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Noise Abatement and the Search for Quiet Space in the Modern City

Cologne Cathedral — 2017 — WHE1B8EAF5796

Noise pollution remains a significant and growing issue, particularly in urban settings, with nearly 20% of Germany's population seeking treatment for aural disorders. Despite its pervasive impact on health and well-being, noise abatement has received little attention in environmental campaigns or historical studies. This study examines the complex sensory experience of noise in modern cities, using Cologne Cathedral as a case study to explore the tension between urban development, transportation expansion, and the desire for quiet spaces. It highlights how industrial, traffic, and leisure-related noise contribute to a multifaceted sensory phenomenon that disrupts both public and private spheres, as evidenced by local debates over events at the cathedral and protests against airport noise.

Non-destructive evaluation of a dieste’s historical reinforced brick masonry church

The work of engineer Eladio Dieste: Church of Atlántida — 2017 — WHE0B206E8E97

A non-destructive evaluation of Eladio Dieste's Church of Christ the Worker in Atlántida, Uruguay, reveals the church's impressive state of preservation despite showing early signs of aging. The study, conducted under UNESCO's Keeping It Modern program, applied techniques such as infrared thermography, ground-penetrating radar, penetration resistance, and ultrasonic testing to assess the structure's conservation. Findings indicate common deterioration mechanisms like moisture presence, steel bar corrosion, and mortar degradation, yet the church remains well-preserved, highlighting Dieste's innovative reinforced brick masonry (RBM) design and construction.

Non-elite mortuary variability in the Early Dynastic Memphis region

Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur — 2017 — WHE3C996E72A5

A nuanced funerary culture with significant mortuary variability was identified among non-elite communities in the Early Dynastic Memphis region (3200–2700 BC). Statistical analyses of grave parameters—including volume, grave goods, materials, pottery types, architecture, body protection, skeletal sex, and age—revealed complex influences on funerary provision, such as economic potential, elite relationships, communal identities, choice, and practicality. While no statistically significant mortuary differentiation by sex was found, age differentiation emerged as a key factor. The study highlighted distinct regional populations within the Memphite necropolis, from primary (Helwan) to secondary/tertiary centers (Turah), underscoring the potential of statistical hypothesis testing in extracting meaningful data from historical records.

Non-planning and tourism consumption in Budapest's inner city

Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue — 2017 — WHE8CD781E3E6

Budapest's District VII exemplifies how unstructured urban planning can both hinder and facilitate tourism-driven development. The study reveals that despite limited official regulation, the district has become a hotspot for hospitality and creative industries, particularly 'ruin bars' and Airbnb accommodations, which have thrived due to their informal, adaptive nature. This case highlights Budapest's unique trajectory as a post-socialist city, where slow gentrification and lack of planning paradoxically fostered innovative tourism consumption models. The research addresses two key questions: the extent to which non-planning influences urban development and tourism trends, and how tourism reshapes inner-city districts. It combines historical analysis with data on 'ruin bars' and Airbnb's global impact, offering insights into the unintended consequences of unregulated urban growth.

Non-simultaneity in the construction of the Canal du Midi

Canal du Midi — 2017 — WHE38EB7949D1

The construction of the Canal du Midi, a 17th-century French navigational canal renowned for its length and technical sophistication, reveals a pattern of non-simultaneity in work practices that challenges conventional narratives of modernization. This study demonstrates how the canal's development integrated ancient knowledge with contemporary problem-solving, extending well into the 1680s with ongoing repairs. A snapshot of activity from March 1672 highlights the asynchronous nature of cultural and technical practices employed across the project, offering a unique lens to understand innovation in historical infrastructure. The research underscores non-simultaneity as a facilitator of complex, long-term engineering achievements.

Nuclear genomes distinguish cryptic species suggested by their DNA barcodes and ecology

Area de Conservación Guanacaste — 2017 — WHEFAF551E223

Researchers have uncovered three cryptic butterfly species within the Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica, using nuclear genome analysis combined with mitochondrial DNA barcoding and ecological data. These species, previously overlooked due to their extreme similarity, exhibit distinct genetic and morphological traits that align with their ecological niches. The study highlights the power of integrating multi-faceted genomic and ecological approaches to identify cryptic biodiversity, significantly increasing species counts in the region. Additionally, the findings reveal that a century-old type specimen from Venezuela belongs to one of these cryptic species, while the other two are newly described.

Numerical simulation analysis of the valley wind of the Mount Huangshan based on Noah and MYJ scheme

Mount Huangshan — 2017 — WHEA758F6FEF3

Valley wind patterns on Mount Huangshan exhibit a diurnal cycle, shifting direction between day and night, which significantly influences heat balance in the region. This finding emerged from numerical simulations using the Noah and MYJ schemes within a mesoscale model, revealing that valley winds play a crucial role in atmospheric dynamics. The study suggests leveraging these wind patterns to strategically control pollutant emissions, thereby mitigating environmental degradation. By analyzing wind evolution and formation mechanisms, researchers provide actionable insights for sustainable management of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nutritional Preference of Egyptian Fruit Bat, Rousettus aegyptiacus (Geoffroy) in Relation to its Control under Laboratory and Field Conditions

Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur — 2017 — WHE9B638D5A4C

A study on the Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) revealed distinct nutritional preferences and susceptibility to zinc phosphide, a common pest control agent. Under laboratory conditions, bats showed strong preference for white mulberry among fruits and strawberries among vegetables, consuming up to 90.6% of their body weight in strawberries when given free choice. Zinc phosphide mixed with dates at a concentration of 1.5% resulted in complete mortality (100%) in laboratory settings. Field trials in the Pyramids region of Giza demonstrated that zinc phosphide reduced bat populations by 78.2%. This research highlights the effectiveness of zinc phosphide as a control method for this species while providing insights into their dietary habits, which could inform conservation and pest management strategies.

O aumento de bens do Movimento Moderno na Lista do Patrimônio Mundial e o debate sobre autenticidade

Pampulha Modern Ensemble — 2017 — WHE6853BB8CD6

The UNESCO World Heritage List has expanded significantly to include more properties from the Modern Movement, with 34 out of 814 cultural sites now inscribed, a number that doubled in 2016 following the inclusion of Le Corbusier's works and the Pampulha Modern Ensemble. This shift reflects broader changes in the concept of 'authenticity,' as highlighted by debates in the 1990s, particularly Léon Pressouvre's critique (1993) and the Nara Conference (1994), which emphasized the need to broaden this term. The study argues that expanding authenticity criteria is crucial not only for recognizing Modern Movement achievements but also for preserving cultural heritage more holistically.

O encontro da militância com a vadiagem nas prisões da Ilha Grande

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2017 — WHEC906876702

A study of prisons on Ilha Grande during the first half of the 20th century reveals how a punitive culture emerged to criminalize socially marginalized groups, particularly those labeled as 'vagabonds' in post-abolitionist Brazil. The research demonstrates that this concept was deeply embedded in legal frameworks, legislative thought, and even scientific texts, leading to systemic mistreatment of thousands. By analyzing interviews with prison guards from the Colônia Agrícola do Distrito Federal (1942) and examining historical documents, the study uncovers how these classifications were operationalized within the penal system, exposing the naturalization of discriminatory practices that targeted politically opposed groups alongside marginalized individuals.

O passado em permanente construção. O património em transformação.

University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia — 2017 — WHE019FAC85A9

Four years after being inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia has undergone significant transformations in its urban context. This study critically examines these changes through three strategic axes: heritage protection, historical urban landscape, and sustainable urban development. It finds that while the university has taken a proactive role in heritage preservation, local authorities have led efforts in urban rehabilitation and spatial management. By analyzing urban dynamics, the research proposes an integrated planning approach to enhance quality of life, balancing contemporary demands with cultural heritage conservation.

Observation of an American Black Bear Eating Odonates in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park — 2017 — WHEB183CE701F

A rare observation of an American black bear (Ursus americanus) consuming dragonflies in Yosemite National Park reveals that emerging aquatic insects, particularly odonates, may represent a previously overlooked but significant component of the bear's diet. While scat analyses have historically indicated ants and wasps as primary insect food sources for black bears, this documented behavior suggests greater dietary diversity than previously assumed. The study highlights the importance of visual observation in identifying highly digestible food items that are often missed by traditional dietary analysis methods. This finding contributes to a broader understanding of black bear ecology and natural history, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive documentation of their foraging behaviors.

Observations on the Architecture of the Tomb of Horhotep in Western Thebes

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis — 2017 — WHEE5F320C31A

A two-phase development of the Tomb of Horhotep, located in the North Asasif necropolis at Western Thebes, has been identified through architectural analysis. Initially constructed as a classic tomb for the high-ranking official Horhotep during the reign of Mentuhotep II, the structure was later expanded with an additional cult chapel and burial chamber, likely intended for his son. This expansion reflects the adaptability and significance of private sepulchral complexes in Theban tradition, distinguished by its unique layout in bedrock carvings. The study employs a comparative approach to local architectural traditions, offering insights into the evolution and cultural context of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Occurrence of the green sawfish Pristis zijsron in the Sudanese Red Sea with observations on reproduction

Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay – Mukkawar Island Marine National Park — 2017 — WHE7F90CF9DA4

A critical decline in sawfish populations, driven by human activities, has led to their classification as Endangered or Critically Endangered by the IUCN. This study identifies the green sawfish (Pristis zijsron) as the sole species present in the Sudanese Red Sea, based on 26 rostra and six carcasses collected from 1969 to 2014, alongside market data and trawling surveys. Reproductive observations revealed parturition occurring from October to late April, with females reaching maturity at 350 cm total length (TL) and giving birth to broods of up to 12 neonates, measuring 60–80 cm TL. Key nursery areas—Marsa Ashat, Marsa Trinkitat, Agig Bay, Dungonab, and Oseif bays—are pinpointed as critical for conservation, necessitating targeted protection measures like marine reserves or time-area closures to safeguard the species.

Ocurrence of the sea anemone Telmatactis panamensis (Verrill, 1869) (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Actiniaria) at Isla del Coco National Park, Costa Rica

Cocos Island National Park — 2017 — WHEEF7038335F

Researchers document the first occurrence of the sea anemone Telmatactis panamensis at Cocos Island National Park, Costa Rica. During a 2010 expedition, 24 specimens were collected in Chatham Bay (intertidal) and Punta Ulloa (15m depth), attached to rocks. The study provides detailed photographs of live individuals, external anatomy, and an inventory of cnidae, contributing new baseline data for the park's poorly known sea anemone fauna. Observations suggest the species may extend to greater depths, aligning with records from the Galápagos Islands.

Ohio, USA. Monumentale Zeremoniallandschaften der Hopewell-Kultur

Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks — 2017 — WHE27EA394E84

A groundbreaking geomagnetic survey of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks in Ohio, USA, has uncovered previously undetected wooden post circles, ditched enclosures, plazas, and avenues—structures that challenge existing understanding of the Hopewell culture's monumental landscapes. The collaboration between the German Archaeological Institute and the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park revealed these features through a comprehensive 'fenceline-to-fenceline' magnetic survey, offering new insights into the complexity and scale of Hopewellian ceremonial sites. Additionally, an extensive pit cluster may point to the discovery of long-sought camp sites, further enriching knowledge of this ancient civilization. The findings aim to enhance public awareness and support the site's potential candidacy for UNESCO World Heritage status.

Old fights, new meanings: Lions and elephants in combat

Ellora Caves — 2017 — WHE1B01710E55

The motif of lions triumphing over elephants has been a persistent and multifaceted symbol in South Asian architecture, spanning over a millennium. This study reveals that while the visual representation remained stable, its meanings shifted significantly across different periods and contexts, serving as a marker of royal power, military prowess, and even spiritual authority. The research traces this motif's evolution from Mauryan columns to Deccani forts, highlighting its adaptability and enduring significance in both Hindu and Jain traditions. By analyzing literary sources such as the Mahābhārata and epigraphic evidence, the study demonstrates how the lion-elephant combat symbolized conquest and sovereignty, often with talismanic connotations. The approach combines art historical analysis with textual interpretation to uncover the layered meanings embedded in this iconic imagery.

Old Roman Votive-Mass Chants in Florence, Biblioteca Riccardiana, MSS 299 and 300 and Vatican City, Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, Archivio San Pietro F 11: A Source Study

Vatican City — 2017 — WHE5983F286DB

A critical reassessment of two manuscript sources for Old Roman chant, MSS 299 and 300 from the Biblioteca Riccardiana in Florence, reveals that their origins were misattributed to the Vallombrosa Abbey. This challenges the long-held belief that these chants were used in the diocese of Siena during the 11th or early 12th centuries. Additionally, the study examines San Pietro F 11 from the Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, a rare surviving rituale and collectar, offering new insights into the preservation and transmission of Old Roman chant traditions. The research employs textual analysis and historical context to correct previous misconceptions about the provenance and usage of these manuscripts.

Omride Palatial Architecture as Symbol in Action: Between State Formation, Obliteration, and Heritage

Biblical Tels - Megiddo, Hazor, Beer Sheba — 2017 — WHEB992BC4BC7

The Omride palatial architecture at Megiddo, Hazor, and Beer Sheva served as powerful symbols of state formation and political hegemony during the 9th century BCE. The study reveals that the intentional obliteration of these palaces by the Nimshide dynasty was not merely coincidental but a deliberate act to erase the memory of the Omride rule, marking a significant shift in political power. This research merges historical narratives, archaeological evidence, and theoretical approaches to demonstrate how monumental architecture played an active role in both establishing and dismantling dynastic legitimacy. The findings highlight that the destruction of palaces at Samaria, Megiddo, and Jezreel was part of a broader strategy to reshape the landscape and establish new symbols of power under the Nimshide dynasty.

On Art, Wealth, and Power: The Venetian Republic

Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico), Padua — 2017 — WHE931419CDB7

Venice's enduring legacy as a center of art, wealth, and power is highlighted through its unique blend of architectural beauty, political sophistication, and intellectual prowess. The city's artistic heritage, rooted in the Byzantine period and flourishing during the Renaissance with masters like Titian and Canaletto, was intricately linked to its political structure, which sustained a stable republic for over 1000 years. Venice's strategic trade dominance in the Mediterranean, advanced shipbuilding at the Arsenale, and diplomatic acumen shaped its history until decline set in post-15th century. The University of Padua, founded in 1222, played a pivotal role as a hub for liberal learning, fostering groundbreaking work in anatomy and botany, including the establishment of the world's first botanical garden in 1545. This study underscores Venice's multifaceted contributions to art, governance, and science, while addressing contemporary challenges such as population decline and tourism pressures.