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Showing 19041 – 19060 of 30345 publications

Self-cleaning and antifouling nanocomposites for stone protection: properties and performances of stone-nanomaterial systems

Cologne Cathedral — 2018 — WHEAF32C31C24

Nanocomposites combining photocatalytic, antifouling, and protective properties show promise for stone conservation. A study within the EU-Horizon 2020 project 'Nano-Cathedral' developed innovative treatments using nanoparticles (TiO₂, Ag, ZnO), solvents, and silane/siloxane-based matrices applied to six lithotypes from five medieval cathedrals—including Cologne Cathedral—and a contemporary structure. These treatments demonstrated surface compatibility, reduced water absorption, altered wettability, and maintained water vapor permeability while exhibiting strong photocatalytic and antifouling properties. Accelerated ageing tests confirmed the stability of polymeric matrices even with photoactive TiO₂, suggesting durable performance for stone protection.

Semi-fortified Palatial Complexes in Central Asia: New Work at the Great Kyz Kala, Merv, Turkmenistan

State Historical and Cultural Park “Ancient Merv” — 2018 — WHEA2ADE5438D

Recent archaeological work at the Great Kyz Kala, Merv, Turkmenistan, has revealed that this monumental köshk—a semi-fortified palatial complex—served as an elite suburban residence, likely for the governor of Merv. Constructed in the 8th/9th century CE, the complex features well-appointed rooms on its second storey, including a large hall, and functional spaces around an internal courtyard on the lower floor. Surrounded by gardens and possibly ancillary buildings within an enclosure, this discovery provides new insights into the architectural and social dynamics of Central Asian palatial complexes. The study employed systematic excavations to document construction details and usage patterns, offering a deeper understanding of these understudied monuments.

Semi-supervised machine learning approaches for predicting the chronology of archaeological sites: A case study of temples from medieval Angkor, Cambodia

Angkor — 2018 — WHEB37F444551

A groundbreaking approach using semi-supervised machine learning has demonstrated the potential to accurately predict the chronology of medieval temples at Angkor, Cambodia, with an average error margin of 49-66 years. This method outperforms traditional statistical techniques, particularly in datasets with limited labeled data and incomplete attributes—a common challenge in archaeology. By leveraging a large dataset of temples with known architectural elements and artifacts (where less than 10% had confirmed dates), the study highlights how advanced computational power can address complex archaeological problems, offering a promising new tool for anthropological research.

Semmering Railway World Heritage Case

Semmering Railway — 2018 — WHEA89AD39F24

Austria's Semmering Railway, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its engineering innovation and scenic value, faces legal challenges in environmental impact assessments (EIAs). This case examines how the 1972 UNESCO Convention obligates States to protect cultural heritage during infrastructure projects. It highlights the tension between modern development needs and the preservation of intangible and tangible heritage values. The analysis focuses on Austria's compliance with international law, particularly in balancing economic interests with heritage conservation. By interpreting treaty obligations, this study provides a framework for ensuring World Heritage Sites are safeguarded in legal proceedings, offering insights into global heritage protection mechanisms.

Seven remarkable new fossil species of parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) from the Eocene Messel Pit

Messel Pit Fossil Site — 2018 — WHEF0738F946F

A groundbreaking study reveals seven new fossil species of parasitoid wasps from the Eocene Messel Pit, Germany (~47 million years ago), significantly expanding our understanding of ichneumonid diversity and evolution. Among the discoveries, Scambus fossilobus is identified as the oldest unequivocal representative of the subfamily Pimplinae, with distinctive lobed claws providing a clear synapomorphy. Additionally, Labeninae (Trigonator macrocheirus) is documented outside Gondwana for the first time, challenging prior geographical assumptions about this group. The study also establishes minimum ages for genera like Rhyssella and Xanthopimpla, dating them back to the Early/Middle Eocene. However, two species remain taxonomically unresolved due to high homoplasy in ichneumonid traits, highlighting the need for rigorous taxonomic approaches. This research leverages exceptional fossil preservation at Messel Pit to refine phylogenetic placements and age estimates, offering new insights into the evolutionary history of parasitoid wasps.

Sex Ratio and Abundance Fluctuations of Sarcosaprophagous Calyptratae (Diptera): Field Evaluation of Two Sampling Techniques

Los Alerces National Park — 2018 — WHE23980F6262

A study comparing two sampling techniques for sarcosaprophagous Calyptratae (Diptera) flies in Los Alerces National Park and other Valdivian temperate forests found that bottle traps baited with putrescine reliably estimate local abundance, matching active capture methods. The research also revealed significant intraspecific sex ratio differences between the two techniques, despite expected interspecific variations in trapping efficiency. This insight highlights the importance of selecting appropriate sampling methods to accurately assess fly populations and their sex ratios, which could impact ecological studies and conservation efforts.

Shaping sustainability of seafood from capture fisheries integrating the perspectives of supply chain stakeholders through combining systems analysis tools

Heard and McDonald Islands — 2018 — WHEA46EF72F0F

A study on the Australian Patagonian toothfish fishery at Heard and McDonald Islands reveals that while ecological risks have been effectively mitigated over time using the Ecological Risk Assessment for Effects of Fishing (ERAEF), fuel use per kilogram has increased, highlighting a trade-off between ecological sustainability and operational efficiency. The research combines ERAEF with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to provide contrasting yet complementary perspectives on sustainability, suggesting that integrating LCA could refine ecosystem-based fisheries management by better addressing the diverse views of supply chain stakeholders.

Shedding light on the Early Pleistocene of TD6 (Gran Dolina, Atapuerca, Spain): The technological sequence and occupational inferences

Archaeological Site of Atapuerca — 2018 — WHECA5DE474A1

A comprehensive analysis of the lithic assemblage from TD6 at Gran Dolina, Atapuerca, reveals two distinct stages of hominin occupation during the Early Pleistocene. The study, which includes previously unstudied subunits TD6.3 and TD6.1 alongside the better-known TD6.2, demonstrates a shift from light, limited occupation in the oldest subunit to a rich, varied assemblage suggesting the cave's establishment as a significant landmark. Despite these occupational differences, the technological sequence remains remarkably homogeneous throughout, indicating consistent hominin strategies. The discovery of 12 lithic refit groups and the in situ nature of the assemblage challenges previous interpretations that suggested an ex situ origin, highlighting the high preservation potential at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Shelf hypoxia in response to global warming after the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary impact

Stevns Klint — 2018 — WHEC9590A3590

Global warming following the Chicxulub asteroid impact at the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary triggered shelf hypoxia, offering a parallel to current climate change. The study, analyzing high-resolution geochemical and paleontological records from Stevns Klint (Denmark), Brazos-1 (Texas, USA), and Caravaca (Spain), reveals that rapid warming post-impact led to oxygen-depleted bottom waters due to reduced gas solubility, decreased ocean ventilation, and increased nutrient inputs. This hypoxia caused significant stress on benthic communities, highlighting the ecological consequences of abrupt climate shifts.

Sheltering archaeological sites in Malta: lessons learnt

Megalithic Temples of Malta — 2018 — WHE4159263110

Protective shelters installed over three megalithic temple sites in Malta have demonstrated both beneficial and transitional effects on structural stability. The study found that while shelters mitigate environmental threats such as wetting-drying cycles, thermal fluctuations, and salt corrosion—key factors in the deterioration of these ancient structures—their long-term impact requires sustained monitoring to distinguish between immediate benefits and enduring trends. Lessons learned emphasize the necessity for site-specific strategies, careful selection of monitored parameters, and adaptive management frameworks. The research highlights that shelters alone are insufficient without a comprehensive conservation strategy, advocating for performance indicators tailored to individual sites.

Sherpa

Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area — 2018 — WHE7D49158E03

The documentary 'Sherpa' (1995) explores the profound physiological adaptations of Sherpas to high-altitude hypoxia, highlighting their extraordinary physical performance as guides and porters for mountaineers on Mount Everest. The film captures the traditional subsistence lifestyle in Khumbu, Nepal, while illustrating the growing impact of trek tourism on this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also examines the cultural and spiritual significance of Buddhism in Sherpa life, including annual festivals and reverence for the mountains. Though limited in depth, the documentary provides a vivid portrayal of Sherpas' dual role as both stewards of pristine mountain environments and participants in high-altitude mountaineering, raising questions about the reconciliation of their beliefs with the increasing human activity.

Shifting Panoramas: Contested Visions of Cuzco’s 1650 Earthquake

City of Cuzco — 2018 — WHE5FF12B2704

A large painted panorama of Cuzco, Peru, reveals that the city's 1650 earthquake is depicted not as a singular disaster but through contested religious narratives. The study finds that while the Spanish-influenced Virgin Mary is traditionally credited with miraculous intervention, the painting subtly elevates a lesser-known life-size crucifix as the true protector. This dual imagery challenges the dominant colonial narrative, offering Cuzqueños an alternative historical memory. The research analyzes the inscription and pictorial elements of the panorama to uncover this subversive framing, demonstrating how visual art can encode resistance against hegemonic stories.

Shifting through the forest: home range, movement patterns, and diet of the eastern chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

Nyungwe National Park — 2018 — WHE99098D90A8

Eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, exhibit distinct home range and movement patterns influenced by habitat type and seasonal variations. The Mayebe community, residing in the forest center, had a significantly larger home range (21 km²) compared to the Cyamudongo community in a fragmented forest area (4 km²). Movement patterns also varied, with the Mayebe group covering an average of 987 m daily, while the Cyamudongo group covered 651 m. Both communities primarily fed on Ficus spp., but dietary preferences shifted seasonally and monthly, including fruits like Symphonia globulifera and Trilepisium madagascariense. This study provides critical insights into chimpanzee behavior in Rwanda, highlighting the importance of core home range areas for conservation efforts.

Shifts in Assemblage of Foraging Bats at Mammoth Cave National Park following Arrival of White-nose Syndrome

Mammoth Cave National Park — 2018 — WHE3334DD8438

White-nose syndrome (WNS), which arrived in North America in 2006, has significantly altered the foraging bat assemblage at Mammoth Cave National Park. A study analyzing mist net capture data from 2009 to 2016 revealed a notable shift in species abundance. The Northern Long-eared Myotis (Myotis septentrionalis), once the most common species, declined to 18.5% of its pre-WNS levels. Conversely, the Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis) showed the largest increase in capture success post-WNS arrival, followed by the Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus) and Eastern Red Bat (Lasiurus borealis). These changes suggest that WNS is reshaping foraging bat communities, with less affected species potentially occupying niche space vacated by those severely impacted by the disease. The study highlights the broader ecological implications of WNS on forest-dwelling bats.

Shipboard design and fabrication of custom 3D-printed soft robotic manipulators for the investigation of delicate deep-sea organisms

Phoenix Islands Protected Area — 2018 — WHE0D1A33B0A4

A groundbreaking approach using shipboard 3D printing of soft robotic manipulators enables delicate interactions with fragile deep-sea organisms, addressing longstanding challenges in sampling and studying these species. Deployed via a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) at depths reaching 2224 meters in the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA), these custom-designed manipulators successfully grasped goniasterids and holothurians—organisms historically difficult to collect undamaged with rigid tools or suction samplers. Rapid iterative design, fabrication, and testing at sea allowed for real-time adaptations, such as adding 'fingernails,' enhancing precision. This method offers a less invasive alternative to traditional sampling, benefiting slow-growing deep-sea organisms, some of which can be up to 18,000 years old. By combining soft robotics with on-the-fly fabrication, the study demonstrates a scalable solution for exploring delicate marine ecosystems in remote and logistically challenging environments.

Shock metamorphic history of >4 Ga Apollo 14 and 15 zircons

Vredefort Dome — 2018 — WHEC8D1877063

A novel shock microstructure in >4 Ga lunar zircons, preserved in Apollo 14 and 15 samples, reveals insights into the impact history of the Moon. The study found that most zircons experienced moderate shock pressures (3–20 GPa), with few exceeding 40 GPa or reaching temperatures above 1000 °C. This suggests their origin from central uplifts or crater rims rather than high-temperature ejecta deposits, mirroring patterns seen in terrestrial impact sites like the Vredefort Dome. The research employed electron backscatter pattern (EBSP) and diffraction (EBSD) techniques to analyze 31 zircons, uncovering unique spherical shell-like features in one grain that represent a previously undocumented shock response.

Short-term effects of wildfire on Patagonian headwater streams

Los Alerces National Park — 2018 — WHE2B6A979BF0

A significant shift in taxonomic composition and reduced densities of sensitive taxa in Patagonian headwater streams was observed shortly after the 2015 El Cristo wildfire in Los Alerces National Park. While macroinvertebrate richness, abundance, and diversity remained unchanged, burned streams exhibited higher water temperature, total dissolved solids, and suspended solids, along with a notable decrease in shredders and collector-filterers. This suggests that while overall biodiversity may be resilient to short-term disturbances, sensitive taxa and functional feeding groups are vulnerable. The study compared physicochemical variables and community structure between burned and unburned streams through periodic water quality assessments and sampling of periphyton and invertebrates over eight months post-fire.

Short‐ and long‐term effects of fire in subtropical cloud forests on an oceanic island

Garajonay National Park — 2018 — WHE8BD09F1EEC

Subtropical cloud forests, such as those found in Garajonay National Park on La Gomera Island, Spain, show significant vulnerability to fire with recovery taking decades. A study comparing burned and unburned plots from fires dating back to 1960 revealed that structural complexity and species composition in burned areas had only recovered to about 40% and 35%, respectively, of their pre-fire states even after long periods. Burned plots exhibited higher tree density, more pioneer species, and greater daily fluctuations in temperature and humidity. The research highlights the prolonged recovery time required for these ecosystems and suggests increased susceptibility to subsequent fires, emphasizing the need for effective fire management strategies.

Significance of Inscriptions

Bisotun — 2018 — WHE00D7D0D2AB

Achaemenid inscriptions, particularly those of Darius I at Bisotun, represent the most significant surviving Old Persian literary sources. Darius innovated a new cuneiform script for public monuments, using it to justify his claim to kingship in both political declarations and monumental inscriptions. The Bisotun Inscription, initially written in Elamite and Babylonian, later included an Old Persian version, suggesting Darius extended this practice to other royal inscriptions, such as those of Cyrus in Pasargadae. Royal Achaemenid inscriptions typically employed the empire's three official languages—Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian—with Aramaic rarely used for inscriptions but more common in diplomatic correspondence and provincial ordinances.

Siguiendo los rastros de los depósitos rituales: esbozo de un marco arqueológico para el estudio de las prácticas rituales en Palenque

Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque — 2018 — WHE9BD0730989

Archaeological research at the Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque reveals distinct ritual practices compared to those observed in the eastern lowlands of Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. Unlike the more common use of durable materials like ceramics and jade in ritual deposits, Palenque's offerings frequently include organic materials such as wood and perishable items. This study proposes an integrated approach to ritual archaeology, emphasizing the analysis of micro-scale remains to better understand these unique practices. Preliminary excavations at a residential site support this framework, highlighting the need for a more nuanced interpretation of ritual material culture in the western lowlands.