Historic Centre of Zacatecas
—
2021 —
WHEC2480BAF6C
Research on the Historic Centre of Zacatecas, Mexico, reveals that its symbolic landscape is shaped by distinct natural and cultural components, each contributing uniquely to the city's identity. Through a comparative analysis of photographs and surveys involving visitors, locals, merchants, and public officials, the study identified key elements that define the center's heritage value. These findings highlight the importance of preserving landscapes not just for their aesthetic or historical significance, but for their deep sociocultural meanings, which vary across different population groups. The research proposes a model for analyzing similar territories, offering insights into how symbolic perceptions can guide conservation efforts in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns
—
2021 —
WHE5B93C980F4
A critical infrastructure gap has been identified in the UNESCO World Heritage Historic Town of Sukhothai, Thailand, with tourists universally citing poor access and walkway conditions as a major concern. This finding, derived from qualitative interviews with 41 foreign visitors using purposive sampling, reveals that issues like ease of movement are perceived negatively across diverse demographic groups, highlighting an urgent need for development to sustain this heritage site's tourism viability.
Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios
—
2021 —
WHE9AFF27C183
A groundbreaking volume, 'Perceptions of the Body and Sacred Space in Late Antiquity and Byzantium,' reveals how Christian views of the body and sacred space were intricately linked through art, architecture, and philosophical discourse. The study demonstrates that the physical body was not merely a temporal entity but a sensory participant in divine beauty, challenging traditional dichotomies between the material and the sacred. Through case studies—including monumental icons, imperial family depictions, and the architectural framing of sacred spaces—the research illustrates how human agency, both physical and metaphysical, defined holiness. Notably, the volume explores the role of liminality as a threshold for encountering the sacred, highlighting the interplay between body and space in early Christian mentalities. This interdisciplinary approach, combining art history, architecture, and philosophy, offers a nuanced understanding of how sacredness was perceived and represented in the Early Mediterranean.
L'viv – the Ensemble of the Historic Centre
—
2021 —
WHE2E97995EB3
A previously unpublished parchment diploma from the chancellery of the Galician Province of the Franciscan-Observant (Bernardines) offers new insights into the writing culture of Catholic monks on Ukrainian lands during the 19th century. The document, housed in Lviv’s Vasyl Stefanyk National Scientific Library, reveals traditional practices such as settling monastic estates under lay care—a necessity due to the mendicant order's prohibition on property ownership. Analyzed using archeography and sigillography, the diploma provides a snapshot of administrative and economic adaptations by Bernardine monasteries under Austrian rule following the 1772 partition of Poland-Lithuania. Comparative studies with additional surviving diplomas could further illuminate shifts in monastic writing culture during this period.
Historic Walled Town of Cuenca
—
2021 —
WHEA36B68F323
A key insight from this study is that visitor motivation serves as an effective criterion for segmenting tourists in Cuenca to tailor services and products more precisely. The research also reveals that tourist satisfaction is closely tied to their motivations, except for 'general satisfiers,' which suggests targeted marketing strategies could enhance visitor experience. To uncover these findings, the study employed two questionnaires to gather data on sociodemographic factors, travel characteristics, and motivations from visitors. Statistical analysis using SPSS further validated these relationships. Additionally, the research highlights the importance of promoting Cuenca through potential source markets and leveraging digital channels, while emphasizing the significance of destination image in attracting tourists.
Keoladeo National Park
—
2021 —
WHE04D931EB17
A near-80% decline in the breeding population of the Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) at Keoladeo National Park, India, over 36 years (1980–2015), was attributed to local water scarcity rather than regional rainfall changes. The study used Multiple Imputation Chained Equation (MICE) to address missing data in long-term census records and Generalised Additive Models (GAMs) to analyze population trends. Findings revealed that local water availability—specifically, a minimum of 200–300 million cubic feet per nesting season—was critical for sustaining the species, with the most severe decline occurring during frequent droughts (2000–2009). Despite slight regional rainfall increases, the population remained below its long-term mean (~726) post-1989, except in three exceptional years. This underscores the vulnerability of near-threatened species to localized hydrological changes.
Old town of Regensburg with Stadtamhof
—
2021 —
WHEC4B2DF1D7C
A study demonstrates the pedagogical potential of two distinct performative strategies—reenactment and public art intervention—to foster dialogue about historical events and contemporary issues. The research found that reenacting a specific historical event, such as the 1941 massacre in Odessa, facilitated focused discussions on individual biographies, while a public performance using nuclear bunker beds in Regensburg's Old Town sparked diverse interpretations among passers-by, addressing themes like comfort, safety, and privacy. Both approaches reveal the challenges and rewards of engaging with strangers, offering new perspectives on the past and present through dialogue.
Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Camino Francés and Routes of Northern Spain
—
2021 —
WHE29B04ABFE0
A three-week pilgrimage along the Camino Francés, one of the most popular routes to Santiago de Compostela, revealed the transformative potential of the journey. The study found that walking 200 miles with nearly 40,000 other pilgrims in June 2016 demanded perseverance, improvisation, forgiveness, and faith, serving as a powerful metaphor for personal growth. Using performative autoethnography, the research traced this journey, highlighting its physical and emotional demands while emphasizing the Camino's role as both a literal path and a symbolic one for living. The findings underscore the Camino's unique capacity to foster transformation through collective and individual experience.
Prambanan Temple Compounds
—
2021 —
WHE79F530DCB9
A study assessing tourist perceptions of the Sapta Pesona program at Candi Ijo, Prambanan, found overwhelmingly positive feedback across key elements. High satisfaction was reported for security (88% agreed), cleanliness (80%), orderliness (80%), beauty and coolness (96%), hospitality (96%), and memorable experiences (88%). The research used qualitative descriptive methods, including questionnaires and interviews with tourists, to evaluate how well the program's elements—security, cleanliness, order, beauty, coolness, friendliness, and memorability—were implemented. These findings suggest that Candi Ijo effectively meets international standards for tourist attractions through the Sapta Pesona framework, enhancing visitor experience and contributing to sustainable tourism practices.
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
—
2021 —
WHE2B704DB90B
In informal settlements of Mexico City, particularly in Xochimilco, three dominant narratives—'formalizing informality,' 'enhancing informality,' and 'greening informality'—shape water scarcity solutions but may hinder effective progress. These narratives, rooted in socially constructed perspectives, influence decisions on grey infrastructure development, water truck delivery systems, and rainwater capture. The study highlights that while each approach offers trade-offs, their implementation is often constrained by persistent societal beliefs, undermining potential solutions to water scarcity in these vulnerable areas.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
—
2021 —
WHEDA76D3EC0E
A study of twenty-two petitions from the Ottoman Imperial Archives reveals how supervisors and local authorities exploited the Abū Madyan waqf in early 20th-century Jerusalem, leading to its gradual disintegration. The analysis highlights systemic mismanagement, embezzlement, and violations of waqf conditions, while also mapping the complex networks between Maghribī residents, mutawallīs, qāḍīs, and Ottoman officials that facilitated property confiscations for personal or collective gain.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
—
2021 —
WHE52CB6BAC96
A groundbreaking analysis reveals that the sarsen stones at Stonehenge, forming its iconic architecture, are highly pure groundwater silcretes with a chemical composition of 99.7% SiO2. Using advanced petrographic, mineralogical, and geochemical techniques on samples from a central trilithon stone (Stone 58), researchers identified distinct quartz cement growth zones and a unique trace element signature linked to Mesozoic host sediments with Mesoproterozoic origins. This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of sarsen stones directly sourced from Stonehenge, confirming that their chemistry is representative of 50 out of 52 remaining sarsens, offering new insights into the geology and provenance of this Late Neolithic monument.
Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945)
—
2021 —
WHE32C2BA66F7
The Holocaust, exemplified by the atrocities at Auschwitz-Birkenau, fundamentally challenges the notion of universal moral unity. This philosophical analysis reveals that the 'species break' of Nazism exposes stark alternatives: the morality of totalitarian regimes versus that of human rights. Strengthening liberal political institutions is critical to historical responsibility and countering contemporary nationalism or neonazism. The study underscores the necessity of redefining moral frameworks in light of such catastrophic events.
Palace and Park of Versailles
—
2021 —
WHEF3D020A85F
A three-year field study at the Palace and Park of Versailles demonstrates that certain phosphate treatments can significantly slow down marble deterioration, offering promising long-term conservation benefits. The research evaluated various phosphate consolidant formulations on naturally weathered marble specimens and a 17th-century sculpture using non-destructive methods such as ultrasounds, color measurement, and water absorption tests, alongside slightly destructive techniques like SEM, FT-IR, MIP, and IC. Results showed that while the treatments did not completely inhibit deterioration, they maintained compatibility with minimal alterations in water absorption and aesthetic appearance, confirming their potential for real-world stone conservation applications.
Historic Centre of Florence
—
2021 —
WHE77FA15864C
Advanced photogrammetric techniques applied to historic black and white analog photographs have unlocked previously inaccessible architectural and archaeological data from the Franciscan Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, Italy. This method, combined with LIDAR scanning, provides new evidence for the virtual reconstruction of the basilica's lost rood screen, a key focus of ongoing PhD research. The study leverages a series of b/w negatives documenting post-1966 Arno River flood excavations (1967–1969), revealing foundational structures crucial to retro-planning the medieval structure. This interdisciplinary approach bridges traditional art-historical methods with cutting-edge computational tools, setting new standards for Digital Art History and offering fresh avenues for scholarly investigation.
Ogasawara Islands
—
2021 —
WHE950C025FEA
A study on the phylogeography of cicadas in the northwestern Pacific region reveals that long-distance dispersal, possibly wind-borne, facilitated the colonization of oceanic islands like the Ogasawara Islands. The research, focusing on the genus Meimuna, shows that genetic divergence among species was larger on continental islands that disconnected from the mainland earlier, aligning with geological history. However, intraspecific genetic differentiation varied between species within the same island region, suggesting ecological characteristics also played a role. The study used phylogenetic analysis, divergence time estimation, and population genetics to uncover these patterns, providing insights into how cicada fauna evolved across different island types.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
—
2021 —
WHE71A8246902
Slope instability in the El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, part of Mexico's Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, is primarily driven by rock alteration and steep terrain. Research reveals that altered rocks exhibit significantly higher porosity (60.9%) and permeability (393.71 mD), with drastically reduced uniaxial compressive strength (0.26 MPa) compared to fresh rocks (17.1% porosity, 0.262 mD permeability, 63.5 MPa). These degradation processes, combined with slopes exceeding 30 degrees and atypical rainfall events, act as critical triggers for slope failures in the region. The study employed laboratory tests to characterize physical-mechanical properties of lower Miocene andesitic lavas from Sierra de Angangueo, providing empirical evidence linking rock alteration to landslide susceptibility in this ecologically significant area.
Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula
—
2021 —
WHED381C110FA
A metabolomics-based study identified five olive cultivars—Racioppella, Guglia, Pizzulella, Oliva amara, and Racioppa—as particularly rich in health-promoting phenolic compounds within the Cilento National Park. The research used NMR spectroscopy to analyze 19 autochthonous cultivars, revealing significant variability in their phytochemical profiles. This suggests potential for metabolic fingerprinting as a tool for cultivar differentiation, though further studies are needed to assess environmental influences on these chemical traits.
Venice and its Lagoon
—
2021 —
WHE93EE6C10C2
A 20-year study of the Venice Lagoon reveals that water quality has improved from 'moderate' to 'good,' aligning with European environmental directives. Researchers analyzed phytoplankton dynamics, finding diatoms and nanoflagellates as dominant groups, while coccolithophorids and dinoflagellates were less prevalent. No significant long-term trends in phytoplankton abundance or composition were detected, but seasonal and inter-annual variability was observed. The multimetric phytoplankton index (MPI), recently adopted by Italy for water quality assessment, proved effective in tracking temporal changes. This study underscores the importance of long-term ecological monitoring in lagoon ecosystems and highlights the MPI's utility in compliance with water framework directives.
Rock Carvings in Tanum
—
2021 —
WHE23C84ABAC8
Scandinavian rock art, particularly at sites like Tanum, has been significantly altered by modern practices aimed at enhancing visitor legibility. This study reveals that the production of graphic representations since the mid-19th century has introduced an interpretative bias favoring mimetic qualities over materiality, leading to widespread red painting of carvings. Such alterations transform the stone's materiality into a visual language aligned with graphic representations, thereby altering the original archaeological remains. The research employs a reflective overview approach, analyzing the recursive relationship between graphic depictions and interpretative practices in archaeology.
The Colonial Transisthmian Route of Panamá
—
2021 —
WHE7148FA9248
A Spanish print from 1748, depicting enslaved Afro-descendant boatmen navigating the Chagres River, reveals the racial ecologies and cosmopolitan culture of these individuals during colonial Panamá. This study shifts focus from the print's Spanish origins to highlight the ecological knowledge and distinct cultural practices of enslaved and free Afro-descendants, challenging traditional art historical narratives that marginalize Central America. By integrating insights from recent scholarship on race, ecology, and colonial Latin American art, this research restores visibility to a region often overlooked in broader studies.
Aachen Cathedral
—
2021 —
WHEFE36F4F998
A lead medallion discovered by a metal detectorist in Tynset, Norway, has been identified as a late medieval pilgrim badge, likely originating from Aachen Cathedral in Germany. The medallion features Christian iconography, including the apocalyptical Mary with Christ and a passion and resurrection scene, which are comparable to known European pilgrim badges. Comparative analysis with Norwegian and European amulets suggests its connection to Aachen, one of Europe's most significant pilgrimage sites during the medieval period. The study also explores how such amulets may have influenced their bearers, potentially offering insights into the religious practices and beliefs of Norwegian pilgrims.
Chavin (Archaeological Site)
—
2021 —
WHE05A9B034EC
Recent research highlights the significant role of primary religious consciousness and cosmogonic worldviews in the development of ancient civilizations, challenging Western trends of marginalization. The study associates the resurgence of religious consciousness with geopolitical dynamics, particularly in the competition for cultural heritage between global powers. By analyzing two ancient centers—Göbekli Tepe and Chavín de Huántar—the research explores ontological cosmogonic perspectivism, revealing its profound influence on societal structures. This perspective not only sheds light on the sacred dimensions of early civilizations but also raises questions about the future trajectory of Western civilization in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
The Persian Garden
—
2021 —
WHE24D2ACF9CF
A cross-cultural study reveals that Persian gardens uniquely foster place attachment through shared history, meanings, and memories, offering long-term residents deep emotional bonds. Unlike modern urban parks, these gardens provide a sense of continuity that helps bi-cultural migrants view places of origin and relocation as interconnected, reducing the disruption of migration. The research used qualitative methods to analyze interactions with two park types, contributing empirical evidence to place attachment theories and advocating for the preservation of culturally rich urban green spaces.
Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra
—
2021 —
WHE6D7258435E
Gjirokastra's urban fabric holds untapped potential for revitalization through strategic placemaking. The study reveals that the city's core contains significant but disconnected green areas, which, when reintegrated into public space, could restore and regenerate original activities, thereby strengthening the city's identity. This finding underscores the importance of accessibility—public spaces must be easily reachable and navigable to be valued and recognized as integral to urban life. The research employs a qualitative approach, combining field observations with interviews to explore how residents perceive their city and its elements. It draws on theoretical frameworks by Lynch, Alexander, and Jacobs to analyze citiescapes, landscapes, and urban components, offering insights into the criteria and experiences that shape placemaking.
Quebrada de Humahuaca
—
2021 —
WHE497A19E33F
A recent study on the Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentinareveals significant socio-environmental risks linked to rapid urbanization and gentrification, particularly in Tilcara. The research highlights how rising tourism and property values have displaced local populations towards peripheral areas with higher geomorfolical hazards. Analyzing data from 2004–2018 on tourism, economic activity, and real estate prices, the study underscores the urgent need for improved housing infrastructure, water management, and diversification of the local economy to reduce dependency on tourism. The findings also stress the necessity for state intervention amid post-pandemic economic challenges.
Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy
—
2021 —
WHEDAFA047E51
A novel system for planned maintenance of architectural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, has been developed through ongoing research since 2015. This study focuses on the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy, a site inscribed in 2003, to create standardized procedures and protocols for conservation. The approach leverages High-Definition Building Information Modeling (HBIM) to organize and manage an easily updatable database, facilitating efficient intervention programs. The research, part of a European-funded project involving Italian and Swiss partners, aims to bridge the gap between 3D survey data and practical maintenance strategies, offering a scalable model for heritage preservation.
Iguaçu National Park
—
2021 —
WHE9BC3D5EF26
A structured, participatory approach to planning for human-wildlife coexistence has been developed, offering a framework that integrates evidence-based decision-making with transdisciplinary collaboration. This model addresses the complexities of human-dominated landscapes by combining conceptual tools, workshop processes, and collaborative research to foster positive interactions between communities and wildlife, such as jaguars in Iguaçu National Park, Brazil. The approach emphasizes equity, justice, and power dynamics while aiming for large-scale coexistence through structured planning, theory-of-change creation, and integration of stakeholders—including researchers, decision-makers, and residents.
Pasargadae
—
2021 —
WHEA42009DB4D
A study on Pasargadae identifies that an offensive/competitive strategy leveraging internal strengths can effectively capitalize on external opportunities for sustainable tourism development. Using SWOT analysis, the research evaluates key factors influencing sustainability in the Pasargad region of Fars, Iran, to guide strategic planning. This approach aims to balance environmental, social, and economic impacts while ensuring long-term growth. The findings highlight the potential of Pasargadae as a model for sustainable tourism, offering actionable insights for planners and researchers.
Mount Taishan
—
2021 —
WHECBF7749398
A digital heritage protection system for Mount Tai's stone inscriptions has been developed, integrating spatial information technologies to address environmental risks and ensure sustainable preservation. The system enables 3D visualization, remote monitoring, and innovative cultural transmission models while improving risk assessment and protective measures. By leveraging digital archiving and modeling, the approach supports both the conservation of these immovable cultural relics and the enhancement of cultural tourism products.
La Grand-Place, Brussels
—
2021 —
WHE8E00D53C37
State actors wield significant agency in urban development by leveraging planning as a critical resource that binds together public and private interests, even in projects marked by uncertainty and conflict. This study compares the CityLife project in Milan and Tour and Taxis in Brussels to demonstrate how planning serves as a 'glue' for development coalitions, though its application varies contextually. In Milan, local administrations prioritized economic and financial imperatives, reflecting a financialized governance approach, while in Brussels, planning was used to rebalance power dynamics among state actors. These divergent outcomes highlight the influence of local governance structures and planning systems on the formation of distinct development regimes—one marked by financialization and another as an experimental entrepreneurial 'laboratory' for testing new governance frameworks.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
—
2021 —
WHE9C24C835F2
Botanic gardens and seed banks, particularly those affiliated with Botanic Gardens Conservation International and the Millennium Seed Bank at Kew, play a pivotal role in conserving plant diversity and addressing global challenges. These institutions leverage living collections and seed banks to support wild plant conservation, agriculture, food security, restoration, and local livelihoods. The study highlights that while both approaches offer distinct advantages, they also have limitations that necessitate additional research, such as cryopreservation for 'exceptional species.' It emphasizes the importance of global networks in sharing data and plant material, enabling integrated conservation efforts that bridge in situ and ex situ strategies.
Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia
—
2021 —
WHEE8F1F699A3
Researchers successfully employed DNA barcoding to identify plant rootlets threatening the Etruscan tombs of Tarquinia, demonstrating its efficacy as a rapid and reliable tool for assessing vegetation risks in underground historical sites. Using four genetic markers (rbcL, matK, nrITS, and psbA-trnH), all 14 root samples were identified at species (92.9%) or genus level (7.01%). Notably, certain eudicotyledons with taproots, such as <em>Echium italicum</em> and <em>Foeniculum vulgare</em>, showed recurrence, suggesting their potential for deeper root penetration. The study underscores the need for expanded reference datasets and further investigations to validate these findings, particularly for meso-Mediterranean perennial herbaceous species. These results highlight the importance of proactive vegetation management in archaeological sites to mitigate mechanical and chemical damage from invasive roots.
Göbekli Tepe
—
2021 —
WHE2AD74B4828
Archaeological research at Göbekli Tepe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest known megalithic structures (9600–8000 BC), reveals that plant food processing was dominated by porridges made from cereals, legumes, and herbs, with beer being a significant beverage. Unlike later Neolithic periods, bread-like foods were less common. The study, based on the largest corpus of grinding and pounding tools (over 7000 objects) from Upper Mesopotamia, used functional analyses—including use-wear and residue studies—to reconstruct food preparation techniques. Findings indicate that cooking occurred near monumental buildings, suggesting feasting alongside daily meals, challenging previous assumptions about subsistence practices in Pre-Pottery Neolithic societies.
Tarnowskie Góry Lead-Silver-Zinc Mine and its Underground Water Management System
—
2021 —
WHE16603CB403
Certain plant species thrive exclusively in areas with high concentrations of heavy metals, such as lead, silver, and zinc, offering a unique ecological adaptation to polluted environments. This study highlights the resilience of these plants in post-industrial landscapes, particularly around the Tarnowskie Góry Lead-Silver-Zinc Mine in Silesia, Poland—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Researchers observed that these metal-tolerant plants not only survive but also accumulate heavy metals, which are otherwise persistent pollutants in soil, water, and air despite industrial mitigation efforts. The study underscores the role of these plants in natural remediation, as they mitigate metal bioaccumulation through the food chain, from soil to animals and humans. By analyzing plant distribution and metal concentrations, the research provides insights into phytoremediation strategies for contaminated sites.
Galápagos Islands
—
2021 —
WHE5E2F4ED47E
A comprehensive analysis of plastic contamination in the Galapagos Islands reveals widespread yet low concentrations of microplastics, with significant accumulation on east-facing beaches influenced by ocean currents. The study found that only 2% of macroplastic waste originates from local littering and waste management, indicating a substantial input from external sources. Microplastics were detected in all seven marine invertebrate species examined, confirming their presence throughout the Galapagos marine food web. Additionally, a priority scoring analysis identified 27 marine vertebrate species at high risk due to plastic ingestion or entanglement, including pinnipeds, seabirds, turtles, and sharks, underscoring the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts.
Iguazu National Park
—
2021 —
WHE6184117E7F
The establishment of Iguazu National Park in Brazil in 1939 was driven by local political activism, which leveraged the creation of a neighboring park in Argentina. This study reveals that territorial development is not solely a top-down process but involves significant collaboration between local actors and national authorities. The research examines how state governors and local politicians pushed for the park's establishment as part of Brazil's 'March to the West' campaign during the 1940s, highlighting the role of intermediary agents in shaping national policies. By analyzing historical records and political dialogues, the study underscores the dynamic interplay between local advocacy and federal decision-making in the formation of protected areas.
Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park
—
2021 —
WHE3E9B640558
A new endemic tree species, <em>Pleurothyrium amissum</em>, has been discovered in the highland oak forests of Costa Rica's Talamanca Range. This species, belonging to the Lauraceae family, is distinguished from its close relative, <em>P. pauciflorum</em>, by notable differences in height, leaf size, inflorescence structure, flower color, and habitat preferences. The discovery was facilitated through detailed morphological analysis, including photographs, a distribution map, and a taxonomic key for Costa Rican <em>Pleurothyrium</em> species. This finding underscores the rich biodiversity of the Talamanca Montane Forest and contributes to our understanding of plant diversity in this ecologically significant region.
Lower Valley of the Awash
—
2021 —
WHEEA00AE3C4E
A dramatic shift in mammalian fauna occurred between the late Pliocene and earliest Pleistocene (c. 2.9–2.4 Ma) in the Lower Awash Valley, Ethiopia, marking a significant environmental transition. The study reveals that while species diversity remained stable across three sedimentary units (Gafura, Seraitu, Uraitele), relative abundances changed drastically, with open-country bovids replacing suids as dominant herbivores. This faunal turnover coincides with the replacement of <em>Australopithecus afarensis</em> by <em>Homo</em> in the region, suggesting a link between environmental change and human evolution. Researchers analyzed 41 mammalian taxa, including rodents and bovids, using stratigraphic and taphonomic methods to reconstruct paleoecological shifts.
Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the Historic Centre of Poreč
—
2021 —
WHE0DF046D772
Research on the Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč, Istria, has identified a previously unrecognized stone-carving workshop operating at the dawn of the 9th century. This workshop, characterized by its high-quality craftsmanship, produced intricate liturgical furnishings for churches in Pula and neighboring bishoprics. The study focuses on Istrian examples of pre-Romanesque plutei (liturgical benches) adorned with a distinctive variant of centric compositional schemes featuring diagonal axes and circular loops at the ends. By analyzing morphological and executionary traits of these fragments and linking them to other sculptural elements from the same sites, the research suggests that this workshop was a hub for artistic exchange between Istrian and Venetian carvers, reflecting broader pre-Romanesque artistic movements in the region.
Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha
—
2021 —
WHE72A6D5CA65
A proposed Pokhara-Butwal Expressway aims to significantly reduce travel time and improve road safety between two of Nepal's most visited destinations: Pokhara, the tourism capital, and Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Currently, the Siddhartha Highway connecting these sites is in poor condition, with large potholes and sharp bends causing frequent accidents and increasing travel time to six hours. The expressway would address these issues by providing a smoother, more direct route, potentially boosting socio-economic benefits through enhanced connectivity for tourists and pilgrims. The study highlights the critical need for infrastructure development to support Nepal's thriving tourism sector.
Mantua and Sabbioneta
—
2021 —
WHE569E17C72D
Isabella d'Este, Marchioness of Mantua, used portraiture as a sophisticated political tool to project authority and secure respect for her administrative and diplomatic prowess. Contrary to the prevailing view that her commissions were merely about vanity or memorialization, this study reveals her strategic integration of self-fashioning with broader identity branding efforts. By analyzing her portrait commissions—including works by Titian and Leonardo da Vinci—across her political trajectory, the research demonstrates how iconography served as a means to reinforce her influence and challenge gendered perceptions of her motivations.
Historic Areas of Istanbul
—
2021 —
WHEED6FFD4611
Historic vegetable gardens (bostanlar) within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Istanbul's Land Walls face imminent destruction due to urban renewal pressures, highlighting a critical tension between architectural conservation and cultural landscape preservation. These gardens, integral to local agricultural heritage, are being systematically erased despite efforts by heritage experts to challenge commercial and political imperatives driving urban regeneration. The study reveals that institutional frameworks prioritize monument-focused conservation over culturally sensitive approaches, creating an unsustainable conflict. The fate of these gardens hinges on reconciling these opposing perspectives through negotiation and accommodation.
Aldabra Atoll
—
2021 —
WHE7C7D65B0CA
Researchers have identified two novel, moderately halophilic bacterial species—Pontibacillus sp. ALD_SL1 and Psychroflexus sp. ALD_RP9—from the unique saline environments of Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles. Pontibacillus sp. ALD_SL1 stands out as the third facultatively anaerobic member of its genus, capable of fermenting pyruvate under low-oxygen conditions, while its genome uniquely harbors a megaplasmid. Psychroflexus sp. ALD_RP9 demonstrates exceptional pH tolerance, surviving up to pH 10.5—the highest recorded for its genus—and employs bacteriorhodopsins for energy production. Both species exhibit remarkable adaptations to high-salinity conditions, yet employ distinct survival strategies, highlighting the biodiversity and ecological resilience of Aldabra Atoll's extreme environments.
Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy
—
2021 —
WHEF0959938F5
A novel interpretation of Pontormo's Renaissance devotional art reveals his deliberate use of stylistic innovation to engage viewers emotionally and intellectually, challenging conventional views that attribute his work to mere aesthetic experimentation or personal anxiety. Jessica Maratsos argues that Pontormo's paintings, such as those found in the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy, were crafted to serve specific devotional purposes by incorporating modes of expression—direct address, tactile evocation, and affective incitement—inspired by contemporary religious practices, including sacri monti, Michelangelo’s sculptures, and evangelical lectures. This study shifts the focus from artistic individualism to the broader cultural and spiritual context, prompting a critical rethinking of how Renaissance artists integrated tradition with innovation in sacred art.
Aldabra Atoll
—
2021 —
WHEDF8F64803E
Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles, hosts one of the largest and most stable populations of the coconut crab <em>Birgus latro</em>, the world's largest terrestrial arthropod. A decade-long study (2007–2016) revealed an average density of 23.7 ± 1.1 individuals per hectare in Picard Island’s coastal area, suggesting a population of around 5,000 crabs—likely an underestimate due to the species' cryptic behavior. The population exhibited high spatial and temporal variability, with a male-biased sex ratio (3:1) and sexual dimorphism, where males were significantly larger than females. Breeding synchronized with the lunar cycle and overlapped with the wet season (December–March). Color polymorphism was observed in a 4:1:1 ratio of orange, blue, and intermediate forms. These findings underscore Aldabra’s role as a critical refuge for <em>B. latro</em>, potentially serving as a natural source population for regional conservation efforts.
Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area
—
2021 —
WHEE4996BAB48
A study identifies 145 km² of suitable habitat within the Great Himalayan National Park for the reintroduction of <em>Quercus semecarpifolia</em>, a vital sub-alpine tree species. Using MaxEnt modeling, precipitation in the coldest quarter emerged as the most influential factor (76.7% contribution), with an AUCmean of 0.899 ± 0.02 indicating strong model performance. The research analyzed 37 populations across 4 habitats and 8 aspects, revealing tree densities ranging from 40 to 840 Ind ha⁻¹ and positive correlations between density and soil nitrogen (p ≤ 0.01, r = 0.35). High seedling and sapling counts suggest potential for regeneration, though anthropogenic pressures threaten populations. Recommendations include monitoring, standardized propagation, and conservation efforts in situ and ex situ.
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
—
2021 —
WHE837963146B
A study of the timberline zone in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Western Himalaya, reveals that Betula utilis (Himalayan birch) is the dominant tree species, with significant regeneration potential. The research found high seedling and sapling densities, particularly on north aspects, indicating robust population structure and forest composition. Total tree stand density ranged from 1133 to 2137 individuals per hectare, while B. utilis alone accounted for 663 to 1525 individuals per hectare. The density-diameter curve exhibited a reverse J-shape, suggesting healthy regeneration with a sharp decline in mature trees. The study also recorded 346 plant species across 82 families, with Asteraceae being the most abundant. Urgent long-term ecological monitoring is recommended to assess changes in timberline vegetation and develop sustainable management plans.
Archipiélago de Revillagigedo
—
2021 —
WHE07F918BA42
Research reveals significant morphological variation within the species Anisotremus interruptus (Perciformes: Haemulidae) in the Tropical Eastern Pacific, leading to the identification of two new species: A. perezponcedeleoni from the Revillagigedo Archipelago and A. espinozai from the Galapagos Archipelago-Cocos Island. This discovery aligns with prior genetic studies indicating a species complex within A. interruptus, suggesting its taxonomic diversity was previously underestimated. The study employed comparative analysis of meristic and morphometric traits to assess population-level differences, providing concrete evidence for these new species distinctions.
Huascarán National Park
—
2021 —
WHED8F59CD3AF
A potential strategy for carbon offset programs in Rural Peru, particularly within Huascarán National Park, has been identified through stakeholder consultations and ecological assessments. The study highlights the significance of wetland and forest conservation in mitigating climate change while supporting rural communities. By analyzing carbon sequestration potential, researchers provide a foundation for future recommendations to balance environmental protection with socio-economic benefits. This approach offers a model for sustainable development in protected areas, combining scientific data with local insights.
