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Early Miocene elevation in northern Tibet estimated by palaeobotanical evidence

Qinghai Hoh Xil — 2015 — WHEDD22DC7990

A rare early Miocene barberry (Berberis) leaf fossil discovered in the Hoh-Xil Basin, northern Tibet, suggests that the basin's elevation was between 1395 and 2931 meters approximately 17 million years ago. This implies a significant uplift of around 2-3 kilometers since then, contradicting earlier hypotheses that proposed northern Tibet had already reached or surpassed its current elevation before the Miocene epoch. Researchers estimated the palaeoelevation by comparing the fossil's environmental niche with its nearest living relatives and adjusting for global temperature differences during the Miocene. This finding provides critical insights into the uplift history of northern Tibet, which has implications for understanding the plateau's role in shaping Asia's topography, monsoon patterns, and global climate dynamics.

East Meets West: Tallinn Old Town and Soviet Estonian Pop Music on Screen

Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn — 2015 — WHE1806BDE022

Tallinn’s Old Town served as a unique arena for cultural negotiation during Soviet rule, blending Estonian resistance with Soviet influence. The study reveals how the medieval cityscape became a symbol of both national identity and Soviet progress, attracting internal tourism and serving as a 'Western oasis' within the USSR. Through an analysis of Soviet Estonian pop music on screen, the research examines the tension between Russification efforts and Estonia’s enduring Western cultural ties, highlighting Tallinn as a key site for power representation and adaptation. The approach combines historical context with media analysis to uncover the complexities of identity formation in a border state.

East-West Swerves: Cārvāka Materialism and Akbar's Religious Debates at Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri — 2015 — WHE18AA3E551B

A resurgence of Cārvāka materialist philosophy during the late sixteenth-century Mughal Empire is linked to broader intellectual movements, including the European Renaissance and Enlightenment. This study suggests that Akbar's religious debates at Fatehpur Sikri, which included Cārvāka philosophers, may have facilitated cross-cultural exchanges akin to the influence of Lucretian atomism in Europe. By analyzing Jesuit missionary writings from Akbar's court, the research traces potential 'swerves' or intellectual flows between regions, proposing that early modern debates about materialism were part of a globalized process contributing to the rise of modernity.

Eckart Frahm, Historische und historisch-literarische Texte (Keilschriftexte aus Assur literarischen Inhalts 3, WVDOG 121)

Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat) — 2015 — WHE263E6E096C

Eckart Frahm's volume, the third in the series 'Keilschriftexte aus Assur literarischen Inhalts,' presents 80 cuneiform tablets from Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat), primarily in fragmentary condition. These tablets, mostly of historical nature, showcase Frahm's exceptional epigraphic skills, allowing for meaningful interpretation despite their poor preservation. The work includes a selection of photographic reproductions, providing visual context to the textual analysis. This volume contributes significantly to the understanding of cuneiform literature from ancient Assur, bridging gaps in historical and literary knowledge through meticulous scholarly work.

Ecological and soil conditions of black pine (Pinus nigra Arn.) stands in the area of the Russian Monastery at Mount Athos

Mount Athos — 2015 — WHE79C8099FC3

Black pine (Pinus nigra) stands at the Russian Monastery on Mount Athos exhibit significantly higher concentrations of organic matter and nutrients, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sodium (Na), in their forest floor compared to similar stands at higher altitudes in Northern Greece. This accumulation is attributed to the site's unique climate, low altitude, and possibly the species' provenance. The study analyzed soil samples from these stands, revealing distinct ecological differences that highlight the importance of environmental factors in nutrient dynamics within black pine ecosystems.

Ecological Aspects of Phlebotomine Sand Flies (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) in Areas of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, in the Municipality of Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I-Index of Abundance by Location and Type of Capture

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2015 — WHE6A3183395A

A three-year study in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, identified Lutzomyia intermedia as the primary vector of Leishmania braziliensis, a parasite causing diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis. The research, which collected 102,937 sand flies using various trapping methods, found that Lu. intermedia was most abundant inside homes and on their exteriors, while Lutzomyia fischeri also played a role in domestic environments. Lutzomyia migonei showed a strong affinity for kennels, suggesting its preference for canine habitats. Additionally, Lutzomyia whitmani exhibited signs of adaptation to anthropic environments, particularly near forest edges. The study highlights the ecological complexity of sand fly populations and their role in leishmaniasis transmission within both domestic and wild settings.

Ecological Design of a Crayfishing Program to Control Population Density of the Invasive Species Procambarus Clarkii in Doñana National Park Freshwater Marsh (Spain)

Doñana National Park — 2015 — WHEBCCB9CD759

A proposed crayfishing program offers a dual solution to the ecological impact of the invasive species Procambarus clarkii in Doñana National Park's freshwater marsh while addressing illegal harvesting. The study reveals that P. clarkii populations exhibit varying growth patterns and recruitment dynamics, with high juvenile density under stressful conditions leading to stunted growth. By implementing targeted fishing practices, the model aims to mitigate the crayfish's destructive feeding habits—responsible for reducing submerged aquatic macrophytes and altering water clarity—while providing a legal alternative for poachers. The research combines population analysis with fishery management principles to propose an effective, controlled harvesting strategy that balances ecological restoration with sustainable resource use.

Ecology of streams in a biogeographic isolate—the Queensland Wet Tropics, Australia

Wet Tropics of Queensland — 2015 — WHE4C53BEAB95

Queensland Wet Tropics (QWT) streams, covering only 0.26% of Australia, exhibit unique ecological patterns distinct from temperate systems due to their biogeographic isolation and tropical climate. These streams support high biodiversity with rapid prey turnover, predator-dominated food webs, and transitions from heterotrophic to autotrophic states as stream size increases. Research in QWT challenges and affirms global stream ecology models, highlighting the region's resilience and vulnerability to anthropogenic pressures like riparian clearing and agricultural contamination, exacerbated by climate change. The study underscores the importance of QWT streams for conservation, management, and comparative ecological research, offering insights into tropical stream dynamics and their responses to environmental stressors.

Economía creativa, dinámicas locales y gobernaza en entornos metropolitanos: el caso de la región metropolitana de Salvador de Bahia

Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia — 2015 — WHE31047B57AD

A critical analysis of the relationship between urban governance, creative economy, and territorial development reveals significant spatial concentration of cultural industries within the Metropolitan Region of Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. The study maps these dynamics to illustrate how creative sectors contribute to socio-economic transformation in metropolitan contexts. By synthesizing theoretical frameworks on governance and creative economies with empirical data from Salvador, the research provides insights into the territorial distribution and economic weight of cultural activities. This approach offers a nuanced understanding of how urban governance structures influence the spatial organization of creative industries, contributing to broader discussions on regional development strategies.

Economic Value and Historical Scenic Beauty: The Case of Chinampas (Raised Beds) in Xochimilco, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mexico

Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco — 2015 — WHEEE00EFDE9C

Tourists are willing to pay approximately $24.4 annually to preserve the historical scenic beauty of chinampas, a pre-Hispanic agricultural system dating from the 14th to 16th centuries in Xochimilco, Mexico. This study estimates the economic value of preserving this cultural heritage at between US$3000 and US$3700 per hectare using contingent valuation (CV) surveys. The findings highlight the significant monetary value that tourists assign to maintaining such historical landscapes, providing crucial data for policymakers evaluating projects or policies with conflicting objectives. This research is notable for its innovative application of CV to assess the economic value of historical scenic beauty, an area with limited prior literature.

Economies of Atonement in the European Museum: Repatriation and the Post-rational

Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments — 2015 — WHE89A107D487

A critical analysis reveals how the 'Declaration on the Importance and Value of Universal Museums' (2002) employs rhetorical strategies to legitimize the possession of cultural artifacts, often acquired under imperial or neo-imperial conditions. The declaration, signed by major museums including those in Saint Petersburg, uses language of universality to obscure historical injustices while projecting a utopian future for these institutions. By framing objects as integral to national heritage, it sidesteps accountability for their acquisition histories, demonstrating how institutional interests are prioritized over ethical considerations in the context of global cultural heritage management.

Ecosystem CO2 flux rates in relation to vegetation type and age of Leymus arenarius dunes on Surtsey

Surtsey — 2015 — WHE43268BDED5

A study on the volcanic island of Surtsey reveals that belowground processes, such as soil respiration and root stocks, have significantly increased over 28 years despite stable aboveground vegetation cover. Leymus arenarius, a dominant plant species, exerts a stronger influence on CO₂ fluxes than its surface cover suggests due to higher photosynthesis rates compared to Honckenya peploides. The research highlights the importance of belowground development in primary succession and demonstrates how water stress can temporarily limit these processes in coastal ecosystems.

Edge effects on the blowfly fauna (Diptera, Calliphoridae) of the Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea — 2015 — WHEC9FCB1CDBA

Anthropogenic influence significantly impacts blowfly diversity and abundance at the edge of the Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro. The study identified 17 species of Calliphoridae, with species richness and diversity highest in deeper forest areas (1,200 m from the edge) and lowest near the forest edge (A), where urban and synanthropic species like Chrysomya megacephala dominated. Abundance was strongly correlated with temperature, peaking at the forest edge but with reduced diversity. Conversely, points further into the forest (B and C) showed higher diversity, with Laneela nigripes and Mesembrinella peregrina serving as indicator species for less disturbed environments. The research highlights how edge effects and human influence shape blowfly communities in protected areas.

Efecto de la aplicación de un vermicompost en las propiedades químicas de un suelo salino-sódico del semiárido venezolano

Coro and its Port — 2015 — WHEF6600A33BD

A 10% application of vermicompost significantly improved the chemical properties of a saline-sodic soil in Venezuela's semi-arid region, reducing electrical conductivity by 62%, pH from 8.3 to 7.5, and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) by 50% over 28 days. The study, conducted on soil samples from Coro's Cebollal, demonstrated that vermicompost—composed of Eisenia foetida worms, food waste, coffee prunings, banana pseudostems, and horse manure—serves as an effective organic amendment for mitigating salinity in degraded soils. Researchers compared the impact of three vermicompost doses (1%, 5%, and 10%) against a control, measuring key soil parameters at weekly intervals. The findings highlight vermicompost's potential as a sustainable strategy for restoring saline-sodic soils in arid ecosystems.

Effect of dust deposition on the performance of photovoltaic modules in Taxila, Pakistan

Taxila — 2015 — WHE8643F8FEF7

Dust deposition significantly reduces the performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules, with monocrystalline silicon modules experiencing greater losses compared to polycrystalline ones. A three-month study in Taxila, Pakistan, found that dust accumulation at 0.9867 mg/cm² led to a 20% decrease in average output power for monocrystalline modules and 16% for polycrystalline modules, alongside efficiency drops of 3.55% and 3.01%, respectively. The research systematically measured the impact of dust on PV performance by comparing clean and dirty modules under natural atmospheric conditions, highlighting the critical need to address dust-related losses in renewable energy systems.

Effect of Floods on Village Spatial Structure and Hierarchy – Hahoe Village, Korea

Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong — 2015 — WHEED702C4798

Floods have significantly shaped the spatial structure and social hierarchy of Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its traditional Korean architecture. This study reveals that the village's development, located on a plain surrounded by mountains within a loop of the Nakdong River, was profoundly influenced by river flooding. Using a river engineering approach, researchers analyzed how inundations transformed the landscape and impacted the village's layout over time. The findings challenge previous assumptions about Hahoe's development, highlighting the critical role of natural disasters in shaping both its physical and social structures.

Effective Use of Trails for Assessing Terrestrial Salamander Abundance and Detection: A Case Study at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park — 2015 — WHEF72AB4116E

A study in Great Smoky Mountains National Park found that trails can be effectively used to assess the abundance and detection of terrestrial salamanders without significantly differing from non-trail transects. Researchers analyzed capture data from 195 transects, including 70 along trails and 125 within non-trail habitats, over two three-week periods in June and July 2012. The findings suggest that microhabitat variables associated with salamander detection and abundance did not differ significantly between trail and non-trail transects. This research implies that trails can serve as a viable method for estimating salamander populations, potentially reducing the need to sample sensitive habitats, which could benefit conservation efforts in protected areas.

Effects of Drifting Sand Particles on Deterioration of Mural Paintings on the East Wall of Cave 285 in Mogao Caves, Dunhuang

Mogao Caves — 2015 — WHEECEF8BEACD

Research at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mogao Caves identifies wind-driven sand particles as a significant contributor to the deterioration of mural paintings, particularly on the east wall of Cave 285. The study highlights that collision and adhesion of drifting sand particles accelerate the degradation process, posing a threat to the preservation of these irreplaceable Buddhist artworks. Investigators employed a methodical approach to analyze the impact of sand particles on the paintings, focusing on their physical interactions with the surface. This finding underscores the need for targeted conservation strategies to mitigate environmental factors affecting the caves' integrity.

Effects of Irrigation and Drainage on Rural Landscapes of Gjirokastra Region in South of Albania

Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra — 2015 — WHE0FDC86BD93

A significant increase in irrigation infrastructure occurred in Gjirokastra, Albania, during 1967–1968, with 32 aqueducts built by 1969, supplying 36.8% of the region's water needs at that time. Subsequent decades saw extensive drainage projects along the Drino River Valley, particularly in Permet and Tepelena districts, while post-1990 irrigation efforts became fragmented. The study highlights the critical role of hydro-technical works in sustaining agriculture and economic development in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, emphasizing their historical significance and ongoing importance.

Effects of mouse predation on burrowing petrel chicks at Gough Island

Gough and Inaccessible Islands — 2015 — WHE0AF15BE0E4

Introduced house mice (Mus musculus) are devastatingly impacting burrowing petrel chicks on Gough Island, with near-total chick mortality observed across multiple species. A 2014 study using infrared cameras and burrow inspections revealed that all seven Atlantic petrel (Pterodroma incerta) chicks were killed within hours of hatching, with an overall 87% failure rate among 83 hatchlings. Grey petrels (Procellaria cinerea) also suffered significant losses, with 60% mortality due to mouse predation. Video surveillance further documented fatal attacks on great shearwater (Puffinus gravis) and soft-plumaged petrel (Pterodroma mollis) chicks, while MacGillivray’s prion (Pachyptila macgillivrayi) experienced 82% chick mortality in 2013/14 and total loss in 2014/15. The closely related broad-billed prion (P. vittata) also faced complete chick mortality in 2014. These findings underscore the urgent need for mouse eradication to protect seabird populations on Gough Island, a critical UNESCO World Heritage Site.