Mount Athos
—
2017 —
WHE76A01F1A73
A previously unknown chapter in the history of Serbian-Slavic manuscripts at St. Paul's monastery on Mount Athos has been uncovered, revealing Archimandrite Leonid (Kavelin)'s pivotal role in their preservation. Through analysis of unpublished and published sources—including his correspondence with monks like Hieromonk Macarius (Sushkin) and librarian Azary (Poptsov)—researchers traced the fate of these manuscripts, which were ultimately burned in the early 20th century despite Leonid's efforts to acquire them for Russia's Rumyantsev Public Museum. The study also highlights the monastery library's significance as a gathering place for notable figures such as Slavicist V. I. Grigorovich and traveler Robert Curzon, offering new insights into its cultural and historical importance.
The Great Wall
—
2017 —
WHE2CD963EDDE
Research on the Ming Great Wall's beacon towers in Qinghai Province reveals that their elevations typically decrease along military intelligence routes, with sudden changes at strategic corners. The study classified 116 beacon towers into six architectural types based on their relationship to surrounding structures and found a radial distribution pattern around the Xining Guarding Post, often following river systems and ancient roads. By analyzing 'beacon tower links,' the authors demonstrated how these towers facilitated intelligence transmission during the Ming Dynasty, showcasing the sophisticated design of ancient Chinese military architecture.
Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace
—
2017 —
WHEBB11C82FDB
Sheki, Azerbaijan, boasts a rich architectural heritage with monuments spanning various historical periods, including fortresses, mosques, churches, and caravanserais. A key finding is that the town has preserved ancient construction traditions, evident in its public buildings, cult structures, and residential houses, despite its role as a historic silk trade center. The study highlights the need for urgent preservation efforts to protect these monuments from modern development threats while ensuring their historical integrity. It also emphasizes the importance of studying architectural peculiarities and preservation methods to safeguard Sheki's unique cultural landscape for future generations.
Archaeological Site of Ani
—
2017 —
WHE48E05A292B
Restoration and conservation efforts on archaeological sites, such as the medieval Armenian capital of Ani (Turkey), can significantly alter the visual perception of monuments. This study demonstrates that even well-intentioned interventions may transform a site's image, necessitating a philosophical approach to preservation that considers the broader town or ensemble context. It argues for a tailored protection strategy for Ani, which cannot rely solely on international legal frameworks but must integrate cultural and historical nuances.
Historic Centre of Siena
—
2017 —
WHE19487CF784
A novel hydroelectrically powered wireless sensor node enables autonomous, real-time monitoring of underground environmental conditions without external power sources. The system harnesses energy from flowing water using a watermill principle, making it ideal for deployment in historic underground aqueducts like Siena's 'Bottini.' This innovation minimizes maintenance and supports the preservation of ancient sites by providing continuous data on environmental parameters. Tested at 'Fontebranda,' one of the largest fountains in the network, the node integrates power generation, data acquisition, and wireless transmission, demonstrating its feasibility for long-term, independent operation.
Białowieża Forest
—
2017 —
WHE6EC978FD0C
A discrete choice experiment reveals that Polish citizens are significantly more willing to support increased conservation efforts within their domestic segment of the Białowieża Forest compared to Belarusian citizens, who largely prefer maintaining the status quo. This unilateral preference suggests potential challenges in implementing bilateral conservation policies for this transboundary UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study identifies a distinct group within Poland that supports transboundary cooperation, contrasting with non-cooperative groups on both sides of the border. These findings highlight possible barriers to collaborative conservation efforts, including perceived differences in welfare or behavioral factors, and question whether the forest is viewed as a shared public good by both populations.
Chitwan National Park
—
2017 —
WHEF45FE58A10
<5% of tigers in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, are responsible for human-tiger conflicts, with transient or physically impaired individuals being more likely to engage in such behavior. A study analyzing data from 2007 to 2016 identified 22 problem-causing tigers—13 involved in human fatalities, six serial livestock killers, and three threatening human safety. By comparing these 'problem tigers' with the broader tiger population through camera trapping (2009, 2010, 2013), researchers found that conflict was not evenly distributed but concentrated among a small subset of individuals. The study recommends proactive measures, such as an early warning system combining regular monitoring and timely intervention, to mitigate conflicts by either relocating or removing problem tigers or encouraging behavioral changes in local communities.
Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park
—
2017 —
WHE5FDC7B5FB1
Research in La Amistad International Park reveals that river catchment, combined with elevation and annual mean temperature, effectively explains variation in tropical plant species composition. Unlike traditional elevation-based classifications, which often dominate in the tropics, this study found distinct vegetation assemblages only at high-elevation oak forests and Páramo zones. While beta diversity did not significantly differ across mid-elevation plots, it varied between river catchments, suggesting that river catchment could serve as a useful alternative for classifying tropical forest assemblages in conservation settings. The analysis utilized floristic data from 141 plots spanning an elevation gradient of 130 to 3200 meters above sea level.
Nyungwe National Park
—
2017 —
WHE3258B13495
Ranger patrols significantly increase the likelihood of eliminating poaching-related threats, with the probability rising from 7% without patrols to up to 57% with increased patrols. Poaching is most prevalent at lower elevations (1,801–2,200 m) near roads and tourist trails, while higher elevations (2,601–3,000 m) and areas closer to ranger posts see fewer threats. The study used 10 years of ranger-based monitoring data and dynamic multi-season occupancy models to analyze poaching patterns in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, revealing that strategic placement of ranger posts and increased patrols can effectively mitigate illegal activities.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
—
2017 —
WHE9A431B2059
Multiple lineages of the genus Ranunculus have independently colonized the sub-Antarctic islands, likely arriving from lower-latitude regions such as Australia, New Zealand, or South America before the Last Glacial Maximum. Phylogenetic and divergence time analyses of 53 accessions revealed that chance events played a significant role in species arrival, while subsequent trait–environment interactions were crucial for establishment and persistence in sub-Antarctic habitats. The study also found that two distinct ecomorphological trait combinations are shared between sub-Antarctic and lower-latitude species, with their proportions differing significantly between these regions.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
—
2017 —
WHE80F83D1276
This study addresses critical gaps in the theoretical framework surrounding the Qhapaq Ñan, the extensive Andean road system of the Inca Empire. It highlights the need for a more rigorous contrast between theoretical suppositions and specific archaeological data, particularly in Chile, to derive meaningful interpretations about the Tawantinsuyu (Inca territory) and its infrastructure. The research synthesizes contemporary archaeological findings on road systems in South America, focusing on methodological advancements and conceptual definitions of Inca roads. It also introduces classificatory criteria for these pathways, emphasizing their archaeological implications. While building on foundational works like those by Hyslop and Niemeyer & Rivera, the study aims to deepen theoretical discussions on the Qhapaq Ñan's structure, function, and significance within the broader context of Inca territorial occupation.
Archaeological Site of Delphi
—
2017 —
WHE0E085BE3DA
The Serpent Column, originally erected to commemorate the Greek victory over the Persians at Plataia in 479 BC, has endured significant historical transformations while retaining its symbolic significance. Paul Stephenson's analysis traces its 'cultural biography,' from its ancient pagan purpose to its adaptation within Christian and Muslim contexts. Despite being relocated by Emperor Constantine to Constantinople (modern Istanbul), the column retained its status as a talisman against snakebites, reflecting a blend of superstitious beliefs and cumulative tradition. Stephenson's approach combines esoteric sources with historical analysis, though it notably avoids reconstructing the column's original tripod structure. The study challenges Edward Gibbon's interpretation of Constantine's motives, suggesting instead a nuanced understanding of the emperor's role in preserving and recontextualizing this ancient monument.
Wet Tropics of Queensland
—
2017 —
WHE6D6E41007C
Aboriginal rock art and dendroglyphs in Queensland's Wet Tropics reveal that cultural identity, rather than language, was the primary determinant of stylistic choices. The study analyzed 45 rock art sites and 12 dendroglyph sites across six language areas, finding distinct eastern and western rock art styles that often transcend linguistic boundaries. Dendroglyphs, predominantly non-figurative in the east, contrast with figurative rock art, suggesting distinct roles for these visual expressions. The research employed both quantitative (site and motif recording) and qualitative methods (interviews with Aboriginal people), emphasizing collaboration to contextualize findings within broader cultural landscapes. This work highlights the significance of rock art and dendroglyphs as living elements of Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Asmara: A Modernist African City
—
2017 —
WHE119556511C
Asmara, Eritrea's modernist capital, stands as a groundbreaking example of colonial urban planning and architecture that challenges Eurocentric narratives. The city's nomination for UNESCO World Heritage List (WHL) in 2016, supported by nearly two decades of interdisciplinary research, highlights its unique blend of innovative functional zoning, modernist design, and local cultural integration. Unlike many post-colonial settings, Asmara's conservation approach emphasizes preserving early colonial-era architecture, offering a critical lens to reassess global heritage perceptions. The research aims to secure the city's WHL inscription while addressing the underrepresentation of African and modernist sites on the list, fostering stability and prosperity.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
—
2017 —
WHE781B9DCFA2
Plant community composition within the forest–tundra ecotone of subarctic Canada is primarily influenced by aspect and slope angle, more so than by elevation. South-facing slopes exhibit warmer soil temperatures and deeper active layers, leading to distinct plant communities compared to north-facing slopes, which are driven by soil moisture differences on steeper angles. Species richness increases with elevation on north-facing slopes but shows no trend on south-facing ones, while community turnover rates are higher on the latter. These findings suggest that future vegetation changes may vary in rate and direction depending on topographic characteristics, emphasizing the need for region-specific modeling of alpine vegetation dynamics.
Wet Tropics of Queensland
—
2017 —
WHE36764B0630
Atherton antechinus, a geographically restricted marsupial, exhibits distinct ecological traits that facilitate coexistence with the sympatric rusty antechinus. This study reveals significant resource partitioning between the two species: Atherton antechinuses primarily forage nocturnally in deep leaf litter and rotting logs, while rusty antechinuses are arboreal and active both day and night. The diet of the Atherton antechinus is dominated by arthropods, with minor inclusion of small vertebrates. Male condition declines for both species during June–July, while free-living young appear in November (rusty) and January (Atherton). Home ranges for Atherton antechinuses span 2.5–5.8 ha for males and 3.6 ha for a female, with females sharing space with multiple males but no same-sex nest sharing observed. The species thrives in contiguous wet tropical upland rainforest with old-growth characteristics, making it vulnerable to climate change impacts.
Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura
—
2017 —
WHEDF9682E332
During the pontificate of Pope Leo XII (1823-1829), Rome witnessed significant shifts in cultural policy, marked by the recovery and reintegration of ancient marbles salvaged from the incineration of St. Paul's Basilica outside the walls. This study reveals a strategic approach to preserving and repurposing historical artifacts while reinforcing papal sovereignty through curated imagery and strict censorship. The research delves into the restoration efforts of the palatine heritage, illustrating how these measures were not only symbolic but also instrumental in shaping the visual and ideological landscape of Rome during this period. By analyzing archival sources and cultural documents, the study offers a nuanced understanding of how Leo XII's administration balanced tradition with modernity, setting a precedent for future conservation practices.
City of Quito
—
2017 —
WHEEB9A43D21B
Urban food systems and urban development are deeply interconnected, necessitating integrated approaches to address sustainability and resilience challenges. The concept of City Region Food Systems (CRFS) offers a promising framework for local governments and policymakers to make informed decisions that bridge urban and rural development. This study analyzes the CRFS approach through case studies in Quito and Medellín, revealing initial advances in policy uptake and territorial food planning. By examining these Latin American cities, the research highlights the potential of CRFS to enhance food security and sustainability while fostering more cohesive regional development strategies.
Kakadu National Park
—
2017 —
WHE57D44D6734
A critical assessment of fire management strategies in Kakadu National Park reveals significant challenges and limited progress over 18 years. Despite substantial resources, only two out of 14 ecological performance thresholds were met by 2015, with no material improvement observed across the study period. The research, leveraging Landsat-scale fire mapping (1997–2015) and modeled biodiversity responses, found that vast areas—98% in lowlands and 87% in uplands—experienced large fires (>1 km²), while only a minimal portion of habitats remained unburnt for more than three years. The study underscores the need for alternative resourcing models, such as market-based savanna burning projects, to achieve effective biodiversity conservation in fire-prone Australian savannas.
Tasmanian Wilderness
—
2017 —
WHE04373F0B23
Only about half of Tasmania's temperate rainforests, including the UNESCO-listed Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, are fully protected from mining and commercial logging. While 90% of these rainforests lie within reserves, 43% remain vulnerable to logging or mining due to their reserve category. A legislative review further downgraded 66,012 hectares, reducing protection. Climate change poses additional threats, particularly through increased fire risk from lightning and arson, which could fragment intact rainforest blocks and undermine their ecological resilience. The study underscores the complexity of assessing reserve effectiveness, given overlapping governance systems and regulatory frameworks that can allow land-use activities even within protected areas.
Historic City of Ayutthaya
—
2017 —
WHE0542C2E77C
Research on the Historic City of Ayutthaya reveals that tourism-related livelihoods in urban areas are inherently unsustainable when measured by self-reliance, as residents heavily depend on external sources. The study, using DFID’s Sustainable Livelihood Framework, highlights conflicts between the urban poor and both the Thai government and neighboring industrial zones due to tourism and development pressures. These tensions raise concerns about the potential loss of World Heritage status. The findings challenge traditional sustainability metrics by emphasizing that urban livelihoods cannot be evaluated solely on self-reliance, given their reliance on external inputs.
Jaipur City, Rajasthan
—
2017 —
WHE4725F66F11
A consistent inverse linear relationship between land surface temperature (LST) and elevation was observed in the Jaipur, India region, with LST decreasing by 3.5 °C to 4.6 °C per 1000 m of horizontal elevation change. This effect is less pronounced than vertical separation (5.0 °C–10.0 °C per 1000 m). The study used MODIS LST data and ASTER digital elevation models, revealing that elevation must be considered when analyzing spatial LST distribution in large urban areas like Jaipur to rationalize temperature variations across different locations.
Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas
—
2017 —
WHE33DE560043
Between 1992 and 2012, the proportion of dark protected areas (PAs) in China declined by 35.38%, with significant local increases in light pollution particularly noted in northern Xinjiang, Gansu, Xizang, Yunnan, Jiangsu, and Shandong. This finding was derived from an analysis of time-series night-time light satellite images from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Operational Linescan System (DMSP-OLS), which revealed the extent of human-induced light pollution encroaching into PAs nationwide. The study highlights the unprecedented spatial range and intensity of light pollution due to rapid urban expansion, offering a scalable method for assessing its impact on protected ecosystems. Two mitigation strategies—establishing appropriate buffer zones and expanding light pollution measurements—are recommended to address this growing threat.
Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape
—
2017 —
WHED150B65B67
A significant portion of date palm fruit is lost or wasted during harvest and marketing phases, with average losses reaching 12.6% across major production regions in Saudi Arabia. The study identified that varieties like Shishi and Shbibi in Al-Ahsa Oasis experience the highest damage rates (33%), primarily due to small size, cuts, browses, pest infestation, and non-pathological disorders. In contrast, Ajweh in Medina exhibited minimal damage (2.7%). The research analyzed 11 commercially available date varieties from key regions—Al-Ahsa, Riyadh, Qaseem, and Madinah—using photography to assess post-harvest losses. While most varieties suffered 5-10% loss during marketing, exceptions included Shagra in Qaseem (16-20%) and Ajweh in Riyadh (<5%). The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to mitigate waste, particularly in high-loss varieties.
Western Ghats
—
2017 —
WHE5041EB7780
Researchers found that while the Muthirapuzha River Basin (MRB) in the southern Western Ghats, India, experiences significant gross soil erosion at 14.36 tons per hectare per year, net erosion is substantially lower at 3.60 tons due to deposition processes. About 86% of the basin undergoes slight erosion, while nearly 3% acts as a depositional environment for sediments. Human activities in agricultural areas and tea plantations significantly accelerate soil erosion compared to natural vegetation belts. The study used the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) combined with transport-limited sediment delivery (TLSD) modeling to quantify soil erosion and deposition, providing critical data for land management strategies to mitigate soil degradation in tropical mountain river basins.
Jaipur City, Rajasthan
—
2017 —
WHEBB73AF8111
A severe deterioration of air quality in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is driven by high concentrations of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and PM10, particularly in winter and summer, with specific hotspots like Vidhyadhar Nagar, Civil Lines, Hawa Mahal, Kishanpole, and Aadarsh Nagar showing critical pollution levels. The study, analyzing data from 2004 to 2015, found that while NOX and SO2 concentrations remained within CPCB standards, the spatial distribution of Air Quality Index (AQI) revealed strong positive autocorrelation with weather parameters such as relative humidity, temperature, and wind speed. Using geo-spatial and geo-statistical techniques, including Ordinary Least Squares regression and bivariate Moran’s I analysis, researchers identified significant correlations between AQI and weather conditions during summer and winter seasons. This combination of GIS and statistical analyses highlights critical areas needing targeted interventions to mitigate air pollution in Jaipur.
Chitwan National Park
—
2017 —
WHEBA2225BBAC
Mikania micrantha invasion significantly disrupts rural livelihoods and tourism revenues in Chitwan National Park's buffer zone, Nepal. The study reveals that the alien plant reduces access to essential forest products like fodder and fuel wood while altering wildlife habitats, forcing animals into core areas and diminishing tourism. A survey of 170 households confirmed these adverse impacts, highlighting the need for urgent intervention by authorities and public awareness campaigns to mitigate ecological and socio-economic consequences.
Keoladeo National Park
—
2017 —
WHEDCDAAFDF2F
Mitragyna parvifolia demonstrates significantly higher tolerance to waterlogging compared to Syzygium cumini, as evidenced by its ability to develop adaptive traits such as adventitious roots and lenticels while maintaining root biomass. This study assessed the morphological and photosynthetic responses of four-month-old seedlings from both species under waterlogged conditions for 35 days. While S. cumini exhibited high mortality, M. parvifolia showed resilience, with only minor declines in key variables. The research highlights the differential adaptability of these wetland species to waterlogging, providing insights into their survival strategies within UNESCO-listed Keoladeo National Park, a critical Ramsar site.
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
—
2017 —
WHE52594C6097
A study assessing the concentrations of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in sediments and gastropod species from the Osun River found no toxicological risk to the freshwater system. The research revealed that both metals were significantly lower than their average crustal concentrations and freshwater limits, with zinc consistently higher than copper in both sediments and gastropods (Melanoides tuberculata and Lanistes varicus). Lanistes varicus showed greater bioaccumulation of these metals compared to Melanoides tuberculata. Samples were collected quarterly from June 2015 to March 2016, with analysis conducted via atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The findings suggest the Osun River remains an unimpacted freshwater system, despite its ecological significance.
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
—
2017 —
WHEF0F8B042DE
A study identifies key vegetation communities in the Latakharak alpine meadows of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, highlighting their significance for conservation. The research prioritizes these communities based on their ecological importance and vulnerability, providing critical insights for biodiversity preservation in this UNESCO-listed region. The approach involved detailed field surveys, species composition analysis, and environmental data collection to assess vegetation patterns and prioritize conservation efforts.
Borobudur Temple Compounds
—
2017 —
WHEAC40AF9408
Borobudur Temple, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architectural brilliance, is revealed to be part of a larger sacred procession system linked with surrounding Buddhist temples. This study introduces a novel interpretation that Borobudur and nearby temples, such as Pawon and Mendut, functioned cohesively in ritualistic contexts during the Mataram Kuno period. By analyzing shared elements like location, religious symbolism, ornaments, and statues across four temples using archaeological methods, researchers propose that these structures served not only as standalone monuments but also as integral components of ancient sacred processions. The findings challenge conventional views on Borobudur's singular significance, offering a deeper understanding of its cultural and religious roles in historical Indonesian civilization.
Durham Castle and Cathedral
—
2017 —
WHE30A39372D5
Bishop Cosin's architectural legacy at Durham Castle and Cathedral, including the creation of Renaissance-style gardens and gate piers, has been highlighted through an analysis of historical inventories from 1628 and 1672. This study reveals that both Bishop Neile and Cosin were pivotal in modernizing church architecture while maintaining traditional elements, significantly transforming Durham Castle into a magnificent palace. The research sheds light on the often-overlooked architectural contributions of these bishops before the civil wars, emphasizing their dual role as modernizers and traditionalists.
Durham Castle and Cathedral
—
2017 —
WHEDB5127B5A8
Eighteenth-century modifications to Durham Castle and Auckland Castle reflected the bishops' dual aspirations for contemporary secular amenities while fulfilling episcopal requirements. The study reveals that these bishops, drawn from gentry and aristocratic families, prioritized living in residences commensurate with their social status, mirroring the architectural preferences of their lay peers. Auckland Castle emerged as the preferred residence during the bishops' stays in the Palatinate due to urban growth in Durham City, which diminished the appeal of Durham Castle. Despite this shift, Durham Castle retained its ceremonial significance as a center of episcopal power.
Auschwitz Birkenau <br /><small>German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945)</small>
—
2017 —
WHE47C344A4D0
Auschwitz and After offers a profound exploration of memory, time, culpability, and survival through the lens of a Holocaust survivor's memoir. The work, penned by CP Delbo—a member of the French resistance—examines the enduring psychological and societal impacts of Nazi atrocities, often referred to as the 'afterdeath' of the Holocaust. Lawrence L. Langer's updated introduction deepens the analysis, contextualizing Delbo's account within broader scholarly discourse on trauma and historical culpability. This edition expands on the original with a new bibliography, enriching its significance in Holocaust studies.
Willandra Lakes Region
—
2017 —
WHEB517708808
Australia's involvement in the World Heritage Convention (WHC) highlights its significant contribution to global heritage conservation, with nine properties inscribed on the World Heritage List. These include iconic sites like Kakadu National Park, Great Barrier Reef, and Willandra Lakes Region, each recognized for their unique natural or cultural values under specific criteria. The chapter also addresses properties listed in danger, emphasizing Australia's active role in preserving these irreplaceable heritage assets. By examining the dates of inscription and the reasons behind their significance, this work underscores the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding world heritage.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
—
2017 —
WHE1A161484E8
A collaborative survey program involving the University of Bournemouth, National Trust, English Heritage (now Historic England), and the German Archaeological Institute revealed significant hidden archaeological remains within Avebury, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Stonehenge-Avebury.' Using multi-channel magnetometry, researchers uncovered extensive prehistoric landscape features, including undetected barrow groups and a windmill foundation within a historic complex. Additionally, Roman, Saxon, and medieval remains were identified south of Waden Hill, linking to the modern village of Avebury. The 2016-2017 surveys provided statistically relevant data for future research, enhancing understanding of this protected landscape's complex history.
Galápagos Islands
—
2017 —
WHE482D6B3DCE
Researchers report the first documented case of avian pox in the critically endangered Waved Albatross (Phoebastria irrorata), the world's only tropical albatross, on Española Island in the Galápagos. Between November 2013 and January 2014, 14 nestlings exhibited pox-like lesions, with six succumbing to the disease. Histopathological analysis confirmed avipoxvirus infection via inclusion bodies in tissue samples. Unlike other seabirds and landbirds, which appeared unaffected, this outbreak highlights a significant threat to the species' survival, given its already declining population. The study underscores the urgent need for pathogen monitoring and conservation efforts to mitigate disease impacts on endemic taxa.
Studley Royal Park including the Ruins of Fountains Abbey
—
2017 —
WHEC8F3E988F1
A thorough analysis of Fountains Abbey's heraldry reveals that the monastery used two distinct shields: one with a cross between four lions, associated with St Oswald and significant to its religious life, and another featuring three horseshoes surmounted by a mitre and crozier. The latter, previously debated as Abbot Marmaduke Huby's personal coat, is confirmed as the abbey's official arms during his rule (1495–1526). Despite extensive evidence reviewed—including heraldic records and stone carvings—a definitive explanation for the adoption of these arms remains elusive. The study challenges prior assumptions and provides a comprehensive examination of Fountains Abbey's heraldic practices, addressing long-standing scholarly puzzles.
Kuk Early Agricultural Site
—
2017 —
WHEB64B0878F5
Archaeological evidence from Kuk Swamp, New Guinea, reveals the earliest known banana cultivation dating back at least 7,000 years. Traces of plowing, drainage ditches, and post holes were discovered 20 feet below the surface, indicating sophisticated agricultural practices. Banana cultivation subsequently spread northeastward across Oceania over approximately 2,000 years, with independent introductions to Africa from India around 4,000-5,000 years ago, facilitated by Indian Ocean trade via outrigger canoes. The study highlights the significant role of bananas in early human migration and agricultural development.
Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands
—
2017 —
WHEBE8DDC77DE
A high frequency of prehistoric tool exchange was identified in the low hierarchy chiefdoms of the Marquesas Islands, challenging assumptions about exchange patterns in less hierarchical societies. Geochemical analysis of 278 stone tools from Nuku Hiva revealed the use of basalt from at least seven sources across three islands, with non-local tools comprising 43 to 94% (mean = 77%) of inter-valley distributions. This frequency rivals that observed in more hierarchical Polynesian polities. The study suggests that elites used non-local tools as political currency to reinforce status and build alliances, consistent with prestige societies elsewhere.
Dorset and East Devon Coast
—
2017 —
WHEB812F3E139
A high-resolution bathymetric mapping study of the Dorset and East Devon Coast, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jurassic Coast, reveals significant insights into the structural development of the Purbeck Monocline. The research, covering 400 square kilometers with seamless onshore-offshore integration, demonstrates that the offshore region lacks extensive basin-related extensional faulting, contrasting sharply with the onshore area. This suggests that prior to inversion, the basin evolved through intermittent activity on major extensional faults. Additionally, the study highlights variations in strain expression between the hanging-wall block and the fault inversion zone, with the footwall acting as a buttress to compression. These findings advance the understanding of basin development and inversion structures by leveraging high-resolution, spatially extensive datasets.
Historic Centre of Florence
—
2017 —
WHE7DF1198076
Renaissance art in Florence, Italy, features numerous stylized bat motifs, often linked to the powerful Medici family. These images, found in works by Michelangelo and others, depict bats with exaggerated ears or wing membranes, though not always accurately representing their biology. While some interpretations suggest bats symbolized cultural darkness or ignorance, others propose they represented happiness and prosperity, possibly influenced by Chinese symbolism. This study highlights how bat imagery evolved from medieval demonic associations to more complex Renaissance meanings, offering a unique lens into the period's artistic and conceptual developments.
Butrint
—
2017 —
WHE24444D8225
Rising sea levels have significantly altered the archaeological landscape at Butrint revealing that its ancient urban center developed much later than previously believed. The Roman Forum Excavations (RFE) Project pioneered wet-site excavations, reaching depths of up to four meters below the water table in the ancient urban center. This approach challenged the traditional perception of groundwater as an obstacle and demonstrated that the lower city emerged as dryland only in the second half of the 2nd century BCE. The study highlights how relative sea-level rise has shaped both ancient inhabitants' actions and modern archaeological practices, serving as a case study for understanding the impact of coastal changes on Mediterranean seaports.
Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau
—
2017 —
WHE043FA7F268
A groundbreaking exploration of Bauhaus architecture reveals the innovative use of floor materials in the Dessau Master and Double Houses, built between 1925 and 1926. These designs were not merely aesthetic but also functional, reflecting the movement's experimental approach to construction. The study provides a detailed historical account of these floor coverings, offering unique insights into the material choices and craftsmanship that defined Bauhaus's modernist identity. This research contributes to the understanding of Bauhaus's influence on architectural innovation, particularly in its attention to detail even at the foundational level.
Historic Centre of San Gimignano
—
2017 —
WHEADEB85E81D
A Bayesian approach successfully updates finite element models of historic masonry towers, addressing critical uncertainties in material properties and geometry. Using dynamic experimental data from San Gimignano's towers, the study refines numerical models by incorporating measured natural periods and accounting for measurement errors and modeling uncertainties, such as restraint effects from neighboring buildings. This method enhances seismic risk assessment, a key factor in preserving cultural heritage. The findings highlight the potential of Bayesian model updating to improve structural analysis in historic masonry towers, with future applications extending to seismic studies.
Old and New Towns of Edinburgh
—
2017 —
WHEA7BEBC3414
Edinburgh's Old and New Towns serve as a unique case study for understanding the enduring commemoration of political martyrs, challenging modern historians' tendency to dismiss them as mere folklore. The study reveals that the Scottish Martyrs of 1793–94 and Lord Braxfield have remained deeply embedded in public memory, with their narratives being strategically integrated into the architectural landscape of New Town during the early nineteenth century. This 'architecture parlante' approach was employed by the civic elite to create a monument that transcends traditional forms, reflecting broader societal values and political ideologies. The research highlights how historical interest in these martyrs has experienced periods of revival, particularly linked to left-wing movements in the twentieth century, which viewed them as symbolic progenitors. The analysis draws on historical texts, such as Mackenzie's 'The Life of Thomas Muir,' and situates Edinburgh within a global trend of public monument-building during the early modern period.
Socotra Archipelago
—
2017 —
WHE14AEFF9E9A
A comprehensive taxonomic evaluation of bees (Hymenoptera: Anthophila) in the Socotra Archipelago reveals 28 species across 16 genera, with nearly two-thirds being endemic. Four new Halictidae species were described, and the identity of two Xylocopa species was clarified. The study also corrected the original spelling of <em>Eucera kirbyi</em> and removed three previously misidentified species from Socotra's bee fauna. Biogeographic analysis traced the origins of these bees, while investigations into host associations with beetle parasites (Meloidae and Ripiphoridae) and cleptoparasitic bees highlighted notable interactions, including the first report of the obligate bee parasitoid <em>Ripiphorus arabiafelix arabiafelix</em> from Socotra Island.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
—
2017 —
WHEB1B8AA4450
A post-release study of translocated greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) at Manas National Park, Assam, India, revealed that these individuals exhibited seasonal behavioral patterns similar to resident populations in Assam and Nepal. The research found distinct variations in activity, with maximum grazing during the monsoon and retreating monsoon seasons, while browsing increased in winter. Resting was most frequent in winter and pre-monsoon periods. Adult females and calves showed higher walking activity during the monsoon, whereas adult males wallowed more frequently for thermoregulation and consumed aquatic plants. These findings indicate successful adaptation of translocated rhinos to Manas National Park, with no drastic differences from resident populations.
Wadden Sea
—
2017 —
WHEB989EC9F10
Benthic primary producers, specifically microphytobenthos, are the dominant energy source sustaining the Wadden Sea's food web, supporting higher trophic levels including worms, molluscs, crustaceans, fish, and birds. This finding was derived from a large-scale stable carbon isotope analysis across 1460 km² of intertidal surface area in the Dutch Wadden Sea, involving 9,165 samples from 839 locations and 178 species. The study used a two-food-source isotope-mixing model to distinguish between benthic and pelagic primary producers, revealing significant spatial heterogeneity in their δ¹³C values. This research underscores the critical role of benthic primary producers in coastal ecosystems and highlights the necessity for spatially explicit sampling in such environments.
Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin
—
2017 —
WHE2170B30335
Berlin, during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, emerged as a significant cultural and political hub in Europe. The city's transformation from a war-ready capital under Frederick II to a symbol of Prussian grandeur under Frederick William III is highlighted by its architectural legacy, including palaces and parks in Berlin and Potsdam. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's brief visit in 1778 captures the city's dynamic atmosphere, while key military events such as Napoleon's defeats at Grossbeeren (1813) and Leipzig marked pivotal moments in European history. The study underscores Berlin's evolving role as a center of power, memory, and architectural representation, reflecting the ambitions of Prussian kings and their enduring influence on the city's landscape.
