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Light and the Manifestation of Performance Place: The Experience of Spaces and Places through a Different Light

Old and New Towns of Edinburgh — 2017 — WHE2DE1520873

Light festivals transform urban spaces, redefining public perception and fostering belonging through temporary performance. A study of the 'Night in the Garden' event at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (2014) revealed that such events augment both built and green environments, creating a new night-time language that drives tourism and revitalizes cities. The research highlights how alien yet joyful performances, contrasting with daytime perceptions, reanimate spaces without altering their physical structures. This creative practice-led approach explores audience engagement, shared experiences, and the broader phenomenon of place-making, where visual culture breathes life into overlooked urban domains.

Lingering radioactivity at the Bikini and Enewetak Atolls

Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site — 2017 — WHE0F55E7866E

Decades after nuclear testing, Bikini and Enewetak Atolls remain significant sources of plutonium (Pu) and cesium-137 (Cs) to the North Pacific, though at rates far lower than initial fallout. Research reveals that Pu levels in lagoon seawater and sediments are orders of magnitude higher than global averages, with the Runit Dome—an underground nuclear waste repository—contributing roughly half of the Pu detected in Enewetak’s lagoon water column. Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) plays a minor role in transporting these radionuclides, suggesting that seafloor sediments are the primary long-term repository and source. While Cs levels are elevated in brackish groundwater, its presence in lagoon waters is only slightly higher than in the broader North Pacific. The study employed radium isotopes to estimate SGD for the first time in this context, providing critical insights into radionuclide fluxes.

Linking well-being with cultural revitalization for greater cognitive justice in conservation: lessons from Venezuela in Canaima National Park

Canaima National Park — 2017 — WHE595AB177A8

A shift toward intercultural fire management in Canaima National Park, Venezuela, has emerged from integrating Pemon indigenous knowledge with scientific research. This counter-narrative challenges conventional views that attribute landscape changes solely to local fire use. The study demonstrates how participatory processes—such as historical reconstructions, territorial self-demarcation, and community reflexivity—linked to the development of Pemon Life Plans, have revived suppressed environmental knowledge. By centering indigenous well-being agendas, conservation efforts have achieved cognitive justice, making hidden local knowledge visible and influencing policy-making toward more inclusive and effective fire management strategies.

Lion trophy hunting in West Africa: A response to Bouché et al.

W-Arly-Pendjari Complex — 2017 — WHEFA5E778D0C

A critical reassessment of lion trophy hunting quotas in the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex (WAP) reveals that previous estimates by Bouché et al. are unreliable at the scale of individual Hunting Zones (HZs). The study demonstrates that surveys based on lion spoor (pugmarks) yield high variability (CV > 20%) when fewer than 30 independent spoor are recorded, making it impossible to derive precise or sustainable hunting quotas for most HZs. Analysis of Bouché et al.'s data shows that only one HZ had a CV below the reliability threshold, while others exhibited extreme variability (CV: 94-141%), with some having zero or one spoor record. These findings undermine the feasibility of HZ-specific hunting quotas and suggest that alternative methods are needed to inform conservation strategies in WAP.

Lithic manufacture at Medogwe, southwest of Aksum, Tigray, Ethiopia

Aksum — 2017 — WHE1A7FEB8DD7

Archaeological research at Medogwe, Tigray, Ethiopia, has uncovered evidence of standardized, large-scale lithic production during the Early Aksumite period. Surface-collected and excavated stone tools reveal a consistent knapping technique shared across the Aksum region, suggesting widespread economic practices and technological uniformity. The findings, spanning from late Pre-Aksumite to Middle Aksumite periods, provide insights into the economic relationships and lithic industries of the time, offering a deeper understanding of Aksum's cultural and technological development.

Lithic technological responses to Late Pleistocene glacial cycling at Pinnacle Point Site 5-6, South Africa

The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa — 2017 — WHEC66ABB02D3

A groundbreaking analysis of lithic technology at Pinnacle Point Site 5-6, South Africa, reveals that early modern humans adapted their tool-making behaviors during the Late Pleistocene glacial cycle. Contrary to prevailing assumptions, this study identifies significant associations between technological traits and Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 4 and 3, including increased use of quartz, shifts in raw material sourcing, and changes in flaking efficiency and tool functionality. These findings suggest that foragers responded to MIS 4 glacial conditions with larger population or group sizes, longer site occupations, and reduced residential mobility—implying a strategic adaptation to environmental pressures. The study's rigorous statistical evaluation of 93 lithic traits without preconceived assumptions provides compelling evidence linking climate change to human behavioral shifts, challenging earlier claims of minimal technological response.

Liverworts (Marchantiophyta) of Mahogany Hammock, Everglades National Park, Florida

Everglades National Park — 2017 — WHEFD3446E308

A recent survey of liverworts (Marchantiophyta) in Mahogany Hammock, Everglades National Park, Florida, reveals that the site still supports a rich hepatic flora with predominantly tropical affinities, despite historical disturbances and high visitation. Researchers documented 29 of approximately 47 recorded taxa, including six new records for the area. Most liverworts were found growing on tree bark, but some thrived epiphyllously on leaves of trees, ferns, and bromeliads, with the boardwalk also serving as a substrate. This survey complements earlier studies from the 1950s to 1980s, highlighting the resilience and biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site's liverwort community.

Living on the edge: Daily, seasonal and annual body temperature patterns of Arabian oryx in Saudi Arabia

‘Uruq Bani Ma’arid — 2017 — WHEE055454E7A

Arabian oryx exhibit adaptive heterothermy, allowing their body temperature to fluctuate with environmental conditions to conserve water in arid environments. Surprisingly, this adaptive behavior was more pronounced at Mahazat as-Sayd (MS) than at Uruq Bani Ma'arid (UBM), despite MS having lower temperatures and higher rainfall. The study used implanted data loggers to measure body temperature continuously for a year, revealing that heterothermy is influenced not only by extrinsic factors like environmental temperature and water availability but also by intrinsic factors such as sex and behavior. Heterothermy was most pronounced during summer, with minor sex differences possibly linked to reproductive investment.

Living with tigers Panthera tigris : patterns, correlates, and contexts of human–tiger conflict in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Chitwan National Park — 2017 — WHEB0A01A7D48

Human-tiger conflict in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, significantly increased during 2007–2014, with 75.9% of human casualties occurring in the buffer zone and 66.7% within 1 km of the park boundary. The study, analyzing compensation data, found that livestock depredation was proportional to their availability, with goats being the most affected (55%), while tiger attacks on people were mostly accidental (77.8%) during activities like fodder or fuelwood collection. No correlation was observed between conflict and wild prey density, human or livestock population, forest area, rainfall, or temperature. Male tigers constituted 73.3% of those removed due to conflict. The research recommends prioritizing preventive measures using a conflict map and implementing strategies such as zoning enforcement, improved livestock husbandry, participatory monitoring, insurance schemes, and community awareness.

Local Circulation Maintains the Coexistence of Lake-dune Pattern in the Badain Jaran Desert

Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes — 2017 — WHE81F05A7EC4

A groundbreaking study reveals that local atmospheric circulation, driven by thermodynamic differences between lakes and mega-dunes, sustains the coexistence of lake-dune patterns in China's Badain Jaran Desert. This finding challenges prior hypotheses on dune formation and lake recharge, offering a novel mechanism for the desert's unique landscape. Researchers analyzed thermodynamic properties and landscape settings to demonstrate how these interactions generate localized wind systems that maintain the delicate balance between water bodies and towering sand structures.

Local Perceptions of Interactions Between Elephants and Borassus Aethiopum Mart. (Arecaceae) in the Pendjari National Park in Benin

W-Arly-Pendjari Complex — 2017 — WHEAA8FC643B9

A significant increase in elephant populations within the Pendjari National Park, part of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, has been linked to high poaching pressure in transboundary parks. This migration has led to substantial pressure on tree species, including Borassus aethiopum, a dioecious palm. The study, involving 53 respondents from different socio-professional categories, found consensus among administrators, ecoguards, and local professional hunters regarding the relationship between elephants and B. aethiopum. The research suggests that a regional approach to protect elephant populations could mitigate migration and its impacts on vegetation. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather perceptions on causes, damage, consequences, and management options.

Localización y peculiaridades de la oferta de ocio nocturno de Ibiza

Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture — 2017 — WHE6EDAC4B608

Ibiza's nightlife offer is unevenly distributed, with three main zones—Bahía de Sant Antoni, Puerto de Ibiza, and Platja d’en Bossa—concentrating the highest activity. This study reveals significant variations in nightlife density and characteristics across these zones, driven by historical, economic, and regulatory factors. Research combined local press reviews, literature analysis, and fieldwork to map out the current landscape. Key findings highlight that while some areas like La Marina (Ibiza city) and West End (Sant Antoni) thrive on diverse offerings, others, such as beach clubs in Platja d’en Bossa, cater more to tourist demands. Recommendations emphasize sustaining quality through reinvestment, diversifying demand, and balancing regulatory oversight with entrepreneurial freedom.

Locating the beautiful, picturesque, sublime and majestic: spatially analysing the application of aesthetic terminology in descriptions of the English Lake District

The English Lake District — 2017 — WHE07F599C979

A spatially analytical approach reveals that eighteenth-century aesthetic terms—beautiful, picturesque, sublime, and majestic—were not uniformly distributed across the English Lake District but instead clustered around specific landscapes, reflecting their historical conceptualization. This study demonstrates how travel writing and topographical literature from the 18th and 19th centuries reinforced these aesthetic associations, particularly through ephemeral publications like guidebooks that popularized the vocabulary of canonical thinkers such as William Gilpin and Edmund Burke. The research combines corpus analysis, geoparsing, and GIS to map the geographical distribution of these terms in a 1.5-million-word dataset, offering new insights into the interplay between aesthetics, literature, and physical geography.

Locations and Occupants of Royal Tombs of Goguryeo in the Pyeongyang Area

Complex of Koguryo Tombs — 2017 — WHEA9AB6F564D

Archaeological research identifies eight royal tombs of the Goguryeo kingdom (37 BC–668 AD) in the Pyeongyang area, with seven attributed to kings from the 20th to 28th dynasties. The study highlights Gyeongsinnuli No. 1 Tomb as the earliest, dating back to King Jangsu's reign (r. 37 BC–4 AD), based on its scale, stone foundation, and unique tile decorations resembling those found in domestic tombs like Taewangneung. These features suggest a transitional phase blending Goguryeo’s traditional stepped stone chamber tombs with regional burial practices. Other notable tombs include Jeon Dongmyeongneung (associated with King Munjamyeong) and Tonpori Daechong, the latter possibly belonging to King Anjang, whose death was linked to political turmoil. The research uses architectural analysis, artifact dating, and comparative studies to attribute occupants, offering insights into Goguryeo’s burial traditions and political history.

Logistic model as a representation of Rhinoceros sondaicus and Bos javanicus population at Ujung Kulon National Park

Ujung Kulon National Park — 2017 — WHE5A2BD7E28F

A logistic model demonstrates that the carrying capacity of Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) and wild bull (Bos javanicus) populations in Ujung Kulon National Park fluctuates over time but ultimately stabilizes, suggesting a dynamic equilibrium between the two species. The study reveals that population stability for both species is contingent on their co-existence, with numerical simulations illustrating complex interactions that influence long-term survival. This finding provides critical insights into conservation strategies for one of the world's last strongholds for the endangered Javan rhino.

Lokalizacja usług noclegowych w otoczeniu Rynku Starego Miasta w Warszawie

Historic Centre of Warsaw — 2017 — WHEBC7868A96C

A rapid transformation in accommodation services has occurred around Warsaw's Old Town Market Square, driven by the rise of the sharing economy. Research conducted in 2016 revealed that within a 1 km radius, 225 establishments offering approximately 1,500 beds had emerged, with Airbnb listings comprising a significant portion. Despite the area being designated as Warsaw's sole tourist precinct, traditional lodging options were historically scarce. The study found no clear correlation between distance from the market square and the number of rental apartments, though this may reflect the limited research scope. Notably, the most expensive accommodations are located closest to the historic center, highlighting the economic value of proximity in this UNESCO-listed site.

Long-Term Monitoring and Comparative Analysis of the Durability of Lime-Based Renders

Fortress of Suomenlinna — 2017 — WHE120AE870D6

Long-term monitoring of lime-based renders on Suomenlinna Sea Fortress reveals critical insights into their durability under Nordic climatic conditions, particularly freeze-thaw cycles. The study, combining field data from a 2015–2017 probe monitoring with laboratory analysis, demonstrates that certain render types exhibit superior resistance to deterioration compared to others and the reference wall section. This comparative approach provides a predictive model for future material performance, offering valuable guidance for conservation practices. The findings underscore the importance of precise monitoring methods for traditional materials like lime-based renders, bridging gaps in understanding their behavior and repair needs.

Los impactos del turismo en el Camino de Santiago Francés: una aproximación cualitativa

Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Camino Francés and Routes of Northern Spain — 2017 — WHECA3E28463E

Tourism on the Camino Francés, one of the most popular routes of the UNESCO-listed Routes of Santiago de Compostela, significantly impacts its cultural identity. While it boosts international recognition, overcrowding threatens its traditional character. A qualitative study involving 11 experts analyzed these effects, revealing that despite the route's historical and touristic significance, unchecked tourism risks eroding its unique heritage. The research highlights the need for balanced tourism management to preserve the Camino Francés' cultural integrity while sustaining its global appeal.

Low antibody prevalence against Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire, indicates high rate of lethal infections in wildlife

Taï National Park — 2017 — WHE01CED4474A

Research in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire, reveals that Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis (Bcbva) causes highly lethal infections across multiple wildlife species. Unlike B. anthracis, which can lead to non-lethal infections, Bcbva demonstrates a near-uniform fatality rate, as evidenced by the absence of specific antibodies in most studied species, including red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, sooty mangabeys, chimpanzees, and Maxwell's duikers. This finding underscores the severe virulence of Bcbva, contrasting with the milder outcomes typically associated with anthrax caused by B. anthracis. The study employed long-term carcass monitoring and serological analysis to assess antibody prevalence, providing critical insights into the pathogenicity of this emerging threat in sub-Saharan African rainforests.

Lower to Middle Cambrian of the southern Canadian Rockies

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2017 — WHEB367BF46AF

A platform-to-basin transition in the Lower to Middle Cambrian strata of the southern Canadian Rockies, marked by significant Pb-Zn mineralization and dolomitization, is a key finding from this study. Researchers analyzed six localities across the Front and Central ranges, revealing critical tectonic, sedimentologic, and biologic events during the deposition of the lower to mid-Sauk Megasequence. Notable features include Middle Cambrian platformal carbonates near Lake Louise and the Burgess Shale biota at Mount Stephen, which exhibit unusual mineralogic attributes such as Mg-rich mudstone and syndepositional faulting. The study integrates field observations with geochemical analysis to elucidate these dynamic geological processes.