburg Castle — 2018 — WHEE5A3DD6A7A

A comprehensive, multi-volume scholarly work on Martin Luther's influence during the 500th anniversary of the Reformation reveals his profound and multifaceted impact on religious, social, and cultural spheres. Edited by Italian Catholic scholar Alberto Melloni, this project broadens the scope of Luther research by including European scholars less represented in English, German, or Scandinavian literature. It examines Luther's theological legacy, interactions with other reformers, and his influence on philosophy, architecture, music, and global Protestantism, while also addressing controversial aspects such as his views on women, Jews, sexuality, and politics. The volumes feature 73 balanced essays, 30 maps, 75 portraits, and numerous images, including Wartburg Castle, providing a rich, ecumenical, and historical analysis of Luther's enduring significance.

Más allá del multiculturalismo. Investigación comunitaria intercultural en el Consejo Regional Indígena del Cauca, Tierradentro, Colombia (1991-2015)

National Archeological Park of Tierradentro — 2018 — WHE215F6C57E4

Indigenous-led research initiatives in Tierradentro, Colombia, challenge the epistemic dominance of modern science by strengthening community autonomy and redefining territoriality. The study highlights how the Consejo Regional Indígena del Cauca's 'intercultural community research' serves as a counter-narrative to multiculturalism, which often privileges Western scientific frameworks. This approach not only preserves but actively reconstructs Indigenous knowledge systems, offering a model for decolonizing research methodologies. Spanning 1991–2015, the work demonstrates how such initiatives can disrupt conventional power structures in academia and policy.

Más cartas y papeles de escritores modernistas dirigidas a Ángel Barrios

Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada — 2018 — WHE1CACAB514E

A collection of previously unpublished letters and calling cards, written by modernist writers Gregorio Martínez Sierra and Eduardo Marquina to the composer Ángel Barrios, has been unearthed from the latter's archive. These documents, now part of the Alhambra and Generalife Patronato's holdings in Granada, offer rare insights into the personal and artistic relationships between these figures during their time in Granada. The letters are accompanied by introductory essays that contextualize Martínez Sierra's and Marquina's stays in the city and their connections with Barrios, providing a glimpse into the cultural dynamics of the era.

Masks and masquerade in the Early Neolithic: a view from Upper Mesopotamia

Göbekli Tepe — 2018 — WHEFE118F4786

Archaeological evidence from Upper Mesopotamia's Early Neolithic period reveals that masks and masquerade played a significant role in rituals tied to mythological narratives, particularly those related to death. These rituals were conducted at specialized sites with rich iconography, such as Göbekli Tepe, Jerf el Ahmar, and Nevalı Çori. The study highlights the time-intensive craftsmanship involved in creating both miniature and life-sized mask representations, suggesting their importance in these ceremonies. By analyzing artifacts from these sites, researchers argue that masking was a central element in reenacting sacred narratives, underscoring its cultural and symbolic significance during this pivotal period of human history.

Masoud Azarnoush, Ali Sharifi, Ali Hozhabri. « Bāznegari gāhnegāri nesbi va motlaq tepe Hegmatāneh, barāsās yāfteh-ha va netāyakh āzmāyesh garmāliān va rādiokarbon/ Revising the Relative and Absolute Chronology of Tepe Hegmataneh, Hamadan, Iran : Based on the Finds and the Results of Thermo-Luminescent and Radiocarbon Dating »

Hegmataneh — 2018 — WHE1182F12884

A significant revision of the chronology for Tepe Hegmataneh, Iran, establishes that its grand Parthian architectural level dates definitively to the middle-to-late Parthian period, spanning the first few centuries CE and potentially extending into the early 4th century. This conclusion was reached through precise stratigraphic analyses conducted between 2004 and 2007 by Masoud Azarnoush, complemented by thermoluminescence and radiocarbon dating of recovered materials. The study resolves earlier uncertainties by combining relative and absolute dating methods, providing a robust framework for understanding the site's historical timeline.

Masticatory Apparatus Performance and Functional Morphology in the Extremely Large Mice from Gough Island

Gough and Inaccessible Islands — 2018 — WHE687F6DD5F3

Gough Island house mice (Mus musculus) have evolved to become the largest wild house mice on record, with significant increases in body size and a predatory diet consisting of seabird chicks and eggs. Research indicates that these mice exhibit enhanced masticatory performance, including greater bite force and jaw gape, compared to mainland strains. While their musculoskeletal features are absolutely larger, they show reduced performance relative to body size or jaw length, suggesting a size-related decrease in abilities. However, certain features like incisor biting leverage and condylar dimensions suggest evolutionary enhancements correlated with extreme body size and diet shifts.

Material Geographies of House Societies: Reconsidering Neolithic Çatalhöyük, Turkey

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2018 — WHE2A73DD40C4

Neolithic Çatalhöyük was organized around multi-family House Societies, where members resided in clusters of similarly sized buildings, deeply connected to ancestral narratives and genealogical histories. These houses featured elaborate room decorations reflecting past, future, and family themes, with the dead embedded beneath floors as living ancestors. The study challenges traditional views by emphasizing social scales beyond single-family households, suggesting that multi-family Houses served as foundational organizational units in Neolithic villages.

Materialist Factors

National Archaeological Park Tak’alik Ab’aj — 2018 — WHE916F9E7190

Research at the National Archaeological Park Tak’alik Ab’aj reveals that Chocolá’s hydraulic engineering, including stone conduits and canals, mirrors systems found in other ancient Maya cities like Takalik Abaj and Kaminaljuyu. This suggests a deliberate sharing of technology among these polities, indicating strong interconnections between them. Additionally, the study proposes that intensive surplus cacao production—likely through large groves—contributed significantly to Chocolá’s rise as a powerful society. The 'Shook Altar,' a notable monument from the Southern Maya Region, plays a key role in this hypothesis, supporting theories of long-distance trade and economic prosperity.

Matilda and the cities of the Gregorian Reform

Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande, Modena — 2018 — WHEA1E3A4561C

Historical research reveals that Matilda of Canossa's influence extended beyond territorial control, significantly impacting urban centers during the Gregorian Reform. While her power over territories like those between the river Po and the Apennines is well-documented, this study highlights her role in urban spaces, particularly through architectural patronage. The analysis focuses on codices and designs by Wiligelmo and his team, demonstrating a strategic approach to counter religious dissent, including the heresy of antipopes, within opulent cities like Cremona and Modena. The absence of orthodox bishops in these cities allowed Matilda to intervene in significant projects, such as the rebuilding of cathedrals, underscoring her multifaceted influence during this period.

Matriclans shape populations: Insights from the Angolan Namib Desert into the maternal genetic history of southern Africa

Namib Sand Sea — 2018 — WHE5435A90174

A new perspective on the peopling history of southern Africa emerges from genetic and linguistic analyses of populations in southwestern Angola, particularly within the Namib Sand Sea. The study reveals that the maternal genetic structure of these groups is strongly influenced by their matriclanic systems, which have driven population differentiation through genetic drift. Contrary to previous assumptions, social stratification and subsistence patterns do not necessarily indicate remnant groups but may reflect internal Bantu variation and ethnogenesis. Researchers analyzed 295 complete mtDNA genomes from seven Namib Desert groups (Himba, Kuvale, Tjimba, Twa, Kwisi, Kwepe) and Kunene Province (!Xun), alongside linguistic data. The findings suggest that the dominant pastoral groups, such as Kuvale and Himba, share a Bantu proto-population with ancestors of present-day Tjimba and Herero, as well as Khoe-Kwadi-speaking Damara foragers. This challenges traditional views on Bantu expansions and population dynamics in southern Africa.

Measuring economic value for tourism destination using contingent valuation method: The Sangiran Sites, Central Java Province, Indonesia

Sangiran Early Man Site — 2018 — WHEA169BFF5C1

A significant economic value for tourism at the Sangiran Early Man Site, Indonesia, has been estimated between Rp 2.219 billion and Rp 2.756 billion annually using a contingent valuation method. This study identified key factors influencing willingness to pay for quality improvements, including bid amount, gender, and income. The findings suggest that enhancing the site—through expanded collections, improved infrastructure, better services, and staff training—could yield substantial economic, historical, and educational benefits. Supporting local government efforts in these areas is recommended as a profitable and multifaceted investment.