The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities
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2019 —
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New archaeological discoveries in Uruk, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'The Ahwar of Southern Iraq,' reveal significant insights into the city's early 3rd millennium BC fortifications and a sacred structure outside its walls. The research, conducted in collaboration with Iraqi authorities, utilized advanced aerial photography to generate detailed topographic plans and map archaeological remains, while geophysical prospection and environmental surveys expanded the understanding of Uruk's landscape. These findings contribute to the broader study of Mesopotamian urban development and biodiversity conservation within the Ahwar region. Additionally, the project provided training for local and European junior archaeologists, fostering capacity-building in both fields.
Teide National Park
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2019 —
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Geotagged data from social networks, including photographs and GPS tracks, can effectively analyze visitor behavior in national parks. A study on Teide National Park, the most visited in Spain, demonstrated that such data provides valuable insights into spatial distribution, points of interest, itinerary networks, temporal patterns, and visitors' origins. Additionally, this approach offers practical applications for determining optimal locations for new facilities like information stands. The research highlights the potential of social media-derived data as a tool for understanding and managing visitor behavior in protected areas.
Koh Ker: Archaeological Site of Ancient Lingapura or Chok Gargyar
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2019 —
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New evidence from ground penetrating radar and excavation reveals that the Koh Ker Reservoir, built during the Angkorian period in Cambodia, suffered from a critical design flaw. The spillway's laterite pavement was even less effective at managing water flow than previously estimated, likely contributing to the reservoir's dike failure during its first rainy season after construction. This structural failure may have played a pivotal role in Koh Ker's brief tenure as the political center of the Khmer Empire, highlighting the vulnerability of ancient hydraulic engineering to environmental stresses.
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
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2019 —
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A floristic survey of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil, identified 289 vascular plant species across 73 families, with notable richness in Poaceae, Cyperaceae, Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, Eriocaulaceae, and Myrtaceae. The study recorded 56 new occurrences for the state of Maranhão and revealed low floristic similarity among restinga areas in North and Northeastern Brazil, suggesting high endemism or potential collection bias. The research combined herbarium data with field collections (2015–2017) and applied UPGMA clustering using Jaccard index to analyze affinities.
Huascarán National Park
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2019 —
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Andean wetlands, or bofedales, exhibit significant valley-to-valley variation in species composition and vegetation assemblages, influenced by factors such as elevation, soil properties, and glacier recession. This study, the first exploratory analysis of its kind in Huascarán National Park, Peru, identified 112 plant species across five distinct vegetation groups, highlighting the unique biodiversity and spatial patterns of these high-altitude ecosystems. The research suggests that abiotic factors like bulk density, organic matter content, and cation exchange capacity play crucial roles in shaping floristic composition. These findings provide critical insights for land managers facing environmental transformations due to glacier retreat and underscore the need for further comprehensive studies on tropical Andean ecosystems.
Dazu Rock Carvings
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2019 —
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A novel semi-automatic exemplar-based inpainting framework leverages a sample dataset to effectively restore severely damaged art images, such as the Dazu Rock Carvings, where minimal prior information is available. The approach extends the search space for candidate patches beyond the known region of the original image, addressing challenges in traditional inpainting methods. By integrating deep convolutional networks for reference image selection and melding algorithms for sample image creation, this method reduces complexity while avoiding duplication issues in art restoration. Poisson blending further enhances visual harmony between reconstructed fragments and existing regions. Applied to Buddhist face images from Dazu, the framework demonstrates its potential as a reference for both actual artificial inpainting and virtual reality presentations.
Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a)
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2019 —
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A groundbreaking approach integrates GIS data with multimedia applications to preserve and share the cultural heritage of Umm ar-Rasas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Jordan. The study focuses on the Church of Saint Stephen, leveraging geomatics surveying, geophysics, and historical investigations to create a geo-database and orthophoto of its iconic mosaic floor. This data management system enables both experts and visitors to explore the site's evolution through Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), offering unprecedented insights into its iconographic repertoire and historical significance. The innovation lies in the seamless flow of information across platforms, enhancing dissemination while safeguarding this invaluable heritage.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
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2019 —
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In 2013, Kamchatka's volcanic activity was characterized by intense seismic and eruptive events, including the emergence of a new cone at Shiveluch volcano, subplinian eruptions at Kluchevskoy, and renewed activity at Zhupanovsky after a 56-year dormancy. Researchers analyzed near real-time data from seismic, visual, video, and satellite observations to track earthquakes (ranging from KS=1.8 to 8.5) across Northern, Avacha, Mutnovsky-Gorely, and Kizimen groups, documenting energy releases and epicenter distributions. The study highlighted the dynamic nature of Kamchatka's volcanic system, with long-term eruptions at Tolbachik fissure and Kizimen concluding during this period.
Kaiping Diaolou and Villages
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2019 —
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Current preservation efforts at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kaiping Diaolou and Villages may be overlooking critical aspects of cultural value. A quantitative study reveals that existing protection scopes fail to account for the defensive spatial organization of diaolous—multi-story tower dwellings—and their architectural diversity, which are integral to their historical significance. Researchers analyzed 1629 diaolous using GIS-based methods, categorizing them into four defensive region types through principal component and clustering analysis. The findings underscore the need for protection scopes that prioritize both functional distribution and typological integrity, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to heritage conservation.
K’gari (Fraser Island)
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2019 —
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Wet-sclerophyll forests on K’gari (Fraser Island), Australia, are transitioning to rainforest without management interventions. Research tracking three 0.4-hectare plots over 65 years found that rainforest trees recruited significantly faster than endemic wet-sclerophyll species like <em>Syncarpia hillii</em> and <em>Lophostemon confertus</em>, even under varying disturbance regimes (selective logging, fire, cyclones). Only five <em>L. confertus</em> saplings were detected in the smallest size class by 2017, indicating a decline. The study suggests that more pronounced disturbances or active management—such as fire—may be necessary to conserve this unique ecosystem, emphasizing collaboration with Indigenous landowners for effective conservation strategies.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2019 —
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A performative analysis reveals how the Women of the Wall (WoW) and Women for the Wall (W4W) challenge and contest gendered religious practices at the Western Wall, using bodily performances to assert agency and critique traditional norms. The study highlights the impact of surveillance, media, and opposition on WoW's practices, demonstrating how their actions both challenge orthodox standards and expose the complexities of liberal agency in cultural and religious contexts.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal
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2019 —
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The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, designed by Thomas Telford, stands as a testament to engineering innovation during the Industrial Revolution. This study highlights its significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, emphasizing its role in transforming transportation and infrastructure in 19th-century Britain. The research examines the aqueduct's construction challenges, such as its elevated height and the use of cast iron, which set new standards for civil engineering. By analyzing historical records and technical documents, the study underscores how Telford's design integrated aesthetic and functional brilliance, influencing canal engineering globally. Its legacy persists in modern infrastructure projects, reflecting enduring principles of sustainability and efficiency.
Old Rauma
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2019 —
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A hackathon can serve as an effective innovation contest method for integrating cultural heritage with modern urban development, particularly in UNESCO World Heritage cities. This study demonstrates that dual-focused (urban and educational) hackathons, when designed with clear objectives and collaborative partnerships—such as those involving higher education institutions and local entrepreneur associations—can produce tangible outputs while addressing both academic and public sector needs. The research highlights the importance of intentional design in achieving goals, a factor often overlooked in descriptive hackathon studies. Through a case study in Rauma, Finland—a city aiming to balance its historic Old Town with smart city initiatives—the study provides insights into the process and outcomes of such events, contributing valuable knowledge for both researchers and policymakers.
Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara
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2019 —
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World Heritage Sites serve as dynamic educational platforms, blending tangible and intangible heritage to foster learning. A study on the Gango-ji Temple in Japan's 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara' reveals that such sites facilitate social education through interactive experiences. The temple's main hall and exhibition room offer visitors the opportunity to engage with authentic cultural materials, promoting deeper understanding. Staff recommendations suggest a structured approach: studying exhibits for an hour before reflecting in the main hall. This study highlights heritage as an ongoing process where contemporary communities and tourists alike participate in preserving and learning from the past.
Town of Bamberg
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2018 —
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Bamberg's World Heritage status is not just about preserving its historical significance but also about integrating it with intangible cultural heritage, such as urban gardening traditions, to foster sustainable development. The study highlights how Bamberg addresses environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and peace and security, demonstrating that inclusive social development and economic growth are key outcomes of heritage conservation efforts. Bamberg's high degree of social cohesion and safety further underscores its model for balancing cultural preservation with broader societal benefits. This perspective, rooted in ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) principles, shows that sustainable development can be achieved by connecting tangible and intangible heritage, making it a relevant case for global World Heritage sites.
The Persian Caravanserai
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2018 —
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Jill Worrall's travelogue, <em>Two Wings of a Nightingale: Persian Soul, Islamic Heart</em>, challenges and subverts dominant Orientalist stereotypes about Iran through a deeply personal and immersive narrative. Published in 2011, the book recounts her journey across Iran with her guide, Reza, along ancient caravanserai routes, offering rich insights into Iranian culture, history, literature, and arts. Worrall's work stands out for its attempt to humanize Iran, contrasting with a global publishing industry often complicit in perpetuating dehumanizing narratives about the region. Conducted as an interview in 2016, this discussion sheds light on her writing process, her disillusionment with stereotypical portrayals, and her commitment to presenting authentic, alternative perspectives.
Lower Valley of the Omo
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2018 —
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A comparative analysis of food security and well-being in Ethiopia’s Lower Omo Valley reveals stark discrepancies between quantitative survey data and qualitative ethnographic findings. While surveys suggest better household food access in newly established villagization sites than in non-villagized communities, long-term ethnographic research indicates that villagers rely heavily on food aid due to inadequate irrigated plot allocations, leading to widespread indignity, bodily discomfort, and social disconnection. This tension challenges dominant narratives of development, exposing how state-led resettlement policies may perpetuate impoverishment while claiming progress. The study underscores the limitations of methodologically divergent data in capturing complex socio-economic realities.
Upper Svaneti
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2018 —
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A study of the inscriptions by 'King’s Painter' Tevdore in three churches of Upper Svaneti, dating from the 11th and 12th centuries, reveals his elevated status tied to monarchic power. The analysis of textual and visual data shows that Tevdore’s title and spatial placement of inscriptions were strategic, aiming to extend 'royal presence' in this highland region of Georgia. This research provides insights into the social hierarchy and political context of medieval Svaneti, highlighting how artistic embellishment served as a tool for asserting authority. The study combines epigraphic analysis with an examination of spatial constructs to evaluate Tevdore’s role within the broader societal framework.
Stone Town of Zanzibar
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2018 —
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This study introduces a novel approach to interpreting the Ranchhod and Rohit Oza vernacular photography collection from Stone Town, Zanzibar (1930–present), challenging conventional historical or cultural readings. By focusing on the medium's characteristics—patina, pose, and punctum—the research offers a 'sensuous' framework that emphasizes incompleteness and visual perception over narrative completeness. This method shifts the interpretation of the Capital Art Studio (CAS) archive away from illustrative history toward an experiential, sensory engagement with the images. The study draws on John Berger's <em>Ways of Seeing</em> to recontextualize how photography is viewed, curated, and analyzed, providing a fresh lens for understanding vernacular visual culture in UNESCO-listed Stone Town.
Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking approach to documenting ultra-thin, fragile archaeological finds has been successfully demonstrated through 3D scanning and additive manufacturing. Researchers from FabLab Saperi&Co and Sapienza University of Rome achieved sub-millimetric precision in replicating five nacreous shells from ancient Jericho (Tell es-Sultan), showcasing the potential of photogrammetry and 3D printing for preserving and studying delicate artifacts. This method not only facilitates the creation of faithful replicas but also offers new avenues for research and museum activities, particularly for small finds that are often overlooked due to their fragility.
Durham Castle and Cathedral
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2018 —
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Durham Cathedral and the adjacent Norman Chapel, both commissioned by Bishop William of St. Calais, exhibit distinct architectural styles that reflect the political and cultural landscape following the Norman conquest of England in 1066. The cathedral's hybrid design blends Anglo-Saxon formal motifs with a Norman plan, symbolizing the bishop's strategic choices during this transitional period. In contrast, the chapel's stone capitals, likely crafted in Normandy and transported to Durham, embody the cultural influence of the duchy of Normandy. This study sheds light on the architectural hybridization of Durham Cathedral while providing insights into the commissioning context of the chapel within the broader narrative of Norman colonization.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2018 —
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Jerusalem's archaeological history, from its earliest settlement to the Roman destruction in AD 70, remains largely unexplored due to continuous habitation and dense urbanization. A recent study by Klaus Bieberstein synthesizes existing data, highlighting significant gaps and challenges in excavation efforts, particularly in matching radiocarbon dating with archaeological finds. While early excavations (1960s–80s) provided preliminary insights, many findings remain unpublished or require reevaluation. The study emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to historical texts, noting that biblical narratives contrast with more straightforward interpretations of Josephus and the Maccabees books. Despite limitations, this work offers a foundational overview, serving as a springboard for future research.
Convent of Christ in Tomar
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2018 —
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A comprehensive analysis of the Convent of Christ in Tomar reveals the significant role of its surrounding landscape in shaping its historical identity and architectural character. The study defines a landscape unit by examining the spatial and visual relationships between the monument and its immediate and distant surroundings, tracing transformations from its early occupation to the present day. This approach provides a nuanced understanding of the physical and visual continuities that connect the interiors of the convent with its broader landscape context, offering valuable insights for urban regeneration strategies.
Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley
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2018 —
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Lenggong Valley, Malaysia, holds significant potential as a geotourism and archaeotourism destination due to its diverse geological and archaeological heritage. A proposed geotouristic itinerary connects key geosites in the valley, highlighting their scientific, cultural, aesthetic, and recreational values. This itinerary aims to enhance conservation efforts while attracting visitors year-round by emphasizing the locations' accessibility, geological features, historical significance, and available facilities. It serves as an educational tool for various levels, including university courses, and can be followed by both experts and non-geologists with guidance from volunteers. The initiative seeks to foster sustainable geo-archaeotourism development, leveraging the valley's unique geodiversity.
Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan
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2018 —
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A significant archaeological discovery at Tell es-Sultan, ancient Jericho, reveals a hoard of five Chambardia rubens shells, native to the Nile, dating back to the Early Bronze Age II (3000–2800 BCE). These shells, found in a dwelling unit, provide tangible evidence of trade and cultural connections between the Southern Levant and Egypt. Chemical analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy confirmed the presence of Manganese Dioxide, an inorganic compound used as makeup in ancient Egypt and sourced from Sinai ores. This finding supports the role of international luxury goods trade in the urban rise during this period and suggests the emergence of a ruling elite influenced by Egyptian culture at Jericho.
Sassanid Archaeological Landscape of Fars Region
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2018 —
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An archaeological survey in the Mansourabad region of Behbehan, Iran, identified 55 previously unknown sites spanning from prehistory to the Late Islamic Period, with a notable concentration during the Middle Islamic Period. These sites include mounds, sherd/flint scatters, hill-top sites, caves, and standing structures such as shrines, water-mills, fortresses, and settlement structures. The survey, conducted in 2007 using GPS and random surface material collection, aimed to mitigate risks to ancient sites during seismic prospection by the Iranian Oil Company. The findings highlight the region's potential for tracking cultural interactions between Khuzestan and Fars, particularly in prehistoric times. This research contributes to a broader understanding of the Sassanid Archaeological Landscape of Fars Region, building on previous studies and ongoing systematic investigations.
M'Zab Valley
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2018 —
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Research reveals that the Ksourian landscape of M’zab Valley, Algeriaexhibits strong chromatic integration between urban settlements and natural surroundings. This study used the Natural Color System (NCS) to analyze color palettes from both landscapes, identifying perceptual similarities through NCS nominal and relation identities. Findings highlight the unique chromatic character of the Ksourian landscape as a key heritage value, with potential applications in urban restoration processes.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
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2018 —
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A rare, articulated sturgeon fossil from the Upper Cretaceous of Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada, has been identified as a new genus and species, †Anchiacipenser acanthaspis. This discovery is significant because articulated sturgeon skeletons are uncommon in North American Upper Cretaceous deposits. The specimen, preserved with a skull and anterior half to two-thirds of the body, exhibits unique diagnostic features such as strongly ornamented dermal cranial bones, large dorsal scutes with median spines, and extensive smaller scales on the flanks. Phylogenetic analysis confirms its placement within the Acipenseridae family, though its exact relationships remain unclear. This finding contributes to our understanding of sturgeon evolution during the Late Cretaceous period.
Hegmataneh
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2018 —
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A study of the human skeleton from Korijan of Kabudarahang, housed in Hegmataneh Museum, reveals significant insights into gender and age estimation techniques. Researchers analyzed skeletal remains to determine biological sex and approximate age, employing morphological and metric methods. The findings contribute to understanding past populations' demographic characteristics, particularly in the context of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Hegmataneh, which holds archaeological significance. This case study highlights the importance of skeletal analysis in reconstructing historical human life, providing a foundation for further anthropological research.
Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex
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2018 —
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Tabriz, a historic metropolis in northwest Iran and former capital of multiple dynasties, stands out for its rapid urban growth and the preservation of one of the world's largest roofed bazaars. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, the Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex reflects the city's rich cultural legacy, including its role as the 'city of the firsts.' Despite severe earthquakes that destroyed ancient structures, Tabriz remains a symbol of resilience and historical significance, earning accolades such as Iran's most beautiful city in 2012. This study sheds light on the city's urban development trajectory through a comprehensive literature review, aiming to deepen understanding of its dynamic growth patterns and challenges, including the emergence of slum settlements on its peripheries.
Baekje Historic Areas
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2018 —
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Gongju Gongsanseong Fortress, a key component of the Baekje Historic Areas, holds significant universal value as it represents a royal palace site from the Baekje Kingdom period. This study identifies the fortress's potential for sustainable revitalization through innovative approaches such as virtual reality-based restoration and community education initiatives. By analyzing current utilization challenges, the research proposes alternative strategies to align visitor engagement with the cultural heritage's intrinsic values, ensuring long-term preservation and development.
Gyeongju Historic Areas
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2018 —
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Restoring Hwangnyongsa Temple (HT), a historically significant site within South Korea's Gyeongju Historic Areas—designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—proves economically viable. A cost-benefit analysis reveals that the benefits of restoration, valued at KRW 415.3 billion (USD 366.9 million), significantly exceed its costs (KRW 232.2 billion, USD 205.1 million). This conclusion stems from a contingent valuation survey involving 1,000 households, which estimated an average annual willingness to pay of KRW 2,341 (USD 2.07) per household for the restoration project. The study underscores the potential economic and social profitability of preserving such cultural heritage sites.
Cultural Landscape of Sintra
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2018 —
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British sculptor Anne Seymour Damer’s 1790–1791 journey to Lisbon, documented in letters and her novel <em>Belmour</em> (1801), offers a unique lens on Portugal as a picturesque, Catholic, and sentimental space of convalescence and learning. Damer’s vivid depictions of Lisbon—both as a place of recovery and Sintra as an escape for cultural and emotional growth—mirror contemporary British travel narratives while introducing nuanced themes of religion, health, and the 'cultural Other.' Her work stands out for its ethnographic and historical depth, blending personal experience with broader societal observations. This study reveals how Damer’s portrayal challenges conventional representations of Portugal in British literature, emphasizing sentimentality and intellectual curiosity over mere exoticism.
Qinghai Hoh Xil
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2018 —
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Recent surveys reveal that the population of wild yaks (Bos grunniens) in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has increased since the 1990s, with estimates ranging from 11,222 to 21,072 individuals in Chang Tang, Tibet, and 659 to 1,793 in Hoh Xil, Qinghai. Despite this growth, the distribution area of wild yaks is shrinking due to climate change and intensifying human activities. The study, conducted between 2012 and 2014 using field data and published literature, highlights the need for stronger conservation actions to protect this endemic species in one of China's most ecologically significant regions.
City of Verona
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2018 —
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Hosts on Airbnb dynamically adjust accommodation prices based on their experience and market demand, according to a study analyzing 1,056 listings in Verona, Italy. The research, using regression analysis, found that price flexibility increases with host experience and responds to booking date demand. This challenges traditional pricing models and offers insights for hotels facing Airbnb's disruptive growth. The findings support innovator’s dilemma theory, suggesting strategies for conventional hospitality businesses to adapt.
Pyu Ancient Cities
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2018 —
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Ancient Pyu cities in Myanmar, predating King Anawrahta's reign, demonstrated advanced irrigation systems with reservoirs, lakes, and canals to ensure a steady water supply for agriculture. These systems were highly systematic and employed methods of irrigated cultivation along the Ayeyarwady River basin and flooded plains. Beikthano, Sriksetra, and Kyaukse are notable for their ancient weirs, showcasing the ingenuity of ancient Myanmar kings in managing water resources efficiently.
Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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2018 —
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A novel approach to biological conservation, leveraging gradient descent algorithms and utility formulas, identifies critical areas for ecological restoration within buffer zones. The study maps landscape security patterns for Macaca mulatta in the Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (WSA), pinpointing four core habitats and three potential source candidates while delineating key ecological corridors to enhance connectivity between populations. By categorizing regions based on resistance levels and proximity to suitable sources, the research provides a strategic framework for conservation efforts, emphasizing high-resistance areas within buffer zones as priority restoration targets. This method offers practical significance for preserving biodiversity, exemplified by its application to the Macaca mulatta population in WSA.
Umm Al-Jimāl
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2018 —
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Research at Umm al-Jimāl, Jordan, reveals previously unpublished basalt sculptures from a Nabataean-Roman to Byzantine settlement, offering new evidence of Hellenistic-Romanized embellishment in an Arab-Nabataean sanctuary. The fragments, dated to the first or second century AD, depict chariot groups driven by deities, paralleling similar statuary found in the nearby basalt desert of al-Ledjā (ancient Trachonitis). Analysis of these remnants suggests they were part of a larger sculptural complex likely destroyed during the Palmyrenean Campaign in the later third century AD. The study combines archaeological investigation with comparative analysis to reconstruct the sanctuary's significance and cultural context, bridging gaps in our understanding of this understudied region.
Sagarmatha National Park
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2018 —
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A study assessing drinking water sources in Sagarmatha National Park (Mt Everest Region), Nepal, found that while physical parameters met World Health Organization standards, fecal contamination levels indicated low to moderate risk, failing Nepali national standards. The research, conducted during the 2016 premonsoon dry season, sampled 34 water sources and revealed a positive correlation between bacteria content and temperature, as well as a weak negative correlation with elevation. Samples from lower-elevation areas (<3500 m) showed higher levels of Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria, suggesting increased surface water influence in these regions. The findings highlight the potential for deeper groundwater to remain uncontaminated, warranting further investigation.
Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces
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2018 —
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A vine-physiology based study on the Lavaux vineyard terraces, Switzerland, reveals significant small-scale terroir variations in Chasselas grape cultivation. The research found that altitude was a key driver of budburst and flowering timing, with higher-altitude plots showing earlier phenological development. Notably, while these plots exhibited lower sugar concentrations at maturity (70-84° Oechsle), they accumulated the highest sugar quantities per berry, up to 26% variation. Individual berry weight varied by 35%, highlighting substantial differences in ripening patterns across the 140-ha terraced landscape. This ongoing study demonstrates the potential of vine physiology measurements to characterize terroir at a fine scale, offering insights into grape quality and viticultural practices.
Taputapuātea
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2018 —
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A systematic survey method for archaeoastronomical research, applied to standing stones at the Hauviri and Taputapuātea maraes in Ra’iātea, has identified a potential alignment with significant navigational stars during the Matariki season around AD1250. This finding suggests that the stones may serve as an analogue 'star compass,' guiding voyages or commemorating important celestial events. The method, designed for rapid, low-cost data collection, provides accurate azimuth comparisons and rich positional data, enabling further in-depth analysis. While the study confirms one specific scenario deserving deeper investigation, it also establishes a benchmark dataset for future research on Polynesian archaeoastronomy.
Putorana Plateau
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2018 —
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Anthropomorphic sculptures (idols) on the Putorana Plateau, crafted from larch trunks without roots, are likely of Evenki origin and served as soul-keeper statues, reflecting a complex blend of indigenous religious beliefs. These idols, left behind by the Evenkis and Dolgans during their transition from nomadic to sedentary lifestyles, represent a material manifestation of historical idolatry systems. The study, combining ethnographic and geographical methods with informant data, confirmed that these sculptures were not portable and played a significant cultural role for native minorities. The research also highlights the enduring superstitions and traditions among modern Evenkis and Dolgans, integrating elements of Yakut, Nganasan beliefs, and Christianity.
Archaeological Site of Cyrene
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2018 —
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Copernicus Sentinel-2 high-resolution multispectral imagery (10 m resolution) demonstrates significant potential for systematic condition assessment of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, enabling accurate detection and tracking of changes in textural properties and surface reflectance linked to conservation-relevant events. The study highlights its capability to identify single local incidents—such as wall collapses in Aleppo’s Old City—and map recurrent threats like archaeological looting in Apamea (Syria) through long-term image time series analysis. Leveraging Sentinel-2’s 5-day revisiting frequency and 290 km swath, researchers also mapped urban sprawl across Cyrene (Libya) and coastal Greek sites, offering a scalable approach for multi-temporal heritage monitoring. Validation with very high-resolution imagery underscores its utility in pre-launch trend analysis, positioning Sentinel-2 as a transformative tool for large-scale, comparative assessments when paired with advanced machine learning techniques.
Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur
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2018 —
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Archaeological heritage management at the Memphis and its Necropolis World Heritage Site faces significant challenges, including partial implementation of the site's management plan due to financial constraints. A case study using structured questionnaires revealed limited strategies for boosting visitor numbers and a need for better resource allocation. Centralized management requires restructuring, with recommendations for developing an integrated management plan and potentially creating a dedicated entity to oversee the site. Enhancing visitor understanding and experience also emerges as a critical area for improvement.
Archaeological Site of Ani
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2018 —
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A French archaeological team's 15-year study of fortified sites and ruined churches along the Akhurian River, which now serves as a modern border between Turkey and Armenia, has uncovered new interpretations of Ani's ancient history. The research, focusing on less-studied monuments in the Shirak region, revealed that despite conflicts and the decline of commerce, the area remained prosperous during the 12th and 13th centuries. This work also facilitated collaboration with Armenian scholars, shedding light on the region's medieval architecture and historical significance.
Old Town of Corfu
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2018 —
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Corfu's unique beauty stems from its distinctive atmospheric clarity and vibrant color palette, setting it apart from other Mediterranean islands. Unlike the hazy landscapes of Italy or the stark transparency of northern New England, Corfu's air offers a rare combination of luminosity and chromatic intensity—mountains bathed in lilac, violet plains, and crimson peaks—enhanced by the Ionian Sea's unparalleled blue. This phenomenon, described as 'pellucid' by Euripides, creates an overstimulating yet invigorating environment that affects both the landscape and human perception. The study contrasts Corfu with other iconic sites like Capri, highlighting its dual attributes of color saturation and atmospheric transparency, which distinguish it as a singularly breathtaking World Heritage Site.
Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a)
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2018 —
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A deep learning approach successfully automates the segmentation of mosaic tesserae, significantly improving efficiency and accuracy over manual methods. This technique, applied to the mosaic floor of the Church of St. Stephen at Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a), demonstrates high reliability in identifying non-homogeneous tesserae, a critical step for digital mosaic analysis. The method enables automatic cataloging, figure extraction, geolocalization, and semantic interpretation, addressing longstanding challenges in mosaic research. Experimental results on the collected dataset validate its effectiveness, offering a robust solution for large-scale mosaic digitization.
Białowieża Forest
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2018 —
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Extensive logging in Poland's Białowieża Forest, one of Europe's last primeval forests and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was ruled illegal by the European Court of Justice after years of controversy. The decision marked a significant milestone in protecting this unique ecosystem, which is home to rare species like the European bison and serves as a critical carbon sink. The study highlights the legal challenges and international scrutiny faced by conservation efforts in the face of industrial activities, underscoring the importance of strict regulatory frameworks to safeguard biodiversity and ecological integrity in such vulnerable regions.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
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2018 —
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A rare fossil discovery reveals bite marks on the frill of a juvenile <em>Centrosaurus</em>, a ceratopsian dinosaur, from the Late Cretaceous Dinosaur Provincial Park Formation in Alberta. This is the first documented evidence of carnivore interaction with a juvenile ceratopsid, offering insights into predator-prey dynamics or scavenging behavior during the Late Cretaceous period. The study suggests that small-bodied theropods, such as dromaeosaurs or juvenile tyrannosaurs, are likely tracemakers, though definitive identification remains challenging due to limited fossil evidence of such interactions.
Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar
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2018 —
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Contrary to nationalist narratives, Sri Nalanda Mahavihara was fundamentally a Buddhist monastery and institution of learning, not merely an international university. This interdisciplinary study challenges conventional perceptions by analyzing its educational curricula, pedagogy, teachers, and students, while emphasizing its role in the study and promotion of Buddhism. Through detailed historical and academic analysis, the research reveals Nalanda's structured management, academic life, and religious influence, providing a nuanced understanding of its significance in South Asian Buddhist learning.
