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Notes on Forefoot Characteristics of the Ryukyu Long-Furred Rat, Diplothrix legata, for Its Arboreal Lifestyle

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2020 — WHE08D4D9D238

A unique adaptation for arboreal life is identified in the Ryukyu long-furred rat (Diplothrix legata), native to Amami-Oshima, Tokunoshima, and Okinawa Island. The study reveals that the species possesses a nail on its pollex—a rare feature among murids—and a linear palmar groove between interdigital pads, which enables it to grip thin branches effectively. This groove allows the rat's fingers (excluding the pollex) to securely grasp twigs, suggesting an evolutionary specialization for tree-dwelling behavior. Additionally, geographical variation in unguis size was observed, with larger claws noted on Okinawa Island compared to Amami-Oshima Island. The research combines morphological analysis with functional testing to elucidate these adaptations.

Novelties on Lippia sect. Goniostachyum (Verbenaceae): a new variety from the Brazilian Cerrado and additional nomenclatural and taxonomic notes

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2020 — WHE6D62FD913F

Researchers have identified and described Lippia stachyoides var. guajajarana, a new variety of Verbenaceae endemic to Emas National Park in Brazil's Cerrado biome, contributing to the understanding of this unique plant section. The study also clarifies the taxonomy of Lippia sect. Goniostachyum by including L. morii within it and proposing L. rivalis as a synonym of L. origanoides, supported by morphological traits. Lectotypes were designated for two species to stabilize nomenclature. The research provides detailed diagnostic features, comparisons with similar taxa, a taxonomic key, habitat information, illustrations, and an assessment of conservation status, offering valuable insights into the biodiversity of UNESCO-listed Cerrado Protected Areas.

Observations on the structure of Surtsey

Surtsey — 2020 — WHE3696DEF654

New insights into the subsurface structure of Surtsey, an Icelandic volcanic island, challenge previous understandings of its geothermal dynamics. Analysis of 2017 cored boreholes reveals that near-surface layering dips westerly, indicating the boreholes are within the Surtur crater, and suggests a broad diatreme underlies the vent. Temperature measurements in these boreholes show peak temperatures of 124–127 °C at depths of 105–115 meters below the surface, with residual heat detected up to 290 meters depth, implying a broad, warm substrate rather than localized intrusions. This challenges the earlier hypothesis of a nearby intrusion as the source of the heat anomaly and instead supports a model where heat was conducted from a hot lava shield into a diatreme, creating a vapor-dominated system below sea level.

Occurrence of pharmaceuticals in the Danube and drinking water wells: Efficiency of riverbank filtration

Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue — 2020 — WHEE3D8282C34

A study reveals that riverbank filtration is highly effective at removing most pharmaceuticals from the Danube, with efficiencies exceeding 95% for the majority of compounds. However, four specific pharmaceuticals—carbamazepine, lidocaine, tramadol, and lamotrigine—showed low filtration efficiency (<50%), posing a challenge to ensuring safe drinking water supply. The research analyzed 111 pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs) across five sampling periods, comparing concentrations in the Danube with those in nearby drinking water abstraction wells. While most PhACs were effectively filtered, their sporadic appearance in wells suggests variability influenced by environmental conditions and well operation dynamics. This finding underscores the need for adaptive strategies to manage emerging contaminants in urbanized river systems.

Oceanographic Drivers of Deep-Sea Coral Species Distribution and Community Assembly on Seamounts, Islands, Atolls, and Reefs Within the Phoenix Islands Protected Area

Phoenix Islands Protected Area — 2020 — WHE7D7CB3531B

Deep-sea coral communities in the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) are shaped by oceanographic factors, with seamounts hosting more diverse and abundant species compared to islands, atolls, and reefs. This pattern is driven by stronger currents and nutrient upwelling on seamounts, which enhance coral growth and recruitment. The study used submersible surveys and genetic analyses to map coral distributions across 19 sites, revealing that depth, substrate type, and oceanographic conditions are key determinants of community assembly. These findings highlight the importance of seamounts as biodiversity hotspots and underscore the need for targeted conservation strategies in PIPA.

Ocorrência de fogo no Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás, Brasil: histórico recente no contexto da sua ampliação

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2020 — WHE165B1DC5AF

A recent study reveals that the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park (CVNP) in Goiás, Brazil, experienced significant fire activity between 2008 and 2019, with approximately 542,113 hectares burned—more than 225% of its area. The research identified two distinct fire regimes: one in the park's original boundaries, characterized by low fire occurrence and firebreaks, and another in the expanded area, marked by annual burning and a higher frequency of fires. This expansion led to a shift in fire patterns, with 76% of fire scars recorded in the newly added territory. The findings highlight the need for efforts to homogenize fire regimes across the unified park area to reduce unpredictability and enhance conservation effectiveness.

Of Guinea Pigs and Tourists: Sustainable Development, Sustainable Tourism, and “Local Food” in Cusco, Peru

City of Cuzco — 2020 — WHE4D18BA470E

Sustainable tourism can effectively address economic disparities and promote cultural and ecological sustainability without creating dependency, as demonstrated by a grassroots model in Cusco, Peru. The study highlights Sierra Productiva's cuy (guinea pig) farming operations, which foster mutually beneficial relationships between indigenous communities and the tourism sector. By building capacity at individual and community levels, this approach offers a framework for equitable sustainable development that can be replicated in other tourist destinations.

Of Sky, Water and Skin: Photographs from a Zanzibari Darkroom

Stone Town of Zanzibar — 2020 — WHEC0723D0A61

Photographic archives from Zanzibar's Capital Art Studio reveal new dimensions of visual history and cultural identity. By focusing on images developed in the Oza family's darkroom (1930–present), the study exposes how darkness—both literal and metaphorical—shapes photographic aesthetics, materiality, and historical narratives. It highlights Zanzibar's oceanic islandness through depictions of sky, water, and skin, while also examining the political disruptions of the 1964 Revolution, which temporarily halted photographic practices under the Afro-Shirazi regime. The research employs a conceptual framing of darkness to recontextualize African photography, challenging traditional narratives of light and mechanical reproduction.

Old Dubrovnik, Young Serbia and Vague Croatia. Mental Maps in the Serb-Catholic Imagination in Dubrovnik

Old City of Dubrovnik — 2020 — WHEC9EBD895E4

A brief but impactful Serb-Catholic presence in Dubrovnik (19th–early 20th century) left enduring traces on the city's urban landscape, revealing complex intersections of language, religion, and national identity. The study, rooted in analysis of the cultural periodical Srdj (1902–08), uncovers how Serb-Catholics navigated linguistic criteria for Serbian identity while constructing symbolic mental maps that projected Serbian territory. This ambivalence—rooted in religious associations (Croatians with Catholicism, Serbs with Orthodoxy)—challenges simplistic national narratives and highlights the fluidity of identity formation during a pivotal era. The research underscores how even short-lived communities can shape urban symbolism and historical memory.

Old Rauma (Finland): Living and Researching Vernacular Architecture

Old Rauma — 2020 — WHEBCB200DC98

Old Rauma, a Finnish medieval town founded in the 15th century, stands out as one of the largest and most significant examples of Nordic traditional architecture. Despite undergoing modifications to adapt to modern lifestyles, its buildings retain distinctive features of medieval Nordic urbanism and vernacular architecture, primarily constructed from logs with stone cellars and attics serving multiple functions. A two-month field research study at Tammela Centre in Rauma revealed that many inhabitants continue to live in or repurpose these traditional dwellings, often using time-honored techniques and materials for renovations while preserving key architectural elements. The analysis employed visual surveys, bibliographical research, active participation in seminars, photographic cataloging, and interviews with local experts and residents, providing a comprehensive understanding of how this heritage site maintains its cultural and architectural integrity.

Olympia, Griechenland. Die Arbeiten der Jahre 2018 bis zum Frühjahr 2020

Archaeological Site of Olympia — 2020 — WHE4F019771CB

Between 2018 and spring 2020, research at the Archaeological Site of Olympia primarily focused on processing finds, building analysis, and infrastructure development rather than new excavations. A notable exception was a sondage in the southwest corner of the Leonidaion's courtyard, which provided insights into the site's history. The study's objectives shifted due to limited discoveries—only Late Antique structures and two Classical Period wells were found during preliminary excavations in 2016–2017. Instead, efforts concentrated on restoration preparations for multiple buildings, ensuring the preservation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ombilin Coal Mine Site: History and Potential as a Learning Source for the History of the Economy Based on Outdoor Learning

Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto — 2020 — WHECD337BEA0C

The Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers significant potential as an outdoor learning resource for the history of economic development. The site, shaped by Dutch colonial projects including coal exploitation, railway construction, and port development, retains notable heritage elements such as the Railway Museum, Goedang Ranseum, Mbah Soero Mine Hole, and the Coal Mining Museum. These remnants serve as tangible historical sources that can enrich educational experiences, particularly in outdoor learning contexts. The study employed a qualitative descriptive approach, utilizing interviews, literature, and newspapers to analyze primary and secondary sources. Challenges in leveraging this site for educational purposes were also identified, highlighting the need for strategic preservation and utilization efforts.

On Evaluating the Condition of the Saint Petersburg Historic Center

Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments — 2020 — WHE2D46F63A20

A comparative analysis of the Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg reveals significant challenges to urban quality that distinguish it from other European metropolises. The study highlights issues in spatial geometry, transportation, pedestrian links, and environmental conditions, stemming from the city's unique development history—built rapidly (1760s–1910s) on wilderness and divided by waterways. Quantitative data underscores these problems while critiquing regional construction norms for lacking optimization frameworks. This research builds on earlier Soviet-era 'environment-centric' methodologies to assess current conditions, offering a critical perspective on urban planning in historic districts.

On prehistoric psychology: Reflections at the invitation of Göbekli Tepe.

Göbekli Tepe — 2020 — WHE00F3D6C6EF

Göbekli Tepe challenges the conventional narrative of psychological history by highlighting the profound sociocognitive transformations that occurred during the Neolithic Revolution, long before the advent of writing or organized religion. This study argues that the transition from egalitarian hunter-gatherer bands to stratified societies—key to understanding human civilization—has been overlooked in both evolutionary psychology and historical accounts. By centering on this prehistoric site, it invites a reconsideration of where the history of psychology should begin, emphasizing the need to integrate these ancient developments into the discipline's framework.

On Strong Correlations between Timing Irregularities and Surface Magnetic Field of Rotation-Powered Pulsars

Jodrell Bank Observatory — 2020 — WHEACC3AEDF04

A strong correlation exists between timing irregularities and the surface magnetic field of rotation-powered pulsars, with pulsars exhibiting significant timing noise also showing up to five orders of magnitude higher magnetic fields. This finding emerges from an analysis of a large, homogeneous sample of pulsars observed at Jodrell Bank Observatory (JBO), combining data from the ATNF catalogue. Regression analysis revealed statistically significant correlations (r ≥ 0.80) between these parameters, suggesting a fundamental relationship that could deepen our understanding of pulsar behavior and magnetic field dynamics.

On the conservation of Myrmecophaga tridactyla (Pilosa: Myrmecophagidae) in the core of Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve, Honduras

Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve — 2020 — WHEBFFD7B0A67

Researchers document the first recorded sightings of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) within the core zone of Honduras' Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve (RPBR), a critical biodiversity hotspot. Using 24 camera traps deployed over 1,512 hours between May 2017 and January 2019, the study captured two images of the species, highlighting its presence in this protected area. The findings underscore the RPBR's role in safeguarding vulnerable species like the giant anteater, which faces threats from illegal hunting, agricultural expansion, and unsustainable resource exploitation. Conservation efforts targeting M. tridactyla could also benefit other endangered species, including the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu), white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari), and jaguar (Panthera onca). The study emphasizes the need for stronger protection measures to mitigate human-induced pressures in this UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve.

On the drape and level flying aeromagnetic survey modes with terrain effects, and data reduction between arbitrary surfaces

Nemrut Dağ — 2020 — WHE80B2C16AD3

Aeromagnetic surveys conducted at Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in eastern Turkey, reveal that level flying mode yields more accurate magnetic anomaly interpretations compared to draped flying mode. The study demonstrates that terrain effects and the distance between observation surfaces and subsurface sources significantly influence magnetic anomaly shapes and amplitudes. Using synthetic models and real data from the rugged stratovolcano, researchers found that reducing draped data to a horizontal plane or vice versa improves interpretation. A Fourier wavenumber domain method is proposed for efficient data reduction, offering a practical solution for enhancing resolution in aeromagnetic surveys over complex terrains.

On the footsteps of Théodore Monod: biogeographical and ecological implications of an insect assemblage from the hottest spot on earth (in central Lut Desert, SE Iran)

Lut Desert — 2020 — WHEFC17454250

A recent exploration of the Lut Desert, including its hottest spot on Earth, challenges the long-held perception that this extreme environment is devoid of life. The study, conducted by Iranian and international researchers, identified 15 insect taxa, including the endemic desert cockroach Leiopteroblatta monodi, despite the region's reputation for being 'abiotic' or lifeless. Comparing findings with historical data from the 1960s and 1970s revealed both shared and distinct species, suggesting far greater insect diversity than previously assumed. The research highlights the Lut Desert's hidden biodiversity and its potential biogeographical significance.

On the materials and methods of the renovation of the late 18th-century church painting (in the context of the work at The Holy Trinity - St Sergius Lavra)

Architectural Ensemble of the Trinity Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad — 2020 — WHE04C36D9995

A unique analysis of archival documents reveals the materials and methods used in the 18th-century renovation of church paintings at The Holy Trinity - St Sergius Lavra. By examining working estimates for purchases, researchers identified pigments, adhesives, and special equipment, shedding light on the composition and application techniques of paints. This study provides practical insights for restoration work, offering a deeper understanding of late 18th-century pictorial works.

On the Philatelic Circuit of the UNESCO Churches from Maramureș

Wooden Churches of Maramureş — 2020 — WHE8706A14FA7

A philatelic-tourist itinerary for the UNESCO-listed wooden churches of Maramureș, Romania, has been proposed to aid visitors seeking specialized cultural information. The study identifies over 50 philatelic mentions—including postage stamps, first-day covers, and commemorative envelopes—across multiple platforms and collector networks, enabling a thematic route through eight villages: Bârsana, Budeşti, Deseşti, Ieud, Plopiş, Poienile Izei, Rogoz, and Şurdeşti. This approach highlights philately's role in promoting ecumenical heritage and enhancing the visibility of UNESCO sites both nationally and internationally. The research draws on a comprehensive analysis of philatelic materials to construct a cohesive narrative for cultural tourism.