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Comparación de técnicas para la extracción de bacterias coliformes del sedimento del lago de Xochimilco, México

Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco — 2013 — WHE4F1DFA4DA5

Researchers found that the use of ampicillin significantly increased the concentration of total coliform bacteria extracted from Xochimilco Lake sediment compared to traditional methods like manual shaking, homogenization, and ultrasonication. This suggests that ampicillin could be an effective technique for extracting coliforms, though its potential impact on bacterial sensitivity must be considered. The study compared multiple extraction techniques, including the use of enzymes (pancreatine) and surfactants, but only ampicillin showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.03). Samples were collected from Xochimilco Lake in Mexico City, with the most probable number of coliform bacteria determined after applying each technique.

Comparative analysis of biodiversity in the planktonic and biofilm bacterial communities in Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal — 2013 — WHED10841E307

A comparative analysis of Lake Baikal's bacterial communities revealed significant differences between planktonic and biofilm habitats. The study, using pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA gene fragments, identified 35 bacterial phyla in the lake, some previously undetected. Biofilm communities were dominated by Cyanobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria (each comprising over 99% of the community), while planktonic communities exhibited greater heterogeneity, with 15% belonging to other phyla alongside dominant groups like Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria. This approach also uncovered minor microbial groups not previously detected by other molecular methods, highlighting the unique biodiversity and ecological complexity of Lake Baikal's aquatic ecosystems.

Comparative biogeography of echinoids, bivalves and gastropods from the S outhern O cean

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2013 — WHEB7FECA8C01

A comparative biogeographical analysis of echinoids, bivalves, and gastropods from the Southern Ocean reveals distinct faunal provinces that align with oceanographic currents and historical marine seaways. The study identifies three primary provinces for echinoids and bivalves—New Zealand, southern South America and sub-Antarctic islands, and Antarctica—and five for gastropods, including additional subdivisions within Antarctica (West and East). These patterns support hypotheses of past connections between the Amundsen–Bellingshausen area, Weddell Sea, and Ross Sea. The research employed a non-hierarchical clustering method, bootstrapped spanning network (BSN), to analyze taxonomic similarities at species and genus levels across 14 bioregions, demonstrating its effectiveness in identifying both strong faunal groupings and transitional areas. This approach also highlights potential dispersal routes, offering insights into present and past marine connectivity.

Comparative Genomic Analysis of Phylogenetically Closely Related Hydrogenobaculum sp. Isolates from Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park — 2013 — WHE30FDD019C2

A comparative genomic analysis of four closely related Hydrogenobaculum isolates from Yellowstone National Park's Dragon Spring outflow channel revealed subtle but significant differences in their genetic makeup compared to a geographically distinct strain, Y04AAS1. The DS isolates exhibited unique genes associated with arsenite oxidation and type II secretion systems, while Y04AAS1 harbored genes for thiosulfate metabolism, nitrate respiration, and mercury resistance, many of which were likely acquired via horizontal gene transfer. The study also identified distinct CRISPR loci and differences in average nucleotide identity and conserved DNA percentage between the two groups. Fragment recruitment analysis suggested that the DS metagenome was more similar to the DS isolates than to Y04AAS1, indicating a continuum of Hydrogenobaculum genotypes within the geothermal environment.

Comparison of Direct Monetary Flood Damages in 2011 to Pillar House and Non-pillar House in Ayutthaya, Thailand

Historic City of Ayutthaya — 2013 — WHE572648AA9F

Pillar houses in Ayutthaya, Thailand, demonstrated significantly lower flood damage compared to non-pillar houses during the 2011 floods. This study highlights the adaptive design of traditional Thai architecture, which mitigates flood risks by elevating living spaces above water levels, thereby reducing economic losses. The research analyzed direct monetary damages across three housing types—pillar houses, two-storey houses, and one-storey houses—finding that pillar houses sustained minimal structural damage due to their elevated foundations, a feature tailored to Ayutthaya's flood-prone topography. The study also documented the 2011 flood characteristics, including peak rainfall in September-October, which caused river overflows and widespread flooding. By comparing damage data, it underscored the resilience of pillar houses as a cultural adaptation strategy for water-based settlements facing chronic seasonal flooding.

Comparison of safety and ventilation aspects of emergency stations in very long railway tunnels / Sicherheits‐ und lüftungstechnische Gegenüberstellung von Nothaltestellen sehr langer Eisenbahntunnel

Semmering Railway — 2013 — WHE337CFED7AE

Emergency stations (NHS) in very long railway tunnels (>20 km), such as the Lötschberg Base Tunnel and those under construction like the Gotthard, Brenner, Semmering, and Koralm Tunnels, are designed to ensure rapid and safe passenger evacuation during incidents like train fires. A comparative analysis reveals that these stations incorporate detailed ventilation and safety features tailored to project-specific conditions. The study highlights the importance of structural design, ventilation systems, and safety equipment in mitigating risks and facilitating efficient evacuation protocols.

Compositional Analysis of the Pottery Shards of Shahr-I Sokhta, South Eastern Iran

Shahr-i Sokhta — 2013 — WHE34D374F4A8

A compositional analysis of pottery shards from Shahr-i Sokhta, one of the oldest settlements in southeastern Iran, reveals that most shards are locally made. Using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) to analyze major and trace elements, researchers found that the majority of buff, gray, and red shards share similar chemical signatures, indicating local production. However, a subset of samples (18259-9, 18265-10, 18266-13, 18271-15, and 18273-4) exhibited distinct compositions, suggesting they were imported. This study sheds light on the site's economic and social dynamics during its occupation from approximately 5000 years ago to 1800 BC.

Conception of Hiroshima Peace Park Project by Kenzo Tange

Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) — 2013 — WHE493138CC1E

Kenzo Tange's Hiroshima Peace Park Project (1950) envisioned a transformative urban concept centered on the Atomic Bomb Dome, integrating peace memorialization with cultural development. Tange's design aimed to connect Nakajima and Motomachi districts through this symbolic axis, embodying his 'factory of peace' philosophy. Despite planning a comprehensive complex, only Hiroshima Children's Library was realized in Motomachi due to external pressures and internal adjustments. The study reveals how Tange harmonized architectural vision with postwar reconstruction challenges, offering insights into the interplay between urban design, cultural identity, and historical preservation at UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Concepts of Illness Among the Swahili of Lamu, Kenya

Lamu Old Town — 2013 — WHEEAF958ECDF

Illness among the Swahili of Lamu, Kenya, is perceived as a spiritual imbalance stemming from personal transgression or supernatural attacks orchestrated by envious individuals. This concept integrates fixed moral attributes determined at birth, influencing behavior and susceptibility to ailments. The study highlights how culturally congruent nursing care can be achieved when healthcare providers align with the Swahili framework for diagnosing and treating illness, illustrated through two case studies. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding local cultural perspectives in healthcare practices.

Conocybe hausknechtii, a new species of sect. Pilosellae from the Western Caucasus, Russia

Western Caucasus — 2013 — WHE5E74CE7E10

A new fungal species, Conocybe hausknechtii, has been discovered in the Western Caucasus, Russia. This species belongs to the section Pilosellae and is distinguished by its unique morphological characteristics. The discovery was made through detailed field observations and microscopic analysis, providing the first documented record of this species in the region. The study contributes to the understanding of fungal biodiversity in the Western Caucasus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich and diverse ecosystems.

Conservation and Development: Justice, Inequality, and Attitudes around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — 2013 — WHEB39C5A3430

Conservation efforts around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, while promoting distributional justice through targeted benefits, may inadvertently increase local economic inequality. The study found that direct benefits from conservation and development projects, such as compensation for park-related damages, are limited in coverage and thus fail to significantly impact overall development. However, indirect benefits—such as improved transportation, health, education, and security—affect a broader population. These contrasting outcomes highlight the complex interplay between conservation goals and local development, suggesting that the human geography of national parks plays a crucial role in shaping these dynamics. Improved local attitudes toward the park appear to result from a combination of factors rather than any single initiative.

Conservation of Gassho-style Houses and Villages

Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama — 2013 — WHEAA4641CA4C

A networked approach to conserving Gassho-style houses could serve as information centers for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, leveraging scattered historical structures across Japan. The study highlights the potential of repurposing relocated gassho houses—some used in museums and restaurants—as hubs for educational engagement with these heritage sites. Conservation efforts began in the 1960s, with village community associations playing a key role, particularly in Shirakawa-go. Designations as National Historic Sites in the 1970s further protected Ainokura and Suganuma villages in Gokayama. The research underscores the importance of integrating these dispersed houses into broader heritage preservation strategies.

Conservation polices and control of habitat fragmentation in the Brazilian Cerrado biome

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2013 — WHEF7A2BCFF74

Only 3.1% of the Brazilian Cerrado biome—one of the planet’s most biodiverse yet threatened savannahs—lies within fully protected areas, highlighting severe gaps in conservation efforts. Despite intense habitat fragmentation and significant loss (48.2%) of original floral cover, governmental and non-governmental measures show limited effectiveness due to resource duplication, over-reliance on international funding, and lack of integration with private landowners or economic incentives. While public agencies dominate conservation planning, field actions remain underdeveloped, emphasizing the need for targeted policies that engage governments, civil society, and farmers to enhance connectivity and protect remaining native vegetation.

Conservation Units of Pteronotus Davyi (Chiroptera: Mormoopidae) in Mexico Based on Phylogeographical Analysis

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2013 — WHEBCC304B9DA

A phylogeographical analysis of the Davy's nakedbacked bat (Pteronotus davyi) in Mexico reveals three distinct conservation units, each with unique genetic diversity and conservation priorities. The study identified Gulf North, Pacific-Veracruz, and Southeastern regions as critical areas for preserving this cave-dwelling species' biodiversity. Populations in Playa de Oro, Arroyo del Bellaco, Catemaco (Pacific-Veracruz), and Agua Blanca, Sardina, Calakmul, Calcehtok, Kantemó (Southeastern) were flagged for high genetic diversity or unique haplotypes, while the Gulf North unit showed recent loss of variability. This research provides a model for conserving other cave-dwelling bat species in shared habitats.

Conserving the legend: conservation and research of a sixteenth-century sakkos from Mount Athos

Mount Athos — 2013 — WHEDECBE78753

A sixteenth-century sakkos, the 'Sakkos of Ioannis Tzimiskes,' from Iviron Monastery on Mount Athos, was found to be composed of 43 textile pieces sourced from another object or objects, revealing significant insights into its structure and stratigraphy. This discovery challenges assumptions about the vestment's original form and use, offering new perspectives on its historical significance. The conservation process not only preserved the artifact but also uncovered its layered history, demonstrating the conservator's pivotal role in unraveling the narrative of such cultural heritage objects. The study highlights the importance of integrating conservation with research to elucidate the past through material evidence.

Constructing China's Roads as Works of Art: A Case Study of “Esthetic Greenway” Construction in the Shennongjia Region of China

Hubei Shennongjia — 2013 — WHEC5085742DF

Aesthetic greenway construction in China's Shennongjia region demonstrates that integrating artistic principles into road design can achieve ecological, socioeconomic, and aesthetic benefits. Over six years of monitoring revealed that this approach not only enhances traffic safety and promotes local tourism but also preserves natural habitats by prioritizing local species for revegetation while addressing visual landscape harmony. The strategy effectively balances environmental conservation with economic growth, setting a precedent for future landscape design and management in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Construction and Utilization Dating of Temples Based on Existing Remains Inside the City Compound

Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura — 2013 — WHE703F7587F4

Research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sambor Prei Kuk (Isanapura) reveals that the largest temple complex within its city compound, known as M78/M79, was constructed and rebuilt across two distinct periods: the Pre-Angkor period and during the Angkor period. This finding sheds light on the architectural evolution and chronological layers of this significant archaeological site, which was part of the Chenla kingdom in the early 7th century. The study analyzed temple structures, ponds, and ceramics to understand their spatial relationships and human occupation patterns. By examining these features, researchers determined that the M78/M79 complex underwent significant modifications over time, reflecting shifts in urban planning and religious or administrative functions.

Contemporary stromatolite formation in high intertidal rock pools, Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland: preliminary observations.

Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast — 2013 — WHEB0CAD19CB5

A rare instance of contemporary stromatolite formation has been documented in the high intertidal rock pools of Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland. These microbial structures, typically associated with extreme environments like hypersaline lagoons or Antarctic dry valleys, form here due to a combination of groundwater-fed calcium carbonate and cyanobacterial binding, while competing organisms are excluded by the pool's infrequent marine inundation and wave exposure. Two distinct stromatolite growth patterns were observed: thin, waterline-adjacent layers linked to wetting-drying cycles, and thicker, mound-like structures up to 3mm in height with internal laminae, suggesting either recent favorable environmental shifts or cyclic formation-destruction phases driven by fluctuating water chemistry.

Content Analysis and Understanding of the First Local History of Sheki Province in the 19th Century

Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace — 2013 — WHEDF87C712CA

A comprehensive analysis of the first local history of Sheki Province, 'A Brief History of the Sheki Khans' by Karim Agha Fateh, reveals significant inaccuracies and misrepresentations that have persisted in historiography. This study, employing an analytic-descriptive method and library sources, corrects these errors while providing a detailed introduction to the work's content and writing style. The findings highlight the importance of re-evaluating historical texts based on rigorous source analysis to ensure accurate historical narratives.

Contested Spatialities, Lifestyle Migration and Residential Tourism

Medina of Marrakesh — 2013 — WHEB47B00D3FD

Lifestyle migration and residential tourism in the Medina of Marrakesh are marked by contested spatialities that reflect broader neocolonial dynamics. This edited volume reveals how lifestyle migrants—often drawn to Marrakesh for its cultural richness and affordability—disrupt local spatial order, leading to conflicts over land use, social integration, and political participation. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, analyzing gendered spatial practices, territorial dispossession, and the rearticulation of indigenous communities. It contrasts Marrakesh’s experience with other global cases, such as Spain, Chile, and Malaysia, highlighting how these migrations challenge traditional notions of place-making, capitalism, and sustainable development. The study underscores the need for policies that balance the benefits of tourism with the preservation of cultural heritage and equitable community engagement.