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Reconstructing ancient architecture at Tiwanaku, Bolivia: the potential and promise of 3D printing

Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture — 2018 — WHE4CD4E349FD

A novel approach using 3D printing has revealed fresh insights into the reconstruction of Tiwanaku's Pumapunku, a pre-Colombian architectural marvel looted during the colonial era. By digitizing and scaling down historic measurements of shattered stone blocks, researchers created tactile 3D models that allowed for intuitive testing of fragment fits. This hands-on methodology uncovered unexpected connections among the fragments, offering new perspectives on the site's original design. The study demonstrates the potential of 3D printing to transform centuries-old documentation into actionable research tools, benefiting both scholars and indigenous site managers.

Reconstruction of selected paleoenvironmental components of medieval Toruń, Poland, and its close suburbs

Medieval Town of Toruń — 2018 — WHEFBE440E3FC

Researchers have successfully reconstructed the pre-13th-century natural environment of medieval Toruń, Poland, and its suburbs, including primary relief, surface geology, and hydrology. This pioneering quantitative reconstruction combines topographical, geological, and historical data to provide a foundation for understanding biotic components and verifying hypotheses about the town's founding and development. Despite limitations, the study offers valuable insights into the environmental conditions that shaped Toruń's early spatial organization.

Records of Orange-breasted Falcons in Urban and Suburban Areas of Northwestern Argentina

Tikal National Park — 2018 — WHEDE5D2B8368

A rare nesting behavior of the Orange-breasted Falcon (Falco deiroleucus) has been documented in urban and suburban areas of northwestern Argentina, expanding its known habitat beyond mature forests. This study reports on falcon sightings and behaviors in modified landscapes, including cultivated fields, orchards, and pastures, challenging the notion that this species is strictly confined to forested regions. The research utilized field observations and records to capture foraging patterns and nesting attempts in non-forest environments, providing new insights into the adaptability of this falcon species. Notably, while breeding territories remain predominantly in mature forests, individuals have been observed utilizing fragmented habitats, suggesting a greater resilience to human-altered landscapes than previously recognized.

Records, Recoveries, Remnants and Inter-Asian Interconnections

Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar — 2018 — WHED4E1FA0D9A

The revival of Nalanda Mahavihara as a symbol of shared inter-Asian heritage highlights its unique role in shaping and being shaped by global politics, ideas, objects, texts, and travelers. This multidisciplinary collection decodes cultural authenticity and heritage valuation, offering critical perspectives on regional dynamics, racial politics, and hegemonic discourses across Southeast and East Asia. It provides nuanced views on the interconnected tangible and intangible heritage that defines this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Recovery of a lost wall painting at the Etruscan Tomb of the Blue Demons in Tarquinia (Viterbo, Italy) by multispectral reflectometry and UV fluorescence imaging

Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia — 2018 — WHE975283B2BE

A lost wall painting from the 5th-century BCE Tomb of the Blue Demons in Tarquinia, Italyhas been recovered using advanced multispectral imaging techniques. Researchers employed a combination of multispectral reflectometry and ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence imaging to capture details invisible to the naked eye. By analyzing images taken across wavelengths from 370 to 1120 nm, they applied blind-source separation algorithms to extract hidden features, offering new insights into the tomb's ancient artistry. This non-invasive method, tested over a decade on Etruscan and Roman wall paintings, proves to be both quick and cost-effective, making it ideal for studying poorly preserved archaeological sites before conservation efforts.

Recurrent hybridisation events between Primula vulgaris , P . veris and P . elatior (Primulaceae, Ericales) challenge the species boundaries: using molecular markers to re‐evaluate morphological identifications

Møns Klint — 2018 — WHE54346A1BB4

Recurrent hybridisation between Primula vulgaris, P. veris, and P. elatior challenges traditional species boundaries at Møns Klint, Denmark. Genetic analysis of 168 specimens revealed that many previously identified hybrids, such as P. × digenea (P. vulgaris × P. elatior) and P. × polyantha (P. veris × P. vulgaris), are later-generation backcrosses rather than first-generation hybrids. Molecular markers also uncovered unexpected ancestry in some specimens, including P. veris genetic material in a P. vulgaris plant, suggesting greater genetic exchange than previously recognised. The study used species-specific SNPs, chloroplast trn L polymorphisms, and simple sequence repeats to re-evaluate morphological identifications, providing insights into hybridisation dynamics that complicate taxonomic distinctions.

Redefining Static and Dynamic Spaces Genius integration in Historic Cairo

Historic Cairo — 2018 — WHE10BA32D590

Historic Cairo's streets, renowned for their intimacy and walkability, are threatened by rapid socio-cultural changes. The study reveals that the integration of static and dynamic spaces—determined by enclosure degree, wall thickness, opening width, and activity nature—is crucial to maintaining urban space functionality and behavioral needs. Through observational analysis, researchers identified how these spatial variations adapt to community requirements, offering insights into preserving the city's unique character amid modernization pressures.

Rediscovery of a Forgotten MediterraneanChaetomorphaSpecies in the Venice Lagoon (North Adriatic Sea):Chaetomorpha strictaSchiffner (Cladophorales, Chlorophyta)

Venice and its Lagoon — 2018 — WHEAA9DBCF0CC

A long-forgotten Mediterranean species of green algae, Chaetomorpha stricta, has been rediscovered in the Venice Lagoon after being mistakenly classified as a synonym for another species. This study reinstates C. stricta to its original species rank based on morphological and molecular analyses, distinguishing it by its unique cell structure and genetic data. The rediscovery occurred in 2011 in an oligotrophic fishing pond within the northern basin of the lagoon. Researchers also provide a critical review of Chaetomorpha taxa in the Mediterranean and a taxonomic key to aid identification. This finding highlights the importance of revisiting historical records and using modern techniques to uncover overlooked biodiversity, even in well-studied regions like the Venice Lagoon.

Rediscovery of the nemertean Prostoma graecense from Xochimilco, 75 years after its first and only record

Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco — 2018 — WHE069EA06EDD

A freshwater nemertean, Prostoma graecense, previously thought lost to science for 75 years, has been rediscovered in Lake Xochimilco. This finding resolves its long-standing taxonomic identity through combined morphological and molecular analysis, including mitochondrial DNA sequencing. The study suggests the species may have a cosmopolitan distribution, potentially introduced to distant regions from its unknown original range. This rediscovery highlights the importance of integrating molecular data into nemertean research and provides a foundation for future studies on both freshwater and marine species in this group.

Reflection of the Historical Epoch in Miniature Sculpture of the 13th Century Mongolian Chess Figures

Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape — 2018 — WHE26ADD83F4C

Mongolian chess figures from the 13th century, likely crafted during Hulagu Khan's military campaigns to the Middle East (1217–1265), reveal a unique blend of military strategy and artistic expression. These miniature sculptures, with faces modeled after real kings, suggest that chess was used as a tool for learning tactical warfare. The Buddhist style of the figures indicates that Ogedei Khan, who established Karakorum (Kharkhorin) in the Orkhon Valley, was likely represented in these sets. This study builds on previous research by dating the chess figures more precisely and analyzing their cultural significance within the Mongol Empire's historical context.

Reflections on Culture, Dialogue and Traveller at the International Students Workshop in Florence

Historic Centre of Florence — 2018 — WHEE48D301B6F

The Romualdo Del Bianco Foundation and the International Institute Life Beyond Tourism® advocate for a transformative approach to tourism that prioritizes cultural preservation, intercultural dialogue, and meaningful engagement over commercial exploitation. Their annual international student workshops in Florence, such as the 12th edition held from November 5–12, 2017, aim to foster deep cultural exchange by encouraging students and educators from diverse backgrounds to reflect on the philosophical and ethical dimensions of travel. The workshop featured lectures, visits to historic sites like the Strozzi Palace and the Laurentian Library, and interactions with local craftsmen, illustrating how tourism can be reimagined as a tool for cultural enrichment rather than degradation. By integrating academic rigor—such as Dr. Cosimo Burgas's lecture on the history of the Italian language—and practical engagement with Florentine heritage, the initiative seeks to counterbalance the negative impacts of mass tourism seen in cities like Venice and Madrid, where over-tourism has eroded local culture.

Reframing the Alhambra

Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada — 2018 — WHEEDDB9BA6E2

A novel inter-medial approach reveals the aesthetic principles of the Alhambra, a medieval Nasrid palatial city in Granada, by leveraging overlooked poetic epigraphy and extant luxury objects. This method overcomes historical gaps caused by lost furnishings and scarce textual records, offering new insights into the integrated design of architectural spaces, inscribed texts, and textiles. The study examines enigmatic areas through conservation data, contemporary literary theory, and comparative history, culminating in an analysis of a surviving Nasrid court ceremonial account that illuminates the inter-medial aesthetic within its political and ideological context.

Regeneration recruitment and survival in an Asian tropical rain forest: implications for sustainable management

Sinharaja Forest Reserve — 2018 — WHECAA80A05BA

A decade-long study in Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka, reveals critical insights for sustainable tropical forest management. Seedling mortality varies significantly across topography and species, with late-successional, shade-intolerant trees experiencing 70% mortality over eight years compared to 30% for shade-tolerant species. This challenges conventional selective logging practices that do not account for seedling recruitment periodicity or canopy manipulation. The research highlights the importance of synchronizing timber harvests with natural regeneration cycles and adapting silvicultural treatments to topographic differences in seedling composition and density, offering a science-based approach to preserve biodiversity and forest structure.

Regional identity and industrial heritage in the mining area of Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin — 2018 — WHE8D8C58E4C7

The Nord-Pas-de-Calais Mining Basin has long been perceived as a symbol of industrial decline, marked by economic and social challenges and stark landscapes. However, recent research reveals that the region also serves as a powerful bearer of regional identity, reflecting a positive local culture celebrated in popular media like the film Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis. This study highlights how early associations, such as the Committee for Industrial Archaeology (founded 1979), emerged to champion industrial heritage, while political bodies, including the Socialist-led regional council under Daniel Percheron, leveraged heritage initiatives like the Louvre-Lens project. The research combines historical analysis with cultural and economic assessments to demonstrate how the basin's identity transcends its industrial past, offering a nuanced perspective on its legacy.

Rehabilitation of historical bridges over the Danube in Budapest

Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue — 2018 — WHE53B08ACC56

Historical bridges over the Danube in Budapest, including the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, Margaret Bridge, Liberty Bridge, and Elizabeth Bridge, have undergone significant rehabilitation efforts to preserve their UNESCO World Heritage status. The study highlights the unique design challenges and advanced site measurements used during reconstruction, ensuring structural integrity while maintaining historical authenticity. For two recently reconstructed bridges and one planned case, detailed analyses supported the rehabilitation process, balancing modern engineering with heritage conservation. The Elizabeth Bridge is also introduced, contrasting its old and new structures to illustrate the complexities of preserving such iconic landmarks.

Reinterpreting nature (Chapter 17)

Wadden Sea — 2018 — WHE3DCCEBCA16

The Wadden Sea's transition from a region of potential development to a globally recognized ecological treasure reflects the growing influence of conservation values. This shift, driven by early 20th-century concerns for avifauna and later consolidated through trilateral cooperation, highlights how environmental discourse has evolved into a multi-layered dialogue. The study revisits key sites and actors in this history, demonstrating that the Wadden Sea's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is not just a recent achievement but the culmination of decades of advocacy and policy change.

Rekonstrukcija i formiranje savremene biblioteke manastira Studenice - primer dobre prakse očuvanja kulturnog nasleđa Srbije

Studenica Monastery — 2018 — WHE17CF05C626

A successful reconstruction and modernization of the Studenica Monastery Library in Serbia has established it as a model for preserving cultural heritage, demonstrating effective practices that can be replicated by other monasteries. The project, led by librarians from the University Library in Kragujevac, involved cataloging library materials electronically and addressing historical aspects of monastery libraries' development. This work highlights the significance of conserving such collections for advancing research in philology, history, archaeology, and theology while promoting literacy and cultural preservation among the Serbian people. The digitization efforts not only safeguard fragile manuscripts but also provide valuable resources for scientists, ensuring long-term accessibility and scholarly engagement.

Relationship between Injury and Spirituality in Pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago

Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France — 2018 — WHE7EC82016F0

Pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago who report higher levels of spirituality are less likely to experience injuries and feel less impacted by them, suggesting that spiritual or religious motivations may contribute to better physical resilience. The study analyzed data from 400 participants aged 18–80, collected through surveys assessing demographics, injury experiences, physical well-being, and spirituality using the FACIT-Sp questionnaire. Findings indicate a correlation between higher spirituality scores and reduced injury likelihood and perceived impact, implying potential protective effects of spiritual practices during long-distance pilgrimage journeys.

Religious Experiences of Travellers Visiting the Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe (Spain)

Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe — 2018 — WHE115B2AD7D9

A study on the Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and major religious tourism destination in Spain, reveals that religious, cultural, and environmental motivations significantly influence visitors' religious experiences. The research, conducted through interviews with 242 tourists in 2017, classified motivations into five categories—religious, cultural, environmental, social, and educational—and used structural equation modeling to analyze their impact on religious tourism. The model demonstrated strong predictive power (R² = 87.5%), highlighting the interplay between these motivations and visitors' spiritual engagement at this historic site.

Religious Pluralism and the Limits of Ecumenism in Mbanza Kongo, Angola

Mbanza Kongo, Vestiges of the Capital of the former Kingdom of Kongo — 2018 — WHEA9708EC62F

In Mbanza Kongo, Angola, religious pluralism faces significant resistance due to historical associations between Christianity and oppressive power. Despite ecumenical efforts and legal mandates for religious groups to join an 'Ecumenical Platform,' local Bakongo people, particularly those returning from exile in the Democratic Republic of Congo, show strong opposition to Christian ecumenism. This resistance stems from a deep-seated resentment tied to colonial history, including the martyrdom of Kimpa Vita in 1706. Instead, Kongo religious institutions—some banned by Angolan laws—are being revitalized and spread among communities, offering an alternative to Christianity's perceived ties to suffering and oppression. The study highlights the challenges of grassroots ecumenism in this context, suggesting that such efforts may struggle to gain traction without addressing these historical grievances.