Canaima National Park
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2019 —
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Students effectively applied mathematical and computational reasoning to predict real-world measurements, such as the height of Angel Falls in Canaima National Park, when engaged in interdisciplinary learning using technology. The study demonstrated that integrating geography, mathematics, and computing lessons—supported by tools like Google Expeditions—enhanced students' logical thinking and motivation. Action research revealed that real-life contexts made learning more meaningful, with children successfully transferring prediction skills to coding tasks. This approach bridges mathematical and computational thinking while providing practical insights for educators to improve cross-curricular lesson planning.
Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls
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2019 —
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A collaborative approach to cross-border destination marketing could significantly enhance the appeal and success of Victoria Falls, currently hindered by fragmented, country-specific promotional efforts. Research identified five key tourist motivations for visiting Victoria Falls, with sightseeing and destination attributes being the most influential. Significant differences were found in tourists' experiences depending on their border access points, highlighting the need for integrated marketing strategies that transcend national boundaries. The study also revealed that while cooperation presents a major opportunity, economic and policy-related challenges remain barriers to effective cross-border collaboration between Zambia and Zimbabwe. By shifting from competition-based to collaboration-based strategies, both countries could increase tourist arrivals, income, and investment opportunities, ultimately benefiting the shared attraction.
Taj Mahal
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2019 —
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A comparative analysis of the Taj Mahal's Mughal tomb garden and Kyoto's Ryoan-ji dry landscape garden reveals striking similarities in how Islam and Zen Buddhism shape their cultural meanings. Both gardens, despite differing historical contexts, confirm rather than transform other layers of meaning, highlighting a shared approach to religious symbolism. The study employs diachronic analysis to trace the accumulation of meanings over time and synchronic structural comparisons to examine themes like inside-outside relationships and nature-culture dynamics. This cross-cultural perspective offers new insights into the enduring significance of gardens as both natural and cultural constructs.
Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites
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2019 —
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A simulation model of crowd evacuation in the Papal Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi reveals that optimizing exit flow can significantly reduce stationary waiting times and lower the risk of spontaneous panic during emergencies. The study, conducted by Garzia et al. (2019), analyzed the interaction between the basilica's architecture and visitor behavior to improve safety for millions of annual pilgrims and tourists. The findings provide actionable insights for managing evacuations in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, balancing cultural heritage preservation with modern safety engineering.
Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan
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2019 —
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Research on the Year Sign headdress at Teotihuacan reveals its significance as both a marker of sociopolitical rank and affiliation, as well as a potential indicator of specific named houses within the ancient metropolis. By analyzing headdress iconography, rites of accession, and calendrical records from Classic and Epiclassic periods, the study proposes that this headdress type may have been associated with powerful institutions and rulers. Comparisons with the Late Postclassic Mexica xiuhhuitzolli diadem suggest a deeper connection to calendrical symbolism and authority. The findings offer new insights into the structure of social stations and institutional aspects at Teotihuacan, bridging gaps in our understanding of its complex sociopolitical landscape.
Venice and its Lagoon
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2019 —
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Historic cities face significant challenges from cruise tourism, as demonstrated by cases in Barcelona and Venice. These cities have become focal points for opposition to overtourism due to the environmental and social impacts of large-scale cruise operations. Venice's situation has drawn particular attention from UNESCO, while Barcelona has implemented innovative policy responses. A key issue is the lack of local jurisdiction over port operations, which are often managed by state or national authorities. The study highlights lessons learned from these Mediterranean cities that can inform the management of cruise tourism in other historic ports worldwide, including those in the Americas and the Caribbean.
Western Tien-Shan
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2019 —
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Researchers have uncovered significant variations in the crustal and upper mantle structure of the Tien Shan orogenic belt, shedding light on its lithosphere formation and modification. Using full-wave ambient noise tomography, they extracted high-quality empirical Green's functions from seismic data collected between 2012 and 2014. The study revealed very slow upper crust beneath the Tarim and Junggar sedimentary basins, with strong seismic heterogeneities in the interior of the Tarim Basin. Notably, the high-velocity mantle lithosphere of the Tarim Basin underthrusts northward toward the central Tien Shan, potentially triggering intrusion of hot mantle material and partial melting. In contrast, a connected high-velocity upper mantle structure from the Tarim Basin across eastern Tien Shan to Junggar Basin suggests convergent effects between these basins, preventing asthenosphere upwelling. Low-velocity anomalies in the western Tien Shan indicate subducted continental crust of the Eurasia lithosphere. These findings suggest distinct tectonic mechanisms along the three segments of the orogenic belt.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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2019 —
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Research on smooth-shelled mussels (Mytilus spp.) around the New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands reveals that these populations exhibit mixed genome ancestry, indicating native origins rather than human introduction. Using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis, scientists found that mussels from the Falkland and Kerguelen Islands are closely related to <em>M. platensis</em> from South America, suggesting dispersal via ocean currents. Meanwhile, mussels from Tasmania, mainland New Zealand, and offshore islands form a distinct Southern Hemisphere group with affinities to Northern Hemisphere <em>M. galloprovincialis</em>. The study also detected hybridisation between taxa, with invasive <em>M. galloprovincialis</em> identified only in Tasmania. These findings highlight the importance of preserving native evolutionary lineages, particularly on remote islands where small populations may be vulnerable to invasion and genetic dilution.
Villa Adriana (Tivoli)
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2019 —
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A hidden network of underground pathways, known as cryptoportica, has been uncovered at Villa Adriana in Tivoli, revealing the architectural sophistication of Hadrian's Imperial Villa. These subterranean roads, once part of a surface-level system, provide structural support and intricate connectivity within the monument. Through digital surveys and high-resolution photography, researchers have documented the complexity of this ancient infrastructure, offering new insights into its design and function. The study highlights how these pathways integrated seamlessly with the villa's urban-like layout, demonstrating advanced engineering in Roman architecture.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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2019 —
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A study in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, revealed high prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in both previously habituated (PHMG) and newly habituated mountain gorillas (NHMG), with no significant difference between the two groups. The research found that 59.1% of PHMG and 44.1% of NHMG tested positive for Cryptosporidium, while 13.6% and 11.8%, respectively, were infected with Giardia. Water sources within the gorillas' home ranges also showed parasite presence, indicating potential cross-infection risks. The study used modified Ziehl-Neelsen and Ether concentration techniques to analyze fecal and water samples collected in January 2018. Findings suggest that proper waste disposal and avoiding contaminated water are critical for reducing infection risks among gorillas.
The Great Wall
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2019 —
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Research identifies critical factors limiting agricultural land quality along the Great Wall in northern Shaanxi Province, China. The study reveals both single-factor (e.g., soil thickness, organic content) and combined-factor limitations (e.g., irrigation challenges, salinization), which vary spatially across the region. Using a potential index model, scientists pinpointed these constraints to propose targeted land quality improvement measures. These interventions aim to revitalize sandy rural areas, addressing practical challenges posed by harsh natural conditions in this transitional zone between the Maowusu Desert and loess hills.
Medieval Monuments in Kosovo
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2019 —
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UNESCO's World Heritage List identifies sites of outstanding universal value, but some face threats from conflicts, natural disasters, pollution, and urbanization. European sites like Serbia’s Medieval Monuments in Kosovo (2006), the UK’s Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City (2012), and Austria’s Historic Centre of Vienna (2017) are on the List of World Heritage in Danger due to these risks. The study highlights the urgent need for international cooperation to address heritage protection challenges, emphasizing UNESCO's role in financial assistance and advocacy. It underscores the critical importance of preserving cultural and natural sites for their universal significance.
Trang An Landscape Complex
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2019 —
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Vietnam's cultural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Intangible Cultural Heritage elements, faces significant challenges in balancing conservation with sustainable development. This study analyzes specific issues related to the relationships between safeguarding and exploitation, economic and cultural goals, and the roles of government and community, using cases such as Vietnamese Court Music, Xoan Singing, and Trang An Landscape Complex. It highlights the complexities of adhering to UNESCO's conventions while addressing the demands of modernization and globalization. The research aims to clarify these challenges and provide insights for effective heritage management in Vietnam.
Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah
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2019 —
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Historic Jeddah, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, faces significant environmental and structural challenges due to unplanned urban development. A study integrating remote sensing data and GIS techniques reveals that the city's southern region is well-developed with robust infrastructure, while the middle area exhibits high vulnerability risks, including population density, shallow water depth, flat slopes, and incomplete network services. The western and northwestern parts are particularly prone to pollution risk due to highly permeable coralline formations, very shallow water depths, and depressions. These findings highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions to protect the archaeological area. By analyzing data from multiple sources—including SRTM, Corona 1966, Spot 1986, Landsat 1987, Orbview 2003, and Sentinel-2A 2017—the study employs band combinations and spatial statistical analysis to monitor changes and assess geo-environmental status. The research suggests GIS techniques and models as potential solutions to mitigate these risks, aligning with UNESCO recommendations for cultural heritage management.
Mesa Verde National Park
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2019 —
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Research at Mesa Verde National Park reveals a significant temporal trend in the selection of architectural mortar and plaster during the Pueblo III period, particularly at Spruce Tree House. By analyzing samples from kivas using advanced techniques such as XRD, ICP-MS, and SEM-EDS, scientists identified shifts in material choices that reflect cultural practices over time. The study also highlights preservation challenges, including gypsum accumulation on kiva walls. This work demonstrates how geochemical analysis can provide culturally significant insights into ancient building materials and their use.
West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou
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2019 —
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The West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou reflects complex cultural meanings that diverge between international heritage agencies and Chinese perspectives. While Western conservation approaches often prioritize universal values, the study reveals that Chinese interpretations emphasize local identity, historical continuity, and emotional connections to the landscape. International bodies like UNESCO and ICOMOS, alongside Chinese stakeholders involved in its 2011 nomination process, may underestimate these nuanced meanings. Meanwhile, Chinese tourists perceive the site not just as a tourist attraction but as a symbol of national pride and cultural heritage, highlighting the need for conservation strategies that bridge global and local understandings.
Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City
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2019 —
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A multi-proxy analysis reveals that the Hemudu Culture's dispersal and settlement patterns in eastern China were significantly influenced by Middle Holocene sea-level fluctuations. The study, focusing on the Xiawangdu site in Hangzhou Bay, demonstrates that cultural diffusion occurred between 6200 and 5600 cal. a BP, coinciding with marine transgression, followed by adaptation to coastal lagoon and freshwater wetland environments around 5300 cal. a BP. Evidence from pollen, phytoliths, and diatoms indicates early rice domestication by 5600 cal. a BP, highlighting the profound impact of environmental changes on subsistence strategies and settlement choices during this period.
Białowieża Forest
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2019 —
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Research in Poland’s Białowieża Forest reveals that culturally modified trees (CMTs), once created through traditional forest use, were later viewed as wasted timber by 19th-century forest administrators. The study identified two types of CMTs—pine trees scorched and chopped or carved for beehives, and lime-trees with peeled bark—both considered harmful to 'rational forestry.' Archival surveys and fieldwork in Białowieża National Park showed that these practices were banned, leading to the gradual removal of such trees. This historical insight challenges anecdotal knowledge and provides a basis for informed conservation and management decisions, bridging traditional and modern forestry approaches.
Mount Kumgang – Diamond Mountain from the Sea
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2019 —
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Mount Kumgang, a historically significant cultural symbol on the eastern coast of the Korean Peninsula, spans both the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK). This study introduces a landscape planning approach for the Mount Kumgang International Tourist Zone, focusing on enhancing sightseeing experiences through a visual network system. The design leverages traditional Korean artistic techniques, such as those found in <em>Geumgang Jeondo</em> and the 1939 'Panorama Map of Diamond Mountain,' combined with computer-generated graphics to address challenges like limited data and field survey difficulties. Two material models were developed to aid in understanding site design concepts. The proposed strategies aim to improve future development while preserving the region's rich natural and cultural heritage, offering a model for balanced regional growth.
Maya Site of Copan
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2019 —
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Poor curation practices for skeletal remains pose significant risks to the integrity of archaeological collections, as demonstrated by a large Maya skeletal collection from Copán, Honduras. The study highlights that human remains often receive inadequate storage and conservation, sometimes being treated like more robust artifacts, which can lead to irreversible damage. Based on observations from this subtropical Maya region, the article provides critical guidelines and recommendations for proper skeletal curation, emphasizing the ethical responsibilities of bioarchaeologists in preserving these delicate materials for future research.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
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2019 —
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A recent study estimates the Hog Deer (Axis porcinus) population density at 18.22 ± 3.32 individuals per square kilometer in Manas National Park, India, following a long period of political unrest that severely impacted wildlife populations. This endangered species, once abundant in the region, shows signs of recovery but faces significant threats from habitat loss, invasive plant species, illegal hunting, and other human-related disturbances. Researchers used distance sampling techniques (line transects) during the dry seasons of two consecutive years to assess population status. The findings highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts to ensure the survival and revival of this critically endangered deer.
Deer Stone Monuments and Related Bronze Age Sites
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2019 —
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Analysis of deer stone and khirigsuur complexes in Late Bronze Age Mongolia reveals complex ritual practices centered around horse sacrifices and caprine bone deposits. The study, conducted at Tsatsyn Ereg, found that peripheral mounds contained the remains of elderly male horses, suggesting a more nuanced mortuary ritual than simple in situ sacrifice. Circles of stones surrounding fireplaces were linked to purification rituals, with disproportionate representation of caprine teeth and feet indicating selective processing. The alignment of structures and horse orientations implied a symbolic connection to the rising sun, highlighting the communal and religious significance of these monuments.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2019 —
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Researchers have identified and described <em>Cyanocephalus veadeiroensis</em>, a striking new plant species from the Chapada dos Veadeiros region, Goiás, Brazil. This discovery, initially recognized on Facebook, highlights unique morphological traits such as densely imbricate leaves that obscure stems, leaf lengths exceeding internodes, nearly parallel secondary veins, and acuminate leaf apices. The species is distinct from similar taxa like <em>Cyanocephalus adpressus</em> and <em>C. lanatus</em>. The study provides comparative analysis, distribution insights, and ecological notes, contributing to the understanding of biodiversity in this UNESCO-recognized Cerrado Protected Area.
Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines
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2019 —
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Researchers developed a monument-mapping method to efficiently detect and quantify weathering damage on historical buildings, focusing on the Music School of the University of Guanajuato, Mexico. This approach identified five key forms of stone decay—fractures, salts, oxides, scaling, and lichen—using digital image processing. The study also characterized less-known decorative stones used in 18th- and 19th-century structures, providing mineralogical and petrophysic insights. By mapping damage size and location on green sandstone, the method offers a rapid, qualitative, and quantitative assessment tool for conservation efforts at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Guanajuato.
Memorial sites of the Genocide: Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi and Bisesero
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2019 —
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A growing global trend sees sites of war, genocide, and massacres being recognized as cultural heritage, a process known as 'heritagization.' This phenomenon, coupled with the rise of 'dark tourism'—where visitors seek out locations of mass suffering—is examined in a study focusing on the memorials of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The research reveals how these sites, once symbols of atrocity, are now being framed as heritage destinations, drawing both academic and public interest. The study employs qualitative analysis to explore this shift, highlighting its implications for memory, tourism, and the preservation of traumatic histories.
Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau
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2019 —
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Das Bauhaus stands as a groundbreaking institution that redefined the boundaries between art, design, craftsmanship, and technology during its brief 14-year existence (1919–1933). Founded by Walter Gropius in Weimar, it became a hub for pioneering figures like Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, Marianne Brandt, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The Bauhaus movement integrated aesthetic innovation with functional design, leaving an indelible mark on architecture and art across three sites: Weimar, Dessau, and Bernau (near Berlin). Through its holistic approach, the Bauhaus challenged traditional norms, fostering a synthesis of creative disciplines that continues to influence modern design practices.
Chengjiang Fossil Site
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2019 —
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Three iconic fossil sites—Burgess Shale (Canada), Chengjiang Biota (China), and Fezouata Shale (Morocco)—exhibit distinct preservation patterns for anatomical structures, offering insights into Cambrian and Ordovician paleo-biodiversity. The study categorizes preserved features into mineralized, sclerotized, cuticularized parts, soft tissues exposed to seawater, and internal organs, revealing significant differences in their proportions across sites. This dataset, compiled from publications, books, and museum collections over three months, serves as a benchmark for assessing new fossil localities and mitigating preservation biases in biodiversity reconstructions.
Kaiping Diaolou and Villages
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2019 —
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A comparative analysis of perceived authenticity and place attachment at two UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Yongding earth buildings (tulou) and Kaiping watchtowers (Diaolou)—revealed nuanced differences in visitor experiences shaped by cultural significance, architectural heritage, and seasonal tourism dynamics. Data collected during low-tourism periods (July 2017 for Yongding; April 2019, during China's Tomb Sweeping Festival for Kaiping) demonstrated that perceived authenticity was strongly linked to place attachment, with variations influenced by site-specific cultural narratives and environmental factors. The study employed rigorous factor analysis (SPSS 19.0), structural modeling (AMOS 21.0), and mediation effect analysis (PROCESS) to quantify these relationships, providing a data-driven framework for understanding visitor engagement in heritage contexts.
Gordion
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2019 —
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A major conflagration in the late 9th century BCE at Gordion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and pivotal archaeological site in central Anatolia, marks a significant political transformation from Hittite hegemony to the rise of the Phrygian polity. This study presents fifteen new radiocarbon dates that revise the chronology of this transition, challenging previous assumptions about the timing of cultural shifts. The research employs advanced absolute dating techniques to establish a precise framework for understanding the collapse of the Hittite Empire and the subsequent emergence of Phrygia as a dominant political force in Anatolia from the 9th to 7th centuries BCE. These findings reshape our perspective on the Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age transition, highlighting Gordion's precocious development into an early Phrygian capital.
Ban Chiang Archaeological Site
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2019 —
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Radiocarbon dating of human bone, freshwater shell, charcoal, and rice grains from Ban Chiang Archaeological Site confirms the arrival of rice and millet farmers in mainland Southeast Asia by the end of the 3rd millennium BC, with bronze casting emerging around 1100 BC. This challenges recent claims that question the integrity of Bayesian-modelled radiocarbon results, reinforcing the established chronological framework for the region's Bronze Age. The study highlights the rapid social transformations following metallurgy's introduction, providing a robust foundation for understanding Southeast Asian prehistory.
Pasargadae
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2019 —
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Achaemenid monumental art at Pasargadae draws significant inspiration from Assyrian models, particularly evident in the architectural and sculptural elements of Cyrus the Great's palace. The study identifies the influence of Assyrian motifs, such as winged taurine guardians and demonic figures (lulal, ugallu, apkallu), which were likely incorporated to assert continuity with the Assyrian imperial tradition. This approach highlights how Pasargadae served not only as a political capital but also as a symbolic extension of Assyrian power, reinforcing Cyrus's legacy as an heir to that empire.
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
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2019 —
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Archaeological evidence from the Middle Kingdom necropolis of Dayr al-Barshā reveals a sophisticated ritual landscape designed to facilitate religious processions from Khemenu, the capital of the Hare nome, to associated cemeteries. This infrastructure included a river crossing, landing stages with cult places for provincial rulers, and processional roads leading to tombs, suggesting deliberate landscaping on a grand scale. The study argues that such processional features were initially linked primarily to royal pyramids but expanded during Mentuhotep II's reign to include temples and private cemeteries, potentially influenced by his grand-scale projects in Abydos and Thebes.
Paris, Banks of the Seine
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2019 —
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A shift from industrial and agricultural use to recreational tourism has reshaped the marginal territories along the Seine River in the Paris region, integrating them into urban leisure spaces. This transformation, driven by post-war population growth and policy initiatives, created outdoor leisure centers that prioritized nature access for Ile-de-France residents. The study reveals how state and regional policies facilitated this transition, blending marginal lands into the urban fabric while addressing recreational needs. By analyzing policy implementation and territorial integration, researchers highlight a model for balancing development with environmental preservation in densely populated areas.
Taj Mahal
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2019 —
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The gardens of the Taj Mahal, traditionally viewed as representations of Quranic paradise and imperial power, are reinterpreted through their cultural and literary significance. This study challenges the singular perception of these gardens by highlighting their multifaceted nature, blending dynastic identity with Persian poetic landscapes of love and longing. By analyzing plantings, perspective, and sensory engagement, it reveals that the gardens evoke not only paradise but also the emotional and political narratives embedded in Mughal culture. The research employs a cultural memory framework to explore the interplay between physical and imaginary landscapes, offering a more nuanced understanding of how these spaces were experienced and remembered.
Hegmataneh
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2019 —
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A Persian architectural fragment, acquired by the Ackland Art Museum in 1998, has been recontextualized through comparative analysis with similar fragments from major Euro-American collections and the Hegmataneh Hill Museum in Hamadan, Iran. This study challenges the museum's emphasis on aesthetic qualities by examining the fragment as part of a broader network of architectural pieces, rather than an isolated decontextualized object. The research approach involves cross-collection analysis to trace origins and reconstruct historical context, providing new insights into Persian architectural heritage beyond conventional narratives.
Western Caucasus
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2019 —
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Research reveals that the Anapa flexural–rupture zone in the Western Caucasus exhibits deep structural roots extending into the lower crust and upper mantle, distinct from near-surface faults. These findings, derived from microseismic sounding (MSM) conducted between 2007 and 2017, highlight the zone's role in separating major tectonic blocks, including the pericline of the North-Western Caucasus from the Taman Peninsula and adjacent depressed blocks. The study also differentiates deep faults with significant seismogenic potential from shallow ones confined to the sedimentary cover, providing critical insights into the region's seismic activity.
Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites
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2019 —
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A geotechnical study of the East Cocoon Warehouse at Japan's Tomioka Silk Mill, built during the Meiji era using imported technology, reveals remarkable structural stability after 145 years. Despite significant differential settlements—up to 44 mm among foundation stones and 33 mm in the silk reeling mill—the warehouse has maintained its original state without notable pillar inclinations. The research, measuring deformations across 92 foundation stones spanning 233.4 meters, demonstrates that early Meiji-era geotechnical practices were sophisticated, comparable to modern standards. These findings highlight the durability of the warehouse's simply yet suitably designed foundation.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
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2019 —
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A study of Bezymianny Volcano, Kamchatka, reveals that precursory lava dome growth is driven by complex interactions between magma supply rates and shallow conduit solidification. Using TerraSAR-X satellite data, webcam imagery, and seismic records, researchers identified significant morphometric changes—including local deformations exceeding 30 meters—up to seven months before eruptions, often without detectable seismicity. The findings suggest that intrusive and extrusive processes occur in tandem, with solidification deflecting magma intrusions toward the dome's uppermost regions. This integrated approach enhances understanding of precursory activity and dome-building dynamics at hazardous volcanoes like Bezymianny.
Abbey and Altenmünster of Lorsch
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2019 —
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Agrarian land claims and clearances in the eighth and ninth centuries, as documented in the charters of Abbeys Wissembourg, Lorsch, and Fulda, reveal a diverse and complex system with features distinct from later Central Middle Ages communities. This study reinterprets territorial and chronological distributions of evidence by analyzing landscape descriptions and agricultural practices, uncovering varied mechanisms of land appropriation across different forms of exploitation. The findings challenge conventional understandings of medieval agrarian systems, particularly in the social logic behind terms like 'stirpare,' suggesting a more nuanced and dynamic process than previously assumed.
The Historic Centre of Odesa
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2019 —
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A balanced approach to urban port development can foster sustainable regeneration while addressing the complexities of economic and geopolitical conditions. This study identifies the most effective strategy for developing the interface between Odesa's port and its historic center, drawing on case studies from European cities like Bilbao, Barcelona, and Oslo. It integrates insights from urban planning, economics, transport geography, and sociology to propose a model that equitably shares port territories while moving cargo functions away from historical areas. The research highlights the potential for ecological, social, and transportation benefits in coastal cities of developing nations, offering a framework for sustainable development under current challenges.
Lord Howe Island Group
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2019 —
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A multidisciplinary tele-therapy model using video-conferencing technology effectively delivered autism-specific allied health services to regional and remote participants, including one on UNESCO-listed Lord Howe Island. The study found that staff training, collaboration among families, educators, and therapists, and access to specialized autism support were key to success, while mixed views existed on the need for in-person sessions. Barriers included scheduling challenges but technology itself was not a hindrance. This research supports tele-practice as a viable alternative when local services are unavailable, though blended models may optimize outcomes.
Taï National Park
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2019 —
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A nearly four-decade study of wild chimpanzees in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire, reveals critical insights into their demography and life-history strategies. By tracking five communities (North, South, Middle, East Groups), researchers uncovered key reproductive metrics such as age at first birth, interbirth intervals, and longevity, providing a rare long-term dataset for chimpanzee ecology. The study highlights adaptations in Taï chimpanzees' reproductive success and fitness, offering comparisons with other long-term sites to elucidate species-specific responses to environmental challenges.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
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2019 —
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Coniferous forests within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR) experience frequent fires, with return intervals averaging two years across all elevations and forest types. Contrary to expectations, these fires do not correlate with drought or El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events, nor do they influence tree establishment patterns, which remain continuous regardless of fire frequency. The study, using dendrochronological techniques on 110 cross-sections from 23 sites spanning 1925–2015, suggests that natural fire regimes in these forests may have been drastically altered by human activities. While frequent low-severity fires could potentially harm tree regeneration and the integrity of the monarch butterfly's overwintering habitat, continuous tree regeneration indicates such impacts have not yet materialized.
Blue and John Crow Mountains
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2019 —
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A population survey of the Black-billed Streamertail (Trochilus polytmus scitulus), an endemic hummingbird subspecies found in Jamaica's Blue and John Crow Mountains, reveals a significantly larger population than previously estimated. Using distance sampling methods in 2014, researchers estimated a density of 955 individuals per km², translating to a global abundance of approximately 314,100 birds within the 329 km² survey area. An independent calculation using the variable circular plot method yielded a slightly lower estimate of 108,017 individuals, both indicating a much larger population than anticipated. These findings support the current IUCN Least Concern status for this species but underscore the need for continued monitoring to better understand its habitat preferences and future population trends.
Chartres Cathedral
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2019 —
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A groundbreaking study challenges the long-held assumption that chanoines were necessarily interred within their cathedrals, particularly during the late Middle Ages. Focusing on Chartres Cathedral and other French sites, the research reveals that no chanoine or bishop from Chartres was buried within its walls between 1200 and 1500, contrary to common belief. Instead, their remains were dispersed across the city and its outskirts. This practice was justified by an 'interdit'—a religious prohibition on burials within the cathedral's precincts due to its pre-Incarnation origins, which demanded the preservation of its soil's virginity. The study further uncovers that this phenomenon was not unique to Chartres but extended to other cathedrals like Saint-Jean de Besançon and possibly Le Puy, indicating a broader cultural shift in burial practices during this period. By analyzing numerous chanoine testaments and historical records, the research redefines our understanding of medieval ecclesiastical traditions.
Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park
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2019 —
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Researchers have identified two new endemic scarab beetle species, Onthophagus humboldti and Uroxys bonplandi, from Costa Rica's Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves. Notably, O. humboldti is the tenth brachypterous (short-winged) species in the genus Onthophagus globally, showcasing extreme brachyptery within this group. The study also reveals that tropical mountain ranges like the Cordillera de Talamanca exhibit higher levels of endemism and brachyptery than lowland rainforests, challenging conventional beliefs. By analyzing mitochondrial DNA, the research supports the distinctiveness of two closely related Onthophagus species groups: O. dicranius and O. clypeatus. Additionally, a biogeographical model suggests that stable environments in deeply incised valleys during the Last Glacial Maximum may have promoted brachyptery in scarab beetles.
Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
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2019 —
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Research reveals that Panteleimon Kulish's novel 'The Commoners’ Council' (1846) relied heavily on Mykhailo Maksymovych’s 1840 paper, 'On Tombstones in Pechersk Monastery,' rather than Afanasii Kalnofoyskyi’s 'Teraturgema' (1638), for epitaph translations from the Assumption Cathedral of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The study also found that other quotations attributed to 'Teraturgema' were borrowed from metropolitan bishop Yevhenii’s 1826 work, 'Description of Kyiv Perchersk Lavra.' Kulish's Kyivan episodes were primarily based on Maksymovych’s works in the 'Kiievlianin' almanac (1840), yet he omitted these sources in his novel’s footnotes. This challenges traditional scholarly perceptions and underscores Kulish’s unique approach to historical fiction, where he prioritized direct testimonies and observations over intermediary historians.
Surtsey
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2019 —
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A subsurface observatory at Surtsey, Iceland's youngest volcanic island, offers unprecedented insights into microbial life and hydrothermal processes in young basaltic tuff. The 2017 ICDP SUSTAIN Expedition drilled three boreholes through the active hydrothermal system, with one equipped to monitor water-rock interactions and microbial activity under sterile conditions. Using filtered seawater and UV sterilization, researchers maintained a contamination-free environment, enabling experiments at temperatures from 25°C to 125°C—approaching the upper limit of functional life (~121°C). The observatory provides a natural laboratory for studying fluid-rock-microbe interactions over time, with comparisons to 1979 and 2019 drill cores offering a 50-year perspective on hydrothermal evolution. This design bridges field observations and experimental validation, advancing understanding of submarine microbial processes.
Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst
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2019 —
WHEC8A05488C4
A significant decrease in cave floor ice volume has been observed in the Silická ľadnica cave, part of the UNESCO-listed Slovak Karst, over a three-year monitoring period. This finding suggests long-term changes in the hydrological-climatic regime of the region. Researchers employed a selective cloud-to-cloud approach using laser scanning technology to map and analyze ice dynamics with ultra-high resolution. By registering point clouds from multiple scanning campaigns into a unified coordinate system, they tracked continuous inter-seasonal changes, including repeated cycles of ice degradation and formation. While the study highlights a notable reduction in ice volume, it underscores the need for extended observations to fully understand the underlying mechanisms driving these changes.
Archaeological Site of Olympia
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2019 —
WHEC55867F963
Researchers have successfully identified and localized multiple Mycenaean chamber tombs in the environs of ancient Olympia, Greece, using non-invasive geophysical methods. By combining electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) with ground-penetrating radar (GPR), the study detected ten previously unknown tomb candidates near the village of Epitalio, expanding knowledge of an uncharted cemetery. The approach was validated at the Mageiras-Kioupia necropolis, where excavated chamber tombs provided a reference for interpreting geophysical data. While no comparable tombs were found on the Dartisa plateau, this study demonstrates the potential of ERT and GPR to uncover hidden archaeological features in regions lacking systematic excavation records.
