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Evaluating the Sustainable Architecture Indicators in Tabriz Grand Bazar

Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex — 2019 — WHE1F591A8E00

Over 85% of sustainable architecture indicators related to human interaction with contemporaries significantly influence the perception of sustainability in Tabriz Grand Bazaar, highlighting its strong alignment with global standards like LEED. The study, using qualitative content analysis and quantitative data from 320 questionnaires, found that public involvement and vitality of bazar spaces were key factors in shaping this understanding. This suggests that the bazar's design effectively integrates sustainable principles while fostering community engagement.

Evaluation Model of Tourism Congestion Based on Space Syntax and Neural Network Method: A Case Study of Kulangsu Xiamen

Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement — 2019 — WHECC9A16ABBB

A novel evaluation model integrating space syntax and neural network methods reveals critical insights into pedestrian movement patterns and tourism congestion within Kulangsu, a historic international settlement. The model identifies conflicts between road choices and pedestrian flows, as well as the pressure on key attractions, offering a data-driven assessment of current conditions. This approach provides actionable recommendations for balancing historical preservation with sustainable tourism development, addressing long-standing challenges in urban planning.

Evaluation of Sentinel-2 time-series for mapping floodplain grassland plant communities

Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay — 2019 — WHE572D1E9FED

Sentinel-2 time-series data significantly enhances the accuracy of mapping floodplain grassland plant communities compared to single-date or single-band imagery. A study at Mont-Saint-Michel Bay, France, demonstrated that using a full annual Sentinel-2 time-series with a support vector machine (SVM) classifier achieved an overall accuracy of 0.78, outperforming random forest (RF) classifiers and single-date/single-band datasets. The findings highlight the importance of temporal resolution in discriminating plant communities, as accuracy dropped by 34% when using single-date images and 12% with single-band data. This research underscores the potential of Sentinel-2 for biodiversity monitoring in temperate floodplains.

Evaluation of the actual protection zone of the UNESCO site Casbah of Algiers: current inconsistencies, and need to preserve its integrity

Kasbah of Algiers — 2019 — WHECAA0432ECB

The UNESCO World Heritage site of the Casbah of Algiers faces significant inconsistencies in its current protection zone, which undermines its cultural value and structural integrity. A study evaluating the buffer zone around the historic site reveals that the delineation criteria for protection are misaligned with the dynamic urban context, leading to a loss of visual and contextual coherence. The research suggests revising the perimeter to better integrate the old with the new while preserving the site's exceptional value. This case study challenges traditional approaches to buffer zone establishment by emphasizing the need for adaptive protection that balances heritage conservation with urban development.

Evidence and patterns of tuna spawning inside a large no-take Marine Protected Area

Phoenix Islands Protected Area — 2019 — WHE6ABCE37B0A

Research confirms that the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA), one of the world's largest marine protected areas, serves as a critical spawning ground for skipjack, bigeye, and yellowfin tunas. This discovery underscores PIPA's ecological significance in sustaining tuna populations, which are vital to Kiribati's economy through foreign fishing licenses. The study, conducted from 2015 to 2017, employed larval sampling and a biological-physical model to map spawning locations. Findings revealed that skipjack larvae were more abundant near PIPA's northeast corner, while bigeye and yellowfin larvae showed lower but even distributions. Genetic barcoding verified the presence of these tuna species within PIPA. Model simulations indicated that most larvae collected in 2015 originated inside PIPA, whereas stronger currents in 2016 transported more larvae beyond its boundaries. Despite varying environmental conditions due to ENSO states, PIPA consistently supported tuna spawning, highlighting its role as a protected breeding habitat.

Evidence of continuous pottery production during the late Byzantine period in the Studenica Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Studenica Monastery — 2019 — WHEC4B84F6B2D

A comprehensive analysis of pottery shards from the Studenica Monastery, Serbiareveals continuous production during the late Byzantine period (13th to 15th century). Using advanced techniques like spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, researchers found no significant differences in mineralogical or chemical composition between samples from two distinct cultural strata, indicating sustained craftsmanship. The pottery was made from non-calcareous clay, glazed with lead-based coatings, and colored with copper and iron, fired at temperatures ranging from 600–700 °C for cookware to 800–1000 °C for tableware. A clay rod with glaze traces, likely from a kiln, further supports the site's role in pottery production during this period.

Evidence of restricted maternal gene flow of Purana (old) Population in the suburbs of Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Ancient City of Sigiriya — 2019 — WHE90B3B20B53

A genetic study of the Purana population, residing in the suburbs of Sigiriya, Sri Lanka, reveals restricted maternal gene flow between them and other present-day Sri Lankans. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from 46 individuals showed a higher genetic dissimilarity (2.81%) when comparing the Purana to modern Sri Lankans than when grouped by ethnicity, indicating maternal isolation since at least 1,450 years ago. Phylogenetic analysis further suggests that the Purana are maternally more closely related to Sri Lankan Tamils than to other Sri Lankan groups. This finding supports historical records linking the Purana's ancestry to the Sinhalese Kings of the 5th century A.D., providing genetic evidence for their distinct maternal lineage.

Evolution of a Shelly Beach Ridge System over the Last Decades in a Hypertidal Open-coast Embayment (Western Mont-Saint-Michel Bay, NW France)

Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay — 2019 — WHEF5A2B8A6B9

A dynamic shelly beach ridge system along the southern coast of Mont-Saint-Michel Bay, NW France, exhibits alternating erosion and accretion patterns influenced by tidal cycles and human activities. The study reveals that these ridges, formed from mollusk shells, are more prominent in erosional bands shaped by wave and current dynamics, potentially driven by shellfish farms, tidal channels, and reefs. Decadal-scale behavior is linked to the 18.6-year nodal tidal cycle, with periods of landward migration during peaks and stability at troughs, further complicated by storm events. Notably, no beach ridges older than the 19th century survive in front of the Medieval dike, suggesting reworking due to Little Ice Age storminess. Shellfish farming has also stabilized the system by altering shell composition. The research combines aerial photographs (1947–present), sediment cores, ground-penetrating radar, and digital elevation models to unravel these processes.

Evolution of the dry zone water harvesting and management systems in Sri Lanka during the Anuradhapura Kingdom; a study based on ancient chronicles and lithic inscriptions

Sacred City of Anuradhapura — 2019 — WHE70B6EB1711

A comprehensive analysis of ancient water harvesting and management systems in Sri Lanka's dry zone during the Anuradhapura Kingdom (5th century BCE to 10th century CE) reveals significant insights into their spatial-temporal evolution. By systematically assessing 837 records from inscriptions and chronicles, the study identifies a peak in activity around the second century CE, with Anuradhapura district showing the highest density of information. The analysis highlights that 43.2% of records mention tanks or their construction, while grants of irrigation and irrigation incomes account for 33% and 9%, respectively. Geocoding was successful for 40 records, and 173 text passages were linked to specific kings' reigns. This study underscores the potential of ancient written sources in reconstructing the administrative and spatial development of historical water management systems.

Evolution of vegetation coverage and its response to abrupt climate change in the Wuyi Mountains National Nature Reserve

Mount Wuyi — 2019 — WHE2AAE9F6199

A study on the Wuyi Mountains National Nature Reserve reveals that vegetation coverage in this high-latitude northern Chinese region has significantly declined during periods of abrupt climate change, particularly from 1980 to 1995. This period saw a warming and drying trend, with annual mean temperature rising by 0.557°C per decade and precipitation decreasing slightly. The research used MODIS-NDVI data, TM/ETM+ imagery, and 62 years of meteorological observations, combined with statistical analyses like the Mann-Kendall test and sliding T-test, to assess vegetation changes from 1975 to 2016. Key findings include a notable decline in NDVI (a measure of vegetation health) during the climate transition period, with mixed forests showing the most significant degradation, followed by grasslands, coniferous forests, arable land, and wetlands. Temperature was identified as the dominant factor influencing vegetation decline, with spatial variations in its impact. The study highlights the vulnerability of high-vegetation coverage areas to climate-driven degradation.

Evolutionary history of water voles revisited: confronting a new phylogenetic model from molecular data with the fossil record

Soltaniyeh — 2019 — WHE6E58A9A356

A new phylogenetic model of water voles (genus Arvicola) reveals four recognized species and a deeply divergent lineage from West Iran, with genetic divergence exceeding interspecies distances. The Iranian lineage, named Arvicola persicus, diverged in the Early Pleistocene (~2.545 Ma), while other species radiated between 1.535 Ma (A. sapidus) and 0.671 Ma. Molecular data confirm monophyly of known species and suggest an ancestral aquatic lifestyle retained in A. sapidus and A. persicus, contrasting with fossorial adaptations in terminal lineages. Habitat-dependent plasticity in Arvicola amphibius may have driven its range expansion, making it one of the largest among arvicolines.

Examining Aspen Expansion from Before and After Prescribed Burning in a Native Fescue Grassland Through Geospatial Techniques

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2019 — WHEC7A99A0FC6

Prescribed burning in Waterton Lakes National Park did not significantly reduce aspen stand area, though an observational decline in canopy cover was noted. The study, conducted using geospatial techniques including UAS imagery and ground-truthing, aimed to assess the impact of prescribed burns on aspen expansion in native fescue grasslands—a critical ecosystem for biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Despite efforts to suppress woody vegetation through controlled fires, aspen regeneration persisted, influenced by elk browse and wolf predation dynamics. This research highlights the complex interplay between fire management, herbivory, and ecological restoration in maintaining grassland ecosystems.

Excavating among the megaliths: recent research at the ‘Plain of Jars’ site 1 in Laos

Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang – Plain of Jars — 2019 — WHEC404518A4A

Recent excavations at Ban Ang, or site 1 of the Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang, Laos, have uncovered significant new evidence dating interments to the ninth to thirteenth centuries AD. The study revealed diverse mortuary practices and high rates of infant and child mortality, building on earlier research while providing deeper insights into this poorly understood archaeological landscape. Using systematic excavation methods, researchers confirmed previous findings and expanded our understanding of the cultural and historical significance of these sites.

Excavation of an Obsidian Craft Workshop at Teotihuacan, Mexico

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2019 — WHE72C8B07BED

Excavations at Teotihuacan's Compound 17 confirm the presence of a large-scale obsidian craft production workshop during the Classic period, validating surface-based identifications as reliable indicators of craft activity. This study, conducted by the Teotihuacan Mapping Project (TMP), addresses skepticism raised by Clark (1986b) regarding the accuracy of such surface remains. Through subsurface testing, researchers uncovered significant lithic technology debris, providing direct evidence of in situ obsidian craft production. While this is a single test case, the findings suggest that surface concentrations can be effectively used to identify craft production areas when substantiated by further excavation.

Exchange and Trade between the Northern Black Sea Region and the Eastern Mediterranean in the 3rd Millennium BC

Archaeological Site of Troy — 2019 — WHEA7FA1AE80B

A significant trade network linked the Northern Black Sea region and the Eastern Mediterranean during the 3rd millennium BC, with Troy serving as a key intermediary hub. The study reveals that settlements like Matviyivske (Ingul culture) and Liventsivsky I (Don River delta) were strategically positioned near coastal regions, facilitating maritime trade routes. Evidence includes artifacts such as dolphin bones in Matviyivka 1, Egyptian scarabs near Melitopol, and a treasure trove from Sadove, Crimea, containing items of Anatolian, Trojan, and Northern Black Sea origin. The research employs space geography theory, system approaches, and comparative historical methods to demonstrate that Troy played a pivotal role in supplying goods from the Eastern Mediterranean to the Black Sea region, fostering close exchange relations between these areas.

Expanding the Soy Moratorium to Brazil’s Cerrado

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2019 — WHEC21E3F8718

Expanding the Soy Moratorium (SoyM) to Brazil's Cerrado biome could prevent the conversion of 3.6 million hectares of native vegetation to soy cultivation by 2050, equivalent to a 2% reduction in national soybean area. This quantitative analysis highlights the potential for such an agreement to mitigate biodiversity loss and ecosystem service degradation in this critical global hotspot. The study identifies key drivers of future conversion risks, including Brazil's domestic market, China, and the European Union, emphasizing the urgency for zero native vegetation conversion policies like the SoyM.

Expanding walls and shrinking beaches: loss of natural coastline in Okinawa Island, Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2019 — WHE1E7619BF16

Approximately 63% of Okinawa Island's coastline, totaling 431.8 km, has been altered by human-made structures such as seawalls and land reclamation over the past four decades, with habitat fragmentation breaking the remaining natural coastline into 239 distinct tracts. The west coast has been most affected, while the northern part of the east coast retains relatively pristine conditions. This study quantified coastline alterations using GIS vector data from OpenStreetMap, satellite imagery, and aerial photography, revealing significant environmental impacts that necessitate urgent conservation efforts to protect remaining natural coastlines.

Experimental dynamic behavior of an of an historical thin shell structure in concrete: The Paraboloide of Casale Monferrato

Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato — 2019 — WHEDDD25D8BC3

A pioneering concrete thin-shell structure, the Paraboloide of Casale Monferrato, demonstrates remarkable resilience after nearly a century. Built in 1922 as Italy's first clinker warehouse, its parabolic roofing system has withstood time and industrial use. Recent dynamic testing reveals its structural integrity, providing critical data for preservation efforts. The study employed mechanical and dynamic tests to assess the building's current state, offering insights that will guide restoration strategies for this historic structure. This research serves as a foundation for conserving similar architectural marvels, ensuring their longevity while honoring their industrial heritage.

Experimental, Numerical, and Theoretical Investigation of the Rocking Response of Baalbek Columns under Harmonic Excitations

Baalbek — 2019 — WHEC01FF0AA01

A novel approach to predicting the seismic response of Baalbek's iconic columns has emerged from combined experimental, numerical, and theoretical investigations. Researchers found that reduced-scale models (1/20 and 1/40) subjected to harmonic excitations closely mirrored the rocking and overturning behavior of full-sized columns under earthquake-like conditions. This similitude allows for accurate predictions of seismic impacts on these ancient structures using simplified numerical simulations and critical impulse theory. The study further reveals that the mode of column overturning and the number of blocks involved can serve as indicators to estimate the period and peak acceleration of critical impulses within earthquake signals, offering a new tool for assessing structural vulnerability in World Heritage Sites.

Exploring film tourism potential in Ireland: from Game of Thrones to Star Wars

Sceilg Mhichíl — 2019 — WHE37EC8DB992

Ireland's potential as a film tourism destination is significantly heightened by the influence of high-profile productions such as Game of Thrones and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Research indicates strong fan engagement with these franchises, particularly their Irish filming locations like Skellig Michael, translating into growing interest in visiting these sites. Netnography and social media analysis revealed high awareness and enthusiasm among fans, suggesting substantial opportunities for Ireland to expand its appeal as a film-induced tourism hub.