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An Arab Chariot Monument at Umm al-Jimāl

Umm Al-Jimāl — 2018 — WHE92DCACA4DB

Research at Umm al-Jimāl, Jordan, reveals previously unpublished basalt sculptures from a Nabataean-Roman to Byzantine settlement, offering new evidence of Hellenistic-Romanized embellishment in an Arab-Nabataean sanctuary. The fragments, dated to the first or second century AD, depict chariot groups driven by deities, paralleling similar statuary found in the nearby basalt desert of al-Ledjā (ancient Trachonitis). Analysis of these remnants suggests they were part of a larger sculptural complex likely destroyed during the Palmyrenean Campaign in the later third century AD. The study combines archaeological investigation with comparative analysis to reconstruct the sanctuary's significance and cultural context, bridging gaps in our understanding of this understudied region.

An archaeological inference of tomb rituals of Koguryo

Complex of Koguryo Tombs — 2018 — WHEB4ACB2C364

Archaeological analysis of Koguryo tombs reveals that structures previously interpreted as evidence of tomb rituals, such as stone facilities and buildings atop burial mounds, likely served protective or symbolic roles rather than direct ritual functions. The study suggests that tomb rituals were divided into one-time ceremonies performed immediately after burial and regular rites conducted at the tomb's front, with the latter evolving from temporary ritual spaces to permanent structures like Buddhist tomb temples by the 6th century. Key findings include the inferred roles of stone slabs and artifacts in burial-related rites, challenging prior assumptions about Koguryo funerary practices.

An Assessment of Drinking Water Sources in Sagarmatha National Park (Mt Everest Region), Nepal

Sagarmatha National Park — 2018 — WHE5080674314

A study assessing drinking water sources in Sagarmatha National Park (Mt Everest Region), Nepal, found that while physical parameters met World Health Organization standards, fecal contamination levels indicated low to moderate risk, failing Nepali national standards. The research, conducted during the 2016 premonsoon dry season, sampled 34 water sources and revealed a positive correlation between bacteria content and temperature, as well as a weak negative correlation with elevation. Samples from lower-elevation areas (<3500 m) showed higher levels of Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria, suggesting increased surface water influence in these regions. The findings highlight the potential for deeper groundwater to remain uncontaminated, warranting further investigation.

An Assessment of Local Community Livelihood Benefits as a result of Bale Mountains National Park, Southeast Ethiopia

Bale Mountains National Park — 2018 — WHEDAB0289093

Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) in southeastern Ethiopia has been found to significantly benefit local communities, particularly in terms of livelihood improvements. The study assessed the economic and social impacts on nearby populations, revealing that the park's establishment has contributed positively to their well-being. Researchers employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data. This assessment highlights the potential for protected areas to serve as catalysts for sustainable development when effectively integrated with community needs. The findings underscore the importance of balancing conservation goals with local livelihood enhancement strategies.

An ecological auto-ethnography of a monarch butterfly

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve — 2018 — WHE38E96BD9F7

Monarch butterflies face severe habitat loss and degradation due to industrial agriculture expansion, threatening their survival. This study highlights the impact of monocultures on ecological diversity and stability, contrasting with the protected Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, which safeguards 56,259 hectares, including critical wintering forests spanning 13,551 hectares. The research employs an ecological auto-ethnography approach, documenting the species' annual migration from North America to Michoacán and Estado de México while analyzing regulatory challenges and environmental pressures. It underscores the vulnerability of monocultures to ecological catastrophes and their role in accelerating species extinction, emphasizing the need for habitat preservation to sustain monarch populations.

An example of a vine-physiology based fine-scale terroir study in the AOC Lavaux-region in Switzerland

Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces — 2018 — WHED4EA6218D9

A vine-physiology based study on the Lavaux vineyard terraces, Switzerland, reveals significant small-scale terroir variations in Chasselas grape cultivation. The research found that altitude was a key driver of budburst and flowering timing, with higher-altitude plots showing earlier phenological development. Notably, while these plots exhibited lower sugar concentrations at maturity (70-84° Oechsle), they accumulated the highest sugar quantities per berry, up to 26% variation. Individual berry weight varied by 35%, highlighting substantial differences in ripening patterns across the 140-ha terraced landscape. This ongoing study demonstrates the potential of vine physiology measurements to characterize terroir at a fine scale, offering insights into grape quality and viticultural practices.

An exploratory survey method for archaeoastronomy, applied to standing stones at the hauviri and taputapuātea maraes, Ra'iātea

Taputapuātea — 2018 — WHE180777DAF8

A systematic survey method for archaeoastronomical research, applied to standing stones at the Hauviri and Taputapuātea maraes in Ra’iātea, has identified a potential alignment with significant navigational stars during the Matariki season around AD1250. This finding suggests that the stones may serve as an analogue 'star compass,' guiding voyages or commemorating important celestial events. The method, designed for rapid, low-cost data collection, provides accurate azimuth comparisons and rich positional data, enabling further in-depth analysis. While the study confirms one specific scenario deserving deeper investigation, it also establishes a benchmark dataset for future research on Polynesian archaeoastronomy.

An Ibadi Islandscape: Ibadi Communities on Djerba in the Medieval Period (Chapter 14)

Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory — 2018 — WHE970545D316

Djerba's medieval history, characterized by its unique Ibadi 'islandscape,' is revealed through overlapping layers of geography, ecology, social settlement patterns, and commercial activities. This approach deviates from traditional chronological surveys, instead focusing on how these interconnected elements shaped the island's identity during the medieval period. The study highlights Djerba as a distinctive case study within Islamic history, offering insights into the spatial organization and socio-economic dynamics of Ibadi communities in an island territory.

An innovative methodological and operational approach to developing Management Plans for UNESCO World Heritage Sites: a Geographic Information System for “Ivrea, industrial city of the 20th century”

Ivrea, industrial city of the 20th century — 2018 — WHE76773B58D5

A novel Geographic Information System (GIS) model for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, applied to Ivrea's 20th-century industrial landscape, demonstrates how advanced IT/ICT innovations can dynamically capture and promote the economic value of cultural heritage. This approach transcends traditional static management plans by offering interoperable, scalable solutions that support urban-scale projects while fostering indirect public engagement with heritage resources. The study bridges theoretical gaps in existing methodologies, providing a framework for adaptive, context-sensitive management that aligns with evolving conservation needs and local development goals.

An Institution, Its People and Its Documents: The Russian Consulate in Jerusalem through the Foreign Policy Archive of the Russian Empire, 1858–1914

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2018 — WHEC5E0C4966F

The Russian Consulate in Jerusalem, established between 1858 and 1914, significantly influenced the development of contemporary Jerusalem by facilitating the construction of the first district for Russian pilgrims outside the Old City walls. This study reveals that the consulate's role extended beyond diplomatic functions, encompassing complex ecclesiastic and humanitarian issues, positioning it as a pivotal institution within the European missions in the Holy City. By analyzing the Foreign Policy Archive of the Russian Empire, the research sheds light on the Russian presence in Palestine during this period, contributing to the broader understanding of Russian foreign policy in the Christian Orient. The findings highlight the consulate's multifaceted impact on both the city's urban landscape and its diplomatic relations.

An Old- Time Apothecary

Amiens Cathedral — 2018 — WHEBCC012391F

A detailed representation of an apothecary, complete with pestle and mortar, is embedded within the choir of Amiens Cathedral, dating back to 1508–19. This depiction offers a rare visual insight into pharmaceutical practices around the time of the Field of the Cloth of Gold (1520), a significant historical event marking a meeting between English and French monarchs during the Renaissance. The figure serves as an artistic record of early pharmacy, reflecting both the tools and the role of pharmacists in society during this period.

An Unknown Collection of Preliminary Drawings and Extra Illustrations Prepared for The Arabian Antiquities of Spain by James Cavanah Murphy in the Gennadius Library, Athens

Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada — 2018 — WHE39E66759EC

A previously unknown large-format volume containing preliminary drawings, original illustrations, and proofs of plates for James Cavanah Murphy's The Arabian Antiquities of Spain (1816) has been discovered in the Gennadius Library, Athens. The collection includes sketches of major Hispano-Islamic monuments such as the Alhambra, Generalife, and Great Mosque at Córdoba, alongside notes by Murphy to engravers and hand-tinted drawings, revealing his interest in polychromy. This finding enhances our understanding of the monuments depicted in the published plates and sheds light on Murphy's pioneering role in architectural scholarship, chromolithography, and early 19th-century book trade practices.

Anagnosis, Herculaneum, and the Digital Corpus of Literary Papyri

Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata — 2018 — WHE70E2863196

The Digital Corpus of Literary Papyri (DCLP) initiative successfully established a comprehensive framework for a large-scale corpus of literary papyri, integrating both canonical and subliterary texts such as medical or magical works. By leveraging existing infrastructure from www.papyri.info and encoding content in the EpiDoc XML-TEI format, the project customized search, browse, and editing functionalities to meet the needs of literary text researchers while encouraging engagement with all papyrological sources. The DCLP enabled cross-corpus searches across both literary and documentary texts housed in the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri (DDbDP). Collaboration with institutions worldwide, including contributions from the Leuven Database of Ancient Books (LDAB), enriched the metadata backbone of each record. This groundbreaking initiative, supported by NEH/DFG and completed in 2017, bridges gaps between literary and documentary papyrology, offering a robust digital resource for scholarly research.

Análisis de las empresas de Cartagena del sector logístico portuario basado en el modelo de configuración estratégica de Danny Miller

Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena — 2018 — WHEE82D05D081

Cartagena's port logistics sector is emerging as a strategic cluster of significant importance, not only for the local and national economy but also for the Caribbean region. The study reveals that the sector's competitive advantage stems from substantial investments in infrastructure and its strategic location, enabling connectivity with over 600 ports across 140 countries. This analysis, based on Danny Miller's strategic configuration model and Porter's Five Forces Competitiveness Model, highlights the sector's potential to sustain and enhance its role as a key driver of economic development and trade flows.

Analysis and evaluation of abandoned railways aimed at greenway conversion: A methodological application in the Sicilian landscape using multi-criteria analysis and geographical information system

Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica — 2018 — WHEA65884FC12

A multi-criteria analysis combined with geographical information system (GIS) demonstrates that the suitability of abandoned railways for greenway conversion depends on both the intrinsic characteristics of the track and the surrounding landscape quality. The study, conducted on two abandoned railway lines in Syracuse, Sicily, highlights that marginal values, cultural heritage, and development opportunities significantly influence the potential for agro-touristic and cultural use. This methodology offers a scalable approach to prioritize greenway conversions, balancing rural land preservation with urban and economic development needs. While the findings are specific to Sicilian landscapes, the analytical framework is broadly applicable.

Analysis of arsenic and mercury content in human remains of the 16th and 17th centuries from Moscow Kremlin necropolises by neutron activation analysis at the IREN facility and the IBR-2 reactor FLNP JINR

Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow — 2018 — WHE7C5AE57EA5

A groundbreaking analysis of human remains from the Moscow Kremlin necropolises, spanning the 16th and 17th centuries, has confirmed acute mercury poisoning in Anastasia Romanovna, the first Russian Tsarina, who died in 1560. Using neutron activation analysis (NAA) at two facilities—the IREN source of resonance neutrons and the IBR-2 reactor—researchers detected high levels of mercury not only in Anastasia's remains but also in those of Tsarevich Ivan Ivanovich (died 1581), son of Tsar Ivan the Terrible, and Prince Mikhail Vasil’evich Skopin-Shuiskii (died 1610). The study employed both relative and absolute NAA methods to quantify arsenic, mercury, and other elements with precision. Conducted at the Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics (FLNP) JINR, this research sheds light on historical figures' health, leveraging advanced spectrometric techniques and automated measurement systems.

Analysis of cooling effect of water bodies on land surface temperature in nearby region: A case study of Ahmedabad and Chandigarh cities in India

Historic City of Ahmadabad — 2018 — WHE2E15D2C8F7

A significant cooling effect of water bodies on land surface temperature (LST) is demonstrated, with Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh showing an average temperature dip of 7.51°C during summer and 3.12°C in winter over three years. The Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad also exhibits notable cooling, reducing temperatures by approximately 1.57°C to 1.71°C on its right bank and around 0.69°C to 0.65°C on the left bank within a 200–300 m influence distance. This study provides direct evidence using remote sensing techniques, specifically Landsat images from 2009–2011, highlighting how surface water features mitigate urban heat island (UHI) effects through evaporation. The findings underscore the potential of water bodies in sustainable urban planning to combat rising temperatures caused by unplanned development and reduced green cover.

Analysis of Passive Energy-saving Retrofitting of Rural Residential Houses in Southern Anhui Province -A case in Hongcun

Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun — 2018 — WHEBF783E8F95

Passive energy-saving retrofitting can significantly reduce energy consumption and improve indoor thermal environments in traditional rural residential houses, such as those found in Hongcun Village within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui. The study demonstrated that targeted retrofitting measures effectively enhance sustainability without relying on advanced technologies, aligning with the region's historical construction constraints. Researchers modeled annual temperature, humidity, and energy consumption to validate these findings, offering practical insights for preserving cultural heritage while integrating modern green building principles.

Analysis of retaining wall stability in areas specified in register of objects of cultural heritage

Historic Centre of Warsaw — 2018 — WHE5D5D7F15B1

A critical assessment of retaining wall stability in Warsaw's historic center reveals significant structural vulnerabilities in areas designated as cultural heritage sites. The study, focusing on two case studies—one near Ordynacka and Tamka streets, and the other along Brzozowa Street in the Old Town—highlights how wartime destruction has left underground remnants that now face modern challenges, including altered load conditions and ground water dynamics. Expert investigations showed that these walls, often part of destroyed buildings, require careful repair strategies that balance historical preservation with technical feasibility. The findings underscore the need for adaptive conservation approaches in densely urbanized heritage areas, where maintaining structural integrity is complicated by complex subsurface conditions.

Analysis on the environment of cultural relic as tourist attraction--take Yungang Grottoes as an example

Yungang Grottoes — 2018 — WHE9E943934A1

Balancing cultural heritage protection with sustainable tourism development is critical for sites like the Yungang Grottoes. This study highlights that while tourism drives economic growth and cultural exchange, it also poses significant risks to relic preservation due to environmental pressures and simplistic restoration practices. The research emphasizes the need for coordinated strategies that prioritize both the protection of cultural assets and their sustainable utilization as tourist attractions. By analyzing the Yungang Grottoes, the study underscores the challenges faced by heritage sites in modern urbanization processes, advocating for a more nuanced approach to heritage management that integrates conservation with tourism benefits.