National Archeological Park of Tierradentro
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2021 —
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Indigenous Nasa communities in Colombia's Tierradentro region successfully resisted armed conflict through a strategy of 'reexistence,' which combines political autonomy with spiritual negotiation. This approach, analyzed using sociological and anthropological frameworks, allowed the Nasa—organized under the Council Regional Indígena del Cauca—to reclaim agency over their territory and relationships with both human and non-human entities. Unlike other subaltern groups, their resistance was more effective due to this dual focus on autonomy from armed actors while engaging with spiritual forces in territorial defense. The study highlights how indigenous ontologies and organized resistance can shape outcomes in conflict zones.
Costiera Amalfitana
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2021 —
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A notable proliferation of pulpits, some in stucco, linked to aristocratic lay patrons on the Amalfi Coast, reveals their ideological potential as liturgical furniture. These pulpits serve multiple functions: they amplify the divine voice, symbolize personal redemption and political/social roles, and house icons and relics, reflecting the donors' desire for salvation while asserting their influence in the community. The study highlights how these structures, often commissioned by aristocratic patrons, blend religious devotion with personal and communal power dynamics, offering a unique lens to understand medieval communication tools.
Jodrell Bank Observatory
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2021 —
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A strong correlation between the scattering time scale of radio pulses and the dispersion measure of pulsar B0531 + 21 in the Crab Nebula has been confirmed, providing deeper insights into the pulsar's plasma environment. Observations conducted at the Pushchino Radio Astronomy Observatory reveal that variations in pulse scattering are linked to dense plasma clouds eclipsing the pulsar, with electron density fluctuations far exceeding those in the interstellar medium. The study also explores potential connections between pulsar glitches, dispersion measure changes, radio pulse scattering, and gamma-ray flares, suggesting complex interactions within this dynamic astrophysical system.
Churches of the Pskov School of Architecture
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2021 —
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Archaeological excavations (2018–2019) uncovered the preserved foundations of Pyatnitsky Monastery’s northern church and bell tower, revealing key details of a 16th-century monument linked to Pskov’s architectural school. The monastery, founded between 1577–1581 along a strategic road connecting Yam and Ivangorod fortresses, fell into disuse by the late 17th century before being repurposed in the 18th century. The three-apse, four-column limestone church—likely part of Pskov’s architectural tradition—was later destroyed during World War II. This study synthesizes historical records with excavation data to reconstruct its form and significance, offering new insights into a forgotten monument's layered history.
Ancient City of Qalhat
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2021 —
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A study challenges the widely accepted narrative of early Shirazi migration to East Africa, proposing instead that the so-called 'Shirazi legend' emerged during the 12th to 15th century Hormuz-Qalhat period. This conclusion is supported by a comprehensive analysis of pottery assemblages and settlement patterns across the western Indian Ocean, from Makran/Baluchistan to Kilwa. The research reveals a significant rise in settlement activity, peaking in the 14th (43 sites) and 15th centuries (53 sites), indicating a thriving trade network centered around Hormuz and Qalhat. This finding reshapes our understanding of socio-economic and political dynamics in the region during this period.
Alamūt Castle and Related Fortifications
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2021 —
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A significant pattern emerges from comparing the 'Proclamation of Resurrection' (Qiyama) in 12th-century Alamūt, Persia, with similar events in other Islamic traditions like the Fatimids and Druze. This study reveals that despite differing consequences, such proclamations often led to doctrinal reforms aligning with popular mystical traditions. The research, based on newly introduced primary Ismaili sources alongside contemporary historiography, explores the political and theological motivations behind Alamūt's Qiyama under Ḥasan II, examining its impact on Nizārī Ismailis in Iran. It also analyzes how these events influenced later Alamūt-era literature, providing a fresh perspective by integrating previously undiscovered materials.
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
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2021 —
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A new framework for assessing tourism quality at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, exemplified by Mahabalipuram's Group of Monuments, reveals critical gaps in visitor experience, local perceptions, and management practices. This study shifts from narrow, one-dimensional approaches to a holistic paradigm that integrates environmental, social, and economic dimensions. By analyzing multiple perspectives—including those of visitors, residents, and destination managers—the research identifies core areas needing development for sustainable tourism. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and managers, offering a practical tool for gap analysis and long-term sustainability planning at heritage sites.
Arslantepe Mound
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2021 —
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A rare glimpse into Iron Age Syro-Anatolian ritual practices emerges from the discovery of a buried royal statue at Arslantepe's Lions' Gate, revealing a deliberate act of mutilation and deposition. This finding suggests that such statues, often symbolizing royalty or divinity, were intentionally interred in significant urban areas like city gates, indicating their ritual significance and political implications. The study, based on excavations led by J.L. Delaporte, analyzes the historical context and meaning behind this act, offering insights into the power dynamics and religious beliefs of the time.
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
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2021 —
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A significant portion of silicon (Si) exported from rapidly eroding landscapes, such as the Central Swiss Alps, is transported as secondary solids—clays and plant material—rather than dissolved Si. This finding challenges conventional understanding by revealing that plant biomass contributes substantially to Si export, potentially equating to 25–110% of dissolved Si export in these systems. The study leverages germanium (Ge)/Si ratios across three sites with varying erosion rates—Sri Lanka, the Swiss Alps, and California’s Sierra Nevada—to trace Si cycling in the Critical Zone. Unlike prior approaches, Ge/Si ratios in secondary clays proved more reliable than river solutes for assessing weathering intensity, sometimes outperforming silicon isotopes. The research also highlights that plants do not significantly discriminate against Ge during uptake, suggesting a broader role for biotic processes in Si dynamics.
Willandra Lakes Region
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2021 —
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A quantitative assessment of oxygen isotope composition in fish otoliths from Lake Mungo, Australia, reveals that the isotopic signatures previously linked to high evaporation during dry conditions are better explained by evaporation acting on full lakes rather than lake drying. This study challenges prior interpretations by constructing a mass balance model to evaluate the impact of lake desiccation on water δ18O and comparing it with otolith records from the last glacial maximum (LGM). The findings provide subannual-scale insights into flooding and drying regimes, bridging the gap between archaeological evidence and palaeoenvironmental records in the UNESCO-listed Willandra Lakes Region. This approach offers a more nuanced understanding of hydrological changes linked to human occupation and environmental shifts over millennia.
Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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2021 —
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A quantitative multi-hazard risk assessment reveals that debris flows pose significantly higher risks to buildings in the Jiuzhaigou Valley compared to rockfalls. The study integrates geomorphological and geotechnical analyses with historical records to estimate hazard occurrence probabilities, while run-out simulations and building vulnerability assessments inform spatial impact likelihoods. Risk curves for both hazards were generated, accounting for uncertainties through error propagation techniques. Multi-hazard risk maps highlight debris flows as the dominant threat, emphasizing the need for targeted mitigation measures in high-risk areas to protect vulnerable residential structures.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
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2021 —
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This study reveals how queer narrative ecology, a lens examining non-normative identities and relationships within natural settings, manifests in Margaret Fuller's 'The Magnolia of Lake Pontchartrain' and Virginia Woolf's 'Kew Gardens'. By analyzing these texts through an ecological framework that intersects with queer theory, the research uncovers subversive narratives that challenge traditional representations of nature and identity. The approach combines close reading, historical context, and theoretical analysis to demonstrate how these works employ botanical imagery to explore fluidity, desire, and marginalized perspectives. This insight contributes to a deeper understanding of how literature can both reflect and shape ecological consciousness, particularly in relation to queer experiences.
Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site
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2021 —
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Marshallese music, particularly singing traditions, serves as a powerful medium to express the long-term effects of US nuclear testing at Bikini Atoll. Jessica A. Schwartz's work reveals how these musical practices integrate religious, cultural, and political elements to articulate the consequences of radiation exposure and military silence. The study highlights the literal and metaphorical silencing of Marshallese voices due to radiation-induced health issues and the suppression of information about human radiation studies conducted without consent. By centering the aural and sensorial dimensions, Schwartz offers a novel framework for understanding the intersections of voice, sound, militarism, indigeneity, and geopolitics in the context of nuclear violence.
Wooden Churches of the Slovak part of the Carpathian Mountain Area
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2021 —
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Radiocarbon dating of St. George’s Rotunda in Nitrianska Blatnica, Slovakia, reveals it was likely constructed between 783 and 880 AD (94.2% probability), with 86% of the probability distribution predating 863 AD. This suggests the rotunda could be the oldest standing purpose-built Christian church in eastern Central Europe, possibly built before the arrival of St. Cyril and St. Methodius to Great Moravia. An international consortium analyzed 20 samples (wood, charcoal, mortar, plaster) from multiple laboratories, yielding consistent results despite a wide calibrated age range due to the plateau-shape of the calibration curve during this period.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
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2021 —
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Pastoralists in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Tanzania, face significant challenges due to rainfall variability and socio-economic constraints. Despite their awareness of climate change impacts—such as erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts—increasing herd sizes and mobility paradoxically intensify cattle losses by 10% and 98%, respectively. These findings challenge the assumption that larger herds or greater mobility cushion households against climate shocks. The study combined household interviews, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), and archived data to reveal that rainfall accounts for only 32–46% of variability in livestock populations. Recommendations emphasize enhancing adaptive capacity through targeted interventions and further research into the profitability of pastoral cattle production under changing conditions.
Wadden Sea
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2021 —
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Climate adaptation planning for coastal landscapes can also serve as a means to reinterpret and preserve heritage, particularly in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A study on the Marconi dike strengthening project in Delfzijl, Netherlands, demonstrates that fortifying dikes to combat sea-level rise presents an opportunity to re-examine and integrate overlooked cultural landscapes into public discourse and policy. The research applies methodologies from landscape architecture and spatial planning to analyze how these fields engage with coastal heritage, revealing that current approaches often neglect the rich historical narrative of such areas. By adopting a heritage production model proposed by Ashworth and Tunbridge, planners can better contextualize climate adaptation strategies, ensuring they also contribute to the preservation and interpretation of cultural landscapes. This dual focus on structural reinforcement and heritage reinterpretation offers a more holistic approach to coastal management in sensitive regions like the Wadden Sea.
Rapa Nui National Park
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2021 —
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Rapa Nui faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including strict isolation measures and political tensions with Chile. The island documented only five cases by July 2020, attributed to limited transmission due to early quarantine protocols. Indigenous leaders like Ma‘u Henua challenged state governance, advocating for localized control and purchasing additional testing kits. Research highlights the intersection of public health crises, insular politics, and cultural heritage management during global instability.
Kinabalu Park
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2021 —
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A rapid assessment conducted in Kadamaian – Kinabalu Park, Sabah, identified 5 species of sciurids and 58 species of avifauna, highlighting the region's rich nocturnal biodiversity. The study, carried out from October 14–20, 2020, utilized high-precision binoculars (Swarovski 8x30 and Bushnell 10x42) and digital SLR cameras with telephoto lenses (Canon 7D/Tamron 150-600mm and Nikon D500/Nikkor 200-500mm) to document species diversity. The findings underscore the importance of continuous biodiversity surveys in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which holds significant potential for ecotourism development while emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to sustain its ecological value.
Western Ghats
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2021 —
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A deep learning approach significantly improves the accuracy of landslide mapping in the Western Ghats, India. By integrating PlanetScope imagery with convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and topographic slope data, researchers achieved a 78% mean accuracy in identifying rainfall-induced landslides triggered by the 2018 extreme monsoon season—an increase of 12.5% compared to spectral-only methods. This methodology effectively reduces false positives, distinguishing landslide areas from barren lands and riverbeds without compromising true positive detection. The study demonstrates a scalable solution for rapid hazard assessment in landslide-prone regions, offering potential applications for disaster mitigation strategies worldwide.
Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China
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2021 —
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A dramatic decline of 63% (264 km² to 99 km²) in <em>Suaeda salsa</em> saltmarsh habitats along China’s northern Yellow Sea coast has been documented over three decades, with an average annual loss of 5.5 km² per year. The study, using supervised maximum likelihood analysis of Landsat imagery from 1988 to 2018, identified land reclamation as the primary driver of habitat loss, particularly in Liaodong Bay (77% reduction) and the Yellow River Delta wetland (52% reduction). While invasive <em>Spartina alterniflora</em> and natural succession showed limited impact, the findings underscore the urgent need for conservation measures to protect this ecologically and economically valuable ecosystem. The research highlights the critical role of saltmarshes in carbon sequestration, shoreline protection, and biodiversity while emphasizing the necessity of halting reclamation to mitigate rapid degradation.
Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines
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2021 —
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In the thirteenth-century Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines, a rare occurrence of mirabilite (Na₂SO₄·10H₂O) and blödite (Na₂Mg(SO₄)₂·4H₂O) stalactites has been documented, attributed to contemporary precipitation from percolating solutions. This unique phenomenon is linked to a stable microclimate—low temperature, high humidity, and strong air circulation—and the chemical composition of leaking solutions, characterized by low carbonate, high sulfate content, acidic pH (4.8), and intermediate mineralization (174,308 mg/L). The study combines geological, mineralogical, and hydrochemical analyses to propose preservation strategies for these fragile minerals, which could enhance geotourism in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Arslantepe Mound
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2021 —
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A new approach to assessing craft standardization in pottery reveals that raw material procurement and processing are more indicative of standardization than vessel shape variability. The study, focusing on Late Chalcolithic pottery from Arslantepe in eastern Anatolia, found that higher standardization correlates with the scale of production rather than the use of a wheel or its rotational speed. This suggests a shift from communal to more segregated potting practices, marked by increased variability in technical procedures and end products. In contrast, coeval contexts in northern Mesopotamia show univocal trends towards standardization, likely due to incipient urbanization fostering bonds between vessel makers and the transmission of models and practices.
M'Zab Valley
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2021 —
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In the M'Zab Valley, dry toilets have re-emerged as a sustainable sanitation solution, offering both agricultural and environmental benefits. This study reveals that human excrement from these systems can serve as an effective fertilizer, supporting local agriculture while addressing oasis degradation. The research identifies three distinct phases in the use of dry toilets: a period of strong recycling dynamics, a decline due to the adoption of flush toilets and groundwater discovery, and a recent resurgence driven by environmental concerns. Interviews with locals provided insights into this cyclical pattern, suggesting that dry toilets can complement modern sanitation systems. This finding underscores their potential as a sustainable practice in arid regions, reviving an ancient tradition for contemporary challenges.
Acropolis, Athens
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2021 —
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The refurbishment of the Old Acropolis Museum (OAM) in Athens, undertaken by the Ephorate of Antiquities of the City of Athens (EACA), has revealed significant insights into the history and management of Acropolis antiquities. Through repackaging, re-documentation, and study of stored archaeological materials dating from Antiquity to the modern period, researchers uncovered valuable information about socio-political contexts, scientific advancements, resource availability, and key figures in the museum's history. This 're-excavation' process not only sheds light on the evolution of preventive conservation practices but also contributes to the emerging history of archaeological storage. The study highlights the importance of integrating stored materials into broader heritage narratives, offering a unique case study with relevance across cultural heritage sectors.
Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau
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2021 —
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Recent publications on Bauhaus histories reveal that the New European Bauhaus initiative, proposed by Ursula von der Leyen in 2020, mirrors a long-standing pattern of appropriating Bauhaus symbolism for political and cultural agendas. This finding underscores how the Bauhaus's legacy has been repeatedly adapted to serve diverse interests, often overshadowing its original critical and innovative ethos. The analysis draws from five books published in 2019, marking the Bauhaus centenary, which explore these appropriations through historical and cultural lenses. The research approach involves a close examination of reception processes that solidified Bauhaus myths post-1930s, contrasting them with contemporary historiographical knowledge. This perspective challenges the narrative that the New European Bauhaus is solely rooted in propagandistic appeal, instead positioning it within a broader tradition of Bauhaus symbolism.
Aphrodisias
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2021 —
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Monumental documents, such as the epigraphic dossier at Aphrodisias, are perceived and read differently from standard texts due to their context, visual cues, and formulae. This study reveals that the 'Archive Wall' at Aphrodisias, likely a monument of self-promotion, attracted attention through its physical context and visual design, which influenced how it was experienced by viewers. By applying cognitive scholarship on reading processes, the research examines how these elements shaped perception, offering insights into why such documents were significant in monumental contexts.
Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures
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2021 —
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A comprehensive structural health monitoring (SHM) system has been developed for the Bibi-Khanum Mosque in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, to ensure its long-term preservation. The study combines real-time seismic monitoring with subsequent laser scans to detect structural anomalies and geometric changes. Preliminary results from the first phase show that seismometers installed throughout the monument can identify potential structural issues by analyzing shifts in resonant frequencies caused by earthquakes or ambient vibrations. The second phase involves annual laser scanning to capture 3D point clouds, which help monitor global movements linked to underground water table fluctuations. This dual approach aims to support future restoration efforts and develop preventive measures for this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes
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2021 —
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Recent research in the Sahuaripa and Bacanora valleys of Sonora, Mexico, reveals significant demographic growth post-1000 AD, contrasting with other regions in Northwest/Southwest (NW/SW) Mexico. Radiocarbon dating supports this finding, indicating substantial population increases during a period marked by notable demographic shifts elsewhere. Material culture analysis, including polychrome ceramics and obsidian artifacts, demonstrates extensive local and regional connections, particularly with neighboring Río Sonora groups and Huatabampo. These artifacts also suggest long-distance trade networks linking the Sahuaripa Valley to Casas Grandes and potentially West Mexico, implying a corridor of exchange that influenced macro-scale interaction patterns in late-precolonial NW/SW Mexico. The study integrates radiocarbon dating, material culture analysis, and spatial data to reconstruct demographic trends and interaction networks.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
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2021 —
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Climate change is projected to cause severe mortality in young Abies religiosa seedlings within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR), with a 400 m upward altitudinal shift appearing as a feasible management action. This study used reciprocal altitudinal transplants of A. religiosa seedlings across three contrasting altitudes (3400, 3000, and 2600 m a.s.l.) to assess the impacts of climatic mismatch on survival and growth. Findings indicated that transferring seedlings to warmer, drier sites resulted in approximately 45% mortality, whereas shifting to colder, wetter sites maintained near 95% survival. The study highlighted the critical role of seasonal dryness indices in determining seedling performance, with the rainy season index being crucial for survival and the cold-dry season index influencing aerial biomass growth.
Great Zimbabwe National Monument
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2021 —
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Despite extensive research on Great Zimbabwe, new perspectives continue to emerge. This study challenges conventional narratives by critically examining the concept of 'decoloniality' within the context of the site's interpretation and management. It argues that while efforts to reclaim Great Zimbabwe from colonial interpretations may appear progressive, they can also perpetuate regressive practices, such as romanticizing the past or ignoring contemporary socio-political dynamics. The research employs a decolonial lens to analyze historical narratives, archaeological interpretations, and heritage management strategies, revealing complexities in the site's representation that complicate straightforward decolonization efforts.
Pantanal Conservation Area
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A recent study reveals that the Pantanal wetlands, a critical UNESCO World Heritage Site, could support jaguar conservation while balancing economic activities. The research found that 64% of the Pantanal offers suitable habitat for jaguars (Panthera onca), with jaguar presence positively linked to ecotourism and negatively correlated with intensive cattle ranching. This suggests a viable coexistence between conservation and land-use economics, though wildfires pose a growing threat by overlapping with jaguar habitats. The study used spatial models—jaguar distribution model (JDM), livestock density model, and ecotourism lodge density model—to assess these relationships across the biome. Highlighting the Pantanal's global significance as a jaguar stronghold, the findings underscore the need for proactive fire management to safeguard this apex predator and its ecosystem.
Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments
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In sixth-century Arles, Christian identity and civic participation were redefined through the lens of ancient Roman terminology. This study reveals that Caesarius of Arles, a prominent bishop, employed Latin civic vocabulary—such as <em>civis</em>, <em>civitas</em>, and <em>patria</em>—but infused these terms with new Christian meanings, shaping civic life around religious values. The analysis of his sermons demonstrates how post-Roman authors maintained continuity in language while adapting its semantic content to reflect the evolving political and spiritual landscape of early medieval Europe. This research highlights the dynamic interplay between tradition and transformation during a pivotal period of societal change.
Camino Real de Tierra Adentro
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2021 —
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A critical gap exists in the documentation of fortifications, particularly in northern Mexico, where heritage sites are increasingly abandoned and at risk of ruin. This study addresses that gap by reconstructing the history of the Presidio de San Miguel de Cerro Gordo, a significant site along the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro—a UNESCO World Heritage route. The research employs historical analysis to preserve and virtually register this forgotten space, offering a model for safeguarding similar at-risk heritage sites. The findings underscore the urgency of documenting such locations before they are lost entirely.
Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple
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Pure Land Buddhist architecture, rooted in the Sanskrit term 'sukha' meaning welfare and happiness, evolved in East Asia to symbolize hope for a happy afterlife. This study reveals that the conceptual representation of Pure Land architecture became increasingly concrete over time, influencing the layout and design of real-world Buddhist temples. Notably, Bulguksa Monastery exemplifies this evolution through its U-shaped central-axis arrangements, courtyards, terraced platforms, high-rise pavilions, and lotus ponds, integrating religious practices and pre-Buddhist traditions with Hwaeom thought. The research compares Bulguksa to other Pure Land tradition temples like Hojoji and Byodoin, highlighting the transformation tableau's role in shaping Buddhist temple architecture. The study draws from Sanskrit literature and Buddhist sutras to reconstruct this architectural concept.
City of Bath
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Including historical flood data can significantly increase estimates of extreme flood risk. A 1D hydraulic model of the River Avon in Bath, UK, revealed that incorporating pre-1960 flood events raised the 1-in-100-year design flood estimate by up to 30%. The study reconstructed peak flows for 16 historical events using archival cross-sections, technical drawings, and epigraphic marks, then calibrated the model against two known floods (1947 and 1960). By extending the annual maximum flow series back to 1866, researchers demonstrated how long-term flood frequency analysis can improve modern risk assessments. This approach highlights the importance of historical records in refining flood defense planning.
Archaeological Site of Philippi
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The religious landscape of the Roman Colony of Philippi, established after the Battle of Philippi in 42 BCE, underwent significant evolution from Augustus to Paul and beyond. A key finding is that colonial authorities prioritized a Roman or Greco-Roman pantheon for the urban center, marginalizing Greek, Thracian, or foreign cults to the outskirts or countryside. Initially, this spatial distribution reflected social and ethnic divisions, but over time, interactions among different groups led to diminishing distinctions and the emergence of complex, hybrid identities. The study reconstructs this dynamic process by analyzing the spatial organization of cults, revealing how religious practices adapted to changing social structures.
Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan
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2021 —
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A groundbreaking reconstruction of INAH's 'Proyecto Teotihuacán' (1962–1964) reveals unprecedented insights into the archaeological memory and methodological challenges of one of Latin America's most significant pre-Hispanic excavations. This study synthesizes previously unpublished technical reports, offering a comprehensive overview of Seasons IV and V, which followed earlier campaigns (1960–1962). By analyzing primary documentary sources, it elucidates the narratives constructed by specialists regarding Teotihuacan's pre-Hispanic society and the evolution of archaeological practices in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The research highlights the logistical and institutional hurdles faced during large-scale reconstructions, providing a critical framework for understanding both the ancient metropolis and the history of archaeology in Mexico.
City of Valletta
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Urban blue spaces, such as water fountains, significantly enhance human health and wellbeing, particularly in dense, semi-arid environments like Malta. The restoration of the Triton Fountain in Valletta not only preserved its aesthetic appeal but also fostered therapeutic experiences for inhabitants, reducing feelings of inequality and strengthening connections to place through biophilia and topophilia. Qualitative interviews revealed that restored urban blue spaces can evoke nostalgia, reinforce identity, and instill pride, underscoring their role in creating healthier, more cohesive communities.
Ogasawara Islands
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A critical re-evaluation of the brackish water crab <em>Ptychognathus glaber</em> reveals its geographic distribution is likely limited to the Ogasawara Islands, Japan, while specimens previously identified as <em>P. glaber</em> from the Ryukyu Islands belong to a distinct species, <em>P. lipkei</em>, newly recorded in Japan. This study provides a detailed redescription of <em>P. glaber</em> and compares it with <em>P. lipkei</em> using morphological and genetic analyses, including mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene sequences. The findings clarify taxonomic confusion and suggest that <em>P. glaber</em> is genetically closer to <em>P. ishii</em>, prompting further morphological comparisons between these species. This research corrects historical misidentifications and advances the understanding of crab biodiversity in Japanese waters.
Trans-Iranian Railway
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The construction of the Trans-Iranian Railway fundamentally altered the qualities, scales, and directions of mobilities, challenging the assumption that such projects centered around major urban hubs like Tehran. Through an analysis of petitions to the Majles, this study reveals how railway development relied on the displacement of agriculturalists, the transformation of tribal labor into routinized workforces, and the redirection of transnational labor flows—effectively reversing prior patterns of movement. The research highlights that mobility during infrastructure projects is decentralized, originating from multiple locations and reshaping social and economic dynamics in complex ways.
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
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A previously unidentified mummified individual from Ancient Thebes, held by the British Museum, has been definitively linked to her original set of three coffins through advanced residue analysis. Using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), researchers identified matching embalming residues—comprising beeswax, fat/oil, and possibly coniferous resins or oils—on the mummy’s bandages and the innermost coffin. This rare combination, devoid of resin, tar, or bituminous components, confirmed her association with the coffins, which entered the collection together. Initially misassigned as male due to earlier X-rays, CT scanning re-established her sex, revealing Nestawedjat, a woman from Thebes dating to around 700 BCE. This interdisciplinary study bridges gaps in provenance, offering new insights into ancient Egyptian mortuary practices and the significance of embalming materials.
Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon
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A novel strategy for damage detection in heritage structures, such as the Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon, demonstrates that self-space approximation techniques can significantly reduce the number of training samples required without compromising detection accuracy. The approach leverages correlated feature pairs to treat damage detection as a one-class classification problem, addressing long-standing challenges in Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) where physical models are often unavailable. Validated using dense monitoring data from the Church of 'Santa Maria de Belém,' this method offers a scalable solution for assessing complex existing buildings, balancing efficiency with performance.
Redwood National and State Parks
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Redwood National and State Parks' geologic landscape spans 200 million years, from the Jurassic Period to the present. The Geologic Resources Inventory (GRI) report synthesizes data from scoping meetings in 2004 and 2019, delivering two key GIS datasets: one for geology and another for geohazards. These datasets, available on the NPS GRI publications website, provide critical information for park management, visitor safety, infrastructure planning, and resource preservation. The report includes a geologic map poster and simplified maps illustrating major features, alongside a geologic time scale to contextualize the parks' complex history. Specialized terms are defined at first mention, ensuring accessibility for both academic and general audiences.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
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Research on the Qhapaq Ñan, an Andean road system, reveals that seasonal transhumance and caravan routes have been critical to resource management and cultural development in the south-central Andes since ancient times. These practices, initially tied to herding and agropastoralism, evolved into complex systems linking scattered productive zones, with archaeological evidence suggesting early origins in Peru but later prominence in drier regions like Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina. The study traces the historical examination of these routes, beginning with 19th-century European geographers and anthropologists, and highlights the continued relevance of caravanning—using llamas, equids, or even motor vehicles—along pre-Hispanic paths to optimize resource use today.
Shiretoko
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Reforestation efforts in the Shiretoko World Heritage site, northern Japan, have been found to create a foraging habitat for brown bears by significantly increasing the density of cicada nymphs. The study observed that brown bears were exclusively digging for <em>Lyristes bihamatus</em> nymphs in restored conifer forests, not in natural forests, suggesting that reforestation enhances the availability of this food source. This discovery highlights the ecological benefits of reforestation, particularly in areas where brown bear populations are dense.
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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A study on four hotels in Rome's historic center reveals significant potential for energy savings and emission reductions through refurbishment and electrification. The research demonstrates that transitioning to fully electric heating and hot water systems, combined with storage solutions, can align with EU targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60% and final energy consumption by 14%. These interventions not only enhance energy efficiency but also ensure compliance with modern regulations on accessibility, seismic resistance, and sustainability. The approach integrates building envelope upgrades with system-level optimizations, offering a model for sustainable hotel sector development in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House)
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2021 —
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A notable oversight in the history of De Stijl, the influential Dutch avant-garde movement, has been corrected: its female members. While the movement is often depicted as male-dominated, women such as Nelly van Doesburg, Mathilda Brugman, Marjorie Moss, and Han Schröder played significant roles. Han Schröder, daughter of Truus Schröder (co-designer of the UNESCO-listed Rietveld-Schröder House), was a pioneering architect in the Netherlands who later became a professor in the U.S. This study highlights her contributions, challenging the narrative that women were absent from De Stijl's legacy.
Mount Taishan
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2021 —
WHE1874C0E90A
Research on <em>Platycladus orientalis</em> at Mount Taishan reveals that while the species exhibits strong natural regeneration capabilities and an aggregated spatial distribution pattern, understory regeneration alone is insufficient for long-term forest stability. The study, conducted in a 30 m × 20 m sample plot, found that parent trees promote seedling growth within a certain scale but that artificial intervention—such as thinning and structural adjustments—is necessary to align with near-natural forest management principles while ensuring sustainable development. These findings underscore the need for balanced human intervention to optimize ecological outcomes without compromising long-term biodiversity.
Old town of Regensburg with Stadtamhof
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2021 —
WHEDE41D68C6D
Regensburg's Old Town stands as a testament to its pivotal role as a medieval trading hub and political center, showcasing the cultural traditions of the Holy Roman Empire. The city's architecture, built primarily from Jurassic massive limestone and Regensburg Green Sandstone, reflects its significance in continental trade routes connecting Italy, Bohemia, Russia, and Byzantium. Additionally, Regensburg served as a key location for Imperial Assemblies during the High Middle Ages and hosted the Perpetual Imperial Diet from 1663 to 1806. The city's historical importance is further underscored by its status as the first Bavarian capital under the Agilolfinger dynasty in the 6th century and the establishment of the diocese in 739.
Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto
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2021 —
WHE8F9728E62C
In the Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto, Indonesiasport and recreational opportunities, shopping, and cuisine emerge as higher-impact drivers of tourism competitiveness than mining heritage or natural beauty. Despite their perceived importance in destination choice, these core attributes had a relatively low influence on overall visitor experience. The study used relevance-determinant analysis (RDA) and competitive-performance analysis (CPA) to assess tourist perceptions from a questionnaire survey. With Sawahlunto's performance below average regionally, the findings underscore the need for targeted policy interventions to boost these high-impact attributes while preserving its unique post-mining heritage.
