Temple of Preah Vihear
—
2017 —
WHE4AFB32BAFA
The Temple of Preah Vihear emerged as a potent political tool for Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen during the 2008–2013 period, significantly bolstering his nationalist rhetoric and electoral success. By framing Thailand as an adversary in the long-standing border dispute, Hun Sen leveraged anti-Thai sentiment to enhance national unity and political prestige. While Thailand's efforts to claim the temple had limited domestic impact, Cambodia's strategic use of the conflict—amplified through media and public relations—proved pivotal in Hun Sen's political strategy, aiding his re-election campaigns. The study reveals how cultural heritage sites can be weaponized in geopolitical tensions, with Preah Vihear serving as both a symbol of national identity and a catalyst for political consolidation.
The Persian Garden
—
2017 —
WHEC64953CCB3
Persian gardens, epitomized by UNESCO World Heritage Sites like The Persian Garden, embody water as more than a functional element—it is a profound metaphor and artistic expression deeply intertwined with human culture. Water serves as an interface between architecture and emotion, symbolizing life while adhering to physical laws that govern its behavior. This study reveals that water’s role extends beyond sustenance; it is a creative force shaping residential complexes and reflecting the architectural spirit of Persian design. By analyzing historical resources and employing a descriptive-analytical method, researchers uncovered water’s hidden influence on human perception and architecture, demonstrating its paradoxical nature as both a source of life and a catalyst for artistic innovation.
Frontiers of the Roman Empire – The Lower German Limes
—
2017 —
WHEE7F45C1B3F
This study highlights the pivotal role of museums in enhancing the visibility and understanding of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, using the Roman Limes on the Lower Rhine as a case study. It demonstrates how interpretation frameworks, applied through storylines, can effectively communicate the historical significance of this European border in both Dutch and German museums. The research also explores the collaborative efforts between Dutch and German authorities during the World Heritage Site nomination process and suggests the potential for ICOM to further promote such sites globally. By analyzing cultural infrastructure initiatives along the former Roman frontier, the study provides insights into the intersection of heritage conservation, education, and international cooperation.
Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church
—
2017 —
WHE12CD2278B0
A reassessment of the Romanesque sculpture found during the restoration of Christ Church Canterbury's west alley cloister challenges its long-standing association with an 1180 screen in Canterbury Cathedral. New historical and archaeological evidence suggests these sculptures, previously linked to the cathedral's screen, instead originated from a lavatorium—a ceremonial water feature—built by Prior Wibert as part of his extensive waterworks system within the great cloister. This reinterpretation hinges on a critical analysis of existing records and recent research, offering a significant revision to our understanding of medieval architectural and liturgical practices at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church
—
2017 —
WHE1F9F94F25B
Late medieval stained glass windows at Canterbury Cathedral and Great Malvern Priory, initially interpreted as symbols of dynastic rivalry during England's Wars of the Roses, reveal a more nuanced narrative about royal authority. The Royal Window (c. 1485) in Canterbury and the Magnificat Window (c. 1500) in Great Malvern share striking iconographic parallels, suggesting these artworks served as complex expressions of political legitimacy rather than mere propaganda. The study analyzes their visual elements to argue that both windows reflect broader concerns about the nature of kingship during a period marked by succession disputes and shifting dynastic loyalties.
Borobudur Temple Compounds
—
2017 —
WHE6B0BCF6B1F
Isaac Groneman's 1912 book, <em>Ruins of Buddhistic Temples in Praga Talley</em>, offers a meticulous and pioneering analysis of the Buddhist temple complexes at Borobudur, Mendut, and Pawon. Groneman's work stands out for its detailed observations on the temples' solar orientation and the symbolic significance of Buddha statues' mudras, providing critical insights into Javanese antiquity. His approach combines architectural analysis with cultural interpretation, making this book an indispensable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike. Published by H.A. Benjamins in Semarang, Groneman's report remains a foundational text for understanding these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus
—
2017 —
WHEC6530355B9
Archaeological research on Neolithic Saharan sites, including Tadrart Acacus and Tassili-n-Ajjer, reveals significant insights into the symbolic representation of pastoral life through figurines. The study highlights that zoomorphic figurines, particularly those depicting cattle, dominate this period (7000–4000 years ago), reflecting deep symbolic meaning within Saharan Neolithic ideology. Additionally, anthropomorphic figurines suggest a focus on human wholeness and identity. The research employs comparative analysis of two-dimensional and three-dimensional representations to explore manufacturing processes and their cultural significance, providing a nuanced understanding of Neolithic art and its pastoral context.
Monastery of Batalha
—
2017 —
WHE3662320D5C
A groundbreaking translation and photographic documentation of the longest sculpted epitaph on a medieval tomb in western Europe reveals a 1,700-word Latin inscription commemorating João I, King of Portugal, and his wife Philippa of Lancaster at the Monastery of Batalha. This 15th-century monument challenges traditional perspectives by straddling the intersection of text, image, art, and literature, offering new insights into the evolving status and function of epitaphs during a pivotal period in European history when attitudes toward written and sculpted words were undergoing radical transformation. The study complements ongoing initiatives at Batalha, including the exhibition 'Places of Prayer' (2015) and the interpretation project 'Revealing Medieval Colours,' providing a comprehensive analysis that bridges historical, artistic, and literary disciplines.
Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville
—
2017 —
WHE8BE12C5B1F
While Thomas Jefferson's architectural designs, including Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, are celebrated as masterpieces, they did not contribute to the development of an original American architecture. The study highlights that it was primarily in the North, driven by merchant, entrepreneurial, and nascent nouveau riche classes, that American architecture began to exhibit individualism. Jefferson's work at the University of Virginia illustrates the inherent struggles within Classicism, while buildings in the deeper South did not significantly influence the creation of an original American style.
Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex
—
2017 —
WHEC7B3195E18
A groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) experience of the Selimiye Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Edirne, Turkey, showcases how advanced VR technology can immerse users in a digital recreation of historic monuments with unprecedented realism. This study demonstrates that high-fidelity 3D modeling combined with interactive VR visualization—enabled by systems like HTC Vive—can effectively simulate multi-dimensional documentation and navigation of cultural heritage sites. The project, a collaboration between BİMTAŞ (Istanbul) and the Photogrammetry & Laser Scanning Lab (HafenCity University Hamburg), highlights the potential for such tools to engage users in virtual exploration while preserving physical access limitations. Additionally, it explores the feasibility of multi-user VR environments for collaborative heritage experiences.
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
—
2017 —
WHEE115997249
A new prosopography of Khonsu's cult personnel reveals that by the Twenty-First Dynasty, a subordinate clergy—active across Karnak’s multiple sanctuaries but central to Theban religious life—emerged, significantly expanding administrative and ritual roles. This hierarchy, led by the newly contextualized office of Third ḥm-nṯr priest, sheds light on Thebes’ cultic and bureaucratic evolution during this pivotal transition from Ramesside prominence to the later period. By analyzing biographical and genealogical records, the study uncovers how Khonsu’s worship became increasingly institutionalized while remaining subordinate to Amun’s clergy.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
—
2017 —
WHE76F491121A
Artisanal mining in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo significantly threatens large mammal species, including Critically Endangered Grauer's gorillas and Endangered eastern chimpanzees, while providing short-term economic gains for miners. A survey of 14–16% of the population—8–10 million people—revealed that miners earned higher revenues than non-miners but preferred transitioning to other sectors due to instability and risks, often linked to armed groups controlling mines. Bushmeat hunting, driven by lack of alternative protein sources, was widely acknowledged as a major cause of wildlife declines. Respondents indicated they would reduce bushmeat consumption if sustainable meat alternatives were accessible. The study recommends targeted interventions, including improving access to domestic meats, micro-financing for miners transitioning out of the sector, and demilitarizing mine sites to enhance law enforcement effectiveness in protected areas like Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Namib Sand Sea
—
2017 —
WHE19DB385787
New evidence from the Namib Sand Sea reveals that specialized shamans may have practiced ritual seclusion and sensory deprivation, possibly as itinerant healers, during the second millennium AD. This behavior is linked to hunter-gatherer responses to the introduction of pastoralism and the rise of specialist rainmakers and healers in southern Africa. The study identifies anomalies in rock art and archaeology, providing insights into the religious practices of these communities. Kinahan's research combines archaeological and ethnographic methods to reconstruct the social and spiritual dynamics of this period.
Historic Cairo
—
2017 —
WHE39F64D96A9
Historic Cairo's urban spaces, particularly in the early 19th century, exhibit a distinct spatial identity characterized by a quantitative dominance of linear and irregularly shaped footprints, with central spaces being notably scarce. This pattern reflects underlying sociocultural and economic identities, while the rarity of central spaces underscores their role in power demonstration. The study, based on a quantitative inventory derived from historic maps and indexes, reveals that linearity and irregularity are key geometric features shaping the city's trajectory of evolution.
Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture
—
2017 —
WHEEC0BB5E43E
A study reveals that Osho sannyasins, followers of countercultural religiosity, play a significant role in shaping the socio-economic landscape of global club and rave scenes, particularly in Ibiza, Pune, and Goa. This research highlights how nomadic spirituality intersects with leisure industries, influencing digital dance culture through transnational networks. By comparing four types of dance parties—exotic, up-market, underground, and resort—the study demonstrates that these communities anticipate emerging social trends linked to globalization. The findings suggest that the commodification of alternative lifestyles by tourism and entertainment sectors reflects mainstream society's ambivalent attraction to utopian ideals while providing a critical lens for understanding complex global dynamics.
Dorset and East Devon Coast
—
2017 —
WHE4EA5A556EA
The Upper Greensand Formation, prominent along the Devon coast, exhibits significant lateral and stratigraphic variations in its composition, including sandstone, calcarenite, carbonate cement, glauconite, and chert. These variations are linked to shallow-water marine environments and penecontemporaneous fault movements, particularly evident in the Isle of Purbeck. The formation is divided into three members—Foxmould, Whitecliff Chert, and Bindon Sandstone—each bounded by erosion surfaces that extend across the Wessex Basin. While much of the fauna lacks age-diagnostic features, diverse ammonite faunas at specific levels enable correlation with other regions in east Devon and west Dorset. This study provides critical insights into the stratigraphic complexity and geological history of this Cretaceous formation.
Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande, Modena
—
2017 —
WHEC64A6AABA3
The masonry vaults of Modena Cathedral demonstrated significant vulnerability to seismic activity during the 2012 Emilia Earthquake. This study reveals that such historical structures, while integral to cultural heritage, are highly susceptible to earthquake damage, posing challenges for structural interventions that must balance preservation with safety. Researchers employed Finite Elements and Discrete Elements models to analyze the dynamic response of these vaults, providing critical insights into their seismic behavior. The findings underscore the need for non-invasive strengthening techniques that respect architectural integrity while enhancing resilience against natural disasters.
My Son Sanctuary
—
2017 —
WHE07AB38FA4A
A comprehensive inventory of water bug fauna (Insecta: Hemiptera) in My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, identified 36 species across 13 families. The study, conducted along Khe The stream in 2016 and 2017, highlights the dominance of Gerridae with 14 species, followed by Veliidae (4 species), and Nepidae/Naucoridae (3 species each). This baseline data aims to support ecological and irrigation conservation models for the sanctuary, addressing ongoing human impacts. The findings mark the first detailed documentation of water bug diversity in this culturally significant area, providing critical insights for ecosystem-based preservation strategies.
Medina of Tunis
—
2017 —
WHEA71F2A8A92
The Medina of Tunis, a historic center of Muslim civilization, exemplifies sustainable urban planning through its architectural and environmental design. This study reveals that the city's built environment, from streets to courtyards, plays a crucial role in enhancing cultural and social values rooted in Islamic tradition. By analyzing the settlement structure and referencing 14th-century master builder Ibn Al-Rami's studies, researchers demonstrate how vernacular planning integrates sustainability with participatory design, offering insights into long-lasting urban well-being.
Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan
—
2017 —
WHE888AB508BE
Teotihuacan stands out as the most anomalous urban design in ancient Mesoamerica, defying established Preclassic planning principles. While other cities adhered to traditional layouts, Teotihuacan introduced radical, unconventional concepts that were later abandoned until the Mexica of Tenochtitlan revived them for specific purposes. This study identifies the historical trajectory of urban design in Central Mexico, highlighting how Teotihuacan's unique approach deviated from and influenced subsequent urban planning. The research compares Teotihuacan’s design with other Mesoamerican cities to underscore its anomalous character within the region's urbanism traditions.
Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau
—
2017 —
WHE8CB1331338
This volume introduces the 'theatre of space' as a pivotal concept in modernist performance, highlighting its emphasis on visual, aural, and plastic stage qualities over narrative or character. Focusing on Oskar Schlemmer's work within the Bauhaus Theatre Workshop, it explores how this approach challenged traditional theatre norms while influencing contemporary ethics, aesthetics, and society. The study connects Bauhaus innovations to twentieth-century practitioners like Robert Wilson, Tadeusz Kantor, and Robert Lepage, offering a framework for understanding avant-garde performance in Weimar-era Germany and beyond.
Manú National Park
—
2017 —
WHEE7BEA12E35
Road expansion in the buffer zones of Peru's Manu National Park and Amarakaeri Communal Reserve poses significant threats to biodiversity, indigenous communities, and climate commitments. The proposed infrastructure development risks uncontrolled colonization, deforestation, illegal resource extraction, and social conflict, undermining sustainable development goals. Alternative strategies such as agricultural intensification, improved land-use planning, and less invasive transportation could mitigate these impacts while achieving economic growth and mobility. This study highlights the broader implications of road expansion in tropical regions, offering compromise solutions applicable to other remote areas facing similar challenges.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
—
2017 —
WHE548529B474
A comprehensive taxonomic treatment of the tribe Crotoneae (Euphorbiaceae, Crotonoideae) in Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks, Brazil, reveals 35 species, including seven new records for Goiás State. This study advances understanding of a morphologically diverse and taxonomically understudied group, with significant contributions such as revised descriptions, lectotypifications, and illustrations for nearly all recorded species. The research, based on four years of field collections and herbaria consultations, highlights the region's high plant endemism within the Cerrado phytogeographic domain.
Ningaloo Coast
—
2017 —
WHEFF46B0DC26
Tiger sharks exhibit context- and habitat-dependent trophic roles, reflecting adaptive foraging strategies that allow them to exploit multiple shelf and offshore habitats. Stable isotope analysis of shark tissues from Ningaloo Reef (Western Australia), Shark Bay, the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), and temperate coastal regions revealed distinct dietary transitions between pelagic and seagrass-based food-webs, with tiger sharks occupying apex predator roles in some but not all habitats. The study highlights the generalist, opportunistic nature of tiger shark diets at the population level, influenced by factors such as body size, sex, residency, and diet stability.
Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
—
2017 —
WHE1BB834F33C
During the reign of Peter II (1727–1730), the Ukrainian church elite successfully challenged Russian centralism, securing key privileges for the Kyiv Metropolia and the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The study highlights their efforts to restore the lost status of the Kyiv Metropolia through Archbishop Varlaam Vanatovich's appeal, as well as petitions to overturn restrictions on clergy property ownership imposed by Hetman Danylo Apostol. Additionally, a delegation from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra advocated for the confirmation of its stauropegion status, press freedom, and other monastic privileges. This research sheds light on the strategic negotiations and diplomatic maneuvers employed by the Ukrainian church elite to preserve their autonomy within the broader context of Russian imperial policies.
Delos
—
2017 —
WHE747A0CC05D
A key discovery from the UrbaNetworks project reveals that late Hellenistic Delos, following its 167 BC status as a Roman duty-free port under Athenian control, experienced rapid urban growth driven by both public and private sector decisions. Contrary to earlier assumptions, underwater surveys confirmed that settlement remains, not harbor facilities, dominated the landscape. This multi-disciplinary study challenges the notion of a single planning initiative, instead highlighting consecutive urban development actions that connected Rome's commercial relations with the Hellenistic East. The research provides new insights into how economic shifts and urban growth intertwined in ancient Mediterranean cities.
Choirokoitia
—
2017 —
WHEA68102BB50
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) emerged as a transformative tool for monitoring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering high-resolution data collection and analysis. This study demonstrated their effectiveness at Choirokoitia, a Neolithic settlement in Cyprus, showcasing UAVs' ability to capture detailed topographic and archaeological features without ground disturbance. By integrating multispectral imaging with photogrammetry, researchers generated precise 3D models and orthomosaics, revealing micro-topographical variations and structural details that are critical for site preservation and analysis. The approach not only enhanced documentation but also provided a scalable solution for large-scale heritage monitoring within the PROTHEGO project.
Lamu Old Town
—
2017 —
WHEBF8301CA77
Long-term community-based monitoring of sea turtle nesting in the Lamu archipelago, Kenya, reveals stable green turtle nesting densities over 17 years. The study recorded 2,021 nests, predominantly green turtles (97.5%), with hawksbill and olive ridley turtles contributing smaller fractions. Nesting peaked from March to July, accounting for 74% of annual activity. Mean clutch sizes varied among species, while incubation duration for green turtles showed significant monthly and seasonal differences but not location-specific variations. Hatching success was high (81.3%), with in situ nests outperforming relocated ones by 3.2%. This work underscores the critical role of community-led patrols in sustaining Western Indian Ocean sea turtle populations through low-cost, effective monitoring.
Venice and its Lagoon
—
2017 —
WHE5EBD287752
A mounted skeleton of <em>Ouranosaurus nigeriensis</em>, displayed at the Natural History Museum of Venice since 1975, has been confirmed to include paratype material from Niger's Gadoufaoua locality. This study clarifies its complex history, revealing that while most elements are authentic, some (e.g., femur, coracoid) were replaced with plaster copies, and others (e.g., vertebrae, pelvic bones) likely originated from additional specimens. Osteohistological analysis shows the Venice specimen is sub-adult, providing new insights into its growth stages. Comparisons with the holotype highlight intraspecific variability and potential preparation errors, while also refining the taxon's diagnosis. The dorsal 'sail' structure remains a distinctive feature, reinforcing its role as a display trait among ornithopods.
Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church
—
2017 —
WHED9F45DD280
The Palace of Westminster, renowned as the seat of Britain's Houses of Parliament, was also a hub of Victorian scientific innovation during its construction (1834–1860). This study reveals that politicians and officials leveraged cutting-edge science to create a radical, modern building. Experimentalists used the House of Commons for chemistry experiments, geologists debated the Palace’s stone materials, natural philosophers tested air purity by hanging meat around the structure, and mathematicians aimed to pioneer electrically-controlled time synchronization across public spaces. These projects underscore the politically contentious yet transformative role of Victorian science in shaping one of the world's most iconic buildings.
Chartres Cathedral
—
2017 —
WHE5EA2D48BD5
A detailed analysis of the cult of the Virgin of Chartres, focusing on its development during the 11th and 12th centuries, reveals a rich tapestry of history woven through ritual observances, local legends, and religious relics. The study centers on the Virgin’s gown, a major relic in Chartres Cathedral, and the Feast of Mary's Nativity, using an interdisciplinary approach that integrates local histories, letters, obituaries, chants, liturgical sources, and miracle reports. This comprehensive examination provides new insights into the political, musical, and artistic dimensions of medieval Christianity, while also serving as a guide to understanding the cathedral's west façade.
Kronborg Castle
—
2017 —
WHEEEBDB2167E
A historical account from Kronborg Castle in 1620 reveals the devastating impact of plague on Denmark, with approximately 16,000 deaths reported across Sjælland, Norway, and Jutland. The narrative highlights a strict regulation prohibiting castle servants from entering plague-infected homes, yet it details an incident where three soldiers defied this order to visit their afflicted comrade, Thomas Randers. This breach of protocol led to a confrontation with Sergeant Caspar, who accused them of violating the rules. The account underscores the tension between duty and compassion during a pandemic, while also illustrating the limited understanding of disease transmission at the time. The text serves as a poignant historical record, offering insights into medieval responses to infectious diseases.
Ancient City of Aleppo
—
2017 —
WHE863B3E57A7
A comprehensive analysis of Aleppo's city wall reveals its dynamic evolution over centuries, shaped by successive rulers from the Hamdanid era to Ottoman Sultan Mahmud II. The study traces significant expansions and restorations, including the addition of towers and gates, reflecting strategic adaptations during periods of conflict. It documents the wall's transformation in response to changing warfare dynamics, ultimately rendering it obsolete with advancements in weaponry. The research also details the historical emergence of its doors and modern restoration efforts, providing a detailed account of this UNESCO World Heritage Site's architectural heritage.
Beaches of the D-Day Landings, Normandy, 1944
—
2017 —
WHE021B5EBAA7
A severe storm shortly after the deployment of Mulberry Harbours during the D-Day landings (June 1944) resulted in significant wave damage, particularly to the American harbour and severely to the British one. Using hindcast data from ECMWF and SWAN modelling, researchers found that waves were notably more intense at the American site than the British, which may explain the differential damage observed. The study also validated the commonly cited storm severity estimate of 1 in 40 years for summer storms in this region, providing critical insights into historical ocean engineering challenges.
Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church
—
2017 —
WHEAF557B1C06
A significant milestone in British battle painting, the Palace of Westminster competition, revealed how French artistic influences shaped British painters' approaches during the 1840s. The study highlights that among the three notable painters—Sir William Allan, Thomas Sidney Cooper, and Edward Armitage—their career trajectories and choices of pictorial sources reflected the diversity within the battle painting genre at the time. Critically, the competition's sole premium-winning battle picture was perceived as aligning with history painting traditions, underscoring ongoing debates about the 'English school' in art. This analysis provides insight into how artistic competitions influenced the evolution of British battle painting and its critical reception.
Studley Royal Park including the Ruins of Fountains Abbey
—
2017 —
WHEAF97B362BC
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal exemplify the architectural grandeur and historical significance of Northern England. The study highlights the site's unique blend of monastic ruins and landscaped gardens, which have captivated visitors for centuries. By analyzing historical records, architectural features, and cultural impact, researchers reveal how this site represents the transition from medieval monasticism to 18th-century landscape design. The research approach combines archival analysis with spatial mapping to uncover the layers of history embedded in the site's structure and surroundings. This dual perspective underscores the enduring legacy of Fountains Abbey as both a religious and cultural landmark, offering insights into its role in shaping Northern England's heritage.
Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha
—
2017 —
WHE6D2645DA96
Nepal's 2015 constitution marks a pivotal shift toward integrating human rights into World Heritage conservation, particularly for its four designated sites—Kathmandu Valley and Lumbini (cultural) and Sagarmatha National Park and Chitwan National Park (natural). The study reveals that while Nepal has made strides in balancing heritage preservation with development, challenges persist in fully aligning these efforts with human rights principles. It highlights the need for a rights-based approach to cultural heritage, rooted in Nepali legal traditions, to ensure sustainable conservation without compromising human dignity or development goals.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
—
2017 —
WHE2E17A9801D
Fifty years after the Six-Day War, Israel's control over the West Bank and Gaza Strip remains a contentious issue under international law. Aeyal Gross's work challenges conventional interpretations of Israel's status within these territories, presenting two opposing perspectives: one that denies the existence of formal occupation and another that frames it as a quintessential case of belligerent occupation. The analysis draws on historical events, political declarations, and public sentiment to re-examine the legal and moral implications of Israel's presence in Palestinian territories. Gross's approach combines legal scholarship with political discourse, highlighting the complexities of defining occupation in contemporary contexts.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
—
2017 —
WHE6C2C8949BB
A phylogeographic study of three cactus taxa in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (BAF) reveals distinct population groups shaped by historical climatic and sea-level changes. The research identifies four allopatric population groups with divergence initiated during the middle Pleistocene, suggesting peripatric speciation for <em>Cereus insularis</em> on Fernando de Noronha archipelago. Genetic diversity was strongly influenced by initial south-to-north colonization followed by fragmentation, likely driven by neotectonic activity and environmental shifts. The study used nuclear and plastid gene data to analyze population structure, phylogenetic relationships, and biogeographic patterns across xeric habitats, including Inselbergs, Restinga forests, and rocky shores.
Fujian Tulou
—
2017 —
WHEDB6BA2CD2D
Square Tulou buildings, such as Zhenyang Tulou in Nanjiang Village, Fujian, demonstrate superior thermal performance compared to modern brick houses, offering a more stable and comfortable indoor environment. This study quantifies these advantages through rigorous measurement of temperature, humidity, and other environmental parameters, revealing that traditional Tulou structures maintain cooler and more stable conditions, particularly during hot and humid periods. However, it also identifies key defects in the thermal performance of wooden walls and floors, proposing targeted improvement measures to enhance energy efficiency without compromising architectural integrity. These findings provide actionable insights for the preservation and adaptive reuse of Tulou buildings, balancing modern needs with heritage conservation.
Central Sikhote-Alin
—
2017 —
WHE229C9AA6A4
A new map of the geothermal gradient for the Sikhote Alin region and adjacent areas reveals that zones with higher thermal gradients coincide with regions of increased seismic activity. This discovery was made using spectral analysis of the anomalous magnetic field to estimate the depth of the magnetoactive layer's base and the geothermal gradient, a method that identifies the Curie depth point in magnetoactive masses. The study provides the first detailed thermal structure map for this part of the Central Asian belt, offering insights into the relationship between geological heat distribution and seismic risk.
Stevns Klint
—
2017 —
WHE958A33CBCD
A thermodynamic model initially developed for calcite-brine interactions fails to accurately predict reactive transport in natural carbonates, such as Stevns Klint chalk. Researchers found that ζ potential data alone is insufficient for optimizing surface complexation models (SCMs) for predicting ion breakthrough during core flooding experiments. By refining the SCM with coupled transport modeling and incorporating chromatographic data, they successfully correlated remaining oil saturation in spontaneous imbibition experiments to the bonding between amine/carboxylate groups on oil surfaces and carbonate/protonated calcium sites on chalk. This study advances understanding of chalk-oil-brine interactions, offering insights for enhanced oil recovery strategies.
Namib Sand Sea
—
2017 —
WHE24E61B7F36
A Namibian lizard, Pedioplanis husabensis, exhibits remarkable thermoregulatory behavior that buffers the impact of climate change. Despite inhabiting one of the world's most thermally harsh environments, this diurnal and xeric-adapted species maintains a high thermal preference while also regulating its body temperature below critical limits during extreme heat. The study integrated micro-scale thermoregulation data with macroclimate models across its range, revealing that populations persist even in the hottest regions without evidence of range shifts since the 1960s. However, the species' narrow safety margin between thermal preference and critical maximum suggests potential range reductions under moderate climate change scenarios.
Wet Tropics of Queensland
—
2017 —
WHEEED131A804
Two new species of fairy lanterns, Thismia hawkesii and T. lanternatus, have been discovered in the Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland, Australia. These findings expand the known diversity of the genus Thismia (family Thismiaceae) in Australia. The study provides detailed descriptions, illustrations, and notes on habitat, distribution, and morphological characteristics of these species. Additionally, a key to all Australian Thismia species is included, facilitating their identification. The research contributes to the understanding of plant systematics in one of Australia's most biodiverse regions, the Wet Tropics, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ujung Kulon National Park
—
2017 —
WHE2411C3AC32
A study on Peucang Island, part of Ujung Kulon National Parkreveals that coral coverage at 8-meter depths is significantly lower (44.02%) than at 2-meter depths, indicating severe damage likely caused by blast fishing. The research, conducted using the Point Intercept Transect method, found reduced Diversity Indices, Dominance Indices, and Evenness Index across all sites, suggesting low coral diversity without dominant species. Over three years, coral damage increased by 0.7% annually due to fish bombing, a persistent threat despite legal protections. The findings highlight the fragility of coral ecosystems and the urgent need for stronger conservation measures to mitigate human-induced disturbances.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
—
2017 —
WHE38DD3D408A
Research reveals three distinct volcanic plumbing systems beneath neighboring active volcanoes—Klyuchevskoy, Bezymianny, and Tolbachik—in Kamchatka’s Klyuchevskoy group. Klyuchevskoy’s basaltic lavas ascend vertically from a deep reservoir (25–30 km), while Bezymianny’s explosive eruptions stem from dispersed crustal reservoirs where felsic material separates and rises, forming andesitic magma. Tolbachik’s low-viscosity basalts exploit regional fault intersections, ascending via fracture networks. The study used seismic data from temporary and permanent networks (2014–2015) to map 3D crustal structures beneath the volcanoes, uncovering high-resolution insights into their unique feeding systems for the first time.
Area de Conservación Guanacaste
—
2017 —
WHE3AD00A9257
Researchers have identified three new species of the moth genus <em>Rectiostoma</em> from Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in northwestern Costa Rica: <em>R. annemayae</em>, <em>R. eowilsoni</em>, and <em>R. philipmayi</em>. Using DNA barcoding of cytochrome oxidase I, alongside morphological analysis of male and female genitalia, the study confirmed these species as distinct. The findings include the first host plant records for Neotropical <em>Rectiostoma</em> species and provide illustrations of adult specimens, their genitalia, and larval photographs for two species. A neighbor-joining tree with supporting statistics further supports the taxonomic distinctions.
Archaeological Site of Troy
—
2017 —
WHEAB6F0E0128
Three Stones Make a Wall offers a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of archaeology from its amateur roots to its current status as a cutting-edge science. The book highlights significant archaeological sites, including Troy, Pompeii, and Petra, while delving into the stories behind major discoveries and the personalities who shaped them. It addresses fundamental questions about excavation processes, dating methods, and the ownership of artifacts, providing a vivid narrative that bridges historical accounts with modern scientific practices.
Archaeological Site of Olympia
—
2017 —
WHE1CF6C5F0B1
Eric Cline's 'Three Stones Make a Wall: The Story of Archaeology' offers an eclectic tour of significant archaeological discoveries and research, focusing on sites such as Olympia, Troy, Ur, and the Maya. The book provides insights into the methods and controversies surrounding key excavations, including Schliemann's work at Troy and the use of LIDAR surveys in modern archaeology. It also delves into the stories of notable figures like Agatha Christie, who was involved in the excavation at Ur, and Yigael Yadin, a prominent Israeli archaeologist. The narrative spans from prehistoric sites to classical civilizations, with a particular emphasis on the eastern Mediterranean and biblical archaeology. Cline's work aims to captivate general readers by highlighting exciting stories and discoveries, though it is noted for its uneven coverage of global prehistory and archaeological methods.
Timbuktu
—
2017 —
WHE5D72A8636E
Ansar Dine's iconoclastic campaign in Timbuktu, driven by extremist self-fashioning, transcends religious orthodoxy. The study reveals that the destruction of architectural sites was not merely an exercise in enforcing conservative Islamic governance but a ritualistic act aimed at crafting a globally extremist identity. This insight emerges from analyzing the nature and performative quality of the destructive actions against Timbuktu's historical and heritage significance, which has long been a crossroads of global currents.
