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Impact Of Urban Development To The Communities In George Town Conurbation

Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca — 2019 — WHE4C8052E252

Urban expansion significantly impacts local communities, with perceptions varying drastically based on the degree and duration of urbanization. In less urbanized areas, residents view development positively due to increased job opportunities and economic benefits. Conversely, those in longer-established urban zones show indifference or negative sentiment, primarily attributing this to congestion and overcrowding. The study utilized GIS mapping for urban growth analysis and quantitative surveys across three towns with differing urbanization rates—Sungai Petani (Kedah), Parit Buntar (Perak), and Teluk Kumbar (Pulau Pinang). Findings underscore the critical need to incorporate local community perceptions into urban planning and spatial management strategies, ensuring sustainable growth that balances economic gains with livability.

Impacts of Hurricane Irma on Florida Bay Islands, Everglades National Park, USA

Everglades National Park — 2019 — WHE600AE36861

Hurricane Irma, a category 4 storm that struck south Florida in September 2017, had mixed impacts on the islands of Florida Bay within Everglades National Park. While interior mudflats gained elevation due to storm overwash deposits ranging from 0.5 to 6.5 cm, mangrove berms and transitional areas experienced erosion and loss of elevation. The western-most island, closest to the storm's eye, lost 32 to 42% of its eastern berm width and saw a 9.3% reduction in vegetated coverage (~9700 m²), whereas the eastern-most island had a smaller reduction of 1.9% (~9200 m²). These findings provide critical insights into the dual role of hurricanes—both destructive to vegetation and elevation, yet constructive by depositing sediment—that contribute to the resilience of Florida Bay islands over time.

Impacts of rock properties on Danxia landform formation based on lithological experiments at Kongtongshan National Geopark, northwest China

China Danxia — 2019 — WHE480A2E1593

Differential weathering of rock, influenced by lithologic properties such as diagenesis degree, mineral composition, cement composition, and micro-structure, plays a crucial role in shaping the distinct types of Danxia landform. This study, conducted at Kongtongshan National Geopark in northwest China, reveals that the structural development and weathering resistance of Danxia rock mass are significantly impacted by these factors. Through comprehensive experiments including uniaxial compressive strength tests, polarizing microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, and scanning electron microscopy, researchers found that lithology is a key factor in determining the weathering rate and formation processes of Danxia landforms. Additionally, external forces such as tectonic uplift and climate also contribute to the weathering failure of these rocks. These findings provide valuable insights into the microscopic development of Danxia landforms in arid and semi-arid areas.

Impacts of Selective Logging and Associated Anthropogenic Disturbance on Intact Forest Landscapes and Apes of Northern Congo

Sangha Trinational — 2019 — WHE89629A2D2F

Selective logging and associated human activities in the Sangha Trinational landscape of northern Congo have complex impacts on ape populations, including chimpanzees and western lowland gorillas. Despite high densities of these apes in both intact forest landscapes (IFL) and non-IFL areas, selective logging alters floristic factors such as tree stem density and herb abundance, which may influence ape resource use. Notably, chimpanzee nesting behavior shifts in logged areas, with nests built closer to the ground compared to IFL, suggesting a reduction in their preferred tree nesting niche. While gorilla nest height remains unaffected, increased road access due to logging facilitates illegal hunting, posing a significant threat to wildlife. The study underscores the importance of long-term collaborations among stakeholders for implementing conservation strategies and certification standards that balance biodiversity protection with sustainable forestry practices.

Impacts of the World Heritage List Inscription: A Case Study of Kaiping Diaolou and Villages in China

Kaiping Diaolou and Villages — 2019 — WHE08A49B5344

The World Heritage List (WHL) inscription of Kaiping Diaolou and Villages in China has demonstrated both positive and negative impacts across socioeconomic domains. The study found that while the inscription significantly improved cultural cognition, community cohesion, infrastructure, tourism development, villagers' income, environmental awareness, and government leadership, it also led to slight damage to the community's cultural environment, unequal income distribution, and increased environmental damage due to tourist influx. The research constructed a theoretical framework to evaluate these impacts, analyzing factors such as property rights, community participation, and planning. It provides actionable suggestions for future heritage site management.

Implementation and Management of Structural Deformations into Historic Building Information Models

Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville — 2019 — WHE941CA19B1B

A study of the Pavilion of Carlos V in Seville's Real Alcázar reveals significant structural discrepancies between theoretical models and as-built structures, highlighting the importance of incorporating real-world deformations into historic building information models (HBIM). The research introduces two novel modeling procedures for HBIM projects, leveraging terrestrial laser scanning and photogrammetry to create detailed as-built models. These findings underscore the necessity of advanced documentation techniques in preserving architectural heritage accurately.

Implementation of a Low-Cost Vehicle Traffic Monitoring System in the Town of Corfu

Old Town of Corfu — 2019 — WHE6FC5209D87

A low-cost vehicle traffic monitoring system using IoT devices has been successfully implemented in the historic town of Corfu, demonstrating its capability to identify areas prone to traffic congestion during both heavy and light traffic conditions. The system operates through three tiers: mobile vehicle tracking, data collection, and fog computing for processing and server upload. By analyzing movement behavior, it provides real-time insights that can support enhanced urban transport services in smart cities. This approach offers a scalable solution for monitoring traffic dynamics in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, balancing cost-efficiency with advanced technological integration.

Implications for central Italy paleoclimate from 95,000 yr B.P. until the early Holocene as evident from Frasassi Cave speleothems

Evaporitic Karst and Caves of Northern Apennines — 2019 — WHE553CDB2737

A composite δ18O and δ13C record from Frasassi Cave speleothems in central Italy's Apennines reveals unique paleoclimate dynamics distinct from other Mediterranean regions between 95,000 and 10,000 years ago. Unlike Western and Eastern Mediterranean records, Frasassi data show no significant δ18O decrease during the sapropel S3 period (ca. 86,000–83,000 yr B.P.), suggesting limited hydrological activity or different rainfall sources. During the transition from MIS 5 to glacial MIS 4 (ca. 83,000–65,000 yr B.P.), Frasassi δ18O values decreased while others increased, aligning with Northern Hemisphere temperature trends. A pronounced isotopic event between ca. 54,500 and 52,500 yr B.P., marked by warming and pluvial conditions, was consistent across the Mediterranean but followed by a shift to colder conditions. The study highlights regional climate variability during the last glacial and early Holocene transition, with instability evident in Frasassi δ13C oscillations.

Improvement of the Engineering Protection Systems of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Reserve Territory

Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — 2019 — WHE85AC4C87E8

A significant advancement in the preservation of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra has been achieved through the improvement of its engineering protection systems. This study introduces innovative methods to safeguard the reserve territory from environmental and structural threats, ensuring long-term stability for this historically and culturally significant complex. The research employs a combination of geological surveys, structural analysis, and advanced monitoring technologies to identify vulnerabilities and implement targeted protective measures. By addressing issues such as erosion, seismic activity, and weathering, these improvements aim to maintain the integrity of the site while accommodating visitor access and conservation needs.

In Search of the Khutugtu's Monastery: The Site and Its Heritage

Great Burkhan Khaldun Mountain and its surrounding sacred landscape — 2019 — WHEFC1C640779

Recent excavations at the ruins of Saridag Monastery, a seventeenth-century site near Burkhan Khaldun Mountain in Mongolia, reveal significant insights into the architectural and urban planning practices of the era. Despite its challenging terrain and limited prior research, the study identified ten city ruins from this period, with Saridag Monastery being the first and most complex to investigate. Founded by Öndör Gegeen Zanabazar, the monastery's exploration, initiated in 2013, combines archaeological excavations with oral history collection, offering a rare glimpse into Mongolia's understudied historical landscape. The findings challenge previous assumptions about the feasibility of such research due to logistical and financial constraints.

In search of the lost 'cromlech' of Knowth: Geophysical investigations in Area 10 of the Knowth Passage Tomb cemetery, Brú na Bóinne, Co. Meath.

Brú na Bóinne - Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne — 2019 — WHEDBB11BE8F7

Geophysical investigations at Knowth, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Brú na Bóinne, have uncovered potential remnants of a lost 'cromlech'—a prehistoric stone circle or ceremonial structure. This discovery sheds new light on the complex archaeological landscape of the site, which has been under study for over 50 years. The research employed advanced geophysical techniques to explore Area 10 of the Knowth Passage Tomb cemetery, building upon earlier excavations led by George Eogan. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the numinous precinct's significance in prehistoric ritual practices along the River Boyne.

In situ measurement of cesium-137 contamination in fruits from the northern Marshall Islands

Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site — 2019 — WHEBD008FAF91

Cesium-137 contamination from nuclear testing remains detectable in fruits across 11 islands in the northern Marshall Islands, including Bikini Atoll, decades after the tests. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that some fruits still exceed international safety standards for radioactive contamination. Using in situ measurements, researchers analyzed cesium-137 levels, a long-lived radionuclide (half-life ~30 years) from fallout, particularly from the 1954 Bravo test, which spread radiation across land and ocean, affecting Marshallese communities on atolls like Rongelap and Utirik. The findings highlight ongoing environmental and health risks posed by legacy nuclear contamination in these regions.

In the Crosshairs: Ancient Rock Art Under Fire

Wadi Rum Protected Area — 2019 — WHEA934996F77

Ancient rock art in Jordan's Wadi Rum Protected Area is suffering significant damage from bullet holes, primarily due to target practice and nearby battles. A multidisciplinary forensics team assessed the extent of this damage, revealing that these petroglyphs—some dating back thousands of years—are under threat from modern activities. The study employed a combination of forensic analysis and field documentation to identify patterns of damage and sources of impact. This research highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these irreplaceable cultural heritage sites, which are not only of historical significance but also face immediate risks from human activity.

In the Garden of Eden? Mineral lore and preaching in the Erzgebirge

Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region — 2019 — WHE6BE1905819

In the sixteenth-century Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region, Christian interpretations of precious metals like gold and silver revealed deep cultural divides. While some viewed these materials as symbols of divine transcendence, others condemned them as earthly luxuries. This study analyzes artworks crafted from silver ores—depicting miners alongside biblical scenes such as the Crucifixion—and contemporary texts to uncover the conflicting theological and material perspectives. The research demonstrates that, despite partial reconciliation efforts, these interpretations remained largely irreconcilable due to inherent inconsistencies in their underlying values.

In the land of giants: habitat use and selection of the Aldabra giant tortoise on Aldabra Atoll

Aldabra Atoll — 2019 — WHE4719C4C5A9

Aldabra giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) strongly prefer grassland habitats, known as 'tortoise turf,' which cover only 19.2% of Aldabra Atoll's total area but play a critical role in their survival. Despite this limited coverage, these grasslands are the most favored habitat across seasons, followed by open mixed scrub. The study combined high-resolution satellite imagery with four years of movement data to map and analyze tortoise habitat use at landscape and home range scales. While no significant preference was observed within individual home ranges, the findings underscore the importance of protecting this small but vital grassland habitat to ensure the conservation of Aldabra's keystone species, particularly in the face of climate change-induced threats like reduced rainfall.

Inauguración del Museo Amazónico Andino Qhapaq Ñan- Quillabamba

Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System — 2019 — WHEB4A8E2174F

On July 14, the Museo Amazónico Andino Qhapaq Ñan - Quillabamba (MAAQ) was inaugurated in La Convención Province, marking a significant milestone for cultural heritage preservation in Peru. The museum serves as an educational hub focused on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Qhapaq Ñan, the extensive Andean road system that once connected vast territories during the Inca Empire. By integrating indigenous knowledge and historical artifacts, MAAQ aims to foster a deeper understanding of the region's rich cultural and ecological heritage. The initiative reflects a commitment to sustainable tourism and community engagement, offering visitors insights into the intricate network of Qhapaq Ñan while promoting conservation efforts in the Amazonian Andean landscape.

Inca Mortuary Practices. Material Accounts of Death in Quebrada De Humahuaca at the Time of the Empire

Quebrada de Humahuaca — 2019 — WHEEED39D9122

Archaeological evidence from Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina, reveals that Inca mortuary practices were deeply intertwined with the empire's political and economic strategies during its expansion into the region. The study highlights how the Inca adapted their administrative models to pre-existing local systems, employing a mix of diplomacy and coercion to consolidate power. Material remains, including artifacts and architectural structures, indicate a flexible yet centralized approach to governance, reinforcing imperial control through resource redistribution and reciprocal obligations. This research underscores the complex interplay between conquest strategies and local resistance, shaping the social and economic landscape of Quebrada de Humahuaca during the 15th century.

Incidence of Multiple Paternity and Inbreeding in High-Density Brown Bear Populations on the Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido, Japan

Shiretoko — 2019 — WHE6D29C3B53C

A study on the Shiretoko Peninsula, Japan, reveals that approximately 15% of brown bear litters result from multiple paternity, comparable to rates observed in Scandinavian populations despite differences in population density and litter size. The research also identified low but notable instances of inbreeding, including cases involving father-daughter matings (2.7%), maternal half-siblings (0.5%), and paternal half-siblings (1.8%). No evidence was found for mother-son or full-sibling matings. These findings suggest that male-biased dispersal plays a crucial role in limiting close inbreeding, offering insights into the genetic dynamics of high-density brown bear populations. The study genotyped 837 individuals at 21 microsatellite loci and analyzed parentage across 70-82 litters to derive these conclusions.

Indium Mineralization in the Volcanic Dome-Hosted Ánimas–Chocaya–Siete Suyos Polymetallic Deposit, Potosí, Bolivia

City of Potosí — 2019 — WHE2B39C4A935

Researchers have identified the primary stage of indium mineralization in the Ánimas–Chocaya–Siete Suyos polymetallic deposit, located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Potosí, Bolivia. The study reveals that indium enrichment is predominantly associated with the intermediate-sulfidation stage, particularly in sphalerite and stannite minerals, where concentrations can reach up to 9.66 wt.% In and 4.11 wt.% In, respectively. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the distribution of indium in such deposits. The study employed a combination of petrographic analysis and in situ mineral geochemistry, examining multiple veins across three mines. A notable discovery was the positive correlation between atomic concentrations of indium and copper in sphalerite, suggesting that copper availability in mineralizing fluids is crucial for indium incorporation. This insight provides new avenues for understanding and potentially exploiting indium-rich deposits globally.

Indo-West Pacific species of Trachinotus with spots on their sides as adults, with description of a new species endemic to the Marquesas Islands (Teleostei: Carangidae)

Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands — 2019 — WHEEF1BB40329

Researchers have identified and described a new species of jack, Trachinotus macrospilus, endemic to the Marquesas Islands—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This species is distinguished by its unique pattern: adults possess only one or two large spots on each side, with the largest spot exceeding the iris diameter in size, and lack a prominent spot above the pectoral fin. The study provides diagnoses, comparisons, photographs, and distribution maps for three previously described Indo-West Pacific Trachinotus species, alongside an identification key and molecular phylogeny encompassing 16 of the 20 valid species in the genus. Additionally, a neotype is designated for Scomber botla Shaw, 1803, to clarify its taxonomic status.