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Intertidal regions changing coastal alkalinity: The Wadden Sea‐North Sea tidally coupled bioreactor

Wadden Sea — 2018 — WHE4FF61E059E

A study on the Wadden Sea revealed significant seasonal increases in total alkalinity (TA) of 100–150 μmol kg−1, equivalent to a production rate of 11.7–26.8 mmol m−2 d−1 during spring and summer. This change was not attributed to riverine contributions but likely linked to seasonal organic matter production and processing in coastal and nearshore regions. The research used high-frequency (10 min) TA measurements along a ship's route, combining a FerryBox with a flow-through setup, to demonstrate dynamic carbon fluxes between the Wadden Sea and North Sea. The findings suggest that bottom sediments and tidally coupled biogeochemical processes mediate this alkalinity change, with a ~4-month lag possibly explained by labile organic matter supply and temperature-dependent remineralization via aerobic and anaerobic pathways.

Intra-site Digital Documentation of the Ancient Maya city of Palenque, Mexico

Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque — 2018 — WHEF52589AD5D

A groundbreaking integration of intra-site and inter-site digital documentation technologies reveals unprecedented potential for preserving and interpreting Mesoamerican heritage, particularly at Palenque. This study demonstrates that combining Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), image-based modeling, terrestrial laser scanning, and drone-based airborne LiDAR—supplemented by ground truthing and conservation interventions—can effectively monitor, document, and safeguard archaeological sites threatened by climate change, political instability, and looting. Unlike conventional inter-site approaches reliant on costly commercial LiDAR, this multimodal 3-D survey workflow offers a scalable, cost-effective solution for regions with limited research funding but rich cultural heritage, such as Mexico's Chiapas state. The findings underscore the transformative role of digital technologies in built heritage conservation, bridging gaps between physical preservation and interpretive analysis.

Introducing Göbekli Tepe to Psychology

Göbekli Tepe — 2018 — WHE0AB3530F36

Göbekli Tepe, a prehistoric site in southeastern Turkey, challenges the conventional narrative of human development by suggesting that complex social and psychological changes—such as religion, storytelling, and proto-writing—preceded rather than followed the Neolithic Revolution. Unlike traditional models that posit agriculture and permanent settlements as prerequisites for societal advancements, evidence from Göbekli Tepe indicates that these developments may have been driven by cognitive and social shifts. The site's intricate carvings and structures hint at early forms of narrative expression, offering a new lens through which to understand the origins of human civilization. This study bridges archaeology and psychology, highlighting how storytelling and symbolic behavior could have catalyzed the transition from nomadic lifestyles to settled communities.

Introduction. Medieval Bishops’ Houses in England and Wales

Durham Castle and Cathedral — 2018 — WHE4C9718DA3C

Durham Castle and Cathedral, as part of the medieval bishops' houses in England and Wales, offer significant insights into ecclesiastical architecture and governance. The study highlights that about half of English bishoprics were monasteries, with notable examples including Benedictine cathedrals at Durham, Canterbury, Rochester, Winchester, Worcester, Norwich, and Ely, alongside Augustinian ones like Carlisle. These sites are crucial for understanding the physical remains due to their rich historical documentation, which includes chronicles from monastic cathedrals and crown sources. Chronicles, particularly from the twelfth century, provide invaluable information about castle builders and bishops' roles in government, underscoring the importance of these sources in reconstructing the past.

Introgression of exotic Cervus (nippon and canadensis) into red deer (Cervus elaphus) populations in Scotland and the English Lake District

The English Lake District — 2018 — WHE920A005B54

A new area of extensive sika deer introgression into red deer populations has been identified in South Kintyre, Scotland. This finding challenges previous assumptions about limited hybridization between exotic Japanese sika (Cervus nippon) and North American wapiti (C. canadensis) with native red deer (C. elaphus). The study used 22 microsatellite loci and a diagnostic mitochondrial marker to analyze 2,943 deer samples from Scotland and the English Lake District, revealing scattered evidence of past hybridization and backcrossing in Northern Scotland, including individuals with mixed ancestry. While sika alleles were detected in South Kintyre and traces in the Lake District, no introgression was found in Central Highlands or Hebridean red deer refugia. The research suggests that while assortative mating persists, further spread of sika alleles into red deer populations remains a concern.

Investigating the Applicability of Sustainable Urban Form and Design to Traditional Cities, Case Study: The Old City of Sana'a

Old City of Sana'a — 2018 — WHE7AE1B5535F

Traditional urban layouts, exemplified by the Old City of Sana'a, demonstrate superior sustainability compared to modern designs. A study applying principles of form and density, walkability and connectivity, and building energy found that traditional cities excel in compactness, intersection rates, and solar access. Using GIS, ECOTECT, and Space Syntax modeling, researchers confirmed that older urban forms provide higher integration, fewer angular changes, and optimal solar exposure year-round. These findings underscore the potential of historical urban planning as a model for sustainable development.

Investigation of construction techniques used for the foundation of the Taj Mahal in India

Taj Mahal — 2018 — WHE674F209C54

A comprehensive analysis of the Taj Mahal's foundation reveals that its construction relies on a robust system of stone blocks, bricks, arches, piers, and watertight mortar, supplemented by local materials. This study highlights the monument's susceptibility to damage from environmental changes such as altered river flow patterns, water pollution, and nearby constructions over its 360-year history. The research underscores the urgent need for conservation measures to prevent structural instability above the foundation. By synthesizing existing literature, the study provides critical insights into historical construction materials and techniques, which are essential for future preservation efforts.

Investigation of the pigment use in the Tomb of the Reliefs and other tombs in the Etruscan Banditaccia Necropolis

Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia — 2018 — WHEFACFFD6CD8

A groundbreaking analysis of pigments in the Etruscan Banditaccia Necropolis, including the renowned Tomb of the Reliefs, reveals the use of haematite, goethite, calcite, carbon black, manganese oxide, Tyrian purple, and Egyptian blue—with the latter three exclusively found under the central burial area. The study employed advanced techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Raman spectroscopy to overcome challenges posed by the heterogeneous tuff stone, which complicated pigment identification due to varying signals of calcium, manganese, and iron. While lightweight instruments limited some findings, they still provided valuable insights into Etruscan pigment practices.

Ioan Opriș, Înscrierea siturilor românești în Lista patrimoniului mondial / Inscription of the Romanian sites in the World Heritage List

Monastery of Horezu — 2018 — WHE17BB6857F5

Romania's inclusion of diverse heritage sites, including the Monastery of Horezu, on UNESCO's World Heritage List underscores its cultural and historical significance. With 8 wooden churches, 7 fortified churches, 6 Dacian fortresses, 8 churches with exterior mural painting from Moldova, a medieval city (Sighișoara), an orthodox monastery (Horezu) from Oltenia, and the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, Romania stands out among regional powers. These sites are celebrated not only for their monumentality and expressiveness but also for their quality, maintenance, active conservation, and risk prevention measures. The study highlights Romania's strategic placement in global heritage recognition, emphasizing the balance between preservation efforts and safeguarding against major risks.

Islam's Loneliest Cosmopolitan: Badr Al-Din Hai Weiliang, the Lucknow–Cairo Connection, and the Circumscription of Islamic Transnationalism

Historic Cairo — 2018 — WHE621C7D714B

Badr al-Din Hai Weiliang, a Chinese Muslim scholar, challenged conventional narratives of early 20th-century Chinese Islam by embodying the tensions between national and transnational Islamic identities. His life—spanning studies in India’s Nadwat al-‘Ulama and Egypt’s al-Azhar, fluency in five languages, and diplomatic work for the Guomindang—demonstrated the interconnectedness of Islamic scholarship and politics across Asia and Africa. Through his writings, including Relations between the Arabs and China, Hai shifted from doctrinal Salafi influences to a cultural-historical approach to Islamic unity, reflecting broader geopolitical disillusionment. The study contrasts his Arabic and Chinese works, revealing how transnational Islamic thought evolved amid national fragmentation, offering a nuanced framework for understanding global Islamic history.

Island rewilding with giant tortoises in an era of climate change

Aldabra Atoll — 2018 — WHEE335485DEE

A conceptual framework for tortoise rewilding in the face of climate change is proposed, highlighting its potential as a leading example of island rewilding. The study focuses on three key ecological functions—herbivory, seed dispersal, and nutrient cycling—mediated by giant tortoises, particularly the Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea). It explores how climate change may impact these functions and suggests mitigation strategies, such as artificial shade sites and water holes, to sustain ecosystem services on a landscape scale. The framework is illustrated using examples from both wild and rewilded populations in the Western Indian Ocean, offering practical guidance for future conservation efforts.

Isolation and phenotypic characterization of actinomycetes from Rabat neighborhood soil and their potential to produce bioactive compounds

Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage — 2018 — WHEB653645F5E

A significant potential for producing novel bioactive compounds was identified among actinomycetes isolated from unexplored soil samples in the southeast of Rabat, Morocco. All 29 strains demonstrated the ability to produce at least one non-diffusible pigment, with a majority (86.20%) also synthesizing diffusible pigments, including melanoid types in 20.69% of isolates. Notably, 17.24% exhibited antibacterial activity, suggesting diverse secondary metabolite production capabilities. This study highlights the untapped potential of Rabat's actinomycete populations for discovering bioactive compounds, offering promising avenues for further exploration in pharmaceutical research.

Isolation of Salmonella spp. in cattle egrets ( Bubulcus ibis ) from Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves — 2018 — WHE545BA41BBF

A study on the Brazilian Atlantic Islands revealed that cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) may serve as reservoirs for Salmonella, posing risks to public health and biological diversity. Researchers isolated four serovars of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica—S. Typhimurium, S. Newport, S. Duisburg, and S. Zega—from cloacal swabs collected from 456 clinically healthy cattle egrets in Fernando de Noronha Archipelago. Additionally, one sample was identified as S. enterica O16:y:-. The findings suggest that these birds could transmit pathogens to humans, livestock, and native wildlife, highlighting the need for further monitoring and mitigation strategies.

Isolation of Two Radiation Resistant and Desiccation Tolerant Bacteria, Modestobacter sp. A2 and Maritalea sp. B9, from Gandom Beryan Hill in the Lut Desert of Iran

Lut Desert — 2018 — WHEF3D91C8D7D

Researchers isolated two radiation-resistant and desiccation-tolerant bacteria, Modestobacter sp. A2 and Maritalea sp. B9, from the Lut Desert's Gandom Beryan Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iran. These nonendospore-forming isolates survived 8 weeks under extreme dehydration conditions and exhibited moderate resistance to gamma radiation (D10 value: 2–4 kGy). Phylogenetic analysis confirmed their affiliation with Modestobacter muralis (99.7% similarity) and Maritalea mobilis (97.3% similarity), marking the first report of radiation-resistant bacteria in the genus Maritalea. The study employed culture-dependent methods, exposing soil and sand samples to controlled dehydration before assessing survival and resistance. This discovery sheds light on microbial diversity in arid ecosystems, with potential implications for extremophile research.

Israeli Jerusalem

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2018 — WHE7EB86D76CD

Following the 1948 war, Jerusalem was divided between Israel and Jordan, with East Jerusalem, including the Old City, under Jordanian control. This division left Jewish Jerusalem yearning for the Old City and Western Wall, while Palestinians in Jordanian Jerusalem felt their city was incomplete without the lost neighborhoods in West Jerusalem. The 1967 war dramatically altered the city's landscape under Israel's occupation of East Jerusalem and the West Bank, leading to significant changes that reshaped the city's geopolitical and cultural dynamics.

Israeli Settlements in the Old City of Hebron

Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town — 2018 — WHE748F4F42DE

Israeli settlements in Hebron's Old City have severely disrupted its historical and architectural integrity since 1967. The study reveals that systematic land confiscation, forced closures, and military restrictions have transformed the area into a 'ghost town,' with most streets deserted and shops shuttered. These actions, aimed at Judaizing Palestinian areas, have led to mass deportations and economic collapse, while shifting commercial activity to areas beyond checkpoints. The research underscores the urgent need for preservation efforts that address both architectural heritage and the political pressures hindering rehabilitation.

It is raining bugs: summer dispersal of aquatic bugs (Hemiptera, Heteroptera: Nepomorpha) in Srebarna Nature Reserve (Bulgaria)

Srebarna Nature Reserve — 2018 — WHE5EAA3A9AA6

A study on the Srebarna Nature Reserve, a wetland of significant conservation value, reveals that aquatic bugs, particularly Corixidae (water boatmen), exhibit peak dispersal activity during the first hour after sunset. The research, conducted over 11 nights using UV light traps, collected 4589 individuals, including 13 species not previously recorded in the reserve. This finding sheds light on the dispersal behavior of these insects, with female dominance observed in the most abundant species. Environmental factors such as air temperature, atmospheric pressure, and wind speed were found to influence the dispersal activity of Sigara striata, a common species. The study provides critical data for future research on the phenology and fauna of aquatic bugs in this unique ecosystem.

Italian Excavations in the Palace of Natakamani at Napata (B 1500). Notes from the Seasons 2011-2013

Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region — 2018 — WHE0E5AD58E28

Italian excavations at the Palace of Natakamani in Napata, Sudan, revealed significant historical insights about the Meroitic region. The study reconstructed the site's history before the palace's foundation, integrating it into the broader ceremonial architecture of the ancient Napatan center. This was achieved through a series of data analyses that provided a deeper understanding of the area's development and its role in the cultural landscape of the time.

Jaguar and puma captivity and trade among the Maya: Stable isotope data from Copan, Honduras

Maya Site of Copan — 2018 — WHE85F156B3FC

A new analysis of stable isotope data from the Maya site of Copán, Honduras (A.D. 426–822), reveals that jaguars and pumas were systematically managed through captivity and trade for ritual purposes. Two distinct dietary regimes—one enriched with C4 plant inputs indicative of artificial feeding, the other dominated by natural C3 signatures—were identified among felid remains from public and private rituals, including those in Altar Q and Motmot caches. This pattern, combined with species-specific oxygen isotope variations, suggests an extensive faunal trade network operating across the Copán Valley. The findings demonstrate that wild animals were intentionally brought into human settlements to be processed into secondary goods or used ritually, providing direct evidence for the Maya's sophisticated animal management practices during the Classic period.

Jefferson's Body: A Corporeal Biography by Maurizio Valsania

Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville — 2018 — WHECF46E25FBD

Jefferson's Body: A Corporeal Biography by Maurizio Valsania explores Thomas Jefferson's role as a central figure in shaping America's civic culture through his engagement with the body politic. The study examines Jefferson's interest in various bodies—male, female, laboring, and racialized—and how these influenced his vision of democracy, equality, and natural rights. It highlights Jefferson's use of pantaloons as an anti-aristocratic symbol, reflecting his commitment to bourgeois modernity and self-governing masculinity. However, the analysis is criticized for not fully developing its arguments on fashion, labor dynamics, and the tension between enlightenment thought and racism in Jefferson's philosophy. The book also touches on Jefferson's ambivalence toward slavery, suggesting a shift from fear of its corrupting influence to a disciplined regime inspired by Jeremy Bentham's panopticon. While the study offers intriguing insights, it is noted for its undertheorized approach and missed opportunities to integrate broader transatlantic political philosophies.