Yakushima
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2017 —
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A new species of tanaidacean crustacean, Hexapleomera urashima, has been identified as an epibiotic inhabiting the carapaces of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in Yakushima Island, Japan. This discovery challenges existing diagnostic criteria for the genus Hexapleomera by revealing significant intra-species variability in key morphological traits, such as the presence of a dorsal triangular process on the male fixed finger and the number of inner setae on pleopodal endopods. The study employed genetic analysis of the COI gene, which confirmed the species' distinctiveness with 32.2-48.4% K2P distance from other genera but also highlighted the gene's limitations for phylogenetic reconstruction within Tanaididae due to saturation substitution indices.
Mammoth Cave National Park
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2017 —
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A study in Great Onyx Cave, Mammoth Cave National Park, found widespread antibiotic resistance among 24 bacterial isolates, with all resistant to at least two antibiotics and three showing resistance to all tested. However, no antibiotic production was detected using three distinct methods. Contrary to the Great Kentucky Desert hypothesis, which suggests gypsum limits invertebrate distribution, antibiotic resistance in these bacteria was not correlated with gypsum levels or cave depth. The research employed soil crumb culturing, indicator bacteria testing, and cross-streak methods to assess bacterial activity along a gypsum gradient.
Simien National Park
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2017 —
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Research reveals that tapeworm parasitism significantly impacts gelada survival and reproduction in Simien National Park, Ethiopia. A decade-long study found high mortality rates among adult females with Taenia serialis cysts, particularly younger adults, while male mortality showed a similar but non-significant trend due to smaller sample sizes. Offspring of infected mothers also experienced increased mortality, primarily due to maternal death. Comparisons with another gelada population suggested that T. serialis may kill hosts more rapidly in Simien National Park. The study highlights the need for further research into individual and population-level heterogeneity in parasite-associated mortality.
Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape
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2017 —
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Rock art at Mt. Huashan, part of the UNESCO-listed Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, dates to between 1856±16 and 1728±41 years ago, placing its creation during the Eastern Han dynasty (AD 25–220). This finding suggests that rock painting practices at this site persisted for over a century. Researchers used high-precision U/Th dating on secondary carbonate layers above and below the paintings, analyzing their mineralogy and isotopic compositions to determine these ages. The study also indicates that Zuojiang’s rock art is younger than similar sites in Yunnan Province by 1–10 centuries.
The Porticoes of Bologna
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2017 —
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A novel technique for removing specular highlights from photogrammetric data significantly enhances the accuracy of 3D modeling for architectural heritage, such as Bologna's historic porticoes. This method integrates seamlessly into an automated workflow, eliminating the need for separate color correction and shape capture processes. By treating lower-level image-processing methods as 'black boxes,' the approach simplifies the process without requiring specialized technical knowledge. Its versatility allows application across diverse urban settings, making it a powerful tool for preserving perceived colors in 3D reconstructions of heritage sites.
Sydney Opera House
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2017 —
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Light is revealed as a critical, yet understudied, construction material for the Sydney Opera House, reinforcing its architecture and extending its narrative across time. The study demonstrates that Utzon's lighting design intentions, though not fully realized due to his departure from the project, were pivotal in creating a staged journey for patrons—from the cityscape to the theatre's immersive 'other world.' This approach balances visibility with aesthetic integration, ensuring the Opera House remains a distinct landmark while mediating its place within the urban and natural environment. The research combines historical analysis of Utzon's design reports (e.g., the 'red book' and 'yellow book') with an examination of how light enhances material details—such as concrete textures and granite finishes—and human presence, mirroring the warmth of candlelight. By concealing light sources to avoid visual clutter, Utzon aimed to subtly elevate the architectural experience without overshadowing it.
Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah
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2017 —
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The Hijazi Architectural Objects Library (HAOL) introduces a groundbreaking digital framework to preserve and classify unique architectural elements from the Hijazi region, including iconic features like Roshan and Mashrabiyah. These elements, integral to Islamic cities such as Jeddah, Istanbul, and Cairo, contribute significantly to the aesthetic and historical richness of these heritage sites. The study leverages advanced technologies, including 3D modeling with Revit Family (RFA), image surveys, and point cloud data, to create a comprehensive digital library. This approach aims to bridge critical gaps in both Islamic and Hijazi architectural documentation, facilitating standardized Heritage BIM (HBIM) models. By digitizing parametric building identities—encompassing shapes, structures, construction methods, and ornamentation—the HAOL framework promises to streamline heritage conservation and new project development, reducing costs and time while ensuring the preservation of cultural identity.
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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A comprehensive digital survey and sustainable re-design of historic watermills within Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park reveals the potential for integrating traditional hydro-mechanical technology with modern environmental solutions. The study, conducted through advanced 3D laser scanning and GIS mapping, cataloged over 200 watermills, analyzing their hydraulic characteristics, soil quality, and ecological impact. A key finding was the feasibility of reactivating these mills while implementing river phytodepuration techniques to mitigate pollution in the 'Auso' Valley water system. This approach offers a sustainable model for balancing cultural heritage preservation with environmental conservation.
Yakushima
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2017 —
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A Cryptomeria japonica forest on Yakushima Island, Japan, reveals distinct differences between its past and current successional stages due to historical logging practices from the 17th to 19th centuries. Analysis of stumps—preserved without significant decay—suggested two generations: pre-logging trees and those regenerated post-logging. Current monitoring indicates a decline in canopy conifer species, including Cryptomeria japonica, while understory broad-leaved species are increasing. The forest remains in an intermediate stage of secondary succession, with self-thinning processes still active among conifers. Succession dynamics vary significantly across plots, influenced by location and logging intensity.
Kakadu National Park
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2017 —
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Recent research reveals significant redistribution and dieback of mangroves in Kakadu National Park. While net area changes have been minor, lower-stature mangrove species like Avicennia marina and Sonneratia alba have shown substantial shifts due to inland intrusion and seaward colonization. Aerial surveys conducted in 2016 confirmed widespread dieback, with RapidEye data indicating this occurred between late 2015 and 2016, coinciding with broader mangrove losses in the Gulf of Carpentaria. The study, utilizing historical aerial photography, CASI imagery, LIDAR, and RapidEye data, underscores the need for enhanced long-term monitoring to protect these critical coastal ecosystems.
Palace and Park of Fontainebleau
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2017 —
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Jean-Léon Gérôme's painting <em>Reception of the Siamese Ambassadors</em>, commissioned by Napoléon III to celebrate France's imperial ambitions, unexpectedly served as propaganda for the king of Siam. Despite its intended purpose—glorifying French imperialism—the painting failed to resonate with its original audience in 1865. Instead, it gained prominence in Siam, where a copy was acquired in the late 1860s, illustrating an ironic reversal of its diplomatic and cultural impact. The study analyzes Gérôme's meticulous approach, drawing on historical models, and highlights how art can be repurposed beyond its original intent, offering new insights into cross-cultural reception and the unintended consequences of imperial propaganda.
Bourges Cathedral
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2017 —
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A foundational approach to stained-glass connoisseurship, rooted in 19th-century art historical methods, was applied to medieval glazings post-World War II restorations. This study established a method linking stylistic analysis with workshop attribution, drawing from the traditions of Giovanni Morelli and Bernard Berenson. By identifying visual features unique to individual workshops, it provided a framework for understanding the creation and study of medieval stained glass, exemplified in Louis Grodecki's seminal work on Bourges, Chartres, and Poitiers cathedrals.
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
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2017 —
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A previously unknown abandoned channel of the Nile, located on the western flood plain near ancient Thebes (modern Luxor), was identified through borehole data and electrical resistivity tomography. This minor river branch, dated to the late New Kingdom period via over 2100 ceramic fragments, likely played a significant role in connecting key localities within the ritual landscape of ancient Egypt. The study reveals that changes in this fluvial landscape align with documented periods of basin-wide hydroclimatic variability, establishing a direct link between cultural dynamics and larger-scale hydrological shifts in one of Egypt's most important cultural development areas.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
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2017 —
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Male big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Canada, exhibit strong fidelity to specific rock-crevice hibernacula during winter, despite the availability of numerous alternative crevices. These roosts provide more thermally stable and warmer conditions compared to ambient or random crevices, with temperatures drier but not necessarily colder than known cave hibernacula elsewhere. The study, the first to examine crevice roost selection in winter, highlights the critical importance of specific hibernacula for individual bats, even when mid-winter flight is common. Researchers monitored bat movement and microclimate conditions (temperature and humidity) within 3 used hibernacula and compared them to random crevices and cave hibernacula across Canada.
Archaeological Site of Troy
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2017 —
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A significant oversight in the study of Troy and Homer's epics has been addressed, revealing that Ottoman-Turkish cultural traditions were deeply influenced by Homeric narratives. This work challenges the predominant reliance on Western sources, highlighting Turkish contributions to the field from 1870, when Heinrich Schliemann began excavations, to 1915 during the Gallipoli campaign. By integrating Ottoman perspectives, it provides a more comprehensive understanding of Troy's legacy, bridging Eastern and Western narratives in a way that enriches both academic discourse and cultural heritage interpretation.
Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa
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2017 —
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New discoveries and dating of fossil remains from the Rising Star cave system, Cradle of Humankind, South Africa, reveal that Homo naledi existed between 236 ka and 335 ka, placing it in the later Middle Pleistocene. This challenges previous assumptions about hominin diversity in subequatorial Africa during this period, where only large-brained modern humans or their close relatives were thought to exist. The discovery of a second chamber containing H. naledi remains further supports the idea that multiple hominin lineages coexisted in this region, with some contributing DNA to living humans. This finding aligns with the diversity observed in other savanna-adapted species and paleoclimate data, suggesting that H. naledi may have been responsible for producing Acheulean or Middle Stone Age tool industries.
Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta
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2017 —
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Hortobágy National Park, recognized as one of the darkest areas in Hungary and recently designated as an International Dark Sky Park, plays a crucial role in protecting both nocturnal biodiversity and the quality of the night sky. Light pollution poses significant threats to these aspects, necessitating specialized monitoring efforts. A unique program employs digital cameras to survey nocturnal species and track night sky conditions, while public engagement is fostered through stargazing night walks, drawing substantial interest from the general population.
Galápagos Islands
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2017 —
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A significant difference in the microbiome of the invasive parasitic fly <em>Philornis downsi</em> was found between larvae and adults, with Proteobacteria and Firmicutes dominating both stages but showing distinct distributions. The study also revealed that larval microbiomes vary based on host species, particularly between insectivorous warbler finches (<em>Certhidea olivacea</em>) and those with broader diets (ground and tree finches). No spatial effects were observed, as larvae from the same host group exhibited similar microbiomes across islands. These findings suggest that the parasite's microbiome adapts to dietary needs during development and is influenced by host-related factors, offering potential insights for novel disease control strategies.
Selous Game Reserve
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2017 —
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Elephant poaching hotspots in the Eastern Selous Game Reserve (ESGR), Tanzania, are concentrated along its edges, particularly during the wet season. This pattern is linked to local involvement driven by economic deprivation. Researchers analyzed elephant mortality data from 2008–2013, revealing higher poaching incidences on reserve peripheries due to proximity to human settlements lacking alternative livelihoods. The study underscores the need for targeted conservation strategies, including economic empowerment, strengthened law enforcement, and community-based anti-poaching initiatives, to mitigate illegal ivory trade in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Chitwan National Park
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2017 —
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Household dependency on buffer zone community forests, such as Panbari in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, is significantly influenced by wealth status, family size, livestock population, agricultural income, and education. Poor households with larger families and greater livestock dependence are more likely to rely on forest resources for subsistence. The study used a logistic regression model to analyze data from 130 randomly selected households, revealing that policy interventions aimed at reducing this dependency—such as expanding educational opportunities, increasing agricultural income, generating off-farm employment, and promoting alternative fuel sources or agrisilvicultural systems—are critical for the long-term conservation of Chitwan National Park. These findings underscore the need for landscape-level conservation strategies that address socioeconomic factors to alleviate pressure on protected areas.
Wet Tropics of Queensland
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2017 —
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A complex, non-linear relationship between river behavior and climate change emerges from a 30,000-year analysis of the Wet Tropics of Queensland. The study reveals that periods of fluvial aggradation (sediment deposition) occurred synchronously at 30–13 ka, 8–5 ka, and after 1 ka, while terrace incision (erosion) dominated between 13–8 ka and 5–1 ka. Contrary to expectations, river responses did not consistently align with wetter or drier conditions, suggesting that other continental-scale factors may have played a significant role in shaping fluvial dynamics during the Late Quaternary in Australia. The research integrates multiple palaeoenvironmental proxies to reconstruct these changes, offering insights into the resilience and vulnerability of tropical river systems under climate variability.
City of Cuzco
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2017 —
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Historical analysis reveals that Gonzalo Pizarro's arrival in Cuzco and the subsequent Spanish strategic discussions exposed tensions between returning conquistadors and their leaders. The study, based on primary accounts by Pedro de Cieza de León, highlights how Hernando Pizarro convened key figures to assess Almagro's return from Chile, sparking debates over honor, exploration motives, and potential losses. The research approach combines narrative reconstruction with critical examination of colonial records, offering insights into the political and military dynamics of 16th-century Peru during the War of Las Salinas.
City of Cuzco
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2017 —
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A historical analysis reveals the strategic caution and determination of Hernando Pizarro as he approached the city of Cuzco during the Peruvian Civil Wars. The study, based on primary sources including accounts by Pedro de Cieza de León, highlights how Pizarro's forces avoided detection by rival scouts while advancing, despite Almagro's reported illness or death. This careful maneuvering underscores the tactical complexity and high stakes of the conflict, where Pizarro's ambition to defeat Almagro in battle was balanced against the need for secrecy and precision in military operations. The research provides a detailed narrative of this pivotal moment, offering insights into the dynamics of 16th-century Spanish conquest strategies.
City of Cuzco
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2017 —
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Historical analysis reveals the strategic maneuvering and political intrigue of Hernando Pizarro following the execution of Adelantado Don Diego de Almagro. The study, drawn from Pedro de Cieza de León's account of the Civil Wars in Peru, highlights how Pizarro strategically moved with a large force to the camp of Pedro de Candia, ostensibly to prevent opposition from Chilean forces but likely to avoid detection of his plans by potential adversaries like Captain Mesa and Villagran. His use of a small, seemingly recreational escort—carrying falcons—served as a tactical deception to conceal his true intentions, illustrating the complexities of power dynamics and military strategy during this period.
City of Cuzco
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2017 —
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The historical account reveals the strategic use of disguised messengers during the Peruvian civil wars, highlighting Pero Gallego's covert journey from Cuzco to warn Captain Alonzo de Alvarado. Gallego, disguised as an Indian with a sling and hollow cane concealing Pizarro's letter, demonstrated the effectiveness of stealth communication in high-stakes political conflicts. The study, drawn from Pedro de Cieza de León’s <em>Civil Wars in Peru</em>, underscores the ingenuity of messaging tactics during this turbulent period, offering insights into 16th-century Andean warfare and diplomacy.
City of Cuzco
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2017 —
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A historical account reveals the tense aftermath of the capture of Spanish captains Hernando and Gonzalo Pizarro during the Civil Wars in Peru. Almagro, the newly appointed governor, refused to meet the prisoners, citing their role in fracturing his friendship with Governor Francisco Pizarro. The captives were briefly held at Diego de Mercado's residence before being transferred to the Temple of the Sun, where they remained under guard for an extended period. This narrative sheds light on the political intricacies and power struggles during this turbulent era, offering insights into the dynamics of colonial governance in Cuzco.
City of Verona
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2017 —
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Migrant caregivers, known as 'badanti,' play a crucial role in maintaining Italy's tradition of family care for older people, despite the precarious and often exploitative nature of their employment. This study reveals an uneasy but interdependent relationship between badanti, Italian families, and elderly individuals, highlighting contradictions in Italian politics regarding care and migration. Through in-depth interviews with 20 badanti, relatives, and social workers in Verona, along with secondary material analysis, the research exposes the complexities and moral dilemmas inherent in this dynamic. While the findings are not generalizable due to the small sample size, they underscore the indispensability of informal migrant care in contemporary Italy and call for policy attention.
Tasmanian Wilderness
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2017 —
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A study challenging long-held assumptions about Tasmania's landscape evolution reveals that treeless vegetation, not rainforests, dominated the Holocene era in the Dove Lake region of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. By employing advanced pollen-based quantitative land-cover reconstructions and mechanistic models—specifically the REVEALS model with a Lagrangian stochastic approach—the research demonstrates that landscape openness has persisted at around 50% throughout the Holocene, contradicting theories suggesting late-Holocene transitions from rainforest to moorland. The findings indicate a rapid decline in forest cover around 4,000 years ago, likely due to regional moisture reduction, and highlight the underrepresentation of landscape openness in traditional pollen percentage analyses.
City of Cuzco
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2017 —
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A historical account reveals the strategic negotiations and diplomatic tensions surrounding Diego de Almagro's quest to claim governance of Cuzco, a pivotal city in Peru. The text describes his calculated approach—avoiding conflict while asserting his legitimacy as Governor through secret correspondence and messengers—to secure political recognition without resorting to violence. This narrative underscores the importance of diplomacy in colonial power struggles, illustrating how personal relationships (e.g., with Hernando Pizarro) influenced outcomes. The study draws from primary sources, including Cieza de León's chronicles, to reconstruct this pivotal moment in Peruvian history.
City of Cuzco
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2017 —
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Historical analysis reveals how the arrival of Alcalde Alonso Palomino and Don Antonio de Rivera in Cuzco during the Spanish conquest disrupted local stability, exacerbating tensions among indigenous groups and colonizers. The study highlights Vaca de Castro's strategic response to the Ordinances from Juan de Cáceres, demonstrating diplomatic restraint amid escalating conflict. By examining primary sources, including accounts by Pedro de Cieza de León, this research reconstructs the political dynamics of the period, offering insights into the social and governance challenges faced during the transition from Inca rule to Spanish colonization in Peru.
City of Cuzco
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2017 —
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A historical analysis of Captain Gonzalo Pizarro's rebellion against the Spanish Crown in Cuzco, Peru, reveals how persistent incitement by followers and flatterers led to widespread conflict. The study highlights the destructive consequences of ambition, vengeance, and social unrest, drawing parallels between colonial Peru and broader historical patterns where leaders were manipulated into calamities. Inscribed on a stone memorial in Cuzco, Pizarro's rebellion is documented as a pivotal moment that forever branded him as a traitor, illustrating the fragility of governance in turbulent environments.
City of Cuzco
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2017 —
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Historical accounts reveal the emotional and strategic impact of Governor Don Francisco Pizarro's journey to the fortress of Huarcu, where he received critical news about his brothers' captivity during a prolonged siege in Cuzco. The narrative underscores the psychological toll on Pizarro, marked by anxiety and fear for his kin, alongside his military strategy of rapid marches through arid terrains. This firsthand account, drawn from Pedro de Cieza de León's chronicles, provides a vivid portrayal of the tensions and decisions shaping the Civil Wars in Peru during the 16th century.
City of Cuzco
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2017 —
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A critical historical analysis reveals how Governor Don Francisco Pizarro, facing a widespread indigenous uprising against Spanish rule in Peru during the 16th century, strategically mobilized over 400 Spaniards from the city of the Kings (Lima) to reinforce and retake Cuzco. This reinforcement, led by Captains Diego de Fuenmayor and Pedro de Vergara, arrived from Española (Hispaniola), where local authorities had raised a relief force in response to reports of Pizarro's precarious situation. The expedition not only lifted the siege on Cuzco but also marked a pivotal moment in Pizarro's campaign to subjugate indigenous populations along the coast road, consolidating Spanish control over key regions. The account, drawn from Pedro de Cieza de León’s <em>Civil Wars in Peru</em>, provides a detailed narrative of this military maneuver, highlighting its logistical and strategic significance during the turbulent early colonial period.
Samarra Archaeological City
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking study on the foundation of Islamic cities reveals that urban planning in early Islam was driven by strategic and symbolic considerations, with Samarra Archaeological City serving as a key example. The research combines historical accounts and archaeological evidence to challenge conventional narratives, avoiding value judgments while providing nuanced insights into the motivations behind city foundations. Notably, Sayf b. Umar's detailed description of Kufa's establishment in 638 AD offers the most comprehensive surviving account of an early Islamic urban foundation, shedding light on the rapid post-conquest development of cities like Samarra. This work builds upon earlier scholarship, including Hourani and Stern's seminal volume, to redefine our understanding of Islamic urbanism.
Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking study sheds light on the evolution of human birth, posture, and bipedalism by analyzing fossil evidence from South Africa's Sterkfontein caves. The research highlights the significance of postcranial remains, such as Sts 14, which provided the first evidence of upright walking in early hominids. By comparing these fossils with extant primate anatomy, the study offers insights into the complex evolutionary pressures that shaped human pelvic morphology. This approach combines fossil records with comparative anatomical studies to unravel the intricate process of human evolution, emphasizing the need for a holistic perspective beyond museum-based research.
Shahr-i Sokhta
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2017 —
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A rare case of ancient human spiruridiasis caused by Physaloptera spp. nematodes has been identified in a Bronze Age grave at Shahr-i Sokhta, Iran (2800–2500 BC). The discovery, the first record of ancient physalopterosis in the Middle East, was made through paleoparasitological analysis of soil samples from the pelvic and sacrum bones area of a skeleton. Among 320 skeletons examined, only one showed evidence of infection, suggesting possible taphonomic processes or nematophagous fungi may have obscured other cases. This finding challenges assumptions about the rarity of Physaloptera infections in ancient populations.
Okavango Delta
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2017 —
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Expanding floodwaters in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, are reshaping human–wildlife interactions and livelihoods, challenging the conventional narrative of conflict. A 2012 study in Mababe, a delta community, reveals that environmental disruptions can foster new relationships between people and wildlife, rather than solely negative outcomes. Through in-depth interviews, researchers found that spatial and temporal variability in these dynamics—often unpredictable and uneven—must be considered to move beyond simplistic conflict perspectives. The findings underscore the need for context-specific evaluations of human–wildlife encounters in rapidly changing landscapes.
Hwaseong Fortress
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2017 —
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Suwon Hwaseong Fortress embodies the transformative potential of urban regeneration through citizen-led initiatives. Built in 1796 during a dynamic period of East Asian history, it represents a bold attempt at reform rather than revolution, reflecting the intellectual and cultural vitality of 18th-century Korea. The fortress's historical significance extends beyond its architectural brilliance to its role as a symbol of societal change and future-oriented urban planning. Modern regeneration efforts in Suwon have successfully revitalized the fortress by integrating local history, culture, and community participation, demonstrating that sustainable urban development can be achieved through collaborative efforts rooted in heritage preservation. This approach contrasts with traditional top-down methods, emphasizing the importance of citizen engagement, cultural resources, and social cohesion in driving urban renewal.
Göbekli Tepe
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2017 —
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Göbekli Tepe's architecture reflects a relational, predatory worldview rooted in consumption and co-production. This study challenges Western ontological frameworks by integrating indigenous theories and anthropology to reinterpret the site's socio-cosmic dynamics. Through iconography, human and animal remains, and architectural analysis, it reveals that Pre-Pottery Neolithic societies engaged with material and non-human entities as agential forces, fundamentally shaping their social realities.
Cultural Sites of Al Ain (Hafit, Hili, Bidaa Bint Saud and Oases Areas)
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2017 —
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A novel architectural approach demonstrates how ancient vernacular techniques can be hybridized with modern construction to create sustainable, culturally authentic designs for harsh desert environments. The study, conducted by architecture students at the American University of Sharjah, reinterpreted traditional practices such as courtyard house typologies, ‘arish (palm-leaf) construction, and wind towers—long used by desert dwellers—to meet contemporary living needs while maintaining environmental sensitivity. By fabricating small-scale models informed by local conditions, the students developed site-specific proposals that contrast with the incongruous development patterns seen in other UAE cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This research highlights the potential of integrating traditional knowledge with modern design to achieve sustainability without sacrificing cultural authenticity.
Samarra Archaeological City
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2017 —
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A hydraulic analysis of the Samarra-Al Tharthar System reveals that sediment accumulation, particularly upstream of the Al Tharthar Regulator, threatens structural stability and reduces system efficiency. The study identifies a maximum permissible discharge of 8250 m³/s to prevent flooding in Baghdad while maintaining functionality. To address these challenges, researchers propose expanding the Al Tharthar Regulator's capacity by 7000 m³/s, dredging sediment islands, and constructing guide banks. These interventions could lower water surface levels during peak floods (15060 m³/s) to 68.51 m.a.m.s.l., ensuring long-term stability. The analysis utilized the Surface Water Modeling System (SMS10.1) with RMA-2 software for two-dimensional depth-averaged modeling, providing a data-driven approach to mitigating sediment-related risks in this critical UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa
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2017 —
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A significant rise in water levels within the Sterkfontein Cave system, reaching nearly 3 meters over two years starting from late-2009, has been linked to acidic and sulfate-rich mine water drainage from the nearby West Rand Goldfield. This phenomenon, observed since early-2010, posed potential threats to the UNESCO-listed fossil site's integrity. Through a comprehensive analysis of historical and recent potentiometric data, alongside hydrogeological and hydrochemical information, researchers have proposed that the cave system's maximum water level is constrained to approximately 1440 meters above mean sea level. The study also revealed notable increases in electrical conductivity (32%) and sulfate concentration (178%) in cave water compared to pre-2010 levels. While these changes indicate a distinct mine water impact, the magnitude of this impact on cave water chemistry is less pronounced than that observed in ambient karst groundwater, such as Zwartkrans Spring water. This research underscores the importance of continued monitoring and vigilance across various disciplines to understand the dynamic response of the water resources environment to hydrological and hydrogeological drivers, thereby informing the future hydroenvironmental management of Sterkfontein Cave and other nearby fossil sites.
Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes
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2017 —
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A study of the Badain Jaran Desert in China reveals that megadunes and lakes maintain a dynamic hydrological balance despite arid conditions. The research identifies preferential flow within sand layers, driven by alternating coarse and fine sand, which facilitates deep water penetration and groundwater recharge. This process sustains lake water levels, with annual water storage in megadunes (7.5 mm) sufficient to offset evaporation losses. Precipitation events exceeding 15 mm, sparse vegetation, and high permeability of dune materials are critical for this balance. The findings highlight the significance of precipitation in arid desert hydrological cycles.
M'Zab Valley
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2017 —
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A novel stochastic method, The Only Corresponding Competitor (OCC) method, demonstrates significant potential for adapting empirical hydrological models to diverse watersheds, including the M'Zab Basin in southeastern Algeria. This approach effectively simulates rainfall-runoff relationships under varying hydrological regimes, offering a versatile tool for water resource management and natural risk prevention. By leveraging OCC, researchers can refine existing models or integrate new data, enhancing collective understanding of catchment dynamics. The study highlights the method's adaptability and effectiveness in regions where traditional models may fall short.
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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The Counts of Galeria, prominent in Roman politics from the early 11th to the mid-13th century, played a pivotal role during the papacies of Benedict IX and Benedict X. Graf Gerardo I, a key figure, held significant influence in Rome and southern Tuscany, collaborating closely with popes and the Abbots of Farfa while overseeing multiple castles. His brother, Graf Sassone of Civita Castellana, and their descendants maintained control over Civita Castellana until the late 11th century. The study reveals that the Gallery Castle likely reverted to papal ownership after Gerardo I's death, as documented in archives from San Paolo fuori le Mura. While other Counts of Galeria emerged sporadically in the 12th and 13th centuries, none matched the prominence of Gerardo I and Sassone. This research reconstructs the political dynamics of the period through archival sources, highlighting the Counts' role in shaping Roman and Tuscan governance.
Lower Valley of the Omo
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2017 —
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A comprehensive survey of ichthyofaunal diversity in the Omo-Turkana basin, East Africa, reveals 31 fish species within Ethiopian waters, including new records for the region. The study highlights a richer species composition in the Omo River system compared to Lake Turkana, which exhibits higher fish abundance. Conducted amid proposed dam construction with potential ecological impacts, this research addresses critical gaps in documentation and provides an annotated checklist of native species. By focusing on Ethiopian waters, it offers valuable insights for conservation efforts and future environmental assessments in this understudied basin.
Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking study reveals that Byzantine and early Russian icons were conceptualized as spatial entities, not flat pictures, drawing from Plato's 'Chora'—a metaphysical space uniting material and spiritual realms. This 'Icon as Chora' framework explains the miracle-working power attributed to icons, exemplified by the Chora Monastery’s iconography in Constantinople. The research demonstrates how this spatial vision transformed into flat, symbolic representations post-Byzantium, particularly in 16th-century Russia with standardized icon-painting techniques. However, the original concept persisted unconsciously in Russian culture, resurfacing in literature (Dostoevsky, Tolstoy) and cinema (Tarkovsky). The study employs theological analysis of artefacts, iconography, and historical rituals to reconstruct this lost spatial perception.
Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection
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2017 —
WHE09FC65BE0E
Dark tourism, which encompasses sites associated with violence and trauma, operates on a spectrum from entertainment-focused attractions to solemn memorials. This study examines how such sites balance education, commerce, and reflection, using two case studies: Ai Weiwei's temporary exhibition on Alcatraz and the display of genocidal evidence at S-21 and the Killing Fields in Cambodia. The research highlights the ethical complexities and emotional responses evoked by these locations, ranging from shock and horror to more commercialized forms of engagement. By analyzing the fluid spectrum of intensity in dark tourism, the study underscores its multifaceted nature, combining elements of activism, art, and memorialization.
Site of Palmyra
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2017 —
WHE314C279E85
Islamic State's destruction of cultural heritage sites, including Palmyra, can be interpreted as a strategic move rather than mere iconoclasm. The study identifies three interconnected factors that define this strategy: the degradation and delegitimization of existing societal structures, the erasure of references to past societies, and an attempt to reconstruct society according to a new ideological vision. Additionally, Islamic State's actions exhibit both pragmatic and dogmatic elements, creating an inconsistent dichotomy within its rhetoric. This paradox arises when rigid doctrine clashes with the complexities of war, highlighting the strategic narrative underlying its cultural heritage policies in Iraq and Syria.
Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945)
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2017 —
WHECB4052435F
Political theory can serve as a tool for making injustice bearable and resisting it meaningful, offering hope to democratic publics. This study challenges John Rawls' ideal theory of reconciliation, which risks defending unjust status quos due to its methodology. Instead, it proposes Theodor Adorno's approach as a more democratic alternative, providing practical uses for political theory beyond directing action while avoiding ideological abuses.
