Wixárika Route through Sacred Sites to Wirikuta (Tatehuarí Huajuyé)
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2018 —
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Wirikuta, a sacred region in Mexico's Chihuahuan Desert and the endpoint of an annual 550-kilometer pilgrimage by the Wixárika (Huichol) people, faces significant threats despite its legal protection under Mexico's Indigenous rights framework. The study highlights Wirikuta's dual importance as both a natural site and a cultural landmark, protected by official decree to allow Indigenous management aligned with traditional practices. However, illegal mining activities pose severe risks to the region's ecological integrity and the Wixárika way of life. This research underscores the critical role of Indigenous stewardship in preserving Wirikuta while identifying urgent challenges, including legal violations and environmental degradation, that demand immediate attention for its sustainable future.
Brasilia
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2018 —
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A study on women's pedestrian mobility in Brasília, Brazil, reveals that the exclusive presence of men in public spaces significantly influences women's walking behavior, making them feel insecure and limiting their autonomy. This finding underscores systemic gender oppression in urban environments, regardless of cultural or social differences. The research, based on a qualitative analysis of responses from 233 women across 18 administrative regions, highlights the need for urban planners to integrate gender perspectives into infrastructure and transportation planning. It draws from a broader database developed by Adriana Souza, emphasizing the intersection of mobility, culture, and gender dynamics in planned cities like Brasília.
Białowieża Forest
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2018 —
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Coniferous forests with an admixture of deciduous trees provide optimal conditions for maintaining wood-ant populations, according to a study conducted in the Białowieża Forest (NE Poland). The research found that Formica polyctena and F. rufa were the most abundant species, with their mound densities highest in fresh mixed deciduous and coniferous forests. Mound size and proximity to trees were significantly influenced by light conditions: larger mounds and greater distances from trees were observed with increasing shade. The study surveyed 1400 ha of forest, analyzing physical mound characteristics and their relation to surrounding forest properties.
Wooden Churches of Maramureş
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2018 —
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Increasing tourist traffic poses significant threats to the preservation of the UNESCO-listed wooden Orthodox churches in Maramureș, Romania. Despite their recognition as a living open-air museum, these unique 18th-century structures face growing pressure from tourism development. A SWOT analysis conducted between 2013 and 2017 revealed key challenges, including potential damage to the fragile architecture and cultural heritage. The study also identified opportunities for sustainable tourism that could balance conservation with economic benefits. By analyzing tourist traffic data and literature, researchers highlighted the need for strategic planning to protect these irreplaceable landmarks while fostering responsible tourism growth.
Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites
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2018 —
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Women workers at the Tomioka Silk Mill, following the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, transitioned from symbols of pathos to active campaigners for labor rights. The fire, which occurred under oppressive factory conditions—including locked doors to prevent theft and union contact—sparked a wave of activism that led to significant reforms in industrial worker safety and labor legislation, particularly during the New Deal era. This chapter highlights how these women's legacies were strategically commemorated to celebrate advancements in labor rights, contrasting their initial portrayal with their later roles as radical activists.
Vegaøyan – The Vega Archipelago
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2018 —
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The World Heritage status of Vegaøyan, Norway's Vega Archipelago, differentially impacts local farming and fishing sectors, with farmers benefiting more due to favorable policies and economic incentives tied to heritage preservation, while fishermen face challenges from policy disadvantages and environmental degradation. This study reveals that the 'heritagisation' process, though beneficial for agriculture through agri-environmental schemes, has not equally sustained fisheries, raising questions about its overall contribution to cultural sustainability in the community.
Complex of Koguryo Tombs
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2018 —
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Koguryo tomb murals reveal a profound shift in worldview and conception of life and death, reflecting the cultural evolution from indigenous beliefs to Buddhist influence. From the mid-4th to early 5th century, murals depicted deceased as ancestor gods or immortals, suggesting a belief in a new afterlife or heavenly existence. With Buddhism's establishment in the mid-5th century, depictions shifted to include sacred portraits and scenes of Buddhist rituals, weakening the concept of spirits and souls. By the 6th to 7th centuries, the murals integrated Four Deities (heavenly constellations) on walls and Apsaras (Buddhist immortals) on ceilings, creating a unified heavenly space that symbolized the coexistence of immortality and Buddhist paradise. This study analyzes the changing subject composition in Koguryo tombs to elucidate these cultural transitions.
Kathmandu Valley
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2018 —
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A study evaluating the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model for meteorological simulations in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, found that while the model effectively captures key parameters like wind speed, boundary layer height, and precipitation, it struggles with subgrid-scale processes in complex terrain. When extended to include chemistry and aerosols (WRF-Chem), the model significantly underestimated black carbon concentrations, even when using improved emission data for the valley. The findings highlight the challenges of accurately modeling air pollution in mountainous regions and underscore the need for further refinements in both models and emission databases before they can reliably assess mitigation scenarios.
Tasmanian Wilderness
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2018 —
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Contemporary Australian literature and film depict Tasmanian wilderness as increasingly threatened by human activity, shifting away from traditional Gothic and Romantic tropes. This thesis applies ecocritical analysis to eight texts—including works by Richard Flanagan, Julia Leigh, Cate Kennedy, Heather Rose, and Cameron Hindrum—to demonstrate how nonhuman agency and shared materiality challenge anthropogenic degradation narratives. By synthesizing posthumanist theories of kinship, entanglement, and environmental prophecy, the study reveals that these representations offer ethical frameworks for addressing ecological crises, with global implications beyond local mythology.
Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz
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2018 —
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Shahrisabz, long dismissed as a rebellious province under Bukhara's rule, emerges as an autonomous city-state with complex sovereignty structures spanning the 17th to late 19th centuries. This study challenges conventional narratives by employing non-hegemonic readings of Persian texts and local fragments, revealing how symbolic submission and coercive power coexisted in fluid, non-binary forms within a single polity. The research demonstrates that modern sovereignty frameworks fail to capture the nuanced permutations of premodern governance, highlighting the intrinsic link between source methodology and sovereignty analysis.
Jodrell Bank Observatory
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2018 —
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Scientists observed the largest glitch ever recorded in the Crab pulsar (PSR B0531+21) using X-ray data from the XPNAV-1 satellite, with a rotation frequency increase of (14.3 ± 2.0) × 10⁻⁶ Hz. The study detected two transient components in the frequency change: one lasting 38.6 days and another very short-lived component lasting just 2.4 days. No significant X-ray flux changes were observed before or after the glitch. Radio observations from Jodrell Bank Observatory and the Lovell telescope confirmed this as the largest pulsar glitch on record, providing new insights into the dynamics of neutron stars.
Sangay National Park
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2018 —
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A mycological exploration of Sangay National Park (SP) and Llanganates National Park (LP), Ecuador, identified eight fungal species belonging to the genus <em>Xylaria</em> within the order Xylariales. Among these, one record remains unidentified at the species level, suggesting it may represent a new species. The study employed bioinformatic tools to analyze ribosomal DNA sequences (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and constructed a Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic tree to assess diversity and relationships among collected samples. These findings provide foundational data for designing conservation strategies aimed at preserving fungal biodiversity in these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Sangay National Park
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2018 —
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A mycological exploration of Sangay and Llanganates National Parks, Ecuador, has uncovered eight fungal samples belonging to the genus Xylaria within the order Xylariales. Two of these were identified from Sangay National Park, while six originated from Llanganates. Notably, four samples defied species-level identification, hinting at potential new species. The study employed phylogenetic analysis using Maximum Likelihood methods on ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 ribosomal DNA sequences to achieve taxonomic identification. This research provides foundational biodiversity data crucial for the conservation of fungi in Ecuador's protected areas.
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
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2018 —
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A significant decline in the abundance of caterpillar fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), known as yartsagunbu, threatens local livelihoods and biodiversity conservation efforts in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. This study reveals that while the fungus contributes approximately 74% to household cash income in 32 villages of Dhauliganga Valley, its annual per capita harvest has dropped by 54 pieces between 2011–2015 due to competition and reduced species abundance. Researchers analyzed trade and harvest patterns, highlighting the economic dependence on this resource while warning of potential ecological damage from unsustainable extraction practices. The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated governance strategies that balance livelihood security with biodiversity conservation in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)
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2018 —
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Two prominent Japanese museums—Yūshūkan and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum—present starkly contrasting narratives about World War II, shaping collective memory and national identity. While Yūshūkan emphasizes honor and remembrance of war dead, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial focuses on peace and the devastation of atomic bombing. Both museums evoke emotional connections through personal stories, photographs, and artifacts, yet they share a notable omission: neither addresses Japan's colonial past in Asia, which may influence younger generations' historical understanding. This study reveals how these institutions, despite their differences, are embedded in broader national debates on war and peace, highlighting the complexities of historical reconciliation in East Asia.
Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Palace of Galerius
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2018 —
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The archaeological site of Gamzigrad, home to the late ancient imperial palace of Felix Romuliana built by Roman emperor Galerius, offers valuable insights into intensive building activities across its structures. A critical analysis of protection and presentation methods at this UNESCO World Heritage Site reveals both advantages and disadvantages, highlighting the need for improved integration of old and new elements. This study contributes significantly to the objective review of contemporary methodological approaches in the field of archaeological site protection and revitalization, with potential applications for other sites in Serbia and the region.
Durham Castle and Cathedral
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2018 —
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A comparative linguistic analysis reveals that the gloss to the Durham Collectar demonstrates a significant extension of the genitive singular ‑es suffix from a-stems to other noun classes, including feminine nouns (such as those ending in ‑ung or ‑ness), kinship r-stems, and weak n-stems. This finding contrasts with the patterns observed in the Lindisfarne Gospels, suggesting that Durham's gloss may be more innovative rather than conservative. The study quantitively analyzed 65 nouns in genitive contexts, providing new insights into the evolution of Old English morphology and contributing to debates on the authorship of the Durham Collectar.
Xanthos-Letoon
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2018 —
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A new analysis of the inscriptions on the Agora-Pfeiler (TL 44) from Xanthos-Letoon confirms that the pillar was likely erected by Cherẽi, not Cheriga. The study also refines the chronology of military actions mentioned in the inscriptions, suggesting battles occurred no later than 428 BCE and other events no later than 424 BCE, aligning with the reign of Artaxerxes I (465–424 BCE). It identifies Ddenewele as Cherẽi's son and successor, clarifies the name of Harpagos' son in Greek verses, and proposes that a woman named Muni may have been Cherẽi's wife. The research reconciles these findings with Müseler's chronology of dynastic coins, though it notes inconsistencies with other dynast names mentioned on the pillar.
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
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2017 —
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A new model for studying the sacred space of Dra Abu el-Naga, part of the Theban Necropolis, reveals how tombs were strategically positioned to reflect kinship, political marriages, and social hierarchies, demonstrating a deliberate effort to maintain connections in the afterlife. This research integrates prosopographical-genealogical, archaeological, and GIS data to reconstruct the palaeorelief and visualize the ritual landscape from 1550–1069 BC, offering precise geographic coordinates for the first time. The approach bridges textual and archaeological perspectives, providing a holistic understanding of funerary landscapes that can be applied to other ancient Egyptian necropolises.
Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church
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2017 —
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A reassessment of Robert Willis's pioneering architectural history of Canterbury Cathedral reveals that his reconstruction of Archbishop Anselm's lost choir, while groundbreaking, contained misinterpretations and omissions of key evidence. Willis's work, presented at the first Congress of the British Archaeological Association in 1844, combined archaeological and literary sources but overlooked subtle clues within the cathedral's fabric. This study highlights the value of revisiting antiquarian scholarship to deepen our understanding of both the physical and intellectual construction of historic sites like Canterbury Cathedral.
Tower of London
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2017 —
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Contrary to prior assumptions, the Office of Works continued significant architectural interventions at the Tower of London beyond the 1880s, extending into the early twentieth century. This study reveals that restoration efforts during 1896–1905 were not merely maintenance but a deliberate strategy by authorities to shape the historical narrative of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Analyzing previously unexplored architectural drawings from Historic Royal Palaces, the research demonstrates how the Office balanced its role as a military garrison, historic monument, and tourist attraction while navigating growing public and parliamentary demands for preservation. The findings challenge the notion that radical restorations ceased after the 1880s, highlighting instead a sustained effort to control the site's architectural storytelling.
Site of Palmyra
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2017 —
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Public opinion on post-conflict reconstruction, particularly concerning the controversial replica of Palmyra’s triumphal arch in Trafalgar Square (2016), reveals diverse perspectives on aesthetics, authenticity, authority, and colonialism. The 'Postcard to Palmyra' project captured these views from visitors, including underrepresented voices from the Middle East, offering a novel lens to complement existing critiques. It also highlighted logistical challenges in public engagement events. This study underscores the value of integrating public sentiment into debates on heritage preservation and reconstruction.
Dorset and East Devon Coast
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2017 —
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U.K. street carnivals, particularly those in Dorset and East Devon, challenge institutional narratives by offering alternative symbolic constructions of community and place. This study reveals how vernacular carnivals resist aesthetic hegemony and neo-liberal discourses of inter-place competition, contrasting with policy-driven 'official feasts' that promote preferred identities for the Jurassic Coast and Olympic events. Using ethnographic research from two community carnivals and the Battle for the Winds performances at Weymouth during the 2012 Olympics, the paper exposes tensions between these grassroots celebrations and institutionalized place-identities. It argues for a reassessment of vernacular carnivals as culturally significant forms of resistance, providing alternative symbolic representations that often conflict with those favored by institutional actors.
Island of Gorée
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2017 —
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African-American heritage tourism in Senegambia reveals complex shifts in identity, with tourists emerging from visits to sites like the Maison des Esclaves on Gorée Island and Juffureh Village with varied conceptions of self. Some felt a stronger connection to their 'African' roots, while others reaffirmed or redefined their 'American' or 'African American' identities. The study, based on extensive interviews conducted in 2010, highlights how these experiences align with W.E.B. Du Bois's theory of double-consciousness, illustrating the dynamic interplay between racial construction, historical memory, and liminality during heritage tourism encounters.
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
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2017 —
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In George Town, Malaysia, the rapid expansion of 'swiftlet farming'—a lucrative industry involving the harvesting of edible swiftlet nests from urban buildings—has become a focal point for debates over urban health and landscape norms. This study reveals how narratives of disease risk, such as concerns about avian flu or dengue fever, shape public perception and regulatory responses to this practice. By analyzing competing discourses through the lens of political ecology, the research demonstrates that swiftlet farming is politicized as either appropriate or inappropriate within the urban landscape, highlighting the contradictions in globalizing cities' efforts to balance economic opportunities with health concerns.
San Millán Yuso and Suso Monasteries
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2017 —
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The Poema de Santa Oria, attributed to Gonzalo de Berceo, portrays Oria as an exemplary figure of medieval ascetic monasticism, emphasizing her life of reclusion, contemplation, and self-discipline within the Benedictine Monastery of San Millán de Suso. The study highlights how Oria's journey—from a young recluse to a symbol of spiritual devotion—reflects the monastic practices of the time, particularly in the context of Iberia's religious and cultural landscape. Through literary analysis, the research explores the poem's role in memorializing Oria's commitment to a life of renunciation, offering insights into medieval spirituality and the phenomenon of immurement among female recluses. The study also examines the dual structure of San Millán de Suso and Yuso Monasteries, linking their architectural and spiritual significance to broader historical processes, including the expansion of Christianity in Islamic territories.
Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites
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2017 —
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Giotto di Bondone's frescoes employ hidden and omitted spatial elements to convey psychological and spiritual depth, demonstrating his unique visual wit (ingegno) that transcends superficial imitation. This study reveals how Giotto's narrative compositions in the Arena Chapel, Bardi and Peruzzi Chapels, and the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi use architectural divisions and implied narrative perspectives to evoke emotional states and divine presence. Unlike prior research that only briefly addresses spatial composition, this analysis highlights Giotto's innovative approach, showing how his stylistic influence persists beyond Padua while eluding deeper replication by imitators.
Island of Gorée
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2017 —
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African and Eur-African women, known as signares, played pivotal roles in the slave trade and gum trade along the Senegambian coast during the 18th century. Through their entrepreneurial efforts, they provisioned slave traders, managed enslaved labor, and accumulated significant wealth and property, including real estate and slaves. This study highlights their contribution to the development of Atlantic consumer culture and capitalism, challenging traditional narratives by emphasizing their industriousness and economic agency. The research draws on historical records, such as wills and probates, to illustrate the complexities of their roles in the transatlantic slave trade.
Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing
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2017 —
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A conceptual framework for 'digital heritage' is proposed, integrating cultural heritage with digitization technology and digital knowledge research. This approach extends beyond traditional digitization to include the creation and innovative application of digital content, such as intellectual property, experiential education, tourism, film, and media. The study evaluates this concept through case studies of the Palazzo Valentini in Rome and the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) in Beijing, assessing its relevance for current industry developments and future prospects.
Mount Wuyi
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2017 —
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A comprehensive analysis of five bamboo species in Wuyi Mountains, Southeast China, reveals that the scaling relationship between leaf area and dry mass consistently follows the 'diminishing returns' hypothesis, with a universal slope of 0.85 across all species, regardless of light conditions or elevation. This indicates that the cost of light interception increases disproportionately with leaf area, a finding supported by extensive measurements from over 2000 samples. The study also found that while scaling exponents remained numerically invariant, normalization constants increased with decreasing light, suggesting environmental adaptations in bamboo species.
Mbanza Kongo, Vestiges of the Capital of the former Kingdom of Kongo
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2017 —
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The study reveals that the evangelization efforts by Capuchin missionaries in Mbanza Kongo during the late 17th and mid-18th centuries were met with significant resistance from African societies, despite the incorporation of Christian symbols, rituals, and practices. This 'African Christianity' emerged as a hybrid form, blending European Christian elements with local traditions. The analysis of three missionary guides highlights the anthropological underpinnings of evangelization strategies and underscores the dynamic nature of African societies in adapting to or resisting these influences.
ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape
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2017 —
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Alcohol abuse among the ≠Khomani people, a small community resettled on six farms totaling 40,000 hectares after a successful land claim in 1999, poses significant challenges to sustainable development. This study highlights the complex interplay between cultural tourism, desire paths, and alcohol use/abuse within the ≠Khomani Cultural Landscape, using visual traces of alcohol's presence in the sand-dune landscape. The research employs 'cultural mapping' techniques, focusing on visual stills collected during a 2011 trip to the Kalahari by University of KwaZulu–Natal researchers. It contrasts the corporeal existence of alcohol with commercial tourist branding, offering insights into the social dynamics and developmental struggles faced by this community.
Huascarán National Park
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2017 —
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Tropical mountain peatlands, such as those in Peru's Huascarán National Park, are undergoing significant ecological transformations due to glacier recession. A 23-year remote sensing analysis revealed that these ecosystems are losing area through fragmentation and isolation, driven by shrinking glaciers and reduced stream discharge. However, precipitation may become a more dominant factor in the future. The study also found high plant diversity, with vegetation heterogeneity influenced by abiotic factors like elevation and organic matter content. Ecological oral histories from local users corroborated these findings, highlighting the interconnected social and biophysical processes affecting peatlands. The research suggests that future stewardship should involve local communities, supported by national parks and NGOs, to address these changes effectively.
Beaches of the D-Day Landings, Normandy, 1944
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2017 —
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This study reveals the profound sensory and emotional divide between American civilians during World War II and those experiencing combat firsthand, highlighting how media narratives, such as Ernie Pyle's war journalism, attempted to bridge this gap. It demonstrates that while civilians were shielded from direct violence, their engagement with war was shaped by curated visuals and narratives, contributing to a broader political apathy toward distant warfare. The research uses historical analysis of wartime reporting, censorship, and civilian mobilization to illustrate how this divide influenced the structure of government war power and public perception.
Memorial sites of the Genocide: Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi and Bisesero
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2017 —
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Rwanda's memorial sites—Nyamata, Nyarubuye, and Murambi—function as powerful commemorative grounds despite the lack of individualised corpses. A key insight is that the corpse, often symbolizing death and mourning, has become a means for the Rwandan community to confront their loss, even in its anonymous form. This shift in perception challenges traditional narratives that portray victims as faceless. The study examines literary depictions by Jean Hatzfeld, Boubacar Boris Diop, and Philip Gourevitch, revealing how corpses are described as literal parts of the landscape, reflecting a transformation in national consciousness. By analyzing both fictional and autobiographical texts, the research highlights the corpse's evolving significance in post-genocide memorialization.
Old City of Dubrovnik
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2017 —
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Residents' perceptions of tourism's economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts in UNESCO-protected sites directly influence their support for tourism development. A study on the Old City of Dubrovnik (OCD) revealed that residents who view tourism positively tend to support its expansion, while those perceiving negative effects oppose it. The research applied statistical methods, including Cronbach alpha, factor analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM), to test a model linking these perceptions to tourism support. Findings underscore the importance of resident perceptions in shaping sustainable tourism policies, particularly in UNESCO sites where interactions between locals, tourists, and development are intense.
Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France
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2017 —
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The Pseudo-Turpin Chronicle, a medieval narrative text, reveals its significant role in promoting the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Composed around 1145, likely in France, it claims to be an eyewitness account of Charlemagne's wars in Spain by Turpin, archbishop of Rheims, contradicting the chanson de geste tradition where Turpin is depicted as dying at Roncevaux. The chronicle links Charlemagne's campaigns to a divine request from St. James and supports the Reconquista, as evidenced by its connections to the Liber Sancti Jacobi in manuscripts like the Codex Calixtinus. Its widespread circulation across multiple languages underscores its cultural and religious influence during the medieval period.
Jodrell Bank Observatory
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking analysis of over one million giant pulses from the Crab pulsar, captured by Jodrell Bank Observatory's 42-foot telescope since 2012, reveals critical insights into their energy distributions and potential links to Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs). Giant pulses, up to 1000 times brighter than average, are rare among pulsars but provide unique clues about high-energy astrophysical phenomena. The study's extensive dataset enables detailed examination of pulse-width variations and the high-energy tail of energy distributions, which could improve the detectability of extragalactic giant-pulsing pulsars. This work also explores whether FRBs share a common mechanism with giant pulses, offering new avenues for understanding extreme cosmic events.
Dorset and East Devon Coast
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2017 —
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The Dorset and East Devon Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning 150 kilometers from Studland Bay to Exmouth, exemplifies the dynamic interplay between geological forces and human activities over millennia. This coastal landscape, extending through 185 million years of Earth's history, showcases the continuous battle between land and sea, shaped by erosional and depositional processes. The site's geomorphological features, including cliffs, sea arches, caves, and wave-cut platforms, are a testament to the power of waves refracted around headlands, exploiting geological weaknesses. Human influence is also evident, from historical resource exploitation and defense to modern tourism and recreational activities, which have left traces on the landscape. The study highlights the constant evolution of this environment due to eustatic and isostatic adjustments, climate change, and sea level rise, emphasizing the need for a holistic understanding of nature-human interactions. The Jurassic Coast serves as a living laboratory for studying these dynamic forces, offering insights into both geological processes and human adaptation strategies.
The Great Wall
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2017 —
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A hierarchical optimization framework enables precise 3D digitization of large, unstructured segments of the Great Wall using a small, low-cost unmanned helicopter equipped with a laser scanner and digital camera. The system addresses challenges posed by unpredictable pose uncertainties during fly-hover-scan and flying-scan modes, which can lead to mismatches in point cloud data. By tailoring optimization methodologies to each scan mode, the framework ensures accurate reconstruction of the Wall's complex terrain. A WebGL-based interface facilitates 3D model visualization and comparison, demonstrating the approach's feasibility for heritage conservation efforts.
Archaeological Area of Agrigento
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking digital approach has successfully reconstructed and analyzed two small fragments of louteria, a large terracotta vase from the Greek colony of Akragas (modern-day Agrigento, Sicily). By employing high-precision 3D modeling techniques based on image analysis, researchers achieved unprecedented detail in documenting these archaeological artifacts. The resulting models revealed intricate decorative features and geometric characteristics that were previously obscured or challenging to study. This method not only preserves the fragments digitally but also provides a new framework for interpreting and understanding their historical significance within the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Area of Agrigento.
Brú na Bóinne - Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne
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2017 —
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The 3D-ICONS Ireland project successfully developed a pipeline to produce lightweight, photorealistic 3D models of iconic cultural heritage sites, including Brú na Bóinne's Neolithic mound at Knowth. Using advanced digitization techniques such as airborne laser scanning (ALS), phase-based terrestrial laser scanning, and structured light scanning, the project generated high-resolution point cloud data that was transformed into interactive models for public access. These models have significantly enhanced educational use in secondary schools and enabled immersive experiences at visitor centers, demonstrating the potential of 3D technology to preserve and engage with archaeological heritage.
Old Town of Corfu
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2017 —
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The 4th Corfu Symposium on Managing and Marketing Places (2017) highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of place management, emphasizing how different academic disciplines theorize places. It explored the practical implications of these varied perspectives for managing and marketing destinations like Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a tourism-dependent economy. The symposium built on previous discussions about sustainable tourism, authenticity in travel experiences, and historical narratives, reflecting Corfu's complex heritage from ancient empires to modern conflicts. A key focus was the legacy of Professor John Urry, whose research influenced the theme 'Place Making from Various Gazes.' This approach underscores the need for adaptive strategies that integrate diverse academic insights to address challenges in place management.
Churches of Chiloé
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2017 —
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A unique architectural tradition in southern Chile, dating back over 13,000 years, relies on the endangered Fitzroya cupressoides conifer. Sixteen UNESCO World Heritage-listed churches on Chiloé Archipelago continue to use this rare wood, highlighting its cultural significance while raising awareness about deforestation and species conservation. The study examines the intersection of craftsmanship, endangered species preservation, and design disciplines, offering insights into sustainable heritage practices.
Lut Desert
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The Lut Desert, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iran, is notable for its unique geomorphological features and high meteorite recovery potential. Preliminary findings from a joint Italian-Iranian expedition highlight the region's significance as a source of extraterrestrial material, contributing to the understanding of meteoritic composition and origin. The study employed field surveys and meteorite recovery techniques to assess the area's characteristics, offering insights into its geomorphological diversity and scientific value.
Arslantepe Mound
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2017 —
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A recently excavated 'communal' building at Arslantepe Mound, dating to the beginning of the Early Bronze Age (VIB1 period), reveals insights into the social and political dynamics following the collapse of a centralized Uruk-derived system. This large brick structure, built directly on the ruins of a monumental palatial complex from the VIA period, suggests sustained architectural continuity despite significant societal changes. The building was destroyed by a violent fire, preserving extensive in-situ artifacts (83 ceramic vessels, metal and stone tools) that provide clues to its function as a ceremonial or communal gathering space. Analysis of architectural data combined with faunal evidence indicates that the site during this period may have been occupied by pastoral communities influenced by Kura-Araxe traditions from eastern Anatolia and the southern Caucasus. The study highlights how emerging elites, shaped by these external influences, likely used such structures to consolidate power through collective rituals and feasting, marking a transition from centralized governance to more decentralized social organization.
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
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2017 —
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A 'reflexive' multi-stage survey methodology, integrating systematic and unsystematic field-walking, local knowledge, and satellite imagery, proved highly effective for archaeological prospection and mapping at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi in Central India. While satellite imagery served as a supplementary tool in later stages, initial site identification relied more heavily on ground-based explorations and a deep engagement with local memory and socio-ritual landscapes. This approach underscores the critical role of local perceptions of place and history in shaping regionally specific research designs, contributing to broader debates in public archaeology.
Architectural Ensemble of the Trinity Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad
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A previously overlooked economic document from the Trinity Monastery of St Sergius, initially dated to the 16th century, has been reattributed to the 15th century through toponymic localization and paleographic analysis. The 'inset' document, found during restoration of an act, describes peasant payments linked to the settlement of Priseki in the Bezhetsk Upland, aligning with a 1440 grant to the monastery. Its archaic terminology ('dezha', 'kerb’') reflects mid-15th-century vocabulary from the upper Volga and Novgorod regions, placing it within a broader circle of birch bark manuscripts and state cadastral practices. This reattribution provides new insights into the economic organization of the Lavra's estate and early Russian land documentation.
Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures
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Samarkand, a pivotal city along the ancient Silk Road, experienced significant urban growth and landscape transformation, particularly during the post-Hellenistic period (3rd-1st centuries BCE) and before the Arab conquest in the early 8th century CE. This study reveals that its development was intricately linked to the exploitation of its territory, with a complex irrigation system supporting extensive farming and daily-life activities in the floodplain, while rain-fed foothills served as pastures. Using GIS remote sensing and field validation, researchers reconstructed Samarkand's urban evolution, identifying key archaeological features such as anthropic mounds, canals, and burials to map land use and resource exploitation over time.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2017 —
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Researchers have identified a previously undocumented color variation of the hermit crab species <em>Clibanarius virescens</em> (Krauss, 1843) from Amami Oshima Island and Okinawa Island in Japan. Unlike typical specimens, these crabs exhibit whitish ambulatory legs and shields, distinguishing them from known morphological traits of the genus. To confirm species identification, the study employed a combination of morphological observations and phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and nuclear histone H3 genes. The findings confirm that despite their unique coloration, these specimens belong to <em>C. virescens</em>, contributing new insights into the genetic and phenotypic diversity of this species in the region.
