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Cruise passengers spend less despite offers on land

A study by University of Bergen researchers found that cruise tourists spend less during port visits, regardless of shopping opportunities. In contrast, land tourists spend significantly more on Sundays and holydays. The study also revealed that repeat visitors tend to return as either land or cruise tourists, not the other way around.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalTourism Management·DateDec 22, 2015

Predators might not be dazzled by stripes

Research suggests that stripes do not provide an advantage for animals living in groups when multiple targets are presented simultaneously. This contradicts the long-held assumption that stripes evolved to make it difficult for predators to capture animals moving in a group.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·DateAug 11, 2015

A tale of two whales

A new study provides the first detailed view of calling blue and fin whale distribution in Southern California, revealing a steady population trend for blue whales and an upward trend for fin whales. The research uses acoustic data collected from 2006-2012, indicating that fin whales are more likely to be detected further offshore.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateJun 25, 2015

Does a competent leader make a good friend?

Research by Lasse Laustsen and Michael Bang Petersen suggests that competent leaders are often preferred for leadership roles but not necessarily as friends. In contrast, non-dominant individuals with cooperative traits are often chosen as friends regardless of political ideology or social conflict context.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateFeb 10, 2015

Tourism poses a threat to dolphins in the Balearic Islands

A study led by the University of Barcelona found that tourism, fishing, and sea transport are compromising the wellbeing of common bottlenose dolphins in the Pityusic Islands. The researchers estimate there are only a few hundred dolphins in the area, and conservation measures are needed to protect them.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom·DateDec 11, 2014

Ship ahoy! Fraunhofer displays innovations at SMM

The Fraunhofer Institute is showcasing its Virtual Maritime Interior Configurator, a tool that enables realistic planning of ship interiors without physical mock-ups. The company is also introducing the Crew Compliance Organizer software to simplify crew management and reduce regulatory violations. Additionally, Fraunhofer will display...

'Moral victories' might spare you from losing again

Researchers analyzed NBA coaching decisions over two decades, finding that hasty adjustments following close losses backfire, resulting in extra losses per season. Coaches also underreact to close wins, particularly those with large margins, making it essential to consider all information when evaluating performance.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalManagement Science·DateJul 21, 2014

Sulphur haunts the ghost wreck

Researchers found relatively low iron amounts and minimal sulphur compounds in the Ghost wreck, suggesting it might not face the same preservation issues as the Vasa. Three studied ships, including the Crown, display more aggressive sulphur compounds and higher iron concentrations.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 5, 2014

Figuring out flow dynamics

Researchers at Caltech have developed a new way to analyze turbulent flow near walls, which can help reduce drag and fuel consumption in aircraft and ships. By breaking down complex equations into smaller blocks, they found that commonly observed features of wall turbulence can be explained by superposing just three response modes.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateJul 31, 2013

Reforestation study shows trade-offs between water, carbon and timber

A recent study by Arizona State University researchers found that reforestation efforts in the Panama Canal watershed may not always increase water supply, but can enhance carbon sequestration and timber production. The research highlights the importance of understanding the spatial distribution of ecosystem services and their trade-offs.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2013

Cruise tourists spend less

Researchers found that cruise tourists spend an average of NOK 300 per day onshore, compared to NOK 600 for camping and hotel tourists. This is due to the all-inclusive nature of cruises and low budget options.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalTourism Management Perspectives·DateApr 30, 2013

New fatigue model leads to more durable ships

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a new fatigue model that enables the creation of lighter structures, leading to more energy-efficient ships. The study's findings can be used to improve the design of various welded steel structures, predicting fatigue endurance more accurately and utilizing materials more efficiently.

SourceAalto University·JournalInternational Journal of Fatigue·DateApr 23, 2013

Sea mammals find US safe harbor

Research reveals many marine mammal populations are increasing, with some recovering to near carrying capacity. The MMPA's strong protections against commercial and accidental killing have contributed to these recoveries.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2013

Ocean explorers want to get to the bottom of Galicia

A team of scientists and technicians led by Rice University is conducting a 45-day expedition in the North Atlantic to gather detailed information about the geology of the ocean basin. The $6 million project aims to study the Galicia rift, where sediment has not deeply buried formations that have existed at the bottom of the ocean for ...

Bronze warship ram reveals secrets

A team of specialists analyzed a 2,000-year-old bronze battering ram to shed light on how such an object was made in ancient times. The study found that the bronze alloy was composed of 87% copper, 6% tin, and 7% lead, with varying concentrations throughout the casting.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalThe International Journal of Nautical Archaeology·DateApr 4, 2013