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Investigating the Effect of National Park Sustainability on National Park Behavioral Intention: Kinabalu National Park

Kinabalu Park — 2016 — WHE42DE0D4903

National Park Sustainability (NPSus) significantly influences tourist behavioral intentions indirectly through National Park Satisfaction (NPSat), with NPSat acting as a full mediator. While direct effects of NPSus on National Park Behavioral Intention (NPBI) were not observed, the study highlights that enhancing sustainability in national parks can foster positive tourist behavior by improving satisfaction. This finding provides actionable insights for destination sustainability efforts, particularly in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Kinabalu National Park (KNP). The research employed structural equation modeling to analyze data from 600 tourists, offering a robust framework for understanding the interplay between park sustainability and visitor engagement.

Investigating the tool marks on oracle bones inscriptions from the Yinxu site (ca., 1319–1046 BC), Henan province, China

Yin Xu — 2016 — WHEC8C5819FBA

A study of oracle bone inscriptions from the Yinxu site, dating to the late Shang dynasty (ca. 1319–1046 BC), reveals two distinct carving techniques used by ancient scribes: direct carving and 'outlining design.' The latter involved engraving a draft outline before refining it into formal characters, likely as a method to minimize errors. Microscopic analysis of tool marks on tortoise shell surfaces shows that strokes were engraved from top to bottom with pointed tools, ruling out the use of rotary wheel-cutting tools due to the ruggedness of groove bottoms and neatness of edges. The findings suggest that scribes employed sharp, precise instruments, possibly metal, for engraving, providing new insights into the craftsmanship and techniques of early Chinese writing systems.

Investigation of and Response to 2 Plague Cases, Yosemite National Park, California, USA, 2015

Yosemite National Park — 2016 — WHE44630F58FD

In August 2015, two cases of plague caused by Yersinia pestis were confirmed in visitors to Yosemite National Park, California. One patient presented with septicemic plague while the other had bubonic plague. Environmental investigations pinpointed distinct exposure locations for each case and detected evidence of an ongoing epizootic in the park. Genetic analysis using whole-genome multilocus sequence typing revealed that at least two separate strains of Y. pestis were circulating among rodent hosts and flea vectors, indicating multiple transmission chains. Public health interventions, including education campaigns and targeted insecticide applications to control fleas, likely mitigated further risk to park visitors and staff.

Invigorating ocean boundary current systems around Australia during 1979–2014: As simulated in a near‐global eddy‐resolving ocean model

Ningaloo Coast — 2016 — WHEFB41106717

Ocean boundary currents around Australia have significantly strengthened from 1979 to 2014, according to simulations using a near-global eddy-resolving ocean model. This study reveals that major current systems—including the East Australian Current (EAC), Indonesian Throughflow (ITF), Leeuwin Current, South Australian Current, and Flinders Current—have intensified, aligning with observational data. The strengthening is primarily driven by large-scale wind patterns linked to climate variability, such as the phase shift of the Inter-decadal Pacific Oscillation and poleward shifts in subtropical gyres. These changes have led to extreme oceanographic conditions, including marine heatwaves off Ningaloo Coast (2011–2013) and ecosystem shifts along Australia's east coast. Understanding these trends is critical for projecting future coastal marine system changes under greenhouse gas forcing.

Invisible trophic links? Quantifying the importance of non-standard food sources for key intertidal avian predators in the Eastern Atlantic

Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô — 2016 — WHE3423D4718B

Research reveals that shorebirds, typically seen as predators of intertidal macroinvertebrates, significantly incorporate non-standard food sources into their diets. Using stable isotope analysis and Bayesian mixing models, the study found that supratidal saltpans can contribute over 30% to the biomass ingested by several shorebird species across four coastal wetlands in the Eastern Atlantic. Additionally, seagrass rhizomes accounted for more than 10% of the diet in some regions, while biofilm consumption was detected for the first time in the East Atlantic Flyway, specifically in the little stint (Calidris minuta). This study highlights the complexity and connectivity of intertidal food webs, challenging traditional views on shorebird trophic interactions.

Is Camino Francés still Pilgrimage or is it already Tourism? An Attempt at Answering based on the Memories of Polish Camino Men

Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Camino Francés and Routes of Northern Spain — 2016 — WHE8558AB8193

Polish pilgrims on the Camino Francés overwhelmingly perceive their journey as a spiritual pilgrimage, not tourism, despite its growing popularity. This study reveals that the dichotomy between pilgrimage and tourism holds significant evaluative weight, with pilgrims explicitly rejecting the term 'tourism' in their accounts. The research analyzes Polish-language memoirs, scientific texts, and personal observations to explore this duality, highlighting how mythical and cultural narratives shape these perceptions. While the study is limited to printed Polish sources and focuses on one key aspect of the Camino experience, it contributes original insights by examining the pilgrimage-tourism distinction—a gap previously unaddressed in scholarly literature.

Is the Pantanal a Pristine Place? Conflicts Related to the Conservation of the Pantanal

Pantanal Conservation Area — 2016 — WHE41912B0956

The Pantanal, often depicted as a pristine landscape, is not free from human influence or conservation conflicts. A recent book challenges the notion of its untouched status by examining the region's biodiversity and historical occupation, revealing significant human impact. The study combines physical-biological analysis with historical context to highlight ongoing disputes over land use between local communities and protected areas. While the book sparks crucial debates on conservation, it suffers from inaccuracies in its findings, particularly regarding local settlements, which undermine its academic rigor. Despite these limitations, it effectively demonstrates that the Pantanal faces threats that contradict its perceived pristine nature.

Is Tridacna maxima (Bivalvia: Tridacnidae) at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia?

Ningaloo Coast — 2016 — WHE4CC7B89E98

A recent genetic study challenges the identification of giant clams at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. Analysis revealed that all examined specimens belong to Tridacna noae, not Tridacna maxima as previously thought, suggesting the latter may be absent or extremely rare in the region. The research combined molecular and morphological assessments across four intertidal populations, demonstrating that local morphological variability complicates species distinction without genetic verification. This finding underscores the necessity of DNA-based corroboration for accurate identification in this ecologically significant area.

Islamic Heritage Architecture Analysis and Restoration of Ras Cherratine in Fez, Morocco

Medina of Fez — 2016 — WHEF159E71DE8

A seismic vulnerability assessment of the historic Ras Cherratine Madrasa in Fez, Morocco, reveals significant earthquake-induced risks to this 17th-century Islamic heritage site. The study, conducted as part of the NIKER project, employed a multi-faceted approach including visual inspections, mechanical material testing, ambient vibration tests, and structural modeling to evaluate the building's seismic performance. Findings indicate that while restoration efforts in 2008 addressed some structural issues, the masonry construction remains vulnerable to seismic activity, necessitating further intervention to preserve this culturally significant site linked to Al Quaraouiyine University.

Islamic Urban Heritage: Blight or Blessing?

Medina of Tunis — 2016 — WHE2E0CCFBF8F

Islamic urban heritage, once seen as a blight hindering modern city growth, can instead serve as a catalyst for sustainable urban regeneration. A study examining the Medina of Tunis and the Casbah of Algiers demonstrates that preserving these historic Islamic urban cores strengthens cultural identity while fostering economic and social development. The research argues that rather than demolishing these areas to accommodate globalization trends, their conservation can create hybrid environments that balance tradition with modernity. By treating Islamic heritage as an asset, cities can maintain strong roots in their past while adapting to contemporary needs, ensuring the survival of historic urban centers for future generations.

Islandness, Inundation and Resurrection: A mythology of Sea/Land relationships in Mont Saint-Michel Bay

Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay — 2016 — WHE1FD822E552

Mont-Saint-Michel Bay, renowned for its high tidal range, has experienced cyclical inundation and 'deislanding'—a process where the land is temporarily submerged or reclaimed. A recent study reveals that efforts to restore and affirm the bay's islandness are not merely practical but also deeply rooted in local and national mythology. This research identifies how the perception of Mont-Saint-Michel as an island, rather than a peninsular, has been mythologized over centuries, shaping its cultural significance. By analyzing historical narratives and contemporary conservation strategies, the study highlights the interplay between environmental dynamics and human perception, emphasizing the importance of preserving this unique landscape as both a natural asset and a symbol of resilience.

Isolation and characterization of Acidobacterium ailaaui sp. nov., a novel member of Acidobacteria subdivision 1, from a geothermally heated Hawaiian microbial mat

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — 2016 — WHEF10F4E01C3

Researchers have identified and characterized Acidobacterium ailaaui sp. nov., a novel bacterium belonging to the Acidobacteria subdivision 1, isolated from a geothermally heated microbial mat in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. This rod-shaped, Gram-negative microorganism exhibits unique physiological traits, including growth at temperatures ranging from 15 to 55 °C (optimal at 40 °C) and pH levels between 4.5 and 7.0 (optimal at 6.5). Genomic analysis revealed its potential for polysaccharide hydrolysis, particularly pectin degradation, and confirmed hydrogen consumption capabilities, including at sub-atmospheric concentrations. Comparative genomic studies showed an average nucleotide identity of 72.2% with its nearest relative, Acidobacterium capsulatum, supporting its classification as a distinct species. The discovery expands the known diversity of Acidobacteria and highlights the ecological significance of geothermal environments in shaping microbial evolution.

It Could Have Been Great: An Examination of Kandinsky's Bauhaus Paintings and the Great Synthesis of the Arts

Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau — 2016 — WHEFBA34651EF

Kandinsky's Bauhaus paintings, including 'Black and Violet' (1923), 'Development' (1926), 'Fragile' (1931), and 'Gloomy Situation' (1933), reveal a narrative of hope for the 'Great Synthesis of the Arts,' which ultimately faced defeat due to the rise of Nazism, the termination of Kandinsky's teaching career, and the dissolution of the Bauhaus. This study employs iconographical analysis to trace the trajectory of Kandinsky's artistic vision, highlighting how political pressures disrupted his lifelong goal of integrating different art forms and media into a cohesive world view.

Jan Moretus and the Continuation of the Plantin Press, by Dirk Imhof

Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex — 2016 — WHEAD84DFBDBB

Historical research challenges the long-standing perception that Jan I Moretus (1543–1610), successor to Christophe Plantin, was responsible for the decline of the renowned Plantin Press. Contrary to this view, Imhof's work demonstrates that the shift from humanist and classical publications to religious and liturgical texts began during Plantin's tenure, not Moretus' leadership. This nuanced understanding is supported by a comprehensive two-volume bibliography of Moretus' publications, offering invaluable insights for scholars in book history, intellectual history, and urban studies.

Jericho-off-the-Record

Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan — 2016 — WHE96B6ADEFB7

A significant cache of non-professional archaeological documentation from the second British campaign at Tell es-Sultan (ancient Jericho) has been digitized and made accessible, offering new insights into one of the most renowned excavations led by Kathleen Kenyon between 1952 and 1958. The 'Jericho-off-the-Record' project, an extension of the Non-Professional Archaeological Photographs (NPAPH) initiative, has gathered visual, written, and oral records that were previously overlooked or not stored in official archives. This includes photographs, slides, films, and personal accounts from both non-professional participants and archaeological staff, providing a richer context for understanding the excavation's methods, findings, and historical significance. The initial data deposit is now available through EASY, the online archiving system of DANS, marking a valuable addition to archaeological research on ancient Jericho.

Jerusalem: The Temple Mount

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2016 — WHE2BE76F4322

A comprehensive analysis of the Temple Mount's significance from the First World War to the Arab Spring reveals its pivotal role in Jerusalem's socio-political and religious landscape. The study highlights how the site has been a focal point for conflicts, pilgrimage, and identity formation, with its layers of history influencing contemporary tensions and heritage management challenges. McMillan's work employs archival research, historical documentation, and qualitative analysis to trace the evolution of the Temple Mount's status, emphasizing its enduring relevance in regional dynamics.

Jørn Utzon’s Reverie of the Eye: Surfaces of the Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House — 2016 — WHE4A0B99C2E0

The Sydney Opera House, designed by Jørn Utzon, embodies a unique architectural reverie that captivates the human eye through its material surfaces. The study highlights the roof's million white ceramic tiles as one of the most radiant and alive surfaces in architecture, derived from the form of a single sphere. This design choice reflects a triumphant Apollonian ego, representing clarity, youthfulness, and brightness over darker Dionysian forces, drawing on theories of beauty rooted in Jungian and Nietzschean concepts. The research explores how these surfaces evoke a sense of wonder and reverie through the experience of architecture itself.

Judith Rainhorn, ed.,Santé et travail à la mine, XIXe–XXIesiècle,

Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin — 2016 — WHED09D9F2ECF

The Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 for its 'Outstanding Universal Value,' embodies the duality of coal mining's legacy—offering economic opportunities while exacting severe health and environmental costs. This edited volume, Santé et travail à la mine, delves into the darker aspects of this history, focusing on occupational illnesses like silicosis, industrial accidents, and diffuse environmental damage. It contributes to a historiographical tradition that balances heroic narratives of miners' resilience with tragic accounts of their suffering, drawing from Zola's seminal work Germinal as a cultural touchstone. The research approach combines historical analysis with critical reflection on memory, examining the complex interplay between labor, health, and industrial heritage in Northern France.

Keragaman Lumut di Resort Karang Ranjang, Taman Nasional Ujung Kulon, Banten

Ujung Kulon National Park — 2016 — WHE668EEE445E

A survey of moss diversity at Karang Ranjang resort, Ujung Kulon National Park, identified 33 bryophyte species from 48 specimens, with Mniomalia semilimbata as the dominant species. Two species—Fissidens teysmanianum, endemic to Java, and Calymperes cougiense, endemic to Polynesia but widespread in Malesia—highlight the region’s biogeographical significance. The study employed a surrounding-method approach, recording 50 specimens initially before identification, marking it as the first bryophyte research in this UNESCO-listed park. Its coastal and lowland forests, characterized by Pandanaceae and Arecaceae dominance respectively, face periodic flooding, influencing moss distribution.

Key elements for managing whale shark tourism in the Gulf of California

Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California — 2016 — WHE0E64C70254

Whale shark tourism in La Paz Bay, Gulf of California, has significantly increased from 26 authorized boats in 2006 to 109 in 2013, yet the mean yearly abundance of sharks remains low at 56. A decade-long monitoring program (2004–2015) revealed that 54% of identified sharks had fresh injuries, primarily from boat strikes, despite the implementation of a Code of Conduct in 2006 and annual training for tour operators. While injury rates decreased by 26% between 2009–2011 due to better enforcement, they rose again (to 64%) in 2014–2015, likely due to prolonged shark residency. The study underscores the need for stricter government oversight and community engagement to mitigate harm to whale sharks, which are critical to La Paz Bay's economy and must be protected as a key habitat.