Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems
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2019 —
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Barrier reefs act as depth-dependent filters for incoming wave energy, significantly reducing its transmission while allowing certain low-frequency standing waves to persist. This finding emerges from a two-month observational and numerical study conducted over the Ouano reef barrier in New Caledonia, which revealed distinct wave patterns, including reflection-induced standing waves and undular bore trains developing over the reef flat. The research combined cross-shore pressure sensor networks with high-resolution velocity profiling to quantify these phenomena, offering critical insights into how barrier reefs modulate wave dynamics—a key factor for coastal protection and lagoon ecosystem stability.
Chitwan National Park
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2019 —
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A study assessing the effectiveness of Community Based Conservation (CBC) programs in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, reveals that local communities around the park enjoy higher economic well-being compared to national averages. Key findings include high awareness among residents about shared park revenues and their link to community welfare, with 79% recognizing revenue distribution and 73.6% associating conservation efforts with improved living conditions. Additionally, over half of the respondents demonstrated knowledge of ecological concepts such as deforestation impacts and large carnivore loss. The research highlights no significant differences in responses based on gender, economic status, or education level. Recommendations for park management include enhancing awareness campaigns to strengthen the connection between shared benefits and conservation efforts, as well as streamlining compensation processes for wildlife-related damages.
Bale Mountains National Park
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2019 —
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Tourists visiting Ethiopia's Bale Mountains National Park are willing to pay up to US$5.82 per day for trips that support the protection and increase of the Ethiopian wolf population, a critically endangered flagship species. This willingness to pay (WTP) is significantly higher when the wolf population increases from 200 to a more viable 250, but diminishes for larger increases. Tourists also value expanded protected areas and better access to wolf habitats. The study, using choice experiment surveys and a random parameter logit model, reveals that prior experience with Ethiopian protected areas and encounters with other unique species in the park influence tourists' WTP. These findings highlight ecotourism's potential as a conservation tool for the Ethiopian wolf, driven primarily by its existence value.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
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2019 —
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A new analysis reveals that the sacred music of composer Antonio de Ribera, including his Missa Sine Nomine and devotional motets, bears striking similarities to that of Alonso Pérez de Alba, suggesting significant influence from Alba during their overlapping tenure at Seville Cathedral. While documentation is scarce, Alba's more advanced career position implies he likely mentored the younger Ribera. The study highlights shared contrapuntal language and compositional details but acknowledges limitations due to the small sample size and functional context of the surviving pieces. Additionally, it clarifies Ribera’s biography and corrects attributions, distinguishing his works from those of Bernardino de Ribera.
Abbey and Altenmünster of Lorsch
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2019 —
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Early medieval medicine, as exemplified by the 'Lorsch Book of Medicines' from the 9th century, reveals a blend of empirical and superstitious practices. The text, compiled at the Abbey of Lorsch, begins with a 'defence of medicine,' reflecting the era's complex approach to healing. It incorporates prescriptions from ancient sources like Dioscorides, including the use of bearded vulture entrails for treating colic and stones—a practice that persists despite its lack of clear efficacy or explanation. This study highlights how medieval medical texts often served as anthologies, synthesizing diverse traditions without systematic rigor, underscoring the challenges in distinguishing between scientific and superstitious elements in pre-modern medicine.
Paris, Banks of the Seine
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2019 —
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Divorce rates following France's 1884 reauthorization were highest in the Seine département, with divorced individuals predominantly residing on Paris's Right Bank and its western suburbs. A spatial analysis of 20 arrondissements and 74 suburban municipalities revealed that this distribution correlated with economic structures, social acceptance, and cultural norms, particularly enabling women to live independently post-divorce. The study also noted a marked urban-rural divide, where divorced individuals were less likely to reside in rural areas.
Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
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2019 —
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Xi’an, once the capital of 13 Chinese dynasties and home to the Terracotta Army, faces complex challenges in balancing its rich heritage with modernization. The city’s World Heritage status, achieved in 1987 for the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor and expanded in 2014 to include Silk Roads sites, highlights its historical significance but also reveals tensions between preserving cultural identity and pursuing economic growth. Research by Leah Cheung Ah Li explores how heritage policies navigate these pressures, revealing a dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity. Conducted as part of the International Max Planck Research School 'Anthropology, Archaeology and History of Eurasia,' this study employs qualitative methods to examine the political economy of heritage in Xi’an, offering insights into the broader implications for cities grappling with similar transformations.
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.
Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae
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2019 —
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Acanthus mollis, a Western Mediterranean plant, became a pivotal artistic and symbolic element in ancient Greek architecture despite not being native to Greece. This study reveals that the Corinthian capital, featuring A. mollis leaves, likely originated from cultural exchanges with colonies like Syracuse, where the species was widespread. The earliest examples, such as those at the Doric Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae (450-425 BC) and the Tholos at Epidaurus (360-330 BC), suggest that Greek architects drew inspiration from cultivated plants or regions like Sicily and Magna Graecia. The research clarifies the species' distribution, noting that A. mollis subsp. mollis is native to Italy, France, and Croatia, while A. spinosus is indigenous to Greece, challenging previous assumptions about its origin in Greek art.
Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
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2019 —
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A comprehensive ethnobotanical study identifies 224 wild edible plant (WEP) species used by the Hani people in Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan, China, highlighting their cultural and economic significance. These plants, belonging to 90 families and 170 genera, are integral to local cuisine and traditional practices, with fruits, stems, and leaves being the most commonly utilized parts. The research, conducted through interviews with 186 Hani individuals across four counties from 2014 to 2019, also documents unique preparation methods for certain species like Phyllanthus emblica and Dioscorea subcalva. Analysis of use-value (UV) and frequency of utilization index (FUI) revealed that 20 WEP species are particularly important in daily life. While these plants hold economic potential, the study warns of threats from biodiversity loss and pollution, emphasizing the need to preserve traditional knowledge and agroecosystem health for sustainable development.
Yosemite National Park
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2019 —
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Yosemite National Park's wilderness fire management practices have significantly influenced its diverse ecosystems, ranging from chaparral to alpine environments. Research indicates that the historical policy of fire exclusion has altered natural conditions, while the Wilderness Act mandates preservation of these areas' natural states. Natural fire zones, established by both the US Forest Service and National Park Service, highlight the ecological importance of wildfires in Yosemite's wilderness areas. The 1974 Starr King Fire, ignited by lightning near Mount Starr King, provided critical data on water quality impacts due to its location within a watershed supplying Yosemite Valley.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
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2019 —
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The Wilderness Act mandated the review of roadless areas within national wildlife refuges, leading to wilderness designation for 90 refuges, including portions of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. This study highlights how Congress prioritized public use and protection of these areas, ensuring their management plans preserve wilderness character while balancing conservation goals. The research approach involved analyzing the Act's implementation, focusing on its impact on refuge systems and specific sites like Okefenokee, which received special attention for its ecological significance.
Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands
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2019 —
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A case study on the Solovetsky Islands reveals that wind energy production is significantly higher during winter months due to increased wind speeds and air density. Using 18 years of NASA wind climatology data and computational fluid dynamics simulations, researchers assessed two potential wind park locations, comparing three wake models to understand wind flow physics and turbine wake effects. The study also demonstrated that optimizing the layout of a wind park can enhance annual energy production (AEP). This research provides valuable insights for harnessing wind energy in remote Arctic regions while balancing cultural heritage preservation.
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.
Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
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2019 —
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Archaeological research at Herculaneum has revealed significant insights into the role and craftsmanship of wooden furniture during antiquity. By analyzing surviving fragments, excavation reports, and architectural evidence, this study reconstructs the form, function, and techniques used in Herculaneum's interiors. The findings highlight how wooden furniture was integral to domestic spaces, with preserved pieces offering a rare glimpse into Roman interior design and craftsmanship. This multidisciplinary approach combines material analysis with contextual clues from house architecture and decoration, providing a comprehensive understanding of furniture's significance in daily life.
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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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.
Göbekli Tepe
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2019 —
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A groundbreaking analysis of Göbekli Tepe, a prehistoric megalithic site in southeastern Turkey, reveals that the T-shaped pillars may represent supernatural beings linked to the concept of 'god.' The study identifies an H-shaped carving on Pillar 18, bracketed by semi-circles, which bears striking resemblance to a Luwian hieroglyphic symbol meaning 'god.' This suggests a symbolic rather than purely practical purpose for such carvings. The research further connects T-shape iconography and an H-like symbol at Göbekli Tepe with Luwian symbols representing 'gate' and possibly bull-associated deities, implying these pillars guarded the entry to the afterlife. The findings propose that celestial imagery of the night sky inspired this theme, which was ritually celebrated by hunter-gatherer pilgrims and later spread across Anatolia, influencing language in the region for millennia.
Island of Gorée
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2019 —
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Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site off Senegal's coast, serves as a case study to explore the decolonization of spatial subjects through Frantz Fanon's lens. The research reveals how language and narrative shape the perception and colonization of architectural spaces, particularly in post-colonial contexts. By analyzing competing narratives—ranging from developmental concerns (led by Boubacar Joseph Ndiaye, UNESCO) to historical accounts (by Philip Curtin and Mark Hinchman) and symbolic significance (highlighted by Dionne Brand)—the study traces how these perspectives either perpetuate or resist the colonization of Gorée's architecture and history. Fanon's interdisciplinary approach, which combines poetic voice with resistance to historical instrumentalization, offers a framework for reimagining spaces free from colonial hegemony. This work contributes to broader discussions on post-colonial spatial subjectivity and the ethical dimensions of heritage interpretation.
Stevns Klint
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2019 —
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Research at Stevns Klint, Denmark, reveals that unusually high concentrations of pentavalent antimony (Sb5+) and arsenic (As5+) in Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary sediments serve as a global environmental indicator. These elements, coprecipitated with iron oxides like ferrihydrite (schwertmannite), suggest widespread contamination by dust and ashes from asteroid impact ejecta falls during this geological transition. The study employed X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy to analyze the chemical states and coordination environments of Sb and As, confirming their incorporation into low-crystalline ferrihydrite structures with an Sb–O interatomic distance of 1.99(1) Å. This finding highlights a unique environmental signature in these sediments, distinct from modern soil contamination.
Diy-Gid-Biy Cultural Landscape of the Mandara Mountains
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2019 —
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Contrary to the scholarly portrayal of egalitarian societies, architectural landscapes in the Mandara Highlands reveal deeply embedded hierarchies and inequalities among clans and individuals. This study demonstrates how physical structures are ideologically constructed to legitimize social stratification, challenging the assumption of segmentary societal organization in this region. Through fieldwork-based observations, the research interrogates the meaning of egalitarianism in African societies, highlighting the nuanced interplay between material space and ideological representation.
Papahānaumokuākea
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2019 —
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Marine protected area (MPA) networks can effectively bridge jurisdictional boundaries by leveraging ecological and cultural connections, fostering transnational cooperation for ocean resource stewardship. This study highlights the success of sister site partnerships over a decade, demonstrating how collaborative management strategies enhance protection of shared biological resources. Case studies include alliances like Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (USA) with Caribbean sites to protect humpback whales, the Gulf of Mexico Sister Site Network involving USA, Mexico, and Cuba, and the partnership between Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (USA) and Rapa Nui (Chile). The research underscores the importance of transnational cooperation in strengthening MPA management and safeguarding marine biodiversity.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
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2018 —
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William Stukeley's interpretations of Stonehenge and Avebury reveal these sites as intentionally designed man-made landscapes, meant to engage knowledgeable spectators through complex interactions. His work demonstrates that the Druids' worship in groves was reconciled with stone circles by linking stones and trees in his theory of architecture's origins. Stukeley's approach involved extensive travel, observation, and recording of landscapes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the sites as if physically present. This perspective shifts the understanding of these monuments from mere observations to dynamic, interpretive experiences that shape viewer engagement.
Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük
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2018 —
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Digital tablet recording significantly enhances reflexivity and interpretation in archaeological fieldwork, as demonstrated at Çatalhöyük. The study reveals how integrating digital methods—such as 3D recording technologies, SQL databases, and GIS—into existing workflows deepens the relationship between archaeologists and the site's remains. By applying science and technology studies frameworks, researchers assessed the impact of digitized tools on documentation processes, providing insights into broader disciplinary shifts known as the 'Digital Turn.' This approach not only streamlines data collection but also fosters more nuanced interpretations of Neolithic settlements.
Margravial Opera House Bayreuth
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2018 —
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The reopening of the Bayreuth Festival on July 29, 1951, marked a significant cultural and political milestone, symbolizing a 'Reconsecration of the House' after six years of silence during American occupation. This event, conducted by Wilhelm Furtwängler, linked to historical performances, including Wagner's 1872 debut and a controversial Nazi-era performance in 1942, highlighted the festival's complex legacy. The new administration under Wieland Wagner, son of Winifred Wagner, aimed to break from the extravagant stagings of the Nazi period with austere, psychoanalytical productions, though this shift was not as definitive as it seemed. Furtwängler's return to works like Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and Mozart's Don Giovanni underscored his enduring influence despite lingering controversies from his Nazi-era associations.
Archaeological Site of Troy
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2018 —
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A fierce debate over the authenticity of Troy and its relevance to Victorian society erupted in 1873, challenging the practical value of Homeric pilgrimage. The controversy highlighted societal skepticism toward classical antiquity, contrasting it with more tangible historical resources like Druidical standing stones. This debate gained unexpected significance when Heinrich Schliemann's excavations at Hisarlik revealed Priam's treasure shortly after, exposing the irony of the Chancellor's decision to deny funding. The study examines this pivotal moment in British cultural history, illustrating how public discourse on archaeology and literature intersected with political and economic priorities.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
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2018 —
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Families primarily perceive botanic gardens, such as the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, as aesthetically beautiful spaces rather than as venues for science learning. However, interpretive guidance can help them recognize and appreciate the scientific aspects of these environments. A study involving 24 families at Kew found that while families initially focused on the garden's beauty, interpretation linked science to the plants, enabling families to engage with science learning more effectively. This suggests that enhancing interpretive provision in botanic gardens could significantly improve visitors' understanding and appreciation of scientific concepts.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2018 —
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A dramatic shift in landscape boundaries at Kaskawulsh Glacier, Yukon, was captured through a unique collaboration between geoscientists and a visual artist. The research revealed the sudden subcontinental-scale reorganization of drainage caused by climate-induced glacier retreat, leading to the disappearance of Slims River. Using scientific mapping, historic comparative photography, and site-specific sculptural installations, the team documented the significant geological changes that occurred in 2016. This interdisciplinary approach combined on-site artistic interpretations with satellite imagery and historical photographs, providing a comprehensive visual and scientific narrative of the landscape transformation.
Durham Castle and Cathedral
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2018 —
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Durham Cathedral serves as a dynamic space where community actions reshape both physical and temporal dimensions, creating 'malleable assemblages' that allow it to function simultaneously as a place of worship, tourism, and community events. This study reveals how spaces become places through enacted negotiation, challenging traditional notions of sacred time and spatial fixedness. Building on Bergson’s concept of duration, Munn’s space-time framework, and Eliade’s sacred time theory, the research uses ethnographic examples to demonstrate that time and space in Durham Cathedral are fluid constructs, constantly redefined by community interactions. The findings highlight the cathedral's adaptability, embodying a multifaceted identity that evolves with its diverse user needs.
White City of Tel-Aviv – the Modern Movement
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2018 —
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Research reveals that Patrick Geddes' vision for Tel Aviv, conceived as a Garden City in 1909, included approximately twenty 'Geddes Gardens'—residential structures with inner gardens—that align with his urban planning ideas. These features, characterized by their shape, urban connectivity, pedestrian lanes, and landscape design, were identified through archival research, map analysis, and on-site exploration. The study highlights the implementation of Geddes' urban utopia in Tel Aviv, contributing to the understanding of its historical significance within the context of Garden City and Modern Movement ideals.
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.
Old City of Dubrovnik
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2018 —
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Dubrovnik's rapid tourism growth, with a 17% increase in tourist arrivals in 2017, has led to significant challenges such as crowding and congestion, particularly in the Old Town and its fortresses. This study highlights that seasonal peaks (June–September) and film-induced tourism threaten Dubrovnik's cultural identity and reputation. It presents measures taken by stakeholders to manage these pressures, offering insights into balancing urban tourism growth with preservation of heritage value.
Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church
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2018 —
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Westminster Abbey's transformation during the 16th and early 17th centuries was intricately linked to the profound changes in its surrounding town, particularly post-Reformation. The study reveals that the Abbey's role, organization, religious functions, and interior decoration underwent significant shifts, mirroring the broader societal transformations in Westminster. These included the rise of the royal court, London's urban expansion, and alterations in the town's population and social structure. The research highlights how the Abbey's dean and chapter actively sought to retain their secular power and influence amid these changes, shaping both the Abbey's development and its relationship with the evolving town. This study focuses on the interplay between the Abbey's environment and its institutional efforts to maintain prominence during a pivotal period of British history.
Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura
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2018 —
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The study reveals that the iconography of Creation in Western Europe (11th–13th centuries) was influenced by earlier traditions, particularly those from San Paolo Fuori le Mura and early Christian texts like Genesis of Lord Cotton and Pentateuch of Ashburnham. By analyzing the personification of Light during the First Day of Creation, the research suggests possible reconstructions for lost frescoes and traces iconographical borrowings. The findings highlight mutual interactions between key elements—Light and Darkness, Sun and Moon—in 'roman-type' compositions, indicating a dynamic interplay that shaped visual representations of creation narratives.
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska: the Mannerist Architectural and Park Landscape Complex and Pilgrimage Park
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2018 —
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A significant decline in pilgrimage activity among Polish academic youth is evident, with 68% reporting marginal engagement in religious tourism and over half not participating in a pilgrimage within the past year. The study highlights that family pilgrimage traditions during childhood or adolescence correlate with higher adult activity, whereas their absence leads to diminished interest. Additionally, youth involvement in major events like World Youth Day (2016) and the Jubilee Year of Mercy was notably low, with 77% not engaging in such activities. Data from key sanctuaries, including Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, show a post-2005 drop in religious youth groups, while interest in the Camino de Santiago remains minimal (4% abroad). The research underscores a broader trend of declining religiousness among Polish youth, as documented by the Catholic Church's statistics.
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.
Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem
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2018 —
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This first-person account highlights the critical need for standardized triage protocols in psychiatric hospitals, drawing from the author's personal experiences with mental health care in the Netherlands. The narrative underscores how the absence of clear communication and medical knowledge among administrative staff can exacerbate distress for patients during acute psychotic episodes. Key incidents—such as a telephonist's refusal to acknowledge agreed-upon hospitalization or the lack of access to deputy psychiatrists—illustrate systemic gaps that undermine patient care. The author advocates for triage systems in psychiatric settings, paralleling those in somatic medicine, to ensure timely and appropriate medical responses. Additionally, the piece reflects on the intersection of mental health, political activism, and personal resilience, culminating in a successful visit to Israel for peace negotiations, which the author links to her recovery journey.
Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
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2018 —
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Traditional knowledge of wild food plant gathering and cooking persists among the elderly population on Vulcano, one of the Aeolian Islands, despite the growing influence of industrialized foods. The study recorded 52 wild and semi-domesticated plants and one mushroom used in local cuisine, highlighting their cultural significance, health benefits, and connection to past agrarian lifestyles. However, this practice is at risk due to detachment from younger generations, particularly as mass tourism reshapes the island's environment. The findings underscore the need for sustainable eco-tourism initiatives to preserve and revitalize this vital aspect of local heritage.
Upper Svaneti
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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.
Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
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2018 —
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A study of the epistolary legacy of Ukrainian hierarchs reveals that the intellectual space of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy was characterized by strong interpersonal connections, particularly among correspondents who shared similar hierarchical positions and educational backgrounds. These bonds, forged through the academy's educational system and school comradeship, often led to high-ranking positions within the hierarchy. The research also highlights how communication patterns varied across different centers, such as the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and collegiums in Chernihiv, Kharkiv, and Pereiaslav, with letters predominantly addressing the needs of the alma mater, including legal status, academic staff, financial support, and literary work. This analysis underscores the academy's role in fostering intercultural communication and intellectual exchange among its alumni.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
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Inigo Jones's 1655 work, <em>Stone-Heng Restored</em>, argued that Stonehenge was built by the ancient Romans and exhibited perfect Platonic geometries, a claim largely dismissed for its logical and historical flaws. However, Ryan Roark reinterprets this work in his 2018 study, arguing that Jones's approach to formal analysis of Stonehenge set a precedent for modern architectural pedagogy. Roark views Jones's book not as an attempt to prove historical accuracy but as an exercise in subjective geometric simplification, influencing contemporary design education. This reinterpretation highlights the significance of Jones's work in shaping protomodern architectural thought, despite its shortcomings.
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.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
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2018 —
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A novel approach using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and structure-from-motion photogrammetry successfully generated highly accurate 3-D digital outcrop models (DOMs) of a complex fluvial sequence in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Canada. This method allowed researchers to map stratigraphic surfaces and estimate facies with precision comparable to traditional field techniques (±4.9%), while providing unprecedented lateral continuity for interpreting channel morphology over time. The study demonstrates that UAV-SfM DOMs can effectively complement conventional mapping, offering detailed 3-D views of topographically challenging outcrops—such as badlands—that are crucial for reconstructing sedimentary environments in UNESCO-listed sites.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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Over the past three decades, the Cerrado region, a global biodiversity hotspot, has undergone significant anthropogenic transformations. A study analyzing the spatio-temporal dynamics of the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park's influence area in central Brazil (1984-2015) reveals that agricultural expansion, particularly in the southern portion of the region, has severely impacted natural landscapes, soil and water quality, and local biodiversity. The research integrates land-use data, socioeconomic indicators, physical characterization, and road network analysis using geotechnologies, demonstrating a strong correlation between accessibility improvements and environmental degradation. Three distinct sub-regions emerged: a stigmatized north (Cavalcante and Teresina de Goiás), a diversified center (Alto Paraíso de Goiás and Colinas do Sul), and an exploited south (São João d'Aliança). The findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable land-use practices to balance agricultural development with conservation efforts, particularly in areas critical for tourism and ecological preservation.
Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst
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2018 —
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Terrestrial laser scanning emerges as a powerful tool for unified speleological mapping, bridging the gap between detailed morphological data and high-precision geodetic measurements. This study demonstrates its potential to standardize cave documentation in Slovakia, where current practices lack consistency. By combining non-contact surveying technology with traditional speleological methods, researchers achieve maps that are both accurate and rich in morphological detail. The approach addresses longstanding challenges in cave mapping, offering a solution for comprehensive, high-fidelity representations of underground spaces. This advancement supports environmental education, tourism, and scientific research, particularly in the Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan
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2018 —
WHE5A9207F1E4
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.
Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale
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2018 —
WHE7AA2E7B49A
A comprehensive 3D survey and modeling of the main portico of the Cathedral of Monreale, Italy, has been successfully completed, providing a detailed digital reconstruction that serves as a foundational test for implementing Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) across the entire monumental complex. This study demonstrates the potential of 3D data acquisition and modeling to enhance documentation, restoration efforts, and knowledge dissemination for historic architectures. The research employed advanced metrological techniques to capture intricate architectural details, offering a scalable approach for future preservation initiatives at UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
