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Sales and survival within the contested acoustic territories of Mexico City's Historic Centre

Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco — 2017 — WHE82EF6CE9B6

Street vendors in Mexico City's Historic Centre employ specialized acoustic strategies to navigate the challenges posed by neoliberal economic policies and police crackdowns. These vendors use highly stylized cries (pregones) not only to attract customers but also to claim territory and coordinate evasions, demonstrating a sophisticated relationship between aurality and subaltern resistance. The study reveals that sounds serve as essential tools for survival in contested acoustic territories, highlighting the cultural significance of these practices within Mexico City's soundscape.

Sambor Prei Kuk

Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura — 2017 — WHECA18B977DB

Sambor Prei Kuk, a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cambodia, faces risks of marginalizing local farming communities and religious practices, mirroring issues seen at Angkor Wat. The study proposes an equitable rights-based framework to protect religious heritage, contrasting it with hierarchical approaches. It highlights the need for balanced policies that integrate human rights with cultural preservation, ensuring sustainable protection for both communities and traditions.

Samos, Griechenland: Heraion und Heilige Straße

Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos — 2017 — WHEA798874AF1

Archaeological excavations at the Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos have uncovered four distinct layers beneath the Great Altar, with the oldest dating back to 640/30 BC. These layers reveal a rich tapestry of votive offerings, pottery, and remnants of cultic rituals, including items sourced from Egypt and the Levant, highlighting the sanctuary's significance as a hub of cultural exchange in antiquity. Additionally, investigations north of the Sacred Road have identified the northeast limit of a prehistoric settlement spanning the 4th to 2nd millennia BC, with findings including destroyed levels from the Late Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age II, as well as three phases of Middle Bronze Age fortification walls. This research sheds light on the long-term evolution of the site's religious and urban landscape.

Samos, Griechenland. Wasser und Kult im Heraion von Samos. Die Arbeiten der Jahre 2016 bis 2017

Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos — 2017 — WHEC7A9FF39E4

Excavations at the Sanctuary of Hera on the Greek island of Samos have revealed over 100 hydrotechnical structures, including fountains, basins, cisterns, channels, and pipelines. These findings suggest a sophisticated water management system integral to cult activities in ancient times. A joint research project by the German Archaeological Institute and Lübeck University of Applied Sciences analyzed these structures using geohydrology, water management, and hydraulic engineering approaches. In 2017, researchers collected soil, sediment, water, and calcium carbonate deposits (sinter) samples during a field campaign to further investigate their role in the sanctuary's hydrological system.

Sandstone Diagenesis in Sediment–lava Sequences: Exceptional Examples of Volcanically Driven Diagenetic Compartmentalization in Dune Valley, Huab Outliers, Nw Namibia

Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes — 2017 — WHE7904694F89

Research at Twyfelfontein, Namibia, reveals three distinct diagenetic styles in fossilized dune sandstones encapsulated by lava flows from the Etendeka flood basalts. Type 1 dunes exhibit red coloring and minimal authigenic mineralization, driven primarily by grain compaction. Type 2 dunes, bleached white, show complex diagenesis with calcite, kaolinite, and böhmite, likely influenced by hydrothermal fluids rich in CO₂, H₂S, or H₂ from underlying igneous intrusions, resulting in lower porosity and permeability. Type 3 diagenesis reflects rapid induration due to lava contact ('volcano-eogenesis'), limited to shallow depths near lava interfaces. The study highlights volcanic-driven compartmentalization in sediment-lava sequences, offering insights into natural CO₂ sequestration processes and implications for hydrocarbon exploration.

Sardis

Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe — 2017 — WHE4ECE561F65

Sardis, a significant Byzantine city and former capital of Lydia, reveals a rich urban history spanning over 120 hectares on its acropolis slopes. The site's strategic importance persisted through the late antique period, with major monuments like the western bath-gymnasium serving as civic focal points until the early seventh century. Archaeological evidence indicates that while early churches were located outside the city, a large domed structure near the urban center likely functioned as a church in the sixth century. The seventh century marked a turning point, with many buildings being abandoned or destroyed, though later activity is evidenced by an extra-mural church complex and cemetery, including the Laskarid Church E built around 1200 AD. The acropolis remained fortified and strategically valuable into the early fourteenth century, underscoring Sardis's enduring significance in Byzantine Anatolia.

Satellite Radar Observations of Small Eddies in the White, Barents and Kara Seas

Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands — 2017 — WHE438D33E100

A comprehensive analysis of small-scale eddies in the White, Barents, and Kara Seas reveals distinct seasonal patterns and spatial distributions. Over 3500 eddy patterns were identified using satellite radar imagery, with cyclonic eddies being more prevalent than anticyclonic ones. Peak eddy activity occurs in July for the Barents and White Seas and August for the Kara Sea, with most eddies measuring less than 6 km in diameter. Notably, anticyclonic eddies tend to be larger than their cyclonic counterparts. Eddies are frequently observed near specific geographic features such as Svalbard, the Kola Peninsula, Novaya Zemlya, and the Solovetsky Islands, often coinciding with hydrological fronts. This study provides critical insights into the spatial-temporal dynamics of submesoscale eddies in these Arctic regions.

Saving Cultural Heritage with Digital Make-Believe: Machine Learning and Digital Techniques to the Rescue

Site of Palmyra — 2017 — WHE5721AB5571

Deep learning proves effective for semantic annotation of cultural heritage image data, offering a promising solution for preserving at-risk sites. This study introduces a framework combining digital image processing, multi-lingual text analysis, and 3D modeling to enhance archiving, search, and analysis capabilities. The approach aims to create immersive cultural experiences, assess damage, reconstruct virtual sites, and provide educational augmented information—critical in regions like Palmyra, where physical access is limited or unsafe. Initial evaluations demonstrate the potential of computational methods to transform how heritage data is curated and disseminated, bridging gaps between physical preservation and digital innovation.

Scenari di Suscettibilità a Frane in Roccia Lungo le Falesie Costiere: il Caso Studio della Costa Carbonatica del Cilento

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula — 2017 — WHE9DD8D20843

A multi-scale analysis reveals significant rockfall susceptibility along the carbonate cliffs of Cilento, Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Mediterranean Geopark. The study identified kinematically unstable areas using advanced remote sensing techniques, including Digital Photogrammetry (Structure from Motion) and LiDAR, which allowed for precise mapping of slope discontinuities and failure mechanisms. High-resolution photomosaics and thematic map overlays further refined susceptibility scenarios at multiple scales. Validation with field measurements confirmed the accuracy of these methods, highlighting their potential for assessing rockfall risks in coastal environments frequented by tourists.

Scientific Disciplines of Geojunggi (the Traditional Crane) in Korean Science, Technology and History Class

Hwaseong Fortress — 2017 — WHE597F965C7C

A traditional Korean crane mechanism, Geojunggi, offers valuable insights into the intersection of science, technology, and history. This study leverages historical mechanical drawings from 'Gigidoseol' and 'Hwaseongseongyeoguigwe' to develop an instructional strategy for teaching block-and-tackle and gear mechanisms in science education. By integrating these traditional sciences, the research provides a unique medium that bridges Science, Technology, and History (STH), enriching classroom materials and offering a novel approach to understanding mechanical principles. This method not only preserves historical knowledge but also enhances contemporary STEM education by connecting it with cultural heritage.

Scipio or Crassus? The Contested Heroic Image of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough (1650-1722)

Blenheim Palace — 2017 — WHECCDFBF14E0

John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough (1650–1722), emerged as an iconic Protestant hero and symbol of the Hanoverian Succession, overshadowing political opposition from Tories. This study reveals how Marlborough strategically shaped his public image through comparisons with ancient heroes like Scipio Africanus while leveraging Whig supremacy to cement his legacy in British popular culture. The research examines diverse literary and artistic representations, including hero merchandise and the Blenheim Palace mausoleum, highlighting the complex interplay between personal ambition, political propaganda, and cultural memory.

Screening for Bovine Tuberculosis in African Buffalo (Syncerus Caffer) in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Northern Tanzania: Implications for Public Health

Ngorongoro Conservation Area — 2017 — WHECF54E3581C

A low prevalence (2%) of bovine tuberculosis was detected in African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, using interferon gamma assays. The study highlights potential cross-species transmission risks between wildlife and livestock, given the intense interaction in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Researchers immobilized 102 buffalo from 16 herds using chemical sedatives and tested plasma samples for Mycobacterium bovis infection. These findings align with recent cattle skin test results, underscoring the need for targeted public health interventions to mitigate zoonotic disease spread.

Screening of antibiotic residues in fresh milk of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Kathmandu Valley — 2017 — WHE221B4A3483

A concerning prevalence of antibiotic residues, particularly amoxicillin and sulfadimethoxine, was detected in fresh milk from Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed that 81% of samples contained amoxicillin (68–802 µg/kg), while 41% tested positive for sulfadimethoxine (31–69 µg/kg). These levels often exceeded maximum residue limits, posing significant risks to consumer health. The study, which analyzed 140 milk samples from various sources, demonstrated that HPLC detected more positives than rapid screening kits due to higher precision and accuracy. This highlights critical gaps in regulatory implementation and monitoring in developing countries.

Sculpted by water, elevated by earthquakes—The coastal landscape of Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2017 — WHE191C7A4294

The coastal landscape of Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, is shaped by the dynamic interaction between tectonic plate motion and erosion. The Yakutat microplate moves northwest at nearly 5 centimeters per year relative to the North American Plate, causing earthquakes along the Fairweather Fault that displace the ground surface both horizontally (up to 6.5 meters) and vertically (up to 1 meter). These seismic events, such as the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in 1958, have raised and shifted the landscape over thousands to millions of years, while rivers, glaciers, and ocean waves continuously sculpt the terrain along the Gulf of Alaska coast.

Sculpture and the Garden

Studley Royal Park including the Ruins of Fountains Abbey — 2017 — WHEBF344C0FC6

A comprehensive exploration of the interplay between sculpture and garden design, 'Sculpture and the Garden' reveals how artistic expression has evolved within UNESCO World Heritage Site Studley Royal Park, from Georgian landscape gardens to modernist and postmodern interventions. The study demonstrates that sculpture has not only adorned but actively shaped the meaning and perception of public spaces, reflecting broader cultural, political, and social narratives. Through case studies—ranging from royal statues naturalizing the Hanoverian Dynasty to Henry Moore's Recumbent Figure and Ian Hamilton Finlay’s Little Sparta—the research uncovers how sculpture serves as a dynamic tool for redefining landscapes, identity, and public experience. The approach combines historical analysis, art history, and landscape theory, offering insights into the regeneration of heritage sites through contemporary artistic practices.

Scute Patterns as an Individual Identification Tool in an American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) Population on Coiba Island, Panama

Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection — 2017 — WHE9D05AE17C4

Researchers have demonstrated that the unique scute patterns on the backs of American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) can serve as a reliable individual identification tool. By analyzing 110 wild-caught crocodiles from Coiba Island, Panama, they found significant variability in both the number and arrangement of dorsal scutes per individual. Using binary and coded analyses of transverse scute lines (TSL), they successfully identified each crocodile with high precision, requiring only the first 13 or 10 TSLs for accurate recognition. The probability of pattern repetition was extremely low—one in 49,504 for binary analysis and one in 3,333 for coded analysis—suggesting this method could uniquely identify every crocodile on Coiba Island, where the population is estimated at no more than 1,000 individuals. This study introduces a novel non-invasive approach for wildlife monitoring, particularly valuable for conservation efforts in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Coiba National Park.

Searching for the Kitchen in the Early Roman Phase of the ‘Hellenistic’ House at Nea Paphos (Cyprus)

Paphos — 2017 — WHEB703540702

Archaeological evidence from the Nea Paphos site in Cyprus reveals that rooms 22 and 23 likely served as a kitchen during the early Roman phase of destruction. A collection of fifteen cooking vessels, primarily deep globular pots from Cyprus, along with Italian lids and an orlo bifido pan, were found in situ within these rooms. Additionally, two Aegean cooking vessels—a globular pot and a baking dish—were discovered in room 23. The significant quantity and variety of cooking pottery suggest that these rooms functioned as a kitchen space, providing new insights into the domestic architecture and culinary practices of the period.

Seasonal and diurnal variations in methane and carbon dioxide in the Kathmandu Valley in the foothills of the central Himalayas

Kathmandu Valley — 2017 — WHE3DD00F3415

Kathmandu Valley exhibits significantly higher levels of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) compared to global background sites. Annual averages measured at Bode, a semi-urban location in the valley, were 419.3 ppm for CO2 and 2.192 ppm for CH4—substantially above levels recorded in Mauna Loa (USA) and Waliguan (China). Seasonal variations showed that CO2 peaked during the pre-monsoon season due to forest fires and agro-residue burning, while CH4 exhibited minimal seasonal fluctuation. Diurnal patterns revealed pronounced morning peaks for all three gases (CO2, CH4, and CO), with a notable dip in the afternoon, attributed to local emissions such as residential cooking, vehicle exhaust, and brick kiln activities during winter. Simultaneous measurements at a rural site (Chanban) confirmed that urban areas like Bode experience 3.8–64% higher gas concentrations, underscoring the valley's unique geography and pollution dynamics.

Seasonal Pattern In the High-Elevation Fluvial Travertine From the Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve, Sichuan, Southwestern China

Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2017 — WHE12107F8E64

High-elevation fluvial travertine deposits in Jiuzhaigou Valley, Sichuan, exhibit unique seasonal patterns influenced by monsoon-driven climate shifts. The study reveals that low-turbulence facies, dominated by moss and cyanobacteria encrustations, transition to high-turbulence facies with distinct algal layers (Phormidium sp. in late spring and Oocardium stratum in summer–fall). These deposits, occurring at elevations up to 2900 meters, are highly sensitive to climate variability, particularly precipitation changes linked to glacial activity during the mid-Holocene. The research also documents the highest recorded elevation for encrusted chironomid larvae tubes (2860 m) and highlights the region's potential as a sensitive indicator of Quaternary glacial dynamics in the Himalayan–Tibetan area.

Seasonal Variation of Eutrophication in Some Lakes of Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve

Danube Delta — 2017 — WHE24454DA04A

Fluorescence spectroscopy emerges as a promising tool for assessing eutrophication levels in Danube Delta lakes, revealing that cyanobacteria and Cryptophyta significantly contribute to protein-like dissolved organic matter (DOM). This study highlights the seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton assemblages, with cyanobacteria posing potential ecological or human health risks. By analyzing specific phytoplankton pigments and quantifying DOM changes across three lakes, researchers identified key contributors to eutrophication, offering a qualitative evaluation method for water quality in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.