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Showing 19941 – 19960 of 30345 publications

Diel-scale temporal dynamics recorded for bacterial groups in Namib Desert soil

Namib Sand Sea — 2017 — WHE19D2BA78D0

A groundbreaking study of the Namib Sand Sea reveals that bacterial communities in hot desert soils exhibit complex, diel-dependent inter-community associations. Contrary to expectations, environmental factors like temperature and humidity only account for 10.5% of the variation observed in active bacterial groups over a 24-hour period. The research used T-RFLP fingerprinting and 454 pyrosequencing to track shifts in potentially active bacteria, finding significant changes in Actinobacteria and Proteobacterial groups between morning and night. Notably, cyanobacterial groups acted as inter-module 'hubs,' possibly orchestrating interactions among functional consortia. These findings challenge previous assumptions about microbial dynamics in extreme environments.

Diet of Bengal Tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Chitwan National Park — 2017 — WHE4C5D493859

Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, rely primarily on wild prey for sustenance, with chital (Axis axis) comprising 45% of their diet. A study analyzing 85 tiger scats identified eight mammal species as primary prey, including sambar (23%), wild pig (15%), and hog deer (9%). Livestock, such as buffalo and cows, constituted a minor portion of the biomass. This research highlights the tigers' dependence on native wildlife while noting occasional livestock predation. The findings were derived from scat analysis, offering insights into the dietary habits of this endangered species within a protected area.

Dietary overlap among ruminants, geese, and lemmings of Wrangel Island in summer

Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve — 2017 — WHE57BA6CB32F

A study on Wrangel Island reveals significant dietary overlap among ruminants, geese, and lemmings during summer, indicating resource partitioning where weaker competitors follow stronger ones. The research suggests that prior to the establishment of a nature reserve, human activities influenced the dynamics of this Arctic herbivore community. The findings highlight how competitive advantages, such as a broad food spectrum, shape community structure in insular ecosystems.

Differential Exhumation and Crustal Tilting in the Easternmost Tianshan (Xinjiang, China), Revealed by Low‐Temperature Thermochronology

Xinjiang Tianshan — 2017 — WHEFFC2DAB1A1

A new study on the easternmost Tianshan, part of China's Xinjiang region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals that this area has experienced two distinct phases of rapid cooling during the Mesozoic era—specifically in the Early to Middle Triassic and Late Cretaceous periods. These cooling events are linked to distant tectonic activities, such as the closure of the Paleoasian Ocean and the Mongol Okhotsk orogeny, rather than more recent Cenozoic collisions like that of India with Eurasia. The research utilized apatite fission track and (U-Th-Sm)/He thermochronology to demonstrate fault-controlled differential exhumation and block tilting across the region. This finding suggests that the easternmost Tianshan's geological history is dominated by older Mesozoic tectonic events, rather than Cenozoic reactivation.

Differing long term trends for two common amphibian species (Bufo bufo and Rana temporaria) in alpine landscapes of Salzburg, Austria

Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg — 2017 — WHE05E95761CE

A two-decade study of amphibian populations along roadsides in Salzburg, Austria, reveals starkly contrasting trends for the common toad (Bufo bufo) and the common frog (Rana temporaria). While the common toad population remains stable, the common frog has experienced a significant decline, particularly in alpine regions. This decline is attributed to habitat destruction driven by drainage and agricultural intensification, which disproportionately impacts the micro-climate and spawning habitats of the common frog. The study highlights the severe ecological consequences of such losses for widespread species, often overlooked in conservation efforts.

Difusión del Arte Rupestre a Través de Aplicaciones Móviles de Realidad Aumentada: Un Enfoque Práctico

Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula — 2017 — WHEBD4EF0EA92

Augmented Reality (AR) applications offer a promising solution for the dissemination and conservation of rock art, as demonstrated by their successful implementation at the Cova dels Cavalls site. This study presents two innovative AR approaches: one using marker recognition to display virtual content, and another that overlays information directly onto recognized real paintings. These techniques enhance visitor engagement while promoting non-invasive conservation by eliminating direct contact with the fragile surfaces. The research evaluates the effectiveness of these methods, providing a methodology for their development and application in cultural heritage contexts.

Digging up food: excavation stone tool use by wild capuchin monkeys

Serra da Capivara National Park — 2017 — WHE72810E687A

Research at Serra da Capivara National Park reveals that capuchin monkeys employ stone tools to excavate food, challenging the 'necessity hypothesis' of tool use. While these primates primarily forage with their hands, they also utilize stones to loosen soil when digging for tubers, roots, and trapdoor spiders. Contrary to expectations, the study found no support for the fallback food hypothesis, which suggests tool use is driven by accessing scarce resources. Instead, a positive correlation emerged between plant food availability and stone tool frequency, indicating that capuchins may rely on tools when abundant food is present. This insight sheds new light on the ecological and behavioral factors influencing primate tool use in wild settings.

Digiart: Building new 3D cultural heritage worlds

Archaeological Site of Aigai (modern name Vergina) — 2017 — WHE37F420BF54

A groundbreaking approach to cultural heritage education through serious games (SGs) demonstrates how 3D models can enhance user engagement, imagination, and immersion. The study introduces three innovative SGs developed under the EU-funded Digiart project, focusing on the Palace of Aigai in Greece alongside other European sites like the Scladina cave in Belgium and an anthropology virtual museum in the UK. By employing pioneering 3D modeling techniques for archaeological assets and integrating them into interactive game engines, researchers have created fully immersive environments that bridge the gap between real-world heritage and digital experiences. This method not only advances the gamification of cultural heritage but also sets a new standard for public communication and educational engagement with historical sites.

Digital Heritage Documentation Via TLS And Photogrammetry Case Study

Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah — 2017 — WHE38A8C8BB39

Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and photogrammetry offer a more efficient, complete, and reliable alternative to traditional manual measurement techniques for documenting heritage sites. A case study of Nasif Historical House in Historic Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, demonstrates how these digital methods can accurately capture architectural details without the limitations of time-consuming or unreliable conventional approaches. The research highlights their potential as standard tools for preserving and analyzing heritage structures worldwide.

Digitally Mediated Iconoclasm: the Islamic State and the war on cultural heritage

Site of Palmyra — 2017 — WHE80A1B6E398

The Islamic State's (IS) destruction of cultural heritage, particularly at pre-monotheistic sites like Palmyra and Nimrud, is not merely a physical act but a digitally mediated one. The study introduces the analytical framework of 'Digitally Mediated Iconoclasm' (DMI), which captures the three stages of destruction—before, during, and after—as both evidence and a perdurable digital archive. Through an analysis of IS propaganda, including videos and photographs, the research reveals how the group strategically uses photographic and audio-visual techniques to build tension around heritage destruction while allocating significant resources to produce digital content. This framework advances understanding in heritage and media studies by demonstrating the dual role of DMI as both a tool for destruction and a lasting record.

Digitizing Dunhuang Cultural Heritage: A User Evaluation of Mogao Cave Panorama Digital Library

Mogao Caves — 2017 — WHE307FFB0701

A user evaluation of the Mogao Cave Panorama Digital Library (DL) reveals that while it effectively supports simple information-seeking tasks, its performance declines with more complex queries. The study, one of the first to assess cultural heritage digital libraries from a user experience perspective, identifies specific usability issues through statistical analysis and qualitative interviews. It proposes improvements for better user engagement and serves as a methodological reference for evaluating visually centered digital heritage resources.

Dipterofauna Associated With Rat Carcasses in the Atlantic Forest, Southeastern Brazil

Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea — 2017 — WHE8B06C0D594

A study on the Atlantic Forest remnant of Floresta da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, revealed that fly diversity and abundance associated with rat carcasses varied significantly across seasons. The research identified 12 families of flies, with Calliphoridae being the most prevalent (4,884 specimens), followed by Sarcophagidae, Micropezidae, Fannidae, Muscidae, Phoridae, and Neridae. While no direct correlation was found between fly abundance and seasons, carcass decomposition lasted longer in winter (12 days) compared to summer (8 days). The Margalef richness index indicated higher species richness in spring and winter, while the Shannon-Wiener index showed greater diversity in spring. Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae were particularly dominant during the fermentation stage of decomposition. These findings underscore the importance of regional studies in forensic entomology, as local environmental conditions influence insect succession patterns on carcasses.

Directions of Education of Value Structure of Daily and Existential Consciousness of F. M. Dostoyevsky

Architectural Ensemble of the Trinity Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad — 2017 — WHE81777F95EB

This study identifies three interconnected educational directions—emotional, semantic, and religious—that shaped Fyodor Dostoevsky's value structure during his formative years. These influences, rooted in his family environment and experiences at the Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra, formed the foundation of his existential consciousness. The research highlights how traditional values, such as monogamy, respect for elders, and national pride, along with early exposure to literature and religious teachings, contributed to Dostoevsky's worldview. His childhood experiences, including boarding school, became a moral compass that influenced his literary works, particularly in distinguishing between authentic and superficial family structures. The study suggests that the systematic erosion of spiritual values leads to existential loss, reflecting Dostoevsky's critique of modern society in his writings.

Discovering and Sharing of Secret Architectures: the Hidden Tomb of the Pharaoh of El-Khasneh, Jordan

Petra — 2017 — WHE879067369C

A groundbreaking study reveals the hidden architectural secrets of the Tomb of Pharaoh at El-Khasneh, Jordan, leveraging advanced 3D modeling techniques. The research demonstrates how Multiple View Stereo (MVS) matching and Structure from Motion (SfM) can be used with minimal hardware to document archaeological sites, even in challenging conditions. This approach provides a cost-effective solution for on-site documentation and emergency response, while also enabling web-based visualization of complex structures. The study highlights the significance of this tomb, which is partially unknown but crucial for understanding Jordan's heritage. By sharing these 3D models online, the research bridges gaps between academia, tourism, and cultural preservation, offering a new paradigm for documenting and disseminating architectural remains.

Dispossessed Lives: Enslaved Women, Violence, and the Archive

Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison — 2017 — WHEBCBD298D66

Dispossessed Lives: Enslaved Women, Violence, and the Archive offers a groundbreaking reconstruction of the experiences of enslaved women of African descent in 18th-century Barbados, particularly Bridgetown, using a patchwork of surviving archival documents. The study challenges traditional historical methodologies by interrogating the 'mutilated historicity' of enslaved women in archives, where they often appear disfigured and violated. It introduces new epistemologies to recover what might never be recoverable, embracing uncertainty and unresolvable narratives. By focusing on violence in its physical, archival, and epistemic configurations, the work provides a nuanced understanding of the lives of enslaved women while critiquing the discipline of history itself.

Dispute Between Chinese and Korean Researchers Concerning Territorial Affiliation of the Koguryo Kingdom in the Light of Archeological Excavation

Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom — 2017 — WHE26BB9E81E0

Archaeological excavations and relics reveal ongoing disputes between Chinese and Korean researchers over the territorial affiliation of the ancient Koguryo Kingdom, which spanned from central Manchuria to south of Seoul between 37 BC and AD 668. Chinese scholars, through projects like the 'Serial Research Project on the History and Current Status of the Northeast Border Region,' argue that Koguryo was an ethnic system within ancient China, aiming to integrate its history into China's narrative. Korean researchers strongly contest this, emphasizing Koguryo's distinct identity and cultural connections to Korea. Both sides rely on archaeological evidence to support their claims, highlighting the significance of these findings in shaping national identities and historical narratives.

Dissonant heritage and dark tourism at Lenin’s Mausoleum

Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow — 2017 — WHEFF67569A3B

Lenin's Mausoleum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Kremlin and Red Square complex, is not a typical dark tourism destination despite its association with death. Visitors primarily engage as cultural tourists, drawn to the site's historical significance rather than its macabre appeal. A discourse analysis of TripAdvisor reviews revealed that visitors perceive the mausoleum as a distinct, quiet space contrasting sharply with the bustling Red Square. This study challenges conventional dark tourism narratives by highlighting the nuanced nature of visitor experiences at dissonant heritage sites.

Distance sampling with camera traps

Taï National Park — 2017 — WHED05CA8D5AE

A novel method for estimating animal density using camera trap data has been developed, offering more accurate assessments of wildlife populations compared to traditional line transect surveys. The approach extends point-transect methods to accommodate camera trapping data, leveraging existing distance sampling theory and software. Simulations demonstrated that the method provides unbiased density estimates when accounting for periods of rest in animals. Applied to Maxwell's duikers (Philantomba maxwellii) in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire, the study found higher densities than previous line transect surveys, suggesting these methods could underestimate forest ungulate populations. This advancement promises broader applicability and effectiveness in wildlife conservation efforts.

Distribution of Karyotypes of the Cryptocercus punctulatus Species Complex (Blattodea: Cryptocercidae) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park — 2017 — WHEA0058C05CF

Research on the Cryptocercus punctulatus species complex in Great Smoky Mountains National Park reveals distinct chromosomal variations among populations, with three male karyotypes (2n = 37, 39, and 45) mapped across the park. Phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial COII and nuclear ITS2 DNA suggests these karyotypes originated from separate lower-elevation refugia following the last glacial maximum. A notable correlation between elevation difference and genetic distance in two clades supports this hypothesis, indicating post-glacial divergence. The study also explores the ecological role of these wood-feeding cockroaches within the park's ecosystem.

Distribution, size range and growth rates of hawksbill turtles at a major foraging ground in the eastern Pacific Ocean

Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection — 2017 — WHE1319716B4D

Coiba National Park, Panama, is identified as one of the most significant foraging grounds for hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The study, conducted through six mark-recapture surveys between 2014 and 2017, captured and tagged 186 individuals, with 51 recaptured at least once. The size range of these turtles varied from 30.0 to 75.5 cm, predominantly comprising juveniles. Growth rates were highly variable, ranging from -0.78 to 7.1 cm per year, marking the first published growth data for juvenile hawksbills in this region. These findings highlight Coiba's critical role in supporting hawksbill populations and provide essential demographic insights for conservation strategies.