Mogao Caves
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2017 —
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A user evaluation of the Mogao Cave Panorama Digital Library (DL) reveals that while it effectively supports simple information-seeking tasks, its performance declines with more complex queries. The study, one of the first to assess cultural heritage digital libraries from a user experience perspective, identifies specific usability issues through statistical analysis and qualitative interviews. It proposes improvements for better user engagement and serves as a methodological reference for evaluating visually centered digital heritage resources.
Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea
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2017 —
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A study on the Atlantic Forest remnant of Floresta da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, revealed that fly diversity and abundance associated with rat carcasses varied significantly across seasons. The research identified 12 families of flies, with Calliphoridae being the most prevalent (4,884 specimens), followed by Sarcophagidae, Micropezidae, Fannidae, Muscidae, Phoridae, and Neridae. While no direct correlation was found between fly abundance and seasons, carcass decomposition lasted longer in winter (12 days) compared to summer (8 days). The Margalef richness index indicated higher species richness in spring and winter, while the Shannon-Wiener index showed greater diversity in spring. Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae were particularly dominant during the fermentation stage of decomposition. These findings underscore the importance of regional studies in forensic entomology, as local environmental conditions influence insect succession patterns on carcasses.
Architectural Ensemble of the Trinity Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad
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2017 —
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This study identifies three interconnected educational directions—emotional, semantic, and religious—that shaped Fyodor Dostoevsky's value structure during his formative years. These influences, rooted in his family environment and experiences at the Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra, formed the foundation of his existential consciousness. The research highlights how traditional values, such as monogamy, respect for elders, and national pride, along with early exposure to literature and religious teachings, contributed to Dostoevsky's worldview. His childhood experiences, including boarding school, became a moral compass that influenced his literary works, particularly in distinguishing between authentic and superficial family structures. The study suggests that the systematic erosion of spiritual values leads to existential loss, reflecting Dostoevsky's critique of modern society in his writings.
Petra
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking study reveals the hidden architectural secrets of the Tomb of Pharaoh at El-Khasneh, Jordan, leveraging advanced 3D modeling techniques. The research demonstrates how Multiple View Stereo (MVS) matching and Structure from Motion (SfM) can be used with minimal hardware to document archaeological sites, even in challenging conditions. This approach provides a cost-effective solution for on-site documentation and emergency response, while also enabling web-based visualization of complex structures. The study highlights the significance of this tomb, which is partially unknown but crucial for understanding Jordan's heritage. By sharing these 3D models online, the research bridges gaps between academia, tourism, and cultural preservation, offering a new paradigm for documenting and disseminating architectural remains.
Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison
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2017 —
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Dispossessed Lives: Enslaved Women, Violence, and the Archive offers a groundbreaking reconstruction of the experiences of enslaved women of African descent in 18th-century Barbados, particularly Bridgetown, using a patchwork of surviving archival documents. The study challenges traditional historical methodologies by interrogating the 'mutilated historicity' of enslaved women in archives, where they often appear disfigured and violated. It introduces new epistemologies to recover what might never be recoverable, embracing uncertainty and unresolvable narratives. By focusing on violence in its physical, archival, and epistemic configurations, the work provides a nuanced understanding of the lives of enslaved women while critiquing the discipline of history itself.
Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom
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2017 —
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Archaeological excavations and relics reveal ongoing disputes between Chinese and Korean researchers over the territorial affiliation of the ancient Koguryo Kingdom, which spanned from central Manchuria to south of Seoul between 37 BC and AD 668. Chinese scholars, through projects like the 'Serial Research Project on the History and Current Status of the Northeast Border Region,' argue that Koguryo was an ethnic system within ancient China, aiming to integrate its history into China's narrative. Korean researchers strongly contest this, emphasizing Koguryo's distinct identity and cultural connections to Korea. Both sides rely on archaeological evidence to support their claims, highlighting the significance of these findings in shaping national identities and historical narratives.
Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow
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2017 —
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Lenin's Mausoleum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Kremlin and Red Square complex, is not a typical dark tourism destination despite its association with death. Visitors primarily engage as cultural tourists, drawn to the site's historical significance rather than its macabre appeal. A discourse analysis of TripAdvisor reviews revealed that visitors perceive the mausoleum as a distinct, quiet space contrasting sharply with the bustling Red Square. This study challenges conventional dark tourism narratives by highlighting the nuanced nature of visitor experiences at dissonant heritage sites.
Taï National Park
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2017 —
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A novel method for estimating animal density using camera trap data has been developed, offering more accurate assessments of wildlife populations compared to traditional line transect surveys. The approach extends point-transect methods to accommodate camera trapping data, leveraging existing distance sampling theory and software. Simulations demonstrated that the method provides unbiased density estimates when accounting for periods of rest in animals. Applied to Maxwell's duikers (Philantomba maxwellii) in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire, the study found higher densities than previous line transect surveys, suggesting these methods could underestimate forest ungulate populations. This advancement promises broader applicability and effectiveness in wildlife conservation efforts.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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2017 —
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Research on the Cryptocercus punctulatus species complex in Great Smoky Mountains National Park reveals distinct chromosomal variations among populations, with three male karyotypes (2n = 37, 39, and 45) mapped across the park. Phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial COII and nuclear ITS2 DNA suggests these karyotypes originated from separate lower-elevation refugia following the last glacial maximum. A notable correlation between elevation difference and genetic distance in two clades supports this hypothesis, indicating post-glacial divergence. The study also explores the ecological role of these wood-feeding cockroaches within the park's ecosystem.
Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection
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2017 —
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Coiba National Park, Panama, is identified as one of the most significant foraging grounds for hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The study, conducted through six mark-recapture surveys between 2014 and 2017, captured and tagged 186 individuals, with 51 recaptured at least once. The size range of these turtles varied from 30.0 to 75.5 cm, predominantly comprising juveniles. Growth rates were highly variable, ranging from -0.78 to 7.1 cm per year, marking the first published growth data for juvenile hawksbills in this region. These findings highlight Coiba's critical role in supporting hawksbill populations and provide essential demographic insights for conservation strategies.
City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto
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2017 —
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A degraded area between Vicenza’s historic center and the Bacchiglione river, long neglected as a parking lot or warehouse, presents a unique opportunity for urban regeneration. This study proposes leveraging its strategic location to restore social and cultural connections with the city’s river, addressing historical disassociations. The research outlines potential interventions developed during an architectural course at the University of Padua, aiming to transform the area into a space for qualitative restoration and community enrichment. By integrating rituals and past linkages, the project seeks to repair the water-city relationship while revitalizing Vicenza’s urban fabric.
Comoé National Park
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2017 —
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A study assessing the floristic diversity and structural resilience of forest fragments in southwest Comoé National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, reveals that these areas retain significant biodiversity despite decades of political instability. Researchers identified 256 plant species across 12 fragments, with Rubiaceae and Fabaceae being the most abundant families. Notably, 23 species are endemic to Côte d’Ivoire, including Salacia miegei and Uvaria tortilis, while nine others hold high commercial value for their timber. Despite intense human pressure, forest density remains robust at over 550 trees per hectare, though large trees are scarce. The findings suggest that these fragments retain strong floristic potential, even after prolonged conflict-related disturbances.
Comoé National Park
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2017 —
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A study conducted at Comoé National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, revealed a high diversity of 123 ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungal species across 23 genera and nine families. The research identified key environmental factors influencing fungal distribution, with stem density of <em>Uapaca togoensis</em> and <em>Isoblinia doka</em> emerging as significant predictors. Two distinct site groups were distinguished based on fungal community composition, highlighting the ecological complexity of this tropical African World Heritage Site. The study employed weekly surveys across nine permanent plots and advanced statistical analyses, including NMDS, hierarchical clustering, and indicator species analysis, to unravel the spatial distribution and phenology of EcM fungi in relation to climatic variability.
Town of Luang Prabang
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2017 —
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A study in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR, reveals that secondary forests harbor significantly higher mosquito populations and vector species compared to rubber plantations and villages. Over nine months, 24,927 female mosquitoes were collected, including 51 new species for the region. Secondary forests showed greater abundance of vectors for dengue, Japanese encephalitis (JE), lymphatic filariasis, and malaria than immature and mature rubber plantations, with Aedes albopictus dominating in natural and man-made forests, while Culex vishnui was prevalent in villages. The research used human-baited traps and generalized estimating equations to analyze habitat differences, highlighting concerns about Ae. albopictus's dominance outside urban areas where vector control is typically focused.
Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking geomatics workflow successfully documented the complex rock art of Cova dels Cavalls, part of the UNESCO-listed Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula. This 3D digital representation method offers a reliable way to preserve and transmit archaeological heritage to future generations. The study meticulously captured the site's intricate details through various stages, from data acquisition to producing photorealistic models. These high-precision models provide unprecedented insights into the rock art, ensuring its conservation and accessibility for both academic research and public engagement.
Itchan Kala
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2017 —
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A collaborative effort spanning from 2008 to 2015 has successfully established a methodology and GIS database for documenting the historic buildings and dwellings within three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Uzbekistan: Bukhara, Itchan Kala, and Samarkand. This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Uzbekistan and UNESCO, addresses critical gaps in heritage documentation and systematic monitoring, which have been threatening these sites. The research consolidates a robust framework for understanding the outstanding heritage values of these cities, enabling the development of effective preservation and management strategies. By integrating traditional historic houses—often lacking legal protection—into digital databases, this work preserves not only physical structures but also the cultural history, urban fabric, and traditions spanning centuries.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2017 —
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Fire season does not significantly influence fire behavior or intensity in the Cerrado's protected areas, such as Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks, contrary to initial hypotheses. The study found that fire intensity is primarily driven by the combination of dead biomass proportion and total fuel load, rather than the timing within the dry season. Researchers compared fire parameters across early, mid-, and late dry seasons, evaluating factors like dead fuel percentage, fuel moisture content, and fuel load. Surprisingly, even in areas with two years of fire exclusion, seasonal variations did not affect fire behavior. Instead, flame height was best explained by dead fuel percentage and fuel moisture content. This insight challenges conventional beliefs about fire management strategies, suggesting that biomass accumulation, rather than seasonality, is the critical factor in controlling fire intensity.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
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2017 —
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Higher altitudes in montane forests, such as those found in Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Democratic Republic of Congo), exhibit greater floristic stability and resilience to disturbance compared to lower altitudes. This study revealed that the Jaccard index of dissimilarity between understorey and canopy layers decreases with altitude, indicating more consistent species representation across forest strata at higher elevations. Additionally, the proportion of non-pioneer and shade-tolerant species increases with altitude, while pioneer species decline, suggesting enhanced regeneration capability and stability in higher-altitude forests. The research employed a stratified sampling approach, analyzing 10 one-hectare plots spanning altitudes from 1935 to 2760 meters above sea level (a.s.l.), with nested subplots to assess sapling dynamics.
Group of Monuments at Hampi
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2017 —
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Research reveals that dolomitic lime, rather than the more common Carboniferous limestone, was used in plasterworks at UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Alampur (6-7th AD) and Lotus Mahal, Hampi (1336-1570 AD). This finding indicates a higher risk of damage due to wetting and necessitates specialized conservation efforts. The study analyzed mineralogical and chemical compositions, showing that hydraulic components were added to enhance durability in Alampur's plasters. Additionally, variations in the ratio of binder to inert materials suggest differing provenances for Hampi's plasterworks, complicating provenance studies. These insights provide critical data for technological evaluation and guide conservators in re-plastering efforts.
Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House)
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2017 —
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The Schröder House, designed by Gerrit Rietveld and completed in 1924, exemplifies modernist architecture as a platform for exploring innovative living ideals. Unlike traditional domestic spaces, it served as a built manifesto, blending formal and material experimentation to challenge societal norms. The house's contextually appropriate scale and design reflect its role as a symbol of architectural and social redemption, embodying the 'pure' and 'abstract' principles championed by modernist movements like Purism. This case study underscores how modern architecture sought to instruct society through spatial and aesthetic innovation.
Longmen Grottoes
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2017 —
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The Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Luoyang, China, contain over 10,000 ancient cave chapels and shrines with Buddhist sculptures and dedicatory inscriptions from the 5th to 8th centuries. A comprehensive analysis of these inscriptions reveals that donors spanned emperors, aristocrats, eunuchs, artisans, monks, nuns, lay societies, palace officials, civil and military officials, and ordinary believers. This study, the first in a Western language to reconstruct Longmen's history, uses epigraphy, architecture, and iconography to explore the interplay of faith, politics, and patronage from its inception in 493 to the last major project in 730. It provides a nuanced perspective on medieval believers, often marginalized in historical accounts.
Dougga / Thugga
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2017 —
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A significant archaeological discovery at Dougga (Thugga) reveals the longest known inscription from Roman North Africa, spanning 26.3 meters and engraved on eleven limestone blocks that formed a portico's architrave-frieze. The inscription, dating to 265 AD, commemorates the establishment of Thugga as a Roman colony, following its founding in late December 261. It also marks the inauguration of a temple dedicated to Tellus, providing insights into the timing and cultural significance of these events. The text highlights the role of Gallien's curator, representing imperial authority, and underscores traditional Roman practices and municipal institutions. This discovery sheds light on the rare promotion of Thugga and neighboring Thubursicum Bure as colonies during Gallien's reign, offering a unique window into the political and social dynamics of late 3rd-century Rome.
Keoladeo National Park
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2017 —
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A comprehensive study of Keoladeo National Park, India, revealed the presence of 37 distinct species of dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata), including five previously unrecorded in Rajasthan. The research, spanning from 2010 to 2015, utilized direct search, observation, and opportunistic sighting methods to document this biodiversity. Notably, the Libellulidae family exhibited the highest diversity with 22 species, followed by Coenagrionidae with eight. This study significantly expands the known Odonata fauna of Keoladeo National Park, adding 21 species to the existing record and highlighting the park's ecological significance as a hotspot for these insects.
Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes
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2017 —
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A study of human effigies from the Medio-period (A.D. 1200–1450) at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, reveals that clothing and adornments played a significant role in gender symbolism and identity expression. The research finds that males were associated with more elaborate dress, including headbands, while females were linked to fertility symbolism, such as cloud motifs and sternal decorations. Both sexes shared certain attire elements like arm bands, but distinct differences emerged in belts and sandals. The study also identifies continuities in dress from earlier cultures like the Classic Mimbres (A.D. 1000–1150) into historic northern Mexican and southwestern groups, suggesting persistent cultural practices. This analysis underscores how clothing and adornments encoded gender roles within a broader ritual system.
The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape
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2017 —
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A five-year climatology of drop size distribution (DSD) in the Cévennes-Vivarais region reveals that orographic environment, season, atmospheric weather patterns, and rainfall types significantly influence microphysical processes, impacting rainfall characteristics and the relationship between rainfall rate and reflectivity factor. The study utilized a network of six OTT Parsivel optical disdrometers across two longitudinal transects to analyze these factors, confirming their role in shaping ground-level rainfall dynamics in this Mediterranean region prone to heavy rainfall and flash floods.
Ogasawara Islands
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2017 —
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A new survey of the Ogasawara Islands reveals significant discoveries in the diversity of Dryinidae and Embolemidae wasps. Two previously unknown species, <em>Gonatopus adelphos</em> and <em>Ampulicomorpha viator</em>, were identified and described for the first time from Anijima. Additionally, three species—<em>Gonatopus tambiniae</em>, <em>Anteon achterbergi</em>, and <em>Gonatopus nigricans</em>—were recorded in the region for the first time, expanding their known distribution. The male of <em>Dryinus sinicus</em> was also described for the first time. Notably, <em>Gonatopus hagoromo</em> was determined to be a junior synonym of <em>Gonatopus tambiniae</em>. This research contributes to our understanding of the biodiversity and taxonomy of Hymenoptera in this remote and ecologically significant archipelago.
Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura
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2017 —
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A multidisciplinary approach integrating laser scanning, Virtual Reality (VR), and numerical simulations demonstrated significant potential to streamline the creation of large-scale sculptures within heritage urban environments. This research highlights how digital tools can facilitate collaboration between artists, engineers, urbanists, archaeologists, and public authorities, effectively addressing complex challenges in sculptural realization. The project's action research methodology provided a practical framework for solving real-world problems, showcasing its applicability to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Historic Centre of Rome.
Old City of Dubrovnik
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2017 —
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A recently discovered armorial from the library in Modena, Italy, provides evidence linking the origins of Illyrian Heraldry to the Radulović family of Dubrovnik. The armorial, dated to the late 16th century, contains 153 coats of arms, including those of the Radulović family and other notable lineages from Dubrovačko Primorje. Analysis suggests that this is a copy of the Korjenić-Neorićev grbovnik from 1595, commissioned by the Radulović family, who were prominent shipowners, merchants, and members of the Confraternity of St Anthony. The study reveals that the Radulović family adopted their coat of arms from an earlier Illyrian armorial, incorporating elements from the Radijelović lineage and other notable families. This finding sheds light on the social status, connections, and noble descent legends of the Radulović family, as well as their influence in the Kingdom of Naples and Dubrovnik.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2017 —
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A unique geological duplex featuring serpentinite, dioritic gneiss, and amphibolite layers was discovered in the central region of Tokunoshima Island, part of the Amami Islands in Southwest Japan. This tectonic stack, characterized by northwest-dipping metamorphic units intercalated with pelitic schist, provides evidence of top-to-the-east, southeast, or south displacements under ductile deformation conditions. The study suggests that this serpentinite-bearing duplex formed due to tectonic erosion and accretionary growth in a Cretaceous or older subduction zone. Notably, the metamorphic rocks in Tokunoshima exhibit low-pressure and high-temperature amphibolite-facies metamorphism, distinct from other regions of the Shimanto Belt and neighboring islands. This discovery challenges existing geological models and highlights the unique metamorphic history of Tokunoshima.
Itsukushima Shinto Shrine
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2017 —
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A notable finding from the study is that traditional Japanese architectural practices, such as the construction of dwelling houses and other buildings, continue to influence contemporary beliefs about luck and health. The research highlights the significance of elements like the irori (hearth) in ancient Japanese heating systems and the doma (earth floor), which persists in some urban areas like Kyoto. Additionally, it explores the cultural importance of toriis, with a focus on the iconic structure at Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima, known for its size and unique location in the sea. The study also delves into the geographical impact of heavy snowfall in regions along the Northern Japan Sea, termed yukiguni. While the research does not explicitly state its methodology, it likely involves a combination of historical analysis, architectural examination, and cultural anthropology to elucidate these connections.
Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona
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2017 —
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A critical insight from this study is that secondary masonry elements, such as upper slabs and extrados stiffening diaphragms, play an essential role in the structural behavior of timbrel vaults. These elements significantly influence both dynamic and static responses, necessitating their explicit inclusion in Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations for accurate modeling. The research employed a combination of laboratory and in-situ experiments, including dynamic identification and static loading tests, to analyze the Administration Pavilion of Hospital de Sant Pau in Barcelona. FEM models were used to simulate the observed behavior, highlighting the importance of considering these secondary structural components for precise analysis.
Monastery of Batalha
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2017 —
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A study on the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitoria (Batalha) reveals that traffic-induced vibrations, despite being significant due to its proximity to a high-traffic road, remain within safe limits set by international standards. Researchers used accelerometers to measure vibration levels across the monastery's courtyard and at key points like the Combatant Museum and Founder's Chapel over several days. The findings indicate that the maximum measured velocity does not exceed thresholds defined by German DIN 4150 and Italian UNI 9916 standards, suggesting minimal risk of structural damage from traffic vibrations. This assessment provides critical data for preserving this UNESCO-listed monument, symbolizing Portugal's Avis Dynasty.
Byblos
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2017 —
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Research reveals that the Byblos Municipality building, a critical infrastructure for disaster response, exhibits dynamic properties influenced by soil-structure interaction (SSI), with potential resonance risks during seismic events. The study employed the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVNR) method to analyze ambient noise recordings, identifying structural frequencies and damping characteristics while also determining natural soil frequency. Multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) was used alongside classical geotechnical tests to assess subsurface stiffness and shear wave velocities. Comparative analysis with a finite element model (FEM) and conventional building code formulae highlighted discrepancies in resonance frequency predictions, underscoring the need for refined seismic risk mitigation strategies. This work provides critical insights into SSI dynamics for earthquake-resistant design in historically significant coastal urban areas.
Shark Bay, Western Australia
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking study reveals that microbial mats in Shark Bay, Australia, host distinct archaeal communities with significant differences between smooth and pustular mat structures. Smooth mats exhibit higher archaeal diversity, dominated by Parvarchaeota, while pustular mats are enriched with Halobacteria and Parvarchaeota. The research, employing high-throughput amplicon sequencing and biogeochemical analysis, found that methane production peaks in oxic layers of smooth mats, suggesting the presence of surface anoxic niches where anaerobic methanogens thrive despite high oxygen levels. This discovery challenges conventional understanding of microbial mat ecosystems and highlights the complex interplay between oxygen dynamics and archaeal metabolism.
Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems
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2017 —
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Research reveals that particle aggregation reduces metal concentrations in suspended particulate matter (SPM) during dry seasons, significantly impacting metal transportation in coral reef lagoons affected by mining activities. The study quantified vertical fluxes of SPM and metals across three bays in New Caledonia's lagoon system—Boulari Bay (moderately impacted), St Vincent Bay (highly impacted), and Dumbéa Bay (weakly impacted)—finding average SPM fluxes of 37.70 ± 14.60 g·m²·d⁻¹, with fine particles dominating. Wind and tidal cycles emerged as key drivers, particularly in St Vincent and Dumbéa Bays, where metal dynamics were closely tied to clay, iron minerals, and carbonate transport from rivers and lagoonal sources. The decline in metal distribution constants (Kd) underscored the role of aggregation in mitigating metal loads, offering critical insights for managing mining impacts on these fragile ecosystems.
The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape
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2017 —
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A comprehensive anthracological study of the Rajal del Gorp cave on the Larzac Plateau reveals significant shifts in vegetation dynamics over the last 8,000 years, driven by postglacial climate warming. The research highlights a transition from pine-dominated landscapes to mixed oak-pine forests, with oak becoming dominant by the late Neolithic period. Rare heather taxa, linked to moderate forest opening or grazing, emerged during the Middle/Final Neolithic and persisted until the site's abandonment. This study provides novel insights into Holocene vegetation changes on the Larzac Plateau, contrasting with patterns observed in neighboring regions like the Causses Noir or southern sites at lower altitudes. The research is based on a 16-layered sediment sequence from the cave, offering the most detailed anthropogenic and environmental record for this area.
Historic Centre of Kraków
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2017 —
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The Old Town of Kraków serves as a symbolic stage for contemporary Polish debates on national identity and political stances. This study reveals that the historic architecture, churches, and monuments are reinterpreted in diverse rituals, reflecting differing political and religious worldviews. By analyzing two significant events—the 2016 Black Protest (a feminist demonstration against abortion law restrictions) and the White March (a pro-life event aligned with the Roman Catholic Church)—the research demonstrates how heritage spaces can be appropriated to convey contrasting messages. This juxtaposition highlights the multifaceted role of heritage in shaping public discourse.
Sagarmatha National Park
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A study conducted during the 2016 pre-monsoon dry season in the Khumbu Valley, Sagarmatha National Park (SNP), and its buffer zone revealed significant fecal contamination in drinking water sources, primarily groundwater-fed springs. The research found weak correlations between total coliform data and increasing temperature, decreasing elevation, and pH, but a notable correlation between population density—including tourist numbers—and higher levels of E. coli and total coliforms. Importantly, drinking water stored in tanks or transported long distances exhibited much higher bacterial contamination, suggesting that improved water handling practices could significantly enhance drinking water quality and public health outcomes.
Anticosti
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2017 —
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A new understanding of early athyride brachiopod evolution through the Ordovician-Silurian mass extinction and recovery on Anticosti Island, eastern Canada, has been revealed. The study reexamines four genera (Hindella, Cryptothyrella, Koigia, and Hyattidina) based on their internal structures, transferring them from Meristellinae to Hindellinae subfamily. Key findings include the identification of Elkanathyris pallulan as a posteriorly ribbed hindellide of Aeronian age and the discovery that Hindella became extinct during the last Ordovician mass extinction event, which also extinguished the Laframboise reefs. Post-extinction recovery was pioneered by small-shelled Koigia in the basal Silurian Becscie Formation. The research refines biostratigraphy around the O-S boundary and sheds light on the nature of this critical mass extinction event.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
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Cahokia, located at the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, is identified as the capital of the Ramey state, offering significant insights into early state economics. The study reveals that Cahokia's economy was primarily agricultural, centered around corn and squash cultivation, which supported a substantial population engaged in building earthen mounds, ceremonial structures, and elite residences. Evidence suggests the presence of a trader class among the Middle Mississippians' descendants, contributing to the economic complexity of the society. The concept of tribute is also explored, distinguishing it from taxation by highlighting its role as a recurring payment from one people to another's ruler.
Alto Douro Wine Region
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Field tests for characterizing earth-based materials in tabique buildings, a traditional construction method in the Alto Douro Wine Regionreveal critical insights into their physical and chemical properties. This study marks the first systematic evaluation of such materials in situ, providing a foundation for assessing material suitability for conservation, rehabilitation, or new constructions. The research proposes a series of field tests to guide future normative documents, offering architects and engineers actionable knowledge to preserve this vernacular heritage. By addressing the lack of scientific studies on tabique technology, this work bridges gaps in traditional building practices while ensuring sustainable preservation efforts.
Namib Sand Sea
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Fairy circles, the distinctive circular vegetation patterns found in the Namib Desert's arid grasslands, exhibit significant hydrological heterogeneity driven by soil textural variations. Research reveals that coarser particles dominate inner bare areas, while fine sediments accumulate on vegetated edges, influenced by plant-mediated sediment trapping. This process alters infiltration and runoff dynamics, supporting the self-organization hypothesis of fairy circle formation. The study, conducted in a region devoid of sand termite activity, provides novel insights into ecohydrological processes through extensive field measurements of soil moisture, infiltration rates, grass biometrics, and sediment grain-size distribution across multiple circles and interspaces.
Maya Site of Copan
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After the post-2011 coffee leaf rust (CLR) epidemic, smallholder farmers in Copán, Honduras, significantly increased their cultivation of CLR-resistant coffee varieties. While both conventional and organic farmers expanded their use of resistant varieties, organic farmers retained more acreage of susceptible varieties compared to conventional farmers. This shift has implications for the specialty coffee market, fungicide use, and agricultural management strategies. The study highlights the adaptive practices of smallholders in response to CLR, emphasizing the need to understand farmers' decision-making processes to inform aid and policy interventions effectively.
Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô
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A recent study in the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau, reveals that Palm-nut Vultures (<em>Gypohierax angolensis</em>) rely heavily on oil palm fruits for sustenance, despite preferring fish in cafeteria trials. Using stable isotope analysis and Bayesian mixing models, researchers estimated that nearly 50% of the vultures' assimilated diet consists of these fruits, followed by fish, crabs, and Green Turtle hatchlings or eggs. The study also found a population density of 21–30 birds per km² in João Vieira and Poilão Marine National Park, with egg-laying occurring from November to May and an annual fledgling success rate of at least 54%. Additionally, the vultures were observed to molt all flight feathers annually between January and November. This research sheds light on the species' ecological and behavioral adaptations, contributing crucial data for conservation efforts.
The Sundarbans
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2017 —
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The Sundarbans Reserved Forest (SRF) in Bangladesh, home to the world's largest tidal mangrove ecosystem and rich biodiversity, including endangered species, has been economically valued at approximately 197 million Tk. per year using the zonal travel cost method. This study analyzed responses from 300 visitors over seven days, establishing a direct relationship between recreational value and travel costs. The findings suggest that an entrance fee of 50 Tk. per person could generate around 5,000,000 Tk. annually, sufficient for mangrove management and biodiversity conservation efforts. This approach provides a critical tool for balancing ecotourism development with environmental preservation in this UNESCO-recognized site.
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
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2017 —
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A critical shift in Belize's development trajectory threatens its sustainable future, driven by the dual pressures of oil extraction and mass cruise ship tourism. Despite Belize's historical commitment to ecotourism—fueled by its globally significant biodiversity, including the world's largest intact barrier reef—the discovery of oil deposits has prompted a rapid reorientation toward extractive industries. This study reveals how global demand for fossil fuels, coupled with the economic allure of cruise ship tourism, undermines environmental protection efforts. While conservation organizations and ecotourism stakeholders have provided resistance, the Belizean state's prioritization of extraction over sustainability raises broader concerns about the resilience of ecosystems in a growth-dependent global economy.
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
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2017 —
WHEC07FAC6F03
A groundbreaking study sheds light on the authorship and composition timeline of <em>De abbatibus hujus loci rubrica abreviata</em>, a key 12th-century chronicle detailing the abbots of Mont-Saint-Michel. The research identifies the primary contributors and phases of writing, with a focus on Robert de Torigni, a renowned Anglo-Norman chronicler who served as both a monk at Le Bec (1128–1154) and abbot of Mont-Saint-Michel (1154–1186). This work aims to refine the chronology of abbots from the 10th to 12th centuries, offering deeper insights into medieval monastic history. The study employs textual analysis and historical reconstruction to unravel the complexities of this influential manuscript.
New Lanark
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2017 —
WHED75867575C
This study contrasts the educational philosophies of Robert Owen and Jeremy Bentham, highlighting their distinct approaches to education within industrial settings. Owen's model, implemented at New Lanark, emphasized mutual cooperation and learning through play, reflecting his broader vision for societal reform. In contrast, Bentham's proposal focused on memorization driven by rewards or punishments, lacking the emphasis on social interaction seen in Owen's approach. The research synthesizes Enlightenment-era ideas with Owen's industrial experience, revealing a nuanced understanding of educational strategies that prioritize either intrinsic motivation or extrinsic control.
Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church
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2017 —
WHEDC2DB9699A
A re-evaluation of Edward the Confessor’s shrine at Westminster Abbey challenges long-standing assumptions about its construction date. The study identifies a scribal error in manuscript evidence that has been used to support a later dating, tracing this error to its source and proposing an alternative original reading for the inscription on the shrine pedestal. This finding suggests that the shrine may have been constructed earlier than previously thought, reshaping our understanding of its historical significance within Westminster Abbey's architectural and religious landscape.
Venice and its Lagoon
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2017 —
WHEBAEA39B7DF
A numerical analysis demonstrates that closing only two of the three Venice lagoon inlets during severe storm surges can effectively safeguard water levels without exceeding critical thresholds, while allowing uninterrupted vessel transit through the open inlet. This approach mitigates the slowdown in maritime traffic caused by full barrier activation, offering a balanced solution for flood defense and port operations. The study identifies specific meteorological conditions under which partial closure of barriers maintains acceptable water levels, providing actionable insights for the MoSE system's operational strategy.
