Península Valdés
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2018 —
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Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) off Península Valdés, Argentina, utilize at least three distinct food sources, likely corresponding to previously documented whaling feeding grounds such as the Patagonian Shelf, South Georgia, and the Polar Front. This is revealed through stable isotope analysis of skin samples, which show diverse isotopic signatures (δ15N, δ13C, δ34S) that match those of euphausiids and copepods from different regions in the southwestern South Atlantic and Southern Ocean. The study suggests substantial variability in foraging strategies among individual whales, with differences in age and sex classes potentially linked to biomechanical or physiological traits rather than specialized feeding grounds.
Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve
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2018 —
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Research on Wrangel Island reveals multiple stages in the structural evolution of its sedimentary cover, confirming early Devonian fold deformations linked to Ellesmerian tectogenesis and Middle Devonian structures associated with the Chukotka Orogeny. These findings were derived from mesostructural field observations across northern, central, and eastern parts of the island, identifying distinct geological processes that shaped the region's sedimentary complexes over time.
Komodo National Park
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2018 —
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A study on the governance of tourism destinations, focusing on Komodo National Park and Labuan Bajo City, Indonesia, reveals that rapid changes in the global tourism sector have led to fragmented management practices. The research highlights a lack of coordination and synergy among stakeholders, including governments, private sectors, and communities, which hinders effective destination management. To address this, the study proposes the creation of a clear framework with consensus-based cooperation or regulatory guidelines. This framework aims to unify stakeholder efforts towards societal welfare and shared socio-economic benefits, emphasizing the need for adaptive governance in response to dynamic tourism trends.
Stari Ras and Sopoćani
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2018 —
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UNESCO World Heritage Site Stari Ras and Sopoćani, located in Serbia's Raška region, presents unique management challenges due to its multi-ethnic character and the need to balance cultural heritage preservation with the demands of monastic communities and urban expansion. The site, inscribed in 1979 for its medieval monuments, includes components like the Medieval Town of Ras, St. Peter’s church, and monasteries such as Đurđevi Stupovi and Sopoćani. This study highlights the complex interplay between heritage conservation, living traditions, and urban development, offering insights into sustainable management strategies for culturally diverse sites.
Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area
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2018 —
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Air quality in the Tirthan Valley, part of the UNESCO-listed Great Himalayan National Park, remains within safe limits for particulate (PM10) and gaseous pollutants (NO2, SO2), according to a 2018 study. The research found that pollutant levels in this pristine valley—designated a World Heritage Site in 2014—are significantly lower than national ambient air quality standards, reflecting its protected status. The study employed field monitoring techniques to measure pollutant concentrations across different seasons, providing baseline data for future conservation efforts. These findings underscore the importance of strict environmental regulations in preserving the ecological integrity of such sensitive regions.
Chitwan National Park
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2018 —
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Chitwan National Park, Nepal, hosts a diverse wetland bird population, with 36 species recorded during a 2014 study. Among these, 15 were winter migratory birds and 21 were residents, highlighting the park's ecological significance as a critical habitat for both local and migratory avifauna. The Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) emerged as the most abundant species, predominantly found in river confluences and shaded forest areas. However, the study revealed alarming declines in wetland bird populations due to anthropogenic pressures such as sand mining, habitat loss, overfishing, livestock grazing, poisoning, water pollution, tourist pressure, and invasive species proliferation. These findings underscore the urgent need for conservation measures to mitigate human-induced threats to this biodiversity hotspot.
Convent of Christ in Tomar
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2018 —
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Research at the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Portugal, has identified microorganisms as key agents in stone biodegradation, significantly altering its architectural integrity. The study successfully tested natural biocompounds developed by Bevotech, which demonstrated effective inhibition of biodeterioration without damaging the stone materials. These green solutions offer an eco-friendly alternative for preserving cultural heritage, providing a promising approach to safeguarding historic structures.
Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
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2018 —
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Recent scholarship in the 'geohumanities' or 'geomaterialist ecocriticism' reveals that stones and geological formations are not inert but instead act as receptive and emotive measures of human entanglements with more-than-human entities. This perspective challenges traditional views of stone as 'senseless things,' highlighting its physical dynamism and emotional potency. The research employs a narrative approach, analyzing how humans respond to stone through 'stories of stone'—ranging from Neolithic cave paintings to modern anthropic signatures—and explores the ecological paradoxes of the present era. Key works by Jeffrey Cohen and Serenella Iovino juxtapose cultural heritage, such as Piedmont's wines, with industrial 'slow violence,' like asbestos exposure, illustrating human interactions with nonhuman landscapes. This approach aligns with strategic anthropomorphism, seeking to entangle human experience with geological formations.
Historic City of Yazd
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2018 —
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A strategic plan for cultural tourism development in the Fahadan neighborhood of Yazd, Iran, prioritizes offensive strategies to capitalize on its strengths and opportunities. Key recommendations include establishing eco-hotels, organizing walking tours, enhancing national and international advertising, strengthening social capital through NGO support, hosting handicraft fairs, providing financial incentives via tax laws, and implementing comprehensive rehabilitation plans. The study employed the SWOT matrix, IFE and EFE matrices, and expert opinions to assess the neighborhood's potential, identifying offensive strategies as the most viable for implementation.
Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto)
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2018 —
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A multi-scale, interdisciplinary approach to landscape recovery after flooding has been successfully implemented in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre National Park, Italy. The research demonstrates that effective conservation and management of cultural landscapes require a dual focus on micro- and macro-level knowledge, enabling targeted planning solutions that balance protection, transformation, and sustainability. The study provides guidelines, masterplans, and intervention profiles to mitigate the impacts of landslides and flooding while preserving the integrity of this prestigious site. This methodology offers a model for post-disaster landscape recovery in fragile European territories.
Prambanan Temple Compounds
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2018 —
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Groundwater usage in the Borobudur and Prambanan Temple compounds, iconic cultural tourism sites in Central Java and Yogyakarta, poses risks of land subsidence due to excessive extraction. A study using geoelectric sounding across 10 points revealed distinct rock stratigraphies: Borobudur’s surroundings consist of sand, gravel, tuff, lapilli, claystone, and sandstone, while Prambanan’s include sand, gravel, soil, fractured rock, and sandy clay. Aquifer layers in Borobudur are composed of sand, gravel, tuff, and lapilli, whereas Prambanan’s aquifers are primarily sand and gravel. Notably, Prambanan’s groundwater potential is higher due to its aquifer composition, suggesting differential vulnerability to subsidence between the two sites.
Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)
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2018 —
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A sedimentary tectonic event during the Late Cretaceous, linked to the Syrian Arc tectonics, is identified at the Matulla/Sudr formational boundary in southwestern Sinai, Egypt. This event caused a significant hiatus, marked by an erosional surface with pebbles and phosphatic materials, and the absence of specific planktonic foraminiferal subzones (Globotruncanita elevata/Dicarinella asymetrica Subzone and Globotruncanita elevata Zone). The study analyzed five sedimentary stratigraphic sections along a north-south profile using detailed field, litho-, and bio-stratigraphical analyses. This research provides crucial insights into the geological history of Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley).
Ogasawara Islands
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2018 —
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A new species of Streptomyces, named Streptomyces boninensis, has been identified from soil samples collected in a limestone cave within the UNESCO-listed Ogasawara Islands. This discovery was based on comprehensive morphological, chemical, and genomic analyses, including 16S rRNA gene sequencing and DNA-DNA relatedness studies. The strain K11-0400T exhibited unique characteristics such as mature spore chains with more than 20 spores per chain, distinct lipid profiles, and a genomic G+C content of 72 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that while it shared the highest sequence similarity (97.58%) with Streptomyces naganishii, its DNA-DNA relatedness value was below 70%, confirming its status as a novel species. This finding expands the diversity of the Streptomyces genus and contributes to our understanding of microbial ecosystems in remote, ecologically significant regions like the Ogasawara Islands.
Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System
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2018 —
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Researchers have identified <em>Streptomyces populi</em> sp. nov., a novel endophytic actinobacterium isolated from the stem of <em>Populus adenopoda</em> collected at Mount Qingcheng, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in south-west China. This discovery was made using a polyphasic approach, which included 16S rRNA gene sequencing, DNA-DNA hybridization, and chemical analysis of cellular components. The strain A249T exhibited distinct phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, differentiating it from its closest relatives <em>Streptomyces shaanxiensis</em> and <em>Streptomyces lanatus</em>. Key features included a unique fatty acid profile, polar lipids, and a DNA G+C content of 71.7 mol%. The study highlights the biodiversity of endophytic actinobacteria in ecologically significant regions like Mount Qingcheng.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking analysis of cremated human remains from Stonehenge reveals that at least 10 out of the 25 individuals studied did not originate from the Wessex chalk region where the monument stands. This finding, derived from innovative strontium isotopic analysis of cremated bone—previously impossible with tooth enamel due to cremation—suggests strong connections between Stonehenge and west Wales, a likely source of the bluestones used in its construction. The study underscores the significance of inter-regional movements of both materials and people during the monument's development.
Białowieża Forest
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2018 —
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Long-term strict protection of woodland communities, such as those in the Białowieża Forest, may lead to compositional simplification and homogenization over time. While structural attributes remain stable, noticeable changes occur in species composition, with declining occurrence and reduced roles for many tree species. This study highlights that natural forests can serve as models for managed stands, but silvicultural treatments may sometimes be necessary to counteract natural developmental trends when greater diversity or stability is desired. Researchers analyzed data from five permanent plots established in 1936 within Białowieża National Park, calculating quantitative indices to describe stand structure and composition dynamics across eight major woodland community types.
Pantanal Conservation Area
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2018 —
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A study of the ichthyofauna in adventitious streams of the South Pantanal revealed that spatial variation, rather than temporal changes between dry and wet seasons, shapes fish diversity. The research found that streams with larger sizes and preserved riparian forests exhibited higher fish diversity and evenness, while those closer to urban areas with less forest cover showed lower diversity. Thirty-seven species were identified, including 14 exclusive to the Paraguay River basin, one potential new record for the region, and six requiring taxonomic confirmation. The study suggests that these small streams may act as refuges from larger predators due to their size, while also serving as dispersal points for small-bodied schooling fish from the mainstem rivers.
Curonian Spit
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2018 —
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Contrary to prevailing assumptions, the south-western part of the Curonian Spit—a prominent coastal barrier in the Baltic Sea—is not primarily a product of Holocene sedimentary processes but rather an ancient fluvioglacial plain. This finding challenges the long-held view that such features form through wave action and aeolian deposition. Through detailed geological and geomorphological analysis, including fieldwork comparing deposits from the Curonian and Vistula Spits, researchers identified remnants of a pre-Holocene alluvial or fluvioglacial landscape within the lagoon shore of the Vistula Spit. This discovery reshapes understanding of the region's geological history.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park
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2018 —
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Researchers have identified a new species of Capparis, named Capparis hinnamnoensis, from the deciduous forests of Hin Nam No National Protected Area in Lao PDR. This discovery is notable for its unique indumentum, which includes stellate and two-armed hairs, along with terminal racemes bearing trifid bracts and medium-sized flowers. The species has been observed exclusively within a single locality in the protected area, thriving on Permo-Carboniferous limestone. The study assesses the conservation status of this newly described plant, contributing valuable insights to the biodiversity documentation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Erbil Citadel
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2018 —
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A comparative analysis of historical and contemporary image data reveals significant structural changes within the Erbil Citadel particularly highlighting the destruction of numerous objects during the latter half of the 20th century. The study leverages Bradford's 1951 stereoscopic aerial photographs and modern very high-resolution (VHR) satellite imagery from Ikonos (2003), QuickBird (2005), and Pleiades (2014) to create digital models and orthophotos. By processing these datasets using Agisoft PhotoScan software, researchers identified missing or altered structures, providing a detailed mapping of the citadel's historical evolution. This approach underscores the potential of long-term image data analysis in documenting and preserving cultural heritage sites.
Dazu Rock Carvings
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2018 —
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A critical mechanism driving water condensation on the Thousand-Hand Guanyin sculpture at Dazu Rock Carvings has been identified, offering new insights into the degradation processes threatening this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through a combination of field experiments and surveys, researchers from institutions including the Chinese Academy of Cultural Heritage and Tsinghua University analyzed data to propose targeted preservation measures. The study highlights how moisture accumulation accelerates damage, providing actionable strategies for cultural heritage conservation in similar environments.
Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong
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2018 —
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A study on Chinese tourists' experiences at Hahoe Village reveals that objective authenticity significantly enhances both tourism experience and satisfaction. Unlike constructive authenticity, which negatively impacts experience, existential authenticity positively influences it. While objective authenticity strongly correlates with tourist satisfaction, constructive and existential authenticity show no significant relationship. The research suggests preserving Hahoe Village's authenticity while developing targeted programs to boost visitor satisfaction, offering insights for sustainable cultural heritage tourism.
Wadden Sea
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2018 —
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Ground surface dynamics significantly influence the future of the Wadden Sea, with subsidence and heave directly impacting relative sea level changes. While the Dutch height datum Normaal Amsterdams Peil (NAP) is static, subsidence can be measured as a differential signal between locations, making geodetic height data unnecessary for monitoring. This study focuses on anthropogenic causes of subsidence in the Wadden Sea, detailing processes that drive it and exploring methods to measure, monitor, and forecast these changes. It identifies knowledge gaps and proposes future research directions to better understand and mitigate subsidence impacts.
High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago
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2018 —
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Substrate limitation significantly restricts the potential distribution of bladderwrack (Fucus spp.), a key habitat-forming macroalga, under varying water clarity scenarios in the northern Baltic Sea. Research reveals that while increased euphotic depth—light penetration—could expand Fucus distribution by up to 803% if all substrates were suitable, actual expansion is limited to 9–270% due to a lack of hard rocky bottoms. Conversely, a 50% decrease in water transparency narrows its range by 24–100%, depending on the region. The study used species distribution modeling and two correction methods—field data from underwater videos and a habitat model—to quantify substrate limitation without comprehensive bottom maps. These findings underscore the need to integrate substrate availability into environmental management strategies for UNESCO World Heritage Sites like High Coast/Kvarken Archipelago, balancing local measures for cost-effective conservation outcomes.
Keoladeo National Park
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2018 —
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Anthropogenic disturbances significantly alter the basking behavior of the vulnerable Indian rock python (Python molurus) in Keoladeo National Park, India. The study found that pythons in disturbed burrows spent half the time basking compared to those in undisturbed areas, with a peak basking period between 12h00 and 13h00 during active months (November to April). Emergence timings correlated positively with sunrise and increasing temperatures, while retreat timings aligned with sunset. Disturbances from continuous tourist visits disrupted these patterns, highlighting the critical impact of human activity on this species' thermoregulatory behavior. The research estimates a minimum python population of 80 ± 10SD individuals in the park.
Town of Luang Prabang
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2018 —
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Authentic souvenirs in Luang Prabang, Laos, are deeply tied to local craftsmanship and cultural identity, according to suppliers who prioritize historical representation over mass-produced alternatives. A study of 24 key suppliers—including producers, vendors, retailers, and middlemen—revealed that authenticity is perceived as essential for preserving place identity and enhancing tourism’s image in Laos. While economic, symbolic, and artisan values drive demand for locally made handicrafts, suppliers face challenges such as limited access to raw materials. The research highlights a divide: smaller vendors, often constrained by financial resources, are more likely to sell imported or mass-produced items. Conducted through qualitative interviews and participant observation in 2017, the study offers new insights into souvenir authenticity from a supplier-centric perspective, providing actionable guidance for tourism stakeholders to sustain authentic craft traditions.
Olympic National Park
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2018 —
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A comprehensive survey of the Lepidoptera fauna in North-Central Olympic National Park, Washington, USA, identified 369 species through a one-year field study combining day collecting, blacklight traps, and light collecting. When combined with voucher collections, this research yields a checklist of 413 species records for the park. Notably, the survey uncovered endemic subspecies unique to the Olympic Mountains, as well as isolated relicts of arctic/alpine species typically found in the Cascades, Rockies, or far northern regions. Additionally, several species represent the northernmost populations known from coastal California and Oregon, suggesting a rich diversity that extends beyond the park's boundaries. While this study provides a significant contribution to understanding the Lepidoptera diversity in Olympic National Park, it also highlights the need for further exploration in more remote areas to achieve a more complete picture of this fauna.
Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia
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2018 —
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The Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia (CCLC) exemplifies sustainable agricultural practices and the intricate linkages between nature and culture. This landscape, recognized for its centennial tradition of small-scale coffee production at challenging mountain altitudes, showcases collective work ethics and associative management passed down through generations. These practices have not only ensured continuous land use but also fostered innovative natural resource management strategies, adapting to difficult geographic conditions. The study highlights the resilience and adaptability of this cultural landscape, serving as a model for sustainable development in similar regions.
Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah
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2018 —
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Historic Jeddah's Al-Balad District, once abandoned due to rapid urban expansion, has seen significant success in sustainable heritage conservation. The study evaluates applied strategies and policies, comparing them with global benchmarks to assess their effectiveness in preserving socio-physical, socio-cultural, and environmental aspects while meeting local community needs. It concludes by recommending policies for more sustainable conservation, ensuring the area's heritage is maintained without compromising its relevance or functionality.
Blue and John Crow Mountains
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2018 —
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The Blue and John Crow Mountains, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, embody a unique cultural and ecological heritage that traces back to the foundational violence of slavery. This study reveals how Suzanne Césaire's work in the avant-garde journal <em>Tropiques</em> (1941–1945) laid the groundwork for postcolonial theories that challenge conventional narratives of existence and resistance, particularly in Southern societies. Through an interdisciplinary lens, the research demonstrates how the concept of the 'morne'—a symbolic geographical marker—serves as a node of memory, influencing both literary expression and intangible cultural heritage. The analysis extends to the patrimonialization of two UNESCO-listed sites: Le Morne in Mauritius and the Blue and John Crow Mountains in Jamaica, illustrating how Césaire's ecopoetic vision persists in contemporary cultural discourse. This work underscores the enduring relevance of <em>Tropiques</em> as a platform for liberationist thought and highlights the importance of revisiting such foundational texts to understand evolving postcolonial frameworks.
Taos Pueblo
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2018 —
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Taos Pueblo's successful 64-year legal battle to reclaim Blue Lake, a sacred site and watershed, underscores the resilience of Indigenous communities in preserving cultural heritage and sovereignty. The study highlights the significance of oral history in documenting millennia-old relationships between the Taos people and their land, contrasting it with the disruptive impact of colonization, including forced removals and land confiscation. The 1970 return of Blue Lake marked a pivotal moment for both the Pueblo's sovereignty and its future generations' stewardship, illustrating the enduring power of Indigenous persistence in the face of historical injustices.
Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System as a Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy
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2018 —
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Balinese traditional architecture, deeply rooted in the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, is significantly influenced by land area constraints, particularly in Bangli Regency. The study reveals that while aesthetic considerations dominate plant layout decisions, the underlying cultural philosophy—embodied in concepts like Asta Kosala-Kosali, Tri Mandala, and Tri Angga—is often overlooked. This research highlights a disconnect between modern applications of traditional architecture and their philosophical foundations, despite the adherence to ancient spatial rules. The findings underscore the need for integrating Balinese cultural principles more holistically in contemporary architectural practices.
Taxila
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2018 —
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Recent advancements in deciphering and interpreting smaller Kharoshthi inscriptions, particularly those from Taxila, have significantly progressed over the past decade or so. The ingenuity of scholars like Bühler and Senart has been pivotal in unraveling these complex records. However, despite these breakthroughs, challenges remain, and not all difficulties presented by these inscriptions have been fully resolved.
Great Zimbabwe National Monument
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2018 —
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Iron metallurgy at Great Zimbabwe (AD 900–present) reflects complex social dynamics intertwined with ideology and environmental adaptation. The study reveals that technological advancements, such as the development of sophisticated furnaces, were not merely about efficiency but also served to reinforce political hierarchies and cultural identity. These practices evolved in response to shifting environmental conditions, including resource availability, demonstrating a dynamic interplay between human ingenuity and ecological constraints. Through archaeological analysis—including residue studies on tools, furnace structures, and oral histories—the research reconstructs how metallurgical traditions persisted despite colonial disruption, highlighting their resilience and enduring significance.
Biblical Tels - Megiddo, Hazor, Beer Sheba
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2018 —
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The 2017 excavation at Tel Hazor, part of the 'Selz Foundation Hazor Excavations in Memory of Yigael Yadin,' revealed significant insights into the site's historical layers. Conducted under the direction of A. Ben-Tor and S. Bechar, this season focused on Area M3, employing a multidisciplinary approach involving surveying, photography, restoration, wet sieving, and administrative support from international teams. The expedition, housed at Kibbutz Gonen and conducted in collaboration with the National Parks Authority, aimed to deepen understanding of Hazor's stratified history, from its Bronze Age prominence to later periods. Financial backing came from multiple sources, including the Selz Foundation and the Berman Center for Biblical Archaeology. The excavation's comprehensive documentation and analysis promise to enrich our knowledge of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
White City of Tel-Aviv – the Modern Movement
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2018 —
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UNESCO's 2003 designation of Tel-Aviv's White City as a World Heritage Site for its modern architecture and urbanism has paradoxically constrained while also spurring rapid urban transformation. Despite strict conservation rules banning alterations to Bauhaus buildings, some listed structures were surmounted with additional floors, while high-rise towers proliferated nearby. This study reveals how patrimonialization in dense, evolving urban contexts can yield contradictory outcomes—preserving heritage value while accelerating development pressures. Researchers analyzed Tel-Aviv's urban dynamics using qualitative methods, including archival review and case studies, to explore the broader implications of heritage classification on city growth.
Byblos
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2018 —
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A re-evaluation of the Royal Tombs at Byblos, leveraging material from both recent excavations and older museum collections, provides new chronological insights that challenge long-standing assumptions about their dating. The study synchronizes the tombs' stratigraphy with that of Tell el-Dabca, a key site in the Levantine coast, using evidence including Egyptian prestige objects linked to 12th Dynasty kings Amenemhet III and IV. While previous scholarship largely dated these burials to the Middle Bronze Age IIA period (MB IIA), this research offers refined temporal frameworks by cross-referencing local, Egyptianizing, and Egyptian materials with Tell el-Dabca's stratigraphy. Conducted under the EU MSCA project 'Egypt in the Levant,' the findings aim to resolve ongoing debates about the tombs' chronology, particularly regarding Tomb I and II, which contain royal artifacts.
Galápagos Islands
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2018 —
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In the Galápagos Islands, temperature significantly influences herbivory and algal biomass, challenging the assumption that upwelling intensity alone controls macroalgal cover. Research reveals that grazing rates by urchins, fishes, turtles, and iguanas increase during warmer seasons, leading to reduced algal biomass when upwelling is weak. Conversely, strong upwelling with colder water can result in higher algal biomass despite increased herbivory. The study combined grazing assays, field surveys across ten sites over five years, and a herbivore exclusion experiment to demonstrate that temperature-driven changes in herbivore activity play a critical role in shaping subtidal ecosystems. This finding suggests that the relationship between upwelling and algal biomass is more complex than previously understood.
Wood Buffalo National Park
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2018 —
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Human influence in the Canadian boreal forest significantly alters wildfire activity patterns, particularly by increasing fire ignitions while reducing area burned, contrary to trends seen in less impacted regions. A study comparing Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP) and the Lower Athabasca Plains (LAP) found that human presence dampens or reverses fire activity trends linked to climate change, shifts peak fire activity from summer to spring, weakens the association between fire activity and climate, and introduces shorter cyclical patterns (<8 years) compared to WBNP (>9 years). The research used Singular Spectrum Analysis on wildfire data (1970–2015) to identify these trends. These findings highlight the complex interplay between human activities and natural fire regimes in boreal ecosystems.
Jodrell Bank Observatory
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2018 —
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Research at Jodrell Bank Observatory reveals that variations in scattering time-scales and dispersion measures in the Crab Pulsar are closely correlated, with a correlation coefficient of 0.56 ± 0.01, suggesting these effects arise from discrete structures within the Crab Nebula on scales of approximately 6 astronomical units (au). By leveraging this scattering information to refine pulse timing templates, scientists achieved a twofold improvement in timing precision during periods of high scattering. The study utilized observations spanning 30 years at 610 MHz and more recent data at around 1400 MHz, demonstrating the impact of these variations on pulsar timing accuracy.
Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking approach to documenting fossil-bearing palaeokarst sites, such as the Drimolen Makondo in South Africa's UNESCO-listed Hominid Sites, demonstrates that low-cost photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning can produce highly accurate 3D models. These models, when integrated with total station surveys and differential GPS, enable precise recording of stratigraphic and spatial contexts without relying on expensive equipment. The study highlights the potential for these techniques to revolutionize documentation at remote UNESCO World Heritage sites, ensuring detailed archival data that captures evolving landscapes rather than isolated localities.
Taï National Park
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2018 —
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Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire, harbors significant terrestrial small mammal diversity, with 17 species identified across three distinct habitats: primary, secondary, and swamp forests. The study, conducted from March to June 2010 using Sherman's live traps and pitfall traps, revealed that secondary forests exhibited the highest species richness (S = 15) and diversity index (H' = 2.12), surpassing primary (S = 10; H' = 1.79) and swamp forests (S = 8; H' = 1.74). Among the captured species, Malacomys edwardsi was the most abundant overall, followed by Hylomyscus simus and Praomys rostratus. Notably, two species—Crocidura buettikoferi (NT) and Graphiurus buntingi (DD)—are of conservation concern, while ten are endemic to the Upper Guinea forests. This research underscores Taï National Park's role as a critical biodiversity hotspot, particularly for endemic small mammal species.
Petra
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2018 —
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Jordan's geological heritage, particularly at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Wadi Rum and Petra, is highlighted for its significance. The study draws parallels with iconic films such as 'Lawrence of Arabia' and 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,' using these cultural references to guide readers through Jordan's arid landscapes and rich geology. By revisiting these cinematic depictions, the research emphasizes the importance of in situ exploration for appreciating Jordan's natural and historical treasures.
Gough and Inaccessible Islands
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2018 —
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A comprehensive analysis reveals that Thalassarche chlororhynchos, commonly known as the Atlantic petrel, exhibits significant seasonal and geographical variability in its distribution along Brazilian waters. This species primarily breeds on the Tristan da Cunha archipelago and Gough Island but demonstrates a marked increase in population during winter months off Brazil's coast, particularly from Rio Grande do Sul (RS) to Rio de Janeiro (RJ). Records extend from Sergipe (SE) to Pará (PA), indicating a broader range than previously documented. Banding data further supports long-distance movements, with individuals tracked between breeding sites and states such as São Paulo (SP), Santa Catarina (SC), and Rio Grande do Sul (RS). This study underscores the species' dynamic migratory patterns and its ecological significance across distinct marine regions.
Ephesus
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2018 —
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A new analysis of Paul's third journey route from Apamea to Ephesus, using advanced methodological tools such as Least Cost Path Analysis and 3D modelling, identifies the Meander valley route as the most plausible path. This finding challenges traditional interpretations and provides fresh insights into the geographical context of Acts 19:1, where Luke refers to 'upper regions.' The study integrates recent archaeological and hodological research in western Asia Minor with cartographic data, offering a more accurate portrayal of Paul's travel and ministry programme during this period.
Historic Centre of Cordoba
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2018 —
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Urban regeneration of historic city centers, such as Cordoba's Alcázar Viejo arrabal, must balance residential repopulation with tourism and heritage identity to ensure sustainable development. Current municipal plans, like Cordoba's Historic City Centre Special Protection Plan (PEPCH), often prioritize historical aesthetics over functional needs, threatening the viability of traditional casa patio structures. This study proposes that sustainable regeneration requires adaptive planning that integrates modern societal demands while preserving cultural heritage. By analyzing the Alcázar Viejo arrabal—recently recognized as UNESCO Intangible Heritage—the research highlights the tension between tourism-driven development and residential sustainability, offering a framework for eco-efficient urban regeneration that harmonizes heritage preservation with contemporary living needs.
San Millán Yuso and Suso Monasteries
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2018 —
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The Aemilian casket reliquary, dating back to the 11th century and originating from San Millán de la Cogolla Monastery in Spain, represents a groundbreaking example of a multi-functional religious artifact. Unlike traditional reliquaries, this object was designed to cater to diverse devotional practices, resonating with both monastic communities and lay worshippers under varying circumstances. Through a meticulous analysis combining art historical studies and medieval liturgical evidence, the research demonstrates that the Aemilian reliquary's form and iconography were purposefully crafted to engage different audiences, setting a precedent for similar objects that later became widespread across European monasteries. This study not only reconstructs the reliquary's original appearance but also highlights its innovative role in bridging visual imagery with contemporary religious practices.
Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves
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2018 —
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This study confirms that Chloridea subflexa, a widespread moth species, is strictly limited to three host plant species within the Solanaceae family, challenging assumptions about its broader host range. The research leveraged extensive fieldwork in Brazil's Atlantic Forest, combining historical collection data with modern surveys to track the presence of C. subflexa larvae on Physalis angulata and pubescens. Despite the degraded state of the Mata Atlantica—one of the most threatened biomes globally—this study highlights the resilience of specialized species and raises questions about their persistence in fragmented habitats. The approach also demonstrated the challenges and rewards of moth collection, emphasizing the importance of long-term fieldwork and collaboration with local experts like Vitor Becker, whose decades-long collections provided critical baselines for this research.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2018 —
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A long-standing land tenure issue in the Yukon, the Alaska Highway Gas Pipeline (AHGP) Easement, poses significant challenges for Indigenous rights and self-governance. This study, conducted in partnership with Kluane First Nation (KFN), reveals jurisdictional complexities between Indigenous peoples and the Crown, alongside flaws in the current regulatory framework for the AHGP. Using community-based, decolonizing qualitative research methods, the project gathered insights from KFN citizens, government officials, and industry representatives, highlighting the need for contextual adaptation and improved assessment processes to address ongoing concerns.
Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada
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2018 —
WHE7FFA93DD4E
A detailed analysis of architectural ceramics at the Alhambra reveals significant insights into the monument's transformation and historical layers, particularly during the Nasrid era and the Christian conquest. The study focuses on the Cuarto Dorado (Golden Room), showcasing how glazed ceramic tile mosaics, known as alicatados, have been used to adorn walls since the 13th century. Restoration efforts, especially intense in the 19th century, highlight the complexity of the palace and fortress complex, offering a deeper understanding of its evolution. The research, conducted in collaboration with the University of Granada and the Patronato de la Alhambra y el Generalife, provides preliminary findings that underscore the importance of ceramics in preserving and interpreting the site's history.
