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The quantitative genetic analysis of craniometric phenotype of Yinxu population, Anyang

Yin Xu — 2017 — WHE3605E92179

A quantitative genetic analysis of craniometric data from Yin Xu, the capital of the late Shang Dynasty (3250–2996 BP), reveals significant population structure and gene flow patterns in northern China during the Bronze Age. The study found that while the ZXM group (medium and small tombs) showed close genetic ties to local Neolithic populations with frequent gene exchange along the Yellow River, the JSK group (sacrifice pits) exhibited higher craniofacial variation, indicating diverse origins including Inner Mongolia-Great Wall and Ganqing regions. No evidence of European or Oceanian gene flow was detected. The research suggests that geographic barriers likely limited gene exchange during this period, challenging the reliability of racial classification in tracing external genetic influences.

The railway station Mürzzuschlag in relation to the Semmering Base Tunnel

Semmering Railway — 2017 — WHECF98984FE5

The Semmering Base Tunnel (SBT), set to open by 2026/27, will transform the Baltic-Adriatic railway axis from a mountain route to a flat trajectory, significantly enhancing its efficiency. This transformation will elevate the strategic importance of Mürzzuschlag station in Austria, serving as a critical hub for both passenger and freight traffic. The SBT is projected to reduce travel time for long-distance passengers by approximately 30 minutes due to improved connections with Vienna's metropolitan area. Additionally, rail freight traffic will benefit from the elimination of mountain crossings. Infrastructure upgrades at Mürzzuschlag station, including expanded park & ride facilities, better public transport links, and renovations to existing buildings, are expected to have lasting positive impacts on its functionality and accessibility.

The Rebirth of Bodh Gaya

Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya — 2017 — WHE6D88436A02

Bodh Gaya, the site of Buddha's enlightenment, has undergone a dramatic transformation from a small agricultural town to a globally significant Buddhist pilgrimage destination, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. This shift, culminating in its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, has sparked complex spatial politics and conflicts among diverse constituencies. The study examines the modern revival of Buddhism in India, the interplay between colonial and postcolonial heritage dynamics, and the impacts of tourism and urban development on sacred space. By employing historical ethnography, it reveals how Bodh Gaya's evolution reflects broader tensions over meaning, identity, and power in contemporary India.

The Rebuilding of Canterbury Cathedral by Archbishop Wulfred (805–32)

Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church — 2017 — WHE35001531C0

A reassessment of archaeological remains unearthed beneath Canterbury Cathedral's present nave reveals that Archbishop Wulfred's rebuilding campaign around 813 was more significant than previously understood. This early-9th-century structure, now recognized as an important architectural and liturgical model in Anglo-Saxon England, paralleled contemporary Carolingian developments on the continent. The study reanalyzes excavation data from 1997 to propose an alternative reconstruction of the cathedral's original design, shedding new light on its historical and cultural significance.

The Refurbishment of Llangollen Chainbridge

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal — 2017 — WHE99FEA43374

The refurbishment of Llangollen Chainbridge, a historic suspension bridge over the River Dee, successfully reintegrated its original wrought iron chain links after a 30-year closure due to safety concerns. This restoration, costing £345,000 and executed by Ramboll (design) and Shemec Ltd., involved meticulous dismantling, labeling, and reassembly of each metal component, preserving the bridge's original structure. The refurbished bridge now reconnects the Llangollen railway with the Llangollen canal, a key part of the Pontcysyllte World Heritage site, while potentially boosting local tourism. Notably, the bridge retains the world's oldest known wrought iron chain links, originally installed in 1817 and rebuilt in 1870s and 1928 post-flooding.

The regaining of public spaces to enhance the historic urban landscape

Mantua and Sabbioneta — 2017 — WHE7AB846A53E

Historic urban landscapes, recognized as cultural heritage by UNESCO, face significant challenges due to the deterioration and abandonment of public spaces, which threatens their identity. This study identifies key strategies to counteract the decline of these spaces, focusing on interventions that enhance fruition while preserving historic and cultural values. By comparing Management Plans from Italian UNESCO World Heritage cities with urban complex characteristics, the research pinpoints major targets and executive tools for open space management. The proposed strategies aim to improve comfort and accessibility in places like streets, squares, and gardens, with practical applications tested in Mantua and Sabbioneta. Citizen involvement played a crucial role in the requalification design process, offering insights into the applicability of these approaches in complex urban settings.

The relationship between forest fragmentation and the potential geographical distribution of psittacids (Psittaciformes: Psittacidae) in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2017 — WHE6DBC44452D

Forest fragmentation significantly influences the potential geographical distribution of certain parrot species (psittacids) in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Specifically, Eupsittula nana, Amazona xantholora, and Pionus senilis show preferences for larger habitat patches, with their distributions being closely tied to metrics such as mean patch edge, shape index, and perimeter-area ratio. In contrast, Pyrilia haematotis and Amazona oratrix did not exhibit a clear relationship between fragmentation and their distribution patterns. The study highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts in areas like Campeche and Quintana Roo, where high parrot diversity is threatened by human activities. Researchers used Maximum Entropy algorithm-based potential distribution maps and landscape metrics derived from land use data to assess these relationships. Maintaining extensive forest areas is recommended to ensure the survival of psittacid populations.

The relative influence of change in habitat and climate on elevation range limits in small mammals in Yosemite National Park, California, U.S.A.

Yosemite National Park — 2017 — WHE406FAC1ACD

Climate change has a stronger influence on the elevation range shifts of small mammals in Yosemite National Park compared to habitat changes, particularly at higher elevations. However, habitat factors become increasingly important at mid-elevations for predicting these shifts. The study used species distribution models (SDMs) and occupancy modeling (OM) to analyze data from 1910–1930 and 2003–2010, finding that while climate was the dominant driver of range dynamics, habitat played a significant role in lower elevation shifts. Predictions were more accurate for range contractions at higher elevations, but some observed shifts remained unexplained, suggesting the need to incorporate biotic interactions, behavioral flexibility, and evolutionary adaptation into future modeling frameworks.

The relevance of vocational education to the livelihoods of rural youth, Luang Prabang Province, Laos

Town of Luang Prabang — 2017 — WHE32B622061B

Rural youth in Luang Prabang, Laos, prioritize not only economic prosperity but also broader human development aspects such as wellbeing, democracy, and social justice when considering vocational education. Current Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) policies focus narrowly on poverty reduction and economic growth, overlooking these diverse livelihood aspirations. The study employed qualitative and ethnographic methods—interviews, focus groups, and transect walks—to reveal that a human capabilities approach could better align TVET with the multifaceted needs of Indigenous youth, suggesting policy reforms to balance economic objectives with broader development dimensions.

The Remains of Liangzhu Culture at Jiangzhuang Site in Xinghua and Dongtai Cities, Jiangsu

Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City — 2017 — WHE82CC561B9A

Excavations at the Jiangzhuang Site, conducted between 2011 and 2015 by the Institute of Archaeology, Nanjing Museum, challenge traditional views on the geographical extent of Liangzhu Culture. The study uncovered a densely arranged cemetery with well-preserved human skeletons, including primary and secondary burials, alongside settlement features such as house foundations, ash pits, water wells, and ash ditches. This research expands the known northern boundary of Liangzhu Culture beyond the Yangtze River, providing new evidence for studying its civilization, social organization, burial customs, and racial attribution. The extensive skeletal remains offer valuable insights into the people's lives and societal structures during this period.

The Research on Early Medieval Mural Paintings and its Challenges

Abbey Church of Saint-Savin sur Gartempe — 2017 — WHE4BDCC74B06

A pioneering monographic publication on early medieval mural paintings, the study of the Abbey Church of Saint-Savin sur Gartempe by Prosper de Merimée, marked a significant milestone in the preservation and documentation of Romanesque art. This work, published between 1844 and 1845, was among the first to focus on such a complex, providing detailed text and illustrations that set a precedent for future research. The study highlighted the challenges in distinguishing original medieval paintings from later additions, which often resulted in the deterioration of older layers due to repainting. This approach underscored the importance of understanding the historical context and techniques used in medieval mural art, contributing foundational knowledge to the field.

The reuse and conservation of Ottoman commercial inns on the Historic Peninsula in Istanbul

Historic Areas of Istanbul — 2017 — WHE7B949BEC76

Ottoman commercial inns on Istanbul's Historic Peninsula, characterized by their large courtyards serving as social public spaces, face significant challenges in adaptive reuse. This study identifies key obstacles and proposes integrated conservation strategies to preserve these historic structures while ensuring their functionality in modern urban life. By analyzing the transition from traditional bazaars to contemporary shopping models, the research highlights the need for balanced approaches that maintain cultural heritage without compromising daily utility.

The reverse precautionary principle: science, the environment and the salmon aquaculture industry in Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania, Australia

Tasmanian Wilderness — 2017 — WHE50E3179E16

A marked decline in dissolved oxygen (DO) at depths of 19–21 meters in Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania, between 2009 and 2011 has been linked to fish farming activities. This study reveals that the primary predictor of benthic DO reduction is fish production from marine farms, with other environmental factors such as discharge, rainfall, wind speed, sea surface temperatures, and sea level pressure having no significant effect. The research suggests that adaptive management of fish farming in Macquarie Harbour requires an estuary-wide approach rather than focusing on individual pens. Additionally, the findings underscore the importance of independent scientific research, funded separately from industry and government, to ensure unbiased environmental impact assessments.

The Ritual Mode of Production in the Casas Grandes Social Field

Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes — 2017 — WHE1EC1C8D9FA

A shift from domestic to ritual labor appropriation occurred in the Casas Grandes region, Mexico, during the Medio period (AD 1200–1450), particularly around Paquimé. Unlike traditional modes of production, this new system channeled surplus labor into site construction, communal agriculture for feasting, and advanced craftsmanship while maintaining limited elite exploitation. The study argues that these changes represent an evolution rather than a complete departure from the domestic mode, suggesting a nuanced social organization in pre-Hispanic societies.

The Road to Xanadu in the Travels of Marco Polo

Site of Xanadu — 2017 — WHEE8FEE050F5

A reconstructed itinerary from Beijing to Xanadu, based on Marco Polo's 13th-century account, aligns with modern geographical data. Using Google Earth and Wikimapia, researchers mapped a plausible route that corresponds with the Venetian traveler's descriptions in 'The Milione.' This study bridges historical narrative with contemporary cartography, offering new insights into Polo's journey through the Site of Xanadu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in China.

The role of climate and environmental variables in structuring bird assemblages in the Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests (SDTFs)

Serra da Capivara National Park — 2017 — WHE54745EBD43

Bird species richness peaks during the rainy season and declines significantly in dry periods within Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests (SDTFs), revealing strong seasonal climate influences on bird communities. This pattern, observed in Serra da Capivara National Park and adjacent areas, underscores how environmental heterogeneity and spatial factors shape both species diversity and composition. While local environmental conditions primarily drive richness, variations in species composition are more strongly linked to broader environmental and spatial dynamics. The study highlights the vulnerability of these ecosystems to climate change, particularly frequent droughts and rising temperatures, which threaten desertification and biodiversity loss—exacerbated by deforestation and insufficient conservation efforts. These findings emphasize the need for targeted conservation strategies to mitigate climate-driven disruptions in xeric environments like Brazil's Caatinga biome.

The role of environmental filtering in the functional structure of fish communities in tropical wetlands

Sian Ka'an — 2017 — WHE8451C7A49F

Environmental filtering plays a significant role in structuring fish communities in tropical wetlands, particularly under severe conditions. A study conducted in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve (SKBR), Mexico, revealed that as the dry season progresses, environmental filters increasingly dominate community structure, leading to a dominance of three key species by the end of the season. Researchers analyzed fish communities using a functional dispersion index weighted by relative abundance against null models across five permanent pools during three stages of the dry season. They found significant reductions in functional dispersion for locomotion but not for food acquisition, with overall functional variation becoming more distinct from random models as the season advanced. This suggests that environmental conditions, such as depth and temperature gradients, act as strong filters shaping community composition under harsh environmental pressures.

The role of glaciers and glacier research in the development of U. S. national parks

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2017 — WHE2722294E67

National parks and glacier research are deeply intertwined, playing pivotal roles in U.S. history and cultural identity. A significant portion of the nation's glaciers, covering approximately 75,000 km², is protected within national parks, with a substantial 43,745 km² located in nine Alaskan parks, including Wrangell-St. Elias, which alone harbors 29,041 km² of glacial coverage. Glaciers have profoundly shaped the landscapes and habitats of these parks, influencing their development. The study highlights the contributions of glacier researchers, such as John Muir, who pioneered early research in areas like Yosemite and Glacier Bay, measuring glacier movement and recognizing signs of past glaciations. This research underscores the integral relationship between national parks and glaciers, reflecting Robert Sterling Yard's perspective that geology defines scenery.

The Role of Metal Procurement in the Wide Interregional Connections of Arslantepe during the Late 4th–Early 3rd Millennia bc

Arslantepe Mound — 2017 — WHE9F11BC08C8

A remarkable increase in metal demand and production at Arslantepe Mound, dating from the second half of the fourth millennium BCE, coincides with intensified interregional connections between mobile pastoral communities in northern and north-eastern Anatolia and populations along the Upper and Middle Euphrates. These relationships were likely facilitated by emerging early state centers like Arslantepe, which served as a hub for cultural exchange with the Syro-Mesopotamian world. The study reveals striking similarities in metal technology, composition, and object types across these regions, alongside continuity in Arslantepe's metal products into the early third millennium BCE, when Kura-Araxes-linked cultures dominated. This suggests that metal procurement played a pivotal role in fostering wide-ranging interregional networks during this period.

The Role of Preah Vihear in Hun Sen's Nationalism Politics, 2008–2013

Temple of Preah Vihear — 2017 — WHE4AFB32BAFA

The Temple of Preah Vihear emerged as a potent political tool for Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen during the 2008–2013 period, significantly bolstering his nationalist rhetoric and electoral success. By framing Thailand as an adversary in the long-standing border dispute, Hun Sen leveraged anti-Thai sentiment to enhance national unity and political prestige. While Thailand's efforts to claim the temple had limited domestic impact, Cambodia's strategic use of the conflict—amplified through media and public relations—proved pivotal in Hun Sen's political strategy, aiding his re-election campaigns. The study reveals how cultural heritage sites can be weaponized in geopolitical tensions, with Preah Vihear serving as both a symbol of national identity and a catalyst for political consolidation.