Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna
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2014 —
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A groundbreaking attempt to reconstruct the lost Roman city of Oea, now buried beneath Tripoli, Libya, sheds light on its material culture and urban space. By analyzing Apuleius of Madaura's <em>Apology</em>—a firsthand account of his public vilification for witchcraft—and comparing it with surviving archaeological and epigraphic artifacts from nearby Leptis Magna and Sabrata, researchers partially visualize the city as it existed in the mid-2nd century AD. This interdisciplinary approach, combining literary, epigraphic, and comparative urban studies, offers a rare glimpse into a Roman city otherwise obscured by modern development.
Frontiers of the Roman Empire
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2014 —
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Roman military strategy on the Danube frontier incorporated Syrian units, as revealed by historical and archaeological evidence. These units played a crucial role in securing the empire's northern border, blending Eastern tactical innovations with Roman organizational frameworks. The study analyzes their deployment, training, and cultural integration through textual sources, inscriptions, and material culture, offering new insights into the Roman army's adaptability and multicultural dynamics during the 2nd to 4th centuries CE.
Purnululu National Park
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2014 —
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Protected area tourism, while offering intrinsic and tangible benefits to local communities, also presents complex challenges that require multifaceted policy responses. A study examining the impacts of tourism on communities bordering Kruger National Park (South Africa) and Purnululu National Park (Australia) revealed a sense of disconnect between tourists and locals, alongside entrenched poverty and limited economic opportunities. The research, grounded in resilience thinking, highlighted that while intrinsic appreciation for nature conservation exists among local communities, tangible benefits such as employment are crucial but insufficient alone. Negative impacts, including damage from wildlife and visitation difficulties, were also noted. The study underscores the need to develop diverse economic opportunities, build community capacity, and manage expectations to achieve social equity and long-term benefits for local communities.
Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing
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2014 —
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Residents and domestic tourists at the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Beijing, share similar motivations and experiences despite differing use patterns. The study highlights that while both groups value the site for its cultural significance and aesthetic appeal, their behaviors—such as peak visitation times and preferred areas—can lead to conflicts or interplay. These findings provide actionable insights for heritage management, suggesting strategies to balance shared access while mitigating potential disruptions.
Simien National Park
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2014 —
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Ethiopian wolves in Simien National Park primarily rely on rodents, particularly Arvicanthis abyssinicus, as their main prey source. This was determined through a study analyzing 214 fecal samples collected between 2011 and 2012. A. abyssinicus accounted for 72% of rodent consumption, with a Chesson index value of 0.3 indicating it as the most preferred prey item. The study also found no significant seasonal difference in prey frequency, suggesting consistent feeding patterns regardless of weather conditions. Protecting rodents is deemed crucial for the conservation of Ethiopian wolves in this region.
Birka and Hovgården
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2014 —
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Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and magnetic gradiometer surveys at Birka, a UNESCO-listed Viking Age settlement in Sweden, revealed intricate structural details of the proto-urban site. The non-invasive geophysical methods mapped houses, property boundaries, pathways, and buried town ramparts from multiple construction phases, including a gate. This pioneering 2006 study demonstrated the effectiveness of high-resolution GPR and magnetometry for archaeological prospection in Scandinavian contexts, combining state-of-the-art data processing with GIS-based interpretation to uncover new insights about Birka-Hovgården's layout and development.
Simien National Park
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2014 —
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Simien Mountains National Park's lowland forests store significant carbon, with mean above-ground and below-ground biomass carbon stocks of 270.89±154.50 t ha⁻¹ and 54.18±30.81 t ha⁻¹ respectively, alongside 242.51±46.42 t ha⁻¹ in soil organic carbon. These findings highlight the park's potential for climate change mitigation, with 20 species contributing to a total of 2334 trees and shrubs (DBH ≥5 cm). The study used allometric models (Brown, 1998) for above-ground biomass and below-ground-to-above-ground ratios (MacDicken, 1997) to estimate carbon stocks, while dead wood, leaf litter, herb/grass, and soil organic carbon were assessed via quadrate sampling and lab analysis. This research underscores the ecological value of Simien's lowland forests in Ethiopia's climate change mitigation efforts.
Chengjiang Fossil Site
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The Chengjiang Fossil Site has emerged as a pivotal 'fossil treasure house' for unraveling the Cambrian explosion—a rapid diversification of life forms during the early Cambrian period. This site, along with other Burgess Shale-type fossil Lagerstatten, preserves soft-bodied fossils in exceptional detail, offering unique insights into marine biodiversity and evolutionary trends. The recently discovered Xiazhuang Assemblage, similar to the Chengjiang fauna, includes arthropods, brachiopods, priapulids, lobopods, and problematic taxa, though with notable absences like Kunmingella douvillei. Comparative studies across these sites reveal chronological changes in biological communities, while limited specimen collections highlight the need for intensified fossil excavation to further enrich our understanding of this critical period.
Upper Svaneti
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2014 —
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Fresco-icons on the south facades of 13th-century churches in Upper Svaneti, Georgia—specifically the Church of the Archangels in Iprari and St. George church in Ipkhi—serve as liminal markers, functioning as visual references to the chancel barrier (templon) and addressing the space in front of them. These exterior murals, depicting the Deesis iconography, play a crucial role in the spatial and symbolic organization of Christian churches, bridging the gap between the sanctuary and the laity. The study interprets the facade fresco-icons as templon imagery, highlighting their significance in religious architecture and ritual practice.
Works of Antoni Gaudí
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2014 —
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This study reveals a subversive critique of architectural and spatial conditions embedded in the late works of Antoni Gaudí and Frank Gehry, challenging their roles as mere tourist icons. It establishes a link between Gaudí’s Expiatory Temple of the Sagrada Família and Gehry’s late works, particularly his Fish sculpture in Barcelona, by interpreting their organic forms through Heideggerian philosophy. The research argues that both architects deconstruct traditional architectural practices to critique ontological closure, urging a radical reimagining of space and time beyond historical norms.
Hill Forts of Rajasthan
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2014 —
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Amber, one of Rajasthan's UNESCO-listed hill forts, stands out for its cultural landscape, shaped by strategic military architecture and traditional design knowledge. While the fort's monuments—walls, palaces, temples, and gardens—are well-preserved, tourists often overlook the broader historic settlement at its foothills, missing a critical layer of its heritage. This study highlights how Amber's visual and physical relationships with its surroundings form an integral part of its cultural significance, contrasting with the more frequently explored palace complex. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding the fort's landscape beyond its immediate structures, offering insights into its historical evolution from the 11th century under Kachhawa Rajput rule to its current status as a World Heritage Site.
Quebrada de Humahuaca
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2014 —
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A late prehispanic group from the Quebrada de Humahuaca, Northwestern Argentina, exhibited significant genetic diversity with affinities to both Central Andean highlands and contemporary admixed Chaco communities. This suggests a complex evolutionary history shaped by regional interactions and demographic events such as the expansion of the Inca Empire and European colonization. The study analyzed DNA from 39 individuals dating to the Regional Development period (11th–15th centuries CE), revealing distinct maternal and paternal genetic lineages. Findings also indicate a geographical organization of prehispanic populations, divided between two spheres of interaction, aligning with craniometric evidence.
The Persian Garden
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2014 —
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Persian gardens, traditionally symbols of ordered landscapes and royal leisure, are revealed as fundamental spatial devices that establish sovereign power over territory. In the harsh Iranian plateau, these gardens functioned as micro-cosmic 'camps,' providing essential conditions for life to flourish within a 'tabula rasa' landscape. This study demonstrates how Persian gardens blurred distinctions between various forms of life, creating an 'ideal life' where kings represented divine authority and cities embodied paradise. By analyzing the geopolitical implications of these gardens, the research challenges conventional interpretations, emphasizing their role in shaping urban landscapes and political structures.
Škocjan Caves
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2014 —
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A comprehensive survey of breeding birds in Škocjan Caves Park, conducted between 2011 and 2012, identified 49 breeding species within the park's boundaries, including several of conservation significance. The study highlighted the presence of key species such as the Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla), Robin (Erithacus rubecula), and Marsh Tit (Poecile palustris), with population estimates ranging from 200 to 320 breeding pairs for the most abundant species. Notably, the park hosts one of the largest colonies of Alpine Swifts (Apus melba) in Slovenia, a rare and localized species. Additionally, species such as the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus), and Scops Owl (Otus scops) were identified as qualifying for the Special Protected Area (SPA) Kras. The study used territory mapping for common species and species-specific methods, including observation, playback, and line transect techniques, to survey rare or nocturnally active birds.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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2014 —
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Gorilla tourism in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, has evolved through multiple 'translations' of the gorilla's role, shaping its significance across hunting, scientific, conservation, and tourism networks. Using actor-network theory (ANT), this study reveals how gorillas transitioned from trophies to symbols of scientific curiosity, endangered species, and finally, key attractions in tourism. The research highlights the dynamic interplay between human actors and gorillas, demonstrating that gorilla tourism's permanence stems from these shifting relationships. By applying ANT's concepts of ordering, materiality, and multiplicity, the study offers new perspectives on agency in tourism, conservation, and development, emphasizing how gorillas are actively shaped by their social contexts.
Old Havana and its Fortification System
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2014 —
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Havana's strategic role in imperial trade and its extensive fortification system, shaped significantly by the British siege of 1762-1763, highlight its complex development as a cosmopolitan hub. The city's economic transformation, dominated first by sugar production and later by tourism, reflects its evolving global significance. Post-revolutionary policies in 1959 redirected resources away from Havana, leading to urban decline, while UNESCO recognition in 1982 spurred restoration efforts. Despite economic crises following the Soviet collapse and recent challenges like natural disasters and pandemics, Havana's historical layers—from colonial fortifications to modern infrastructure—remain a testament to its enduring influence as Cuba's political and cultural capital.
Dilmun Burial Mounds
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2014 —
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Heritage erasure can lead to heritage transformation, as demonstrated by the case of Bahrain's Dilmun Burial Mounds. The study reveals that the destruction of these ancient burial sites due to modern development has paradoxically elevated them to significant national heritage status in Bahrain. This finding challenges conventional notions of heritage preservation and highlights the dynamic processes through which heritage is created and redefined. The research employs a comparative approach, analyzing three distinct cases: the Dilmun Burial Mounds, neglected Shia religious shrines, and the destroyed Pearl Monument from the 2011 uprising. These cases illustrate different modes of engaging with the past—preserved history, living heritage, and future-oriented transformation—shedding light on the complex interplay between destruction, identity, and national narrative in Bahrain.
Serra da Capivara National Park
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2014 —
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A comprehensive survey of Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil, reveals 37 herpetofaunal species, including lizards, snakes, frogs, a caecilian, and a chelonian. The study, conducted over 30 days using multiple trapping methods, suggests that local biodiversity remains underestimated, with rarefaction curves indicating potential undiscovered diversity. An atypical drought during the survey period may have affected captures, particularly of amphibians and snakes. Notably, water-dependent and forest-dependent species were found in canyons ('Boqueirões'), hinting at relictual rainforest fragments that require further study and conservation attention.
Canal du Midi
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2014 —
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The Canal du Midi, stretching from Toulouse to the Mediterranean and officially opened in 1682, stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of Pierre-Paul Riquet and François Andréossy. This historical account, penned by Antoine-François Andréossy, a descendant of François Andréossy and a member of the Académie des Sciences, delves into the terrain of southern France to elucidate the construction and significance of the canal. Notably, Andréossy challenges the conventional narrative by arguing that Riquet's role in the canal's creation has been overstated, with true credit belonging to his ancestor. The work includes original documents from the canal's construction period and an appendix detailing its route, offering a comprehensive perspective on this engineering marvel. First published in 1800, with subsequent editions planned but never completed, this reissued edition provides valuable insights into the historical context and engineering achievements of the Canal du Midi.
Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes
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2014 —
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Lake Nuoertu, one of the largest and deepest lakes in the Badain Jaran Desert, exhibits significant annual and seasonal variations in its physical and chemical characteristics, unlike groundwater. The lake's hydrochemical composition is consistently Na-Cl-CO3-(SO4), indicating strong evaporation in the region. Stable isotope analysis reveals that groundwater serves as the primary recharge source for Lake Nuoertu, with evidence suggesting a mixed origin of modern and older water (pre-1952). Tritium dating of tufa springs around the lake estimates their age at 75–80 years, highlighting the complex recharge dynamics. The study utilized ion concentrations, total dissolved solids, stable isotopes, and tritium analysis to unravel these processes.
Mogao Caves
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2014 —
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An innovative multitouch tabletop system, i-m-Cave, revolutionizes virtual exploration of the Mogao Caves by integrating tangible interaction and artifact restoration. The system enables users to navigate intricate cave corners using a unique figurine with human-like neck movements, enhancing immersive exploration. Additionally, it allows for the visualization of artifact aging and restoration through midair gestures and mobile devices, providing insights into the evolution of artifacts over time—an experience unattainable in physical tours. Expert evaluations confirmed the system's effectiveness, highlighting its potential to enrich cultural heritage engagement.
Historic Centre of Naples
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2014 —
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A novel ICT framework, developed under the OR.C.HE.S.T.R.A. Project, enhances cultural heritage engagement for tourists and residents in Naples by leveraging personalized data-driven recommendations and real-time accessibility solutions. This approach integrates smart tourism with social innovation, creating an ecosystem that involves stakeholders from companies to researchers. The system improves both the fruition of cultural knowledge—tailoring experiences based on user preferences—and its preservation through interactive and enjoyable learning pathways. By addressing challenges in heritage conservation and visitor experience simultaneously, this project demonstrates a scalable model for integrating technology into cultural heritage management.
Camino Real de Tierra Adentro
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2014 —
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A novel approach to identifying road networks using high-resolution satellite imagery has been developed, leveraging the fusion of multi-spectral and panchromatic images (pansharpening) combined with spatial classification algorithms. This method effectively discriminates linear features such as roads from other land uses like cities or water bodies by integrating spectral and edge information. Applied to the branches of the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro in San Juan Del Río, Mexico, this technique demonstrates potential for precise historical road network reconstruction, offering insights into the spatial organization of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The <I>Trulli</I> of Alberobello
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2014 —
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UNESCO World Heritage inscription can significantly boost economic growth for cultural sites, but its success hinges on the active engagement of local communities. A comparative study of Alberobello (Trulli) and Matera (Sassi), both inscribed in 1996 and 1993 respectively, reveals stark differences in their development trajectories despite similar tourist arrivals. While Alberobello, with its smaller population, has seen consistent positive representation, Matera faced historical perceptions of backwardness that shaped its tourism evolution. The research, based on surveys conducted between 2007 and 2012—targeting residents, tourists, and industry operators—and an analysis of newspaper archives from 'La Stampa,' underscores the critical role of local communities in leveraging cultural heritage as a resource for sustainable growth.
Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System
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2014 —
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A comparative analysis of Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Jiuzhaigou National Park in Sichuan Province reveals that cultural heritage and natural disaster awareness significantly influence residents' pro-environmental behaviors. The study, using multi-group structural equation modeling on 642 valid questionnaires, found that altruistic values and eco-environmental beliefs strongly predict conservation actions, with no significant differences between the two sites despite variations in personal norms and daily habits. These insights underscore the importance of cultural education and disaster preparedness in sustaining ecological conservation efforts at tourist destinations.
Teide National Park
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2014 —
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Massive introduction of honeybees (Apis mellifera) in Teide National Park significantly disrupts native pollination networks, reducing floral visitor diversity and impairing reproductive success of key plant species. The study found that up to 3000 beehives, housing around 100 million bees, compete with native fauna for nectar and pollen, leading to decreased fruit and seed production due to inbreeding depression. While honeybees are not effective pollinators, their dominance alters the park's ecological balance, threatening its endemic flora and fauna. Researchers recommend banning introduced beehives to protect the park's biodiversity.
Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos
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2014 —
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The performance practices of the Ensamble Moxos, an Indigenous ensemble from Bolivia's Jesuit missions, defy conventional categorization as either 'traditional' or 'modern.' This study reveals how their interpretations of 17th-century Baroque mission music—preserved in Chiquitos and Moxos archives since the Jesuits' expulsion in 1767—reflect Indigenous experiences of modernity and cultural identity. By analyzing repertoire performed by Ensamble Moxos, the research demonstrates that these practices embody a unique 'Indigenous modernity,' blending historical continuity with contemporary globalization. The study highlights the resilience of mission music as both a tool for evangelization and a living tradition, offering insight into the complexities of Indigenous engagement with globalized modernity.
Vlkolínec
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2014 —
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Extensive grassland management significantly enhances butterfly biodiversity, particularly for specialized and protected species, while intensive practices like mulching and overgrazing lead to habitat degradation. A two-year study (2011–2012) in Vlkolínec, Slovakia, found that late-successional grasslands and extensively managed pastures hosted the highest diversity of diurnal butterflies, including rare species like <em>Phengaris arion</em> and <em>Melitaea aurelia</em>. Researchers used transect surveys and multivariate analysis (RDA) to assess how abandonment, mulching, and grazing affected butterfly communities. Results revealed that intensive management disrupted vegetation structure, negatively impacting stenotopic species, whereas extensive practices correlated with increased diversity and abundance of indicator butterflies. The study underscores the critical role of traditional land management in sustaining biodiversity within UNESCO-recognized landscapes.
Temple of Preah Vihear
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2014 —
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ASEAN played a crucial but limited role in managing the Temple of Preah Vihear dispute, successfully preventing escalation through negotiation while facing institutional constraints that hindered deeper conflict resolution. The study highlights ASEAN's effectiveness in crisis mediation, particularly during its renewed efforts to address the conflict, yet underscores structural weaknesses in its institutional design that restrict its ability to settle disputes and maintain long-term peace. By analyzing ASEAN's responses—from initial inaction to later intervention—the research identifies key challenges, including institutional rigidities, and proposes reforms to enhance regional security governance.
Archaeological Area of Agrigento
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2014 —
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Integrated geophysical techniques reveal the complex subsurface structures underlying landslides at Agrigento's Cathedral of Saint Gerland, providing critical insights for stabilization efforts. The study combined 2D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), seismic refraction tomography (SRT), microtremor analysis, and surface wave soundings to map lithological layers, fractures, and cavities affecting the hillside. By constraining geophysical data with stratigraphic information from boreholes, researchers constructed robust 3D models of electrical resistivity and P-wave velocity, elucidating the sliding processes that threaten the cathedral and adjacent Archaeological Park. These findings offer a foundation for targeted landslide consolidation works to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Historic City of Toledo
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2014 —
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This study highlights the significance of urban spaces, particularly historic cities like Toledo, as strategic sites for exploring societal transformations and cultural production. It emphasizes the role of space as a heuristic tool capable of generating knowledge about epochal changes, moving beyond traditional historicism to integrate spatiality into critical analysis. The research draws on theories by Saskia Sassen and Michel Foucault, examining how urban centers such as Madrid and Mexico City serve as active agents in narrative and cultural production, influencing artistic, literary, and musical outputs. It underscores the importance of spatiality in contemporary studies, illustrating this through examples from Hispanic literature and film, and aligns with Lefebvre’s theoretical framework on social space.
Stari Grad Plain
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2014 —
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Cultural heritage management can significantly contribute to regional development when implemented thoughtfully, as demonstrated by selected case studies from Southeast Europe and beyond. The study highlights the multifaceted role of cultural heritage, including its potential for sustainable growth, while also addressing the adverse impacts of military conflicts on such sites over the past two decades. It examines diverse protection systems and intergovernmental efforts in the region, focusing on UNESCO-listed sites like Kotor, Gamzigrad, and the Stari Grad Plain, as well as notable examples from outside Southeast Europe, such as Bilbao and the Rhaetian Railway. The research underscores the importance of strategic management in preserving and leveraging cultural heritage for economic and social benefits.
Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian
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2014 —
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Johan Gunnar Andersson, a Swedish economic geologist, made groundbreaking discoveries during his time in China that significantly advanced the fields of archaeology and palaeontology. His most notable achievement was the discovery of the 'Peking Man' site at Zhoukoudian, which provided crucial insights into early human evolution in Asia. Through meticulous excavations and analysis, Andersson not only uncovered evidence of Homo erectus but also defined the prehistoric Chinese Neolithic Period based on his findings at the Yangshao site in Henan Province. His work, conducted without formal archaeological training, laid the foundation for modern archaeological methods in China and contributed to the establishment of the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities in Stockholm, which houses many unique artifacts from his expeditions.
Tipasa
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2014 —
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Archaeological research at Tipasa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Algeria, reveals significant urban production of salted fish during the Roman era. While studies on coastal fish-processing workshops are well-documented in Morocco and Tunisia, investigations in Algeria remain limited. This study highlights the importance of Tipasa as a key center for this industry in the Maurétanie Césarienne region, contributing to our understanding of ancient economic activities in North Africa.
Ivindo National Park
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2014 —
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An automatic detection system for African forest elephants' rumble calls, developed and tested using 432 hours of acoustic recordings from eight locations in Gabon, achieved a true positive rate of 79.19% with just 5.70 false positives per hour. The system's F1-score reached 0.77 when a high score threshold was applied, demonstrating its effectiveness in processing large-scale acoustic data. Applied to a dataset spanning 420 days over three years from Ivindo National Park, the system revealed distinct seasonal and daily patterns of call activity, as well as temporal variations, offering valuable insights into the communication behavior of these elusive animals.
Hanseatic City of Lübeck
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2014 —
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Climate change perceptions vary significantly between similar geographical and physical conditions, shaped by cultural and social patterns. This study reveals that while physical aspects influence vulnerability and resilience to climate change, they are predominantly constructed through local discourses. In Lübeck, the strong Hanseatic tradition dominates climate change narratives, whereas in Rostock, the challenges of a transformation society shape these perceptions. The research employs social constructivism and actor-network theory to develop a heuristic model for empirical analysis, demonstrating how local cultural contexts interpret global climate change realities.
Acropolis, Athens
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2014 —
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A novel approach to understanding heritage, particularly the Acropolis of Athens, reveals that multiple layers of perception shape human engagement with such sites. The study introduces 'medium' as a method to analyze how people comprehend and interact with cultural heritage, demonstrating that these perceptions can influence actions and policies related to preservation. By examining the Acropolis from modern times to antiquity, the research provides insights into the evolving significance of this iconic site, offering a framework for interpreting complex layers of heritage.
Viking-Age Ring Fortresses
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2014 —
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Aggersborg, Denmark's largest Viking-age ring fortress, may have replaced a significant earlier settlement with up to 350 sunken-featured buildings (SFBs), challenging previous understandings of its purpose and the broader 'Trelleborg' fortress group. A large-scale geophysical survey using magnetic gradiometry and ground-penetrating radar, combined with legacy excavation data, revealed previously unknown structures and clarified the extent of pre-fortress activity. This approach demonstrates how non-invasive methods can enhance interpretations of scheduled monuments, offering new insights into Viking-age political and tactical landscapes.
Historic Centre of Vienna
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2014 —
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A strong correlation exists between the number of geotagged tourist photographs and registered bed nights, offering a novel method to quantify tourist activities with high spatial precision. This approach leverages large datasets from image hosting platforms like Flickr.com, combining the accuracy of GPS tracking with the scalability of community-generated data. The study analyzed 16 European cities, with deeper comparisons conducted on Vienna, Prague, and Budapest—three historic tourist destinations with similar markets but distinct morphological constraints. Findings reveal both shared spatial patterns and key differences in tourist behavior, rooted in urban structure and local activity levels.
Pantanal Conservation Area
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A comprehensive inventory of medium to large-sized mammals in the southern Serra do Amolar, a critical biodiversity hotspot within Brazil's Pantanal biome, reveals 33 species from 18 families. This study, conducted non-invasively between 2009 and 2013 at Engenheiro Eliezer Batista Private Natural Heritage Reserve and Santa Tereza ranch, highlights the presence of endangered species like the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), vulnerable species such as the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris), and near-threatened species including the jaguar (Panthera onca). The findings underscore the region's significance for mammal conservation in a broader ecological context, addressing a critical gap in biodiversity data for this understudied area.
State Historical and Cultural Park “Ancient Merv”
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2014 —
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Archaeological evidence from Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the northeastern frontier of the Sasanian Empire, reveals how the empire effectively managed its resources across regions. By analyzing the oasis, city, and urban economy of Merv, researchers demonstrate that cross-regional comparisons with other Sasanian territories—such as Gorgan and Mesopotamia—shed new light on state-level resource management strategies. The study leverages recent archaeological findings to challenge or refine existing narratives about the empire's administrative and economic organization.
Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex
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2014 —
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Corrosion of lead (Pb)-based alloys, particularly those containing antimony (Sb) and tin (Sn), can pose significant challenges for the conservation of historical artefacts. A study investigating replicas of letters from the Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex in Antwerp revealed that exposure to acetic and formic acid vapours leads to the formation of hydrated Pb and Sn acetates and formates, with Sb-rich specimens exhibiting increased volume and brittleness. Micro Raman Spectroscopy (μRS) also detected metallic Sb peaks, suggesting that Sb influences corrosion behaviour. This finding underscores the need for careful conservation strategies when dealing with Pb-based artefacts containing Sb, as their restoration can be complicated by these corrosion products.
Joggins Fossil Cliffs
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A meandering fluvial channel at Coal Mine Point, Joggins Fossil Cliffs, Nova Scotia, preserves an exceptional fossil assemblage that includes microbial mats and diverse ichnofauna. The wrinkled surface of the microbial mats was traversed by large arthropleurid trackways (Diplichnites cuithensis), alongside smaller Diplichnites gouldi trackways, tetrapod tracks (Pseudobradypus?, Dromillopus, Hylopus), and invertebrate traces (Cochlichnus, Gordia). These features collectively represent the Scoyenia ichnofacies. The mats likely stabilized the sediment surface, facilitating excellent trackway preservation, and may have served as a food source, though no feeding traces were identified. Overlying strata exhibit Protichnites followed by paired mud drapes and an impoverished Skolithos ichnofacies, suggesting brackish influence.
Western Ghats
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Shallow clouds over the Western Ghats produce heavy rainfall due to rapid condensational growth of cloud droplets, driven by orographic updrafts. Research reveals that collision-coalescence processes dominate rain formation, with distinct raindrop size distribution (DSD) patterns observed on both windward and leeward sides of the mountains. At Pune (lee side), DSD shapes transition from concave upward to downward during stratiform rain, indicating breakup processes at lower altitudes. Conversely, Mahabaleshwar (windward side) shows bimodal and monomodal DSDs for light and heavy rainfall, respectively, with small drops contributing significantly. Aircraft measurements confirm that ambient updraft speeds foster rapid droplet growth, leading to precipitation within a few hundred meters of cloud depth. These findings highlight the dynamic interplay between cloud microphysics and orographic forcing in shaping rainfall over this UNESCO-listed region.
Saint Catherine Area
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Two moss species, Anoectangium handelii and Hymenostylium crassinervium, are newly recorded from Egypt's Saint Catherine Protected Area, marking the first documentation of these Pottiaceae species in the country. Additionally, Anoectangium Schwagr is identified as a new genus to Egypt. The study provides detailed descriptions, illustrations, and distribution insights for both species, contributing to the understanding of Egypt's bryophyte diversity within its UNESCO-listed conservation areas.
Fanjingshan
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2014 —
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Neoproterozoic mafic-ultramafic intrusions from the Fanjingshan region, South China, provide evidence of subduction-related magmatism preceding the amalgamation of the Yangtze and Cathaysia Blocks. These rocks, primarily olivine pyroxenites and gabbros, show minimal crustal contamination and isotopic signatures indicative of a mantle wedge metasomatized by slab-derived fluids and melts. Their compositional similarities to Alaskan-type intrusions further support their formation in a subduction-related environment. The study utilized geochemical and isotopic analyses (e.g., εNd(t), 207Pb/204Pb, Os-Re-Os) to characterize the magmatic sources and processes, offering insights into the tectonic evolution of the Jiangnan Fold Belt during the Neoproterozoic.
Jodrell Bank Observatory
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Neutron star glitches, sudden spin-up events that disrupt the steady slowdown of pulsars, exhibit a substantial minimum size, contrary to previous assumptions. Analyzing 29 years of daily observations from Jodrell Bank Observatory, researchers uncovered the full glitch size distribution for the Crab pulsar, revealing a rapid decline in smaller glitches below approximately 0.05 microhertz. This finding suggests that glitches involve the motion of billions of superfluid vortices and provides a new observable to identify their trigger mechanisms. Additionally, glitches were distinct from other rotational irregularities, supporting the notion that they originate differently from timing noise.
Škocjan Caves
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Škocjan Caves exemplify the interconnectedness of natural and cultural heritage through their karstic landscape. This study demonstrates that caves are integral to the broader surface landscape, challenging traditional isolation in documentation. By employing 3D technology, researchers integrated cave records with surface data, revealing how anthropogenic processes have shaped the landscape over time. The approach offers a novel methodology for understanding complex heritage systems, where natural and human activities coexist dynamically.
Talayotic Menorca
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2014 —
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Radiometric analysis of archaeological layers at the fortified coastal settlement of Cap de Forma, Menorca, reveals new insights into the early Talayotic period. The study, conducted on a site adjacent to a cyclopean monument and necropolis near an ancient harbor, identified three living spaces dating back to the beginning of this protohistorical phase (c. 1200–900 BCE). This challenges previous assumptions about the chronological horizon of the site's artifacts, which were predominantly linked to later periods. The findings suggest a more complex settlement pattern and longer occupation than previously thought, providing critical evidence for understanding the transition from pre-Talayotic to Talayotic societies in the Balearic Islands.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2014 —
WHEF491DE81E3
Recent excavations near Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem's Old City have uncovered significant ancient architectural features, including a segment of the Byzantine-era upper aqueduct integrated into the city wall and a section of the Decumanus, the main east-west street. A spacious building from the Ayyubid and Mamluk periods, possibly part of the western gate structure, was also discovered above these ruins. Additionally, the outer walls of the Tower of David’s Citadel moat were exposed, revealing its evolution from the medieval period to the 12th century. Among the finds were remnants of a city wall demolished before Kaiser Wilhelm II's 1898 visit and modern structures from Jordanian rule. These discoveries provide new insights into Jerusalem's urban development, water supply systems, and road networks during the Second Temple, Roman, and Byzantine periods.
