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Synchronous location-aware media and augmented visualization for real world tourist (SMART): An application for Khalifatabad heritage site, Bagerhat, Bangladesh

Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat — 2016 — WHEA3FF6E0F6C

A novel approach to enhancing tourist engagement with UNESCO World Heritage Sites is demonstrated through the development of the SMART framework, which integrates synchronous location-aware media and augmented visualization. This study presents a four-step conceptual model designed to provide real-time, contextually relevant information about Khalifatabad in Bagerhat, Bangladesh, addressing gaps in accessibility and understanding for visitors. By leveraging location-based services (LBS) and interactive data structures, the framework aims to create an immersive and memorable experience that deepens appreciation of the site's cultural significance. The prototype application, tailored specifically for handheld devices, offers seamless access to authentic historical details, setting a precedent for future heritage preservation efforts in Bangladesh.

Synergistic use of Lagrangian dispersion and radiative transfer modelling with satellite and surface remote sensing measurements for the investigation of volcanic plumes: the Mount Etna eruption of 25–27 October 2013

Mount Etna — 2016 — WHEDE9546B985

A relatively weak volcanic eruption at Mount Etna on 25–27 October 2013 had significant regional effects on aerosol properties, with sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and ash reaching altitudes of 10–12 km and influencing aerosol size distribution over 350 km downwind. The study combined Lagrangian dispersion modeling (FLEXPART), satellite data from MODIS and SEVIRI, and surface remote sensing measurements at the ENEA Station on Lampedusa to track plume evolution and assess its impact. Secondary sulfate particles were found to dominate the plume composition and radiative forcing, contributing substantially more than ash. Radiative forcing efficiencies ranged from −39 to −48 W m⁻² AOD⁻¹ at the top of the atmosphere and −66 to −49 W m⁻² AOD⁻¹ at the surface, highlighting the role of sulfate in volcanic plume radiative effects.

Synergy Between LiDAR, RADARSAT-2, and Spot-5 Images for the Detection and Mapping of Wetland Vegetation in the Danube Delta

Danube Delta — 2016 — WHE2676AEF07D

A study combining LiDAR, RADARSAT-2 radar, and SPOT-5 optical data achieved a mean accuracy of 90.60% in mapping wetland vegetation in the Danube Delta, one of the world's largest reed beds. The synergy of these datasets—LiDAR for centimeter-level vegetation height characterization (10 cm), RADARSAT-2's C-band polarimetric signatures, and SPOT-5 multispectral reflectance—enhanced discrimination between vegetation types by integrating structural and backscattering information. Field-recorded vegetation data validated the classification results, demonstrating the potential of integrated remote sensing for high-accuracy wetland mapping.

Syngonanthus hensoldiae (Eriocaulaceae): another new species of S. sect. Syngonanthus endemic from Chapada dos Veadeiros, Central Brazil

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2016 — WHECC794EA22C

Researchers have identified Syngonanthus hensoldiae, a new species of the Eriocaulaceae family, endemic to Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park in Brazil. This discovery underscores the region's biodiversity richness and its role as a hotspot for threatened flora. The species, known only from small populations on private lands, is classified as endangered, highlighting urgent conservation concerns. The study contributes to the understanding of Syngonanthus sect. Syngonanthus diversity in the Cerrado biome, emphasizing the need for protection efforts to preserve this unique and vulnerable flora.

Systematic and biogeographic review of the Staphylinini rove beetles of Lord Howe Island with description of new species and taxonomic changes (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae)

Lord Howe Island Group — 2016 — WHE354E959060

A systematic and biogeographic review of the Staphylinini rove beetles on Lord Howe Island reveals that the fauna is predominantly derived from lineages on mainland Australia, despite the island's oceanic and young geological origins. This study advances taxonomic knowledge by describing two new species—Cheilocolpus olliffi and Quediopsis howensis—and proposing several new combinations for existing species, including Cheilocolpus castaneus, Cheilocolpus kentiae, Ctenandropus mirus, and Hesperus dolichoderes. The research leverages recent global advancements in rove beetle systematics to refine biogeographic conclusions, providing a foundation for deeper exploration of this unique island's biodiversity. These findings highlight the interconnectedness of Lord Howe Island's ecosystems with mainland Australia, offering insights into its complex biogeographical history.

Table S1. Skeletal elements and radiocarbon dates for each trench and context from Rodents: food or pests in Neolithic Orkney

Heart of Neolithic Orkney — 2016 — WHE9740F7110C

Researchers provide the first evidence that Neolithic inhabitants of Orkney exploited or controlled rodents, not just as pests but also as a nutritional resource. Analyzing skeletal remains from four locations within and near Skara Brae, a renowned Neolithic site in Orkney, they found that rodent bones accumulated due to deliberate human activity. The presence of burnt bones in household waste deposits suggests prolonged exploitation over time, indicating early pest management practices. This study challenges the assumption that rodents were solely pests or disease vectors in ancient societies and highlights their potential role in Neolithic diets.

Table S2. Measurements of skeletal elements; Table S3. Relative frequencies of skeletal elements; Table S4. Fragmentation of remains from Rodents: food or pests in Neolithic Orkney

Heart of Neolithic Orkney — 2016 — WHE01C5DF58F3

Researchers have uncovered the first evidence that Neolithic inhabitants of Europe exploited or controlled rodents, challenging assumptions about their role in ancient societies. Analyzing skeletal remains from four locations within and around Skara Brae—a renowned Neolithic site in Orkney—the study found that rodent bones accumulated due to deliberate human activity, not natural causes. The presence of burnt bones in household waste deposits suggests rodents were a nutritional resource and possibly targeted for pest control over an extended period. This groundbreaking finding, published by The Royal Society, sheds light on early human-rodent interactions, revealing a more complex relationship than previously thought.

Tallum’s Syncretic Topography: To Death – To Life

Skogskyrkogården — 2016 — WHE103F9A7738

Skogskyrkogården, designed by Sigurd Lewerentz and Erik Gunnar Asplund, exemplifies how syncretic topography can bridge the living and the dead. This study reveals that the cemetery's design, rooted in a profound preoccupation with the site's actual ground, was not merely stylistic but a deliberate attempt to re-establish meaningful linkages between life and death within a modern socio-cultural context. By examining the architects' alignment of the site's topography with contemporary efforts to create more authentic realities, this research sheds light on how physical spaces can facilitate existential renewal. The approach involved analyzing the site's ground as a dynamic element rather than a static backdrop, offering insights into its role in shaping human experience and memory.

Tang-e Bolaghi (FARS), Sites TB76 and TB77: Rural Settlements of the Achaemenid and Post-Achaemenid Periods: Report of the archaeological rescue excavations carried out in 2005 and 2006 by the joint Iranian-Italian mission of the Iranian Center for Archae

Pasargadae — 2016 — WHE0C343F3529

Archaeological rescue excavations at Tang-e Bolaghi, Fars, Iran, revealed the first documented rural settlements from the Achaemenid and Post-Achaemenid periods (6th to 1st centuries BC), offering unprecedented insights into the lives of commoners in this era. The findings, unearthed by a joint Iranian-Italian mission between 2005 and 2006, included stratigraphic evidence consistent with Elamite administrative documents from Persepolis, providing a rare glimpse into rural life beyond imperial monuments like Pasargadae and Susa. The study employed surface surveys and stratigraphic excavations to document two sites (TB76 and TB77), supplemented by ceramic and archaeometric analyses, enriching our understanding of Achaemenid-period rural settlements.

Tapu and kahui in the Marquesas

Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands — 2016 — WHEC246666821

Research on the Marquesas Islands reveals that the concept of 'tapu,' traditionally governing behavior toward material and immaterial elements, social relationships, and places, persists despite its perceived obsolescence. Father Chaulet's 19th-century observations noted that tapu still influences perceptions, such as considering women impure during menstruation, challenging the notion that it is entirely a relic of the past. The study, based on historical missionary documents and exchanges with researchers, highlights tapu's enduring social and cultural significance in Marquesan society.

Taxonomic composition and ploidy level among European water frogs (Anura: Ranidae:Pelophylax) in eastern Hungary

Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta — 2016 — WHE595931D52F

Research in Hortobágy National Park reveals that European water frogs (Pelophylax) exhibit complex taxonomic and genetic diversity, with all three members of the Pelophylax esculentus complex—Pelophylax ridibundus, Pelophylax lessonae, and their hybrid, Pelophylax esculentus—coexisting in certain wetlands. Notably, hybrid frogs produce diploid offspring, suggesting a breeding system where hybrids transmit the P. ridibundus genome clonally to mate with P. lessonae, thereby generating new hybrid generations. The study used serum albumin intron 1 (SAI-1) and microsatellite markers to analyze 63 specimens, uncovering syntopic occurrences of these taxa in some localities while others hosted only P. ridibundus and P. esculentus. Population genetic analyses further supported the hybrid's role in maintaining genomic diversity within these ecosystems.

Technical Assistance for the Conservation of Built Heritage at Bagan, Myanmar

Bagan — 2016 — WHE2D11DF402E

A replicable, IT-supported methodology for documenting the conditions and materials of heritage structures has been successfully developed at Bagan, Myanmar. This approach, combining Electronic Distance Measurements (EDM), Structure from Motion (SFM) Photogrammetry, Laser Scanning, Record Photography, hand measurements, and field notes, enables rapid and accurate data collection to support conservation efforts. The strategy was piloted on three distinct Buddhist temples, adhering to ICOMOS CIPA guidelines, and offers a scalable model for assessing the over 3,000 monuments at Bagan—an ancient capital vulnerable to natural hazards like earthquakes and flooding. The methodology updates existing inventories while providing actionable insights for conservation planning.

Technology, informal workers and cities: insights from Ahmedabad (India), Durban (South Africa) and Lima (Peru)

Historic City of Ahmadabad — 2016 — WHECB901A9B85

Informal workers in three global cities—Ahmedabad (India), Durban (South Africa), and Lima (Peru)—leverage diverse, often basic technologies to enhance their livelihoods, yet adoption is constrained by economic, regulatory, and urban infrastructure challenges. A 2015 study by the WIEGO network and local partners reveals that while these workers adapt tools ingeniously—ranging from manual devices to internet platforms—their use is limited by low incomes, theft risks, and city-specific systems governing energy, transport, and waste. The findings highlight a critical gap: policy frameworks and urban technological systems must better accommodate the needs of informal economies to foster inclusive growth.

Tectonic interaction between the Pamir and Tien Shan observed by GPS

Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) — 2016 — WHE1FFF97AE1A

A study using GPS data reveals that the Pamir and Southwest Tien Shan mountain ranges are rotating counterclockwise relative to Eurasia, with distinct deformation patterns. The Western Alai GPS profile (WAGP) recorded a maximum displacement rate of 9.3 ± 0.8 mm/year, with significant shortening occurring along the Pamir Frontal Thrust (PFT). The Southwest Tien Shan undergoes NNE-SSW shortening at −22.1 ± 1.5 × 10⁻⁹ per year, while the Pamir experiences less shortening but substantial lateral extension. A deformation band along the PFT extends up to 30–50 km into the Pamir, highlighting complex tectonic interactions between these orogens.

Tel Ḥaẓor - 2015

Biblical Tels - Megiddo, Hazor, Beer Sheba — 2016 — WHE902A972F77

Excavations at Tel Hazor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest biblical tells in Israel, revealed significant insights into its multi-layered history. The 26th season of the 'Selz Foundation Hazor Excavations' focused on Areas M3 and A9, uncovering evidence of continuous occupation from the Bronze Age through the Roman period. The expedition, led by A. Ben-Tor with a team of international researchers, employed advanced techniques such as wet sieving, detailed surveying, and restoration to document findings. Key discoveries included well-preserved architectural remains and artifacts that shed light on Hazor's strategic importance during biblical times. The research was supported by multiple institutions, including the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Israel Exploration Society, and conducted in collaboration with the National Parks Authority.

Tell es-Sultan 2015: A Pilot Project for Archaeology in Palestine

Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan — 2016 — WHEACC87B0102

Tell es-Sultan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the world, offers unprecedented insights into the cultural evolution of the Southern Levant over ten millennia. A collaborative project between Sapienza University of Rome and the Palestinian MoTA-DACH has integrated data from 14 excavation areas, providing a comprehensive narrative from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic to the Iron Age. This synthesis challenges traditional archaeological paradigms by revealing complex interconnections within the region, while also demonstrating innovative methods for respectful, shared study of ancient heritage. The research underscores Tell es-Sultan's significance as a lens to understand the achievements and cultural dynamics of one of humanity's earliest civilizations.

Temperature Regimes Impact Coral Assemblages along Environmental Gradients on Lagoonal Reefs in Belize

Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System — 2016 — WHE6B34427063

Coral reefs exposed to higher temperature regimes exhibit significantly lower species richness, abundance, diversity, density, and percent cover compared to those in moderate or low-temperature zones. This pattern was observed across lagoonal reefs in the Belize Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS), where thermal stress—measured as days exceeding bleaching thresholds—was a stronger determinant of coral community structure than productivity. High-temperature sites were dominated by hardy, stress-tolerant, and fast-growing coral species, suggesting these life history traits may confer resilience to warming oceans. The study used ultra-high-resolution satellite-derived sea surface temperature (SST) data over a decade to classify reefs into low, moderate, and high thermal exposure categories, alongside 13 years of Chlorophyll-a data as a productivity proxy.

Temples in the Ghassulian Culture: Terminology and social implications

The Historic Town and Archaeological Site of Gedi — 2016 — WHE75BE64565E

A critical analysis of architectural remains from Ghassulian sites reveals significant variability in structures previously labeled as 'temples,' challenging long-held assumptions about their function and societal role. The study demonstrates that the terms 'temple,' 'sanctuary,' and 'shrine' have been inconsistently applied to Ghassulian sites, lacking explicit definitions. By comparing these remains and interpretations, the research evaluates how classifying structures as temples has shaped understandings of Ghassulian social organization. This work underscores the importance of precise terminology in archaeological studies, offering a foundation for reinterpreting the cultural significance of these ancient sites.

Temporal and spatial dynamics of insular Rusa deer and wild pig populations in Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park — 2016 — WHE0587D2C8D6

A 12-year study on Komodo National Park revealed that the population dynamics of Rusa deer and wild pigs are strongly influenced by density-dependent factors, with island-specific patterns and spatial synchrony. While Rusa deer populations declined slightly on two larger islands (Nusa Kode and Rinca) but increased on Gili Motang, wild pig populations showed contrasting trends, declining on Komodo Island and increasing on Rinca. These findings highlight the critical role of density dependence in tropical large herbivore populations, which are vital prey for the endangered Komodo dragon. The study used dung counts along transects to estimate abundance, confirming the need for continued monitoring to ensure the conservation of both ungulate species and their apex predator.

Temporal variations of helium isotopes in volcanic gases quantify pre-eruptive refill and pressurization in magma reservoirs: The Mount Etna case

Mount Etna — 2016 — WHE102408C0E1

A pioneering approach using helium isotope ratios (3He/4He) in volcanic gases has revealed strong correlations with pre-eruptive magma refill and pressurization at Mount Etna, Italy. This method provides a unique tracer for monitoring volcanic activity, enabling near real-time estimation of key parameters such as magma input rate and volume changes in deep chambers preceding eruptions. The study demonstrates that increases in 3He/4He ratios precede main eruptive episodes, reflecting deep magma influx and pressurization beneath the volcano. By integrating these findings with geodetic data, researchers have developed a model that offers unprecedented quantitative insights into the physics of magmatic systems. This approach holds significant potential for global application, particularly in volcanoes exhibiting similar unrest episodes.