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Sociopolitical, Ceremonial, and Economic Aspects of Gambling in Ancient North America: a Case Study of Chaco Canyon

Chaco Culture — 2017 — WHE5E30E1DFB7

Gambling played a multifaceted role in ancient Chaco Canyon (AD 800–1180), serving as a social, economic, and ceremonial mechanism that integrated diverse communities, facilitated trade, accumulated material wealth, perpetuated religious ideology, and established social inequality. This study challenges contemporary Western perceptions of gambling by analyzing 471 gaming artifacts from museum collections alongside oral traditions of descendant Native cultures, revealing its dynamic and productive nature in precontact North American societies.

Some Consideration of the Structure of Koguryo Stone Mounded Tomb Viewing the Recent Archaeological Materials

Complex of Koguryo Tombs — 2017 — WHE38584576D8

A new classification system for Koguryo stone mounded tombs is proposed, addressing limitations of previous typologies by incorporating recent archaeological findings. The study identifies distinct sub-types within the 'fence and coffin style' chamber, distinguishing between wooden and stone chambers based on material and burial type. It also introduces a framework for classifying collective tombs, considering the number of visible mounds. By analyzing construction methods, mound structures, and burial practices, this approach offers a more nuanced understanding of Koguryo burial customs, paving the way for deeper historical reconstruction despite inherent limitations due to natural or artificial modifications over time.

Some Folios of the Tathāgataguṇajñānācintyaviṣayāvatāra and Dvādaśadaṇḍakanāmāṣṭaśatavimalīkaraṇā in the Kurita Collection

Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa — 2017 — WHE9EBB2A35A2

A recent discovery of Sanskrit birch-bark manuscripts from ancient Greater Gāndhāra, dating between 679–770 CE with high probability, has revealed previously unknown folios of two Mahāyāna scriptures: the Tathāgataguṇajñānācintyaviṣayāvatāra and the Dvādaśadaṇḍakanāmāṣṭaśatavimalīkaraṇā. These fragments, identified among hundreds in the Kurita Collection, provide critical insights into early Buddhist textual traditions. The study compared these manuscripts with known texts, including a 1999 Potala Palace manuscript of the Śraddhābalādhānāvatāramudrāsūtra, confirming their affiliation with a broader group of scriptures. Additionally, it highlighted errors in an earlier edition of the Dvādaśadaṇḍakanāmāṣṭaśatavimalīkaraṇā by Dutt, based on Tibetan and Chinese translations.

Sonoran Pre-Hispanic Traditions

Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes — 2017 — WHE10C8996AA9

Recent archaeological research in the Sonoran region of northern Mexico reveals that pre-Hispanic traditions, previously thought to be extensions of southern or northern cultural influences, are actually the result of complex local developments. This finding challenges long-held assumptions about the region's cultural history and highlights the significance of collaborative international archaeology, which has been limited by the U.S.-Mexico border. The study defines six distinct ceramic period archaeological traditions in Sonora—Central Coast, Trincheras, Casas Grandes, Río Sonora, Huatabampo, and Serrana—demonstrating their unique origins rather than external influences. This research underscores the importance of cross-border collaboration in uncovering the rich archaeological record of the region.

Source apportionment of NMVOCs in the Kathmandu Valley during the SusKat-ABC international field campaign using positive matrix factorization

Kathmandu Valley — 2017 — WHEE2F2F189D8

A study using positive matrix factorization identified eight major sources of non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) in the Kathmandu Valley, with unresolved industrial emissions and traffic being the largest contributors. Notably, biomass co-fired brick kilns significantly elevated concentrations of health-relevant NMVOCs like benzene. Biogenic emissions dominated daytime ozone production potential, even in winter, while secondary organic aerosol (SOA) production was equally influenced by brick kilns and traffic. The research also found that existing emission inventories underestimate traffic contributions and omit brick kiln emissions entirely, highlighting gaps in current models. This quantitative source apportionment provides critical insights for refining NMVOC emission inventories and guiding mitigation strategies in the Kathmandu Valley.

Source levels and call parameters of harbor seal breeding vocalizations near a terrestrial haulout site in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2017 — WHE34CE4ACC8D

Harbor seal breeding vocalizations near the Beardslee Islands in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve exhibit notably lower minimum frequencies (78 Hz) compared to previously reported values, with average source levels of 144 dBRMS re 1 μPa at 1 m. The study, conducted using a three-element planar hydrophone array, measured four key call parameters: minimum frequency, peak frequency, total duration (averaging 4.8 seconds), and pulse duration (averaging 3.0 seconds). These findings suggest that while the duration of calls aligns with other populations, the lower frequency range may reflect regional or environmental adaptations.

Sources et bibliographie

Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex — 2017 — WHE11ECAFA031

A comprehensive exploration of the Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex in Antwerp, Belgium, reveals previously unpublished sources and archival materials that offer unprecedented insights into the 16th-century publishing industry. The study uncovers rare documents, including the 'Journal de Christophe Plantin' (1558–1574) and 'Pour les libraires' (1564), along with records from the Évêché du Mans and Abbaye de Saint-Calais, which detail land ownership, parish records, and business transactions. These findings provide a detailed snapshot of the Plantin family's publishing activities, their economic strategies, and their interactions with local authorities and religious institutions. The research employs a meticulous archival approach, analyzing both primary sources from Antwerp and supplementary documents from Le Mans, Lyon, and Paris to reconstruct the historical context of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sources for the Liturgy of Canterbury Cathedral in the Central Middle Ages

Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church — 2017 — WHE7CC34E98A6

A substantial body of liturgical texts from Canterbury Cathedral's central Middle Ages has been identified, providing valuable insights into the cathedral's liturgical practices and architectural history. This research presents a provisional list of manuscripts containing material for occasional rites such as Candlemas, Palm Sunday, and church dedications, offering evidence for Canterbury’s unique liturgy. The study highlights how these sources can elucidate the policies of individual bishops, the evolution of the cathedral's fabric, and changes in liturgical performance over time.

Sources of theNotabilia(1427), a medieval handwritten grammatical treatise from the Portuguese monastery of Alcobaça

Monastery of Alcobaça — 2017 — WHEE1A6F4E071

A significant medieval Latin-Portuguese grammatical treatise, known as the Notabilia (1427), has been identified within the Cistercian Monastery of Alcobaça's collection, housed in the Portuguese National Library. This elaborate manuscript, comprising 31 chapters and potentially copied by two scribes, remains unpublished despite its complexity and historical importance. The study reveals that the Notabilia draws from multiple influential sources, including Donatus (mid-4th century), Priscian (late 5th to early 6th century), Alexander of Villa Dei (c.1170–c.1250), Giovanni Balbi de Genova (fl.1286–1298), and two pre-modist grammarians, Petrus Helias (c.1100–post-1166) and Robert Kilwardby (c.1215–1279). The treatise may also reference lesser-known works such as the Catalan-Aragonese grammaticae proverbiandi or Giovanni da Soncino's Italian Notabilia. This analysis sheds light on the intellectual and linguistic exchanges of the time, particularly within monastic and academic circles.

Soviet Modernism in the Historic Context. The Cases of Vilnius and Panevėžys City Centers

Vilnius Historic Centre — 2017 — WHEFC7EC470CB

Soviet modernism significantly altered the historic contexts of Lithuanian city centers, particularly in Vilnius and Panevėžys, during the 1960s to 1990s. The study reveals that architectural changes varied across decades, reflecting distinct approaches to integrating new construction with historical settings. This period marked a transition in building practices, often compromising the individuality and singularity of historic centers. By analyzing distinctive buildings in these cities, the research demonstrates how Soviet modernism both advanced urban development while challenging the preservation of cultural heritage.

Space

Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site — 2017 — WHE845B8CCE86

A critical gap in understanding the health effects of gradual, low-dose radiation exposure has been addressed through the Million Person Study (MPS), the largest study of its kind. This study, involving over 360,000 U.S. Department of Energy workers and other exposed individuals, provides substantial statistical power to quantify risks associated with prolonged, low-dose radiation exposure. Unlike terrestrial-based organizations that rely on dose limits, NASA employs an individual risk-based system for astronauts, allowing a 3% risk of exposure-induced death (REID) from cancer. The MPS aims to reduce uncertainty in risk estimates, enabling longer space missions by narrowing the 95% confidence interval. Additionally, it offers insights into gender differences in radiation response and evaluates non-cancer outcomes such as neurological disorders and cardiovascular disease.

Spacio-Temporal Distribution and Tourist Impact on Airborne Bacteria in a Cave (Škocjan Caves, Slovenia)

Škocjan Caves — 2017 — WHE55FFF844AE

A strong positive correlation exists between tourist numbers and the concentration of airborne bacteria in the Škocjan Caves, with bacterial levels rising significantly during periods of high river discharge. The study, conducted using MALDI-TOF MS to identify cultivable airborne bacteria, found a mix of human-associated and natural habitat bacteria, including some from Risk Group 2. Despite dynamic cave climate conditions, large chambers did not show enhanced bacterial concentrations. This research highlights the impact of tourism on cave microbiota and underscores the complexity of microbial dynamics in visited caves.

Spatial and Temporal Changes of Sundarbans Reserve Forest in Bangladesh

The Sundarbans — 2017 — WHE7A275E459E

From 1973 to 2010, the Sundarbans Reserve Forest (SRF) in Bangladesh experienced minimal overall area loss but significant internal shifts in land cover. Water bodies, mudflats, and barren lands expanded by 0.45%, 19.69%, and 14.81% respectively, while vegetated land declined by 4.01%. This suggests a decline in evergreen vegetation density and canopy closure. Researchers used remote sensing and GIS tools, applying the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to analyze these changes. The study recommends real-time monitoring systems for future spatial and temporal tracking of SRF's land cover dynamics.

Spatial clustering of high load ocular Chlamydia trachomatis infection in trachoma: a cross-sectional population-based study

Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô — 2017 — WHEBFEEB1A8E4

Researchers have identified spatial clusters of high bacterial load Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infections in trachoma-endemic communities on the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea Bissau. These clusters, independent of age and gender, suggest that high Ct loads may play a significant role in transmission dynamics. The study used droplet digital PCR to measure Ct load on conjunctival swabs from 1507 participants during a geospatially representative trachoma survey. Geostatistical tools were employed to analyze the spatial distribution of infections, revealing no clustering for low-load infections. This finding highlights the potential use of these tools in trachoma surveillance post-treatment to identify infection clusters and critical Ct load thresholds that could indicate re-emergent infection foci.

Spatial distribution of economic activities in heritage cities: The case of the historic city of Toledo, Spain.

Historic City of Toledo — 2017 — WHE90FE236D42

Heritage buildings and street network properties significantly influence the spatial distribution of economic activities in historic cities. Using Toledo, Spain, as a case study, researchers found that the presence of heritage sites like cathedrals and town halls, combined with two key urban design metrics—spatial integration (how connected a street segment is to the city) and spatial choice (its prominence or visibility)—can accurately predict where economic activity, particularly tourism-related, thrives. The study employed street audits to map ground-floor activities, Space Syntax analysis to measure integration and choice at neighborhood and city-wide scales, and GIS tools to assess proximity to heritage buildings. Statistical modeling confirmed that these three variables—heritage intensity, spatial integration, and spatial choice—collectively explain the distribution of economic activity in Toledo's historic center.

Spatial Patterns of Summer Speedup on South Central Alaska Glaciers

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2017 — WHE2D20DA2D42

Researchers have identified consistent spatial patterns of summer speedup on glaciers in Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias Ranges, providing new insights into glacier behavior and potential implications for ice discharge and erosion. The study, which analyzed 13 out of 19 land-terminating glaciers using a novel workflow based on Landsat 8 feature tracking, found that summer speedups are relatively uniform across much of the ablation zones and vary by only a factor of ~2 between glaciers with velocities spanning an order of magnitude. These speedups extend up to ~30 km up glacier from termini and often terminate at the bases of icefalls. The findings suggest the possibility of parameterizing this phenomenon in glacier models, offering a systematic observation of enhanced summer basal motion that could improve our understanding of glacier dynamics.

Species conservation profiles of endemic spiders (Araneae) from Madeira and Selvagens archipelagos, Portugal

Laurisilva of Madeira — 2017 — WHE7FECF9DE0C

Seven endemic spider species from the Madeira and Selvagens archipelagos face ongoing declines, primarily due to habitat destruction, invasive plants, forest fires, and competition with invasive congeners. One species, M. barreti, is suspected of being possibly extinct. While most endemic spiders benefit from the protection of laurisilva forests, cave-dwelling, mountain-restricted species, and those threatened by invasives require urgent conservation attention. The study assesses all 56 endemic spider species using IUCN Red List criteria, highlighting the need for expanded protected areas, habitat restoration, and invasive species control to ensure their survival.

Specimen records of spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) by monthly census for 3 years in forest areas of Yakushima Island, Japan

Yakushima — 2017 — WHE64162C1EC8

A comprehensive three-year inventory of spider biodiversity on Yakushima Island, Japan, reveals 31 families and 165 species or morphotypes, including undescribed and unidentified taxa. This study marks the first systematic trapping survey of spiders in Japan, providing critical insights into the island's unique forest ecosystem, which is partly designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Researchers used Malaise and window traps across five forests—two plantations and three natural forests—to collect 3487 specimens from 2006 to 2008. The data, preserved in ethanol and archived on the GBIF network, offer new baseline information for assessing forest health and biodiversity conservation efforts.

Spectacular Modernity: Dictatorship, Space, and Visuality in Venezuela, 1948–1958 by Lisa Blackmore

Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas — 2017 — WHE03005AE60F

Lisa Blackmore's book, 'Spectacular Modernity: Dictatorship, Space, and Visuality in Venezuela, 1948–1958,' reveals that the architectural marvels of Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas and the Hotel Humboldt were integral to dictator Marcos Pérez Jiménez’s propaganda campaign, aiming to depict Venezuela as a modernized nation under authoritarian rule. Using detailed historical research and archival analysis, Blackmore demonstrates how these structures, including Alexander Calder's 'Clouds or Flying Saucers,' were deployed to justify political repression while promoting the dictatorship's developmentalist doctrine. The study highlights the tension between architectural innovation and democratic erosion during this pivotal period in Venezuelan history.

Spectral Analysis of the Recorded Ambient Vibration at a Mass Movement in Brasilia

Brasilia — 2017 — WHE29E3431EFB

A spectral analysis of ambient vibrations at a mass movement site in Brasília, Brazil, reveals strong correlations between noise frequency content and man-induced emissions, particularly from nearby carbonate mining. The study utilized Power Spectral Density (PSD) to characterize noise sources, employing 10 short-period seismometers with a natural frequency response of 2 Hz, recorded at a sampling rate of 250 samples per second. Preliminary findings suggest that while human activities significantly influence vibration patterns, future research will focus on natural factors such as rainfall-induced saturation and seismic activity to better understand their role in altering mechanical properties and landslide dynamics.