The Porticoes of Bologna
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2017 —
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Medieval and Renaissance Bologna emerges as a pivotal center of innovation, shaping economic, political, legal, and intellectual landscapes in Italy. The city's transition from a medieval commune to the second-largest urban hub of the Renaissance Papal State is highlighted through a collection of essays by contemporary historians, many presented in English for the first time. These contributions offer a comprehensive perspective, spanning from Bologna’s architectural marvels like its porticoes and the tumultuous conflicts that marked its streets, to the scholarly disputations and artistic masterpieces that laid the groundwork for Baroque art. This work underscores Bologna's enduring legacy as a cultural crossroads, bridging historical eras and disciplines.
Bam and its Cultural Landscape
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A comparative analysis of technical intervention plans for Bam Citadel's Sistani House and Payambar Mosque reveals distinct approaches to retrofitting adobe structures in high-seismic zones. While both plans aimed to balance heritage preservation with modern stabilization techniques, they differed in materials and methods used. The study highlights that a SWOT analysis can effectively evaluate such interventions, offering insights for future restoration projects on similar World Heritage Sites. This approach allows for the identification of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, providing a strategic framework for decision-making in conservation efforts.
Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta
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2017 —
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A study comparing fecal steroid metabolite concentrations between harem and bachelor stallions in a free-ranging population of Przewalski's horses (Equus ferus przewalskii) at Hortobágy National Park, Hungary, revealed significant differences based on sociosexual status. Harem stallions exhibited notably higher levels of estrogen and epi-androsterone metabolites compared to bachelor stallions, with no significant difference in testosterone concentrations. This finding underscores the impact of social dynamics on androgen levels in Przewalski's horses, providing insights into their reproductive behavior and endocrinology.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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The original collections of the Semitic Museum at Harvard, assembled by founding curator David Gordon Lyon between 1889 and 1929, reflect a problematic legacy of archaeological acquisition. These collections, acquired primarily through purchases from dealers or gifts, lack documented provenance, making them inherently tainted by modern ethical standards. Despite this, they represent an era before strict international conventions on cultural property trade. The study highlights Lyon's comprehensive vision for the museum, blending archaeology, ethnography, and natural history to depict ancient Semitic life. Notably, Lyon's 1907 salvage excavation at Samieh, near Jerusalem, revealed a significant Bronze Age necropolis, though its findings remain unpublished. The research underscores the ethical complexities of legacy collections and their enduring significance in understanding Palestinian cultural heritage.
Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
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2017 —
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A conservation strategy for the Honghe Hani Rice Terraced System (HHRTS) demonstrates that improving traditional agricultural patterns can protect globally important agricultural heritage systems by increasing economic benefits for farmers. The study found that while hybrid rice monoculture with chemical inputs offers lower costs but leaves terraces unused for half the year, improved rice-fish-duck coculture (IRFDC) requires more labor and initial investment but yields higher returns. This approach can incentivize farmers to continue cultivating their land, reducing abandonment and destruction of terraces. The research used semi-structured interviews and questionnaires to analyze agricultural inputs, outputs, and household employment, revealing that large-scale farming by peasant households could mitigate labor shortages without compromising conservation efforts.
Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area
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2017 —
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A recent botanical survey of the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) in Himachal Pradesh, India, identified 39 previously unreported plant species belonging to 26 families. This significant contribution expands the known flora of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is renowned for its biodiversity and ecological importance. The study provides detailed descriptions of each species, including field characteristics, phenology, distribution patterns, and ecological notes, offering valuable insights into the park's rich botanical diversity. Such findings are crucial for conservation efforts, as they enhance our understanding of the region's unique ecosystems and support sustainable management practices.
Göbekli Tepe
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2017 —
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A decorated bone 'spatula' discovered at Göbekli Tepe in 2011 carries a partially preserved carved depiction featuring two hatched T-shaped forms, one of which is completely intact. This finding initially suggested an iconographic link to the site's iconic T-shaped pillars, a prominent architectural feature. However, the study cautions against overinterpreting such associations due to the fragmentary nature of the artifact and the limitations of early Neolithic art analysis. The research examines the pitfalls of drawing direct parallels between small-scale artifacts and large-scale structures in prehistoric iconography.
Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar
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2017 —
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Porto's historic centre faces a paradoxical duality, serving as both the city's primary tourist attraction and one of its most degraded and impoverished areas. This contradiction arises from urban renewal policies that aim to revitalize the downtown area for younger, more qualified residents, while simultaneously attracting tourists. The study highlights Neil Smith's influential work on gentrification, which framed research on Porto's urban and social transformations in the early 2000s. It demonstrates how state action shifted towards a 'Back to Downtown Porto' movement, reflecting broader global strategies of urban renewal. The research empirically illustrates these changes, providing insights into the complex dynamics of urban development and social inequality.
Maritime Greenwich
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2017 —
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A three-day conference at the National Maritime Museum and Queen's House in Greenwich, UK, shed light on the significance of Greenwich Palace as a European court center between 1500 and 1750. The event, titled 'European Court Culture and Greenwich Palace, 1500–1750,' explored how the palace served as a hub for political, cultural, and social interactions among European elites. Organized by Janet D..., the conference brought together scholars to discuss courtly practices, architecture, and the palace's role in shaping European diplomacy during this period.
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
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2017 —
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This study highlights the architectural similarities between the Torii of Japan and the stone torans of Sanchi, India. The author, during a visit to Sanchi on January 12, 1923, observed that these structures drew special attention due to their resemblance to the Torii in Japan and the pilou in China. This observation was made during a flying visit to Sanchi, which was part of a broader trip involving participation in the 10th Indian Science Congress held in Lucknow. The study emphasizes the significance of Sir John Marshall's work in documenting and excavating these Buddhist monuments, which has been crucial for understanding later archaeology in India.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2017 —
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A century of ecological succession on the William S. Cooper plots in Glacier Bay, Alaska, reveals profound changes in plant community composition and soil characteristics, driven by initial dispersal limitations and dominant species like Salix. Over 100 years, these plots—representing the world's longest-running primary succession study—showed a near-complete replacement of species, with Salix dominance suppressing later successional species such as Picea. Proximity to seed sources post-glaciation correlated with higher species richness, while soil nitrogen content and carbon-to-nitrogen ratios were best predicted by plot age, though Salix-dominated plots exhibited lower overall nitrogen. The study underscores the roles of contingency and dispersal in community development, providing a rare, long-term perspective on ecological succession.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
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Researchers have identified a geometrical similarity pattern between the pillar bases of the Cathedral of Seville and the Church of Santiago in Jerez, Spain. This discovery challenges traditional assumptions about architectural design in these structures, suggesting shared authorship or stylistic influence among stonemasons from the same era. The study employed advanced 3D modeling techniques, including Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS), Optical Scanning (OS), and photogrammetry through Structure-from-Motion Image-Based Modeling (SFM-IBM) software, to analyze the shapes of selected pillars. By comparing metric data with historical-graphical features—such as composition, techniques, styles, and documentary sources—the authors established a procedure for determining homologous points and characteristic sections. This method goes beyond mere dimensional analysis, providing a robust framework for identifying geometric patterns in architectural heritage.
Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
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A geophysical study of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks reveals that bedrock topography, overburden heterogeneity, and thickness are key controls on groundwater flow paths and storage, potentially explaining anomalously high winter base flows. The research used electrical resistivity tomography, seismic refraction tomography, and ground-penetrating radar to image structures like thick talus deposits, permafrost, and a buried overdeepening in the Kananaskis Valley. Comparing these findings with those from Yoho National Park suggests spatial patterns in groundwater storage potential linked to physiographic variables. These insights are critical for water resource and ecosystem managers adapting to climate change-induced stream flow changes.
Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs)
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A recent surge of Bivachny Glacier in Tajikistan's Pamir Mountains, observed between 2011 and 2015, revealed a dramatic acceleration in ice flow velocities, reaching up to 3400 meters per year during its active phase. This surge, characterized by a surge bulge traveling downstream at an average speed of 4400 meters per year over 13 kilometers, was preceded by a quiescent phase with typical thickening and thinning patterns. The study used high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) derived from TanDEM-X data, along with optical and synthetic aperture radar satellite data to analyze glacier dynamics. Seasonal variations in ice flow velocities suggested a hydrological control of the surge, linked to the subglacial drainage system's effectiveness. This research provides insights into the complex behavior of surge-type glaciers and their response to climate change.
Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow
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The Soviet Victory Banner, raised over the Reichstag on April 30, 1945, has become a central symbol of World War II commemoration in Russia. This study reveals that its prominent role in post-Stalinist remembrance practices reflects the Brezhnev era's implicit rehabilitation of Stalin. The research traces how this flag acquired official state significance and examines its evolution within Soviet and Russian war commemoration culture, highlighting its unique symbolic resonance compared to other wartime artifacts.
Cultural Landscape of Sintra
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2017 —
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During the Islamic period, Sintra's strategic landscape played a pivotal role in shaping its defensive system. Research reveals that beyond the two known castles and a ribat, Sintra likely featured additional fortifications and checkpoints, facilitating communication with distant regions and marking its maritime cultural landscape. This defensive network was underpinned by meticulous geographical planning, leveraging terrain, village connections, ports, and anchorages—some of which predate this era. The study cross-references historical, archaeological, toponymical, and geographical data to uncover these insights, highlighting Sintra's significance in the Lisbon region's military defense.
Temple of Preah Vihear
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UNESCO World Heritage Site listings, while intended to promote conservation and sustainable development, can exacerbate existing inequalities. A critical analysis of the Temple of Preah Vihear's nomination process reveals that mass tourism, though economically beneficial, disproportionately advantages certain groups while marginalizing local communities. The study examines the implications of heritage status on Angkor Park's management and Cambodian-Thai relations, questioning whether tourism-driven development truly benefits the poor or deepens disparities.
Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking analysis of charred cereal remains from Neolithic Çatalhöyük reveals insights into ancient culinary practices, particularly the preparation and cooking methods of bread-like and porridge-like foods. The study employs scanning electron microscopy to examine the microstructure of these fragments, identifying their botanical composition and processing techniques. By comparing archaeological samples with experimentally prepared reference materials, researchers uncover evidence of diverse cereal-based meals, including bread and dough, providing a window into Neolithic food traditions in southwest Asia. This methodology offers a robust framework for studying ancient culinary practices, enhancing our understanding of early agricultural societies.
Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula
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2017 —
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Public willingness to pay for enhanced cultural heritage experiences at the Temples of Paestum, part of Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), can serve as a key indicator for guiding sustainable management strategies. This study applies contingent valuation—a participatory survey-based method—to quantify latent demand for non-market goods like museum services. Findings reveal significant public support for improvements in accessibility, conservation, and innovative offerings such as multimedia services, with monetary values attached to these enhancements. Unlike traditional museum studies focused solely on exhibition purposes, this approach integrates market dynamics into heritage management, providing data-driven insights for balancing financial investments with public fruition goals.
The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa
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A microstratigraphic reevaluation of the Florisbad spring site, South Africa, reveals that its deposits were formed by alternating aeolian sand layers reworked by lacustrine water during wet Pleistocene phases and peat layers formed in marshes during dry phases. This refined stratigraphic sequence confirms earlier paleoenvironmental reconstructions while providing new insights into the formation processes of the site's sediments, which contain Middle Stone Age artifacts and fossil bones dating to the Middle Pleistocene. The study used a multianalytical approach including sediment micromorphology, FTIR, and XRD to analyze sediments in their original context, addressing previous limitations in understanding the genesis of these deposits.
Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing
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A novel miniaturized chemical sensor demonstrates high sensitivity for detecting formaldehyde (FA) fumes, with performance comparable to commercial monitoring equipment. The sensor, worn as a bracelet and connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth, converts signal data into a color scale for real-time visualization. It effectively measures FA concentrations across low (20–120 ppb) and higher (1–15 ppm) ranges, making it suitable for environmental monitoring in culturally significant settings like the Summer Palace in Beijing. The study also highlights its potential to assess FA-induced modifications in delicate artifacts, such as a Stradivarius violin, offering a non-invasive tool for conservation research.
Archaeological Site of Troy
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A rare glimpse into ancient maternal sepsis has been uncovered through the discovery of calcified abscesses in the remains of a Byzantine woman from Troy. These abscesses preserved ancient DNA, revealing a severe infection likely caused by chorioamnionitis, dominated by Gardnerella vaginalis and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Phylogenomic analysis showed that while G. vaginalis from Troy aligns with contemporary genetic diversity, S. saprophyticus belongs to a lineage not commonly associated with human disease today, suggesting potential ecological differences in ancient human-animal interactions. This study highlights the dynamic interplay between humans and their microbial environment, providing insights into severe maternal infections in historical contexts.
Mount Etna
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A novel multivariate probabilistic graphical model demonstrates significant potential for real-time volcano monitoring, offering rapid and accurate assessments of volcanic states. This approach addresses the challenges posed by nonlinear volcanic processes and measurement uncertainties, providing a robust tool for early warning systems. Tested on Mount Etna using extensive multivariate data, the model effectively estimates probability distributions of feasible volcanic states, enhancing decision-making capabilities for civil protection personnel.
Muskauer Park / Park Mużakowski
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2017 —
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A mutual admiration and intellectual influence between Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau, a renowned landscape gardener and travel writer, is revealed through their correspondence and unpublished accounts. Goethe's laudatory review of Pückler's 'Briefe eines Verstorbenen' significantly boosted the prince's literary fame, particularly in Britain, while also inspiring scenes in Goethe's 'Faust II.' Conversely, Pückler's park design philosophy was deeply rooted in Goethean principles, demonstrating a lasting and reciprocal impact. The study analyzes their interactions, correspondence, and the cultural significance of their relationship, offering new insights into the influence of 'Briefe eines Verstorbenen' on Goethe's work.
Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta
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Cyanobacterium colonies significantly influence the establishment success of grassland plants, potentially shaping community diversity and species composition. The study found that Nostoc extracts reduced germination rates in five plant species and decreased fresh weight in invasive Hordeum jubatum, suggesting cyanobacteria can alter natural plant communities through chemical effects. Researchers synthesized existing knowledge on toxic cyanobacteria impacts and conducted controlled experiments using native alkali grassland species from Hortobágy National Park, Hungary. They prepared a cell-free water extract from field-collected Nostoc colonies and compared its effects with tap water on seed germination and growth over five weeks, measuring key variables such as seedling number, length, and biomass.
Colonial City of Santo Domingo
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Gentrification and 'touristification' in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo have significantly reshaped urban dynamics, increasing economic competitiveness but also exacerbating segregation and urban poverty. The study reveals that recent urban planning shifts, often supported by supranational development agencies, have prioritized tourism and property investment, leading to stark socio-urban contrasts. Morphological analysis highlights how these changes have altered the city's landscape, with serious implications for social equity. The research underscores the consequences of such transformations, offering insights into the broader impact of global tourism trends on Caribbean urban centers.
Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks
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Researchers have identified Powellvenator podocitus, a new early coelophysoid neotheropod dinosaur from the Late Triassic of northwestern Argentina. This discovery significantly expands the South American record of predatory dinosaurs, which was previously limited to two species. The study analyzed partial hindlimbs and reclassified an earlier specimen, revealing unique anatomical features that distinguish Powellvenator podocitus from other basal dinosaurs. Phylogenetic analysis placed it within Coelophysoidea, as the sister-taxon of Procompsognathus triassicus and Coelophysinae, marking it as the first coelophysoid from South America alongside Lucianovenator bonoi.
Dougga / Thugga
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A newly discovered inscription from the Lella Drebblia site near Dougga, Tunisia, dating to Emperor Hadrian's reign (2nd century CE), sheds light on imperial property regulations in Roman North Africa. This significant find, unearthed during a 1999 excavation led by M. de Vos, complements six other major inscriptions from the region, providing crucial insights into the administration of imperial estates. While initial transcriptions by de Vos were refined by <em>Année Épigraphique</em>, one-third of the text remains incomplete, necessitating a full scientific edition to ensure accuracy. The study combines epigraphic analysis with historical context, offering a deeper understanding of Roman governance in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Laurisilva of Madeira
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A new species of caddisfly, Synagapetus laurisilvanicus, has been discovered in the laurel forests (Laurisilva) of Madeira Island. This endemic species, identified from specimens collected during the 1997–1999 Laurisilva project, is closely related to Synagapetus punctatus but distinguished by unique wing venation and genital morphology, particularly the inferior appendages and aedeagus. The discovery highlights the biodiversity of Madeira's Trichoptera fauna, which has been systematically studied through intensive sampling in springs and streams across the archipelago.
Angkor
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A groundbreaking simulation of Angkor Wat offers a dynamic, 24-hour reconstruction of the temple during its twelfth-century heyday, providing unprecedented insights into its historical landscape and daily life. This innovative approach integrates digital visualization with art history, moving beyond static interpretations to depict animated inhabitants ('agents'), religious practices, ephemeral architecture, and vegetation. Based on recent archaeological findings, the simulation allows for plural reconstructions that can be explored collaboratively by digital practitioners and Southeast Asia specialists, bridging the gap between broad archaeological studies and granular historical analysis.
Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape
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Scientists have identified and described a new pubescent variety of <em>Conophytum</em>, <em>C. flavum</em> subsp. <em>novicium</em> var. <em>kosiesense</em>, distinguished by its dense layer of trichomes that give the plant a greyish-white appearance, particularly visible under scanning electron microscopy. This discovery, named for the Kosies mountain in the southern Richtersveld, contributes to the understanding of biodiversity in this UNESCO-listed region. The research employed morphological and microscopic analysis to characterize the new taxon, highlighting its unique visual traits.
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
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Researchers have identified a new species of snake, Aspidura ravanai, from the Sri Pada sanctuary in Sri Lanka's central highlands. This discovery, the eighth species of its genus known in the country, distinguishes itself through unique color patterns, scalation, and genetic makeup. Molecular analysis suggests that the genus Aspidura began diversifying during the Miocene epoch, around 18 million years ago, with A. ravanai diverging from its likely sister species, A. trachyprocta, at least 6.2 million years ago. The new species is currently known only from its type locality on the western slopes of Sri Pada Peak, highlighting the region's significant biodiversity.
Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica
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Researchers have identified a new species of scorpion, Diplocentrus duende, within the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, Mexico. This discovery is notable for its punctate pedipalp surfaces, a rare trait shared by only four other species in the genus Diplocentrus. The study suggests that this characteristic evolved independently within the 'mexicanus' group of Diplocentrus, distinguishing it from other diplocentrids. The research, based on adult male specimens, highlights the biodiversity and unique evolutionary adaptations present in this UNESCO-listed region, offering insights into the genetic diversity and ecological significance of Mesoamerica's originary habitat.
Pantanal Conservation Area
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Researchers have identified a new species of Elachistocleis frog within the Brazilian Pantanal, distinguished by unique morphological traits such as its medium to large size (26.9–40.3 mm), grayish dorsum with white dots and an elongated dark spot, and cream-colored markings on limbs and venter. This discovery highlights the biodiversity significance of the Corumbá protected area in Mato Grosso do Sul, where four species of Oval frogs now reside. The study underscores the need for further field investigations in the Maciço do Urucum to assess herpetofauna diversity in this critical region.
Darien National Park
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Researchers have identified and described a new species of longhorn beetle, Hippopsis raberi, from Darién National Park, Panama. This discovery expands the known diversity of the genus Hippopsis within the Cerambycidae family. The study also provides a comprehensive key to 40 species of the genus, facilitating future taxonomic studies. The research combines morphological analysis with detailed examination of beetle specimens, contributing valuable insights into the biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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Researchers have discovered a new species of <em>Microlicia</em> (Melastomataceae) in the Cerrado Protected Areas of Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks, Brazil. This species, named <em>Microlicia chrysoglandulosa</em>, is distinguished by its unique bright golden cuticle covering spherical, short-stalked glandular trichomes found on internodes, leaf surfaces, margins, pedicels, hypanthium, and sepals—a feature not previously documented in the genus. The discovery was made through detailed morphological analysis, comparing it to similar species like <em>M. martiana</em>, <em>M. psammophila</em>, and <em>M. tenuifolia</em>. The study highlights the importance of microscopic examination in identifying novel plant taxa within biodiverse regions.
Manú National Park
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Researchers have identified a new species of poison-dart frog, <em>Ameerega shihuemoy</em>, inhabiting the Amazonian slopes of the Andes within Peru's Manu Province. This discovery is supported by distinct morphological traits—such as its black dorsum with cream to light orange dorsolateral lines and blue belly reticulated with black—and unique bioacoustic characteristics, including a lower note repetition rate and higher fundamental frequencies in its mating call. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA further confirms its genetic distinctiveness, placing it closest to <em>Ameerega macero</em> and other related species. The frog exhibits seasonal habitat preferences, favoring rocky streams during the dry season and temporary water bodies during the rainy season. Given its small geographic range, the study recommends classifying <em>A. shihuemoy</em> as 'Near Threatened' under IUCN Red List criteria.
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
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Researchers have identified a new species of uropeltid snake, Rhinophis roshanpererai, from the central highlands of Sri Lanka. This discovery, based on three specimens from Badulla District, distinguishes the species by its unique dorsal scale rows, ventral scales, and color pattern lacking pale stripes. It also features a very small tail shield with four or three prominent spines. The new species likely has a restricted range, confined to similar habitats and elevations in the central highlands. This brings the total nominal species of Rhinophis to 20, with four of the 16 Sri Lankan species having been described since 2009.
Wadi Wurayah
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Researchers have identified and described a new species of planthopper, Adenissus fuscus, from Wadi Wurayah National Park in the United Arab Emirates. This discovery expands the known diversity of the genus Adenissus to three species within the Arabian Peninsula, with A. fuscus being the second recorded in the UAE. The species is distinguished by its smaller body size (4.6 mm for females), brown coloration, and elongated fore wings that reach the hind margin of abdominal tergite IV. Phylogenetic analysis suggests a close relationship with A. isinus from Iran, both sharing unique morphological traits such as an elongate coryphe and long rostrum. The study provides a key to differentiate these species, contributing valuable insights into the taxonomy and biodiversity of Hemiptera in the region.
Area de Conservación Guanacaste
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Scientists have identified a new species of parasitic fly, <em>Voria erasmocoronadoi</em>, within the genus <em>Voria</em> (Diptera: Tachinidae), discovered in Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in northwestern Costa Rica. This discovery was part of an ongoing inventory of wild-caught caterpillars, encompassing diverse moth and butterfly families. The research provides a detailed morphological description, life history data, molecular analysis, and photographic documentation of the species. Additionally, the study reclassifies several previously recognized genera as synonyms under <em>Voria</em>, including <em>Xenoplagia</em>, <em>Hystricovoria</em>, <em>Afrovoria</em>, <em>Anavoria</em>, and <em>Itavoria</em>, and proposes new combinations for three species. This work not only expands our understanding of fly biodiversity in ACG but also sheds light on host-parasite relationships within this ecologically significant region.
Lord Howe Island Group
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Researchers have identified and described a new species of jumping spider, Trite pollardi sp. nov., previously known from behavioral studies as 'Holoplatys sp.' This discovery contributes to the understanding of the genus Trite's diversity and distribution, particularly in New Zealand, New Caledonia, Lord Howe Island, and Norfolk Island. The study distinguishes two species groups within Trite: the planiceps-group, found across multiple regions, and the incognita-group, limited to New Zealand. Additionally, it proposes three scenarios for the origin, relationships, and radiation of Trite in these areas while excluding three previously misclassified species from the genus. The research integrates behavioral observations with taxonomic analysis to elucidate evolutionary patterns.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
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Researchers have identified a new species of sturgeon from the Late Cretaceous period, based on a well-preserved, articulated specimen discovered in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta. This discovery is significant because articulated fish remains are rare in the park, and the new species exhibits unique ornamentation patterns on its dermal skull bones that distinguish it from previously known Cretaceous sturgeons in North America. The study highlights the importance of such findings in understanding the biodiversity and evolutionary history of prehistoric fishes.
City of Cuzco
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Photographic reportages on Cuzco, Peru, published in the 1920s by <em>Variedades</em> and <em>Plus Ultra</em>, reveal a dual discourse of modernity that challenged Western narratives. These images, blending aesthetic and documentary value, contributed to an indigenista proposal for national identity while familiarizing urban audiences with regional traditions through tourism and the picturesque. Comparative analysis with Argentine publications shows this trend was part of a broader Americanist movement shaping perceptions of tradition and modernization in the 1920s.
Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder)
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Seventeenth-century Dutch Republic witnessed a surge in the popularity of country estates, known as 'buitenplaatsen,' among affluent citizens. These substantial residences, often clustered together, were strategically located along waterways and reclamation areas such as the Beemster Polder, Vecht, and Amstel River, significantly shaping Holland's landscape during that era. The study reveals how this widespread fashion influenced the design and distribution of country estates, with notable concentrations around Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden, and beyond. By analyzing historical waterboard maps and geographical data, the research provides insights into the spatial organization and aesthetic composition of these estates, contributing to our understanding of Dutch landscape architecture during this period.
Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale
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A Porphyry Workshop in Norman Palermo challenges the long-held assumption that medieval stonemasons lacked the technical skills and tools to carve porphyry, a hard stone. The study identifies five 12th-century porphyry sarcophagi in Sicilian cathedrals, along with other artefacts commissioned by Norman kings, as evidence of a specialized workshop dedicated to porphyry carving. Analysis of these tombs suggests the provenance of both the material and their sculptors, offering new insights into medieval craftsmanship and artistic practices.
Timbuktu
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A preliminary appraisal of marginalia in West African manuscripts from the Mamma Haïdara Memorial Library Collection (Timbuktu) reveals that these annotations, often overlooked, offer valuable insights into the history of ideas, knowledge transmission, and social and economic dynamics. The study identifies common types of marginalia, such as corrections, commentaries, and symbols, some of which are unique to West African manuscripts while others align with broader Arabic manuscript traditions. Independent textual fragments and ownership notes were also prevalent. This research provides a comparative framework for understanding the characteristics of marginalia in this region, hinting at its potential for further study.
Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci
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Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' (Cenacolo or L’Ultima Cena), painted in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie convent in Milan at the end of the 15th century, marked a groundbreaking departure from previous biblical depictions. Commissioned by Ludovico Sforza for the Dominican convent, this masterpiece redefined artistic representation of the New Testament passage. The study 'A propósito de La última cena' by Verónica Ruth Frías analyzes the performance and cultural significance of da Vinci's work, offering insights into its historical context and enduring influence on art and heritage preservation.
Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church
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The Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey, including Saint Margaret’s Church, exemplify the intersection of political science and architectural innovation. This study reveals how the radical design of the New Palace of Westminster was shaped by scientific principles, blending functionality with symbolic significance. It explores the integration of political science into architecture, demonstrating how structural and spatial elements were deliberately crafted to serve both practical governance needs and ceremonial functions. The research approach combines historical analysis with architectural theory, offering insights into the deliberate fusion of science and politics in one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks.
Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
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2017 —
WHE175F8ECD0C
Railway edges in Banff and Yoho National Parks significantly enhance the abundance, diversity, and maturation rate of bear-attracting plants compared to adjacent forest areas. The study found that plant richness, cover, and flowering rates were greater near railways, with some species showing up to five times more fruit occurrence than 50 meters into the forest. Notably, buffaloberry (Shepherdia canadensis), a critical pre-hibernation resource for grizzly bears, exhibited higher sugar content, faster ripening, and increased fruit production within 15 meters of the rail. These findings suggest that railways may inadvertently increase strike risks for bears by concentrating food resources, particularly at higher elevations. The research used field surveys across two growing seasons to quantify plant responses along an elevational gradient, highlighting potential mitigation strategies such as removing attractants or creating safer foraging habitats.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2017 —
WHE3BA6195732
Researchers have identified and described <em>Microlicia stenodonoides</em>, a remarkable new species of shrub within the Melastomataceae family, distinguished by its dwarf arboreal habit, large flowers (up to 4 cm in diameter), and unique morphological traits. This discovery, documented from Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park in Brazil's Cerrado biome, challenges traditional taxonomic boundaries, as its characteristics resemble those of <em>Stenodon</em> but align more closely with <em>Microlicia</em> due to key features such as non-thickened cortex stems and dimorphic stamens. The study also provides an identification key for <em>Microlicia</em> species in the park, offering critical insights into biodiversity, ecology, and conservation status. Additionally, it details the species' flowering and fruiting periods, contributing to broader understanding of its ecological role within this UNESCO-listed protected area.
