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On being effective, and the other 90%

Phoenix Islands Protected Area — 2017 — WHE22CB6B1011

Marine protected areas (MPAs) must prioritize clear, precise management objectives to achieve effectiveness. The Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) in Kiribati exemplifies this by expanding its protection goals from 3.1% to 99.4% fully protected zones after recognizing initial omissions, such as tuna conservation. Effectiveness hinges on defining boundaries and objectives accurately, avoiding false premises that undermine management. The shift toward marine spatial planning, rather than isolated MPAs, is crucial for holistic ocean management. Locally managed marine areas (LMMAs) in East Africa also demonstrate progress, though their effectiveness remains uncertain. Empowering local communities and integrating Indigenous perspectives are key to sustainable marine management. The 10% 'effectively managed' target is insufficient; 100% of marine space should be managed to balance stakeholder needs and ecosystem sustainability.

On First Looking into Martin Luther: Treasures of the Reformation

Luther Memorials in Eisleben and Wittenberg — 2017 — WHE33AABB85B9

A groundbreaking set of exhibitions and accompanying scholarly volumes, 'Martin Luther: Treasures of the Reformation' and 'Martin Luther and the Reformation,' revealed unprecedented insights into Martin Luther's life, the Reformation era, and their cultural, religious, and political contexts. These exhibitions, held in the U.S., showcased rare artifacts, archaeological finds, and significant historical documents, including Luther's childhood items, the Debate Lectern from Wittenberg, and the Eisleben pulpit where he preached his last sermon. The exhibits, curated post-German reunification, offered a comprehensive view of Luther's influence and the Reformation's impact on art, piety, and society, with contributions from leading scholars in the field.

On Territorial Competition between Rhinoceros Sondaicus and Bos Javanicus at Ujung Kulon National Park

Ujung Kulon National Park — 2017 — WHEDAEC90126F

A mathematical model demonstrates that territorial competition between Javan Rhinos (Rhinoceros sondaicus) and Javan Bulls (Bos javanicus) at Ujung Kulon National Park can reduce the carrying capacity of the rhino population. Despite no direct food resource overlap, the rapid expansion of Javan Bulls may limit available habitat for Javan Rhinos, stifling their population growth. The study suggests that dominance by one species can negatively impact the ecological space and survival prospects of another, even in the absence of predation or shared resources.

On the Cult of Mary of Daniel Zieliński in the Light of the “Preface” to “Szata wzorzysta doskonałości” (1649)

Kalwaria Zebrzydowska: the Mannerist Architectural and Park Landscape Complex and Pilgrimage Park — 2017 — WHE94890B69E4

Daniel Zieliński's 'Preface' to 'Szata wzorzysta doskonałości' (1649) reveals a significant dedication to the cult of Mary, reflecting post-Tridentine spirituality and personal devotion. The text serves as both an homage to Mary and a guide for spiritual life, illustrating its influence on Polish Catholicism through practices like christenings, scapulars, rosaries, and Marian Sodalities. Zieliński's work also highlights the growing importance of Marian sanctuaries, including Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, in fostering pilgrimage movements. The study examines how the cult of Mary was disseminated through prayer books, sermons, poetry, and devotional literature, offering insights into its enduring impact on religious practices.

On the Excavation of Goguryeo Tomb Complex in Sindae-Dong (1)

Complex of Koguryo Tombs — 2017 — WHEBDA524F7D0

A large-scale Goguryeo tomb complex, dating to the 5th century CE, was excavated at Sindae-Dong, North Korea, revealing evidence of a previously unknown extensive burial site. The excavation, conducted between 2015 and 2016 by the Academy of Social Sciences in North Korea, uncovered 28 Goguryeo stone-chamber earthen mounds, including mural tombs, within an area of approximately 185 square meters. Analysis suggests that the original complex may have contained hundreds of graves, with some tombs still preserved up to several hundred meters away from the current site. The tombs are arranged in a grid-like pattern, oriented along a southwest-northeast axis, with additional scattered burials nearby. This study focuses on the excavation methodology and preliminary findings of the first eight tombs uncovered in 2015.

On the moss flora of Khangalassky District (Republic of Sakha/Yakutia, East Siberia)

Lena Pillars Nature Park — 2017 — WHEB63BE25851

A comprehensive survey of the moss flora in Khangalassky District, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), East Siberia, reveals 232 species, with 59 newly recorded for the region. This diverse assemblage includes several species with typically more southern distributions, such as Anomodon minor and Trachycystis ussuriensis, highlighting the unique ecological conditions of the Lena Pillars Nature Park. The study also identifies new localities for rare mosses like Indusiella thianschanica and Myrinia rotundifolia, which were previously known from only a few sites in Yakutia or Taimyr. The research underscores the significance of the district's varied habitats—ranging from moist rock ledges to dry cliffs—which support both hygrophilous and xeric moss species coexisting side-by-side. Additionally, rare epigeic species such as Pterygoneurum kozlovii were documented in cryogenic hills, contributing valuable data to the understanding of Yakutia's bryophyte diversity.

On the sensitivity of polarimetric SAR measurements to vegetation cover: the Coiba National Park, Panama

Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection — 2017 — WHE46172193AB

Polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (SAR) measurements significantly enhance vegetation cover classification accuracy, outperforming single-polarization and optical data. A study conducted at the UNESCO-listed Coiba National Park, Panama, demonstrated that polarimetric features derived from L-band SAR data improved land-cover mapping precision when compared to conventional methods. Classification performance varied notably with incidence angles, underscoring the importance of integrating multiple radar features for optimal results. This finding highlights the potential of polarimetric SAR in environmental monitoring and conservation efforts.

On the Techniques of the Wood Frames on the Stonewalls in Khmer Architecture

Koh Ker: Archaeological Site of Ancient Lingapura or Chok Gargyar — 2017 — WHE48222B120E

A significant shift in Khmer architectural techniques during the transition from wooden to stone construction (9th–12th centuries) is revealed, focusing on the integration of wooden roof structures with stone walls. The study identifies that Koh Ker monuments lacked a pole plate, unlike later structures like Preah Vihear and East Mebon, where the beam was placed directly on the wall before being inverted over the pole plate by the 11th century. Decorative stone elements mimicking roof tiles emerged during this period, with the beam and pole plate sizes equalizing and stone covers added for protection against rain. By analyzing Preah Vihear’s construction phases alongside other temples, researchers propose a timeline of architectural evolution, correlating techniques with specific kings' reigns (e.g., Jayavarman IV to Udayadityavarman II). This work refines earlier proposals by Parmentier and Sahai, offering a clearer framework for dating Khmer monuments based on technical innovations.

On traces of a strong earthquake in walls of the Sary-Bulun medieval sites along the great silk route (western Issyk-Kul Lake region, Northern Tien Shan)

Western Tien-Shan — 2017 — WHEC229B51E7D

A strong earthquake, likely of intensity I ≥ VIII on the MSK-64 scale, struck the Sary-Bulun medieval sites along the Great Silk Route around the end of the 12th to the beginning of the 13th century AD. This seismic event caused significant structural damage, including wall tilts, shifts, collapses, lateral bends, and long fissures in corner parts of rooms. The source of the earthquake was probably located in faults cutting the active Boz-Barmak anticline, where the settlements were situated on its western limb. These sites, among the largest metallurgic centers of the Issyk-Kul depression during the medieval period, provide valuable insights into industrial processes and seismic activity in the region.

Open Competition in Botany and Diplomacy: The Habsburg Expedition of 1783

Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn — 2017 — WHE67A5BE64B2

A Habsburg-led botanical expedition in 1783 marked a pivotal shift from ornamental to economically driven plant collecting, inspiring global competition among European states. The mission, organized by Joseph II's enlightened absolutist state, aimed to replenish Schönbrunn’s devastated greenhouse after an accident and expand the empire’s natural history collections. Unlike colonial powers, the Habsburg Monarchy lacked overseas territories but leveraged its scientific and diplomatic influence to spur advancements in economic botany, particularly in Pacific Northwest exploration. The expedition’s success underscored the Habsburgs' role in transitioning global science toward public knowledge dissemination and national interests, challenging traditional narratives of colonial dominance.

Options for the administration of the holy places in the Old City of Jerusalem

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2017 — WHE03F45BD615

A territorial division of control over the historic basin emerges as a viable solution to the complex administration of holy places in Jerusalem, addressing the needs for effective governance by both Muslims and Jews. This approach mitigates risks of violent outbreaks and international criticism while preserving the historic status quo established under Ottoman rule in 1852–1853 and later reconfirmed in the 1993 Fundamental Agreement between the Holy See and Israel. The study analyzes the intricate dynamics of Israeli rule since 1967, focusing on balancing security concerns with international expectations to ensure stability at sites like the Haram/Temple Mount and the Western Wall.

Oracles on Faults: A Probable Location of a “Lost” Oracle of Apollo Near Oroviai (Northern Euboea Island, Greece) Viewed in Its Geological and Geomorphological Context

Archaeological Site of Delphi — 2017 — WHECE83B1E576

A newly discovered archaeological site at Aghios Taxiarches, Northern Euboea, Greece, may be the location of Apollo Selinountios' 'lost' oracle. This hypothesis is supported by inscriptions on two votive stelae found in 2001 alongside Hellenistic pottery and ancient wall ruins, along with its geographical context. The site's steep bedrock escarpment, hanging valley, waterfall, and cave are linked to an active fault zone, mirroring the geological features associated with Apollo's oracle at Delphi. This connection suggests a similar function for Aghios Taxiarches, though further archaeological and geoscientific studies are needed to confirm this. The research integrates geological, geomorphological, and historical evidence to propose a significant addition to ancient Greek religious sites.

Oral histories and the impact of archaeological fieldwork in contact encounters: meeting Socrates on the Omo

Lower Valley of the Omo — 2017 — WHE4F6E1CF404

Archaeological fieldwork can significantly alter local oral traditions, leaving enduring traces on participants. This study highlights how discoveries made during research with the Mursi community in Ethiopia's Lower Omo Valley reshaped their narratives, illustrating the broader impact of such encounters. By adopting a Socratic approach—focusing on dialogue and mutual learning—the research underscores archaeology's value to local communities, both during fieldwork and beyond. The findings challenge conventional views by demonstrating that archaeological engagement is not merely extractive but can foster meaningful exchange, benefiting both researchers and participants.

Organic molecular tracers in the atmospheric aerosols from Lumbini, Nepal, in the northern Indo-Gangetic Plain: influence of biomass burning

Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha — 2017 — WHE4A508844A9

Biomass burning significantly impacts atmospheric aerosols in Lumbini, Nepal, particularly during post-monsoon and winter seasons. The study identified high concentrations of organic molecular tracers like levoglucosan (2206 ± 1753 ng/m³) and other biomarkers, indicating strong contributions from crop residue and hardwood burning. These findings suggest that local agricultural practices and residential biomass usage, alongside regional emissions—such as rice residue burning in western India and eastern Pakistan—dramatically influence air quality in the northern Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP). The research highlights the need for coordinated mitigation efforts across multiple regions to reduce biomass burning emissions effectively.

Origin of the El Dragón Selenium Mineralization, Quijarro Province, Potosí, Bolivia

City of Potosí — 2017 — WHEDA815094B7

A re-examination of the El Dragón selenium deposit in Potosí, Bolivia, reveals five distinct episodes of fault formation and mineralization spanning from 12 million years ago to the present. The study identified several new or near-endmember minerals, including petříčekite, krut’aite, penroseite, and a previously unknown copper-nickel-selenium mineral (CuNi₂Se₄). These findings suggest that highly oxidized, metal-rich fluids with exceptional selenium fugacities (log fSe₂ between −14.5 and −11.2) interacted with black shale and siltstone, leading to the deposition of selenium minerals. The source of selenium and associated metals likely originates from a neighboring Kupferschiefer-type black shale, rich in pyrite and organic matter, where reductive conditions facilitated selenate reduction and elemental selenium precipitation.

Origin of water in the Badain Jaran Desert, China: new insight from isotopes

Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes — 2017 — WHE9639BA40B1

New isotopic evidence challenges long-standing hypotheses about the origin of water in China's Badain Jaran Desert, revealing that both groundwater and lake water are sourced from modern precipitation in the region rather than remote or ancient sources. The study analyzed radiocarbon (14C), tritium (3H), stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes (δ2H – δ18O), and d-excess values in water samples from lakes, springs, and local aquifers, alongside evaporation experiments to assess isotopic changes under desert conditions. Contrary to previous theories, the data show that groundwater is derived from recent meteoric precipitation, not ancient carbonates or early Holocene recharge, debunking claims of distant Tibetan Plateau or paleoclimate origins.

Origins of the Burial Traditions in the Ancient Cultures on the Pacific Coast of South America

Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region — 2017 — WHE1A621CBD00

Ancient burial complexes along the Pacific coast of South America, spanning territories now part of Ecuador, Peru, and Chile, reveal sophisticated ritual practices dating back to the Archaic period (10-3,500 BP). These complexes, found in settlements, ritual centers, necropolises, caves, and shell mounds, demonstrate meticulous treatment of the dead through natural and artificial mummification techniques—such as the Chinchorro tradition—and the use of primary and secondary burial methods. The findings also highlight early social interactions, including exchange contacts and conflicts with neighboring groups, alongside subsistence activities like fishing, hunting, and gathering. These practices persisted into later Formative period cultures and pre-contact times, underscoring their enduring cultural significance.

Osservazioni sulla fauna a Lepidotteri Ropaloceri delle Isole Eolie (Sicilia) (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea)

Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) — 2017 — WHE33E38907E7

A groundbreaking study on the Aeolian Islands (Sicily, Italy) reveals the first recorded presence of two butterfly species: Cacyreus marshalli and Danaus chrysippus. Conducted in 2014, this research clarifies the distribution of eight Ropaloceri species, providing critical insights into the region's lepidopteran fauna. The study utilized field observations to refine known distributions, with notable implications for biodiversity mapping and conservation efforts in these UNESCO-listed islands.

Osteoarthritis, labour division, and occupational specialization of the Late Shang China - insights from Yinxu (ca. 1250 - 1046 B.C.)

Yin Xu — 2017 — WHEA8A89F5616

A study of skeletal remains from Yin Xu, the Late Shang dynasty capital (ca. 1250–1046 B.C.), reveals distinct patterns of osteoarthritis that suggest gendered labor division and occupational specialization. Analysis of 167 skeletons from two sites showed males had significantly higher upper-body osteoarthritis, likely due to repetitive heavy lifting—a pattern more pronounced in Xiaomintun, where bronze-casting artifacts were abundant. This implies men engaged in physically demanding tasks, while higher osteoarthritis in Xiaomintun females hints at their possible involvement in bronze-casting as a family occupation. The findings support the existence of occupation-oriented neighborhoods and gendered labor roles in ancient urban China.

Out of the frying pan: Reintroduction of toad‐smart northern quolls to southern Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park — 2017 — WHE9FF1479113

A reintroduction effort of northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus) to Kakadu National Park, where invasive cane toads (Rhinella marina) pose a significant threat, revealed critical insights into species survival and conservation strategies. The study found that quolls conditioned with taste aversion training to avoid toxic toads survived significantly longer than unconditioned individuals, with some even recorded mating. However, predator aversion training proved less effective, as dingo predation accounted for substantial mortality among the reintroduced quolls. This suggests that while behavioral conditioning can mitigate immediate threats like cane toads, long-term survival is hindered by other ecological pressures, such as predation and potential loss of predator-avoidance behaviors in isolated populations. These findings underscore the complexity of reintroduction efforts for endangered species and highlight the need for comprehensive strategies addressing multiple ecological challenges.