Old City of Acre
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Acre Arabic, spoken by locals in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Acre, exhibits unique linguistic features that reflect the city's complex history. Unlike Palestinian Arabic, some characteristics align with Syrian and Egyptian dialects, suggesting historical influences from these regions. The study, based on interviews conducted in 2016–17, particularly with older residents, identifies distinctive phonological, morphological, and syntactical traits. These findings offer insights into Acre's linguistic evolution, shaped by its strategic location and cultural exchanges over centuries.
Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China
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2022 —
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A study in Quanzhou, China, reveals that household tap water contains significant levels of phthalate esters (PAEs), with diisobutylphthaate (DIBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) being the most abundant congeners. The research analyzed 300 tap water samples from urban and suburban areas, finding that PAE concentrations varied seasonally and were influenced by factors such as distance from water treatment plants, pipeline materials, and storage time. While DEP and DBP posed no noncarcinogenic risk to adults or children, DEHP showed potential health risks, warranting further attention. The study suggests that PAEs primarily originate from raw water sources, though this requires deeper investigation.
Lut Desert
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Aeolian sediment fluxes in the Lut Desert, Iran, demonstrate remarkable consistency over vastly different time scales—from decades to millions of years. The study quantifies long-term erosion and deposition, revealing sediment discharges (10^5–10^6 m³/yr) that align with short- and medium-term estimates derived from wind data and dune dynamics. By mapping modern sandflows, the research establishes a comprehensive source-to-sink framework for aeolian systems, constrained by the joint development of erosional landforms like mega-yardangs and depositional features such as giant dunes. This work highlights the geomorphic controls of wind-driven processes in arid landscapes, offering insights into mass exchanges between continents and the atmosphere.
Namib Sand Sea
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A significant contribution of South African dust to high southern latitudes and East Antarctica during interglacial stages has been identified, challenging previous assumptions about the region's role in the Southern Hemisphere dust cycle. This discovery was made through a comprehensive geochemical analysis of sediments from major dust-producing areas along the Namibian coast, including the Kuiseb, Omaruru, Huab river catchments, and the Namib Sand Sea. The study utilized radiogenic isotope ratios and rare earth element concentrations to trace the dust's origin and pathway. Notably, the Southern African dust signature was found in archives of the Southern Ocean's Atlantic sector and peripheral areas of East Antarctica, particularly during warm periods. This finding underscores the importance of considering underappreciated source regions in understanding global climate dynamics.
Pantanal Conservation Area
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In 2020, the Pantanal Conservation Area experienced unprecedented biomass burning, with fire counts up to three times higher than the previous 17 years (2003–2019), resulting in a significant regional smoke plume. This plume, covering approximately 2.6 million km² at its peak, surpassed recent years but was smaller than historical extremes like 2007 and 2010. Notably, smoke loading in 2020 exceeded that typically observed over Amazonia, indicating local burning dominance. The study, which analyzed fire counts and aerosol optical depth (AOD), found a mean AOD of ~0.7 at 550 nm, lower than previous extreme years but sufficient to cause a surface solar radiation deficit of up to 200 W m⁻² in October. The research highlights the impact of climate extremes and weak environmental enforcement on fire-prone ecosystems, offering insights for future conservation strategies.
Macquarie Island
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A year-long study on Macquarie Island revealed that precipitation, primarily composed of small particles, occurred 44% of the time between April 2016 and March 2017. The research combined surface measurements from disdrometers, radars, and tipping buckets with CloudSat satellite data to analyze precipitation types and their characteristics. Key findings included the identification of distinct patterns in ice, mixed-phase, and rain precipitation, linked to the island's position relative to cyclonic low-pressure systems. Ice and mixed-phase precipitation were more common when Macquarie Island was northwest of these systems, while rain was frequent when southeast of them. Additionally, a weak diurnal cycle was observed, with higher frequencies between 03:00 and 06:00 local time. The study also noted that CloudSat overestimated total liquid precipitation and mixed-phase occurrences but accurately captured rain rates above 0.5 mm/hr.
Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus
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2022 —
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Recent advances in archaeological research have significantly enhanced our understanding of past cultural pathways in the Tadrart Acacus massif and surrounding regions of southwestern Libya. This central Saharan area, characterized by its unique physiographic units and dynamic climate history marked by Holocene wet-dry oscillations, has emerged as a pivotal site for studying Saharan hunter-gatherer cultures. Despite challenges posed by the Arab Spring, novel approaches have revealed critical insights into the region's complex environmental and cultural evolution. The study integrates current environmental features with paleoclimatic data to reconstruct past human adaptations in this equidistant zone between the Mediterranean and Sahel belts.
Historical Centre of the City of Yaroslavl
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The Yaroslavl District Court, established in 1866 as part of the judicial reform of that year, symbolized power through its architectural representation. Initially housed in a classical-style building on Andropov Street, it later moved to the prestigious Government House on Ilyinskaya Square—a landmark from the 'golden decade' of Melgunovskaya. This study traces the court's historical addresses and their significance within Yaroslavl’s administrative landscape, noting its proximity to other provincial institutions. The research underscores the need for restoring the northern corps of the Government House, a UNESCO-listed site, as part of Yaroslavl’s cultural heritage, especially with plans to relocate the regional court there.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2022 —
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A study using Sentinel-1 satellite data and PSInSAR techniques identified 27 previously undetected landslides or delta subsidence sites within a vast, rapidly deglaciating region encompassing Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. These hazards were categorized into slow-moving landslides on steep slopes (both near and far from glaciers) and subsiding glacial outwash fan deltas, with movement velocities ranging from 0.5 to 6 cm/year. While no acceleration was detected, suggesting no imminent rapid failure, the findings underscore the need for continued remote monitoring. The research highlights the potential of combining InSAR data with other datasets—such as lidar-derived bedrock maps and field observations—to create susceptibility maps for landslides, aiding in forecasting risks from both earthquakes and climate change.
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
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A spatial analysis reveals that rapid development and increased tourism in Belize are significantly altering the environmental conditions of the second-largest barrier reef system, with detrimental effects on endangered and invasive fish species. The study integrates species abundance data, sighting records, and environmental threat assessments to identify correlations between human activities—such as sedimentation from construction, overfishing, and maritime traffic—and changes in fish populations. Findings suggest that these factors are contributing to reef degradation, posing risks to the ecological balance of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
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Wild mammalian herbivore group sizes in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Tanzania, exhibit significant seasonal and spatial variation. During the dry season, larger groups were observed further from streams but closer to human settlements, while wet-season group sizes remained stable relative to streams but increased with distance from the NCA crater. Livestock presence did not directly influence group size, but interactions between rainfall seasonality, proximity to the crater, streams, and human settlements did. These findings underscore the NCA crater's critical role as a resource area for species like wildebeest and zebra during dry periods, emphasizing its importance in maintaining ecosystem health within this Man and Biosphere reserve.
Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô
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A study of the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau, reveals significant spatial and seasonal variation in macrozoobenthic density, biomass, and community composition, with mean densities of 1871 ± 58.3 ind.m-2 and biomass of 5.65 ± 0.41 g AFDM.m-2. The research identified ca. 88 taxa across six intertidal flats in three islands, highlighting a highly species-rich community. Notably, density increased towards the end of the dry season (March and April), while community composition varied significantly between sites, with Adonga showing low diversity and high abundance of bivalve species, contrasting with the more diverse and similar communities of Anrumai and Abu. These findings provide a crucial baseline for understanding this tropical intertidal ecosystem's dynamics and its role in supporting migratory shorebirds and benthic fish nurseries.
Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries
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A recent study reveals that human activities significantly influence the spatial and temporal habitat use of tiger prey species, with notable differences between two protected areas in Thailand's Southern Western Forest Complex (sWEFCOM). The research, conducted through camera trapping surveys from 2019 to 2020 in Khuean Srinagarindra National Park and Salakphra Wildlife Sanctuary, found that unsustainable resource use practices, particularly those linked to human presence, are shifting the habitat preferences of key prey species. This shift poses a critical challenge for tiger recovery, as it disrupts the ecological balance essential for their persistence. The study underscores the urgent need for enhanced conservation law enforcement and community engagement in adjacent villages to mitigate these impacts and support the recovery of both prey populations and tigers.
Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes
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A new analysis of the Casas Grandes tradition, based on data from northeastern Sonora, challenges traditional narratives of its spatial and temporal limits. Unlike the widely accepted model of a dramatic collapse during the Medio period (AD 1200–1450/1500), this study reveals a pattern of cultural continuity in the Fronteras Valley, where sedentary farmers maintained occupation from the eleventh century through the colonial period. This suggests that immigrant groups introduced Casas Grandes traditions, which persisted unevenly across hinterland regions due to shared religious beliefs and practices. The findings offer an alternative scenario for understanding the resilience and adaptability of this tradition beyond its core area in northwest Chihuahua.
Landscape for Breeding and Training of Ceremonial Carriage Horses at Kladruby nad Labem
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Overtourism manifests unevenly in space and time, necessitating precise identification of affected areas to apply targeted mitigation measures. This study defines the relevant tourist area for overtourism analysis at UNESCO World Heritage Sites Karlštejn and Kladruby nad Labem using a demand-oriented approach. By graphically delineating these zones in ArcGIS Pro and numerically via the Dissolve function, researchers calculated tourism pressure indicators, revealing significant overtourism impacts at Karlštejn compared to other affected destinations. The findings underscore the importance of spatially explicit analysis for effective management strategies.
Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
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Exhibitions on cultural heritage benefit from strategic spatial design that enhances educational quality through subconscious viewer engagement. Key factors include site context, authenticity, narrative-driven scenarios, and atmospheric 'warm-up' and 'cool-down' spaces. A comparative analysis of three exhibitions—Hardangervidda National Park (Norway), Kongernes Jelling visitor center (Denmark), and the Scottish National Museum’s Wester Kittochside site—revealed that powerful storytelling and spatial continuity improve interpretive outcomes. These findings guide professionals in crafting exhibition spaces that blend architectural form with informative content, aligning with broader trends toward immersive heritage presentation.
Shahr-i Sokhta
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A groundbreaking analysis of Shahr-i Sokhta's architecture reveals how spatial configuration and social organization evolved over time, with distinct patterns observed in Building 1 (II and III Periods) and Building 20 (IV Period). The study employs Space Syntax—a method that quantifies movement and connectivity within built environments—to demonstrate that these structures reflect shifting social hierarchies and functional roles. Notably, the findings suggest that earlier periods emphasized centralized control, while later designs allowed for greater decentralization and interaction, potentially indicating changes in governance or community dynamics.
Fanjingshan
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Soil bacterial diversity and enzyme activity in Fanjingshan, China, exhibit significant spatial heterogeneity along an altitude gradient. Research reveals that soil pH, which decreases with increasing altitude, is strongly correlated with both enzyme activity and bacterial community structure, particularly at altitudes below 900 meters. Enzyme activities such as sucrase, catalase, urease, and acid phosphatase peak at different altitude ranges, indicating complex interactions between altitude, soil chemistry, and microbial processes. The study provides insights into the spatial succession of soil in subtropical mountain ecosystems, offering a deeper understanding of how altitude influences microbial populations and soil enzyme dynamics.
Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata
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Significant socio-economic differentiation existed at Dakhlet el Atrouss I, the largest site of the Tichitt Tradition in southeastern Mauritania. This finding challenges previous assumptions about limited complexity in the region by applying Lorenz Curves and Gini Coefficients—a first for African prehistory—to analyze compound size variation. The study reveals a multi-tiered settlement hierarchy with nearly 600 compounds, suggesting substantial wealth disparity despite minimal evidence of imported prestige goods. Using econometric methods and spatial analyses, researchers demonstrated that the site's intricate layout and monumental funerary architecture reflect complex agropastoral economies centered on pearl millet cultivation and livestock-raising.
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
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Approximately half of Sri Lanka shows strong trends in rainfall seasonality, with 61% of the country experiencing a decreasing trend. This finding is significant for agricultural planning and water resource management. The study used the seasonality index (SI) to analyze rainfall data from 39 stations over 29 years, identifying distinct rainfall regimes such as 'equable with a definite wetter season' in the southwest and central highlands, and 'markedly seasonal with a long drier season' in the east and north. Non-parametric Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s slope were applied to detect temporal changes in SI, revealing notable variability across regions.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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A significant trade-off exists between restoring degraded Cerrado pastures and agricultural expansion, with 16 million hectares of land suitable for agriculture also being critical for ecosystem service recovery and biodiversity. This study modeled seven restoration scenarios across the biome to evaluate conflicts between conservation priorities—such as biodiversity, water-related services, carbon stock, and agricultural suitability—and found that local-scale planning can mitigate these trade-offs by addressing regional heterogeneity. The findings highlight the need for nuanced policy approaches to balance large-scale restoration goals with agricultural demands in this globally important savanna.
The Great Wall
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Research on the Ming Great Wall reveals that intangible cultural heritage (ICH) forms a distinct spatial pattern of 'three cores and one belt,' with high-density areas concentrated in Beijing, Liaoning, northern Ningxia, and southwestern Inner Mongolia. This distribution is influenced by natural, economic, and social factors. The study also found that ICH, particularly folk art, is predominantly distributed from southwest to northeast along the Great Wall. Suitability analysis indicated higher suitability for heritage corridors in eastern regions like Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and Liaoning, while western areas such as Gansu, Ningxia, and northern Inner Mongolia showed lower suitability. The research used kernel density estimation, standard deviation ellipse analysis, and minimal cumulative resistance (MCR) method with multifactor spatial superposition to explore these patterns. It concludes with recommendations for the appropriate development of heritage corridors at macro and meso levels.
The Grand Canal
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Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) along China's Grand Canal exhibits significant spatial variation, primarily concentrated at the northern and southern ends. Socioeconomic factors influence ICH distribution, but local geographic environments also play a crucial role in its formation and development. The study employed GIS spatial analysis and geodetector statistical methods to analyze ICH variations across different categories and identify influencing factors. These findings provide valuable insights for systematic regeneration and utilization of ICH resources along the Grand Canal.
Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas
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2022 —
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Human-wildlife conflicts (HWC) in Mt. Gaoligong, part of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, show distinct spatial-temporal patterns influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors. Research reveals that HWC are more frequent near protected areas but less common in densely populated regions, with forest and cropland landscapes being critical for Asiatic black bear conflicts, while shrubs play a significant role for rhesus monkeys. Over the decade from 2012 to 2021, HWC involving wild boars and rhesus monkeys intensified, whereas those involving Asiatic black bears slightly declined. The study highlights seasonal peaks in conflicts during August-October and advocates for integrated strategies combining compensation, prevention, and conservation awareness to mitigate these challenges.
Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China
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China's World Heritage Sites exhibit significant local spatial clustering, predominantly in the east-central regions, with hotspots concentrated in these areas. Despite global spatial correlation being insignificant, accessibility is notably high, with 63.18% of sites reachable within one hour from city centers and an average travel time of just 1.03 hours locally. Nationally, the average time cost to reach a heritage site stands at 25.51 hours, with central plains regions offering very high accessibility (under 15 hours), while western and northeastern areas face significant limitations. This pattern suggests strong potential for heritage tourism development, which could boost local economies while prioritizing conservation efforts.
Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura
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Airbnb listings in Rome, one of the world's top tourist destinations, show significant spatio-temporal variations linked to socioeconomic factors. The study reveals that while Airbnb supply increased steadily from 2014 to 2019, it declined sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for shared accommodations. Listings are more concentrated in Rome's historic center and coastal areas, correlating with higher average income, empty apartments, single residents, and foreign nationals from high-income countries. The research uses quantitative methods, including spatial regression models (spatial lag and error), to analyze data from Inside Airbnb and Tomslee, highlighting the growing monoculture of short-term rentals in central areas.
Xinjiang Tianshan
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A comprehensive analysis of the Tianshan Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Xinjiang, reveals that while habitat quality and carbon storage have remained stable over two decades, soil retention and water yield exhibit significant fluctuations. The study, conducted using InVEST and RUSLE models, highlights spatial synergies and trade-offs in ecosystem services (ESs), with hotspots covering 73% of the region, predominantly at middle to high altitudes. Land-use changes are the primary driver for habitat quality and carbon storage, whereas water yield is strongly influenced by annual precipitation. These findings offer critical insights for policymakers aiming to enhance ecosystem conservation and management in arid regions.
Nyungwe National Park
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Afrotropical montane bird communities exhibit significant spatial and temporal structuring along elevational gradients, with high-elevation assemblages showing fewer species compared to lower and middle elevations. Despite the absence of geographic barriers, regional differences in species composition and richness were observed in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda. The study, conducted between 2001 and 2011, found overall stability in species richness but noted season-specific trends, such as a wet-season increase in high-elevation richness, suggesting upslope shifts for low and middle elevation species. These findings underscore the need for protected areas that encompass full geographic and elevational gradients to effectively conserve Afromontane bird communities, particularly in the face of anthropogenic threats.
Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula
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A new study reveals that trapeze industries, characterized by distinctive lithic tools, emerged rapidly in the Late Mesolithic of the Iberian Peninsula between 8600-8400 cal BP. The research, based on a comprehensive analysis of lithic assemblages and radiocarbon dates, demonstrates that these technologies spread from the Western Pyrenees along a northeast-southwest gradient, reaching Central Portugal by approximately 8300 cal BP. This rapid diffusion suggests social diffusion within existing Mesolithic socio-spatial structures rather than external Neolithization processes as the primary driving mechanism. The findings challenge traditional techno-typological models and provide insights into the dynamics of technological spread during this period.
Xinjiang Tianshan
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Water-use efficiency (WUE) in the Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang, China, has shown a decreasing trend from 2000 to 2020, primarily due to an increase in evapotranspiration (ET). Despite fluctuations, annual net primary productivity (NPP) and ET both increased over this period. The study found significant spatial heterogeneity in WUE, with temperature and wind speed positively influencing WUE in the middle and eastern regions, while precipitation enhanced WUE, particularly on the northern slope. Drought, as indicated by the temperature vegetation drought index (TVDI), also significantly impacted ecosystem WUE, with strong correlations observed between WUE and TVDI. These findings provide critical insights for water resource management and sustainable utilization in the region.
Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex
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A study examining the species composition of aquatic (Nepomorpha) and semiaquatic (Gerromorpha) Heteroptera in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand, found no significant difference in species richness between protected and unprotected sites across multiple sampling events. While Nepomorpha families were more diverse, Gerromorpha exhibited higher species richness. The research used both quantitative and qualitative sampling methods over seven events from November 2018 to June 2020. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) analysis revealed unclear patterns in species composition between protected and unprotected sites, suggesting that these Heteroptera may not serve as reliable bioindicators for habitat quality without further data on water physiochemistry and stream physical characteristics.
Western Tien-Shan
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A comprehensive revision of herbarium collections reveals that <em>Salvia korolkowii</em>, a narrow endemic plant species, is now recognized as the sole member of its newly established section <em>S. sect. Odontochilus</em>. This taxonomic and phylogenetic isolation underscores its unique evolutionary position within the Lamiaceae family. The study confirms <em>S. korolkowii</em>'s presence in Uzbekistan, with additional records from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, previously considered questionable. Its conservation status is reassessed as Vulnerable (VU) due to severe habitat degradation and population decline, primarily driven by the destruction of its variegated outcrop habitats at lower elevations. The research highlights the critical role of thorough herbarium revisions in Central Asia for accurate species distribution mapping and effective conservation strategies.
Mount Wuyi
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A study on the Wuyi Mountains, China, reveals that species diversity positively correlates with aboveground biomass (AGB) but not with productivity in subtropical broadleaf forests. Researchers analyzed large-, medium-, and small-scale forest dynamics plots using species richness, Shannon–Wiener index, and Pielou index, along with generalized linear regression models. The findings suggest that while species diversity enhances AGB, productivity is more influenced by abiotic factors like elevation. This insight challenges the assumption that biodiversity alone drives ecosystem functioning and provides a foundation for protecting evergreen broadleaf forests (EBLFs) in subtropical regions. The results also offer guidance for artificial forest construction and vegetation restoration.
Laurisilva of Madeira
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Island insectivorous bats exhibit species-specific and scale-dependent responses to human-induced land-use changes, with activity patterns varying significantly across different habitats. A large-scale bioacoustic survey on Madeira revealed that Pipistrellus maderensis thrives in shrublands, croplands, and Laurisilva (primary forest), while Nyctalus leisleri verrucosus and Plecotus austriacus show negative associations with these land-use types. Additionally, altitude negatively influenced the activity of N. leisleri verrucosus and P. austriacus. This study highlights the potential of low-cost autonomous sensors for island-wide bat surveys and underscores the importance of habitat-specific conservation strategies to mitigate threats posed by anthropogenic pressures.
Kaziranga National Park
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National Highway 715 (new) in Assam, India, poses a significant threat to wildlife, with roadkill mortality peaking during monsoon seasons. A study conducted from October 2016 to September 2017 identified 6036 individual roadkills across 53 species, highlighting herpetofauna as the most affected group. The research found that 38.27% of mortalities occurred during monsoon months (July and August), with amphibian fatalities reaching 43.28%. This study underscores the severe impact of roads on biodiversity within protected areas like Kaziranga National Park, emphasizing the need for mitigation strategies to ensure sustainable coexistence between wildlife and infrastructure development.
Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve
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Wrangel Island hosts a unique spider fauna with significant Arctic and arctic-alpine/montane distribution patterns. The study identifies 20 species (35% of the total) found exclusively on Wrangel Island, highlighting its role as a biodiversity hotspot in the High Arctic. These species are predominantly associated with areas offering favorable mesoclimatic conditions. The research also reveals that the island's spider fauna is characterized by longitudinal and latitudinal influences, with Siberian-Nearctic (39%) and Siberian (30%) species dominating, alongside a high proportion of arctic and arctic-alpine/montane species (81%). This study contributes to our understanding of the island's ecological significance and the distribution patterns of its spider species.
Papahānaumokuākea
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Research demonstrates that the world's largest fully protected marine protected area (MPA), Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, provides measurable spillover benefits for migratory tuna species. Specifically, catch rates for yellowfin and bigeye tuna increased significantly near the MPA following its expansion in 2016, compared to areas farther from it. This finding challenges skepticism about MPAs' ability to support fishery spillover benefits, often attributed to their small size relative to migratory species' ranges. The study analyzed independent fishery observer data for individual vessels, comparing catch rates before and after the MPA's expansion. These results underscore the potential for large-scale, fully protected areas to enhance fisheries sustainability by supporting migratory fish populations.
Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China
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Quanzhou, during the Song-Yuan period (960–1368 CE), emerged as a global hub of trade and cultural exchange, distinguished by its remarkable diversity and tolerance. This open-access study reveals how these attributes fostered innovation, underpinning Quanzhou's economic prosperity. The research employs historical analysis, archaeological evidence, and comparative studies to dissect the city's cosmopolitan identity, its role in maritime Silk Road networks, and the syncretic influences that shaped its urban landscape. By integrating multidisciplinary approaches—ranging from material culture studies to textual records—the study reconstructs Quanzhou's dynamic past, highlighting its enduring legacy as a symbol of cross-cultural interaction in East Asia.
Caliphate City of Medina Azahara
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A striking absence of Roman and Late-antique spolia in the construction of the Umayyad mosque at Madinat al-Zahra' contrasts with their widespread use in other Umayyad mosques, such as Córdoba's Friday Mosque. While spolia were typically employed for aesthetic, religious, ideological, or political reasons, the capitals designed for Madinat al-Zahra's prayer room exhibit unique characteristics resembling Visigothic models and suggest a rushed production process. This study synthesizes existing research on Umayyad mosque construction using spolia and proposes new interpretations for these distinctive capitals, offering insights into their cultural and historical significance.
Bardejov Town Conservation Reserve
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A study of medieval Bardejov reveals that conflicts over honor and dishonor were prevalent among town citizens, guild members, and clerics, often escalating from slander to violence. Preserved 'threatening letters' provide unique insights into the strategies used by conflicting parties, including town authorities, to issue warnings and state intentions of harm. The research combines analysis of legal sources with judicial practice to explore the role of violence in everyday life and the tactics employed by authorities to mitigate conflicts. This dual approach offers a nuanced understanding of crime dynamics and authority responses in late medieval urban settings.
Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards
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A collection of medieval stećak tombstones, housed at the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been cataloged and documented with individual descriptions and photographs. These tombstones, recognized as movable property by the Commission to Preserve National Monuments in 2019, represent a significant cultural heritage. The study provides a historical overview of their development and contributes to the preservation efforts of these unique medieval monuments.
Pyu Ancient Cities
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The Sri Ksetra Museum Collection Inventory highlights the cultural and historical significance of the Pyu Ancient Cities, which were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2014. These cities, including Halin, Beikthano, and Sri Ksetra, represent a pivotal transition from Bronze-Iron Age chiefdoms to early Buddhist kingdoms in mainland Southeast Asia, spanning over a thousand years (B.C 200 to A.D 900). The study focuses on the Sri Ksetra Archaeological Museum's collection of approximately 265 artifacts, which include burial urns with Pyu inscriptions, Buddha images, Brahmanical statues, terracotta votive tablets, and other significant objects from the Pyu period. This inventory underscores the unique artistic and iconographic developments of the Pyu civilization, blending Indian traditions with distinct local characteristics in their craftsmanship, particularly evident in beads, ritual pottery, and architectural designs. The research provides a comprehensive overview of the cultural heritage preserved at Sri Ksetra, offering insights into the regional exchange and religious practices of the Pyu Kingdoms.
Lake Turkana National Parks
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A new stable isotope analysis of modern and fossil carnivores from the Turkana Basin, Kenya, reveals that fossil assemblages are temporally mixed, reflecting two distinct climatic regimes. The study found that carbon isotopes in carnivore enamel correlate with woody cover, while oxygen isotopes reflect meteoric water sources influenced by rainfall patterns over the Ethiopian Highlands. Fossil data indicates a shift from freshwater to hyperalkaline conditions in Lake Turkana, suggesting precession-driven rainfall extremes. This challenges traditional interpretations of environmental signals and community palaeoecology in the region, including those related to early hominins.
Incense Route - Desert Cities in the Negev
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The Negev region, southern Israel, witnessed significant urbanization during the Roman and Byzantine periods (1st–7th century CE), primarily under Nabataean influence. This study highlights the strategic role of stables in the region, particularly along the Incense Road—a key trade route connecting Petra to Gaza. The research reveals that these structures were integral to the Nabataeans' logistical network, facilitating commerce and control over movement between desert cities and coastal ports. By analyzing architectural and archaeological evidence, the study provides insights into the organization of trade routes and urban planning in this historically pivotal region.
Medina of Tunis
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Public art projects in the Medina of Tunis, while aiming to empower marginalized communities through participatory methods and social media visibility, paradoxically obscure diverse local lifestyles and imaginaries. This contradiction stems from the reliance on foreign development funding post-2011 Arab Spring, which frames global neoliberal interests as locally driven. Despite efforts to improve residents' material conditions—referred to as 'mirtah' (comfort)—significant advancements remain elusive. The study highlights the tension between public art's role in nation-building and its entanglement with external funding agendas.
Putorana Plateau
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Recent climate improvements have significantly boosted tree growth and establishment at the forest-tundra transition on Russia's Putorana Plateau, leading to a substantial accumulation of aboveground biomass. Over the 20th century, stand biomass increased exponentially, with 621–748 tons per km of treeline length added due to warmer early summers and increased winter precipitation. While regional biomass patterns are primarily shaped by species composition—dictated by macroclimatic factors like continentality and snowpack depth—the study reveals that recent biomass dynamics are driven by climatic improvements, highlighting the complex interplay between species adaptation and environmental change in subarctic ecosystems.
Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan
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2022 —
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A pioneering analysis of starch granules from dental calculus reveals new insights into the diet and subsistence practices of the Epi-Jomon population (ca. 350 BCE–350 CE) in Hokkaido, Japan. The study identified five distinct types of starch granules, suggesting consumption of acorns, nuts, bulb or tuber plants, and possibly rice. While individual dietary diversity remains challenging to pinpoint, the findings highlight potential food sources and cultural interactions between hunting-gathering-fishing societies and agrarian communities. This is the first comprehensive examination of how plant microremains in dental calculus reflect Epi-Jomon plant-based diets, offering critical evidence for reconstructing subsistence patterns and cultural exchanges during this period.
Works of Antoni Gaudí
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2022 —
WHE2BA5EB7630
A key insight into Antoni Gaudí's innovative use of ceramic in his early works (1884–1887) reveals that his decorative technique, known as <em>trencadís</em>, was inspired by Arabic-Andalusi (Mudejar) architecture but transformed through fragmentation. This study identifies the Güell Stables and Porterhouse in Les Corts as pivotal constructions where Gaudí adapted ceramic embedding to create a distinct visual contrast with brick and stone, foreshadowing his later iconic designs like Casa Batlló's façade and Park Güell's dragon-balustrade. The research examines how Gaudí's reinterpretation of Mudejar techniques—breaking ceramics into irregular shapes (<em>trencadís</em>)—became a signature element of his ornamental style, bridging traditional Islamic influences with modernist innovation.
Dja Faunal Reserve
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2022 —
WHE5E5C0DD024
A comprehensive camera-trap survey of the Dja Faunal Reserve, Cameroon’s largest protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals critical insights into the status and ecology of its forest ungulates. The study recorded 30,601 independent detections of 12 species over 28,277 camera-trap days, with blue and Peters’ duikers being the most abundant, accounting for 82% of all detections and occupying over 85% of survey grids. This suggests ecological partitioning among these species based on activity patterns and body size. However, other species like sitatunga, forest buffalo, and bongo were rarely detected, indicating potential threats to their populations. The reserve faces significant pressures from illegal hunting, both subsistence and commercial, which could jeopardize its biodiversity and World Heritage status. Community surveillance and improved law enforcement are being implemented to mitigate these threats.
Lakes of Ounianga
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2022 —
WHE52E7332AB9
Researchers have identified and described a new species of diatom, Staurophora ouniangaensis, from the saline waters of the Ounianga Lakes in Chad's Sahara. This discovery, based on detailed microscopic observations, highlights the unique morphological traits of the species, including its valve outline and slightly twisted frustules. The study also distinguishes it from a similar species, Cymbella obtusa, by its finer stria density. Notably, Staurophora ouniangaensis supports the preference of this genus for inland saline environments, as it thrives in mesosaline to hypersaline waters within these lakes.
