Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
—
2017 —
WHE03F45BD615
A territorial division of control over the historic basin emerges as a viable solution to the complex administration of holy places in Jerusalem, addressing the needs for effective governance by both Muslims and Jews. This approach mitigates risks of violent outbreaks and international criticism while preserving the historic status quo established under Ottoman rule in 1852–1853 and later reconfirmed in the 1993 Fundamental Agreement between the Holy See and Israel. The study analyzes the intricate dynamics of Israeli rule since 1967, focusing on balancing security concerns with international expectations to ensure stability at sites like the Haram/Temple Mount and the Western Wall.
Archaeological Site of Delphi
—
2017 —
WHECE83B1E576
A newly discovered archaeological site at Aghios Taxiarches, Northern Euboea, Greece, may be the location of Apollo Selinountios' 'lost' oracle. This hypothesis is supported by inscriptions on two votive stelae found in 2001 alongside Hellenistic pottery and ancient wall ruins, along with its geographical context. The site's steep bedrock escarpment, hanging valley, waterfall, and cave are linked to an active fault zone, mirroring the geological features associated with Apollo's oracle at Delphi. This connection suggests a similar function for Aghios Taxiarches, though further archaeological and geoscientific studies are needed to confirm this. The research integrates geological, geomorphological, and historical evidence to propose a significant addition to ancient Greek religious sites.
Lower Valley of the Omo
—
2017 —
WHE4F6E1CF404
Archaeological fieldwork can significantly alter local oral traditions, leaving enduring traces on participants. This study highlights how discoveries made during research with the Mursi community in Ethiopia's Lower Omo Valley reshaped their narratives, illustrating the broader impact of such encounters. By adopting a Socratic approach—focusing on dialogue and mutual learning—the research underscores archaeology's value to local communities, both during fieldwork and beyond. The findings challenge conventional views by demonstrating that archaeological engagement is not merely extractive but can foster meaningful exchange, benefiting both researchers and participants.
Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha
—
2017 —
WHE4A508844A9
Biomass burning significantly impacts atmospheric aerosols in Lumbini, Nepal, particularly during post-monsoon and winter seasons. The study identified high concentrations of organic molecular tracers like levoglucosan (2206 ± 1753 ng/m³) and other biomarkers, indicating strong contributions from crop residue and hardwood burning. These findings suggest that local agricultural practices and residential biomass usage, alongside regional emissions—such as rice residue burning in western India and eastern Pakistan—dramatically influence air quality in the northern Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP). The research highlights the need for coordinated mitigation efforts across multiple regions to reduce biomass burning emissions effectively.
City of Potosí
—
2017 —
WHEDA815094B7
A re-examination of the El Dragón selenium deposit in Potosí, Bolivia, reveals five distinct episodes of fault formation and mineralization spanning from 12 million years ago to the present. The study identified several new or near-endmember minerals, including petříčekite, krut’aite, penroseite, and a previously unknown copper-nickel-selenium mineral (CuNi₂Se₄). These findings suggest that highly oxidized, metal-rich fluids with exceptional selenium fugacities (log fSe₂ between −14.5 and −11.2) interacted with black shale and siltstone, leading to the deposition of selenium minerals. The source of selenium and associated metals likely originates from a neighboring Kupferschiefer-type black shale, rich in pyrite and organic matter, where reductive conditions facilitated selenate reduction and elemental selenium precipitation.
Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes
—
2017 —
WHE9639BA40B1
New isotopic evidence challenges long-standing hypotheses about the origin of water in China's Badain Jaran Desert, revealing that both groundwater and lake water are sourced from modern precipitation in the region rather than remote or ancient sources. The study analyzed radiocarbon (14C), tritium (3H), stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes (δ2H – δ18O), and d-excess values in water samples from lakes, springs, and local aquifers, alongside evaporation experiments to assess isotopic changes under desert conditions. Contrary to previous theories, the data show that groundwater is derived from recent meteoric precipitation, not ancient carbonates or early Holocene recharge, debunking claims of distant Tibetan Plateau or paleoclimate origins.
Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region
—
2017 —
WHE1A621CBD00
Ancient burial complexes along the Pacific coast of South America, spanning territories now part of Ecuador, Peru, and Chile, reveal sophisticated ritual practices dating back to the Archaic period (10-3,500 BP). These complexes, found in settlements, ritual centers, necropolises, caves, and shell mounds, demonstrate meticulous treatment of the dead through natural and artificial mummification techniques—such as the Chinchorro tradition—and the use of primary and secondary burial methods. The findings also highlight early social interactions, including exchange contacts and conflicts with neighboring groups, alongside subsistence activities like fishing, hunting, and gathering. These practices persisted into later Formative period cultures and pre-contact times, underscoring their enduring cultural significance.
Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
—
2017 —
WHE33E38907E7
A groundbreaking study on the Aeolian Islands (Sicily, Italy) reveals the first recorded presence of two butterfly species: <em>Cacyreus marshalli</em> and <em>Danaus chrysippus</em>. Conducted in 2014, this research clarifies the distribution of eight Ropaloceri species, providing critical insights into the region's lepidopteran fauna. The study utilized field observations to refine known distributions, with notable implications for biodiversity mapping and conservation efforts in these UNESCO-listed islands.
Yin Xu
—
2017 —
WHEA8A89F5616
A study of skeletal remains from Yin Xu, the Late Shang dynasty capital (ca. 1250–1046 B.C.), reveals distinct patterns of osteoarthritis that suggest gendered labor division and occupational specialization. Analysis of 167 skeletons from two sites showed males had significantly higher upper-body osteoarthritis, likely due to repetitive heavy lifting—a pattern more pronounced in Xiaomintun, where bronze-casting artifacts were abundant. This implies men engaged in physically demanding tasks, while higher osteoarthritis in Xiaomintun females hints at their possible involvement in bronze-casting as a family occupation. The findings support the existence of occupation-oriented neighborhoods and gendered labor roles in ancient urban China.
Kakadu National Park
—
2017 —
WHE9FF1479113
A reintroduction effort of northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus) to Kakadu National Park, where invasive cane toads (Rhinella marina) pose a significant threat, revealed critical insights into species survival and conservation strategies. The study found that quolls conditioned with taste aversion training to avoid toxic toads survived significantly longer than unconditioned individuals, with some even recorded mating. However, predator aversion training proved less effective, as dingo predation accounted for substantial mortality among the reintroduced quolls. This suggests that while behavioral conditioning can mitigate immediate threats like cane toads, long-term survival is hindered by other ecological pressures, such as predation and potential loss of predator-avoidance behaviors in isolated populations. These findings underscore the complexity of reintroduction efforts for endangered species and highlight the need for comprehensive strategies addressing multiple ecological challenges.
Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea
—
2017 —
WHE8B0CB8E704
A molecular epidemiological investigation reveals that an outbreak of malaria in Rio de Janeiro's Atlantic Forest, previously attributed to Plasmodium vivax, is actually caused by Plasmodium simium, a parasite typically found in non-human primates. This discovery challenges the long-standing belief that P. simium does not infect humans and suggests it may have been misdiagnosed as P. vivax due to limited molecular typing techniques. The study analyzed 33 cases from 2015-2016, confirming zoonotic transmission through mitochondrial DNA sequencing. This finding underscores the need for thorough screening of local primates and mosquitoes to assess the public health implications and potential threat to malaria elimination efforts in Brazil.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
—
2017 —
WHE9F90BD2968
A 35,000-year palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the western Lake Kivu region reveals significant climatic and vegetation shifts during the Upper Pleistocene and Holocene. The study, based on palynological analysis of sediment cores from Kahuzi-Biega National Park, identified nine forest evolution phases, including a heterogeneous forest under moderately hot and humid conditions (32,000–26,000 years BP) and an expansion of open herbaceous environments during the Last Glacial Maximum (25,000–15,000 years BP), indicating increased dryness. The African Humid Period (10,000–7000 years BP) marked a rise in precipitation, while a subsequent shift around 4000 years BP introduced open environments and highland grasslands, linked to the 'First Millennium Crisis' of aridity. This study provides critical insights into past climatic variability and its ecological impacts in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains
—
2017 —
WHECE6D47877C
Research on the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains reveals that plate tectonics and associated processes were established by 3.2–3.6 billion years ago, challenging earlier assumptions about Earth's early geodynamic behavior. The study integrates geological mapping, geochemistry, magnetism, and thermochronology to demonstrate similarities between Paleoarchean subduction zones and modern Western Pacific-like systems. Key findings include robust rates of horizontal and vertical tectonic processes that align with those observed in contemporary oceanic and orogenic terrains, providing critical constraints for testing Paleoarchean geodynamic models over a span comparable to the Phanerozoic eon.
Site of Palmyra
—
2017 —
WHE4BE61C33AA
Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Syria's Tadmur oasis, stands out for its unique political and military significance during the Roman Empire. Unlike other Roman cities, Palmyra emerged as an independent power in the 3rd century AD, playing a pivotal role when Roman forces were overwhelmed by Sassanian invaders. This book reconstructs Palmyra's history from Bronze Age origins through to modern times using literary accounts, inscriptions, coins, art, and architectural remains. It also explores the long-standing archaeological research at the site, from Ottoman rule and French mandate excavations in the 1920s to recent satellite-based studies by German archaeologists. A critical focus is the impact of ISIS occupation during the Syrian conflict, which caused significant destruction to Palmyra's ruins and heritage, with broader implications for Syria's archaeological landscape.
Site of Palmyra
—
2017 —
WHE6BAB647A1A
Palmyra's hinterland played a crucial role in the city's food supply and economic resilience from the Roman to early Islamic periods, revealing its significance beyond its urban center. This study highlights how agricultural potential and nomadic networks on the Syrian dry steppe interacted with Palmyra, providing insights into its adaptability and survival strategies. By analyzing historical records and archaeological evidence since the 1930s, researchers mapped the region's agricultural capacity and trade dynamics, offering a nuanced understanding of Palmyra's role in transregional networks.
Papahānaumokuākea
—
2017 —
WHE32ADD6B168
Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, the world's largest marine protected area and the first mixed conservation site in the U.S., demonstrates how integrating indigenous cultural knowledge with scientific management can enhance conservation outcomes. This biocultural approach, rooted in Native Hawaiian values and practices, has proven effective in managing both natural and cultural resources. The study highlights the importance of involving cultural practitioners in policy, education, and research, which has led to innovative strategies that respect traditional epistemologies and relationships with place. Recognized as a cultural seascape with deep spiritual significance for Native Hawaiians, Papahānaumokuākea serves as a global model for sustainable marine conservation.
Monastery of Alcobaça
—
2017 —
WHEFCF6765E78
A significant manorial right, the 'montado dos porco,' emerged in medieval Alcobaça, Portugal, as a tax on pig grazing in monastery-owned forests during the 'montanheira' season (September to January). This practice, initially absent from early charters, was formalized by the 14th century and sparked prolonged conflicts with local communities. The study reveals that these disputes were resolved only through revised charters in the 16th century, highlighting the dynamic evolution of feudal rights and their societal impact. By analyzing historical documents and legal texts, the research reconstructs this lesser-known aspect of medieval land tenure, offering insights into the intersection of economic practices, power dynamics, and community resistance during this period.
Kaziranga National Park
—
2017 —
WHE0873239735
Kaziranga National Park (KNP) faces significant challenges in biodiversity conservation due to complex park-people relations. A case study of peripheral villages revealed that while local communities suffer from livestock losses and damage to paddy fields caused by wild animals, they benefit economically from tourism-related activities. The study highlights the need for extended tourism initiatives and community welfare measures to foster sustainable coexistence between conservation efforts and local livelihoods. These findings provide critical insights for policy-making aimed at balancing biodiversity protection with socio-economic development in KNP.
Historic Areas of Istanbul
—
2017 —
WHE8946DF6BF5
Parking behaviors and policy preferences significantly vary across sub-areas within Fatih District, Istanbul. A study analyzing interview survey data revealed distinct parking patterns, influencing the selection of effective management strategies. Statistical analysis and a discrete choice model identified key factors affecting policy choices, providing actionable insights for urban planners to tailor parking solutions in historic cities with limited space.
Sydney Opera House
—
2017 —
WHE71014A161D
This book introduces innovative methods to assess the cultural significance of iconic heritage sites, such as the UNESCO-listed Sydney Opera House, by examining how participatory media shapes public perception and social value. It reveals that digital platforms like YouTube, Pinterest, Wikipedia, Facebook, and Flickr serve as spaces where people express their emotional and cultural connections to architectural landmarks. Through real-world examples—from souvenirs to opera-house-shaped cakes—the study untangles the tangible and intangible dimensions of heritage significance, highlighting how social media mediates and sustains these connections. This work contributes to the growing field of digital heritage scholarship while offering insights for academics, professionals, and policymakers navigating the evolving role of technology in preserving cultural value.
City of Quito
—
2017 —
WHE0DCFF4685D
Air pollution from Quito, Ecuador, triggers inflammatory responses linked to respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases. Research reveals that particulate matter (PM) from urban and periurban sites activates TLR2 and TLR4 signaling pathways, with effects varying by particle size. Additionally, Quito's PM effectively stimulates the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key mediator of inflammation. The study analyzed PM 10 and PM 2.5 collected at seven locations using in vitro methods to assess toxicity and inflammatory activation.
Kathmandu Valley
—
2017 —
WHE9BC623298C
A 10-μg/m³ increase in PM10 levels was associated with a 1.7% rise in respiratory hospitalizations and 2.29% in cardiovascular admissions, highlighting the severe health risks of air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley, where daily PM10 concentrations averaged 120 μg/m³, peaking at 403 μg/m³. This study, using time-stratified case-crossover analysis with data from six major hospitals (2004–2007), is among the first to quantify pollution-related hospitalization risks in South Asia, revealing a significant burden despite limited evidence in the region.
Galápagos Islands
—
2017 —
WHEEC12631D6B
A novel approach integrating principal component analysis (PCA) with maximum entropy (MaxEnt) modeling significantly enhances the accuracy and predictive power for assessing the potential distribution of red spiny lobster in the Galápagos Islands. The study demonstrates that using PCA-transformed environmental variables as inputs for MaxEnt models outperforms raw data, achieving better area under the curve (AUC) and partial receiver operating characteristic (pROC) metrics. This method was applied to historical data from 1997 to 2015 and projected future scenarios up to 2070, revealing critical insights into habitat suitability. Future climate change scenarios suggest potential shifts in suitable habitats, underscoring the need for adaptive management strategies to conserve this valuable species. The findings highlight the effectiveness of PCA-MaxEnt integration as a robust tool for ecological modeling and conservation planning.
Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan
—
2017 —
WHEAAECAEBF33
A new study reveals that pastoralist mobility in northern Kazakhstan decreased significantly from the Middle to Late Bronze Age, challenging assumptions about widespread movement during this period. Using strontium (87Sr/86Sr) and oxygen (δ18O) isotopic analyses of human tooth enamel from cemeteries at Bestamak (Middle Bronze Age) and Lisakovsk (Late Bronze Age), researchers found that while small-scale mobility persisted, the range of movement narrowed over time. This suggests a shift in resource and landscape use, potentially linked to broader societal changes in the steppe region.
Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls
—
2017 —
WHE88C422AE77
A patch-occupancy survey around Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia, revealed that elephants (Loxodonta africana) range up to 8 kilometers outside the protected core habitat, with significant presence in unfenced park zones, along roads leading to Dambwa Forest, and near the Sinde and Maramba Rivers. This finding highlights critical areas for human-elephant conflict mitigation and population monitoring. The study employed a patch-occupancy methodology, tracking indicators such as feeding behavior, dung, and tracks, while also integrating prior data to enhance detection accuracy. High detection probabilities underscore the need for regular sampling to assess changes in elephant habitat use amid ongoing land-use modifications.
Great Barrier Reef
—
2017 —
WHE3AADBE75AA
Research on the Great Barrier Reef reveals that coral reefs around Lizard Island exhibit diverse bioacoustic phenomena, particularly fish choruses with distinct spatial and temporal patterns. Over three years (2014–2016), six fish choruses displayed site fidelity, suggesting these locations serve as critical habitats for vocalizing species, possibly including spawning aggregations. These choruses demonstrated a range of periodicities from diel to annual, providing new insights into reef fish ecology and ecosystem dynamics. Environmental factors such as temperature and moonlight significantly influenced chorus timing and sound levels, underscoring the potential of passive acoustic monitoring for long-term coral reef assessment—especially relevant amid global disturbances like coral bleaching.
Putorana Plateau
—
2017 —
WHEB6921D687B
Research on the Putorana Plateau reveals that aquatic and semiaquatic bird populations exhibit concentric, centrifugal spatial dynamics in the mountainous Subarctic region. Population density for these species remains relatively stable across habitats, with a maximal indicator only 1.9 times higher than the minimal. The study also found that population density decreases from the subalpine belt to the forest and alpine belts. This research sheds light on the patterns of bird population formation in altitudinally zoned environments, offering insights into the ecological dynamics of Subarctic lake-river systems.
Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct)
—
2017 —
WHE5F1DE87975
Paule Pascal, a sculptor trained at the École des beaux-arts de Paris under Marcel Gimond, made significant contributions to mid-20th-century architecture in the Gard region, particularly through her use of Pont du Gard stone. Her work, characterized by brutalist yet discrete techniques, included large-scale architectural integrations such as friezes, bas-reliefs, and sculptural elements for public buildings, villas, and educational institutions. Collaborating with notable architects like Armand Pellier and Joseph Massota, Pascal created iconic works like the moisson-themed relief at Nîmes' Maison de l'agriculture and a massive metal bird sculpture for Rodilhan's agricultural lycée. Her preference for Pont du Gard stone, coupled with her innovative approach to integrating sculpture into architecture, left a lasting legacy across schools, colleges, and public spaces in multiple French departments.
Villa Adriana (Tivoli)
—
2017 —
WHE499AF23E9E
Spanish artist Pedro Cano's 2016 watercolor, 'Teatro Marittimo di Villa Adriana,' offers a vivid and meaningful depiction of the Maritime Theatre at Hadrian's Villa (Tivoli), Italy. This artwork is part of a broader series illustrating ancient Greek and Roman theatres and amphitheatres, drawing from Cano's extensive study of the site, including a 1980s sketchbook and a set of twelve etchings featuring additional structures within the complex. The watercolor, measuring 160 x 100 cm, reflects Cano's deep engagement with the architectural and historical significance of Hadrian's Villa, which served as the stage for Maurizio Scaparro's 1989 production 'Le Memorie di Adriano,' inspired by Marguerite Yourcenar's novel. This artistic interpretation provides a unique lens to explore the intersection of history, performance, and visual representation at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sangiran Early Man Site
—
2017 —
WHEBA2B3AD156
A study at the Sangiran Early Man Site demonstrates that Augmented Reality (AR) technology significantly enhances educational engagement and learning about prehistoric human remains. The research, which developed an AR application for the Sangiran Museum, found optimal marker detection within a 15-75 cm camera distance and a deflection angle of 15°-105°. Questionnaire results revealed high user satisfaction: 100% agreed or strongly agreed on aspects of interest and innovation, while 96.6% and 93.4% rated ease of use and navigation/interactivity positively, respectively. This approach leverages AR to visualize prehistoric life interactively, addressing the limitations of traditional static media like posters and pamphlets.
Prambanan Temple Compounds
—
2017 —
WHE1AF22A8ADC
Audience satisfaction with the Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan Temple, Indonesia, is significantly influenced by live performance quality, service quality, and price perception. Research involving 100 respondents revealed that both closed (Tri Murti Building) and open-air stages showed statistically significant differences in audience satisfaction, with F-values of 23.136 and 14.400 respectively, indicating strong effects across all variables. The study highlights a notable difference in satisfaction between the two settings, with mean values of 25.700 (closed) and 23.950 (open), suggesting that proximity to the performance enhances perceived quality. This finding underscores the importance of stage design and audience experience in preserving and promoting cultural heritage performances at UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Ujung Kulon National Park
—
2017 —
WHECB00CEBBA9
A successful model for sustainable rural economic development has emerged from the collaboration of local honey farmers, government agencies, and NGOs within Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP). The study highlights how the Kelompok Tani Madu Hutan Ujung Kulon (KTMHUK) group leveraged cooperation and small-scale enterprises to thrive economically while upholding conservation efforts. By integrating Michael Porter and Claas van der Linde's theory of sustainable economic development, this case demonstrates that win-win opportunities exist between economic growth and environmental protection, particularly through reduced production-related harm. The research employs qualitative analysis of literature to dissect this model, offering a replicable framework for other rural communities in UKNP and beyond.
Prambanan Temple Compounds
—
2017 —
WHE9CA9310D92
A study assessing the recognition of Indonesian cultural elements in three popular Android games—Dakon, Temple Rush: Prambanan, and Karapan Sapi—revealed that users demonstrated a 75.17% level of awareness or 'adequate' knowledge regarding these cultural components. The research employed quantitative methods, distributing surveys to 30 game users to evaluate their familiarity with the embedded cultural content, including textual narratives, gameplay elements, characters, backgrounds, sounds, and animations. This finding underscores the potential of mobile games as effective vehicles for transmitting and preserving local cultural heritage, particularly among younger generations, while also highlighting the need for further strategies to enhance user engagement and learning outcomes in this context.
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
—
2017 —
WHED718C4F819
The degradation of the biocultural landscape in Xochimilco, Mexico, threatens its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This study reveals that local residents and agricultural producers perceive environmental deterioration primarily due to vertical implementation of conservation projects, which often overlook their knowledge and technologies. The research, based on ethnographic methods, underscores the need for inclusive decision-making processes that integrate local insights to align conservation efforts with community perspectives. Without this approach, current policies risk exacerbating rather than mitigating environmental decline.
Old Town of Cáceres
—
2017 —
WHED153D26FA7
In quiet residential areas, the absence of daytime noise significantly enhances overall urban environmental perception more than even the sense of security. Road traffic remains the most annoying noise source, but its impact on annoyance and sleep disturbance is lower compared to previous studies with similar sound exposure levels. This study analyzed sound levels and surveyed residents' and passers-by perceptions in Cáceres' old town, revealing that low-intensity noise pollution and characteristic soundmarks like bells and birds also contribute to annoyance despite their positive acoustic environment.
Palace and Park of Fontainebleau
—
2017 —
WHED28D1E91B9
A groundbreaking interdisciplinary analysis reveals how Catherine de Médicis and Pierre de Ronsard strategically utilized performance and poetry at the Palace of Fontainebleau to foster political harmony during a pivotal post-war period. The study highlights the dual role of Ronsard's <em>Bergerie</em> and Ariosto's <em>Ginevra</em> in the 1564 Fêtes de Fontainebleau, demonstrating their effectiveness as rhetorical tools to unite warring noble factions after the First War of Religion. By integrating theatrical history, literary analysis, and political context, this work advances understanding of Renaissance court performance practices and their cultural significance, while also addressing understudied aspects of early modern French courtly culture.
Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape
—
2017 —
WHE3462D14411
Pergamon's multi-layered cultural landscape reveals significant shifts during the Byzantine period, marked by distinct phases of fortification and urban development. A notable peak in coin finds during Constans II's reign (7th century) links to the Arab capture of Smyrna, while a near absence of datable artifacts in the middle Byzantine era suggests abandonment or minimal activity. Evidence resurfaces in the 12th century with renewed fortifications against Turkish threats and the emergence of a potential cathedral within the fortress. The late Byzantine period saw further densification and fortification, but the 14th-century Turkish conquest reverted settlement to the Roman city below. This study leverages archaeological evidence—particularly coins—to reconstruct Pergamon's dynamic history, illustrating its resilience and adaptation amid geopolitical changes.
Persepolis
—
2017 —
WHEEE77CE4412
Excavations at Persepolis West, conducted by the Iranian-Italian Joint Archaeological Mission between 2008 and 2009, confirmed the location of a built-up area adjacent to the Achaemenid monumental terrace. Eleven trial trenches, guided by geophysical surveys, revealed stratigraphic layers that provided crucial insights into the ceramic traditions of Fars during the pre-Islamic period. Radiocarbon dating supported the chronological context of the findings, which included pottery and other artifacts. This study marked the first stratigraphic excavations in this area, significantly advancing our understanding of Persepolis's urban development.
Nahanni National Park
—
2017 —
WHE61F35CCEE2
Disturbances to discontinuous permafrost terrain, such as those caused by winter road construction and abandonment, can lead to large and persistent changes in ecosystem composition and structure. A study conducted 32 years after the abandonment of a winter access road in Nahanni National Park Reserve (NNPR) found that these changes are driven by interactions between soil conditions and vegetation communities. The research compared disturbed (road) and undisturbed sites across four terrain types: spruce peatland, black spruce parkland, deciduous forest, and alpine treeline terrain. Findings suggest that when disturbances fundamentally disrupt stabilizing interactions between soil conditions and vegetation, lasting changes to ecosystem structure and function are likely, even in the context of climate warming.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
—
2017 —
WHE139D3196A3
A proposed nomenclature for Inca roads, based on originality and continuity of use, has emerged from the Qhapaq Ñan-Perú Project's decade-long research and registration efforts. This initiative, spanning 2003 to 2017, aimed to document the extensive Inca road network in Peru, contributing to its conservation and social utilization. The project's fieldwork stages and encountered challenges led to the development of new definitions and data collection techniques, including innovative registration tools. These advancements seek to enhance the understanding of the current state of this historic road system.
Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe
—
2017 —
WHEC6CB9254E3
Poland's Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage Sites includes five existing candidates and proposes additional cultural and natural heritage sites. Current entries encompass Gdańsk, the Augustów Canal, the Dunajec River Gorge, an extension to the Primeval Beech Forests of Europe, and Krzemionki flint mines. Proposed additions highlight diverse heritage, including Jewish cemeteries, medieval fishponds, industrial landscapes like Nowa Huta and Żyrardów, and natural sites such as Słowiński National Park. Notable proposals also feature architectural marvels like the collegiate church in Pułtusk and Gothic vault projects, emphasizing Poland's rich cultural and natural legacy for potential global recognition.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
—
2017 —
WHEF61967CC0D
Researchers found that the fishing community of Praia Grande, Paraty, Brazil, exhibits mixed resilience traits in its socioecological system. While 59.1% of fishermen diversify their income through tourism and employ multiple fishing technologies—potentially reducing pressure on marine resources—they show low participation in decision-making processes, particularly amid conflicts with conservation units. However, the study highlights a strong capacity for learning, as fishermen recognize human-induced environmental changes and adapt their practices accordingly. This duality suggests that while some attributes foster adaptive resilience, others may exacerbate resource depletion. The findings were derived from semi-structured interviews conducted between 2012 and 2013 with 22 local fishermen, assessing flexibility, organizational capacity, and learning ability as key indicators of resilience.
Arslantepe Mound
—
2017 —
WHEB2046DE9CD
A groundbreaking analysis of pottery from Arslantepe Mound and the Malatya Plain reveals distinct shifts in raw material procurement and paste preparation, mirroring significant social, economic, and political transformations between 3800 BCE and 2000 BCE. These changes, identified through petrographic and geochemical methods, highlight a transition from centralized production to decentralized, mobile group dynamics during the Early Bronze Age I (EBAI). The study underscores technological continuity alongside innovation, offering new insights into cultural evolution in Eastern Anatolia.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
—
2017 —
WHE480881A4D9
A comprehensive petrological analysis of mafic enclaves from Bezymianny Volcano, Kamchatka, reveals the complex structure of its magmatic plumbing system. The study identified four distinct types of enclaves based on mineral composition, morphology, and formation conditions, indicating interactions between shallow andesite–basaltic andesite magmas (940–980°C) and deeper basic magmas (>1090°C). These enclaves, formed during magma ascent from deep reservoirs (5–9 kbar), provide evidence of magma mixing at different levels within the volcanic system. The findings highlight the dynamic nature of Bezymianny's magma chamber network, with implications for understanding volcanic processes in Kamchatka's UNESCO-listed volcanic landscapes.
Kuk Early Agricultural Site
—
2017 —
WHEF750C015BB
Archaeological evidence from Kuk Swamp in the highlands of New Guinea reveals the earliest unequivocal proof of mounded cultivation, dating between 6950 and 6440 years ago. This discovery challenges earlier debates about whether land use practices at Kuk constituted agriculture, providing definitive support for its classification as such. The study contrasts with previous claims that such evidence was insufficient, instead offering robust data from Kuk and comparable mid-Holocene sites in the Wahgi Valley, including Mugumamp and Warrawau. The findings underscore New Guinea's role in the independent origins of agriculture, reinforcing arguments for early agricultural development in the region. This research builds on extensive investigations at Kuk, which have served as a benchmark for interpreting similar finds across highland sites.
Jodrell Bank Observatory
—
2017 —
WHE036392A8B3
A study of the Crab pulsar reveals that its X-ray and radio phases exhibit strong correlations, suggesting that timing noise in both bands originates from the pulsar's spin rather than unique physical processes or interstellar medium variations. Analyzing 11 years of X-ray data from the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer and 6 years of radio observations from the Nanshan Telescope, researchers found no detectable secular change in the distance between emission regions. This challenges the notion that timing noise arises from distinct mechanisms in radio or X-ray emitting regions, aligning with multi-frequency radio observations of PSR B1540−06.
Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley
—
2017 —
WHED958A95FFF
A white concretion, partially covering walls in prehistoric caves within the UNESCO-listed Vézère Valley, has been structurally and chemically characterized using advanced techniques. The study identified two primary calcium carbonate facies: moonmilk and coralloids. This research marks a significant step toward understanding the formation of unexpected layers on cave walls, which could provide insights into the environmental conditions and chronology of these sites. Future work aims to explore the climatic factors influencing these formations over long periods.
Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago
—
2017 —
WHE2EA989CD30
Ha Long Bay's water and surface sediments exhibit conditions that support sustainable aquatic ecosystems, with water quality generally meeting Vietnamese aquaculture standards. The bay's sediments range from sand to silt, dominated by silt, and display light alkaline-reduced environments (pH and Eh values). Key minerals identified include quartz, kaolinite, illite, calcite, and goethite. Water parameters like salinity, turbidity, and total suspended solids (TSS) vary seasonally due to mainland influences, particularly during dry and rainy seasons. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the bay's physical features, highlighting their ecological significance.
Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau
—
2017 —
WHE7807908EA1
Gret Palucca, a pioneering dancer of the 1920s, is often overshadowed by Oskar Schlemmer in Bauhaus dance history. This study challenges that narrative by analyzing visual depictions of Palucca created by Bauhaus students and teachers, revealing her significant influence on the school's artistic output. The research employs a close examination of these images to position Palucca as a central figure in Bauhaus dance innovation, distinct from Schlemmer's choreographic contributions. By focusing on Palucca's collaborations with visual artists, the study offers new insights into the interdisciplinary dynamics of the Bauhaus movement.
Pasargadae
—
2017 —
WHEE1E57CF161
A systematic analysis of publicly available online images of Pasargadae, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Iran, reveals that visual representations of the site foster a sense of intimacy and common ground for pre-Islamic heritage. This intimacy serves as both a meeting point and a contested space for Iranian state and society in shaping versions of national identity. The study highlights the complex relationship between visual depictions and visitation practices at Pasargadae, offering insights into the peculiarities of heritage representation in Iran.
