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Buddhist Landscapes in Central India: Sanchi Hill and Archaeologies of Religious and Social Change, c. Third Century B.C. to Fifth Century A.D. by Julia Shaw (review)

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi — 2014 — WHE51DEE82CA4

Julia Shaw's groundbreaking study, 'Buddhist Landscapes in Central India: Sanchi Hill and Archaeologies of Religious and Social Change,' challenges conventional approaches to studying ancient South Asian religions by shifting focus from monumental sites like the UNESCO-listed Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi to the broader landscape surrounding it. Through her Sanchi Survey Project (SSP), Shaw mapped 720 sq km, uncovering 35 Buddhist sites, dams, and settlements that provide a more comprehensive understanding of religious and social dynamics from the third century B.C.E. to the fifth century C.E. Her interdisciplinary approach, combining landscape archaeology, art history, and religious studies, reveals how Sanchi functioned within its regional context over a millennium, offering new insights into the evolution of Buddhism in Central India.

Budowa i przebudowa ratusza w miastach Królestwa Polskiego do końca XVIII wieku

Medieval Town of Toruń — 2014 — WHEB4E4FA779D

A comprehensive analysis of town hall architecture and reconstruction in the Kingdom of Poland until the 18th century reveals significant regional variations influenced by German, Teutonic, and Renaissance styles. The study synthesizes existing research to highlight how urban planning, symbolic architecture, and design elements evolved across regions like Silesia, Western Pomerania, and Małopolska. Key findings include the strategic placement of town halls—whether on market squares or streets—and their architectural transformation from medieval towers reflecting feudal autonomy to elaborate Renaissance and Baroque designs. The study also notes the migration of design ideas from Western European centers to Polish towns, with notable influences from Bohemian models in Silesia and Dutch-inspired designs in Pomerania. Additionally, it explores how economic conditions and bourgeois ambitions shaped town hall architecture, particularly during periods of urban decline.

Cahokia's Rattlesnake Causeway

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site — 2014 — WHE203B345930

Recent archaeological excavations at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Illinois, have uncovered evidence of a significant earthen causeway, the Rattlesnake Causeway. This 1-kilometer-long and 18-meter-wide structure was part of an early, planned city layout that connected Cahokia's central precinct to ridge-top mortuary mounds, reinforcing its sophisticated urban design. The findings reveal a grid-based plan with at least 104 earthen monuments, a large central plaza, and the causeway serving as a key landmark. This research sheds new light on the advanced engineering and spatial organization of one of North America's most complex pre-Columbian societies.

Capture the wealth of heritage in a Holy City of Islam : the problem of developing tourism in Djenné in Mali

Old Towns of Djenné — 2014 — WHE8FAD1A274C

Sustainable tourism development in Djenné, Mali, hinges on balancing heritage preservation with local values and equitable wealth distribution. The study reveals that while tourism has flourished since Djenné's 1988 UNESCO World Heritage inscription, its growth is hampered by conflicts between inhabitants' expectations, local traditions, and restoration projects. To foster sustainable development, the research advocates for integrating both tangible (architectural) and intangible (cultural, religious) heritage while ensuring fair economic benefits reach the population. This approach could improve living conditions and counter marginalization driven by radical Islam, underscoring the need for culturally sensitive, community-inclusive tourism strategies.

Carbon dioxide flux in the ablation area of Koxkar glacier, western Tien Shan, China

Western Tien-Shan — 2014 — WHE454A4916D2

A study on Koxkar Glacier in the Western Tien Shan, China, reveals that melting glaciers may act as atmospheric CO₂ sinks. Researchers found net glacial CO₂ exchange rates of -0.05 and -0.07 mmol m⁻² s⁻¹ over exposed ice and supraglacial moraine, respectively, indicating CO₂ drawdown during ice melt due to H⁺ consumption in solutions. Using the gradient method over five months in 2012 and a degree-day model for ablation, they estimated a daily net exchange rate of -1.23 ± 0.17 μmol m⁻² d⁻¹. This work introduces a new approach to modeling CO₂ dynamics in melting glaciers, advancing understanding of atmospheric CO₂ exchange mechanisms.

Çatalhöyük: the leopard changes its spots. A summary of recent work

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2014 — WHE9C43EF4A02

Recent analysis of Çatalhöyük East, a Neolithic site occupied between 7100 and 6200 BC, reveals significant shifts in social structure and health during its long occupation. The middle 'classic' levels (around 6500 BC) show evidence of increased population density, workload, and physical stress, likely linked to symbolic and ritual elaboration within an aggressively egalitarian society. However, the upper levels indicate a shift toward greater mobility, economic independence of households, and population dispersal, which may have facilitated the spread of farming populations into northwestern Anatolia and Europe. This study integrates data from extensive excavations (2000–2008) with earlier findings to provide a nuanced understanding of Neolithic societal dynamics.

Change Detection Using Mappable Vegetation Related Indices A Case Study from Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Sinharaja Forest Reserve — 2014 — WHE1705903A01

A significant increase of 962 hectares in vegetation prime was detected in the western Sinharaja Forest Reserve between 2001 and 2005, while a 15-hectare decrease occurred over the entire period from 1993 to 2005. The study also identified that the forest reserve's fringe areas were particularly vulnerable to forest fires, with burn areas of 160 hectares (1993-2001), 79 hectares (2001-2005), and 10 hectares (1993-2005). These findings were derived using multi-year Landsat 7 ETM+ images, analyzed through Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Burn Index (BI) techniques. The research highlights the importance of ground truthing data for sustainable forest resource management in fire-influenced areas.

Characteristics of Malaysian ecotourist segments in Kinabalu Park, Sabah

Kinabalu Park — 2014 — WHE6EE92A9EF3

A study of Malaysian ecotourists in Kinabalu Park, Sabah—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and global biodiversity hotspot—identified three distinct segments: hard, structured, and soft ecotourists. Discriminant analysis revealed that 82% of the variance in segment differentiation was explained by trip characteristics, including expectations for services and preferences for arranged travel. Notably, 60% of respondents fell into the structured or soft ecotourist categories, reinforcing established ecotourism typologies across regions. The findings highlight common traits among ecotourists along a hard-soft spectrum, offering insights for sustainable tourism management in protected areas.

Characterizing the Phylogenetic Tree Community Structure of a Protected Tropical Rain Forest Area in Cameroon

Dja Faunal Reserve — 2014 — WHE662E4ED187

A study of the Dja Faunal Reserve, a protected tropical rainforest in Cameroon, reveals that neutral dispersal limitation is a major driver of community assembly, with weak environmental variation contributing to a lack of significant phylogenetic structure across transects. While habitat types show minimal influence on overall phylogenetic diversity, finer analyses detected subtle clustering in species from the Annonaceae family and overdispersion in Apocynaceae, suggesting niche-based processes at play. The research re-analyzed data from 372 taxa to partition phylogenetic diversity, providing insights that could enhance conservation efforts in this hyperdiverse yet threatened ecosystem.

Children affected by severe drought in a rural community in the central highlands of Sri Lanka

Central Highlands of Sri Lanka — 2014 — WHEE961B8FFA0

Severe drought in rural Sri Lanka significantly impacts children's health, with protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) being the most critical issue. A study in Serupitiya, a drought-affected village, found that 12% of school-aged children and 5% of preschoolers suffered from severe acute PEM, with malnutrition increasing significantly with age. Other prevalent health issues included respiratory infections, skin sepsis, poor oral hygiene, and disturbed sleep. Despite these challenges, preventive healthcare strategies effectively prevented PEM and micronutrient deficiencies in under-fives. The study also highlighted increased household stress levels and economic hardships, but noted no mortality among infants or under-fives and a zero drop-out rate for children under 12 years. The research used a community-based cross-sectional approach, including medical examinations, nutritional assessments, and focus group discussions to gather data from 68 households.

Chronological Framework for the Early Talayotic Period in Menorca: The Settlement of Cornia Nou

Talayotic Menorca — 2014 — WHE82A145C5BC

New radiocarbon dating evidence from the prehistoric site of Cornia Nou, Menorca, reveals key phases in the early Talayotic period. Analysis of 27 samples indicates three distinct occupation phases: 1100–900 BC (Phase 4), 900–800 BC (Phase 5), and 800–600 BC (Phase 6). Additionally, the western talayot's construction likely predates the 1st millennium cal BC. This study, conducted by a team linked to the Museum of Menorca over six years, provides critical insights into the chronological framework of this significant Talayotic settlement.

Classifying Complex Mountainous Forests with L-Band SAR and Landsat Data Integration: A Comparison among Different Machine Learning Methods in the Hyrcanian Forest

Hyrcanian Forests — 2014 — WHE3A87F557E3

Integrating L-band SAR and Landsat data significantly improves the classification accuracy of forest stand age classes in complex mountainous regions, such as the Hyrcanian Forest. The study found that combining these datasets achieves an overall accuracy (OA) of 86%, a notable improvement over using either dataset alone or traditional classifiers like maximum likelihood classification (MLC). Among machine learning methods, support vector machines (SVM) and random forest (RF) outperformed neural networks (NN), with SVM and RF showing the highest robustness and accuracy. Terrain correction was crucial, as non-corrected data failed to differentiate forest classes effectively (OA = 65%). The research highlights the potential of multisource remote sensing for precise forest classification in challenging terrains.

Climate change and related management issues in the mountains of Southeastern Europe – the Pirin National Park in Bulgaria

Pirin National Park — 2014 — WHEF38FA98ECB

Climate change in Pirin National Park, Bulgaria, is projected to significantly alter alpine ecosystems and their services, posing long-term threats. Research indicates that these changes could disrupt the region's biodiversity and environmental functions, necessitating proactive adaptive management strategies. The study evaluates vulnerability predictions and emphasizes the urgent need for conservation measures to mitigate potential impacts on this UNESCO World Heritage Site. By analyzing climate trends and ecological responses, the research provides a foundation for evidence-based management decisions in mountainous regions facing similar challenges.

Combining SERS and microspectrofluorimetry with historically accurate reconstructions for the characterization of lac dye paints in medieval manuscript illuminations

Monastery of Alcobaça — 2014 — WHE611E168270

Researchers successfully identified lac dye paints in medieval manuscript illuminations using innovative spectroscopic techniques, revealing their molecular composition and formulation. By combining surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with microspectrofluorimetry, the study provided a conclusive fingerprint of lac dye while offering insights into additional paint components like binders and fillers. Historically accurate reconstructions of lac dye paints, prepared according to medieval recipes, served as reference materials to enhance the interpretation of spectroscopic results. This multi-analytical approach, including Raman microscopy and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, established a robust database for studying complex medieval dyes, advancing our understanding of their use in art and conservation.

Confirming the Metazoan Character of a 565 Ma Trace-Fossil Assemblage from Mistaken Point, Newfoundland

Mistaken Point — 2014 — WHEB09BA7A66E

A 565-million-year-old trace-fossil assemblage from Mistaken Point, Newfoundland, provides evidence of muscular metazoans in late Ediacaran deep-marine ecosystems. Analysis of the fossils, preserved within a turbidite succession, rules out abiogenic origins and links their formation to organisms capable of controlled locomotion, akin to modern mollusks and actinians. While not attributable to known ichnotaxa, the traces exhibit morphological characteristics consistent with muscular movement, suggesting the presence of complex organisms predating the Cambrian explosion.

Contributions to the study of the images of hierarchs in the catholicon of Studenica Monastery

Studenica Monastery — 2014 — WHEDB9745CDBE

A detailed analysis of the images of saint hierarchs in Studenica Monastery's Church of the Virgin reveals new insights into their representation and historical significance. The study, focusing on figures partially obscured by a 19th-century iconostasis, includes standing depictions of St. Achillius and an unidentified saint, as well as busts of St. Parthenius and St. Charalambos. Additionally, it examines other notable figures such as three saints named Gregory in the prothesis, St. Cyril of Alexandria in the apse, and busts of St. Clement of Rome on the west wall and a potential eponymous saint below the dome. The research employs iconographic analysis to uncover the layers of meaning embedded in these images, contributing to a deeper understanding of Byzantine religious art and its evolution.

Creative Teaching in Art: Content Analysis and Evaluation of Training Manuals Formed by Students

Medieval City of Rhodes — 2014 — WHE6B6E2AEC81

Student-created training manuals for promoting children’s cultural heritage in primary schools were evaluated based on content completeness, functionality, aesthetic presentation, creativity, and pedagogical responsiveness. The study, conducted by students from the Department of Primary Education at the University of the Aegean, focused on the Palace of the Grand Master within Rhodes' medieval city as a case study. Using SPSS v.17 for analysis, researchers assessed how effectively these manuals addressed educational objectives while fostering engagement with cultural heritage. The findings highlight the potential and challenges of student-designed educational materials in preserving and teaching cultural history.

Cultural Patrimony and Heritage Management in Mali: The Old Towns of Djenné and the Sanké Mon Festival

Old Towns of Djenné — 2014 — WHE3F7057C05B

Mali's approach to cultural heritage, initially rooted in nation-building and collaboration with UNESCO, has evolved to embrace tourism-driven commodification. This study highlights the complex interplay between political projects and economic strategies, using case studies of Djenne and San—both UNESCO-listed sites—to illustrate these dynamics. It also examines the fragility of state-led nationalist efforts exposed during recent insurgencies in northern Mali, while outlining post-conflict measures to foster a shared cultural patrimony among citizens. The research combines historical analysis with fieldwork, offering insights into heritage management challenges and opportunities.

Damaged and Healthy Ignimbrites from the Surroundings of Morelia, Mexico; Uses for Restoration of the Colonial Inheritance

Historic Centre of Morelia — 2014 — WHE41FC799737

Research on the historic centre of Morelia, Mexico, reveals significant challenges and opportunities in restoring its UNESCO-listed colonial architecture. The study identifies discrepancies between damaged ignimbrites used in historical buildings and healthy quarry stones from surrounding areas, which often fail to match in terms of resistance, porosity, durability, or color. This mismatch poses a critical issue for restoration efforts, as historical archives lack precise records to guide the selection of suitable replacement materials. The research highlights the need for a systematic approach to identify and source compatible ignimbrites to preserve Morelia's architectural heritage effectively.

Description of Hylopanchax paucisquamatus (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae), a new lampeye species from the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo

Forest Massif of Odzala-Kokoua — 2014 — WHE91DCFF2AB7

Researchers have identified and described Hylopanchax paucisquamatus, a new species of deep-bodied lampeye fish (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae) from the Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo. This discovery represents the first deep-bodied Hylopanchax species found outside the Kasaï River drainage, distinguishing it from related congeners like H. leki and H. ndeko. The species is characterized by a unique combination of morphological traits, including a low number of mid-longitudinal and transverse scales, dorsal-fin ray count, and the position of its dorsal fin relative to the anal fin. The study highlights the biodiversity significance of the Odzala-Kokoua region, contributing to our understanding of freshwater fish diversity in the Congo basin.