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Showing 19101 – 19120 of 30345 publications

Stable isotopes (δ15N, δ13C, δ34S) in skin reveal diverse food sources used by southern right whales Eubalaena australis

Península Valdés — 2018 — WHE0AE83C3093

Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) off Península Valdés, Argentina, utilize at least three distinct food sources, likely corresponding to previously documented whaling feeding grounds such as the Patagonian Shelf, South Georgia, and the Polar Front. This is revealed through stable isotope analysis of skin samples, which show diverse isotopic signatures (δ15N, δ13C, δ34S) that match those of euphausiids and copepods from different regions in the southwestern South Atlantic and Southern Ocean. The study suggests substantial variability in foraging strategies among individual whales, with differences in age and sex classes potentially linked to biomechanical or physiological traits rather than specialized feeding grounds.

Stages in the Structural Evolution of the Sedimentary Cover of Wrangel Island, Eastern Arctic

Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve — 2018 — WHE0B272A6A16

Research on Wrangel Island reveals multiple stages in the structural evolution of its sedimentary cover, confirming early Devonian fold deformations linked to Ellesmerian tectogenesis and Middle Devonian structures associated with the Chukotka Orogeny. These findings were derived from mesostructural field observations across northern, central, and eastern parts of the island, identifying distinct geological processes that shaped the region's sedimentary complexes over time.

Stakeholder Governance Network In Tourist Destination: Case Of Komodo National Park And Labuan Bajo City, Indonesia

Komodo National Park — 2018 — WHE1F734E185C

A study on the governance of tourism destinations, focusing on Komodo National Park and Labuan Bajo City, Indonesia, reveals that rapid changes in the global tourism sector have led to fragmented management practices. The research highlights a lack of coordination and synergy among stakeholders, including governments, private sectors, and communities, which hinders effective destination management. To address this, the study proposes the creation of a clear framework with consensus-based cooperation or regulatory guidelines. This framework aims to unify stakeholder efforts towards societal welfare and shared socio-economic benefits, emphasizing the need for adaptive governance in response to dynamic tourism trends.

Stari (Old) Ras and Sopoćani: Challenges and Opportunities in Managing UNESCO Cultural Heritage

Stari Ras and Sopoćani — 2018 — WHE41AA7730B6

UNESCO World Heritage Site Stari Ras and Sopoćani, located in Serbia's Raška region, presents unique management challenges due to its multi-ethnic character and the need to balance cultural heritage preservation with the demands of monastic communities and urban expansion. The site, inscribed in 1979 for its medieval monuments, includes components like the Medieval Town of Ras, St. Peter’s church, and monasteries such as Đurđevi Stupovi and Sopoćani. This study highlights the complex interplay between heritage conservation, living traditions, and urban development, offering insights into sustainable management strategies for culturally diverse sites.

Status of Particulate (PM10) and Gaseous Pollutants (NO2, SO2) in the Tirthan Valley of the Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area — 2018 — WHE98E070343F

Air quality in the Tirthan Valley, part of the UNESCO-listed Great Himalayan National Park, remains within safe limits for particulate (PM10) and gaseous pollutants (NO2, SO2), according to a 2018 study. The research found that pollutant levels in this pristine valley—designated a World Heritage Site in 2014—are significantly lower than national ambient air quality standards, reflecting its protected status. The study employed field monitoring techniques to measure pollutant concentrations across different seasons, providing baseline data for future conservation efforts. These findings underscore the importance of strict environmental regulations in preserving the ecological integrity of such sensitive regions.

Status of Wetland Birds in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Chitwan National Park — 2018 — WHE8604588CED

Chitwan National Park, Nepal, hosts a diverse wetland bird population, with 36 species recorded during a 2014 study. Among these, 15 were winter migratory birds and 21 were residents, highlighting the park's ecological significance as a critical habitat for both local and migratory avifauna. The Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) emerged as the most abundant species, predominantly found in river confluences and shaded forest areas. However, the study revealed alarming declines in wetland bird populations due to anthropogenic pressures such as sand mining, habitat loss, overfishing, livestock grazing, poisoning, water pollution, tourist pressure, and invasive species proliferation. These findings underscore the urgent need for conservation measures to mitigate human-induced threats to this biodiversity hotspot.

Stone biodegradation and mitigation—the case of Convent of Christ, Portugal

Convent of Christ in Tomar — 2018 — WHE541600C684

Research at the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Portugal, has identified microorganisms as key agents in stone biodegradation, significantly altering its architectural integrity. The study successfully tested natural biocompounds developed by Bevotech, which demonstrated effective inhibition of biodeterioration without damaging the stone materials. These green solutions offer an eco-friendly alternative for preserving cultural heritage, providing a promising approach to safeguarding historic structures.

Stone Voices: Geomaterialism in the Ecohumanities

Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato — 2018 — WHE2CDEAC5CDA

Recent scholarship in the 'geohumanities' or 'geomaterialist ecocriticism' reveals that stones and geological formations are not inert but instead act as receptive and emotive measures of human entanglements with more-than-human entities. This perspective challenges traditional views of stone as 'senseless things,' highlighting its physical dynamism and emotional potency. The research employs a narrative approach, analyzing how humans respond to stone through 'stories of stone'—ranging from Neolithic cave paintings to modern anthropic signatures—and explores the ecological paradoxes of the present era. Key works by Jeffrey Cohen and Serenella Iovino juxtapose cultural heritage, such as Piedmont's wines, with industrial 'slow violence,' like asbestos exposure, illustrating human interactions with nonhuman landscapes. This approach aligns with strategic anthropomorphism, seeking to entangle human experience with geological formations.

Strategic Planning of Cultural Tourism Development in Historic City of Yazd (Case Study: Fahadan Neighbourhood)

Historic City of Yazd — 2018 — WHE61DA0AA88A

A strategic plan for cultural tourism development in the Fahadan neighborhood of Yazd, Iran, prioritizes offensive strategies to capitalize on its strengths and opportunities. Key recommendations include establishing eco-hotels, organizing walking tours, enhancing national and international advertising, strengthening social capital through NGO support, hosting handicraft fairs, providing financial incentives via tax laws, and implementing comprehensive rehabilitation plans. The study employed the SWOT matrix, IFE and EFE matrices, and expert opinions to assess the neighborhood's potential, identifying offensive strategies as the most viable for implementation.

Strategies and Actions to Recover the Landscape after Flooding: The Case of Vernazza in the Cinque Terre National Park (Italy)

Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto) — 2018 — WHE674AEE291D

A multi-scale, interdisciplinary approach to landscape recovery after flooding has been successfully implemented in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre National Park, Italy. The research demonstrates that effective conservation and management of cultural landscapes require a dual focus on micro- and macro-level knowledge, enabling targeted planning solutions that balance protection, transformation, and sustainability. The study provides guidelines, masterplans, and intervention profiles to mitigate the impacts of landslides and flooding while preserving the integrity of this prestigious site. This methodology offers a model for post-disaster landscape recovery in fragile European territories.

Stratigrafi Batuan dan Kondisi Akuifer di Kawasan Wisata Candi Borobudur dan Prambanan

Prambanan Temple Compounds — 2018 — WHE01B95A8F9A

Groundwater usage in the Borobudur and Prambanan Temple compounds, iconic cultural tourism sites in Central Java and Yogyakarta, poses risks of land subsidence due to excessive extraction. A study using geoelectric sounding across 10 points revealed distinct rock stratigraphies: Borobudur’s surroundings consist of sand, gravel, tuff, lapilli, claystone, and sandstone, while Prambanan’s include sand, gravel, soil, fractured rock, and sandy clay. Aquifer layers in Borobudur are composed of sand, gravel, tuff, and lapilli, whereas Prambanan’s aquifers are primarily sand and gravel. Notably, Prambanan’s groundwater potential is higher due to its aquifer composition, suggesting differential vulnerability to subsidence between the two sites.

Stratigraphical studies on the Matulla/Sudr formational boundary, western Sinai, Egypt

Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) — 2018 — WHEED590C44FE

A sedimentary tectonic event during the Late Cretaceous, linked to the Syrian Arc tectonics, is identified at the Matulla/Sudr formational boundary in southwestern Sinai, Egypt. This event caused a significant hiatus, marked by an erosional surface with pebbles and phosphatic materials, and the absence of specific planktonic foraminiferal subzones (Globotruncanita elevata/Dicarinella asymetrica Subzone and Globotruncanita elevata Zone). The study analyzed five sedimentary stratigraphic sections along a north-south profile using detailed field, litho-, and bio-stratigraphical analyses. This research provides crucial insights into the geological history of Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley).

Streptomyces boninensis sp. nov., isolated from soil from a limestone cave in the Ogasawara Islands

Ogasawara Islands — 2018 — WHEFD1CC0AEA1

A new species of Streptomyces, named Streptomyces boninensis, has been identified from soil samples collected in a limestone cave within the UNESCO-listed Ogasawara Islands. This discovery was based on comprehensive morphological, chemical, and genomic analyses, including 16S rRNA gene sequencing and DNA-DNA relatedness studies. The strain K11-0400T exhibited unique characteristics such as mature spore chains with more than 20 spores per chain, distinct lipid profiles, and a genomic G+C content of 72 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that while it shared the highest sequence similarity (97.58%) with Streptomyces naganishii, its DNA-DNA relatedness value was below 70%, confirming its status as a novel species. This finding expands the diversity of the Streptomyces genus and contributes to our understanding of microbial ecosystems in remote, ecologically significant regions like the Ogasawara Islands.

Streptomyces populi sp. nov., a novel endophytic actinobacterium isolated from stem of Populus adenopoda Maxim

Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System — 2018 — WHE0C65D71AFD

Researchers have identified Streptomyces populi sp. nov., a novel endophytic actinobacterium isolated from the stem of Populus adenopoda collected at Mount Qingcheng, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in south-west China. This discovery was made using a polyphasic approach, which included 16S rRNA gene sequencing, DNA-DNA hybridization, and chemical analysis of cellular components. The strain A249T exhibited distinct phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, differentiating it from its closest relatives Streptomyces shaanxiensis and Streptomyces lanatus. Key features included a unique fatty acid profile, polar lipids, and a DNA G+C content of 71.7 mol%. The study highlights the biodiversity of endophytic actinobacteria in ecologically significant regions like Mount Qingcheng.

Strontium isotope analysis on cremated human remains from Stonehenge support links with west Wales

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2018 — WHE90905ECE14

A groundbreaking analysis of cremated human remains from Stonehenge reveals that at least 10 out of the 25 individuals studied did not originate from the Wessex chalk region where the monument stands. This finding, derived from innovative strontium isotopic analysis of cremated bone—previously impossible with tooth enamel due to cremation—suggests strong connections between Stonehenge and west Wales, a likely source of the bluestones used in its construction. The study underscores the significance of inter-regional movements of both materials and people during the monument's development.

Structural and compositional dynamics of strictly protected woodland communities with silvicultural implications, using Białowieża Forest as an example

Białowieża Forest — 2018 — WHE48FB3F3221

Long-term strict protection of woodland communities, such as those in the Białowieża Forest, may lead to compositional simplification and homogenization over time. While structural attributes remain stable, noticeable changes occur in species composition, with declining occurrence and reduced roles for many tree species. This study highlights that natural forests can serve as models for managed stands, but silvicultural treatments may sometimes be necessary to counteract natural developmental trends when greater diversity or stability is desired. Researchers analyzed data from five permanent plots established in 1936 within Białowieża National Park, calculating quantitative indices to describe stand structure and composition dynamics across eight major woodland community types.

Structure of the ichthyofauna of adventitious streams in the South Pantanal

Pantanal Conservation Area — 2018 — WHE34726E3769

A study of the ichthyofauna in adventitious streams of the South Pantanal revealed that spatial variation, rather than temporal changes between dry and wet seasons, shapes fish diversity. The research found that streams with larger sizes and preserved riparian forests exhibited higher fish diversity and evenness, while those closer to urban areas with less forest cover showed lower diversity. Thirty-seven species were identified, including 14 exclusive to the Paraguay River basin, one potential new record for the region, and six requiring taxonomic confirmation. The study suggests that these small streams may act as refuges from larger predators due to their size, while also serving as dispersal points for small-bodied schooling fish from the mainstem rivers.

Structure of the South-Western Part of the Curonian Spit

Curonian Spit — 2018 — WHEE08040280C

Contrary to prevailing assumptions, the south-western part of the Curonian Spit—a prominent coastal barrier in the Baltic Sea—is not primarily a product of Holocene sedimentary processes but rather an ancient fluvioglacial plain. This finding challenges the long-held view that such features form through wave action and aeolian deposition. Through detailed geological and geomorphological analysis, including fieldwork comparing deposits from the Curonian and Vistula Spits, researchers identified remnants of a pre-Holocene alluvial or fluvioglacial landscape within the lagoon shore of the Vistula Spit. This discovery reshapes understanding of the region's geological history.

Studies on the genus Capparis L. (Capparaceae) in Lao PDR. III: A new species from the deciduous forest of the Hin Nam No National Protected Area

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park — 2018 — WHE86DE8F49D0

Researchers have identified a new species of Capparis, named Capparis hinnamnoensis, from the deciduous forests of Hin Nam No National Protected Area in Lao PDR. This discovery is notable for its unique indumentum, which includes stellate and two-armed hairs, along with terminal racemes bearing trifid bracts and medium-sized flowers. The species has been observed exclusively within a single locality in the protected area, thriving on Permo-Carboniferous limestone. The study assesses the conservation status of this newly described plant, contributing valuable insights to the biodiversity documentation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Study of Erbil Al-Qala citadel time changes by comparison of historical and contemporary image data

Erbil Citadel — 2018 — WHEE5FC52398D

A comparative analysis of historical and contemporary image data reveals significant structural changes within the Erbil Citadel particularly highlighting the destruction of numerous objects during the latter half of the 20th century. The study leverages Bradford's 1951 stereoscopic aerial photographs and modern very high-resolution (VHR) satellite imagery from Ikonos (2003), QuickBird (2005), and Pleiades (2014) to create digital models and orthophotos. By processing these datasets using Agisoft PhotoScan software, researchers identified missing or altered structures, providing a detailed mapping of the citadel's historical evolution. This approach underscores the potential of long-term image data analysis in documenting and preserving cultural heritage sites.