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Schmitt Michel, Le Palais des Fêtes de Strasbourg

Strasbourg, Grande-Île and Neustadt — 2025 — WHEAF4BFB92C1

The Palais des Fêtes de Strasbourg, a historic landmark classified since 2007, stands as an architectural emblem of the Neustadt district, blending neo-Gothic, neo-Renaissance, and Art Nouveau styles. Constructed in 1903 by architects Joseph Müller and Richard Kuder, its design features include a polygonal corner tower, scrolled gables, and intricate windows, balconies, and concert halls that reflect the city's vibrant cultural heritage. This study highlights the Palais's role as a gathering place for artistic and festive events throughout the 20th century, offering insights into its historical significance and architectural innovation.

Scientific and Religious significance of ‘Himalaya Kumbh’ with particular reference to ‘Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra’ in Uttarakhand

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks — 2025 — WHE8D63725174

The 'Himalaya Kumbh' festivals, notably the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra in Uttarakhand and the Naropa Festival in Ladakh, are determined by celestial calculations involving Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon. These calculations are believed to amplify Earth's electromagnetic fields, adding scientific significance to their spiritual importance. The Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is a 12-year pilgrimage honoring Goddess Nanda Devi, where devotees gather for spiritual cleansing by bathing in sacred rivers, aiming for liberation from the cycle of rebirth. This study explores the intersection of scientific and religious significance, rooted in cultural traditions and celestial events.

Scytodes fusca Walckenaer 1837

Alejandro de Humboldt National Park — 2025 — WHEA895398DD5

Researchers documented the presence of Scytodes fusca, a spider species, across multiple Caribbean islands and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Alejandro de Humboldt National Park. The study recorded specimens from Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, Saba, Saint Eustatius, Dominica, Martinique, Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, expanding its known distribution. Collections were made in diverse habitats, such as national parks, forests, and caves, using field surveys conducted by the CarBio team between 2011 and 2013. The findings contribute to the understanding of this species' ecological range and potential role in Caribbean biodiversity.

Seamount aggregation effects for threatened species at Cocos Island National Park: Insights from a Long-Term Monitoring Framework in the Eastern Tropical Pacific

Cocos Island National Park — 2025 — WHE916A17AEBF

A long-term monitoring study from 2021 to 2024 at Cocos Island National Park revealed that seamounts, particularly the West Cocos and Gemelas seamounts, serve as critical aggregation sites for threatened pelagic species such as hammerhead sharks, thresher sharks, and silky sharks. The research found significantly higher abundance and diversity of these species near the seamount peaks compared to areas 10 nautical miles away, highlighting the localized biological importance of these underwater features. Hammerhead shark populations were particularly sensitive to environmental factors like water temperature, thermocline depth, and oxygen levels. This study provides a baseline for assessing the effectiveness of the expanded Cocos Island National Park and supports the establishment of a regional seamount monitoring initiative through the MigraMar network, aiming to protect these vulnerable species in the Eastern Tropical Pacific.

Seasonal and decadal changes in seabird abundance in inshore waters at subantarctic Macquarie Island

Macquarie Island — 2025 — WHED9214AA3BD

Land-based surveys at Macquarie Island reveal significant inter-annual variation in the diversity and abundance of non-breeding seabirds visiting inshore waters, with notable increases in breeding petrel populations following invasive species eradication. The study, comparing data from 2017–2018 and 2022–2023 against a baseline of 2002–2003, documented 41 out of 43 seabird species observed during the baseline period. Nocturnal spotlight surveys also uncovered the first mainland colonies of Common Diving-petrels on Macquarie Island and provided circumstantial evidence for storm-petrel recolonization. While less reliable for detecting changes in penguin abundance or smaller seabirds like prions, diving-petrels, and storm-petrels, these surveys offer valuable insights for marine spatial planning and regional environmental trend monitoring, complementing established on-island studies.

Seasonal Coloration and Ecological Adaptations of Adventitious Roots of Four Salicaceous Species in Jiuzhaigou World Natural Heritage Site, Southwestern China

Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2025 — WHEBB28EA5AC5

Researchers have uncovered a novel link between the seasonal coloration of adventitious roots in Salicaceous species and environmental conditions, revealing their potential as bioindicators for wetland ecosystems. The study found that these roots, prominent in Jiuzhaigou Valley's tufa wetlands, transition from red or pink hues in summer to reddish-brown, maroon, or gray shades during other seasons due to the oxidation of proanthocyanidins influenced by temperature and light. This dynamic color change reflects seasonal climate fluctuations, offering a new biomarker for assessing environmental impacts. The roots also exhibit specialized adaptations, such as well-developed aerenchyma and floating habits, which enhance oxygen uptake in aquatic habitats. The findings provide insights into ecosystem management in karst areas.

Sediment transport and management in the river basins of Ethiopia: Challenges, strategies, and policy perspective

Lower Valley of the Awash — 2025 — WHE20BA67F22D

Sediment transport in Ethiopian river basins, particularly the Abbay and Awash, exceeds safe thresholds for drinking water, aquatic protection, and irrigation, posing significant challenges to land and water resource management. The study reveals that erosion hotspots—such as North Gojjam, Beshilo, Jemma subbasins (Abbey Basin), and Kessemi, Nejaso Gera, Kebena (Awash Basin)—experience exceptionally high sediment yields (200–233 t/ha/year in Abbay; 115.76–47.47 million tons/year in Awash). In contrast, the Rift Valley Lakes Basin shows lower but still concerning levels (1.9–13.69 million tons/year). This research combines spatial analysis using QGIS with stakeholder interviews to identify erosion-prone areas and gaps in monitoring infrastructure, providing critical data for policy interventions, restoration efforts, and targeted land management strategies.

Sedimentation differences and depositional model in slope‐controlled travertine precipitation stream in Huanglong, China

Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2025 — WHE819BB0E375

A novel depositional model for travertine formation reveals how slope gradients and hydrodynamic conditions shape the growth of continental carbonate deposits. Research at Huanglong, China, demonstrates that steep slopes induce water jumps and jagged fluctuations in calcium carbonate concentrations, leading to distinct lamination structures characterized by alternating dense calcite and sparse calcite–microbial assemblages. The interplay between topography, hydrodynamics, and microbial activity regulates travertine aggradation and progradation, influencing the curvature of arc structures. This study integrates sedimentological analysis, hydrodynamic modeling, and regional hydrochemical variability to elucidate morphological evolution in slope-controlled travertine systems, offering insights applicable to other continental carbonate depositional areas.

Seismic Assessment of Thai Masonry Stupas Using Image-based 3D Models and Ambient Vibration Tests

Historic City of Ayutthaya — 2025 — WHE002682409C

Researchers have established a relationship between the natural periods and height of Thai masonry stupas, providing an approximate formula to estimate their seismic response. This pioneering study, conducted on 20 UNESCO-listed stupas in Ayutthaya Historical Park, combines image-based 3D modeling using UAVs and Structure From Motion (SFM) with ambient vibration tests to assess their dynamic properties. The findings reveal that these ancient structures, while vulnerable to seismic hazards due to their deteriorating materials, exhibit predictable vibrational behavior based on their height. Finite element models were created to simulate time-history analyses, identifying critical stress points and offering insights into the structural weaknesses of these fragile monuments. This approach bridges traditional field surveys with advanced computational modeling, advancing the understanding of seismic risk for similar heritage sites in high-seismicity zones.

Seismic Evidence for Cocos Slab Tearing and Nazca Slab Emplacement in the Southern Costa Rican Subduction Zone

Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park — 2025 — WHE4370DC71C9

A flat interface at 40–60 km depth beneath the Talamanca Range, identified through seismic receiver function analysis, reveals the stagnation of the Nazca plate since approximately 8 million years ago. This geological feature likely blocked melt upwelling, explaining the cessation of arc volcanism in the region while coinciding with the later uplift of the Talamanca Range due to subduction of the Cocos Ridge. The study employed a refined Dip Direction Searching method on teleseismic waveforms from 17 broadband stations, imaging a northeast-dipping Moho interface of the Cocos slab that may have undergone tearing, providing critical insights into the dynamic processes governing subduction zone volcanism and tectonics.

Seismic Performance Assessment of Medieval Turkic Brick Minarets: A Comparative Study

Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam — 2025 — WHEF1C1BC33D0

A comparative seismic performance assessment of three medieval Turkic brick minarets—the Kalyan Minaret, the Jam Minar, and the Sivas Great Mosque Minaret—reveals that their structural behavior under earthquake loads varies significantly based on material properties, geometry, and construction techniques. The study, utilizing Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis and Time History Analysis with 1999 Kocaeli Earthquake data, found that the Kalyan Minaret, with its thick conical shaft, exhibited superior seismic resilience due to reduced displacements and stress levels. In contrast, the taller and slender Jam Minar showed greater stress concentrations in upper sections, correlating with its observed partial collapse, while the Sivas Great Mosque Minaret displayed high tensile and compressive stresses at critical junctures like the pedestal and transition zone. These findings underscore that medieval minaret designs not only reflected artistic and symbolic intentions but also incorporated engineering considerations to enhance earthquake resistance and stability under lateral loads.

Seismic Resilience of Palazzo Pubblico (UNESCO) with 3D Numerical Simulations

San Marino Historic Centre and Mount Titano — 2025 — WHE171BA4ED9A

A 3D numerical model of Palazzo Pubblico, a UNESCO-listed historic building in San Marino, reveals critical insights into its seismic resilience. This model, developed using single-station asynchronous ambient vibration measurements and a comprehensive 3D laser scanner survey (3D-LSS), assesses the fundamental resonance frequencies to evaluate its dynamic response under seismic conditions. The study highlights the importance of retrofitting measures for this strategic building, which serves as the seat of Parliament and a focal point during natural disasters. This model provides a foundation for future research on retrofit options and resilience-based evaluations, ensuring the preservation of San Marino's cultural heritage in seismically active regions.

Selimiye as a commemorative monument in modern Turkey

Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex — 2025 — WHE8E34327AF8

A transnational dimension emerges in the formation of national memory surrounding the Selimiye Mosque, revealing its contested role as a symbolic site during the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. The study analyzes commemorative practices through newspaper reports from Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria, alongside international media, to demonstrate how the monument's heritage has been strategically framed across borders. This research highlights the complex interplay between architectural heritage and nation-building, particularly in Edirne, where multiple states vied for influence. By focusing on the reception of commemorations, it uncovers how transnational narratives shaped local remembrance of the city's liberation.

Semotic Analysis of Linguistic Landscapes in Revolutionary Tourism: A Case Study in Hangzhou City

West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou — 2025 — WHEB6A31476ED

Revolutionary tourism landscapes, such as those found in Hangzhou's West Lake Cultural Landscape, exhibit a higher symbolic density and stronger ideological framing compared to general cultural tourism sites. This study reveals how signs—including monuments, relics, slogans, and commemorative plaques—function as iconic, indexical, or symbolic elements, shaping visitors' perceptions of authenticity and collective memory. By analyzing English-language reviews and photographs from Trip.com at five revolutionary sites, researchers applied Peircean semiotics to link online tourist interpretation with spatial contexts. The findings offer insights for designing heritage sites that balance ideological representation with intercultural accessibility.

Severe decline of the only remaining population of walia ibex in Ethiopia: proposed actions and recommended recategorization as Critically Endangered

Simien National Park — 2025 — WHE90657DB1A9

A severe decline in the population of the walia ibex, endemic to Ethiopia's Simien Mountains and a national symbol, has been documented between 2015 and 2024. The population dropped from 865 individuals in 2015 to just 306 in 2024, with poaching identified as the primary cause by over 70% of interviewed stakeholders, exacerbated by regional instability during the COVID-19 crisis and the 2021–2022 war. Researchers recommend recategorizing the species from 'Vulnerable' to 'Critically Endangered' on the IUCN Red List due to its rapid population loss and limited range, aiming to galvanize urgent conservation efforts. A proposed action plan includes engaging local communities as ambassadors for protection and establishing a database of individually recognized ibexes to better track population dynamics.

Shape Memory Alloys for Reversible Restoration of Ancient Monuments

Archaeological Area of Agrigento — 2025 — WHE66D4B3CE12

Research demonstrates the potential of shape memory alloys (SMAs), particularly Nitinol, for reversible restoration of ancient monuments, addressing key challenges in structural conservation. The study characterizes the thermomechanical behavior of SMAs under varying conditions to develop functional devices for restoring monumental elements at Agrigento's Valle dei Templi site. By leveraging the superelastic properties and shape memory effects of Nitinol, the research aims to create reversible, replicable solutions that preserve architectural integrity while adapting to environmental factors. This approach offers a novel methodology for anastylosis, aligning with principles of structural conservation.

Shaping Plural Identities After Gross Human Rights Violations: The Role of Transitional Justice and Sites of Memory

Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site — 2025 — WHE888E597C17

International legal mechanisms and sites of memory can effectively transform societal identities post-gross human rights violations, fostering inclusivity and alterity over fear. This study demonstrates that integrating transitional justice—such as international trials and institutionalized memory sites—into legal and cultural frameworks prevents historical erasure while recognizing victims' dignity. The Valongo Wharf case illustrates how symbolic and legal acknowledgment of atrocities promotes reconciliation, offering a blueprint for just and inclusive futures. The research employs interdisciplinary analysis from legal studies, historiography, and international relations to highlight the potential of memory work in mitigating violence's legacy.

Shared Heritage Risk in the Blue Amazon. Gamboa de Baixo Project Retrofit

Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia — 2025 — WHE2F57A786B8

A groundbreaking discovery reveals the 1831 LPM, a pivotal legal instrument for marine land demarcation in Brazil's Gamboa de Baixo area, within Salvador da Bahia's Historic Centre (CHS). This study highlights the dual threats of real estate speculation and high-end nautical tourism development to the site's integrity, while also exploring its contested heritage status. The research employs a multifaceted approach, combining fieldwork, bibliographical reviews, secondary sources, legislation, and topographies to analyze historical, legal, and technical contexts. By proposing a 'retrofit' strategy, the study aims to mitigate risks that undermine the site's protection, offering a model for safeguarding UNESCO World Heritage Sites facing similar challenges.

Shared Heritage? Remaking the European Zone in Rabat

Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage — 2025 — WHEC7D1517071

UNESCO's inscription of Rabat as a 'shared heritage' site reframes French colonial architecture as a symbol of respect and modernist influence, downplaying the power dynamics of settler colonialism. The study reveals how preservation narratives strategically connect European zone urban planning to Moroccan national identity, while obscuring the role of white supremacy in structuring the built environment. By analyzing inscription materials, the research demonstrates how colonial histories are selectively reinterpreted to align with World Heritage criteria, effectively silencing explicit racial hierarchies that underpinned French colonial authority.

Sheikh Abdelaziz bin Mohammed Al-Hashemi Al-Sharif and His Intellectual, Religious, and Political Influence in Southeastern Algeria: A Historical Study of His Role in Sufi Networks, Reformist Movements, and the Algerian National Struggle (1898–1938)

M'Zab Valley — 2025 — WHE7A74A0DBF2

Sheikh Abdelaziz bin Mohammed Al-Hashemi Al-Sharif (1898–1938) emerges as a pivotal figure in southeastern Algeria, wielding profound influence across religious, economic, and political spheres during the early 20th century. As leader of the Qadiriyya Sufi order in the Oued Souf region, he became a cornerstone of local resistance against French colonial policies, bridging spiritual networks with reformist movements and national struggles. His strategic role extended across multiple regions, including Laghouat, M'zab Valley, Ouargla, Biskra, and Touggourt, cementing his significance in both intellectual and political landscapes. The study dissects his educational trajectory, alliances with reformist currents, and interactions with colonial authorities, while also analyzing the 1938 Colonial Education Decree and the 'Second Amiche Revolt,' offering a nuanced understanding of his multifaceted impact on Algerian history.