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A foundation of ecology rediscovered: 100 years of succession on the William S. Cooper plots in Glacier Bay, Alaska

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2017 — WHE363511FF17

A century of ecological succession on the William S. Cooper plots in Glacier Bay, Alaska, reveals profound changes in plant community composition and soil characteristics, driven by initial dispersal limitations and dominant species like Salix. Over 100 years, these plots—representing the world's longest-running primary succession study—showed a near-complete replacement of species, with Salix dominance suppressing later successional species such as Picea. Proximity to seed sources post-glaciation correlated with higher species richness, while soil nitrogen content and carbon-to-nitrogen ratios were best predicted by plot age, though Salix-dominated plots exhibited lower overall nitrogen. The study underscores the roles of contingency and dispersal in community development, providing a rare, long-term perspective on ecological succession.

A Geometrical Similarity Pattern as an Experimental Model for Shapes in Architectural Heritage: a Case Study of the Base of the Pillars in the Cathedral of Seville and the Church of Santiago in Jerez, Spain

Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville — 2017 — WHE44E67AC0B8

Researchers have identified a geometrical similarity pattern between the pillar bases of the Cathedral of Seville and the Church of Santiago in Jerez, Spain. This discovery challenges traditional assumptions about architectural design in these structures, suggesting shared authorship or stylistic influence among stonemasons from the same era. The study employed advanced 3D modeling techniques, including Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS), Optical Scanning (OS), and photogrammetry through Structure-from-Motion Image-Based Modeling (SFM-IBM) software, to analyze the shapes of selected pillars. By comparing metric data with historical-graphical features—such as composition, techniques, styles, and documentary sources—the authors established a procedure for determining homologous points and characteristic sections. This method goes beyond mere dimensional analysis, providing a robust framework for identifying geometric patterns in architectural heritage.

A geophysical study of alpine groundwater processes and their geologic controls in the southeastern Canadian Rocky Mountains

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2017 — WHE5AFBF23177

A geophysical study of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks reveals that bedrock topography, overburden heterogeneity, and thickness are key controls on groundwater flow paths and storage, potentially explaining anomalously high winter base flows. The research used electrical resistivity tomography, seismic refraction tomography, and ground-penetrating radar to image structures like thick talus deposits, permafrost, and a buried overdeepening in the Kananaskis Valley. Comparing these findings with those from Yoho National Park suggests spatial patterns in groundwater storage potential linked to physiographic variables. These insights are critical for water resource and ecosystem managers adapting to climate change-induced stream flow changes.

A Glacier Surge of Bivachny Glacier, Pamir Mountains, Observed by a Time Series of High-Resolution Digital Elevation Models and Glacier Velocities

Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) — 2017 — WHEE337449EAE

A recent surge of Bivachny Glacier in Tajikistan's Pamir Mountains, observed between 2011 and 2015, revealed a dramatic acceleration in ice flow velocities, reaching up to 3400 meters per year during its active phase. This surge, characterized by a surge bulge traveling downstream at an average speed of 4400 meters per year over 13 kilometers, was preceded by a quiescent phase with typical thickening and thinning patterns. The study used high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) derived from TanDEM-X data, along with optical and synthetic aperture radar satellite data to analyze glacier dynamics. Seasonal variations in ice flow velocities suggested a hydrological control of the surge, linked to the subglacial drainage system's effectiveness. This research provides insights into the complex behavior of surge-type glaciers and their response to climate change.

A holy relic of war: the Soviet Victory Banner as artefact

Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow — 2017 — WHEBE9D31DB3D

The Soviet Victory Banner, raised over the Reichstag on April 30, 1945, has become a central symbol of World War II commemoration in Russia. This study reveals that its prominent role in post-Stalinist remembrance practices reflects the Brezhnev era's implicit rehabilitation of Stalin. The research traces how this flag acquired official state significance and examines its evolution within Soviet and Russian war commemoration culture, highlighting its unique symbolic resonance compared to other wartime artifacts.

A importância estratégica do conhecimento do território na formação de um sistema defensivo: o caso de Sintra (Portugal) durante o Período Islâmico

Cultural Landscape of Sintra — 2017 — WHE789D8729DD

During the Islamic period, Sintra's strategic landscape played a pivotal role in shaping its defensive system. Research reveals that beyond the two known castles and a ribat, Sintra likely featured additional fortifications and checkpoints, facilitating communication with distant regions and marking its maritime cultural landscape. This defensive network was underpinned by meticulous geographical planning, leveraging terrain, village connections, ports, and anchorages—some of which predate this era. The study cross-references historical, archaeological, toponymical, and geographical data to uncover these insights, highlighting Sintra's significance in the Lisbon region's military defense.

A Legal View of the Case of the Temple Preah Vihear

Temple of Preah Vihear — 2017 — WHE0693FD3EB6

UNESCO World Heritage Site listings, while intended to promote conservation and sustainable development, can exacerbate existing inequalities. A critical analysis of the Temple of Preah Vihear's nomination process reveals that mass tourism, though economically beneficial, disproportionately advantages certain groups while marginalizing local communities. The study examines the implications of heritage status on Angkor Park's management and Cambodian-Thai relations, questioning whether tourism-driven development truly benefits the poor or deepens disparities.

A methodological approach to the study of archaeological cereal meals: a case study at Çatalhöyük East (Turkey)

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2017 — WHED9F75FDAF0

A groundbreaking analysis of charred cereal remains from Neolithic Çatalhöyük reveals insights into ancient culinary practices, particularly the preparation and cooking methods of bread-like and porridge-like foods. The study employs scanning electron microscopy to examine the microstructure of these fragments, identifying their botanical composition and processing techniques. By comparing archaeological samples with experimentally prepared reference materials, researchers uncover evidence of diverse cereal-based meals, including bread and dough, providing a window into Neolithic food traditions in southwest Asia. This methodology offers a robust framework for studying ancient culinary practices, enhancing our understanding of early agricultural societies.

A Methodology for Eliciting Public Preferences for Managing Cultural Heritage Sites: An Application to the Temples of Paestum

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula — 2017 — WHE74F63F05B9

Public willingness to pay for enhanced cultural heritage experiences at the Temples of Paestum, part of Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), can serve as a key indicator for guiding sustainable management strategies. This study applies contingent valuation—a participatory survey-based method—to quantify latent demand for non-market goods like museum services. Findings reveal significant public support for improvements in accessibility, conservation, and innovative offerings such as multimedia services, with monetary values attached to these enhancements. Unlike traditional museum studies focused solely on exhibition purposes, this approach integrates market dynamics into heritage management, providing data-driven insights for balancing financial investments with public fruition goals.

A microstratigraphic reevaluation of the Florisbad spring site, Free State Province, South Africa: Formation processes and paleoenvironment

The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa — 2017 — WHE9B4A85DE30

A microstratigraphic reevaluation of the Florisbad spring site, South Africa, reveals that its deposits were formed by alternating aeolian sand layers reworked by lacustrine water during wet Pleistocene phases and peat layers formed in marshes during dry phases. This refined stratigraphic sequence confirms earlier paleoenvironmental reconstructions while providing new insights into the formation processes of the site's sediments, which contain Middle Stone Age artifacts and fossil bones dating to the Middle Pleistocene. The study used a multianalytical approach including sediment micromorphology, FTIR, and XRD to analyze sediments in their original context, addressing previous limitations in understanding the genesis of these deposits.

A miniaturized sensor for detection of formaldehyde fumes

Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing — 2017 — WHE7DF0C0597C

A novel miniaturized chemical sensor demonstrates high sensitivity for detecting formaldehyde (FA) fumes, with performance comparable to commercial monitoring equipment. The sensor, worn as a bracelet and connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth, converts signal data into a color scale for real-time visualization. It effectively measures FA concentrations across low (20–120 ppb) and higher (1–15 ppm) ranges, making it suitable for environmental monitoring in culturally significant settings like the Summer Palace in Beijing. The study also highlights its potential to assess FA-induced modifications in delicate artifacts, such as a Stradivarius violin, offering a non-invasive tool for conservation research.

A molecular portrait of maternal sepsis from Byzantine Troy

Archaeological Site of Troy — 2017 — WHE6F0461BB2D

A rare glimpse into ancient maternal sepsis has been uncovered through the discovery of calcified abscesses in the remains of a Byzantine woman from Troy. These abscesses preserved ancient DNA, revealing a severe infection likely caused by chorioamnionitis, dominated by Gardnerella vaginalis and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Phylogenomic analysis showed that while G. vaginalis from Troy aligns with contemporary genetic diversity, S. saprophyticus belongs to a lineage not commonly associated with human disease today, suggesting potential ecological differences in ancient human-animal interactions. This study highlights the dynamic interplay between humans and their microbial environment, providing insights into severe maternal infections in historical contexts.

A multivariate probabilistic graphical model for real‐time volcano monitoring on Mount Etna

Mount Etna — 2017 — WHE40895515FC

A novel multivariate probabilistic graphical model demonstrates significant potential for real-time volcano monitoring, offering rapid and accurate assessments of volcanic states. This approach addresses the challenges posed by nonlinear volcanic processes and measurement uncertainties, providing a robust tool for early warning systems. Tested on Mount Etna using extensive multivariate data, the model effectively estimates probability distributions of feasible volcanic states, enhancing decision-making capabilities for civil protection personnel.

A Mutually Gratifying Relationship: Goethe and Hermann von Pückler-Muskau

Muskauer Park / Park Mużakowski — 2017 — WHEB4F7D01A37

A mutual admiration and intellectual influence between Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau, a renowned landscape gardener and travel writer, is revealed through their correspondence and unpublished accounts. Goethe's laudatory review of Pückler's 'Briefe eines Verstorbenen' significantly boosted the prince's literary fame, particularly in Britain, while also inspiring scenes in Goethe's 'Faust II.' Conversely, Pückler's park design philosophy was deeply rooted in Goethean principles, demonstrating a lasting and reciprocal impact. The study analyzes their interactions, correspondence, and the cultural significance of their relationship, offering new insights into the influence of 'Briefe eines Verstorbenen' on Goethe's work.

A new aspect of grassland vegetation dynamics: cyanobacterium colonies affect establishment success of plants

Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta — 2017 — WHE1B54CEA519

Cyanobacterium colonies significantly influence the establishment success of grassland plants, potentially shaping community diversity and species composition. The study found that Nostoc extracts reduced germination rates in five plant species and decreased fresh weight in invasive Hordeum jubatum, suggesting cyanobacteria can alter natural plant communities through chemical effects. Researchers synthesized existing knowledge on toxic cyanobacteria impacts and conducted controlled experiments using native alkali grassland species from Hortobágy National Park, Hungary. They prepared a cell-free water extract from field-collected Nostoc colonies and compared its effects with tap water on seed germination and growth over five weeks, measuring key variables such as seedling number, length, and biomass.

A new colonisation of a Caribbean city

Colonial City of Santo Domingo — 2017 — WHE2B6211D061

Gentrification and 'touristification' in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo have significantly reshaped urban dynamics, increasing economic competitiveness but also exacerbating segregation and urban poverty. The study reveals that recent urban planning shifts, often supported by supranational development agencies, have prioritized tourism and property investment, leading to stark socio-urban contrasts. Morphological analysis highlights how these changes have altered the city's landscape, with serious implications for social equity. The research underscores the consequences of such transformations, offering insights into the broader impact of global tourism trends on Caribbean urban centers.

A New Early Coelophysoid Neotheropod from the Late Triassic of Northwestern Argentina

Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks — 2017 — WHECCD169F27A

Researchers have identified Powellvenator podocitus, a new early coelophysoid neotheropod dinosaur from the Late Triassic of northwestern Argentina. This discovery significantly expands the South American record of predatory dinosaurs, which was previously limited to two species. The study analyzed partial hindlimbs and reclassified an earlier specimen, revealing unique anatomical features that distinguish Powellvenator podocitus from other basal dinosaurs. Phylogenetic analysis placed it within Coelophysoidea, as the sister-taxon of Procompsognathus triassicus and Coelophysinae, marking it as the first coelophysoid from South America alongside Lucianovenator bonoi.

A new edition of the imperial regulation from the Lella Drebblia site near Dougga (AE 2001, 2083)

Dougga / Thugga — 2017 — WHE1ECF2A6F80

A newly discovered inscription from the Lella Drebblia site near Dougga, Tunisia, dating to Emperor Hadrian's reign (2nd century CE), sheds light on imperial property regulations in Roman North Africa. This significant find, unearthed during a 1999 excavation led by M. de Vos, complements six other major inscriptions from the region, providing crucial insights into the administration of imperial estates. While initial transcriptions by de Vos were refined by Année Épigraphique, one-third of the text remains incomplete, necessitating a full scientific edition to ensure accuracy. The study combines epigraphic analysis with historical context, offering a deeper understanding of Roman governance in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A new endemic Synagapetus species (Trichoptera: Glossosomatidae) from Madeira Island (Portugal)

Laurisilva of Madeira — 2017 — WHE792E4AAC0B

A new species of caddisfly, Synagapetus laurisilvanicus, has been discovered in the laurel forests (Laurisilva) of Madeira Island. This endemic species, identified from specimens collected during the 1997–1999 Laurisilva project, is closely related to Synagapetus punctatus but distinguished by unique wing venation and genital morphology, particularly the inferior appendages and aedeagus. The discovery highlights the biodiversity of Madeira's Trichoptera fauna, which has been systematically studied through intensive sampling in springs and streams across the archipelago.

A New Model of Angkor Wat: Simulated Reconstruction as a Methodology for Analysis and Public Engagement

Angkor — 2017 — WHE3A87D6D7C9

A groundbreaking simulation of Angkor Wat offers a dynamic, 24-hour reconstruction of the temple during its twelfth-century heyday, providing unprecedented insights into its historical landscape and daily life. This innovative approach integrates digital visualization with art history, moving beyond static interpretations to depict animated inhabitants ('agents'), religious practices, ephemeral architecture, and vegetation. Based on recent archaeological findings, the simulation allows for plural reconstructions that can be explored collaboratively by digital practitioners and Southeast Asia specialists, bridging the gap between broad archaeological studies and granular historical analysis.