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Unusual Examples of Sophisticated Iron Technology in the Heating Systems of Roman Imperial Baths

Villa Adriana (Tivoli) — 2015 — WHEE555F3C6D6

Roman imperial baths showcased advanced iron technology, as evidenced by sophisticated heating systems that utilized intricate metal grids and supports. A previously undocumented device was uncovered in the Villa of Giulia, where concrete floors were supported by an iron grid held by vertical posts, enabling hot air circulation while bearing structural loads. Similarly, a curvilinear metal grid with hooks created vaulted spaces for air movement in calidaria (hot baths). Analysis of two vaulted systems at Villa Adriana, Tivoli, revealed precise construction techniques requiring meticulous planning. The study highlights the Romans' mastery of metallurgy and architectural innovation, culminating in the grandest example—a hanging ceiling over Caracalla's Baths in Rome—demonstrating nearly a century of refinement in this technology.

Update on the Situation in Palmyra

Site of Palmyra — 2015 — WHEAC4D464B3E

Since its capture by ISIL militants in May 2015, Palmyra has faced severe humanitarian and cultural devastation. Significant damage includes the destruction of iconic structures like the Baalshamin Temple and the Temple of Bel, as well as severe harm to at least seven tower tombs within the Valley of the Tombs. The conflict has also led to widespread atrocities against civilians, including mass abductions, and intentional destruction of religious sites, both Islamic and Christian. This report highlights the urgent need for international intervention to protect Palmyra's irreplaceable heritage and its people.

Urban and Real Estate Development of the Central University of Venezuela’s Rental Zone

Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas — 2015 — WHECF0B250BAB

The Central University of Venezuela (UCV), founded in 1721, has significantly influenced the urban development of Caracas. Its campus, the Caracas University City (CUC), constructed in the 1940s, played a pivotal role in shaping the city's structure and morphology. This development led to the real estate appreciation of the Plaza Venezuela-Sabana Grande sector during the 1950s and 1960s. The study examines how the UCV's growth contributed to the urban expansion and economic value of this area, providing insights into the interplay between educational institutions and urban development.

Urban Economies and Spatial Governmentalities in the World Heritage City of Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala — 2015 — WHEBF31C3EEBC

A new mobile form of street vending has emerged in Antigua, Guatemala, due to changes in municipal regulations and policing priorities. This study examines how spatial governmentality—both horizontal and vertical—shapes the economic practices of Maya street vendors within the UNESCO World Heritage City's sociopolitically constructed spaces. By applying Foucault’s concept of 'governmentality,' the research reveals that these governance dynamics influence why certain street economies persist while others evolve, offering insights into the interplay between urban regulation and informal economic adaptation.

Urban Heat Island Characterization and Isotherm Mapping Using Geo-Informatics Technology in Ahmedabad City, Gujarat State, India

Historic City of Ahmadabad — 2015 — WHED043A35BE8

A study on Ahmedabad, India, revealed significant urban heat island (UHI) effects, with surface temperatures in industrial and dense urban areas rising 4–5°C above suburban levels. The research used satellite-based remote sensing data from Landsat ETM band-6 combined with in-situ measurements to map thermal hotspots. Findings highlighted severe temperature disparities linked to urbanization, industrial emissions, and poor planning, underscoring the need for sustainable interventions to mitigate climate impacts on air quality and public health.

Urban Heritage, Development and Sustainability

Hoi An Ancient Town — 2015 — WHE9EBA83DA0F

A critical disconnect exists between UNESCO's urban heritage frameworks and local development priorities, particularly in balancing conservation with economic growth. The study examines case studies from Hoi An Ancient Town (Vietnam) to Laos, Mozambique, and Hong Kong, revealing how top-down heritage management often clashes with grassroots needs. It highlights the potential of stakeholder involvement and adaptive strategies—such as the 'Historic Urban Landscape' approach—to reconcile conservation with development sustainably. Research combines qualitative analysis of policy implementation, community narratives, and urban planning challenges to propose actionable frameworks for preserving intangible cultural heritage while addressing poverty and displacement.

Urban landscapes: transforming spaces and reshaping communities

Yin Xu — 2015 — WHE05C21CFB79

Yin Xu offers unique insights into early Bronze Age urbanism and literacy in China. Unlike its predecessors, such as Anyang, Yin Xu lacked city walls and clearly demarcated boundaries, with its royal precinct spanning 70 hectares and featuring over 100 building foundations. Most significantly, the site has yielded a substantial corpus of inscribed divination bones, providing rare glimpses into everyday writing from this period. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the nature and extent of literacy in ancient Chinese urban centers, highlighting the interplay between urbanization and the transmission of written language over millennia.

Use of Wild Foods During the Rainy Season by a Reintroduced Population of Scarlet Macaws ( Ara Macao Cyanoptera ) in Palenque, Mexico

Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque — 2015 — WHEC811991192

A reintroduced population of scarlet macaws (Ara macao cyanoptera) in Palenque, Mexico, demonstrated remarkable adaptability by utilizing 31 tree species for food during the rainy season, with seeds and fruit comprising 70% of their diet. The macaws' dietary diversity matched that of wild populations, contributing to a low mortality rate (9%) and successful nesting events. Spatial data revealed their food trees were dispersed over 36 hectares with a clumped distribution, while an additional 23 hectares were used for non-feeding activities. This success is attributed to the macaws' behavioral flexibility, social learning, and high cognitive capacity, underscoring the potential of reintroduction programs for endangered species.

Using DNA Barcodes to Identify Road-Killed Animals in Two Atlantic Forest Nature Reserves, Brazil

Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves — 2015 — WHEC755920006

A groundbreaking study demonstrates that DNA barcoding is a highly effective tool for identifying road-killed animals, particularly in fragmented habitats where morphological identification is challenging. Researchers analyzed 222 vertebrate samples collected along the BR-101 highway in Brazil's Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves, successfully identifying 62 different species, including several threatened or vulnerable ones such as Pyrrhura cruentata and Puma yagouaroundi. The most frequently encountered roadkill species were Molossus molossus (a bat), Didelphis aurita (an opossum), and Trachycephalus mesophaeus (a frog). However, the study noted a significant gap in reptile identification due to limited reference sequences in databases like BOLD. This research not only sheds light on the impact of road mortality on biodiversity but also highlights the potential of DNA barcoding as a critical tool for road ecology studies.

Using local ecological knowledge to assess the status of the Critically Endangered Chinese giant salamanderAndrias davidianusin Guizhou Province, China

Fanjingshan — 2015 — WHECF163D0BB1

Local ecological knowledge reveals severe declines in the Critically Endangered Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) across three Guizhou Province reserves, including potential functional extinction at Mayanghe. Despite being a priority species for conservation, few recent sightings were recorded in Fanjingshan and Leigongshan, with respondents citing overharvesting—likely driven by the booming salamander farming industry—as the primary threat. The study demonstrates that questionnaire-based surveys can provide novel quantitative data to assess population status where traditional field techniques fail, advocating for broader adoption of this approach in future conservation efforts.

Using molecular tools to guide management of invasive alien species: assessing the genetic impact of a recently introduced island bird population

Aldabra Atoll — 2015 — WHE258D949718

A recent hybridization event between the endemic Aldabra fody (Foudia aldabrana) and the invasive Madagascar fody (F. madagascariensis) on Aldabra Atoll poses a significant threat to the genetic diversity of the native species. Molecular analyses using mitochondrial and nuclear markers confirmed this admixture, revealing that the invasive population likely originated from Assumption Island, where it was introduced in the 1970s. The study highlights the importance of molecular tools in detecting hybridization events that may go unnoticed morphologically, providing critical insights for managing invasive species and preserving endemic biodiversity on islands.

Using site-occupancy models to prepare for the spread of chytridiomyosis and identify factors affecting detectability of a cryptic susceptible species, the Tasmanian tree frog

Tasmanian Wilderness — 2015 — WHE59FFAC7313

Research using site-occupancy models reveals that large populations of the Tasmanian tree frog (Litoria burrowsae) are more likely to be found in naturally formed ponds and are less prone to chytridiomycosis, a deadly fungal disease caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. The study also identified that strong winds and time after sunset negatively impact the detectability of these populations. Conducted within the largely disease-free Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (1.40 million ha), this work highlights the potential of site-occupancy modeling to improve conservation efforts by providing more accurate and efficient surveillance for cryptic species vulnerable to disease. The findings, though limited by the small number of Bd-positive sites recorded, underscore the importance of proactive monitoring in remote regions to prepare for potential disease spread.

Using Social Media to Measure the Contribution of Red List Species to the Nature-Based Tourism Potential of African Protected Areas

Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest — 2015 — WHE90E2FEAC19

Samburu National Reserve, Mukogodo Forest Reserve near Mount Kenya, and Addo Elephant National Park rank as Africa's top destinations for nature-based tourism, driven by the global appeal of iconic species like lions, elephants, and leopards. Researchers quantified this potential using social media data—specifically photo counts from a sharing platform—as a proxy for species charisma and accessibility. By analyzing over 2400 wildlife images across African protected areas, they linked biodiversity to tourism attractiveness without relying on resource-intensive surveys. This novel method leverages freely available IUCN Red List data and online platforms, offering a scalable approach to assess cultural ecosystem services. While it highlights globally popular species—often not the most conservation-critical—the index provides insights into human-perceived benefits, though it omits factors like accessibility or safety that also shape tourism dynamics.

Utilización de reptiles durante el periodo Agroalfarero de la región Chaco-Santiagueña, Argentina

Chaco Culture — 2015 — WHED53A05E70F

A new study reveals that reptiles played a significant but understudied role in the diets of ancient inhabitants of the Chaco-Santiagueña region in northwestern Argentina during the Agroalfarero period (350 AD to Spanish conquest). Analysis of tortoise, snake, and lizard remains from archaeological sites indicates anthropic use, such as burning for tortoises and cut marks on Tupinambis bones, suggesting these reptiles were consumed seasonally. While evidence is limited—tortoises show body part representations and burned bones, while snakes provide only indirect thermal alteration clues—Tupinambis consumption is more clearly documented through disarticulation and skinning marks. Reptiles contributed minimally (0.5–8% NISP) but complementarily to the diet, highlighting a previously overlooked resource in zooarchaeological studies of this region.

V iking stranger‐kings: the foreign as a source of power in V iking A ge S candinavia, or, why there was a peacock in the G okstad ship burial?

Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church — 2015 — WHEC1EC455E68

Research reveals that the concept of the 'stranger-king' played a pivotal role in Viking Age Scandinavia, serving as both a political strategy and a source of power for early Scandinavian rulers. Analyzing the Jelling Mounds complex in Denmark, the study demonstrates how this site materializes the myth of an immigrant forefather founding the dynasty, with ship settings and burial mounds symbolizing the foreign king's control over local land. The 'stranger-king' archetype is identified as a central element of Old Norse mythology, closely tied to sacral rulership and the embrace of the exotic to project authority beyond human control. This finding underscores the significance of the foreign in the formation of early Scandinavian states.

Valorizziamo l’autoctona ape nera siciliana

Archaeological Area of Agrigento — 2015 — WHE0B20FB50B1

A groundbreaking initiative to install a hive of native Sicilian black bees (Apis mellifera sicula) within the Archaeological Area of Agrigento holds significant promise for biodiversity conservation and genetic diversity. This effort aligns with the regional 'Apeslow' project, which has identified new genetic lineages of Sicilian bees, emphasizing their potential for broader ecological value. The study advocates for the widespread adoption of such initiatives across Sicily's protected areas, underscoring the importance of preserving indigenous bee populations to enhance local ecosystems and support sustainable agriculture.

Vascular plants from Kunashiri Island, the southernmost island of the Kuril Islands, island arc between Hokkaido and Kamchatka peninsula

Shiretoko — 2015 — WHE9211174EB9

Research on Kunashiri Island, part of the Kuril Islands, reveals that its vascular plant diversity remains well-preserved, offering a baseline for comparing floral compositions with Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site. Conducted as part of a sika deer management program, the study inventoried plants in July 2013 to assess vegetation damage from browsing pressure. The findings suggest Kunashiri's flora serves as a reference for Shiretoko's original composition before deer-induced degradation, providing insights into ecological resilience and conservation challenges in similar environments.

Vegetation of taluses and screes of the high montane and alpine zone in the Pamir Alai Mountains (Tajikistan, Middle Asia)

Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) — 2015 — WHE55EA3CA930

Researchers have identified nine distinct plant associations and one subassociation within the scree vegetation of the Pamir Alai Mountains, Tajikistan, highlighting their unique floristic composition and ecological significance. These communities, characterized by their adaptation to mobile and stabilized scree habitats, were classified into a new alliance (Ferulo foetidissimae-Vicion kokanicae) and a provisional order (Sileno brahuicae-Scutellarietalia intermediae), contributing to the understanding of central Asian scree vegetation. The study, conducted using phytosociological relevés and numerical analyses between 2012–2014, revealed that species composition is primarily influenced by scree mobility, rock particle size, elevation, and slope inclination. These findings underscore the role of rupicolous habitats as refuges for narrowly distributed plant taxa, showcasing remarkable variability in species composition and habitat requirements.

Velocity Structure of the Izu–Ogasawara Island Arc

Ogasawara Islands — 2015 — WHE390D136656

A study of the Izu–Ogasawara Island Arc reveals that its crustal velocity structure mirrors continental crust characteristics, with distinct upper (4.5–6.0 km/s), middle (6.0–6.5 km/s), and lower (6.5–7.5 km/s) layers, including a two-part lower crust. The research, conducted using unified seismic surveys from 2004, found that the arc's development involves crustal thickening followed by rifting and back-arc opening, leading to thinning. Notably, the Shikoku Basin exhibits a thin crust (≈10 km) with high-velocity lower layers (>7 km/s), while the Ogasawara Ridge shows a complex structure with localized thin crusts. These findings provide insights into the arc's geological evolution and contrast with the Parece Vela basin.

Venice and the Cultural Imagination

Venice and its Lagoon — 2015 — WHE7EFC432DFC

Venice and its Lagoon, as explored in the edited volume 'Venice and the Cultural Imagination,' reveals the profound and enduring influence of Venice on global cultural narratives. The study examines how Venice has been reimagined across centuries by prominent literary figures such as Shakespeare, Byron, Wordsworth, the Shelleys, Thomas Mann, and others, as well as through visual arts like those of J M W Turner. It also delves into Venice's significance in opera, Victorian literature, and modern adaptations, including Daphne du Maurier's 'Don't Look Now' and its film adaptation by Nicolas Roeg. The research approach combines literary analysis with interdisciplinary perspectives, highlighting Venice's dual role as both a physical landscape and a symbol of cultural imagination, decay, and transformation.