Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2017 —
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A study on Amami-Oshima Island, Japan, identified significant nestedness in Odonata species composition among 10 ponds, with the most species-rich pond hosting 22 species and the poorest just 8. Rare species like Anax nigrofasciatus nigrofasciatus and Lyriothemis elegantissima were found exclusively in lush, forested habitats, while common species such as Ischnura senegalensis thrived in open-water environments. This nestedness pattern suggests that forest cover and emergent plants are critical for Odonata diversity, highlighting priority habitats and monitoring species for conservation efforts on the island.
Historic City of Yazd
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2017 —
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Reconstruction projects at historic sites, such as Jameh Mosque Street in Yazd, Iran, require tailored social impact assessments (SIAs) to balance heritage preservation with development. This study identifies key indicators for SIA in historic contexts, revealing that factors like cultural importance and feasibility differ significantly from those in new urban areas. Using analytic hierarchy process (AHP), descriptive statistics, and focus group methodology, researchers prioritized project impacts based on stakeholder consent and operational efficiency. The findings propose an improved SIA framework for heritage sites, ensuring sustainable development while preserving cultural value.
Old Walled City of Shibam
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2017 —
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Idrīs ʿImĀd al-Dīn, a celebrated Ismaili historian born in the fortress of Shibam, Yemen, stands out for his significant contributions to medieval Ismaili historiography. His work, rooted in access to extensive archival documents such as decrees and letters, provides invaluable insights into the Ismaili movement's political fortunes, particularly during the reign of Queen Arwa of Yemen (1084–1138). Al-Dīn’s historiography uniquely blends Ismaili theology with Neoplatonism and other philosophical traditions, offering a distinct intellectual tradition that reflects the evolution of the Ismaili movement. This study highlights his role as a key figure in preserving and interpreting historical narratives, bridging theological discourse with political history.
Poblet Monastery
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2017 —
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A Breviary from the Poblet Monastery, commissioned by King Martin I of Aragon (1396–1410), was not intended for the king himself but for his son, Martin I of Sicily. This revelation emerged from analyzing unpublished and previously unassociated documents linked to the Rothschild manuscript 2529 in Paris. The study traces its ownership through Margaret of Prades before it was acquired by Alfonso the Magnanimous. Additionally, the Lenten ferial lessons in the Breviary deviate from standard Cistercian practices, reflecting Martin I of Aragon's detailed instructions.
Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House)
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2017 —
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Gerrit Rietveld's axonometric projections of the Schröder House reveal a groundbreaking approach to architectural representation, privileging abstract conceptual relationships over traditional perspective or photography. These illustrations, devoid of contemporaneous descriptions, demonstrate how Rietveld used axonometry to explore architecture's potential beyond physical presence, influenced by scientific explorations of perceptual space and modernist critiques like Piet Mondrian. By adjusting vertical dimensions to maintain dimensional accuracy, Rietveld developed a system of logical equivalency that correlated abstract geometries with material habitation, offering an alternative concept for architecture rooted in spatial and auxiliary domestic elements.
City of Verona
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2017 —
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Advanced image processing of lidar and radar data has uncovered previously undetected archaeological features in the southern lowland of Verona, Italy, offering new insights into Bronze Age landscapes. This non-invasive approach successfully identified evanescent marks—faint traces left by ancient human activity—that traditional optical sensors often miss. The study highlights how modern agricultural practices, while contributing to discoveries, have also eroded the archaeological record, making remote sensing techniques crucial for preserving and studying these proto-historic sites. By analyzing vast areas without physical disturbance, lidar and radar data provide a promising method for uncovering hidden layers of history in plain environments.
Historic Site of Lyon
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2017 —
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Nineteenth-century urban renovations in Lyon, driven by state initiatives under the Second Empire, inadvertently sparked a localist movement that sought to preserve the city's distinctive, antiquarian architectural heritage. This study reveals that cultural elites in Lyon used antiquarian discourse to assert that the city's narrow, crooked streets were integral to its identity, fearing their erasure by Parisian influences. Contrary to traditional narratives focusing on state-led urban transformations, this research highlights the role of civil society and antiquarian history as modern phenomena shaping urban development. The analysis combines urban history with cultural studies to illustrate how local pride and anxiety drove the preservation movement that gave rise to Vieux Lyon.
Site of Palmyra
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2017 —
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Both the French restoration of Palmyra's Temple of Bel in the early 20th century and its destruction by ISIS in 2015 were ideological acts aimed at reviving an imagined past, reflecting globalized heritage ideals. The study highlights how these actions, while seemingly opposite, share a common logic that erases diverse layers of history—French efforts erased 1,800 years of Christian and Muslim heritage, while ISIS targeted the reconstructed temple. To move beyond problematic global heritage discourses, the article proposes an alternative framework for understanding how Muslims have valued ancient localities over time, emphasizing varied engagements with antiquity in Islamic societies.
San Marino Historic Centre and Mount Titano
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2017 —
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A proposed natural gas-fired power plant in the mountainous Republic of San Marino, near the Adriatic Sea, demonstrates spatially confined environmental impact despite high NOx emissions. Simulations using advanced atmospheric models (SPRAY, SWIFT, SURFPRO) under varying meteorological conditions revealed that pollutant dispersion is largely limited to a single peak where the plume interacts with Mount Titano's hillside, 5 km from the plant. This finding suggests minimal widespread environmental impact, even under worst-case scenarios, due to the complex terrain and land-sea breeze dynamics. The study adheres to Italian and European regulatory frameworks, providing critical insights for sustainable energy development in small, topographically challenging regions.
Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park
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2017 —
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Subducting the Cocos Ridge beneath Central America deflects rivers away from its crest, shaping the drainage patterns of the Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves/La Amistad National Park. This study reveals that such subduction influences forearc drainage systems, with rivers above the ridge flanks diverging while those over its broad crest show minimal deflection. The modern drainage system in Costa Rica and Panama suggests the Cocos Ridge has been subducting for at least 1.8 million years. Researchers used a combination of three-dimensional finite-element modeling of ridge subduction and landscape evolution models to demonstrate how subducting topographic highs alter drainage patterns, providing insights into the onset and history of ridge subduction.
Paphos
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2017 —
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Land use changes significantly impact soil erosion and loss rates in cultural landscapes, with urban areas exacerbating runoff while natural vegetation mitigates water erosion. A study of Paphos District, Cyprus, used Earth Observation (EO) data from Landsat 5 TM and Sentinel-2 to assess land cover changes between the 1980s and present, comparing Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values. The research found that urban expansion and agricultural activities increase soil erosion, particularly in areas of cultural heritage value. By analyzing the cover factor—measuring the effect of vegetation, crops, and human activity on soil stability—the study highlighted how land use shifts alter erosion dynamics, posing risks to both natural and archaeological landscapes.
Town of Luang Prabang
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2017 —
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Tourism growth in Luang Prabang has paradoxically strengthened its heritage elements while also raising concerns about landscape transformation. Research combining GIS analysis with statistical methods revealed that buildings transitioning to touristic use were more likely along riverbanks than inland, and this shift correlated with architectural changes—such as adopting Lao traditional styles, switching roof materials from modern to traditional, and using modern building materials instead of traditional ones. These findings highlight how tourism can both preserve heritage aesthetics while altering the built environment, warranting closer monitoring by conservation authorities.
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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Traffic-induced vibrations pose significant risks to ancient structures, particularly those located near urban transport routes. A preliminary study on the Temple of Minerva Medica in Rome reveals that long-term exposure to vibrations from nearby railway tracks and tramways can lead to structural fatigue and damage. Researchers used advanced technologies, including triaxial velocimeters, 3D architectural surveys via laser scanning and photogrammetry, and non-destructive material testing, to assess the temple's dynamic behavior and vulnerability. Data collected over two seasons—summer and winter—highlighted seasonal variations in structural response. These findings contribute to the CO.B.RA. project, which aims to develop innovative methods for preserving cultural heritage by integrating vibration analysis with detailed 3D modeling and thermographic imaging.
Kathmandu Valley
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2017 —
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Future climate change combined with current urbanization levels will significantly increase pluvial flooding in the Kathmandu Valley, with potential for a 40% rise in flood volume under extreme rainfall events. This projection underscores the inadequacy of existing drainage infrastructure designed for present climatic conditions to handle future scenarios. The study employed a dual quantitative and qualitative approach, utilizing tools like RClimdex (a statistical downscaling model) and PCSWMM, alongside Intensity Duration Frequency (IDF) curve analysis based on Gumbel distribution. By examining the interplay between urban imperviousness and extreme rainfall, the research highlights critical vulnerabilities in urban drainage systems, offering a data-driven warning for infrastructure planning in rapidly developing regions.
Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena
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2017 —
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A study on the gastropod <em>Stramonita haemastoma</em> in Cartagena, Colombia, revealed high levels of imposex—where females develop male sexual characteristics due to chemical contamination—in coastal waters. At Birds' Island, 93.1% of females exhibited imposex, compared to 31.8% at La Bocana, with both sites showing signs of organotin compound contamination. The research compared morphometric variables and imposex frequency between high- and low-port activity locations, indicating significant differences linked to human influence. These findings highlight the environmental impact of antifouling paints on marine life in Cartagena's coastal ecosystems.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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2017 —
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A new method to optimize seismic station placement significantly enhances earthquake early warning (EEW) capabilities, particularly for high-risk areas. The study identifies 13 strategic sites in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and surrounding regions where additional sensors or upgrades could provide an extra 1–4 seconds of warning for damaging earthquakes, focusing on astronomical observatories on Mauna Kea and population centers like Hilo and Kailua-Kona. This approach balances seismic hazard distribution with exposure risks, offering a scalable solution applicable to other seismically active regions. The research demonstrates that even small improvements in station coverage can substantially increase warning times, with potential benefits for infrastructure protection and public safety.
Margravial Opera House Bayreuth
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2017 —
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The Bayreuth Festspielhaus, renowned for its Wagner-influenced architecture, exhibits unusually long reverberation times compared to typical opera houses. A study measuring its impulse response using hand-claps and smartphone recordings confirmed these acoustic properties, aligning with existing literature. The research validates a method for monitoring room acoustics, offering insights into the unique sound dynamics of this historic venue.
Archaeological Site of Cyrene
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2017 —
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This book provides a detailed diachronic account of the exploration and documentation of UNESCO World Heritage Site Cyrene, revealing significant insights into the formation processes affecting ancient sites over two centuries. By analyzing travelers' accounts from 1706 to 1911, the study compares historical descriptions with current observations, offering valuable evidence for cultural heritage preservation. The research employs a thematic and chronological approach, grouping travelers by their motivations—adventure, survey, or archaeological exploration—and examines how practical factors like road availability influenced site selection. Illustrated with historic and contemporary images, this work underscores Cyrenaica's archaeological potential while highlighting the impact of recent political instability on its heritage.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)
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2017 —
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A controversial art performance by Chim↑Pom in Hiroshima, which drew the word 'pika'—an onomatopoeia evoking the atomic bomb's flash—over the Peace Memorial Park, is critiqued for perpetuating the banalization and normalization of nuclear violence. The study argues that this performance did not offer a novel perspective but instead downplayed the physical harms inflicted by the bomb, particularly on injured female bodies in 1950s Japan and the U.S. By analyzing perceptions of these bodies across both countries, the research reveals how such performances contribute to the ongoing trivialization of nuclear trauma, obscuring its lasting human consequences.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
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2017 —
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A masterpiece of Inca civil engineering, the Incamisana water temple at Ollantaytambo, Peru, stands as a high-status sanctuary for worship of water. The temple's architecture and hydraulic works, including fourteen ceremonial fountains with three more under construction, showcase intricate planning and execution. Flooding in 1679 preserved its lower portion, offering a unique glimpse into its design. Reverse engineering field research, paleohydrological studies, and archaeological investigations revealed the temple's sophisticated water supply system, canals, and conduit/distribution network. Cliff carvings parallel to the temple add a mystical dimension, while Inca roads connected Ollantaytambo to the broader empire, underscoring its cultural significance.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2017 —
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A significant increase in the size and mobility of rock avalanches has been detected in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska, over a 33-year period from 1984 to 2016. This study, utilizing 30-meter Landsat imagery, identified 24 rock avalanches within a 5000-km² area, none of which were triggered by earthquakes. Notably, a cluster of large and highly mobile rock avalanches occurred between June 2012 and June 2016, coinciding with record-breaking warm winter and spring temperatures. The findings suggest that these changes may be linked to rock-permafrost degradation, although other factors such as elastic strain accumulation, glacial thinning, and increased precipitation could also contribute to slope instability during periods of warmth.
Island of Mozambique
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2017 —
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A comprehensive analysis of nearly eighty Indian cotton cloth types imported to Mozambique Island in the 1750s reveals a diverse and intricate textile trade network in the western Indian Ocean. By leveraging archival and literary sources, this study identifies and categorizes these textiles based on provenance, design, and price, providing valuable insights into the economic and cultural exchanges of the period. The research highlights the significance of Mozambique Island as a key hub for the distribution of Indian textiles, offering a detailed snapshot of mid-eighteenth-century trade dynamics.
Santiniketan
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2017 —
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A study of the indoor aeromycoflora in the Central Library of Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, identified 16 fungal spore types and 25 fungal species, with the highest concentrations recorded in October. Among these, 10 fungi were found to deteriorate books, with Penicillium oxalicum exhibiting the strongest cellulose degradation activity. The research used Burkard personal volumetric air sampler and Andersen two-stage sampler over six months (August 2016–March 2017) to assess fungal presence and its potential impact on book preservation.
Ogasawara Islands
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2017 —
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Introduced populations of the green anole lizard (Anolis carolinensis) on the Ogasawara Islands, Japan, exhibit longer hindlimb lengths compared to their native Florida counterparts, suggesting rapid adaptive evolution despite a small founder population. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the effective population size at introduction was less than 50 individuals, yet standing genetic variation persisted, enabling adaptation to nonnative environments. The study identified five candidate genes potentially under selection using SweeD and Tajima's D, π, and FST analyses, highlighting the role of pre-existing genetic diversity in facilitating adaptive responses in invasive species.
Mount Taishan
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2017 —
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Cloudy and foggy conditions at Mount Tai in eastern China significantly increase the accumulation of atmospheric volatile organic compounds (VOCs), with oxy-VOCs (OVOCs) contributing 67% to total VOCs on cloudy/foggy days compared to 72% on non-cloudy days. Acetone emerged as the most abundant compound, reaching 18 ppb under cloudy conditions versus 15 ppb otherwise. Surprisingly, while overall VOC concentrations rose in cloudy/foggy weather, most OVOCs were more prevalent during non-cloudy periods, suggesting atmospheric photochemical reactions play a role in their depletion. Air mass trajectory analysis linked increased VOC levels to pollution from heavily industrialized regions. The study highlights that VOC dynamics at Mount Tai are influenced by a complex interplay of factors including cloud/fog presence, temperature, humidity, wind speed, and direction, with OVOCs and aromatics being key contributors to ozone formation potential.
Greater Blue Mountains Area
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2017 —
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A study of eucalypt forest bird communities in the Greater Blue Mountains Area during the 1980s found that fire regime variables, such as postfire age, frequency, and severity, had no significant impact on bird community structure. Instead, tree canopy height emerged as a critical factor, with taller forests—likely due to higher soil fertility and increased structural complexity—supporting greater species richness and abundance of birds. The presence of rainforest understorey negatively influenced bird diversity, while nectar-rich flowers contributed to higher numbers of nectarivorous birds, particularly during winter. Conducted between 1986–87, the research highlights the adaptability of common forest birds to varying fire regimes but underscores the need for further investigation into how future climate-driven changes in fire severity and frequency may affect these ecosystems.
Teide National Park
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2017 —
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A study assessing the influence of pansharpening techniques on vegetation mapping accuracy found that the Weighted Wavelet ‘à trous’ through Fractal Dimension Maps algorithm significantly improved image fusion preprocessing, leading to more precise thematic maps. The research applied pixel- and object-based classification techniques to fused imagery using different algorithms in Teide National Park, a vulnerable heterogeneous ecosystem in Spain. While the Bayes method proved most effective for generating accurate vegetation maps post-segmentation, Support Vector Machine achieved the highest overall accuracy. This work highlights the potential of pansharpening to enhance environmental monitoring and management, particularly in complex ecosystems.
Great Zimbabwe National Monument
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Great Zimbabwe's decline from the mid-15th to the 16th century was driven by regional shifts in trade patterns and political dynamics, challenging traditional views of static pre-colonial states. Oral-historical data reveals that human mobility shaped Great Zimbabwe's spatial features, power strategies, and resource management, while its expansion to control Zambezi trade undermined its dominance over the southern Zimbabwe plateau. This period saw the rise of new political formations like the Mwene Mutapa state and Ingombe Ilede, which capitalized on changing trade routes that attracted Portuguese explorers to south-central Africa.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
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2017 —
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Gorely volcano, located behind the volcanic front in Southern Kamchatka, exhibits unique magma formation conditions distinct from frontal volcanoes. Research reveals that its parental magmas contained 1.7 ± 0.8 wt % H₂O, with most lost during crystallization, and formed at exceptionally high temperatures (1121 ± 17°C) under an oxygen fugacity of ΔQFM 1.2 ± 0.2. These magmas likely originated from approximately 11% melting of an enriched MORB source at ~1270°C and 1.5 GPa, with a notable subduction component forming at 925 ± 20°C—higher than typical for Kamchatka. The study employed trace element thermobarometry to unravel these conditions, offering insights into the geochemical processes shaping this rear-arc volcanic system.
My Son Sanctuary
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2017 —
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A three-year survey (2012–2014) at My Son Sanctuary identified 50 harmful species, including termites, vertebrates, fungi, and plants, with fungi (Aspergillus, Trichoderma, Penicillium) causing the most significant damage to the heritage towers, particularly in Towers C, B, D, and A. Among plant species, four—Bidens pilosa L., Tectaria zeylanica, Hedyotis diffusa Willd, and Selphinella delicatula—were found invading all towers. While termite damage was minimal, six vertebrate species (66.7%) also posed light harm. The study highlights these pests as priority targets for conservation efforts to mitigate structural risks.
Melka Kunture and Balchit: Archaeological and Palaeontological Sites in the Highland Area of Ethiopia
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2017 —
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A distinct inner structural organization of the distal humerus differentiates Paranthropus from Homo, challenging previous classifications based solely on external morphology. Using non-invasive imaging techniques, researchers analyzed five fossil specimens—four from South Africa (TM 1517g, SK 24600, SKX 10924, SKX 34805) and one from Ethiopia (Gombore IB)—previously attributed to either Paranthropus or Homo. The study revealed two primary endostructural patterns: three specimens clustered together (TM 1517g, SKX 10924, SKX 34805), while Gombore IB, a robust <em>Homo aff. erectus</em> from Melka Kunture, aligned with modern human samples in cortical thickness distribution and trabecular organization. These findings highlight the heterogeneity between external morphology and internal structure, suggesting that SKX 34805's taxonomic status warrants further investigation.
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes
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2017 —
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Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) significantly enhances the inventory of humic-like fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOMH) in coastal waters off Jeju Volcanic Island, Korea, increasing its concentration by 2–3 times over all seasons. This finding challenges the conventional understanding that rivers are the primary source of FDOM in surface ocean waters. Researchers used a correlation between radon-222 and salinity to identify fresh groundwater as the main contributor to SGD, while dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and protein-like FDOM inputs were negligible or negative. The conservative behavior of FDOMH suggests that SGD-driven fluxes regulate its inventory, influencing the optical properties of coastal waters and potentially impacting marine ecosystems, including corals.
Socotra Archipelago
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2017 —
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A comprehensive survey of the Socotra Archipelago's insect biodiversity reveals 1,564 species taxa from 25 hexapod orders, with beetles (Coleoptera) being the most diverse at 540 species. Strikingly, 42% of these species are endemic to the archipelago, underscoring its unique ecological significance. The majority of recorded diversity (1,520 species, 635 endemics) is found on Socotra Island, highlighting it as a critical hotspot for conservation. This study provides the first detailed count and taxonomic breakdown of Socotra's insect fauna, offering valuable insights for comparative analyses with neighboring archipelagos like the Seychelles.
Curonian Spit
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2017 —
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Aeolian processes on the Lithuanian part of the Curonian Spit exhibit significant variability, with wind-blown sand movements initiating when surface moisture drops by 2% and subsurface moisture by up to 5%. Over 12 years (2004–2016), these processes dramatically reshaped deflation relief forms, reducing scarp dimensions by up to 35%, pothole lengths by 80%, and hollow widths by 39%. Micro-terraces on eastern dune slopes, particularly the Parnidis Dune, showed rapid changes (up to 0.64 cm in height) linked to precipitation fluctuations, with a 21% shift in terrace ledges observed during a period of increased rainfall (July–August 2016). The study combined climatic analysis, geodetic measurements, and aerial photograph comparisons to quantify these transformations.
Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza
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Preliminary results from a study using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) reveal the existence of at least two substructures within El Castillo pyramid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The first substructure was discovered during restoration in the 1930s, while a second, previously unknown structure has been inferred from resistivity data. This inner chamber is estimated to be around 10 meters high with a base measuring approximately 23 meters per side and may contain an intact rectangular room 3 meters tall. The study employed a novel ERT-3D method, deploying electrodes across the pyramid's nine levels and its base to generate 37,520 observations, with five of ten observation levels processed so far. These findings suggest a more complex architectural history for El Castillo than previously understood.
Tongariro National Park
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2017 —
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The current international cultural heritage protection framework, particularly the World Heritage List, fails to adequately protect Indigenous heritage due to its bureaucratized and European colonial State-centric perspective. An analysis of two dual-listed sites—Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Tongariro National Park—reveals that this approach is incompatible with Indigenous understandings of cultural heritage and inconsistent with international human rights standards. The study highlights the need for a paradigm shift to ensure meaningful protection of Indigenous heritage, addressing its tangible and intangible aspects while respecting Indigenous perspectives.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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UNESCO plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the diverse cultural heritage of the Old City of Jerusalem, a site steeped in historical and symbolic significance for both Palestinians and Israelis. The study highlights that mutual agreement on international norms is crucial for preserving cultural artefacts and monuments, as well as regulating archaeological excavations. Israel's Antiquities Law of 1978 further influences heritage development and ownership of antiquity sites within the region. UNESCO's expanding operations in post-conflict scenarios emphasize educational values, aiming to protect heritage at risk while fostering international cooperation.
Old Town of Ghadamès
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Ghadames exemplifies sustainable desert architecture by harmonizing vernacular and modern design principles. The study reveals that the old town's house designs effectively mitigate adverse climatic conditions while leveraging favorable elements, showcasing adaptive strategies for extreme environments. These insights offer valuable lessons for contemporary architecture, emphasizing the potential of traditional techniques in sustainable urban development.
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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Religious accommodations in Rome's historic center represent a novel sustainability-oriented hospitality model that fosters multi-level co-evolutionary adaptations with both territory and tourists, significantly contributing to sustainable development and value co-creation processes. This study highlights how these accommodations, through their unique dynamics, positively impact tourism while addressing the need for theoretical and empirical research in this emerging field. The findings provide valuable insights into sustainability literature and new hospitality models, offering both theoretical and managerial implications.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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2017 —
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A new genus and species of springtail, Intricatonura fjellbergi, has been discovered in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This tiny, unique organism exhibits a distinctive set of morphological traits, including a reduced number of labial setae, divided DL tubercles on thoracic segments, rectangular Di tubercles on abdominal segments I–IV, and an absence of tubercles and De setae on the abdomen. Morphologically, Intricatonura resembles Vietnura, a genus known from Vietnam, suggesting potential evolutionary or ecological connections between temperate North American and Southeast Asian springtails. The discovery highlights the biodiversity of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Great Smoky Mountains National Park and contributes to our understanding of Collembola taxonomy.
Santiniketan
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A collaborative research initiative at Santiniketan involved six students from Lausanne, who conducted two projects focused on community health. The study highlighted the potential of student-led research to contribute meaningfully to local healthcare challenges. By integrating academic knowledge with fieldwork, the projects demonstrated innovative approaches to addressing community health needs. This work underscores the value of cross-disciplinary and international collaboration in advancing public health solutions.
Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls
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Victoria Falls emerges as a pivotal site for understanding British colonial expansion, challenging the conventional colony-by-colony historical approach. This study reveals that the Falls served as a contested terrain and a natural border between North Western Rhodesia and Southern Rhodesia, reflecting the complex interplay of interests among various colonial actors. The analysis demonstrates how the exploitation of African resources and competing visions shaped the development around Victoria Falls, offering a transcolonial perspective on British Southern Africa's history.
Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct)
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Concrete remains the most efficient and durable construction material, with structures like the Pont du Gard and the Pantheon demonstrating its potential longevity. Research highlights that concrete's durability is threatened by chemical, physical, or mechanical factors, while current sustainability efforts focus on incorporating supplementary cementing materials (SCMs) alongside appropriate admixtures to enhance performance without compromising environmental impact.
Palace and Park of Fontainebleau
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A significant cultural event at the Palace of Fontainebleau, organized by Catherine de Médicis on 13 February 1564, featured performances of two plays—'Bergerie' by Pierre de Ronsard and an adaptation of Ludovico Ariosto’s tale 'Ginevra.' This day, part of a Carnival festival spanning from 6 to 15 February, showcased the intersection of poetry, politics, and courtly entertainment. The study relies on historical accounts, notably those of Pierre de Brantôme, to reconstruct and analyze these performances, offering insights into Renaissance courtly culture and the role of art in political contexts.
Wadden Sea
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Feral populations of Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) in the northern Wadden Sea exhibit dynamic invasion trajectories characterized by phases of establishment, exponential expansion, and adjustment, driven by environmental conditions. The study reveals that sea-based oyster farming facilitated the inevitable establishment of feral oysters, while mussel beds provided ideal attachment substrates and growth conditions around low tide levels. Cold summers in the 1990s limited recruitment but ensured persistence due to oyster longevity. Since the 2000s, warmer summers have led to regular recruitment and peak abundances exceeding 1000 individuals per square meter, though these were followed by recruitment failures and ice-related mortalities. The population is expected to stabilize around 1000 m−2 but remains susceptible to density-dependent (e.g., diseases) and density-independent (e.g., weather anomalies) fluctuations. This pattern may repeat in other marine introductions with continued global warming.
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
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A four-year longitudinal study along the Belize Barrier Reef found no measurable effect of invasive lionfish on the density, richness, or composition of native prey fish communities. Despite the assumption that lionfish significantly impact Caribbean reef ecosystems, this research—using a modified before-after control-impact (BACI) design across 16 reefs—detected no substantial changes in prey fish populations following lionfish invasion. The study suggests that either higher lionfish densities or other ecological factors (such as reef complexity and predation) may overshadow any potential effects of lionfish on prey populations at this large spatial scale.
Keoladeo National Park
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Over three decades, the invasive species <em>Prosopis juliflora</em> has significantly altered the native floral community at Keoladeo National Park. This study highlights how <em>P. juliflora</em>, introduced for afforestation, has outcompeted indigenous flora, leading to ecological shifts that threaten biodiversity. Researchers analyzed long-term vegetation data to assess the extent of this replacement, using field surveys and historical records to document changes in species composition, abundance, and habitat structure. The findings underscore the need for targeted management strategies to mitigate the impact of invasive species on protected areas.
Maya Site of Copan
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The establishment of the Institute of Archaeoastronomy and Cultural and Natural Heritage (IARPACUNA) at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH) marks a significant advancement in the conservation and research of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly the Maya Site of Copan. This institute serves as an extraordinary laboratory within the national monument, fostering interdisciplinary research that strengthens UNAH's role as a leader in heritage conservation. By adopting a holistic and innovative approach, IARPACUNA aims to ensure the preservation of outstanding universal value for present and future generations through collaborative scientific projects at both national and international levels.
Kathmandu Valley
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Black carbon emissions in the Kathmandu Valley have likely been significantly underestimated in previous modeling studies, according to a new analysis of ceilometer data. The study found that estimated black carbon emission fluxes during morning hours show a clear seasonal cycle, peaking from December to April, and are considerably higher than values reported in existing emission databases. Researchers analyzed one year of ceilometer measurements to investigate the diurnal variation of mixing layer height (MLH) and its impact on black carbon concentrations across seasons. The data revealed distinct seasonal patterns in MLH, with monsoon season characterized by the lowest daytime MLH and highest night-time MLH due to frequent cloud cover. These findings provide strong evidence that black carbon emissions in this region have been systematically underestimated, which has implications for air quality management and climate modeling.
Bam and its Cultural Landscape
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2017 —
WHE18CE52807D
Research demonstrates that additives to loam render can significantly enhance the weather protection and seismic resistance of unburnt brick masonry, a critical material for preserving heritage structures like Bam's historic citadel. The study, conducted by the Technical University of Dresden in collaboration with Iranian cultural authorities and UNESCO, involved extensive fieldwork, including surveying, documentation, and rebuilding efforts after the 2003 earthquake that devastated Arg-e-Bam. The investigation focused on improving the shear strength and durability of unburnt brick masonry through innovative surface treatments and climatic chamber tests. Findings from this first part of the study highlight the potential of specific additives to mitigate weather-related degradation, offering a practical solution for conserving UNESCO World Heritage Sites with similar structural challenges.
