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Directing the faithful, structuring the sacred space: funerary epigraphy in its archaeological context in late-antique Tipasa

Tipasa — 2018 — WHE1018422A32

A late 4th-century inscribed mensa mosaic from the Matarès necropolis at Tipasa, Algeria, provides unique evidence of the refrigerium, a commemorative meal ritual performed at tombs. Unlike other examples, this inscription explicitly names the rite in situ, supported by archaeological features such as a water basin and channel, suggesting a structured sacred space for dining with the dead. The vivid marine mosaic, likely flooded or 'refreshed' during rituals, further implies a rich, allusive meal experience. A second epitaph from the same cemetery demonstrates direct integration into these rites, reinforcing their significance in late-antique funerary practices.

Discovery of a recovering climax Acropora community in Kanton Lagoon in the remote Phoenix Islands Protected Area

Phoenix Islands Protected Area — 2018 — WHEA75D2B457E

A resilient coral community in Kanton Lagoon, part of the remote Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA), has shown remarkable recovery from near-total mortality caused by thermal stress. Despite temperatures reaching up to 30.5°C, which typically induces bleaching, Acropora stands within the lagoon exhibited minimal signs of thermal stress, suggesting that recovering coral species may have developed greater resistance. An expedition in 2015 documented a 52.8% recovery of hard corals, indicating a potential shift toward a more thermally tolerant climax community. This discovery highlights the capacity for coral reefs to rebound under protected conditions, even after severe disturbances.

Disentangling the drivers of functional complexity at the metagenomic level in Shark Bay microbial mat microbiomes

Shark Bay, Western Australia — 2018 — WHEC76AF1713C

A groundbreaking metagenomic analysis of Shark Bay's microbial mats reveals the functional complexity underlying its biogeochemical cycles, particularly carbon fixation via the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway. The study identified 87 medium-to-high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), including novel bins under the Asgard archaeal groups Thorarchaetoa and Lokiarchaeota. Key pathways for sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus cycling, and environmental adaptation—such as UV resistance, hypersalinity tolerance, and heavy metal resistance—were mapped at a millimeter scale using shotgun sequencing on the Illumina NextSeq 500 platform. Over-representation of genes like those for sulfate assimilation, methanogenesis, and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthase suggests specialized carbon storage and microbial interactions. The research also highlights putative viral defensive mechanisms, offering new models for how biogeochemical processes and adaptive responses partition in these extreme environments.

Double Trauma and Manifold Narratives: Jews’ and Muslims’ Representations of the Departure of Moroccan Jews in the 1950s and 1960s

Historic City of Meknes — 2018 — WHE1BDDF61FA2

A shared trauma persists in Morocco regarding the departure of Jews in the 1950s and 1960s, with narratives from both Jewish and Muslim communities revealing fragmented memories. The study, based on oral histories from Meknes, highlights a shift in perception during the Six-Day War (1967), where Jews were reimagined as 'courageous' rather than 'fearful,' disrupting prevailing Muslim stereotypes. This transition challenged societal norms around virility and loyalty, leaving an unresolved emotional wound. Despite differing social class perspectives, the issue remains sensitive, with Muslims suppressing recollections of a 1967 incident involving Jewish victims. Jewish memories oscillate between fear and nostalgia, underscoring the complex, multifaceted legacy of this historical upheaval.

Drifting Southward? Tracing Aspects of Cultural Continuity and Change in the Late 2nd Millennium BC Syro-Anatolian Region

Arslantepe Mound — 2018 — WHE174D59BF31

Arslantepe Mound, a significant archaeological site in southeastern Turkey, showcases complex cultural dynamics during the Late Bronze Age. The study reveals that while the site maintained continuity with Hittite traditions following the fall of the Hittite Empire, it also exhibited emerging influences from the western Euphrates valley and inner Syrian regions. This dual pattern of local identity preservation and extra-regional contact suggests a nuanced relationship between Arslantepe and its neighboring areas, shaped by cross-cultural interactions. The research employs a diachronic perspective to integrate Late Bronze Age material into a broader historical context, providing insights into the transformations in cultural relationships over time.

Drifting Southward? Tracing Aspects of Cultural Continuity and Change in the Late 2nd Millennium BC Syro-Anatolian Region

Arslantepe Mound — 2018 — WHE2FE13FA6DE

Arslantepe Mound, a site with over a thousand years of occupation in southeastern Turkey, exhibits complex patterns of cultural continuity and change during the Late Bronze Age. Research reveals that while Hittite influence was prominent in material culture, local traditions persisted even after the fall of the Hittite Empire. The study identifies new trends emerging from the Euphrates valley and northern Levant, suggesting dynamic cross-cultural relationships. By comparing Early Iron Age artifacts at Arslantepe with those from neighboring regions, the research highlights both local identity and broader extra-regional contacts, offering insights into the transformations in regional interactions during this period.

Drivers of mangrove ecosystem service change in the Sundarbans of Bangladesh

The Sundarbans — 2018 — WHEDA22D7F805

A significant decline in ecosystem services provided by the Sundarbans mangrove forest, driven by climatic change, rapid environmental shifts, global demand for mangrove products, infrastructure development, and governance failures, has been identified. The study, conducted through secondary data analysis and primary fieldwork across three districts in Bangladesh, reveals that most ecosystem services have deteriorated over the past two decades. Time series analysis and community perceptions highlighted these drivers, emphasizing the urgent need for transformative stewardship to mitigate irreversible environmental impacts.

Dung beetle distribution, abundance, and diversity along an elevation gradient in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda: A preliminary survey

Nyungwe National Park — 2018 — WHE7889B52A93

Dung beetle species richness in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, is highest at lower elevations (1800m) and declines with increasing elevation, up to 2800m. This pattern contradicts the expectation of even distribution along elevation gradients, supporting previous findings on uneven dung beetle diversity. The study used baited pitfall traps across transects in different elevation bands, recording 162 individuals belonging to eight species categories based on morphological traits. These results provide preliminary insights into the ecological factors influencing dung beetle distribution in high-altitude tropical forests.

Dusky dolphin group dynamics and association patterns in Península Valdés, Argentina

Península Valdés — 2018 — WHE7DA402076F

Dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) in Península Valdés, Argentina, exhibit seasonal variations in social structure and group dynamics. The study found that during the cold season, these dolphins form long-term preferred companions, while such bonds loosen or disappear in the warm season when prey availability increases. Researchers analyzed behavioral observations, photo-identification data, and association patterns from 2001 to 2012 using methods like the half-weight association index (HWI) and social differentiation (S). Group fission-fusion dynamics were also linked to feeding behaviors, with fusions primarily occurring for socializing and feeding. The findings suggest that seasonal changes in prey availability drive shifts in both foraging behavior and social structure, providing insights into the adaptability of these marine mammals.

Dynamic characteristic of the forth road bridge estimated with GeoSHM

The Forth Bridge — 2018 — WHED0DB0DE4F2

Researchers have successfully used GNSS and Earth Observation technologies to extract dynamic characteristics of the Forth Road Bridge, demonstrating their potential for structural health monitoring. The study revealed that lateral movements are primarily driven by wind loading, while vertical displacements under normal traffic loads can reach 0.3 meters. The first natural frequencies of the bridge's middle span were identified at 0.065 Hz (lateral), 0.15 Hz (longitudinal), and 0.104 Hz (vertical). These findings highlight the effectiveness of GeoSHM in assessing operational conditions, offering a valuable tool for bridge owners.

Effect of Environmental Variables in the Distribution of Tree Species in the Iguaçu National Park

Iguaçu National Park — 2018 — WHE220CC608BF

A study on the Iguaçu National Park reveals that tree species distribution is significantly influenced by environmental variables such as altitude, humidity, soil fertility, aluminum saturation, and clay content. Using Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), researchers identified specific patterns in how these factors shape vegetation across the park's diverse landscapes, ranging from riverbanks to plateau regions at altitudes between 150 and 750 meters. Notably, some species demonstrated tolerance to environmental variations, a trait common among widely distributed species. This finding underscores the importance of considering multiple environmental variables for efficient forest management and conservation efforts in degraded areas.

Effects of fine root decomposition on bacterial community structure of four dominated tree species in Mount Taishan, China

Mount Taishan — 2018 — WHE0797EF6F12

Fine root decomposition rates vary significantly among tree species on Mount Taishan, with broad-leaved species like Robinia pseudoacacia and Quercus acutissima decomposing faster than coniferous species such as Pinus tabulaeformis and Pinus densiflora. This study used high-throughput sequencing to analyze bacterial community structure during decomposition, revealing that broad-leaved species exhibit lower bacterial diversity compared to conifers. The findings highlight how substrate characteristics influence microbial communities, providing insights into ecosystem function dynamics in terrestrial environments.

Efficient reproduction of heritage buildings: a new way to exploit 3D point cloud slicing : An example with the Amiens Gothic Cathedral

Amiens Cathedral — 2018 — WHEBC5613CA00

Researchers have developed an innovative approach to visualize complex heritage buildings using 3D point cloud slicing, addressing the challenges of data overload and computational demands. This method enables efficient reproduction of intricate structures, such as Amiens Cathedral, by breaking down dense 3D models into manageable slices for web-based systems. The study demonstrates that this technique not only reduces the need for significant computing power but also enhances user comprehension through a generative web system designed for cultural mediation. User feedback confirms the effectiveness and accessibility of this approach, offering a scalable solution for digitized heritage visualization.

El excursionismo cultural desde destinos turísticos urbanos a sitios patrimoniales: de Madrid a Toledo = Cultural hiking from urban touristic destinations to heritage places: from Madrid to Toledo

Historic City of Toledo — 2018 — WHE961FAC4BC1

The primary driver of cultural tourism from Madrid to Toledo is the oversupply of excursions offered by tour operators, which discourages longer stays despite Toledo's efforts to promote overnight visits. Research reveals that geographical proximity and high-speed rail connections facilitate this short-duration tourism, while the appeal of Toledo's heritage attracts visitors. However, the lack of collaboration between Toledo's tourism sector and Madrid-based operators perpetuates the trend of day trips, limiting economic benefits for Toledo. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, analyzing diverse data sources to holistically understand the phenomenon and its impacts on destination sustainability.

Electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness of Historic Buildings: The Heritage Stone Town of Zanzibar

Stone Town of Zanzibar — 2018 — WHE713835C9C0

Historic buildings constructed with traditional materials, such as coral stone, mud, and mangrove poles, exhibit significant electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SE), comparable to renowned structures from the Roman Empire. This finding highlights the potential of these materials in mitigating health and security risks posed by electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from modern wireless devices. The study tested buildings in Stone Town of Zanzibar, demonstrating that their construction techniques and materials can effectively shield EMR, offering insights for future building designs to incorporate traditional materials for enhanced shielding properties.

Emerging ecosystems of information and city: Anglo digital repository

Fray Bentos Industrial Landscape — 2018 — WHEFF04556360

A digital repository for the Museo de la Revolución Industrial in Fray Bentos, Uruguay, has been developed to advance the dissemination of architectural and historical heritage within the context of smart cities. This innovative project, part of the I+D initiative 'La ciudad inteligente; un palimpsesto digital,' integrates advanced digital visualization techniques to explore the territory as an integral cultural landscape. The repository not only preserves historical data but also serves as a dynamic tool for understanding the evolution of industrial landscapes and their cultural significance. By analyzing the implementation process, this study provides insights into how digital ecosystems can enhance heritage conservation and urban development in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Entangled landscapes

Petroglyphic Complexes of the Mongolian Altai — 2018 — WHE86A61A014D

Collaborative fieldwork at the UNESCO-listed Petroglyphic Complexes of the Mongolian Altai reveals intricate connections between nature and culture, highlighting how these landscapes are shaped by intertwined ecological and human narratives. The research underscores the potential for enhanced collaboration between international conservation organizations like IUCN and ICOMOS to strengthen the World Heritage system through shared vocabularies and innovative approaches. By addressing challenges in cross-disciplinary partnerships, this work demonstrates that creative and diverse working methods can foster more effective and inclusive conservation strategies.

Estimating the preservation value of Namhansanseong Fortress world heritage site using the contingent valuation method

Namhansanseong — 2018 — WHEE11AE29CFE

The preservation value of Namhansanseong Fortress is estimated to be approximately 609 billion won annually for the Seoul-Incheon-Gyeonggi region, based on household willingness-to-pay. Using the contingent valuation method (CVM), this study assessed true preservation value by minimizing hypothetical bias through controlled scenarios and real-world conditions. The analysis revealed that heritage value (50.5%) is the most significant factor influencing preservation worth, followed by choice (25.8%) and existence value (23.7%). Key predictors of willingness to contribute to a preservation fund include visit frequency, gender, income exclusion, and strong support for Namhansanseong's conservation. Data was collected from 190 on-site visitors and 70 online respondents with prior experience, excluding 18 non-serious responses.

Eutrophication and effects of algal bloom in the south–western part of the Curonian Lagoon alongside the Curonian Spit

Curonian Spit — 2018 — WHE5714977F3A

Intensive algal blooms, particularly Cyanobacteria hyperblooms, are a persistent issue in the south-western part of the Curonian Lagoon, driven by high mineral nitrogen and phosphorus ratios. These blooms, occurring from July to October, lead to significant environmental impacts such as increased ammonia nitrogen levels, pH, and BOD5, exceeding thresholds for fishery waters. Over six years (2008–2016), chlorophyll a concentrations consistently reached hyperbloom states (>100 μg/l), causing localized oxygen deficits and fish mortality due to algal accumulation and decomposition. Water temperature emerged as a key factor influencing seasonal and long-term variability in phytoplankton abundance, thereby shaping eutrophication levels in the lagoon. The study analyzed data from four sampling points near the Curonian Spit, providing critical insights into the ecological consequences of eutrophication in this UNESCO-listed coastal lagoon.

Experimentation of visual augmented reality for visiting the historical monuments of the medina of Fez

Medina of Fez — 2018 — WHE43359807CE

A prototype Android mobile application leveraging visual augmented reality (AR) was successfully developed to enhance the tourist experience at the Medina of Fez. The application serves as an interactive pocket guide, overlaying digital information onto the physical environment to provide richer historical context for visitors. By integrating multiple software and hardware technologies, AR transforms the way users perceive and engage with historical monuments. The prototype's adaptability—achieved by simply replacing its database—demonstrates potential for broader application across other cities, making it a scalable solution for heritage tourism. This study highlights the transformative impact of AR in cultural preservation and visitor engagement.