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Medium to large size mammals of southern Serra do Amolar, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazilian Pantanal

Pantanal Conservation Area — 2014 — WHEC34A655C56

A comprehensive inventory of medium to large-sized mammals in the southern Serra do Amolar, a critical biodiversity hotspot within Brazil's Pantanal biome, reveals 33 species from 18 families. This study, conducted non-invasively between 2009 and 2013 at Engenheiro Eliezer Batista Private Natural Heritage Reserve and Santa Tereza ranch, highlights the presence of endangered species like the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), vulnerable species such as the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris), and near-threatened species including the jaguar (Panthera onca). The findings underscore the region's significance for mammal conservation in a broader ecological context, addressing a critical gap in biodiversity data for this understudied area.

Memoriales de los provinciales a los domicilios de Córdoba (1era. parte)

Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba — 2014 — WHE4B68D51271

The 'Memoriales de los provinciales a los domicilios de Córdoba' provide critical insights into the administrative practices of Jesuit institutions during the colonial era. These documents, authored by provincial leaders and directed at various domestic entities such as colleges, novitiates, and estancias, offer detailed instructions aimed at improving spiritual and material governance. The Memoriales reveal a highly critical approach to addressing deviations from institutional norms, often highlighting issues that required immediate correction. This study sheds light on the periodic inspections conducted by provincial leaders, which served as the basis for these corrective guidelines. By analyzing these documents, researchers gain a nuanced understanding of the internal dynamics and challenges faced by Jesuit institutions in Córdoba during this period.

Memoriales de los provinciales a los domicilios de Córdoba (2ª parte)

Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba — 2014 — WHE8FBA602012

This study delves into the historical and cultural significance of the Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba, focusing on the 'Memoriales de los provinciales a los domicilios de Córdoba'—a collection of letters and documents left by Jesuit provincials. The research highlights the intricate network of estates, including Alta Gracia, Caroya, Jesús María, Candelaria, San Ignacio de Calamuchita, and Santa Catalina, alongside notable institutions like the Convictorio de Nuestra Señora de Monserrat. By analyzing these memorials, the study reveals insights into the Jesuit mission's administrative practices, spiritual guidance, and the socio-economic dynamics of 18th-century Córdoba. The approach combines archival analysis with historical interpretation, offering a nuanced understanding of the Jesuits' role in shaping the region's heritage.

Mentiras verdaderas o la topología de la guerra. Aproximación arqueológica a la cartografía colonial de Bocachica, Cartagena de Indias

Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena — 2014 — WHE81B9F7E8BC

Colonial maps and plans of Cartagena de Indias from the 17th and 18th centuries reveal that representations of the port were shaped by the 'topology of war,' blending factual descriptions with strategic exaggerations. This study demonstrates how these cartographies, despite their inaccuracies, provided a framework to dissolve dichotomies between nature and culture, as well as land and sea, by depicting a heterogeneous landscape populated by human and non-human actors. By analyzing overlapping and polysemic elements in the maps, researchers have developed a methodology to reconstruct maritime battles, such as those of 1697 and 1741, and track the evolution of warfare landscapes in Bocachica's canal. The approach highlights how colonial cartography served both descriptive and strategic purposes, offering new insights into historical conflicts and spatial narratives.

Mercado e perfil do ecoturista de Diamantina (MG): um estudo introdutório

Historic Centre of the Town of Diamantina — 2014 — WHE8A227A7F37

Diamantina, Brazil, exhibits significant potential for ecotourism development, with diverse market opportunities and a distinct profile of ecoturists. This introductory study, conducted through bibliographic and documentary research, identifies key characteristics of visitors to the Historic Centre of Diamantina, providing foundational insights for deeper market analysis. The findings highlight the city's capacity to attract ecotourists while suggesting avenues for further exploration to better understand this growing demographic.

Mercury in fishes from 21 national parks in the Western United States: inter- and intra-park variation in concentrations and ecological risk

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2014 — WHE467EF040DD

A comprehensive study of mercury (Hg) contamination in freshwater fish across 21 national parks in the Western United States reveals significant ecological and human health risks. The research found that while only 5% of fish exceeded Hg levels linked to toxic responses within the fish themselves, a substantial 68% surpassed exposure thresholds recommended for safe human consumption. Notably, parks like Zion, Capital Reef, Wrangell-St. Elias, and Lake Clark exhibited high Hg concentrations even in small, invertebrate-feeding species such as speckled dace, indicating widespread contamination. The study analyzed over 1,400 fish from 86 sites spanning 4,000 kilometers, highlighting substantial variation in Hg levels both among and within parks. This suggests that localized processes significantly influence Hg distribution, necessitating more intensive monitoring to assess risks accurately.

Mercury in fishes from Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2014 — WHE88C0B17644

A study on mercury (Hg) concentrations in fishes from Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska, revealed significant variability across sites and species, with Hg levels ranging from 17.9 to 616.4 ng/g wet weight. Site characteristics were found to play a crucial role in determining fish Hg concentrations, with inter-site variation reaching up to 13.2 times within a single species. The research also identified potential ecological risks, as Hg concentrations in Copper Lake and Tanada Lake exceeded conservative benchmarks for bird and human consumption. Notably, smaller-sized fishes from Tanada Lake were suggested as a means to reduce Hg exposure for human consumers.

Merv, an archaeological case-study from the northeastern frontier of the Sasanian Empire

State Historical and Cultural Park “Ancient Merv” — 2014 — WHE0E34696BF4

Archaeological evidence from Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the northeastern frontier of the Sasanian Empire, reveals how the empire effectively managed its resources across regions. By analyzing the oasis, city, and urban economy of Merv, researchers demonstrate that cross-regional comparisons with other Sasanian territories—such as Gorgan and Mesopotamia—shed new light on state-level resource management strategies. The study leverages recent archaeological findings to challenge or refine existing narratives about the empire's administrative and economic organization.

Messages of Hope: Using Positive Stories of Survival to Assist Recovery in Rwanda

Memorial sites of the Genocide: Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi and Bisesero — 2014 — WHE46B745A322

A groundbreaking initiative, 'Messages of Hope,' demonstrates that positive storytelling by genocide survivors can significantly aid recovery and foster hope. The program encourages Rwandan survivors to share their stories of survival, growth, and healing, countering the pervasive narrative of trauma. By focusing on future-oriented narratives, it aims to increase feelings of efficacy and connectedness, leveraging research showing the benefits of hopefulness and social support for vulnerable populations. This study outlines the development and early implementation of the initiative, highlighting its potential as a model for other contexts of vulnerability.

Metabolic Influence of Psychrophilic Diatoms on Travertines at the Huanglong Natural Scenic District of China

Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2014 — WHED6E36B8718

Psychrophilic diatoms of the genus Cymbella, thriving in extremely cold conditions at Huanglong's travertine deposits, significantly influence mineralization processes. These diatoms form biofilms with extracellular polysaccharide substances (EPS), which protect travertine from etching and serve as templates for its formation during water re-flowing seasons. Research using near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS) revealed biogenic distortions in the crystal lattice of travertine calcite, indicating metabolic mediation by these diatoms. This study highlights the crucial role of psychrophilic diatoms in promoting both the formation and dissolution of travertine in cold environments, offering insights into the ecological and geological dynamics of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Metals Assessments in the Water Bodies of Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone, Nepal

Sagarmatha National Park — 2014 — WHEB55472BCF0

A recent study reveals significant water quality degradation in Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) and its buffer zone, driven by rising tourism pressures. Analysis of 39 water samples from rivers and springs showed elevated levels of heavy metals, notably sodium (Na) and magnesium (Mg), surpassing previous reports. Iron concentrations exceeded WHO and Nepalese drinking water standards in 46% of samples, indicating accelerated pollution despite overall compliance with safety guidelines. The research highlights the urgent need to address anthropogenic sources like solid waste and poor sanitation infrastructure to mitigate environmental and health risks.

Methodology of a combined approach: analytical techniques to identify the technology and raw materials used in thin-walled pottery from Herculaneum and Pompeii

Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata — 2014 — WHEF85EA96297

A combined analytical approach reveals the technological sophistication and raw material diversity of thin-walled pottery from Herculaneum and Pompeii, dating from the 2nd century BC to the 3rd century AD. This study identifies distinct compositional and structural characteristics in ceramic bodies and surfaces, providing insights into ancient manufacturing techniques. By integrating multiple analytical methods—including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy—the research elucidates the use of locally sourced clays and additives, as well as firing practices that influenced pottery properties. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of ceramic production in the Vesuvian area during this period.

Meyer Schapiro’s ‘Road not Taken’: San Millán de la Cogolla and Resistance to the Roman Rite

San Millán Yuso and Suso Monasteries — 2014 — WHE24391E8115

Research reveals that San Millán de la Cogolla offers unique evidence of resistance to the Roman rite following its adoption at the Council of Burgos (1080). Unlike Santo Domingo de Silos, where Meyer Schapiro previously identified visual markers of this resistance, San Millán preserves both written and material evidence. The study focuses on the Arca of San Felices and its Romanesque ivories (c. 1090), contextualizing them within broader political and religious shifts that threatened the cult of Emilian, the monastery’s patron saint. It argues that efforts to promote Felix, a local hermit linked to Emilian, constituted a form of resistance against the imposition of the Roman rite. This challenges Schapiro’s original thesis by demonstrating San Millán de la Cogolla as a more comprehensive case study for understanding this historical phenomenon.

Michelangelo’s Marble Blog: Epigraphic Walls as Pictures and Samples of Language (Chapter 17)

Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura — 2014 — WHE0F06F27BA1

Epigraphic walls, particularly those installed by Michelangelo at the Capitoline Museums in Rome, played a pivotal role in establishing a European trend that blended archival inscriptions with visual storytelling. While not directly linked to Michelangelo's other works, these walls—comprising plaques like the fasti (annual lists)—became foundational in how language and history were visually represented in public spaces. The study highlights their dual function as both historical records and artistic expressions, influencing contemporary art practices that similarly use quotational structures. By analyzing these walls, researchers reveal a unique intersection of archival preservation, epigraphic culture, and audience engagement, demonstrating how such installations define cultural narratives across time.

Micro Raman investigation on corrosion of Pb‐based alloy replicas of letters from the museum Plantin‐Moretus, Antwerp

Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex — 2014 — WHE9B6097110A

Corrosion of lead (Pb)-based alloys, particularly those containing antimony (Sb) and tin (Sn), can pose significant challenges for the conservation of historical artefacts. A study investigating replicas of letters from the Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex in Antwerp revealed that exposure to acetic and formic acid vapours leads to the formation of hydrated Pb and Sn acetates and formates, with Sb-rich specimens exhibiting increased volume and brittleness. Micro Raman Spectroscopy (μRS) also detected metallic Sb peaks, suggesting that Sb influences corrosion behaviour. This finding underscores the need for careful conservation strategies when dealing with Pb-based artefacts containing Sb, as their restoration can be complicated by these corrosion products.

Microbial Community Structure of Relict Niter-Beds Previously Used for Saltpeter Production

Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama — 2014 — WHEA6A23DD05F

Relict niter-beds, preserved under the floors of gassho-style houses in Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Shirakawa-go and Gokayama—retain their nitrate-producing capacity. A study revealed that soil chemistry, particularly nitrate (NO₃⁻), chloride (Cl⁻), potassium (K⁺), and sodium (Na⁺) levels, shapes the microbial community structure in these ancient ecosystems. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, Gemmatimonadetes, and Planctomycetes dominated the microbial composition, while Nitrosospira-type ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and 'Ca. Nitrososphaera'-type ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) were the primary nitrifying microbes. Soil pH and organic carbon content further influenced the ecological niches of AOB and AOA, providing insights into the microbial dynamics sustaining nitrate production in these historically significant sites.

Microbial deterioration in ancient cave and wall paintings

Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain — 2014 — WHED40CAAFE0B

A study reveals that microbial communities, particularly Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, are significant contributors to the deterioration of ancient cave and wall paintings. These microbes, including Pseudonocadia which dominates bacterial populations, cause corrosion through acid metabolism and thrive under specific environmental conditions like light, humidity, and CO₂ levels. Fungal communities, often entomogenous, show a strong link with insects inhabiting caves. The research highlights the importance of ecological perspectives and cross-disciplinary approaches for conservation, emphasizing long-term monitoring, ecosystem balance, and measures to reduce exogenous microbial transmission from tourists.

Microbial Mats and Ichnofauna of a Fluvial-Tidal Channel in the Lower Pennsylvanian Joggins Formation, Canada

Joggins Fossil Cliffs — 2014 — WHE329CF1F94B

A meandering fluvial channel at Coal Mine Point, Joggins Fossil Cliffs, Nova Scotia, preserves an exceptional fossil assemblage that includes microbial mats and diverse ichnofauna. The wrinkled surface of the microbial mats was traversed by large arthropleurid trackways (Diplichnites cuithensis), alongside smaller Diplichnites gouldi trackways, tetrapod tracks (Pseudobradypus?, Dromillopus, Hylopus), and invertebrate traces (Cochlichnus, Gordia). These features collectively represent the Scoyenia ichnofacies. The mats likely stabilized the sediment surface, facilitating excellent trackway preservation, and may have served as a food source, though no feeding traces were identified. Overlying strata exhibit Protichnites followed by paired mud drapes and an impoverished Skolithos ichnofacies, suggesting brackish influence.

Microclimatic monitoring in Altamira Cave: Two decades of scientific projects for its conservation

Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain — 2014 — WHE035D4C6DAF

The Altamira Cave, renowned for its exceptional Upper Paleolithic art, has been the subject of extensive microclimatic monitoring over two decades to ensure its conservation. This study highlights the critical role of preventive conservation strategies in preserving this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The research emphasizes the need to balance access with preservation, as evidenced by the trial reopening that allowed limited public entry under strict conditions. The cave's unique diversity of themes, styles, and chronology underscores its scientific and cultural significance. By integrating historical conservation efforts with modern management criteria, the study provides a comprehensive approach to safeguarding Altamira for future generations.

Microphysics of clouds and rain over the Western Ghat

Western Ghats — 2014 — WHE6344199C68

Shallow clouds over the Western Ghats produce heavy rainfall due to rapid condensational growth of cloud droplets, driven by orographic updrafts. Research reveals that collision-coalescence processes dominate rain formation, with distinct raindrop size distribution (DSD) patterns observed on both windward and leeward sides of the mountains. At Pune (lee side), DSD shapes transition from concave upward to downward during stratiform rain, indicating breakup processes at lower altitudes. Conversely, Mahabaleshwar (windward side) shows bimodal and monomodal DSDs for light and heavy rainfall, respectively, with small drops contributing significantly. Aircraft measurements confirm that ambient updraft speeds foster rapid droplet growth, leading to precipitation within a few hundred meters of cloud depth. These findings highlight the dynamic interplay between cloud microphysics and orographic forcing in shaping rainfall over this UNESCO-listed region.