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War and a Herzegovinian town: Mostar’s un- bridged divisions

Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar — 2015 — WHE1AB19D0B56

Mostar, a once-prosperous multiethnic city in Bosnia-Herzegovina, now stands divided along ethnic lines following the violent breakup of Yugoslavia. The study highlights that while pre-war Mostar was characterized by ethnic diversity and mixed communities, post-conflict Mostar is segregated into Croat-dominated west and Bosniak-dominated east. This division is symbolized by the Stari Most bridge, which, despite its historical significance, does not physically connect the two sides. The research isolates five geopolitical structures that contributed to this shift, contrasting Mostar's situation with Northern Ireland's post-conflict reconciliation. It underscores the enduring impact of ethnic divisions and the challenges in bridging material and figurative gaps in a post-conflict society.

Water quality and antibiotic resistance at beaches of the Galápagos Islands

Galápagos Islands — 2015 — WHE5AA56B4789

A study on the Galápagos Islands revealed that sewage discharge significantly increases Enterococcus concentrations and antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli levels at beaches, often exceeding international recreational water quality guidelines. This suggests human activities are contributing to the environmental resistome, a finding with potential global implications where tourists frequently use antibiotics. The research compared five beaches on Isla San Cristóbal, some affected by sewage discharge, using IDEXX Enterolert® for Enterococcus quantification and membrane filtration for antibiotic resistance testing in E. coli isolates.

Water quality in Lake Xochimilco, Mexico: zooplankton indicators and Vibrio cholerae

Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco — 2015 — WHEC4BFB47322

Lake Xochimilco, a eutrophic water body in Mexico City, exhibits severe contamination with high levels of phosphorus (2.5–7.8 mg/L) and chlorophyll a (66–136 µg/L), alongside the presence of toxigenic (Vibrio cholerae No-O1/No-O139) and non-toxigenic strains closely associated with littoral zooplankton such as Brachionus quadridentatus. Saprobic indices (1.5–2.0) and low species diversity (~2 bits/ind.) indicate β meso-saprobic conditions, signaling degraded water quality. The study analyzed monthly samples from two sites (Lake Xaltocan and Santa Cruz Canal) over eight months in 2012, assessing zooplankton diversity, bacterial concentrations, and physico-chemical variables. Findings underscore the need for urgent improvements to address eutrophication and public health risks linked to water contamination.

Water regime history drives responses of soil Namib Desert microbial communities to wetting events

Namib Sand Sea — 2015 — WHE4191864FBC

Research on the Namib Sand Sea reveals that long-term soil water regime history significantly influences microbial community responses to wetting events, overshadowing the effects of wetting frequency and intensity. The study, conducted over 36 days with 168 soil microcosms subjected to simulated fog, light rain, and heavy rainfall, found that while wetting events altered microbial structures, these changes were primarily driven by historical soil conditions rather than the immediate water input. Bacterial and fungal communities showed greater sensitivity to the intensity of water pulses than their frequency, contrasting with enzyme activities, which remained largely unaffected by wetting events and were predominantly shaped by soil origin. This study underscores the resilience and dynamism of microbial communities in hyperarid desert ecosystems, highlighting the complex interplay between environmental factors and microbial adaptation.

Water Resources Conflict Management of Nyabarongo River and Kagera River Watershed in Africa

Nyungwe National Park — 2015 — WHEECF7FD4F8D

A proposed sustainable framework for governing water resources in the Nyabarongo and Kagera River watersheds aims to address historical conflicts between riparian states, balancing national interests with regional cooperation. This transboundary basin, shared by 11 countries, is a critical tributary of Lake Victoria and the Nile River. The study analyzes existing water resource bulletins, examines regional conflicts, and suggests integrated governance strategies to mitigate disputes arising from competing water use demands among upper and lower river districts. By emphasizing collaboration over national priorities, this approach seeks to ensure equitable and sustainable exploitation of shared aquatic resources.

Water Temples and Civil Engineering at Teotihuacan, Mexico

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2015 — WHEEF664DCAEE

At Teotihuacán, Mexico, the study reveals sophisticated water management systems integrated into the city’s architecture, particularly around its temples. These findings challenge traditional assumptions about Mesoamerican civil engineering by demonstrating advanced hydraulic planning and infrastructure that supported both religious and urban functions. The research combines empirical archaeological data with innovative social theory to explore how Teotihuacán’s leaders harnessed water resources for ceremonial purposes while sustaining a large population. By analyzing temple layouts, drainage systems, and water channels, the study provides new insights into the city’s engineering prowess and its role in shaping Mesoamerican urbanism.

Watermills in the historic irrigation system ‘Palmeral de Elche’, Spain: an example of early hydropower exploitation

Palmeral of Elche — 2015 — WHE1EF21FD932

A technical survey of 11 watermills in the UNESCO-listed Palmeral de Elche, Spain, reveals early hydropower exploitation within a historic Islamic-era irrigation system. These mills, operational until the last century, featured horizontal turbine-type waterwheels with hydraulic heads ranging from 2 to over 15 meters, demonstrating sophisticated engineering for flour production and energy dissipation in a multipurpose canal network. The study provides dimensions and technical parameters, offering insights into mill operation, power yield, and flour production within this unique European palm grove.

Weaknesses in the plant competition hypothesis for fairy circle formation and evidence supporting the sand termite hypothesis

Namib Sand Sea — 2015 — WHEBB5066AAFC

New research challenges the prevailing plant competition hypothesis for fairy circle formation in Namibia's Sand Sea, presenting strong evidence supporting the sand termite hypothesis. Fairy circles (FCs) are circular bare patches of land surrounded by a ring of tall grasses, primarily found in arid grasslands with annual rainfall below 120 mm. The study argues that FCs are not a result of plant competition for water but rather the activity of the subterranean sand termite Psammotermes allocerus. This hypothesis is supported by extensive field data, including long-term monitoring and soil moisture measurements, which show that FCs maintain higher soil moisture levels even during droughts. Additionally, the study demonstrates that the spatial patterns of FCs closely resemble those of social insect nests, such as termite mounds, suggesting a biological rather than environmental origin. The research also refutes the plant competition hypothesis by highlighting inconsistencies in its core assumptions and providing empirical evidence that contradicts its predictions.

Wealth in Ancient Ephesus and the First Letter to Timothy

Ephesus — 2015 — WHE1960DF4ACC

A recent analysis of the mid-first century C.E. text Ephesiaca by Xenophon of Ephesus, often overlooked in New Testament scholarship, offers fresh insights into the social dynamics and cultural norms of wealth in ancient Ephesus. By employing a socio-rhetorical methodology, this study compares Ephesiaca with five key passages from 1 Timothy (2:9–15; 3:1–13; 6:1–2a; 6:2b–10; and 6:17–19), revealing rare terms and themes that challenge contemporary interpretations of wealth in biblical texts. The research enriches our understanding of the economic and social context of Ephesus, providing a more nuanced 'Sitz im Leben' for wealthy elites during this period.

Wealth in Ancient Ephesus and the First Letter to Timothy: Fresh Insights from Ephesiaca by Xenophon of Ephesus

Ephesus — 2015 — WHE111707A644

A recent analysis of the mid-first century C.E. text Ephesiaca by Xenophon of Ephesus, combined with socio-rhetorical methodology, offers fresh insights into the social context and cultural norms of the wealthy in ancient Ephesus. This research challenges traditional interpretations of wealth-related teachings in 1 Timothy (e.g., 2:9-15; 3:1-13; 6:1-2a; 6:2b-10; 6:17-19) by revealing overlooked evidence that reshapes our understanding of the Sitz im Leben of Ephesus' elite. The study also highlights rare terms and themes in Ephesiaca that parallel those in 1 Timothy, providing new avenues for biblical interpretation.

Weathering and restoration of Borobudur Temple, Indonesia

Borobudur Temple Compounds — 2015 — WHE1D2D045527

A comprehensive analysis of Borobudur Temple's weathering and restoration processes reveals critical insights into the durability and preservation challenges of stone monuments. The study, part of a broader symposium series on stone properties, testing, and preservation, examines the intricate factors affecting Borobudur's structural integrity. It highlights the complexities involved in treating stone, emphasizing the need for advanced techniques to mitigate decay. By sampling a wide range of weathering processes, the research provides valuable data on how environmental and material factors contribute to the deterioration of such significant cultural heritage sites.

Wei-Cheng Lin. Building a Sacred Mountain: The Buddhist Architecture of China's Mount Wutai.

Mount Wutai — 2015 — WHED17893FEE3

Mount Wutai emerged as East Asia's most significant sacred mountain around the mid-sixth century, distinguished by its lack of prior sacred pedigree. Unlike other holy sites, it did not develop through mytho-historical layers but instead arose suddenly as the abode of the Bodhisattva Mañjuśrī. Wei-Cheng Lin's study reveals that this sacralization was achieved and sustained primarily through Buddhist discourses, particularly via monastic architecture. By focusing on pagodas, monasteries, and cityscapes of the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534), Lin demonstrates how these structures mediated the visualization and experience of the Dharmic divine, playing a pivotal role in the process of Buddhicization. This approach challenges the traditional Sinification paradigm, emphasizing instead the autonomous development of Buddhist sacrality on Mount Wutai.

Welterbestädte Südosteuropas im Spannungsfeld von Cultural Governance und lokaler Zivilgesellschaft : untersucht am Beispiel Gjirokastra (Albanien)

Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra — 2015 — WHEF3724A893B

Global UNESCO World Heritage strategies often fail to effectively address regional challenges, particularly in post-socialist Southeast Europe. This study reveals that standardized governance models and implementation criteria, when applied without local adaptation, exacerbate tensions between cultural governance and civil society, leading to ineffective conservation outcomes. Using Gjirokastra, Albania, as a case study, the research applies multi-level governance theory to analyze how institutional weaknesses, elite conflicts, corruption, and unclear property rights hinder World Heritage protection. It demonstrates that the post-socialist transformation context—marked by state institution collapse, privatization, and rapid urban changes—creates unique obstacles that global strategies overlook, resulting in neglect of heritage values amid unregulated modernization.

West-östliche Divan and the “Abduction/Seduction of Europe”: World Literature and the Circulation of Culture

Cologne Cathedral — 2015 — WHEE4C1941B0C

The study reveals that Goethe's 'West-östliche Divan' (1819) challenges the separation of art from commerce, proposing an aesthetic that intertwines poetic presentation with luxury consumption. It explores the complex relationship between cultural exchange and political territories, highlighting how world literature emerges post-Napoleonic Wars, facilitated by lifted trade restrictions but also marked by historical instances of forced translations and plundered artifacts. The research approach juxtaposes Goethe's poetic inspiration from Hafez against Greek myths representing violence, while analyzing parallel commercial and cultural networks in 18th- and 19th-century Europe.

Wetland Occupancy of Pond-Breeding Amphibians in Yosemite National Park, USA

Yosemite National Park — 2015 — WHE071AE070BC

A five-year study (2007–2011) on pond-breeding amphibians in Yosemite National Park found contrasting trends for three species: Rana sierrae showed stable occupancy, defying recent decline concerns, while Pseudacris regilla exhibited a modest downward trend despite its widespread distribution. Anaxyrus canorus remained consistent across elevations and fish presence. The research used double-survey techniques to estimate detectability (73.7–86.7%), revealing high variability for A. canorus. Occupancy patterns were influenced by wetland size, elevation, and fish presence, with R. sierrae and P. regilla less likely in fish-inhabited sites.

What's New On Rapa Nui

Rapa Nui National Park — 2015 — WHE6326421FC2

Rapa Nui National Park is witnessing a cultural renaissance through the Toki Music School, which blends Polynesian heritage with European classical music. The school, led by Mahani Teave—a renowned pianist who returned to her island after international training—aims to nurture local talent and prevent young Rapanuis from leaving for musical education abroad. With over 70 students, the initiative is housed in an Earthship Biotecture, a sustainable structure built from recycled materials like tires and bottles, showcasing innovative green building techniques. Concurrently, the island has achieved a historic agreement with CONADI to regulate immigration and co-administer the national park, addressing concerns about land ownership and resource management while fostering community trust. This dual focus on cultural preservation and environmental sustainability positions Rapa Nui as a global leader in both music education and sustainable development.

What’s Wrong with the Murals at the Mogao Grottoes: A Near-Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging Method

Mogao Caves — 2015 — WHEA96BD4567A

A near-infrared hyperspectral imaging method effectively evaluates the degree of flaking in ancient murals at the Mogao Grottoes, offering a non-contact alternative for preservation assessment. Researchers analyzed hyperspectral images from the 126th cave, categorizing mural regions into four flaking levels—normal, slight, moderate, and severe—and training classification models using spectral data. Deep belief networks (DBNs) proved most effective, particularly in handling striping noise, demonstrating the potential of this approach for large-scale conservation efforts at UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

When biogeographical provinces collide: hybridization of reef fishes at the crossroads of marine biogeographical provinces in the Arabian Sea

Socotra Archipelago — 2015 — WHE94DA80914A

Researchers have uncovered a significant hybrid hotspot at the Socotra Archipelago, where reef fishes from distinct marine biogeographical provinces—including the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, western Indian Ocean, and Indo-Polynesian Province—interbreed. This study identifies 14 species from four reef fish families exhibiting hybridization, often involving a rare local species and a broadly distributed Indo-Pacific counterpart. Genetic analysis using mitochondrial and nuclear markers confirmed hybrid status in morphologically intermediate individuals, revealing unidirectional gene flow and fertile hybrids capable of forming breeding groups with parental species. The findings suggest that Socotra's unique biogeographical location, reef habitat, environmental conditions, and abundance disparities facilitate hybridization at an unprecedented rate compared to other marine regions.

When was the Sun Pyramid Built? Maintaining the Status Quo at Teotihuacan, Mexico

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2015 — WHED27E7EF02C

A new analysis of radiocarbon dates from the artificial cave beneath Teotihuacan's Sun Pyramid, combined with Bayesian modeling, supports the traditional view that the pyramid was built in the first century A.D. Contrary to a recent reinterpretation suggesting mid-third-century construction, this study reconciles pyramid and cave chronologies with ceramic evidence, maintaining the long-held timeline of the pyramid's founding role in the city's establishment.

Where have all the people gone? Enhancing global conservation using night lights and social media

Pantanal Conservation Area — 2015 — WHE9C7078CCD9

A novel approach combining social media data and remote sensing identifies that half of all visitors to protected areas globally are concentrated in under 1% of these sites, often UNESCO World Heritage Sites with high accessibility. The study used Flickr photographs as a surrogate for visitor numbers, validated by local censuses, alongside night lights data to distinguish between urban and natural areas. Key hotspots like Brazil's Pantanal and Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni were found to attract significant visitation but remain largely unprotected. This integrated method offers real-time insights into spatial conservation gaps and pressures, demonstrating the potential of big data in global conservation efforts.