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Ancestry and Adaptation of Rainbow Trout in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park — 2018 — WHEC51A4CF524

A study on Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Yosemite National Park's upper Tuolumne and Merced rivers reveals that most populations retain indigenous ancestry despite extensive hatchery stocking. The research identifies adaptive genomic variation linked to anadromy, with higher frequencies in populations connected to reservoirs, suggesting potential for climate adaptation. It also highlights the importance of restoring migratory connectivity for steelhead recovery. The study used genetic surveys to evaluate population origins and evolutionary responses to natural and artificial migration barriers.

Ancient cities and narratives of power

Sacred City of Anuradhapura — 2018 — WHE4C006E240A

Anuradhapura's significance as a sacred city was not solely shaped by British colonial efforts but was deeply ingrained in Sinhala consciousness, even when its architecture lay hidden beneath the jungle. The study reveals that while British archaeological work initially collaborated with local initiatives, it later became dominated by an imperial perspective, leading to tensions with southern Buddhist revivalists who sought to reclaim and protect sacred areas as exclusive national heritage. This shift marked a rupture in the city's narrative, highlighting the complex interplay between colonial power, indigenous identity, and historical preservation.

Ancient DNA of Phoenician remains indicates discontinuity in the settlement history of Ibiza

Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture — 2018 — WHEE321E95B86

Ancient DNA analysis of Phoenician remains from Ibiza reveals a genetic discontinuity between the island's early settlers and its modern inhabitants. The study, which included nine complete mitochondrial genomes from Punic necropoli and a Bronze Age site, alongside one low-coverage whole genome sequence, found that while modern Ibizans primarily trace their maternal ancestry to recent European populations, the Phoenician settlers exhibited significant Eastern Mediterranean influence—suggesting male-dominated gene flow. This indicates that the founding population's genetic legacy was largely lost over time. The findings challenge the assumption of continuous cultural and genetic transmission in the island's settlement history.

Ancient proteins from ceramic vessels at Çatalhöyük West reveal the hidden cuisine of early farmers

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2018 — WHEA1EE7B0B31

A groundbreaking analysis of ancient proteins from ceramic vessels at Çatalhöyük West, a pivotal Neolithic site in Anatolia, has unveiled the hidden culinary practices of early farming communities. The study demonstrates that these vessels contained traces of mixed cereals, pulses, dairy, and meat products, with some specifically reserved for specialized foods like cow milk and milk whey. This approach, leveraging protein analysis, offers unprecedented taxonomic and tissue-specific clarity, surpassing previous lipid-based methods. Remarkably, dietary proteins were found to persist on archaeological artefacts for at least 8000 years, providing a novel window into past culinary behaviors.

Anisotropic Reverse-Time Migration of Ground-Penetrating Radar Data Collected on the Sand Dunes in the Badain Jaran Desert

Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes — 2018 — WHE67D2EF6F83

Advanced imaging of sand dune interiors in the Badain Jaran Desert reveals previously obscured calcareous cementation layers and water tables with unprecedented clarity. The study introduces an anisotropic reverse-time migration (RTM) algorithm using curvilinear coordinates, which mitigates numerical scattering from rugged topography and accounts for electromagnetic anisotropy in sand dunes. This method outperforms traditional approaches like Kirchhoff migration, producing more coherent and high-resolution subsurface images. Synthetic modeling validated the technique's effectiveness, demonstrating its potential to improve GPR data interpretation in complex desert environments.

Anni Albers and Lilly Reich in Barcelona 1929: Weavings and Exhibition Spaces

Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau — 2018 — WHEC5F95AC4C1

Anni Albers' innovative weaving techniques, developed during her time at the Bauhaus, were significantly influenced by her participation in the 1929 Barcelona International Exhibition. Her designs for utilitarian weavings, including materials for drapery, upholstery, and wall-covering, showcased a dual functionality with one side optimized for acoustic absorption using straw-like synthetic material and chenille backing, while the other reflected light with silver finishing. This groundbreaking approach not only contributed to her Bauhaus degree in 1930 but also set a precedent for functional textile design. The study traces the origins of these innovations, highlighting Lilly Reich's pivotal role in the interior design of exhibition spaces and the broader impact of Bauhaus contributions at the Barcelona exhibition.

Ant species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the three forests of the Ischigualasto Provincial Park, a protected area of the Monte Desert, Argentina

Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks — 2018 — WHEF1BA5A6452

A survey of ant species in the Ischigualasto Provincial Park, Argentina, revealed 33 distinct ant species, with 17 representing new records for the Monte Desert and Dry Chaco ecoregions. Prosopis forests emerged as hotspots for ant diversity, hosting 24 unique species out of the 32 identified there, surpassing Ramorinoa (11 species) and Bulnesia (4 species) forests. This study significantly advances our understanding of ant biodiversity in hyper-arid desert habitats, particularly within Prosopis forests, which are critical for conserving species richness amid ongoing desertification pressures.

Anthropomorphic sculptures (idols) of Putorana plateau

Putorana Plateau — 2018 — WHE139307AEF0

Anthropomorphic sculptures (idols) on the Putorana Plateau, crafted from larch trunks without roots, are likely of Evenki origin and served as soul-keeper statues, reflecting a complex blend of indigenous religious beliefs. These idols, left behind by the Evenkis and Dolgans during their transition from nomadic to sedentary lifestyles, represent a material manifestation of historical idolatry systems. The study, combining ethnographic and geographical methods with informant data, confirmed that these sculptures were not portable and played a significant cultural role for native minorities. The research also highlights the enduring superstitions and traditions among modern Evenkis and Dolgans, integrating elements of Yakut, Nganasan beliefs, and Christianity.

Anticosti Island: a hot spot for Neospondylis upiformis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in eastern Canada?

Anticosti — 2018 — WHE8B666EB112

Anticosti Island emerges as a potential hot spot for the rare longhorned beetle, Neospondylis upiformis, in eastern Canada. Unprecedented numbers of this species were captured during an insect diversity inventory in 1993 and again in 2007, with over 90% of specimens originating from old-growth balsam fir stands in the island's south-central region. The study, conducted using ethanol- and α-pinene-baited Lindgren traps, revealed that adult flight activity peaks in early July, ranging from June to late July. In contrast, only 14 specimens were found across major Quebec insect collections, with the most recent dating back to 1964. This suggests Anticosti's unique ecological conditions may support a significant population of N. upiformis, warranting further conservation attention.

Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Content of Berberis aristata DC. and Berberis thomsoniana C.K. Schneid. from Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal

Sagarmatha National Park — 2018 — WHE5FA62574AD

Leaf extracts of Berberis thomsoniana from Sagarmatha National Park exhibit the strongest antioxidant activity among tested samples, with radical scavenging efficacy ranging up to 98.47%. This species also contains the highest total phenolic (65.30 mg GAE/g dry weight) and flavonoid content (16.46 mg quercetin/g dry weight). The study employed DPPH assay for antioxidant activity assessment and Folin-Ciocalteau, aluminum chloride methods to quantify phenolics and flavonoids, respectively. Findings highlight B. thomsoniana's potential as a natural antioxidant source, addressing the gap in systematic phytochemical studies of Nepalese Berberis species.

Antique Samarkand or Afrasiab II and III

Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures — 2018 — WHEEDFDB19AA2

A refined chronological framework for the Antique period of Samarkand reveals distinct pottery styles that differentiate periods IIA, IIB, and III. Using combined Soviet and French-Uzbek excavation data, this study provides absolute dating proposals and interpretations, enhancing our understanding of cultural transitions in Central Asia. The research leverages stratified archaeological evidence to clarify the temporal boundaries between these phases, offering new insights into the site's complex history.

Aportacions a la classificació de llegendes de moros de la serra de Tramuntana (Mallorca)

Cultural Landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana — 2018 — WHEA3A10A197E

A diverse and complex portrayal of the 'Moro' figure emerges from an analysis of legendary narratives set in Mallorca's Serra de Tramuntana, challenging conventional negative stereotypes. The study, applying Heda Jason’s (2000) classification framework for ethnopoetic genres, systematically categorizes a corpus of folkloric tales where Muslims appear as protagonists or co-protagonists. Findings reveal that while many legends adopt a realistic tone, a significant subset leans toward the fabulous, showcasing the 'Moro' as a multifaceted character—contradicting the typical villainous depiction in popular imagination. This nuanced classification offers new insights into the cultural and symbolic dimensions of Moorish legends within Mediterranean folklore.

Application of Geometry to Plans

Speyer Cathedral — 2018 — WHE19D42AAFCB

A groundbreaking analysis reveals that geometric principles underpin the architectural designs of early medieval abbeys and cathedrals, including Speyer Cathedral. The study challenges long-standing skepticism about such methods by rigorously testing correlations between proposed geometric constructions and actual measurements from independent sources. While initial findings for Speyer Cathedral and Southwell Minster were omitted for brevity, Chartres Cathedral was prioritized due to its historical significance as a center of Christian Platonist teaching, which aligns with the study's focus on Platonic geometry. This research not only validates geometric analysis as a legitimate approach but also sheds light on the intellectual foundations influencing medieval architecture.

Application of the 2D Depth-Averaged Model, FLATModel, to Pumiceous Debris Flows in the Amalfi Coast

Costiera Amalfitana — 2018 — WHEC291585623

A novel approach combining field surveys and numerical modeling successfully reconstructs pumiceous debris flows on the Amalfi Coast, Italy. The study identifies the Voellmy model as the most suitable for describing friction-collisional resistance mechanisms in these flows, achieving high accuracy (average error <10 cm) when predicting deposit depths and shapes across multiple dam-break scenarios. This cost-effective method leverages terrestrial laser scanning and aerial photo-modelling to provide unprecedented data for model implementation, calibration, and validation. The findings offer a robust framework for assessing similar debris flow events and designing effective risk mitigation strategies in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Appraisal of Opportunities and Perspectives for the Systematic Condition Assessment of Heritage Sites with Copernicus Sentinel-2 High-Resolution Multispectral Imagery

Ancient City of Aleppo — 2018 — WHEE6701F5A3A

Sentinel-2 high-resolution multispectral imagery from the Copernicus program can effectively detect and track changes in heritage sites, including wall collapses and archaeological looting, with 10-meter spatial resolution. The study analyzed long-term Sentinel-2 datasets for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aleppo (Syria) and other cultural landscapes, demonstrating accurate monitoring of textural properties and surface reflectance over time. Validation using very high-resolution imagery from Google Earth confirmed trends predating Sentinel-2's launch. The research highlights the potential of Sentinel-2's short revisiting time (5 days) and large coverage for multi-temporal tracking of urban sprawl and comparative condition assessments, paving the way for advanced machine learning applications in heritage conservation.

Apuleius in France: La Fontaine’s Psyché and its Apuleian Model

Palace and Park of Versailles — 2018 — WHE1B61ADDEA7

Jean de La Fontaine's 'Les Amours de Psyché et de Cupidon' (1669) stands out as his most sustained engagement with a classical text, demonstrating deep knowledge of Apuleius' Latin novel 'Metamorphoses.' This 1669 adaptation expands the tale of Cupid and Psyche, embedding it within a frame narrative set in contemporary Paris, where four friends visit the under-construction Palace and Park of Versailles to hear one recount the story. The work not only seeks royal patronage but also subtly reflects La Fontaine's previous patron, Nicholas Fouquet, hinting at political undertones. A detailed comparison reveals significant additions and omissions from Apuleius' original, suggesting La Fontaine's familiarity with all three Greek novels available in France at the time. This adaptation foreshadows his role in the 'Querelle des Anciens et des Modernes,' where he championed classical literature, predating his 1687 'Épître à Huet.' Despite its lesser-known status compared to his 'Fables,' this work's symbolic significance as a classicizing piece was recognized contemporaneously, offering rich material for classical scholars.

Archaeological Heritage Management at the Memphis and its Necropolis World Heritage Site

Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur — 2018 — WHE18815A049F

Archaeological heritage management at the Memphis and its Necropolis World Heritage Site faces significant challenges, including partial implementation of the site's management plan due to financial constraints. A case study using structured questionnaires revealed limited strategies for boosting visitor numbers and a need for better resource allocation. Centralized management requires restructuring, with recommendations for developing an integrated management plan and potentially creating a dedicated entity to oversee the site. Enhancing visitor understanding and experience also emerges as a critical area for improvement.

Archaeological Investigations at Yunkaray (Cuzco, Peru): Reconstructing the Rise and Fall of an Early Inca Rival (A.D. 1050–1450)

City of Cuzco — 2018 — WHE2584675C8B

Archaeological investigations at Yunkaray, located near Cuzco, Peru, reveal the rise and fall of a powerful pre-Inca polity that remained independent despite its proximity to the Inca Empire. Household excavations indicate that this large village was inhabited by a population with modest social distinctions, relying on local cultural identities rather than Inca influence. The study suggests that Yunkaray, the capital of the Ayarmaca group, maintained distinct political and cultural ties outside Inca control from approximately A.D. 1050 to 1450. This research sheds light on the complex interactions between pre-Inca societies and the emerging Inca Empire during a pivotal period in Andean history.

Archaeological Studies at Dholavira Using GPR

Dholavira: a Harappan City — 2018 — WHE1F63A8C384

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dholavira, a significant Harappan civilization city in Gujarat, India, have revealed extensive subsurface water structures. These features, with dimensions larger than typical residential structures, suggest the presence of advanced hydraulic systems that likely suffered partial collapse due to flooding from the nearby Manhar River. The study, conducted over 12,276 m² using a 200 MHz antenna at a grid spacing of 2-3 m during the dry season, mapped soil strata up to 3.5-4 m depth and identified orthogonal linear features adjacent to rubble-filled areas, indicating flood damage patterns. This discovery sheds new light on the sophistication of Harappan urban planning and water management systems.

Archaeology and artifacts of the Gallipoli peninsula

Archaeological Site of Troy — 2018 — WHEF2833AC1DD

Archaeological research on the Gallipoli peninsula reveals that despite its historical significance, it remained largely inaccessible to scholars due to military restrictions until 1979. Historical accounts by Herodotus, Thucydides, Strabo, and Xenophon provide rich descriptions of the peninsula's Classical era, yet archaeological focus had traditionally been directed toward more prominent sites like Troy or Alexandria Troas. The study highlights the peninsula's untapped potential for archaeological discovery, noting that Ottoman laws against antiquities removal were established as early as 1869. Limited excavations, such as those conducted by Heinrich Schliemann in the late 19th century and brief French campaigns during World War I, offer glimpses into its layered history but underscore the need for comprehensive, unrestricted research to fully uncover its past.