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Between us bread and salt : Battiri cuisine and al-’ūnah

Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir — 2018 — WHE5B3D4AE749

Palestinian resistance through culinary practices can effectively maintain cultural identity and community cohesion, as demonstrated by the village of Battir. This study reveals that food-based traditions, particularly those rooted in agricultural heritage, serve as a powerful tool for resistance against occupation, expanding the concept of al-’ūnah (collaborative work) beyond traditional Sūmūd strategies. By analyzing local dishes and their preparation, researchers highlight how Battir’s enduring inhabitants leverage domesticity to preserve land, challenge spatial appropriations, and sustain a 2,000-year-old legacy amidst ongoing conflict. Unlike narratives focused on destruction or displacement, this work underscores the resilience of continuous habitation, offering new insights into Palestinian struggle through the lens of culinary resistance.

Beyond the Bailouts

Archaeological Site of Mystras — 2018 — WHEDF9D3B27E8

A pervasive ideology of aspiring to public sector work, deeply ingrained in Greek society since the nineteenth century, has significantly shaped responses to economic crises, including the recent EU-wide financial turmoil. This anthropological study reveals divergent village strategies—Mystras and Kefala—in navigating economic challenges, highlighting how historical patterns persist despite changing circumstances. By combining longitudinal ethnographic research from the 1980s and crisis years with pre- and post-independence historical material, the study offers a nuanced understanding of Greece's financial struggles beyond conventional bailout narratives.

Beyond the Last Glacial Maximum: Island endemism is best explained by long‐lasting archipelago configurations

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2018 — WHE35A91B611F

Long-lasting archipelago configurations during the Pleistocene have had a stronger impact on single-island endemic species richness than short-term extreme conditions, such as those at the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) or present-day. This finding challenges the assumption that only extreme sea-level fluctuations shape insular biodiversity. Researchers analyzed 53 volcanic oceanic islands across 12 global archipelagos, including the Revillagigedo Archipelago, using species richness data for land snails and angiosperms. By reconstructing archipelago configurations at various sea levels—present-day, intermediate (representative of the Pleistocene), and LGM—they found that intermediate configurations better explained single-island endemism patterns. This study underscores the importance of considering longer-term environmental stability in understanding ecological and evolutionary dynamics on islands.

Białowieża Forest: A new threat

Białowieża Forest — 2018 — WHED692E318A2

Extensive logging in Poland's Białowieża Forest, one of Europe's last primeval forests and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was ruled illegal by the European Court of Justice after years of controversy. The decision marked a significant milestone in protecting this unique ecosystem, which is home to rare species like the European bison and serves as a critical carbon sink. The study highlights the legal challenges and international scrutiny faced by conservation efforts in the face of industrial activities, underscoring the importance of strict regulatory frameworks to safeguard biodiversity and ecological integrity in such vulnerable regions.

Białowieża Forest: Logging data lacking

Białowieża Forest — 2018 — WHE3EEB180AD3

A critical gap in logging data for the Białowieża Forest, Europe's last primeval forest, has been exposed. The study highlights the lack of transparency and reliable information regarding timber extraction, which is crucial for managing the forest's health amid a devastating spruce bark beetle outbreak. Researchers analyzed existing records but found them insufficient to assess the impact of logging on the ecosystem. This deficiency hampers effective conservation efforts and complicates emergency responses to pests like the Ips typographus, threatening the forest's biodiversity and ecological integrity.

Białowieża Forest: Political stands

Białowieża Forest — 2018 — WHE5144C86E23

A contentious debate over logging levels in Poland's Białowieża Forest has evolved beyond environmental priorities, becoming deeply intertwined with political and economic interests. The conflict, highlighted by Stokstad in 'Last stands' (2017), pits foresters advocating for increased logging against ecologists who prioritize conservation of this UNESCO-listed primeval beech forest. The study underscores the broader implications of such disputes, where scientific recommendations are often overshadowed by political and economic pressures, raising critical questions about sustainable management in globally significant ecosystems.

Bibliographical Checklist of marine and estuarine phytobenthos of Ilha Grande, Ilha Grande state park, Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2018 — WHE2CDCCC8587

Ilha Grande, Brazil, hosts the richest insular marine benthic flora documented on the Brazilian coast, with 256 phytobenthic taxa recorded. The study, a taxonomically updated floristic inventory and bibliographical summary, identifies Rhodophyta (156 taxa), Chlorophyta (51 taxa), and Ochrophyta (49 taxa) as the dominant divisions. Predominant orders include Ceramiales (red algae, 49%), Ectocarpales (brown algae, 29%), and Cladophorales (green algae, 45%). Notably, Ulva flexuosa subsp. flexuosa and Ulva fasciata (green algae) each account for 40% of occurrences, while Padina gymnospora (brown algae) and Gelidium sp. (red algae) are also highly frequent. The research synthesizes 26 studies from 1928 to 2016, categorizing surveys into taxonomical, inventory, and ecological studies across the island's buffer zone.

Bio-Optical Characterization and Ocean Colour Inversion in the Eastern Lagoon of New Caledonia, South Tropical Pacific

Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems — 2018 — WHE97526AF6C9

A study on the Eastern Lagoon of New Caledonia (ELNC) reveals significant variability in bio-optical properties, with coastal stations dominated by non-algal particles and coloured dissolved organic matter due to allochthonous sources. The research found that existing ocean colour algorithms, including empirical and semi-analytical models, showed high biases in estimating chlorophyll a concentration (Chla), particularly at coastal sites. However, the GSM01 algorithm performed best for Chla retrievals with 35–40% relative percent differences when excluding these stations. Additionally, algorithms for detecting absorption slopes of coloured dissolved organic matter plus non-algal particles and particle backscattering coefficients showed reasonable accuracy (~18% and ~40% RPD, respectively). The study highlights the potential of satellite monitoring to track water quality in the ELNC, provided atmospheric correction is accurate, and suggests that regionally tuned algorithms could improve future Chla estimates. The findings underscore the need for better parameterization schemes to account for spatiotemporal variability in specific inherent optical properties.

Bioarchaeology of social transition: A diachronic study of pathological conditions at Tumilaca la Chimba, Peru

Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture — 2018 — WHE1642F24988

A diachronic analysis of pathological conditions at Tumilaca la Chimba, Peru, reveals significant shifts in physiological stressors during the transition from the terminal Middle Horizon to the Late Intermediate Period (LIP). While cribra orbitalia, indicating childhood stress, was more prevalent in the earlier Tumilaca sample, oral decay increased in the later Estuquiña cemetery. These findings suggest that while sociopolitical transitions may have altered the causes of physiological stressors, they did not necessarily lead to their abatement. The study highlights the importance of bioarchaeological data in understanding local experiences during broader pre-Hispanic Andean transitions.

Biodiversity research and conservation in Cat Ba National Park with updated records from recent field surveys

Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago — 2018 — WHE3245DCA51A

Recent field surveys in Cat Ba National Park, Vietnam, have documented two previously unstudied bat species and their echolocation calls, adding to the park's rich biodiversity. Established in 1986, Cat Ba is a karst landscape with diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, mangroves, and caves, making it a critical site for conservation research. While significant progress has been made in studying and protecting its flora and fauna—including endemic species—many areas remain under-researched, particularly in the park's buffer zone, where unregulated ecotourism and development pose threats. This study highlights both the achievements and gaps in biodiversity conservation efforts, providing updated records to inform future strategies for habitat protection.

Biogeographical identity of the Mesoamerican dominion with emphasis on seasonally dry tropical forests

Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica — 2018 — WHE0E6F12E305

Research confirms the distinct biogeographical identity of the Mesoamerican dominion, a region extending from Mexico's Pacific coast to northern Central America. This study, analyzing 356 plant species across 28 genera and 16 families, identified two highly diverse areas in southern Mexico: the Balsas Basin (over 60 species) and the Central Valleys of Oaxaca (28 species). It also pinpointed seven river basins with high species dissimilarity, contributing to the region's notable species turnover. The findings support the Mesoamerican dominion as a unique biogeographical unit within the Neotropics, characterized by its seasonally dry tropical forests. The study used occurrence data from global databases and advanced analytical tools like Biodiverse 2.0 to map species richness and centers of endemism.

Bioindication of aquatic habitats with diatom algae in the Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan

Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) — 2018 — WHE969A4A9B80

Diatom algae in the Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan, serve as highly effective bioindicators for water quality, thriving in low-saline, low-alkaline, and oxygen-rich environments with minimal organic pollution. This study identified 438 diatom taxa from 558 known species, revealing their strong preference for clear, fresh water and oligomesotrophic to meso-eutrophic conditions. By analyzing environmental parameters such as temperature, pH, salinity, and oxygen saturation, researchers assessed the trophic state of aquatic habitats and substrate preferences, finding that Pamir's diatom flora may represent a regional reference for similar high-mountain ecosystems. The study leveraged species autecology to evaluate water quality, offering insights into the ecological health of this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bioinformatic, phylogenetic and chemical analysis of the UV‐absorbing compounds scytonemin and mycosporine‐like amino acids from the microbial mat communities of Shark Bay, Australia

Shark Bay, Western Australia — 2018 — WHE685BEC3954

Research at Shark Bay, Western Australia, reveals that microbial mats in this UNESCO World Heritage Site produce UV-absorbing compounds—scytonemin and mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs)—as a survival strategy against high radiation levels. The study found these photoprotective pigments are predominantly present in the upper layers of three distinct mat types: smooth, pustular, and tufted. Using advanced techniques like UV spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, scientists identified specific MAAs, including mycosporine-glycine and asterina, while also detecting an unknown MAA. Phylogenetic analysis linked scytonemin production to cyanobacteria abundance, highlighting its role in microbial resilience. This discovery underscores the adaptive mechanisms of Shark Bay’s microbial communities, offering insights into their ecological significance.

Birds of Mount Nemrut National Park Area, Turkey

Nemrut Dağ — 2018 — WHE8FB224A7A8

A comprehensive survey of bird species diversity at Mount Nemrut National Park, Turkey, identified 107 species during 2009–2010, with 66 potentially breeding and the first recorded sighting of the white-throated dipper in the region. The study used point-count methods to assess biodiversity across habitats, revealing highest diversity in woodlands, rocky areas, and during spring/autumn migrations, with peak bird numbers in mid-winter. While Mount Nemrut is recognized as a key biodiversity area and national park, threats like mass tourism and illegal hunting persist due to inadequate protection measures. This research underscores the need for better habitat conservation strategies to safeguard this unique ecosystem.

Bite marks on the frill of a juvenile Centrosaurus from the Late Cretaceous Dinosaur Provincial Park Formation, Alberta, Canada

Dinosaur Provincial Park — 2018 — WHE236F8FB4B2

A rare fossil discovery reveals bite marks on the frill of a juvenile Centrosaurus, a ceratopsian dinosaur, from the Late Cretaceous Dinosaur Provincial Park Formation in Alberta. This is the first documented evidence of carnivore interaction with a juvenile ceratopsid, offering insights into predator-prey dynamics or scavenging behavior during the Late Cretaceous period. The study suggests that small-bodied theropods, such as dromaeosaurs or juvenile tyrannosaurs, are likely tracemakers, though definitive identification remains challenging due to limited fossil evidence of such interactions.

Blade and bladelet production at Hohle Fels Cave, AH IV in the Swabian Jura and its importance for characterizing the technological variability of the Aurignacian in Central Europe

Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura — 2018 — WHEEBD81C03C9

A new variant of the Aurignacian culture in the Swabian Jura, characterized by diverse blade and bladelet production techniques, has been identified at Hohle Fels Cave. Unlike previous assumptions, this study reveals that blade manufacture remained consistent while bladelet production showed significant variability, utilizing a range of burin-cores to create fine blanks. The findings challenge the application of Southwestern European typo-chronological systems to Central Europe's Aurignacian, highlighting instead the region's unique technological and functional adaptations. This research, based on a 1-meter-thick Aurignacian sequence dating from 42,000 to 36,000 years ago, suggests greater complexity in Central European toolmaking traditions than previously recognized.

Borobudur Temple: the Interchange of Humanity Values and Ancient Architecture Development in Southeast Asia

Borobudur Temple Compounds — 2018 — WHE6E8280D731

Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Indonesia, stands as a testament to the pinnacle of Buddhist civilization and architectural innovation developed by the Syailendra dynasty. This study posits that Borobudur represents the zenith of Buddhist art and thought, surpassing even the Gupta arts of India, and serves as a foundational monument influencing sacred temple designs across Southeast Asia, including those in ancient Khmer regions. The research explores how Borobudur encapsulates the cultural synthesis of pre-temple Java, blending local experiences with Buddhist architectural concepts. It highlights the temple's unique value in humanistic knowledge, religious artistry, and advanced construction technology, positioning it as a masterpiece of ingenuity that continues to inspire global heritage studies.

Boundaries and Borders: Choreographies among the Rum Orthodox of Old City Jerusalem

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2018 — WHE8A0DCB6623

In the shared sacred space of Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a study reveals that Palestinian Orthodox Christians often challenge denominational boundaries through 'border-crossing practices,' diverging from orthodox norms. These practices involve crossing spatial and theological borders to engage with other Christian communities, highlighting a tension between institutional orthopraxis and lived religious experience. The research employs long-term anthropological fieldwork and materialist analysis to examine how spatial arrangements, legal agreements, and ethnic identities shape coexistence among different Christian groups within the Old City of Jerusalem. This novel approach contributes to debates on shared sacred spaces and the anthropology of Christianity by illustrating the dynamic negotiation of boundaries in a complex religious landscape.

Bovine anaplasmosis and tick-borne pathogens in cattle of the Galapagos Islands

Galápagos Islands — 2018 — WHE521941810A

Research confirms the Galápagos Islands are endemic for Anaplasma marginale, with 100% between-herd prevalence and a median within-herd prevalence of 93%. The study, conducted across Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, and Isabela islands, used PCR assays, genetic sequencing, and ELISA to detect A. marginale in cattle, while also identifying Rhipicephalus microplus ticks as carriers of additional pathogens, including Babesia bigemina, Borrelia theileri, and a Francisella-like endosymbiont. A significant association was found between A. marginale infection and cattle age, with adults showing higher odds (OR = 3.3) of infection compared to younger animals. The study highlights the widespread presence of tick-borne diseases in Galápagos cattle populations, posing risks to livestock health.

Breeding ecology of Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori strunthiunculus in the Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park — 2018 — WHEF06A42188D

The Kori Bustard (Ardeotis kori strunthiunculus) in the Serengeti National Park exhibits a prolonged breeding season spanning nearly nine months, with peak courtship behavior occurring during the short dry and rainy seasons before nest and chick peaks. Courtship displays were most frequent in short grass habitats, suggesting habitat preference for breeding. Female Kori Bustards may engage in repeated nestings within a single season, and the adult sex ratio was female-skewed during this period. The study used random transects to locate courtship displays, nests, chicks, and subadults, while GPS satellite collars tracked nesting females. Linear regression analyses identified key predictors for breeding success. Conservation efforts are recommended to assess recruitment rates and habitat suitability to inform future strategies.