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The presence of the marsupial Dromiciops gliroides in Parque Nacional Los Alerces, Chubut, Southern Argentina, after the synchronous maturation and flowering of native bamboo and subsequent rodent irruption

Los Alerces National Park — 2015 — WHE447E171F55

A breeding population of the rare marsupial Dromiciops gliroides, the sole surviving member of the order Microbiotheria, has been discovered in Los Alerces National Park, Argentina—marking its southernmost known range in the country. This finding extends its distribution further south than previously documented and suggests the species thrives in Nothofagus forests, likely using tree hollows for refuge rather than constructing dreys. The study, conducted post a 70-year bamboo flowering event that triggered a rodent irruption, captured four adult Dromiciops gliroides, including two females with pouch young, indicating births occurred between late October and early November. Research suggests the species relies on insects during spring due to limited fruiting plants. Threats to this population include introduced predators and human activities such as farming and tourism.

The Privatization of the Nyungwe National Park Buffer Zone and Implications for Adjacent Communities

Nyungwe National Park — 2015 — WHEB7F91D749D

Privatization of Nyungwe National Park's buffer zone significantly reduces resource access for local communities, particularly poorer households. The study reveals that these communities heavily relied on the buffer zone for wood collection, which contributed substantially to their income. Following the privatization by the New Forest Company, stricter enforcement led to increased difficulty in accessing these resources. Semistructured interviews and empirical data on household resource collection from park, buffer zone, markets, and private lands were used to assess the impact of this management change.

The radiative impact of desert dust on orographic rain in the Cévennes–Vivarais area: a case study from HyMeX

The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape — 2015 — WHE789C27CFA3

A significant dust plume from northern Africa, characterized by high aerosol optical depth, was observed to influence orographic rainfall in the Cévennes–Vivarais area during a 2012 HyMeX campaign. The study found that this dust induced localized heating of up to +3 K and increased convective available potential energy by up to +900 J kg⁻¹, yet its radiative impact on 24-hour rainfall accumulation was marginal. High-resolution simulations using the Meso-NH model, validated against extensive ground-based, airborne, and space-borne data, revealed that while dust altered atmospheric conditions, its transient nature in dynamic Mediterranean environments limited its effect on precipitation patterns.

The Ramsesnakht dynasty and the fall of the New Kingdom: A new monument in Thebes

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis — 2015 — WHE0AE24B4310

A significant archaeological discovery at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis reveals that a large tomb in Dra' Abu el-Naga underwent two major construction phases, shedding light on the transition from the New Kingdom to the late 20th Dynasty. Initial construction dates back to the late 17th or early 18th Dynasty, while extensive remodeling attributed to Ramsesnakht, the High Priest of Amun, marks its second phase. This study, conducted by a joint project involving the German Institute of Archaeology and UCLA, focuses on the Ramesside constructions and the tomb's reuse, offering new historical insights into this pivotal period in Egyptian history.

The RAN at War, 1944–45

Beaches of the D-Day Landings, Normandy, 1944 — 2015 — WHEFE9E3B99B0

During the D-Day landings and subsequent Allied operations in Europe (1944–45), Royal Australian Navy (RAN) personnel played pivotal roles, demonstrating exceptional bravery and technical skill. Key contributions included reconnaissance missions by Lieutenant Hudspeth RANVR, who guided landing forces under heavy fire, and Lieutenant Thomas Foggitt RANVR's leadership in landing operations despite being wounded. Additionally, Lieutenant Commander Stanley Darling RANVR set a record by sinking three German submarines within six months. Post-surrender, Lieutenant George Gosse RANVR earned a George Cross for defusing a deadly German mine in Bremen Harbour. These actions highlight the RAN's significant but often underrecognized contributions to Allied victories, particularly in amphibious assaults and naval engagements.

The Recreational Value of Rohtas Fort, Pakistan

Rohtas Fort — 2015 — WHE923CA79451

Rohtas Fort, Pakistan, holds significant recreational value, contributing approximately US$11.70 million annually, equivalent to 0.05% of Pakistan's GDP in 2013. This study employed the Individual Travel Cost Method to estimate consumer surplus and recreational value, identifying key factors influencing visitation frequency—travel cost, household income, age, household size, education, and sex. Visitors expressed high satisfaction with the museum but highlighted cleanliness as a major issue, with waste disposal services needing urgent improvement. The research suggests that increasing entrance fees could generate additional revenue for maintenance and renovation projects, given visitors' willingness to pay.

The Representation of Ambiguity on the Spaces of Luis Barragán House and Studio

Luis Barragán House and Studio — 2015 — WHE7B69CC6E57

Luis Barragán House and Studio, designed by the renowned architect in 1947, exemplifies his groundbreaking approach to spatial representation through ambiguity. This study reveals how Barragán's architectural language was first established here, blending symbolic elements with fluid spatial experiences to evoke emotional responses. The research employs a detailed analysis of the site's design, focusing on its use of color, light, and materiality to create layered perceptions that challenge conventional spatial interpretation. By dissecting these ambiguous spaces, the study highlights Barragán's innovative integration of cultural symbolism and sensory engagement, offering insights into his enduring influence on modern architecture.

The Research of Geochemical Characteristics and Indicative Significance for the Source Springs - A Case of Huanglong Valley in Sichuan Province

Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2015 — WHE5DEC55A22A

Geochemical analysis of Huanglong Valley's source springs reveals that the gases dissolved in its water originate primarily from deep Earth, carrying unique signatures distinct from atmospheric or biogenic sources. This finding underscores the valley's potential as a natural archive for tectonic activity, including earthquakes and volcanic processes. The study employed hydrochemical data logging, in-situ titrating, and sample collection of both spring and atmospheric waters to distinguish sediment sources and decode geological clues trapped in travertine deposits within deep grooves. These insights highlight Huanglong’s significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not only for its scenic beauty but also for its role in unraveling Earth's dynamic processes.

The risk of impoverishment in urban development-induced displacement and resettlement in Ahmedabad

Historic City of Ahmadabad — 2015 — WHE19700D37C9

Urban development and infrastructure projects in Ahmedabad, India, have exacerbated poverty among displaced households due to inadequate attention to the risk of impoverishment in policy and local governance practices. Despite claims of inclusive governance, the urban poor are excluded from planning processes, leading to a lack of understanding of their needs and subsequent economic hardship after resettlement. The study highlights the negative consequences of current displacement and resettlement practices on vulnerable populations, emphasizing the need for policies that address impoverishment risks more effectively.

The rock art of Kondoa District, Tanzania

Kondoa Rock-Art Sites — 2015 — WHE44677EAF4B

Despite nearly a century of research, the rock art of Kondoa District, Tanzania—part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site—lacks a widely accepted stylistic sequence or clear attribution to specific groups. This study resolves these challenges by introducing a systematic analytical framework that integrates both artistic content and geographical context. The analysis identifies three distinct yet overlapping traditions in the region's rock art, each linked to specific ethnic groups. By providing evidence-based authorship ascriptions, the research reveals the complex cultural interactions and settlement patterns of Kondoa District, offering a foundation for future studies on rock art interpretation.

The role of applied toponymy in the study of mineral resources Saryarka

Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan — 2015 — WHEDA620ECCA1

Research in Saryarka, Kazakhstan, reveals that ancient mining sites and smelting centers, dating back to the Bronze Age, confirm significant metal production during this period. The study highlights the role of applied toponymy in validating physical-geographical conditions and mineral-resource deposits, demonstrating extensive extraction of ores such as copper, lead, gold, sulfur, silver, and tin, with evidence of nickel, manganese, and iron smelting by the late Bronze Age. Geological surveys, combined with historical-archeological data, underscore how toponymy aids in identifying and understanding these resources, providing insights into Kazakhstan's rich mineral heritage.

The Role of Belief and Religion in Creation of Persian Garden

The Persian Garden — 2015 — WHE0F9591C2F7

Persian gardens embody the profound Iranian cultural ideal of harmony between nature and humanity, rooted in deep religious and spiritual beliefs. These gardens serve as tangible representations of paradise, reflecting a universal vision that transcends mere physical beauty, blending historical, religious, and poetic elements into an idealized natural environment. Unlike Western literary depictions, Persian gardens symbolize the sublimation of reality through lush landscapes, flowers, and poetic imagery, creating a spiritual connection to nature. The study highlights how these gardens have evolved over centuries as both physical spaces and inner metaphors, integrating customs, poetry, and spiritual traditions into their design and significance.

The role of domestic animals in the epidemiology of human african trypanosomiasis in Ngorongoro conservation area, Tanzania

Ngorongoro Conservation Area — 2015 — WHE8F6B0DFADB

A high prevalence of Trypanosoma brucei infections, including the human-infective subspecies T. brucei rhodesiense, was identified among domestic animals—cattle, sheep, and goats—in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Tanzania. The study found infection rates of 47% in cattle, 91.7% in sheep, and 60.8% in goats, with sheep and goats acting as carriers of T. b. rhodesiense, which causes acute human trypanosomiasis. Researchers analyzed 193 samples from Maasai herds using PCR and SRA LAMP techniques across eight sites, highlighting the critical role of domestic livestock in disease transmission dynamics. These findings underscore the urgent need for strengthened control strategies to mitigate outbreaks and protect both animal and human health in the region.

The Role of Protected Areas in the Avoidance of Anthropogenic Conversion in a High Pressure Region: A Matching Method Analysis in the Core Region of the Brazilian Cerrado

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2015 — WHEFE09C10F34

Protected areas in the core region of Brazil's Cerrado Biome significantly contribute to preventing anthropogenic conversion, though effectiveness varies widely based on factors such as restriction degree, governmental sphere, size, and age. Using advanced matching methods, this study reduced bias by 94-99%, addressing statistical challenges like spatial correlation and leakage effects that often distort effectiveness estimates. The findings reveal that most protected areas positively influence habitat preservation, but their performance is highly dependent on specific characteristics. This research underscores the importance of tailored conservation strategies to maximize the impact of protected areas in high-pressure regions.

The role of seed banks in sustaining alkali grassland biodiversity in the Hortobágy National Park, Hungary

Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta — 2015 — WHE0007DEC7E3

Research in the Hortobágy National Park reveals that seed banks play a critical role in sustaining biodiversity in alkali grasslands, particularly under stress. The study found that while surface vegetation contained 39 species, seed banks harbored 50, with densities of 30,000-50,000 seeds per square meter—higher than typical dry grasslands. Contrary to expectations, the most stressed grassland types exhibited the highest density of halophyte seeds, though overall species richness and seed density were lowest in these environments. The study tested hypotheses about vertical positioning and environmental factors (moisture, salinity, pH, organic matter) influencing seed bank composition but found limited support for them. Most grassland species lacked significant seed banks, suggesting that local persistence is not guaranteed through this mechanism.

The Role of the Fondation Le Corbusier in the Conservation of the Le Corbusier's Architectural Work

The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement — 2015 — WHE80938A5ABE

Le Corbusier's architectural legacy, recognized as an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement by UNESCO, is safeguarded through the Fondation Le Corbusier. This foundation, established by Le Corbusier himself during his final years, ensures the preservation and dissemination of his work, holding moral rights over all buildings and collections. Each structure is treated as a unique piece of art, guiding restoration efforts with meticulous attention to detail. The foundation's dual mission—circulating Le Corbusier’s ideas and preserving his legacy—ensures that his architectural contributions remain intact for future generations.

The role of water in the emergence of the pre‐Columbian Native American City Cahokia

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site — 2015 — WHED41BCBCF0C

Water played a pivotal role in the emergence and development of Cahokia, one of North America's largest pre-Columbian cities. Beyond its functional significance for water management, water was deeply symbolic and relational, shaping the city's landscape and urban planning. Nestled in the Mississippi River floodplain at the confluence of three rivers, Cahokians integrated natural and man-made water features into their city design, influencing the placement of earthen mounds, neighborhoods, causeways, and public plazas. This study demonstrates that early Native American societies valued water not only for its practical uses but also as a central element in urban symbolism and worldview, offering unique insights into ancient urban environments.

The Roman City of Altinum, Venice Lagoon, from Remote Sensing and Geophysical Prospection

Venice and its Lagoon — 2015 — WHE7E3EAD6D73

A Roman city, Altinum, once flourished in the Venice Lagoon, serving as a significant harbour during the Iron Age and Roman periods before being abandoned in the early Middle Ages. Recent geophysical prospection, integrating vertical multispectral and oblique aerial images with advanced techniques like magnetic gradiometer mapping, ground-penetrating radar, and frequency-domain electromagnetics, has uncovered its urban landscape with remarkable precision—locating structures with an error margin of less than 0.5 meters. The study revealed preserved floors and foundations of Roman buildings and infrastructures at depths of 0.5 to 2 meters, suggesting a city re-organization between the second half of the 2nd century and the end of the 1st century BC. Eight distinct districts were identified, each with public, residential, or productive functions, while monumental buildings likely served as nautical signals for ships navigating the Adriatic Sea along this otherwise monotonous coast.

The roof and suspended ceiling of the marble room in the House of the Telephus Relief at Herculaneum

Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata — 2015 — WHED770EA02FD

A remarkable discovery of exceptionally well-preserved timber structures, including a roof and suspended ceiling, was unearthed during drainage work at Herculaneum's ancient shoreline. The timbers, buried under volcanic material from the A.D. 79 eruption, spanned approximately 55 meters beneath the House of the Telephus Relief. Analysis by CNR-IVALSA revealed that nearly all samples belonged to the silver fir species (Abies alba), showcasing the unique preservation conditions that protected the wood from carbonization. This finding provides unprecedented insights into Roman architectural techniques and materials, contributing significantly to our understanding of ancient construction practices.

The science of Parliament: building the Palace of Westminster, 1834-1860

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2015 — WHE4E5716142F

The construction of the Palace of Westminster between 1834 and 1860 was not merely a reflection of Victorian architectural ideals but also a demonstration of the integration of cutting-edge scientific knowledge. This study reveals that science, including chemistry, optics, geology, horology, and architecture, played an active role in shaping the building's design and functionality. Unlike traditional views, this research argues that the use of science was deliberate and strategic, serving as a tool to establish political authority during a period of significant political reform in Britain. The Palace of Westminster thus stands as both a physical embodiment of scientific advancement and a symbol of the evolving relationship between science and politics.