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Effects of the sand tilefish Malacanthus plumieri on the structure and dynamics of a rhodolith bed in the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, tropical West Atlantic

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves — 2015 — WHEB48E2DBEC9

Researchers discovered that the sand tilefish Malacanthus plumieri plays a significant role as an ecological engineer in rhodolith beds within the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago. By constructing mounds with these calcareous nodules, the fish contributes to seascape heterogeneity, supporting higher fish richness (mean = 9.4 ± SE 1.7) compared to non-mounded areas (5.5 ± SE 2.7). The study used benthic and fish assemblage assessments, along with video analysis of marked rhodoliths, to compare mounds and control areas. Findings revealed distinct benthic assemblages between the two habitats, with crustose coralline algae, Dictyota species, and sand being key contributors to this dissimilarity. The presence of these mounds is suggested as an important variable in predicting biodiversity within rhodolith beds.

Eighteen years of GPS surveys in the Aeolian Islands (southern Italy): open data archive and velocity field

Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) — 2015 — WHECE45485FDC

Eighteen years of GPS surveys in the Aeolian Islands reveal significant land motion, providing critical insights into tectonic and volcanic activity in southern Italy. The study, spanning 1995 to 2013, presents an updated velocity map detailing both horizontal and vertical movements across Lipari, Vulcano, and Panarea Islands, along with northern Sicily and Calabria. This research, led by the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV), combines data from national and international geodynamic projects to enhance volcanic and seismic hazard assessment. The open-access AINET-GPS data archive offers a valuable resource for scientific community, supporting further studies in this crucial Mediterranean region.

Ein Preuße in Venedig: Der Botaniker Melchior Wieland (ca. 1520–1589) Pionier der botanischen Feldforschung in der Levante

Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico), Padua — 2015 — WHE01498EFDDB

Melchior Wieland (ca. 1520–1589), a Prussian botanist and director of Padua's Botanical Garden, significantly influenced the work of Prospero Alpini, one of the most renowned Italian botanists of the 16th century. Wieland's pioneering field research in the Levant laid the groundwork for Alpini's seminal works on Egyptian flora and medicine, including De medicina Egyptiorum (1591) and De plantis Aegypti liber (1592). This study revisits Wieland's life, academic contributions, and reception, shedding light on his foundational role in botanical exploration. By analyzing historical records and his lesser-known works, the research restores Wieland's significance as a precursor to modern field botany.

El Canal du Midi, en busca de un proyecto patrimonial y paisajístico

Canal du Midi — 2015 — WHEA4DC54963B

The Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, has transitioned from its original agricultural and commercial transportation functions to becoming a significant tourist and recreational destination. This study examines how the heritage value of this hydraulic engineering marvel is managed and highlights the discourses, projects, and instruments that have facilitated its revaluation. The research focuses on the evolving uses of the canal throughout the 20th century, providing insights into its adaptive management and the strategies employed to preserve its historical significance while catering to modern needs.

El fitoplancton de un canal de Xochimilco y la importancia de estudiar ecosistemas acuáticos urbanos

Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco — 2015 — WHE138C15A99D

A study of phytoplankton in Channel El Bordo, Xochimilco, revealed a diverse composition, including several species not previously recorded in Mexico or the region. Despite significant agricultural activity and environmental alteration, the phytoplankton community exhibited low variation (9-17%) in physicochemical factors, suggesting stability. Researchers identified a functional group of species typical of shallow, tropical, and eutrophic water bodies, which may indicate a stable ecosystem state applicable to remediation efforts. The findings underscore the importance of studying urban aquatic ecosystems with high alteration levels, as accumulated knowledge could be critical for their preservation.

El levantamiento gráfico arquitectónico de precisión. La jamba de la portada de acceso principal a la Lonja de La Seda de Valencia

La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia — 2015 — WHE0931C603D7

A high-precision architectural survey of the main portal jamb of La Lonja de la Seda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Valencia, reveals insights into its original geometry and conservation challenges. Using advanced non-destructive methods—including 3D laser scanning and electronic total station technology—the study compares traditional measurement tools with modern instruments to assess accuracy and symmetry. Findings highlight the monument's adherence to historical metric systems while addressing conservation needs that balance authenticity with structural integrity. This approach sets a benchmark for documenting and preserving architectural heritage, offering practical solutions for maintaining the site's universal significance.

El Qhapaq Ñan como Espacio de Poder de la Política Incaica

Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System — 2015 — WHEF7B48CE996

The Qhapaq Ñan, the Andean Road System, serves as a space of power within the Inca political landscape. A study analyzing visibility patterns along this road through El Shincal de Quimivil, a key administrative and ceremonial site in northwestern Argentina, reveals an organized spatial structure. Using accumulated viewshed analysis—a powerful tool from Geographic Information Systems (GIS)—researchers compared actual visibility patterns with those predicted for a theoretical path. The findings indicate distinct visible and non-visible sectors within the site, suggesting a socially enforced organization shaped by ideological and symbolic mechanisms deployed by the Inca state.

El transcurrir del tiempo y las prácticas mortuorias: Quebrada de Humahuaca (Jujuy, Argentina)

Quebrada de Humahuaca — 2015 — WHE60178C018E

Prehistoric populations in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina, exhibited complex mortuary practices that blurred the boundaries between the living and the dead, offering insights into social development and change during the Late Formative Period (AD 500-900), Regional Development Period (AD 900-1430), and Inca conquest (AD 1430). The study reveals how burial practices evolved over time, reflecting shifts in cultural beliefs and societal structures. By analyzing funerary contexts, rituals, and spatial arrangements, researchers traced the transition from indigenous traditions to Inca influence, highlighting the dynamic interplay between ancestor worship and social organization.

El turismo fluvial y su cementerio de despojos en los bordes del Canal du Midi

Canal du Midi — 2015 — WHE75F0F49878

Abandoned recreational boats and barges, many in advanced stages of deterioration, are increasingly common along the Canal du Midi, creating visually disruptive 'cemeteries' of waste. These derelict vessels, often accompanied by oil spills and other environmental debris, mar the scenic integrity of this UNESCO-listed waterway, particularly near landmarks like Agde's circular lock. The study highlights how unregulated tourism and poor waste management contribute to both aesthetic degradation and ecological risks, including fuel contamination from aging boats.

Elaboration de tarifs de cubage pour le genre Rhizophora au Delta du Saloum (Sénégal)

Saloum Delta — 2015 — WHEE4E93C9B42

Researchers have developed two highly accurate volume estimation models (Y2 and Y4) for Rhizophora mangrove species in the Saloum Delta, Senegal. These models, with R² values of 0.956 to 0.968, provide precise wood volume measurements critical for sustainable resource management amid growing demand and mangrove degradation. The study employed three theoretical adjustment models to derive six tariffs, ultimately recommending Y2 and Y4 due to their accuracy and validity intervals. This work addresses urgent needs for quantifying available mangrove biomass while balancing ecological conservation with population demands.

Elasmobranch capture by commercial small-scale fisheries in the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea Bissau

Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô — 2015 — WHE9F014E3C5D

Commercial small-scale fisheries in the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea Bissau, capture elasmobranchs—sharks, rays, and skates—accounting for up to 10% of total landings. The study, using standardized surveys across four fishing gears, found that large-hook long-lines were particularly effective at catching these species. Alarming evidence suggests that both adult and neonate elasmobranchs are being targeted, indicating potential disruption of nursery habitats. This research highlights the significant impact of small-scale fisheries on vulnerable marine species in West Africa's coastal ecosystems.

Electrophoretic analysis of proteins from different date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivars in Saudi Arabia

Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape — 2015 — WHE420FFE988F

A study analyzing protein profiles of 15 date palm cultivars from Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia, reveals that most cultivars share a common genetic origin but exhibit distinct protein banding patterns. Using electrophoretic analysis and hierarchical clustering, researchers identified six clusters with high similarity (0.421 to 0.917), highlighting closely related cultivars like 'Hel,' 'Hat,' and 'Khl' as a unique cluster distinguished by four specific protein bands (92, 100, 205, and 108 kDa). Principal component analysis further confirmed these relationships, with the first component accounting for 52.3% of variance. The findings suggest that while Al-Ahsa's cultivars likely descend from a shared genetic source, local selection based on fruit traits has led to diversification over time.

Embracing in a Wild Group of Yakushima Macaques (Macaca fuscata yakui) as an Example of Social Customs

Yakushima — 2015 — WHEAC325F64F9

Research on wild Yakushima macaques (Macaca fuscata yakui) reveals embracing behaviors as potential social customs, distinct from those observed in Kinkazan macaques. Embracing occurred post-stressful interactions like allogrooming pauses or aggression, suggesting a stress-reduction function. Unlike Kinkazan, Yakushima embraces included ventro-lateral and ventro-dorsal positions alongside kneading fur with rhythmic palm movements, differing from the body-rocking seen elsewhere. These subtle variations defy ecological or genetic explanations, marking embracing as possible evidence of social customs in wild macaques. The study analyzed 64 embracing instances over 543.8 hours of focal sampling on adult females.

Encouraging Willingness to Contribute, City Fortifications and their Conservation in the Mediterranean

City of Valletta — 2015 — WHEE26F67AF5A

A balanced approach to funding the conservation of Mediterranean city fortifications, such as Valletta's, can be achieved by encouraging visitors' willingness to contribute rather than relying solely on visitor fees. Research across fortified cities including Famagusta, Rhodes, and Dubrovnik reveals that visitors are often willing to pay more when they know their contributions directly support upkeep. This strategy leverages the cultural, scientific, and educational values of these sites while addressing the financial challenges of maintaining extensive fortifications, which are difficult to adapt for sustainable revenue beyond visitation. The study explores pricing strategies and visitor behavior to maximize conservation funding without restricting public access.

Endemic or introduced? Phylogeography of Asparagopsis (Florideophyceae) in Australia reveals multiple introductions and a new mitochondrial lineage

Lord Howe Island Group — 2015 — WHE5504A9511B

A new cryptic mitochondrial lineage of the red seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis has been identified, alongside multiple human-mediated introductions across Australia and South Korea. Phylogeographic analysis revealed a significant genetic and geographic break between western Australian isolates and those from the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), suggesting the existence of a sixth lineage distinct from previously described ones. The study also documented the presence of lineage 4 in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and the highly invasive Indo-Pacific Mediterranean lineage 2 in South Korea and Lord Howe Island, Australia. This research underscores the critical need for periodic surveys to detect cryptic invasive seaweeds, given the accelerating impacts of climate change on biota relocation and niche colonization.

Energetic responses to variation in food availability in the two mountain gorilla populations (Gorilla beringei beringei)

Virunga National Park — 2015 — WHE97478F1EA1

Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) exhibit behavioral and energetic responses to variable ecological conditions, even when food availability is relatively high. A study comparing two populations—one in Virunga National Park and the other in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park—found that despite lower and more variable food availability in Bwindi, gorillas there maintained similar energy intake rates and feeding time as those in Virunga. However, daily travel distances were significantly shorter in Virunga. The research used vegetation sampling, nutritional analysis, detailed feeding behavior observations, and GPS tracking to estimate food availability, energy intake rates, and travel distance. These findings highlight the adaptability of gorillas to ecological variability, which may influence growth, reproduction, and survival.

Energy consumption and carbon emission for tourism transport in W orld H eritage S ites: a case of the W ulingyuan area in C hina

Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2015 — WHECB20750159

Tourism transport in the Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in China, exhibits significant variability in energy consumption and carbon emissions across different modes, months, and growth periods. The study found that energy consumption and emissions per capita and per kilometer vary markedly among 10 transportation types. Monthly differences are pronounced, with October showing 6.8 times the energy use and 4 times the carbon emissions of January. Annual growth rates peaked at 32.16% for energy consumption and 27.98% for emissions between 1979 and 2010. Projections for 2011–2020 indicate that multiple-factor scenarios could reduce both energy consumption and emissions compared to reference and single-factor scenarios, suggesting potential mitigation strategies.

Entamoeba marina n. sp.; a New Species of Entamoeba Isolated from Tidal Flat Sediment of Iriomote Island, Okinawa, Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2015 — WHEEC839EE3C9

Researchers have identified Entamoeba marina n. sp., a novel species of anaerobic amoeba, isolated from tidal flat sediment on Iriomote Island, part of the UNESCO-listed Okinawa Islands. This discovery expands the genus Entamoeba, which primarily includes parasitic species. E. marina exhibits distinct morphological features, such as tetranucleated cysts and trophozoites measuring 12.8–32.1 μm in length, along with a unique rounded nucleus structure. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of its SSU rDNA gene further distinguishes it from known species, confirming its novelty despite morphological similarities to other Entamoeba species. The study highlights the ecological diversity of amoebae in marine sediments and underscores the importance of systematic exploration in understudied environments like tidal flats.

Entangled Gazes: The Polysemy of the New Great Mosque of Granada

Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada — 2015 — WHE0EC07908F5

The new Great Mosque of Granada, inaugurated in 2003, serves as a focal point for contested narratives surrounding Spain's Muslim past and present. Its strategic placement on the Albayzín hill, facing the Alhambra, challenges traditional Christian visual dominance from the adjacent Church of San Nicolás while symbolizing the evolving relationship between local identity and global Islamic influences. The mosque's design reflects both historical conversion movements during the Franco era and contemporary immigration trends from North Africa, embodying a complex interplay of visibility, cultural heritage, and ideological debates.

Entre France et Allemagne, de la ville ancienne à la Neustadt de Strasbourg

Strasbourg, Grande-Île and Neustadt — 2015 — WHE666EDA8428

Strasbourg's Grande-Île and Neustadt, spanning French and German architectural influences, were analyzed for their potential UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription. The study, conducted between 2011 and 2014 under a CIFRE contract with the City of Strasbourg, highlighted the unique urban evolution shaped by historical transitions, including the Alsace-Moselle region's shifting borders. It supported the city's patrimonial policy by providing scientific evidence to strengthen the candidacy, focusing on the continuity between the medieval Grande-Île and the 19th-century Neustadt, designed under German influence. The research involved organizing a dedicated scientific committee and contributing to the finalization of the UNESCO dossier.