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Maroon History, Music, and Sacred Sounds in the Americas: A Jamaican Case

Blue and John Crow Mountains — 2017 — WHE019B0B37B4

Jamaica's Windward Maroons preserve a rich tradition of music and spirituality, serving as a living archive of Africana heritage. Their sacred sounds, rooted in ancestor veneration, encapsulate oral histories, cultural identity, and spiritual practices, including the reverence for Granny Nanny—a legendary 18th-century leader—whose stronghold, Old Nanny Town, is now part of the UNESCO-listed Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. This study highlights how Maroon music, such as Kromanti and Kumina, intertwines with their complex history, including sacred oaths and treaties, offering insights into the resilience and continuity of Africana spirituality in the Americas.

Masada

Masada — 2017 — WHE4DFB8DA2E6

Masada, a towering butte rising 1300 feet above the Dead Sea, served as a strategic stronghold with a rich history of conflict and resistance. Herod's fortified palace on its flat summit, featuring 38 towers, was later seized by Roman forces before being retaken by Jewish rebels led by Menahem in 66 AD. Occupied for seven years by militant groups like the Zealots and Sicarii, Masada's accessibility via two precarious paths highlights its defensive significance. The site offers insights into ancient military strategies, political tensions, and the resilience of resistance movements during a pivotal period in Judea's history.

Mass coral bleaching due to unprecedented marine heatwave in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (Northwestern Hawaiian Islands)

Papahānaumokuākea — 2017 — WHE649980CA9F

A unprecedented marine heatwave in 2014 triggered the most severe and widespread coral bleaching event recorded in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM), with up to 91% bleaching at shallow habitats of Lisianski Island. This event, characterized by extreme heat stress, differed significantly from previous bleaching events due to variations in heat exposure and potential local acclimatization. Researchers analyzed in situ surveys and satellite data across four islands/atolls to assess the drivers of bleaching patterns, its impact on coral mortality and community structure, and long-term changes in heat stress. The study found that the 2014 event was unprecedented in terms of duration and intensity, with cumulative heat stress reaching around 20°C-weeks, and highlighted a significant increase in exposure to bleaching-level heat stress since 1982, underscoring the escalating threat of climate change to these fragile ecosystems.

Materiali per un catalogo di eruzioni di Vulcano e di terremoti delle isole Eolie e della Sicilia nord-orientale (secc. XV-XIX)

Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) — 2017 — WHE3B33B72FE7

A comprehensive historical analysis of the Aeolian Islands, particularly focusing on Vulcano and its eruptions alongside seismic activity in the region from the 15th to 19th centuries, has uncovered significant gaps and new data. The study identified nearly 100 earthquakes—including previously unknown events—and confirmed or debunked 20 eruptions of Vulcano, revealing that some historical records were doubtful or fictitious. This research, part of a broader project analyzing tectonic-volcanic relationships, utilized over 200 historical descriptions to compile the first integrated catalogue of these events, providing critical insights into the region's geological history and improving seismic hazard assessment.

Materialities: Books, Readers, and the Chanson in Sixteenth-Century Europe by Kate van Orden

Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex — 2017 — WHEE406C9112D

Kate van Orden's 'Materialities: Books, Readers, and the Chanson in Sixteenth-Century Europe' offers groundbreaking insights into the material culture of music during the Renaissance by analyzing printed chanson books. The study challenges traditional assumptions about music printing and publishing, suggesting that some attributed to Christophe Plantin may not have been his actual productions. Van Orden's approach combines bibliographical analysis with music-historical narrative, examining distribution networks, sales records, and ownership patterns from archives like the Plantin-Moretus Museum. This method reveals new perspectives on the commercial and cultural significance of printed music, bridging gaps between scholarly disciplines. The work also highlights the selective survival of musical texts, providing a nuanced understanding of their historical impact.

Matrimony and baptism: changing landscapes in Greek (Rum) Orthodox Jerusalem (1900–1940)

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2017 — WHEEB659C74D9

A shift in naming patterns among the Greek (Rum) Orthodox community in Jerusalem between 1900 and 1940 reveals two significant societal changes: secularization and the rise of Palestinian nationality. This finding, derived from previously unexamined archival records, challenges the assumption that proximity to holy sites significantly influences private Christian life. The study also highlights that modernity's impact was more pronounced in generational divides than ethnic differences, with younger generations embracing new professions and identities. By analyzing matrimony and baptism records, researchers traced these transformations during Jerusalem's transition from Ottoman rule to British Mandate.

Mauretanien: Nouakchott & Chinguetti. 2015. BENKADI e.V. benkadi fóli serie I, Volume 9 (CD); benkadi fóli serie III, Volume 2 (DVD). Recorded by Edda Brandes and Petra Buda. Annotated by Edda Brandes. 32-page booklet with notes in German, French and English. German and French translation by Edda Brandes. English translation by Kelly McCormick. Colour photographs. CD, 14 tracks (52:44); DVD, 15 chapters (33:39). Recorded in Nouakchott and Chinguetti, Mauritania, in April 2015.

Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata — 2017 — WHE45C81E6BA8

The publication 'Mauretanien: Nouakchott & Chinguetti' (2015) offers a unique audiovisual documentation of traditional music from the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt, and Oualata in Mauritania. Recorded in April 2015 by Edda Brandes and Petra Buda, this work captures the cultural heritage through 14 tracks on CD (52:44) and 15 chapters on DVD (33:39), accompanied by a 32-page booklet with multilingual annotations. The publication provides a comprehensive insight into the musical traditions of these historic sites, preserving their sonic legacy for academic and general audiences alike.

Measuring conservation success beyond the traditional biological criteria: the case of conservation projects in C osta R ica, M ekong V alley, and C ameroon

Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park — 2017 — WHE8C40B09B77

Conservation success cannot be measured solely by biological criteria such as species diversity or protected area size. A holistic approach, incorporating environmental, political, social, and conflict pressures, is necessary to accurately assess conservation outcomes. Using a proposed interdisciplinary rubric, this study evaluates conservation projects in Costa Rica's Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves, the Mekong Valley, and Cameroon. Findings reveal that traditional biological metrics often overlook critical factors influencing success or failure. For instance, Costa Rica's Guanacaste and Talamanca national parks are rated 'moderately low' under this new framework, while Mekong Valley projects range from 'low' to 'moderately low,' and Cameroon's efforts are predominantly rated 'low' or 'very low.' The study concludes that global conservation strategies must shift from a narrow biological focus to a broader, interdisciplinary approach to achieve meaningful success.

Mechanical Characterization of Ancient Portuguese Riveted Bridges Steels

Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar — 2017 — WHE45CE018DCB

Ancient Portuguese riveted steel bridges, including the iconic Luiz I Bridge, exhibit significant variability in mechanical properties critical for structural safety. A study of five historic bridges revealed that materials from Luiz I, Eiffel, and Fao bridges resemble puddle steel, while those from Pinhao and Trezoi bridges align with mild steel. Notably, only the Pinhao bridge's material met current toughness standards, with others showing deficient properties under cyclic loading. Fatigue crack propagation data was successfully modeled using Paris’s law, offering insights for retrofitting designs to mitigate degradation in aging structures.

Meddling with Myth in Thebes

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis — 2017 — WHE291B4AC8AC

A unique Attic red-figure vase from Thebes, Greece, challenges traditional Panhellenic iconography by replacing a gryphon with a sphinx—a symbol deeply tied to Theban identity. This substitution suggests a local reinterpretation of myth, aligning with broader Theban trends seen in both ancient art and literature, such as the works of Pindar. The study analyzes this vase alongside other vessels from Boeotia and beyond, establishing a link between sphinx imagery and the myth of Oedipus. By contextualizing this artistic deviation within Theban cultural practices, the research offers new insights into how local narratives reshaped classical myths.

Mediation Using Verbal Matrix Analysis? The Case of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) in Normandy

Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay — 2017 — WHE4F632A55DA

A durable conflict over water rights near the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, France, has been analyzed using Verbal Matrix Analysis (VMA), a method inspired by cartographer Jacques Bertin's work. The study reveals that VMA can serve as an effective tool for mediation in situations characterized by antagonistic positions on major public choices. Specifically, it suggests redirecting the focus from the demolition of dams to risk management, potentially resolving the dispute over whether to remove two hydropower dams in the Sélune River valley. These dams, integral to the Normandy landscape since 1907 and 1932, provide electricity, freshwater reservoirs, and recreational activities for 250,000 annual visitors while also serving as a backup resource for nearby nuclear reactors. The conflict arises from competing interests: one advocating for dam removal under the guise of salmon conservation, despite no actual salmon issues, and another prioritizing economic stability and landscape preservation. VMA offers a structured approach to navigate these tensions and achieve peace-making.

Medicinal plants and herbalist preferences around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — 2017 — WHE1A1784EDB7

A comprehensive inventory of medicinal plants used by herbalists around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, reveals 295 species, with herbs and shrubs being the most prevalent. The study challenges gender-based stereotypes, finding no significant differences in plant collection preferences between men and women. Most plants (70%) are sourced outside the protected forest area, highlighting the importance of non-forest habitats for medicinal resources. Leaves are the most commonly used plant part, often combined in mixtures. The research employed participatory rural appraisal methods to document these findings, providing valuable insights for conservation efforts and traditional medicine practices.

Medieval Art, Architecture & Archaeology at CANTERBURY

Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church — 2017 — WHEEF02925995

Canterbury's medieval art, architecture, and archaeology reveal a rich legacy of ecclesiastical innovation that shaped Britain's religious and cultural landscape. This collection of essays highlights the interplay between architectural design, liturgical practices, and movable fittings in Christ Church Cathedral and St Augustine's Abbey from the early Anglo-Saxon period to the close of the Middle Ages. New insights into the aesthetic, spiritual, and pragmatic considerations behind Canterbury's structures challenge existing historiography and underscore its global significance. The study demonstrates how surviving material continues to inspire fresh questions, bridging gaps between local traditions and broader historical narratives.

Medieval Urban Landscape in Northeastern Mesopotamia

Samarra Archaeological City — 2017 — WHEE375D14EE0

A comprehensive analysis of the medieval urban landscape in northeastern Mesopotamia reveals the existence and dynamics of over fifteen urban sites, spanning from the 6th to the 19th centuries. These settlements, located between the Great Zab, Little Zab, and Tigris rivers, exhibit remarkable preservation due to the arid steppe environment, making them highly identifiable through various types of satellite imagery. The study integrates archaeological data, historical topography, and pottery analysis from surface surveys to provide a holistic understanding of the urban network's diversity, temporal dynamics, and interrelationships within the hinterland of Baghdad and Samarra. This research offers new insights into the complex urban systems that thrived in the Near-Eastern Islamic period.

Melodies of God: the significance of the soundscape in conserving the Great Zimbabwe landscape

Great Zimbabwe National Monument — 2017 — WHEA9998BEC23

Preserving the soundscape of Great Zimbabwe's cultural landscape is crucial for sustaining intangible heritage and maintaining deep connections between people and place. This study demonstrates that integrating soundscape conservation into heritage management can enhance tangible heritage preservation while preventing cultural erosion. By examining local communities' use of sound to preserve memory, researchers highlight the importance of a holistic approach that goes beyond material culture. Events at Great Zimbabwe have shown that soundscape preservation not only represents intimate connections but also strengthens the overall conservation effort.

Memória de Compu - Análise crítica do património chilote

Churches of Chiloé — 2017 — WHE9BE69B9391

A critical analysis of the rural village of Compu on Chiloé Island, Chile, reveals its unique cultural and spatial identity shaped by maritime influences, historical development, and community dynamics. The study highlights the significance of the church as a defining element in both landscape and cultural terms, while also emphasizing the active role of residents in the village's progress. Through fieldwork and social analysis, the research explores Compu's territorial organization, its connection to the sea, and its potential future development, offering insights into the broader context of Chile's coastal heritage.

Memory and Sovereignty in Post-1979 Cambodia: Choeung Ek and Local Genocide Memorials 1

Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection — 2017 — WHE5020508FC5

Cambodia's post-1979 memorial landscape reflects complex dynamics of memory and sovereignty. Research reveals that the Choeung Ek Center for Genocide Crimes, a prominent national memorial, and smaller local genocide memorials throughout the country have become focal points for public reflection on the Democratic Kampuchea era (1975–1979). These memorials, established during the 1980s under the People’s Republic of Kampuchea (PRK), serve as sites where Cambodians engage with collective trauma and state narratives. The study highlights how these memorials, shaped by the dominant Cambodian People’s Party, balance national remembrance with local grassroots initiatives, illustrating the tension between centralized sovereignty claims and decentralized acts of commemoration.

Memory History Nation

Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection — 2017 — WHE6EC0B40598

Memory, once seen as a subjective and local lens on history, is now recognized as a site of cultural work and contestation. This interdisciplinary volume reveals the complex dynamics of memory, exploring its role in transmitting histories across generations, grappling with trauma, shaping national narratives, and confronting silence or oblivion. It challenges the notion that contradictory memories always stem from repressive authorities, instead highlighting their multifaceted nature—serving as both a safeguard against censorship and a potential tool for silencing dissent. Through case studies ranging from Cambodia to South Africa, the book offers nuanced insights into how memory operates at individual and societal levels, blurring lines between reality, fantasy, history, and myth.

Memory, Oral History and Conservation at Robben Island's Bluestone Quarry

Robben Island — 2017 — WHE3DA54E5421

Oral history and memory work proved pivotal in resolving authenticity conflicts during the restoration of Robben Island’s Bluestone Quarry Stone Wall. The study demonstrates that integrating ex-prisoners' recollections guided conservation efforts, ensuring the preservation of both cultural and natural heritage while enhancing symbolic meanings tied to suffering and triumph. This approach highlights oral history as an effective tool for heritage management, balancing diverse stakeholder interests and enriching the site’s historical narrative.

Meso-Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the Talas-Fergana region of the Kyrgyz Tien Shan revealed by low-temperature basement and detrital thermochronology

Western Tien-Shan — 2017 — WHECC307DE273

A multi-staged Meso-Cenozoic tectonic activity, likely driven by the accretion of Cimmerian blocks to the Eurasian margin, has been revealed in the Talas-Fergana region of the Kyrgyz Tien Shan. This discovery is supported by new low-temperature thermochronometric data from basement rocks and detrital sediments adjacent to the Talas-Fergana Fault. The study identifies rapid Late Triassic–Early Jurassic (200 Ma) and Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous (130–100 Ma) cooling events in the Kyrgyz Tien Shan, as well as distinct burial histories on either side of the fault, with Cenozoic reactivation evident in the western region due to India-Eurasia convergence. The research combines zircon (U–Th)/He and apatite fission track data from both basement and sediment samples to constrain tectonic evolution.