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Hexapleomera urashima sp. nov. (Crustacea: Tanaidacea), a tanaidid epibiotic on loggerhead sea turtles at Yakushima Island, Japan

Yakushima — 2017 — WHE61941484A2

A new species of tanaidacean crustacean, Hexapleomera urashima, has been identified as an epibiotic inhabiting the carapaces of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in Yakushima Island, Japan. This discovery challenges existing diagnostic criteria for the genus Hexapleomera by revealing significant intra-species variability in key morphological traits, such as the presence of a dorsal triangular process on the male fixed finger and the number of inner setae on pleopodal endopods. The study employed genetic analysis of the COI gene, which confirmed the species' distinctiveness with 32.2-48.4% K2P distance from other genera but also highlighted the gene's limitations for phylogenetic reconstruction within Tanaididae due to saturation substitution indices.

High Levels of Antibiotic Resistance but No Antibiotic Production Detected Along a Gypsum Gradient in Great Onyx Cave, KY, USA

Mammoth Cave National Park — 2017 — WHE1926003EE7

A study in Great Onyx Cave, Mammoth Cave National Park, found widespread antibiotic resistance among 24 bacterial isolates, with all resistant to at least two antibiotics and three showing resistance to all tested. However, no antibiotic production was detected using three distinct methods. Contrary to the Great Kentucky Desert hypothesis, which suggests gypsum limits invertebrate distribution, antibiotic resistance in these bacteria was not correlated with gypsum levels or cave depth. The research employed soil crumb culturing, indicator bacteria testing, and cross-streak methods to assess bacterial activity along a gypsum gradient.

High mortality associated with tapeworm parasitism in geladas (Theropithecus gelada) in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Simien National Park — 2017 — WHE3586DEEAA2

Research reveals that tapeworm parasitism significantly impacts gelada survival and reproduction in Simien National Park, Ethiopia. A decade-long study found high mortality rates among adult females with Taenia serialis cysts, particularly younger adults, while male mortality showed a similar but non-significant trend due to smaller sample sizes. Offspring of infected mothers also experienced increased mortality, primarily due to maternal death. Comparisons with another gelada population suggested that T. serialis may kill hosts more rapidly in Simien National Park. The study highlights the need for further research into individual and population-level heterogeneity in parasite-associated mortality.

High precision U/Th dating of the rock paintings at Mt. Huashan, Guangxi, southern China

Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape — 2017 — WHE36CB00C857

Rock art at Mt. Huashan, part of the UNESCO-listed Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, dates to between 1856±16 and 1728±41 years ago, placing its creation during the Eastern Han dynasty (AD 25–220). This finding suggests that rock painting practices at this site persisted for over a century. Researchers used high-precision U/Th dating on secondary carbonate layers above and below the paintings, analyzing their mineralogy and isotopic compositions to determine these ages. The study also indicates that Zuojiang’s rock art is younger than similar sites in Yunnan Province by 1–10 centuries.

Highlight and specular reflection removal in photogrammetric techniques applied to architectural heritage 3D modeling

The Porticoes of Bologna — 2017 — WHEC6F79F7D4C

A novel technique for removing specular highlights from photogrammetric data significantly enhances the accuracy of 3D modeling for architectural heritage, such as Bologna's historic porticoes. This method integrates seamlessly into an automated workflow, eliminating the need for separate color correction and shape capture processes. By treating lower-level image-processing methods as 'black boxes,' the approach simplifies the process without requiring specialized technical knowledge. Its versatility allows application across diverse urban settings, making it a powerful tool for preserving perceived colors in 3D reconstructions of heritage sites.

Highlighting the Build: Using Lighting to Showcase the Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House — 2017 — WHE3D1457CB37

Light is revealed as a critical, yet understudied, construction material for the Sydney Opera House, reinforcing its architecture and extending its narrative across time. The study demonstrates that Utzon's lighting design intentions, though not fully realized due to his departure from the project, were pivotal in creating a staged journey for patrons—from the cityscape to the theatre's immersive 'other world.' This approach balances visibility with aesthetic integration, ensuring the Opera House remains a distinct landmark while mediating its place within the urban and natural environment. The research combines historical analysis of Utzon's design reports (e.g., the 'red book' and 'yellow book') with an examination of how light enhances material details—such as concrete textures and granite finishes—and human presence, mirroring the warmth of candlelight. By concealing light sources to avoid visual clutter, Utzon aimed to subtly elevate the architectural experience without overshadowing it.

Hijazi Architectural Object Library (HAOL)

Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah — 2017 — WHE0A231ABB36

The Hijazi Architectural Objects Library (HAOL) introduces a groundbreaking digital framework to preserve and classify unique architectural elements from the Hijazi region, including iconic features like Roshan and Mashrabiyah. These elements, integral to Islamic cities such as Jeddah, Istanbul, and Cairo, contribute significantly to the aesthetic and historical richness of these heritage sites. The study leverages advanced technologies, including 3D modeling with Revit Family (RFA), image surveys, and point cloud data, to create a comprehensive digital library. This approach aims to bridge critical gaps in both Islamic and Hijazi architectural documentation, facilitating standardized Heritage BIM (HBIM) models. By digitizing parametric building identities—encompassing shapes, structures, construction methods, and ornamentation—the HAOL framework promises to streamline heritage conservation and new project development, reducing costs and time while ensuring the preservation of cultural identity.

Historic watermills digital survey and sustainable re-design in Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park (Italy)

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula — 2017 — WHE2EB7D97DA7

A comprehensive digital survey and sustainable re-design of historic watermills within Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park reveals the potential for integrating traditional hydro-mechanical technology with modern environmental solutions. The study, conducted through advanced 3D laser scanning and GIS mapping, cataloged over 200 watermills, analyzing their hydraulic characteristics, soil quality, and ecological impact. A key finding was the feasibility of reactivating these mills while implementing river phytodepuration techniques to mitigate pollution in the 'Auso' Valley water system. This approach offers a sustainable model for balancing cultural heritage preservation with environmental conservation.

Historical logging and current successional status of old-growth Cryptomeria japonica forest on Yakushima Island

Yakushima — 2017 — WHECBC9771C1A

A Cryptomeria japonica forest on Yakushima Island, Japan, reveals distinct differences between its past and current successional stages due to historical logging practices from the 17th to 19th centuries. Analysis of stumps—preserved without significant decay—suggested two generations: pre-logging trees and those regenerated post-logging. Current monitoring indicates a decline in canopy conifer species, including Cryptomeria japonica, while understory broad-leaved species are increasing. The forest remains in an intermediate stage of secondary succession, with self-thinning processes still active among conifers. Succession dynamics vary significantly across plots, influenced by location and logging intensity.

Historical perspectives on the mangroves of Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park — 2017 — WHEE47B2F4423

Recent research reveals significant redistribution and dieback of mangroves in Kakadu National Park. While net area changes have been minor, lower-stature mangrove species like Avicennia marina and Sonneratia alba have shown substantial shifts due to inland intrusion and seaward colonization. Aerial surveys conducted in 2016 confirmed widespread dieback, with RapidEye data indicating this occurred between late 2015 and 2016, coinciding with broader mangrove losses in the Gulf of Carpentaria. The study, utilizing historical aerial photography, CASI imagery, LIDAR, and RapidEye data, underscores the need for enhanced long-term monitoring to protect these critical coastal ecosystems.

History Repeats Itself in Jean-Léon Gérôme’s Reception of the Siamese Ambassadors

Palace and Park of Fontainebleau — 2017 — WHE68B450379B

Jean-Léon Gérôme's painting Reception of the Siamese Ambassadors, commissioned by Napoléon III to celebrate France's imperial ambitions, unexpectedly served as propaganda for the king of Siam. Despite its intended purpose—glorifying French imperialism—the painting failed to resonate with its original audience in 1865. Instead, it gained prominence in Siam, where a copy was acquired in the late 1860s, illustrating an ironic reversal of its diplomatic and cultural impact. The study analyzes Gérôme's meticulous approach, drawing on historical models, and highlights how art can be repurposed beyond its original intent, offering new insights into cross-cultural reception and the unintended consequences of imperial propaganda.

Holding Hands in the Virgin Chapel at Beauvais Cathedral

Bourges Cathedral — 2017 — WHE35AC699911

A foundational approach to stained-glass connoisseurship, rooted in 19th-century art historical methods, was applied to medieval glazings post-World War II restorations. This study established a method linking stylistic analysis with workshop attribution, drawing from the traditions of Giovanni Morelli and Bernard Berenson. By identifying visual features unique to individual workshops, it provided a framework for understanding the creation and study of medieval stained glass, exemplified in Louis Grodecki's seminal work on Bourges, Chartres, and Poitiers cathedrals.

Holocene fluvial history of the Nile's west bank at ancient Thebes, Luxor, Egypt, and its relation with cultural dynamics and basin‐wide hydroclimatic variability

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis — 2017 — WHED51EB6455B

A previously unknown abandoned channel of the Nile, located on the western flood plain near ancient Thebes (modern Luxor), was identified through borehole data and electrical resistivity tomography. This minor river branch, dated to the late New Kingdom period via over 2100 ceramic fragments, likely played a significant role in connecting key localities within the ritual landscape of ancient Egypt. The study reveals that changes in this fluvial landscape align with documented periods of basin-wide hydroclimatic variability, establishing a direct link between cultural dynamics and larger-scale hydrological shifts in one of Egypt's most important cultural development areas.

Home is where you hang your bat: winter roost selection by prairie-living big brown bats

Dinosaur Provincial Park — 2017 — WHE3D08C161D9

Male big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Canada, exhibit strong fidelity to specific rock-crevice hibernacula during winter, despite the availability of numerous alternative crevices. These roosts provide more thermally stable and warmer conditions compared to ambient or random crevices, with temperatures drier but not necessarily colder than known cave hibernacula elsewhere. The study, the first to examine crevice roost selection in winter, highlights the critical importance of specific hibernacula for individual bats, even when mid-winter flight is common. Researchers monitored bat movement and microclimate conditions (temperature and humidity) within 3 used hibernacula and compared them to random crevices and cave hibernacula across Canada.

Homer, Troy and the Turks

Archaeological Site of Troy — 2017 — WHE48CF630549

A significant oversight in the study of Troy and Homer's epics has been addressed, revealing that Ottoman-Turkish cultural traditions were deeply influenced by Homeric narratives. This work challenges the predominant reliance on Western sources, highlighting Turkish contributions to the field from 1870, when Heinrich Schliemann began excavations, to 1915 during the Gallipoli campaign. By integrating Ottoman perspectives, it provides a more comprehensive understanding of Troy's legacy, bridging Eastern and Western narratives in a way that enriches both academic discourse and cultural heritage interpretation.

Homo naledi and Pleistocene hominin evolution in subequatorial Africa

Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa — 2017 — WHE8591E07E37

New discoveries and dating of fossil remains from the Rising Star cave system, Cradle of Humankind, South Africa, reveal that Homo naledi existed between 236 ka and 335 ka, placing it in the later Middle Pleistocene. This challenges previous assumptions about hominin diversity in subequatorial Africa during this period, where only large-brained modern humans or their close relatives were thought to exist. The discovery of a second chamber containing H. naledi remains further supports the idea that multiple hominin lineages coexisted in this region, with some contributing DNA to living humans. This finding aligns with the diversity observed in other savanna-adapted species and paleoclimate data, suggesting that H. naledi may have been responsible for producing Acheulean or Middle Stone Age tool industries.

Hortobágy National Park

Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta — 2017 — WHEA712558CE9

Hortobágy National Park, recognized as one of the darkest areas in Hungary and recently designated as an International Dark Sky Park, plays a crucial role in protecting both nocturnal biodiversity and the quality of the night sky. Light pollution poses significant threats to these aspects, necessitating specialized monitoring efforts. A unique program employs digital cameras to survey nocturnal species and track night sky conditions, while public engagement is fostered through stargazing night walks, drawing substantial interest from the general population.

Host‐specific associations affect the microbiome of Philornis downsi, an introduced parasite to the Galápagos Islands

Galápagos Islands — 2017 — WHEEF88207F3F

A significant difference in the microbiome of the invasive parasitic fly Philornis downsi was found between larvae and adults, with Proteobacteria and Firmicutes dominating both stages but showing distinct distributions. The study also revealed that larval microbiomes vary based on host species, particularly between insectivorous warbler finches (Certhidea olivacea) and those with broader diets (ground and tree finches). No spatial effects were observed, as larvae from the same host group exhibited similar microbiomes across islands. These findings suggest that the parasite's microbiome adapts to dietary needs during development and is influenced by host-related factors, offering potential insights for novel disease control strategies.

Hotspot elephant-poaching areas in the Eastern Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

Selous Game Reserve — 2017 — WHE9E5A9F243B

Elephant poaching hotspots in the Eastern Selous Game Reserve (ESGR), Tanzania, are concentrated along its edges, particularly during the wet season. This pattern is linked to local involvement driven by economic deprivation. Researchers analyzed elephant mortality data from 2008–2013, revealing higher poaching incidences on reserve peripheries due to proximity to human settlements lacking alternative livelihoods. The study underscores the need for targeted conservation strategies, including economic empowerment, strengthened law enforcement, and community-based anti-poaching initiatives, to mitigate illegal ivory trade in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Household Dependency on Buffer Zone Community Forest and its Implication for Management of Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Chitwan National Park — 2017 — WHE0C33D76C2A

Household dependency on buffer zone community forests, such as Panbari in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, is significantly influenced by wealth status, family size, livestock population, agricultural income, and education. Poor households with larger families and greater livestock dependence are more likely to rely on forest resources for subsistence. The study used a logistic regression model to analyze data from 130 randomly selected households, revealing that policy interventions aimed at reducing this dependency—such as expanding educational opportunities, increasing agricultural income, generating off-farm employment, and promoting alternative fuel sources or agrisilvicultural systems—are critical for the long-term conservation of Chitwan National Park. These findings underscore the need for landscape-level conservation strategies that address socioeconomic factors to alleviate pressure on protected areas.