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Relational Networks and Religious Sodalities at Çatalhöyük

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2014 — WHED14A7DB638

A comparative analysis of Çatalhöyük and Ancestral Pueblo societies reveals that, despite architectural differences, both cultures shared a deep integration of religion into daily life. Unlike the contiguous room structures of Pueblos, Çatalhöyük's buildings were reproduced in the same spaces over time, lacking clear public plazas or suprahousehold religious spaces. However, the high ritual density and materiality at Çatalhöyük suggest that relationships with people, animals, plants, and objects played a central role in shaping social identities. This study highlights how religion influenced relational networks, intersecting with economic and political power to both divide and integrate village societies.

Relevamiento con drones; el caso Real de San Carlos

Historic Quarter of the City of Colonia del Sacramento — 2014 — WHE6F34AD11B6

A novel method using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) has been developed to survey and document the historic bullring 'Real de San Carlos' in Colonia del Sacramento. This approach enables detailed mapping of the building's current condition without requiring direct access, addressing risks posed by illegal entry and long-term neglect. The study yields three key outputs: mapped photographs, 3D models, and an interactive aerial view platform, providing essential documentation for conservation efforts, potential restoration competitions, or adaptive reuse. The research highlights the potential of drone technology to mitigate challenges in heritage preservation while offering a comprehensive, multidisciplinary perspective on cultural landscapes.

Relict populations of Diaphanosoma (Cladocera: Ctenopoda) in the Chadian Sahara, with the description of a new species

Lakes of Ounianga — 2014 — WHE830F6D01ED

Scientists have discovered two species of Diaphanosoma, the first ctenopods recorded in the Sahara desert. One species, D. excisum, found in a freshwater guelta on the Tibesti mountains, is tropical and considered a relict from Megachad times. The other, a newly described species (D. bopingi), inhabits a saline lake on the Ounianga plateau and is more salt-tolerant, suggesting it is a relict of cooler, more humid periods in the desert's history. This study highlights the unique biodiversity and evolutionary significance of these relict populations, providing insights into past environmental conditions in the Sahara.

Religion and Society in Ancient Thessaly

The wider area of Mount Olympus — 2014 — WHEB293870830

Ancient Thessaly, nestled beneath Mount Olympus and between Delphi and the fertile plains of Greece, presents a complex and often overlooked facet of Greek civilization. Contrary to the dominant image of ancient Greece as moderate, rational, and democratic, Thessaly was characterized by strict oligarchic governance, a reputation for indulgence and witchcraft, and a strong association with legendary heroes like Achilles and Hellen. This study reveals that Thessaly played a pivotal role in shaping Greek identity, challenging traditional narratives about the region's political and social organization. By analyzing regionalism in Greek religion, citizenship, group identities, and cult activities, the research highlights how religion served as a cornerstone for Thessalian identity and their place within the broader Greek world. It also explores how Thessaly has been perceived both by ancient and modern scholars, providing new insights into the diverse expressions of Greekness.

Religion As Anthropomorphism at Çatalhöyük

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2014 — WHE456F2878F1

At Çatalhöyük, a Neolithic site, religion was not a distinct concept but woven into the cultural fabric. This study proposes that religion at Çatalhöyük can be understood through anthropomorphism—the attribution of human traits to non-human entities—explaining the vitality and animacy observed in objects like ancestral remains, houses, leopards, and teeth/claws embedded in walls. The research challenges conventional notions of religion as a separate entity with institutional coherence, instead framing it as part of broader human thought and action. By analyzing these objects, the study offers a novel perspective on how early societies conceptualized spirituality and animacy.

Religious Freedom: Jefferson’s Legacy, America’s Creed by John Ragosta (review)

Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville — 2014 — WHE5FD3FE5820

John Ragosta's book 'Religious Freedom: Jefferson’s Legacy, America’s Creed' challenges the long-standing influence of Thomas Jefferson's ideas on American religious liberty. Ragosta argues that Jefferson's vision, rooted in Enlightenment reason and a theology of natural religion, shaped the nation's constitutional understanding of church-state separation for nearly two centuries. However, he contends that this consensus has recently faced scrutiny from legal scholars and judges who reinterpret the First Amendment's establishment clause. The study analyzes Jefferson's complex relationship with Christianity, exposing the potential consequences of his conflation of liberty of conscience with individual expression, which Ragosta suggests may have undermined orthodox Christian doctrines. While the book focuses primarily on constitutional matters, it leaves unexplored the broader implications for evangelical Christianity.

Remaking the City: Archaeological Projects of Political Import in Jerusalem's Old City and in the Village of Silwan

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2014 — WHE5546731750

Archaeological excavations in Jerusalem's Old City and the village of Silwan serve as powerful tools for political narrative shaping, directly influencing land control and historical interpretation. These projects, such as the Givati Parking Lot site planned to become the 'Kedem Center,' aim to connect key Israeli heritage sites like the 'City of David' archaeological park and the Western Wall plaza through underground tunnels. This approach alters the landscape and perception of the area, often sidelining the present-day Palestinian Muslim reality in favor of a narrative rooted in ancient periods significant to Israeli identity. Recent excavations have exposed ancient underground complexes, offering visitors an imagined historical experience that reinforces specific political and cultural claims.

Remoción de Semillas en Hábitats Transformados: Pogonomyrmex barbatus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) y Cinco Especies de Cactáceas del Centro de México

Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica — 2014 — WHE9219C9F1B7

Harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex barbatus) exhibit variable seed removal rates for five cacti species across transformed habitats in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, Mexico. Contrary to expectations, intermediate human disturbance—characterized by a mix of crop abandonment and ongoing activity—promotes higher seed removal than fully abandoned or botanic garden settings. Seed size also influences removal, with smaller seeds being more frequently collected. This suggests that habitat heterogeneity, rather than extreme transformation, may enhance ant foraging efficiency and seed dispersal dynamics in semiarid ecosystems.

Remote Assessment of Cultural Heritage Environments with Wireless Sensor Array Networks

Royal Palaces of Abomey — 2014 — WHE0A8F340C8E

A novel dosimetric system leveraging piezoelectric quartz crystal (PQC) technology demonstrates significant potential for remote environmental monitoring of cultural heritage sites. This system, featuring PQCs coated with metals (Fe, Cu, Ni, Sn), alongside temperature and humidity sensors, enables real-time data visualization via low-power radio and GPRS gateways while maintaining minimal energy consumption. Field deployments at Apsley House in London and the Royal Palaces of Abomey in Benin validated its effectiveness, showcasing high transmission success rates and accurate environmental measurements. The approach addresses logistical and cost challenges associated with traditional monitoring methods, offering a scalable solution for heritage managers to assess the holistic impact of environmental factors on cultural materials.

Reproduction of freckled goatfish Upeneus tragula (Mullidae) in the coastal zone of Vietnam

Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago — 2014 — WHEEA13E87A9F

A study on the freckled goatfish (Upeneus tragula) in Vietnam's coastal zones reveals distinct reproductive patterns. In Nha Trang Bay, fish spawn year-round with some individuals experiencing non-seasonal spawning interruptions. Conversely, Ha Long Bay populations exhibit a clear winter spawning pause. The research also found sex ratios of 0.93:1 (females:males) in Nha Trang and 1.2:1 in Ha Long, with no significant differences in body length-weight relationships between sexes. Females reach sexual maturity at 10.2 cm fork length, contributing to the understanding of tropical fish reproduction in these UNESCO-listed marine areas.

Reproductive biology and genetic diversity of the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) in Vamizi island, Mozambique

Island of Mozambique — 2014 — WHE7E304347A6

A small but resilient population of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) nesting on Vamizi Island, Mozambique, shows signs of behavioral plasticity and genetic diversity despite threats from human activity and climate change. Over an eight-year study (2003–2010), researchers documented high hatching (88.5%) and emergence success rates (84.5%), along with 11 distinct mitochondrial DNA haplotypes—seven of which were newly identified. However, the population exhibited a decline in nesting female size, shorter incubation periods, and increased nest flooding on east- and south-facing beaches, suggesting heightened vulnerability to environmental shifts. The study highlights the need for enhanced conservation efforts, particularly as Vamizi may be considered for UNESCO World Heritage recognition due to its potential Outstanding Universal Value.

Reproductive cycle of the sea cucumberHolothuria (Platyperona) sanctori(Holothuroidea: Echinodermata) in the southwestern Mediterranean Sea: interpopulation variability

Tipasa — 2014 — WHE94F81FF844

A first-of-its-kind study reveals the reproductive cycle of the sea cucumber Holothuria (Platyperona) sanctori off Algeria’s southwestern Mediterranean coast, demonstrating significant interpopulation variability linked to sediment organic matter levels. The research, comparing two sites—one with minimal anthropogenic influence and another near major pollution sources—found that while spawning intensity varies, the species exhibits an annual cycle synchronized by temperature, peaking from June to October. Gonad maturation in males and females was also found to be tightly coupled, suggesting a winter resting phase followed by spring maturation and summer spawning, with slight temporal lags observed between sites. The study highlights the sensitivity of this species' reproduction to environmental conditions, particularly organic enrichment.

Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case Concerning the Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand)

Temple of Preah Vihear — 2014 — WHEF6C099CB17

A legal analysis clarifies the implications of the 1962 International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment on sovereignty over the Temple of Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage Site straddling the Cambodia-Thailand border. The study argues that the ICJ's ruling, which awarded the temple to Cambodia, remains legally binding and should guide current disputes over its administration. It examines the judgment's historical context, legal reasoning, and subsequent diplomatic efforts, emphasizing the need for compliance with international law to resolve territorial conflicts at heritage sites. This contribution is significant in advancing the understanding of how legal precedents can address contemporary geopolitical tensions involving cultural heritage.

Research on aquatic ecology in the Naban River and restoration suggestions

Shirakami-Sanchi — 2014 — WHE0185D41860

A study on the Naban River watershed within Shirakami-Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its pristine beech forest and biodiversity, reveals significantly higher water discharge rates compared to nearby sites and other Japanese catchment areas. The research, conducted from 2009 to 2011, analyzed precipitation, water quality (including Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Electrical Conductivity, and turbidity), and runoff load using the R-Ld equation. Findings indicate ordinary water discharge rates of 4.81-5.42 mm/day, low water discharge at 2.82-3.43 mm/day, and droughty conditions at 1.21-1.97 mm/day, estimated via the H-Q equation. These results highlight the watershed's robust water holding capacity, contrasting with areas dominated by planted coniferous forests like the Sunako Stream.

Residents' use and perceptions of the Summer Palace World Heritage Site in Beijing, China

Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing — 2014 — WHEEF89CC9605

Local residents' recreational and social engagement with the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Beijing, has been significantly understudied. This research identifies distinct use patterns, motivations, and perceptions among local users, revealing that their interactions with the site extend beyond traditional roles as service providers or impacted stakeholders. Findings highlight how residents utilize the Summer Palace for leisure, social activities, and cultural experiences, offering new insights into the multifaceted dynamics of heritage sites shared by tourists and locals. The study employed qualitative methods to capture residents' experiences and perspectives, providing practical implications for future management strategies that better accommodate diverse user needs.

Residents’ concerns and attitudes toward solid waste management facilities in Palestine: A case study of Hebron district

Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town — 2014 — WHEBA8247C685

A significant 'not in my backyard' syndrome was identified among residents of Hebron district, Palestine, regarding solid waste management (SWM) facilities, despite recognition of their benefits, such as heat supply from incinerators. While concerns about water pollution were prominent, the study highlights the need for educational programs and incentive schemes to ensure public acceptance and participation throughout the lifecycle of SWM facilities—from planning to operation. The research used a structured questionnaire to survey residents across three communities with diverse lifestyles, collecting data on environmental impacts, waste management aspects, and attitudes during construction. These findings aim to inform a roadmap for sustainable regional development, addressing social, political, financial, and environmental challenges in SWM facility implementation.

Residual circulation and freshwater transport in the Dutch Wadden Sea: a numerical modelling study

Wadden Sea — 2014 — WHEE18E7068E2

Strong southwesterly winds can significantly alter the flushing time of freshwater in the Dutch Wadden Sea, inverting residual transport patterns through tidal inlets and across watersheds. This finding emerges from a three-dimensional numerical modeling study using the General Estuarine Transport Model (GETM), which analyzed tidal prisms, residual flows, and freshwater pathways with high resolution (200 m horizontally). The model demonstrated that wind-induced variability can surpass the influence of tides on flushing processes, challenging previous assumptions about the dominance of tidal inlets. Additionally, the Terschelling watershed was found to play a more critical role in freshwater transport than previously recognized, while the Vlie Inlet's importance was diminished. The study, spanning 2009–2010, validated its results against observational data for sea surface height, temperature, salinity, and transport, underscoring its reliability.

Resilience and Redundance: Resource Networks and the Neolithic Chert Economy at Çatalhöyük, Turkey

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2014 — WHE4674D3C067

Neolithic communities at Çatalhöyük, Turkey, demonstrated resilience through dynamic resource networks, particularly in their use of chert. By analyzing portable x-ray fluorescence data, researchers found that the consumption of different chert resources was shaped by social and environmental factors, influencing—and being influenced by—the community's material practices. These networks either promoted or restricted resource use over time, revealing how Çatalhöyük's inhabitants adapted to diverse landscapes. The study highlights the importance of considering varied relationships with social and environmental contexts to fully understand Neolithic life.

Resource availability shapes fire‐filtered savannas

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2014 — WHE89B2370D0E

Resource availability, particularly water and nutrient levels mediated by soil clay content, plays a pivotal role in shaping the functional and phylogenetic structure of fire-filtered savanna communities. The study, conducted in Emas National Park within Brazil's Cerrado biome, found that these resource gradients drive spatial community turnover, with soil texture accounting for the largest fraction of this structure. Additionally, factors such as soil nitrogen availability, pH, altitude, and fire frequency interact to influence community attributes, including species trait values. The research combined individual-based functional trait data, phylogenetic information, and environmental variables using Mantel correlograms and maximum rank correlation approaches to assess these dynamics across a large savanna landscape.

Restaurer la cathédrale de Chartres du XIXe au XXIe siècle

Chartres Cathedral — 2014 — WHEF664302B0C

Chartres Cathedral, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, stands out for its architectural marvel and historical significance. This study highlights the rapid construction of the cathedral, which was completed in just over two centuries (1145–1260), a remarkable feat for medieval engineering. Additionally, it emphasizes the exceptional preservation of its stained-glass windows, spanning 800 years with minimal loss, despite historical challenges. The research approach involves analyzing archival records and restoration documentation from the 19th to the 21st century, providing insights into the cathedral's resilience and the methods employed to maintain its integrity over centuries.