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Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi: a new nickel hyperaccumulator from Sabah (Borneo Island) with potential for tropical agromining

Kinabalu Park — 2018 — WHEE2CD08FF2B

A new nickel hyperaccumulator plant, Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi, has been discovered in Sabah (Borneo Island), with significant potential for tropical agromining. This rare species, found only on Lompoyou Hill near Kinabalu Park, can accumulate high concentrations of nickel and is easily cultivated, making it a promising candidate for metal extraction from soil using plants. The study identifies its unique flower structure, suggesting pollination by Epicephala moths, and classifies it within the subgenus Gomphidium, representing the most western species in this group. Its potential use in agromining not only offers a novel approach to metal extraction but also provides a mechanism for conserving this endangered taxon, emphasizing the importance of habitat and germplasm preservation for rare species utilized in green technologies.

Phylogenetically diverse native systems are more resistant to invasive plant species on Robben Island, South Africa

Robben Island — 2018 — WHE09514E730F

Phylogenetically diverse native plant systems on Robben Island, South Africa, exhibit greater resistance to invasive species. The study found that alien invasive plants tend to flower later and for longer periods, relying more on abiotic pollination and hermaphroditic traits, whereas native species depend on biotic pollinators, flower earlier, and are predominantly dioecious. Additionally, a facilitative interaction between an invasive legume and other invasive plants was observed, but this did not affect the phylogenetic structure of plant communities. The research employed multiple approaches to explore functional traits linked to invasion success and the role of phylogenetic structure in biotic interactions.

Phylogeny of the genus Pseudosinella (Hexapoda, Collembola) from the Western Carpathians caves reveals Miocene diversification

Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst — 2018 — WHEFCC08AAA53

A groundbreaking study reveals that the Western Carpathians, part of Europe's northernmost region with obligate cave fauna, served as a key speciation center for collembolan species. Phylogenetic analysis of the genus Pseudosinella indicates that two distinct lineages diverged approximately 9.54 million years ago during the Miocene epoch, followed by further diversification in P. paclti (8.36 mya) and P. aggtelekiensis (6.99 mya). Unlike P. aggtelekiensis, which lacks related surface species, P. paclti exhibits a broader distribution across caves, subterranean habitats, and soil environments. The research combines morphological and molecular traits to reconstruct evolutionary relationships, suggesting that allopatric speciation driven by geographic isolation played a pivotal role in the diversification of cave-dwelling Pseudosinella species.

Physical Oceanographic Processes of the Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef — 2018 — WHE1630267F46

A groundbreaking analysis reveals how the unique topography of the Great Barrier Reef influences water circulation at multiple scales, shaping marine life distribution across the ecosystem. This study integrates extensive field observations with advanced numerical modeling to demonstrate that reef topography plays a pivotal role in controlling oceanographic processes, from local currents to broader regional flows. Unlike previous work, this comprehensive volume provides the first holistic examination of these interactions, offering critical insights for understanding the reef's ecological dynamics and resilience.

Physical, Mechanical and Chemical Characterization on Ancient Brick Masonry of Monuments, Bagan, Myanmar

Bagan — 2018 — WHE8717C35797

Ancient bricks from Bagan's monuments, dating back to the 11th to 18th centuries, exhibit remarkable resilience against environmental degradation while maintaining high compressive strength. A study by San et al. (2018) reveals that these bricks, despite their age, show good water absorption properties and vary in mechanical strength depending on their location within monuments. Chemical analysis using Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques indicates that ancient bricks retain their original composition, though not identical to modern counterparts produced nearby. The research also highlights the importance of matching materials used in conservation efforts to preserve the authenticity of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This study underscores the durability of traditional brick-making techniques and provides critical data for informed restoration practices.

Phytoliths as an indicator of early modern humans plant gathering strategies, fire fuel and site occupation intensity during the Middle Stone Age at Pinnacle Point 5-6 (south coast, South Africa)

The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa — 2018 — WHE1E84A00B45

Research at Pinnacle Point 5-6 North (South Africa) reveals the first evidence of intentional gathering and use of Restionaceae family plants by Middle Stone Age hunter-gatherers, marking a significant shift in plant foraging strategies. The study used phytolith analysis to reconstruct past human behavior, showing that during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5, humans built fast fires using grasses for potential shellfish cooking. By MIS 4, there was a transition toward intensive dry wood exploitation, likely to improve silcrete heating, coinciding with changes in stone tool technology and site occupation intensity. The findings highlight the complex interplay between human behavior, fire control, and environmental adaptation during this critical period of modern human emergence.

Pilgrimage in Islam: Traditional and Modern Practices

Medina of Fez — 2018 — WHE8260B362AA

Islamic pilgrimage extends far beyond the Hajj, encompassing diverse practices and sites that transcend sectarian boundaries. Research reveals that Muslims engage in 'replacement hajjs' (ziyārat), visiting graves, shrines, and other holy sites to seek blessings (baraka) from saints, often blending Shia, Sunni, and Sufi traditions. These pilgrimages, including those to Karbala, Konya, Fez, and Samarkand, involve fluid rituals, miracles, and syncretic elements that defy simplistic classifications. Modern pilgrimage is further shaped by commodification, technology, and virtual experiences, creating dynamic, multi-dimensional practices. The study argues that understanding Islamic pilgrimage requires examining texts alongside beliefs, rituals, objects, and emotions, challenging orthodoxies that dismiss ziyārat as heretical.

Pilgrimages of Europe

Kalwaria Zebrzydowska: the Mannerist Architectural and Park Landscape Complex and Pilgrimage Park — 2018 — WHE234824EAB1

Pilgrimages of Europe, distributed by Janson Media and produced by Palm Plus Produkties, is a twelve-part series exploring major Roman Catholic pilgrimage sites across Europe. The series combines well-known locations such as Fatima (Portugal), Santiago de Compostela (Spain), and Lourdes (France) with lesser-known sites like Iona (Scotland) and Kevelaer (Germany). It also covers the recently popular Bosnian site of Medjugorje, known for reports of miracles. Kalwaria Zebrzydowska in Poland is one of the featured sites. The series delves into the historical significance and cultural impact of these pilgrimages, tracing their roots from medieval times to modern religious practices. It highlights the shared elements of pilgrimage across different cultures and religions, including the arduous journey to Croagh Patrick in Ireland, linked to Saint Patrick's legend. The series offers a comprehensive look at the spiritual and physical challenges of pilgrimage, providing valuable insights for libraries, educational institutions, travel agencies, and tourism organizations.

Place attachment and challenges of historic cities

Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca — 2018 — WHE1D12B9BA75

A study on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca reveals that place attachment—rooted in place dependency and sense of place—plays a pivotal role in shaping residential and investment trends among both local inhabitants and foreign immigrants. The research, based on an open-ended survey combined with Likert-scale analysis, highlights significant differences in how these groups perceive cultural heritage and prioritize location choices. These insights suggest that leveraging place attachment can inform effective built heritage policies aimed at fostering local sustainability. The findings also underscore the need for targeted management strategies to address challenges faced by historic cities, particularly those balancing preservation with modernization.

Place Making in George Town, Malaysia

Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca — 2018 — WHEF39DF7B647

George Town, Malaysia, demonstrates the challenges and complexities of managing urban heritage as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite significant government-led planning and investment, the city's appeal was undermined by over-development and pollution, which were exacerbated by a tourism model initially successful in the 1970s but later replicated across Southeast Asia. This study highlights the unintended consequences of top-down urban heritage management strategies, particularly when economic development priorities clash with sustainable conservation goals.

Place, Destabilized: Ambivalent Heritage, Community and Colonialism in the Marquesas Islands

Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands — 2018 — WHE854C16F1F4

Indigenous place-making in the Marquesas Islands, though marked by colonialism and discomfort, can foster strong community bonds. This study reveals that painful memories and historical silences, rather than solely affirmative interactions with the physical world, play a crucial role in shaping cultural identity and heritage landscapes. By analyzing ethnographic research, the author demonstrates how ambivalent heritage—rooted in personal belief, colonial legacies, and shared approaches to contested places—can bind communities together, overcoming violent pasts. This challenges traditional notions that long-term connections to land are solely supportive, highlighting the complex interplay between discomfort and cultural cohesiveness.

Placing Khami

Khami Ruins National Monument — 2018 — WHE8C1751B8A4

Khami Ruins National Monument stands as a testament to the Torwa state's architectural and political legacy. This study reveals that Khami, located 22 kilometers from Bulawayo, served as the capital of the Torwa state, which maintained the tradition of constructing monumental stone buildings. The site covers 420 hectares and includes nine stone-built platforms, though some ruins near the Khami River have been affected by modern infrastructure like staff houses and a dam. The research leverages Portuguese descriptions to fill gaps in historical knowledge about Khami and its connection to the Mutapa court and Great Zimbabwe.

Planning and Design of Highways According to AASHTO Standards Using Remote Sensing Technology (Samarra City as a Case Study)

Samarra Archaeological City — 2018 — WHE9A5866F012

A proposed highway design for Samarra, Iraq, leverages remote sensing technology and AASHTO standards to optimize connectivity between Qadisiyah neighborhood and the UNESCO-listed Old City. The study achieved a high-capacity, low-cost road solution by minimizing junctions (two) and curves, using satellite imagery and specialized software (GIS & Civil 3D). This approach reduces traditional field survey costs while ensuring compliance with international design standards, offering a scalable model for urban infrastructure in heritage-rich areas.

Plant Microfossil Results from Old Kiyyangan Village: Looking for the Introduction and Expansion of Wet-field Rice (Oryza sativa) Cultivation in the Ifugao Rice Terraces, Philippine Cordilleras

Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras — 2018 — WHE322005BA01

A groundbreaking analysis of plant microfossils from Old Kiyyangan Village, Ifugao Province, reveals preliminary evidence for the introduction and expansion of wet-field rice (Oryza sativa) cultivation in the Philippine Cordilleras. Pollen, phytolith, and starch analyses of 12 sediment samples date human activity to approximately 810–750 cal. b.p., with the first rice remains appearing around 675 cal. b.p. A significant increase in these remains after 530–470 cal. b.p. suggests a late expansion of rice cultivation, corroborating previous studies. This study provides the initial sediment-derived ancient starch and phytolith evidence for Oryza sativa in the Philippines, offering new insights into the agricultural history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Plant Supplying Strategies in an Islamic Omani Harbour City: Archaeobotanical Analysis from a Workshop (B39) in Qalhāt (XIVth-XVIth c. AD)

Ancient City of Qalhat — 2018 — WHE9717AAD347

Archaeobotanical analysis of workshop B39 at Qalhat, an Islamic harbor city in Oman (14th–16th century AD), reveals a significant presence of tropical crops such as Asian rice, finger millet, and various legumes, suggesting complex plant supply strategies. The distribution of these remains indicates specialized domestic activities, including food preparation and crop processing, likely occurring in room E. While the origin of these crops—whether imported or locally cultivated—remains uncertain, the Indian subcontinent is proposed as a probable source, with Yemen also considered. This study advances understanding of plant consumption and agrosystem integration during this period, addressing a gap in archaeobotanical research on Islamic sites in eastern Arabia.

Plant-Female Iconography in Neolithic Europe

Megalithic Temples of Malta — 2018 — WHE4897ACF4E6

A strong symbolic association between plants and female imagery emerged during the Neolithic transition to agriculture, evident from anthropomorphic figurines across Europe. This link, marked by cereal grain eyes and plant motifs on figurines, tracked the spread of farming into Europe. Notably, megalithic-era symbols in Malta, including engravings on a monumental woman statue at Tarxian temple, reinforce this continuity, spanning from the Neolithic period through the Chalcolithic era and into stratified Bronze Age societies. The study highlights the persistence of plant-female iconography, reflecting deeper cultural and agricultural shifts during Europe's secondary products revolution.

Plazas and Processional Paths in Tiwanaku Temples: Divergence, Convergence, and Encounter at Omo M10, Moquegua, Peru

Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture — 2018 — WHE8AC7775E96

Excavations at the Omo M10 Tiwanaku temple in Moquegua, Peru (AD 500–1100), revealed divergent processional pathways that challenge previous interpretations of Tiwanaku ceremonial architecture. While a central axial route—marked by doorways, staircases, stelae, and U-shaped structures—led to the sunken court and shrine, lateral pathways connected isolated walled patios with roofed chambers, suggesting these functioned as specialized chapels for distinct groups or pluralistic cultic activities. This finding implies a complex social structure within Tiwanaku society, potentially reflecting mediation between ethnicities, genders, or other pluralistic entities. The study contrasts these observations with Kolata's 'Taypi' model, proposing a structural amalgam of center and complementary halves to explain bilateral complementarity in the state.

Pleistocene geodynamic evolution of the Arlanzón valley: implications for the formation of the endokarst system and the open air archaeological sites of the Sierra de Atapuerca (Burgos, España)

Archaeological Site of Atapuerca — 2018 — WHE97E950C951

A new analysis of the Arlanzón valley's Pleistocene geodynamic evolution reveals that tectonic uplift accelerated incision rates, shaping the valley's fluvial terraces and influencing the formation of sub-horizontal cave levels in the Sierra de Atapuerca. This study links three key cave levels (T2, T3, and T4/T5) to specific terrace elevations, suggesting rapid phreatic passage development compared to slower vadose entrenchments. The research also highlights how the exhumation of a Neogene limestone layer provided Neanderthals with accessible flint sources during MIS 3 and 4. By integrating LiDAR-derived terrace heights and chronological data, the study reconstructs downcutting phases, offering insights into the valley's complex geological history and its archaeological significance.

Pluralising Political Forests: Unpacking “the State” by Tracing Virunga's Charcoal Chain

Virunga National Park — 2018 — WHEAE6596C777

Virunga National Park exemplifies the complex interplay of political forces shaping its conservation landscape. This study reveals that the notion of 'the state' is not monolithic but rather a dynamic entity influenced by regional warfare, non-state militarization, and transnational processes. By tracing the illegal charcoal chain within the park, researchers demonstrate how authority in Virunga has been transformed through particularization, transnationalization, and regionalization, leading to a regulatory landscape marked by overlapping and conflicting political forces. This approach challenges traditional understandings of stateness and highlights the multifaceted nature of political forests, offering new insights into the governance challenges faced by protected areas.

Political Ecologies of Dynamic Wetlands: Hydrosocial Waterscapes in the Okavango Delta

Okavango Delta — 2018 — WHEA7B1DE189B

Dynamic wetlands, particularly those with variable flooding regimes, have been understudied within political ecology frameworks. This research highlights the Okavango Delta as a 'hydrosocial waterscape,' where complex socioecological relationships and power dynamics are shaped by flooding patterns. The study focuses on two key themes: access to resources and governance structures, revealing how these factors interact with environmental variability to influence rural livelihoods in Botswana. By integrating political ecology with hydrological studies, the research offers a nuanced understanding of how dynamic wetland systems challenge traditional conservation and development paradigms.