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Antifascist Humanism and the Politics of Cultural Renewal in Germany

Classical Weimar — 2017 — WHE5423DE7078

Antifascist humanism, a concept rooted in the cultural renewal movements of twentieth-century Germany, emerged as a significant intellectual and political force during World War II. This study reveals how communist and liberal intellectuals and artists sought to heal the divisions caused by Nazism by reviving the 'other Germany' of classical Weimar. The research traces this movement from its origins in exile communities across Europe and Latin America to its institutional embodiment in post-war Berlin, highlighting its role in shaping cultural politics during the Cold War. By analyzing the uneasy blend of mass politics and cultural nationalism within antifascist humanism, the study sheds light on its complex legacy and eventual failure in the context of emerging East-West divisions.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Casteanea sativa Miller chestnut honey produced on Mount Etna (Sicily)

Mount Etna — 2017 — WHE1A4C52475E

Chestnut honey from Mount Etna, Sicily, exhibits significant antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, rivaling those of Manuka honey. The study compared two samples of Castanea sativa Miller monofloral honey for their antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Antioxidant activity was assessed using ORAC, NO scavenger assays, FRAP, and DPPH methods. Results showed that Etna chestnut honey outperformed chestnut honeys from other regions in both antioxidant and antimicrobial tests, suggesting its potential as a functional food or natural preservative. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used to characterize major components, providing insights into the biochemical basis of these properties.

Aphrodisias

Aphrodisias — 2017 — WHEE36141E0C9

Early Byzantine Aphrodisias exhibited significant urban continuity, marked by the transformation of the temple of Aphrodite into a large church and the presence of additional churches in surrounding cemeteries. The region's dense rural habitation began to decline by the late 7th century, with evidence suggesting Arab invasions led to population displacement. Village-like settlements re-emerged in the 8th century, accompanied by the repurposing of the theater as a fortress. Middle Byzantine resettlement and modest prosperity are attested by church buildings, until Turkish incursions caused widespread abandonment. This study reconstructs Aphrodisias's socio-political trajectory through architectural and archaeological evidence, highlighting periods of continuity, decline, and resilience.

Aportes A La Cronología Absoluta De La Estancia Jesuítica De Alta Gracia (Córdoba, Argentina): Estudio Arqueomagnético De La Baldosa De La Parroquia Nuestra Señora De La Merced

Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba — 2017 — WHE890AEF716E

Archaeomagnetic dating of tiles from the Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Merced in Alta Gracia, Argentina, has provided a precise age range of 1780–1806 for their installation. This finding significantly refines the chronology of the Jesuit Mission of Alta Gracia by associating the tile-laying with the administration period of José Rodríguez and his son Manuel (1772–1809). The study used the SHA.DIF.14k geomagnetic field prediction model to rule out earlier Jesuit-era placement or association with Viceroy Santiago de Liniers' brief stay in 1810, offering critical insights into the site's historical timeline.

Appearance of Koguryo’s Early Piled-Stone Tombs of Abrok-gang River and Their Characters of Distribution Patten

Complex of Koguryo Tombs — 2017 — WHE1AD40355A2

A hierarchical structure of Koguryo’s early piled-stone tombs, concentrated along the Abrok-gang River, reveals a political organization mirroring its early administrative system. The study identifies six regional clusters, each subdivided into smaller zones with dominant central tomb groups, suggesting a 'Nabu' system where regions correspond to larger political units (Nabu), sub-regions to intermediate units (Naguk), and individual tombs to smaller units (Na). This pattern aligns with historical records from Samguksagi, indicating that Gok-Cheon (regional centers) and Won-Taek-Ya (local units) formed a vertical political hierarchy. The research also shows that while construction methods varied regionally in the 3rd–2nd centuries BCE, standardization emerged by the 1st century BCE, reflecting inter-regional exchanges among tomb-building groups.

Application of a mini radar network for dust-devil monitoring for tourist sites: the example of the Summer Palace, Beijing

Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing — 2017 — WHECEBFF5BD26

A novel dust-devil monitoring system, utilizing three non-collinear mini weather radars, has been successfully demonstrated at the Summer Palace in Beijing. This approach outperforms traditional volume velocity processing (VVP) wind retrieval methods, offering enhanced detection capabilities for hazardous whirlwinds that pose risks to tourists and their property. The study highlights the potential of this radar network system for broader application across other tourist sites, contributing significantly to site security and visitor safety.

Application of FTIR Microscopy to Identify Some Glass Plates of Golestan Palace Photo Archive

Golestan Palace — 2017 — WHECD4D823BBA

Micro-Fourier Transform Infrared (µ-FTIR) spectroscopy has been demonstrated as a rapid, cost-effective, and non-destructive technique for identifying photographic glass plate emulsions, offering significant advantages over traditional visual or optical microscopic analyses. This study applied µ-FTIR to analyze glass plates from the Golestan Palace photo archive, confirming its efficacy in revealing material composition without requiring destructive sampling. The findings highlight the potential of this method as a routine diagnostic tool for heritage conservation, enabling deeper insights into photographic materials and ancient techniques while supporting preservation efforts.

Application of Remote Sensing and GIS for Assessing Land Cover Resources Variability in the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

Selous Game Reserve — 2017 — WHEBB95E936A8

Between 2000 and 2010, the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania experienced a significant decline in vegetation density, as revealed by normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) analysis. The study, which used Landsat TM and ETM+ images to map land cover changes, found that dense vegetation (NDVI ≥ 0.72) shrank from covering 46.5% of the reserve in 2000 to just 8.04% by 2010. This decline highlights the importance of integrating remote sensing and GIS for monitoring land cover variability, detecting habitat fragmentation, and informing wildlife conservation strategies.

Application of the City Blueprint Approach to assess the challenges of water management and governance in Quito (Ecuador)

City of Quito — 2017 — WHE007BF86D75

Poor wastewater treatment and long-term drinking water security pose significant challenges to Quito's urban water management, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and economic pressures. A study applying the City Blueprint Approach—comprising three assessment frameworks (Trends and Pressure Framework, City Blueprint Framework, and Governance Capacity Framework)—revealed that stakeholder cooperation, implementing capacity, and citizens' awareness are critical for addressing these issues. The analysis also highlighted the need for greater emphasis on transparency, accountability, and participation principles to enhance governance capacity. This approach serves as an affordable tool for cities aiming to strategically plan their sustainable development goals.

Application of the Support Vector Regression Method for Turbidity Assessment with MODIS on a Shallow Coral Reef Lagoon (Voh-Koné-Pouembout, New Caledonia)

Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems — 2017 — WHE7A60E26672

A novel Support Vector Regression (SVR) model successfully addresses the challenges of turbidity assessment in shallow, oligotrophic coral reef lagoons using MODIS satellite imagery. Unlike traditional algorithms, which struggle with bottom reflection in such environments, this model incorporates bathymetry and bottom color data alongside reflectance, significantly improving accuracy in retrieving in-situ turbidity values. Tested on New Caledonia's Voh-Koné-Pouembout lagoon—a critical part of the world's second-longest continuous coral reef—it demonstrates potential for global application in similar oligotrophic shallow lagoons. This breakthrough enhances monitoring capabilities for biodiversity and ecosystem health in pristine tropical lagoons, particularly those affected by river plumes from ultramafic watersheds.

Application of water quality index to assessment of groundwater quality

Historic Town of Zabid — 2017 — WHE35455EFABF

Groundwater quality in rural areas of Zabid, Hodeidah, is predominantly suitable for drinking, with 75% classified as 'good' (Class II) and 25% as 'poor' (Class III), according to a study using the Water Quality Index (WQI). The assessment, based on 40 samples analyzed for parameters like pH, electrical conductivity, and dissolved ions, revealed that higher WQI values in some areas correlate with anthropogenic activities, including domestic and agricultural waste. This suggests that while much of Zabid's groundwater is safe for consumption, localized contamination poses risks that warrant further investigation.

Approaches to identification and interpretation of mining heritage: the case of the Jáchymovsko area, Ore Mountains, Czechia

Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region — 2017 — WHEB39927373A

A diverse and complex mining heritage, shaped by 500 years of mineral extraction in the Jáchymovsko area of the Ore Mountains, is analyzed for its potential inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The study highlights that effective preservation and interpretation of this heritage—ranging from industrial structures to intangible values—can reflect historical, architectural, political, or ideological contexts, significantly influencing its role in tourism and public perception. By examining different types of mining heritage and their transformations, the research provides a framework for identifying, managing, and presenting these sites to ensure their long-term conservation while balancing educational, cultural, and economic needs.

Appropriate participatory food waste management in the World Heritage Site, the Historic City of Ayutthaya

Historic City of Ayutthaya — 2017 — WHE6A2EE5F41A

A participatory food waste management strategy for the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Historic City of Ayutthaya, demonstrated that converting domestic food waste into bio-extract or bio-fertilizer is an effective approach to improve waste separation and urban environment. The study, employing quantitative methods and Participatory Action Research (PAR), found that while 87.2% of participants separated recyclable garbage, only 72.2% separated food waste due to attitudes toward waste management. PAR revealed that producing bio-fertilizer from food waste could enhance community engagement in waste separation, offering a sustainable solution for preserving Ayutthaya's heritage status by addressing waste-related image concerns.

Aquatic and semiaquatic Heteroptera (Nepomorpha and Gerromorpha) fauna of Greek holiday islands (Rhodes, Crete and Corfu) with first records of three species from Europe and Greece

Old Town of Corfu — 2017 — WHEACCE5FBA77

A groundbreaking survey of aquatic and semiaquatic bugs (Heteroptera: Nepomorpha and Gerromorpha) across three Greek islands—Rhodes, Crete, and Corfu—revealed the first European records for two species: Rhagovelia infernalis africana and Velia mariae, expanding their known distribution. Additionally, Gerris asper, a common European species, was documented in Greece for the first time. The study, spanning 237 localities from 2007 to 2010, also provided new occurrence data for endemic taxa, including Sigara nigrolineata mendax and Velia rhadamantha rhadamantha, while noting the rarity of Ilyocoris cimicoides jonicus in Corfu. This research contributes critical insights into the biodiversity and distribution of these insects across Greece.

Arab-Norman Heritage: State of Knowledge and New Actions and Innovative Proposal

Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale — 2017 — WHE695A7A5BAF

A groundbreaking approach to preserving and enhancing UNESCO-listed Arab-Norman heritage sites in Palermo, Cefalú, and Monreale has emerged from ongoing research. This study introduces an innovative data bank that integrates geo-referenced systems with virtual itineraries, enabling periodic updates and comprehensive documentation while addressing conservation needs. By focusing on the authentication of material-constructive values and strategic reconstruction, the research proposes a model for conscious heritage management. It also advocates for targeted communication strategies using advanced means to attract users and ensure coherent future interventions. This methodology bridges traditional conservation practices with modern technological solutions, setting a new standard for the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.

Archaeoacoustic Analysis in Enclosure D at Göbekli Tepe in South Anatolia, Turkey

Göbekli Tepe — 2017 — WHEC26893B3CC

A groundbreaking archaeoacoustic analysis at Göbekli Tepe, one of the world's oldest archaeological sites (dated to 9600 BCE), reveals that a central pillar in Enclosure D may function as part of a sophisticated mechanism generating vibrations and magnetic fields capable of influencing the brain. This discovery challenges assumptions about the technological sophistication of the civilization that built these structures. Researchers recorded subsurface vibrations, magnetic fields, and sounds produced by striking the pillar to uncover these properties, which mirror those found in other sacred European sites. However, the study's preliminary nature and logistical constraints—including the recent passing of Göbekli Tepe's discoverer and geopolitical challenges—hinder further investigation. Confirmation of these findings awaits future research efforts.

Archaeological investigations at Trader's Cave, Niah National Park: Report on the First (2017) Field Season

The Archaeological Heritage of Niah National Park’s Caves Complex — 2017 — WHE2FDBCF1EBE

Archaeological investigations at Trader's Cave, Niah National Park, have contributed to the understanding of late Pleistocene-late Holocene prehistory in insular Southeast Asia (iSEA). The study builds on the historical significance of the Niah Great Cave Complex, particularly the 'Deep Skull' discovered in 1958. While recent re-dating of Anatomically Modern Humans (AMH) at Lida Ajder in Sumatra has challenged its status as the earliest evidence, the Deep Skull remains a pivotal discovery for regional prehistory. The research employed direct uranium series analysis and Bayesian modeling to date skull fragments, placing them within the range of 35.2+2.6 ka or c39-30 ka (at 94.5 per cent probability). This study underscores the enduring importance of Trader's Cave in advancing our knowledge of human occupation and cultural evolution in the region.

Archaeological Textile Findings of 17th – 18th Centuries from the Quarter of the Novodevichy Convent in Moscow. Attribution and Reconstruction

Ensemble of the Novodevichy Convent — 2017 — WHE607BDEB488

Archaeological excavations at the Novodevichy Convent in Moscow uncovered rare textile fragments dating from the 17th to 18th centuries, offering new insights into the material culture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study successfully attributed and reconstructed these textiles using advanced analytical techniques, revealing details about their production, use, and historical context. This research contributes significantly to understanding the daily life, craftsmanship, and preservation practices of the convent's inhabitants during a pivotal period in Russian history.

Archaeology, Epigraphy, Philology

Umm Al-Jimāl — 2017 — WHEE5F8CC97B3

Research at Umm Al-Jimāl, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Jordan, reveals complex and interconnected forms of cairn burial practices spanning millennia. Excavations in the Jebel Qurma region demonstrate that Early Bronze Age cemeteries were later replaced by tower tombs and conical ring cairns during the Hellenistic and Byzantine periods, with recurring reuse of tombs indicating their enduring significance for both the deceased and living communities. Additionally, Umm el-Jimal's architecture, including pioneering water systems and densely packed churches, suggests its role as a key hub for hospitality along historic trade routes from Petra to Damascus. The study combines archaeology, epigraphy, and philology to uncover these insights.

Archaeoseismological Damage Patterns at the Ancient Ruins at Rehovot-ba-Negev, Israel

Incense Route - Desert Cities in the Negev — 2017 — WHE3CF5ADFA97

A study of ancient ruins at Rehovot-ba-Negev, Israel, reveals evidence of seismic destruction from at least four earthquakes dating back to the 5th century A.D. through the 20th century. Features such as tilted walls, collapsed arches, and wall fissures indicate strong seismic activity with local intensities ranging from VIII to IX on the Mercalli scale. Post-earthquake repairs, including supporting walls and columns, further corroborate these findings. This research aligns with previous studies in nearby Negev desert cities, confirming the region's seismic instability along the Dead Sea transform fault, where strong earthquakes occur approximately every few hundred years.