City of Safranbolu
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2017 —
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The Safranbolu Şer‘iyye Sicillerinde Geçen Eşya, Lakap ve Yer İsimleri study reveals the profound significance of Ottoman Empire's official documents in illuminating social and cultural diversity. These Sheria Registries, meticulously recorded by Kadis (judges), offer unprecedented insights into law history, military history, finance, local history, place names, and more. The explicit transcription of these registries not only serves as a firsthand source for various historical disciplines but also preserves words, terms, nicknames, titles, private names, and cultural elements, enriching our understanding of the past. This comprehensive study aims to facilitate further research on this subject by providing accessible and detailed transcriptions.
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
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2017 —
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Street vendors in Mexico City's Historic Centre employ specialized acoustic strategies to navigate the challenges posed by neoliberal economic policies and police crackdowns. These vendors use highly stylized cries (pregones) not only to attract customers but also to claim territory and coordinate evasions, demonstrating a sophisticated relationship between aurality and subaltern resistance. The study reveals that sounds serve as essential tools for survival in contested acoustic territories, highlighting the cultural significance of these practices within Mexico City's soundscape.
Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura
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2017 —
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Sambor Prei Kuk, a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cambodia, faces risks of marginalizing local farming communities and religious practices, mirroring issues seen at Angkor Wat. The study proposes an equitable rights-based framework to protect religious heritage, contrasting it with hierarchical approaches. It highlights the need for balanced policies that integrate human rights with cultural preservation, ensuring sustainable protection for both communities and traditions.
Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos
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2017 —
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Archaeological excavations at the Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos have uncovered four distinct layers beneath the Great Altar, with the oldest dating back to 640/30 BC. These layers reveal a rich tapestry of votive offerings, pottery, and remnants of cultic rituals, including items sourced from Egypt and the Levant, highlighting the sanctuary's significance as a hub of cultural exchange in antiquity. Additionally, investigations north of the Sacred Road have identified the northeast limit of a prehistoric settlement spanning the 4th to 2nd millennia BC, with findings including destroyed levels from the Late Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age II, as well as three phases of Middle Bronze Age fortification walls. This research sheds light on the long-term evolution of the site's religious and urban landscape.
Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos
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2017 —
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Excavations at the Sanctuary of Hera on the Greek island of Samos have revealed over 100 hydrotechnical structures, including fountains, basins, cisterns, channels, and pipelines. These findings suggest a sophisticated water management system integral to cult activities in ancient times. A joint research project by the German Archaeological Institute and Lübeck University of Applied Sciences analyzed these structures using geohydrology, water management, and hydraulic engineering approaches. In 2017, researchers collected soil, sediment, water, and calcium carbonate deposits (sinter) samples during a field campaign to further investigate their role in the sanctuary's hydrological system.
Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes
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2017 —
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Research at Twyfelfontein, Namibia, reveals three distinct diagenetic styles in fossilized dune sandstones encapsulated by lava flows from the Etendeka flood basalts. Type 1 dunes exhibit red coloring and minimal authigenic mineralization, driven primarily by grain compaction. Type 2 dunes, bleached white, show complex diagenesis with calcite, kaolinite, and böhmite, likely influenced by hydrothermal fluids rich in CO₂, H₂S, or H₂ from underlying igneous intrusions, resulting in lower porosity and permeability. Type 3 diagenesis reflects rapid induration due to lava contact ('volcano-eogenesis'), limited to shallow depths near lava interfaces. The study highlights volcanic-driven compartmentalization in sediment-lava sequences, offering insights into natural CO₂ sequestration processes and implications for hydrocarbon exploration.
Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe
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2017 —
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Sardis, a significant Byzantine city and former capital of Lydia, reveals a rich urban history spanning over 120 hectares on its acropolis slopes. The site's strategic importance persisted through the late antique period, with major monuments like the western bath-gymnasium serving as civic focal points until the early seventh century. Archaeological evidence indicates that while early churches were located outside the city, a large domed structure near the urban center likely functioned as a church in the sixth century. The seventh century marked a turning point, with many buildings being abandoned or destroyed, though later activity is evidenced by an extra-mural church complex and cemetery, including the Laskarid Church E built around 1200 AD. The acropolis remained fortified and strategically valuable into the early fourteenth century, underscoring Sardis's enduring significance in Byzantine Anatolia.
Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands
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2017 —
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A comprehensive analysis of small-scale eddies in the White, Barents, and Kara Seas reveals distinct seasonal patterns and spatial distributions. Over 3500 eddy patterns were identified using satellite radar imagery, with cyclonic eddies being more prevalent than anticyclonic ones. Peak eddy activity occurs in July for the Barents and White Seas and August for the Kara Sea, with most eddies measuring less than 6 km in diameter. Notably, anticyclonic eddies tend to be larger than their cyclonic counterparts. Eddies are frequently observed near specific geographic features such as Svalbard, the Kola Peninsula, Novaya Zemlya, and the Solovetsky Islands, often coinciding with hydrological fronts. This study provides critical insights into the spatial-temporal dynamics of submesoscale eddies in these Arctic regions.
Site of Palmyra
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2017 —
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Deep learning proves effective for semantic annotation of cultural heritage image data, offering a promising solution for preserving at-risk sites. This study introduces a framework combining digital image processing, multi-lingual text analysis, and 3D modeling to enhance archiving, search, and analysis capabilities. The approach aims to create immersive cultural experiences, assess damage, reconstruct virtual sites, and provide educational augmented information—critical in regions like Palmyra, where physical access is limited or unsafe. Initial evaluations demonstrate the potential of computational methods to transform how heritage data is curated and disseminated, bridging gaps between physical preservation and digital innovation.
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 multi-scale analysis reveals significant rockfall susceptibility along the carbonate cliffs of Cilento, Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Mediterranean Geopark. The study identified kinematically unstable areas using advanced remote sensing techniques, including Digital Photogrammetry (Structure from Motion) and LiDAR, which allowed for precise mapping of slope discontinuities and failure mechanisms. High-resolution photomosaics and thematic map overlays further refined susceptibility scenarios at multiple scales. Validation with field measurements confirmed the accuracy of these methods, highlighting their potential for assessing rockfall risks in coastal environments frequented by tourists.
Hwaseong Fortress
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2017 —
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A traditional Korean crane mechanism, Geojunggi, offers valuable insights into the intersection of science, technology, and history. This study leverages historical mechanical drawings from 'Gigidoseol' and 'Hwaseongseongyeoguigwe' to develop an instructional strategy for teaching block-and-tackle and gear mechanisms in science education. By integrating these traditional sciences, the research provides a unique medium that bridges Science, Technology, and History (STH), enriching classroom materials and offering a novel approach to understanding mechanical principles. This method not only preserves historical knowledge but also enhances contemporary STEM education by connecting it with cultural heritage.
Blenheim Palace
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2017 —
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John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough (1650–1722), emerged as an iconic Protestant hero and symbol of the Hanoverian Succession, overshadowing political opposition from Tories. This study reveals how Marlborough strategically shaped his public image through comparisons with ancient heroes like Scipio Africanus while leveraging Whig supremacy to cement his legacy in British popular culture. The research examines diverse literary and artistic representations, including hero merchandise and the Blenheim Palace mausoleum, highlighting the complex interplay between personal ambition, political propaganda, and cultural memory.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
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2017 —
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A low prevalence (2%) of bovine tuberculosis was detected in African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, using interferon gamma assays. The study highlights potential cross-species transmission risks between wildlife and livestock, given the intense interaction in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Researchers immobilized 102 buffalo from 16 herds using chemical sedatives and tested plasma samples for Mycobacterium bovis infection. These findings align with recent cattle skin test results, underscoring the need for targeted public health interventions to mitigate zoonotic disease spread.
Kathmandu Valley
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2017 —
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A concerning prevalence of antibiotic residues, particularly amoxicillin and sulfadimethoxine, was detected in fresh milk from Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed that 81% of samples contained amoxicillin (68–802 µg/kg), while 41% tested positive for sulfadimethoxine (31–69 µg/kg). These levels often exceeded maximum residue limits, posing significant risks to consumer health. The study, which analyzed 140 milk samples from various sources, demonstrated that HPLC detected more positives than rapid screening kits due to higher precision and accuracy. This highlights critical gaps in regulatory implementation and monitoring in developing countries.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2017 —
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The coastal landscape of Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, is shaped by the dynamic interaction between tectonic plate motion and erosion. The Yakutat microplate moves northwest at nearly 5 centimeters per year relative to the North American Plate, causing earthquakes along the Fairweather Fault that displace the ground surface both horizontally (up to 6.5 meters) and vertically (up to 1 meter). These seismic events, such as the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in 1958, have raised and shifted the landscape over thousands to millions of years, while rivers, glaciers, and ocean waves continuously sculpt the terrain along the Gulf of Alaska coast.
Studley Royal Park including the Ruins of Fountains Abbey
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2017 —
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A comprehensive exploration of the interplay between sculpture and garden design, 'Sculpture and the Garden' reveals how artistic expression has evolved within UNESCO World Heritage Site Studley Royal Park, from Georgian landscape gardens to modernist and postmodern interventions. The study demonstrates that sculpture has not only adorned but actively shaped the meaning and perception of public spaces, reflecting broader cultural, political, and social narratives. Through case studies—ranging from royal statues naturalizing the Hanoverian Dynasty to Henry Moore's Recumbent Figure and Ian Hamilton Finlay’s Little Sparta—the research uncovers how sculpture serves as a dynamic tool for redefining landscapes, identity, and public experience. The approach combines historical analysis, art history, and landscape theory, offering insights into the regeneration of heritage sites through contemporary artistic practices.
Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection
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2017 —
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Researchers have demonstrated that the unique scute patterns on the backs of American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) can serve as a reliable individual identification tool. By analyzing 110 wild-caught crocodiles from Coiba Island, Panama, they found significant variability in both the number and arrangement of dorsal scutes per individual. Using binary and coded analyses of transverse scute lines (TSL), they successfully identified each crocodile with high precision, requiring only the first 13 or 10 TSLs for accurate recognition. The probability of pattern repetition was extremely low—one in 49,504 for binary analysis and one in 3,333 for coded analysis—suggesting this method could uniquely identify every crocodile on Coiba Island, where the population is estimated at no more than 1,000 individuals. This study introduces a novel non-invasive approach for wildlife monitoring, particularly valuable for conservation efforts in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Coiba National Park.
Paphos
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2017 —
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Archaeological evidence from the Nea Paphos site in Cyprus reveals that rooms 22 and 23 likely served as a kitchen during the early Roman phase of destruction. A collection of fifteen cooking vessels, primarily deep globular pots from Cyprus, along with Italian lids and an orlo bifido pan, were found in situ within these rooms. Additionally, two Aegean cooking vessels—a globular pot and a baking dish—were discovered in room 23. The significant quantity and variety of cooking pottery suggest that these rooms functioned as a kitchen space, providing new insights into the domestic architecture and culinary practices of the period.
Kathmandu Valley
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2017 —
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Kathmandu Valley exhibits significantly higher levels of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) compared to global background sites. Annual averages measured at Bode, a semi-urban location in the valley, were 419.3 ppm for CO2 and 2.192 ppm for CH4—substantially above levels recorded in Mauna Loa (USA) and Waliguan (China). Seasonal variations showed that CO2 peaked during the pre-monsoon season due to forest fires and agro-residue burning, while CH4 exhibited minimal seasonal fluctuation. Diurnal patterns revealed pronounced morning peaks for all three gases (CO2, CH4, and CO), with a notable dip in the afternoon, attributed to local emissions such as residential cooking, vehicle exhaust, and brick kiln activities during winter. Simultaneous measurements at a rural site (Chanban) confirmed that urban areas like Bode experience 3.8–64% higher gas concentrations, underscoring the valley's unique geography and pollution dynamics.
Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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2017 —
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High-elevation fluvial travertine deposits in Jiuzhaigou Valley, Sichuan, exhibit unique seasonal patterns influenced by monsoon-driven climate shifts. The study reveals that low-turbulence facies, dominated by moss and cyanobacteria encrustations, transition to high-turbulence facies with distinct algal layers (Phormidium sp. in late spring and Oocardium stratum in summer–fall). These deposits, occurring at elevations up to 2900 meters, are highly sensitive to climate variability, particularly precipitation changes linked to glacial activity during the mid-Holocene. The research also documents the highest recorded elevation for encrusted chironomid larvae tubes (2860 m) and highlights the region's potential as a sensitive indicator of Quaternary glacial dynamics in the Himalayan–Tibetan area.
Danube Delta
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2017 —
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Fluorescence spectroscopy emerges as a promising tool for assessing eutrophication levels in Danube Delta lakes, revealing that cyanobacteria and Cryptophyta significantly contribute to protein-like dissolved organic matter (DOM). This study highlights the seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton assemblages, with cyanobacteria posing potential ecological or human health risks. By analyzing specific phytoplankton pigments and quantifying DOM changes across three lakes, researchers identified key contributors to eutrophication, offering a qualitative evaluation method for water quality in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta
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2017 —
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Przewalski's horses (Equus ferus przewalskii) in Hungary's Hortobágy National Park exhibit seasonal stress patterns, as indicated by decreased heart rate variability (HRV), particularly during winter and spring. This novel finding, derived from telemetric HRV measurements, reveals that these free-ranging mammals experience heightened allostatic load—likely due to limited resources in winter and increased energy demands during pregnancy or dietary transitions in spring. Unlike traditional stress indicators like glucocorticoid levels, HRV provides a non-invasive, long-term method to study undisturbed cardiovascular responses in wildlife. The study employed implanted transmitters to continuously monitor HRV, heart rate (HR), body temperature, and activity over a year, offering insights into the physiological challenges faced by mammals in seasonal ecosystems.
Wadden Sea
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2017 —
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Indigenous seaweed Ulva sp. may outcompete the invasive Gracilaria vermiculophylla in phosphate-limited Wadden Sea ecosystems by synthesizing diacylglyceryl-O-4'-(N,N,N,-trimethyl) homoserine (DGTS), a betaine lipid that replaces phosphatidylcholine (PC). This adaptive strategy could help preserve biodiversity in the UNESCO-listed coastal area, where invasive algae threaten native species. The study analyzed lipid profiles under low-phosphate conditions to assess Ulva's competitive advantage over G. vermiculophylla, suggesting DGTS production as a key mechanism for survival and dominance in nutrient-poor environments.
City of Quito
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2017 —
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Analysis of TripAdvisor reviews reveals that user-generated content on social networks can serve as a valuable tool for understanding urban dynamics, such as those in Quito. By combining geo-referenced and lexical data with clustering algorithms (k-means) and TF-IDF statistical analysis, researchers identified distinct patterns in how the city is described by users. These findings were compared to municipal field studies, offering insights into public perception versus official observations. The study highlights the potential of social media data for urban research, providing a novel approach to studying human behavior in cities.
Ningaloo Coast
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2017 —
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A study at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, reveals that large bottom roughness—such as reef structures and benthic organisms—significantly alters sediment transport dynamics. Traditional models overestimate the shear stress required to suspend coarse sediments due to reduced near-bed flow in rough environments. By accounting for this roughness-induced flow reduction, researchers improved predictions of suspended grain sizes, demonstrating that ignoring these effects leads to inaccurate sediment transport estimates. The findings highlight the need to incorporate roughness impacts on both overlying flow and bed stresses in shallow coastal ecosystems, where such features are common.
Brasilia
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2017 —
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James C. Scott's analysis reveals that large-scale authoritarian planning schemes, such as those seen in Brasilia and other global contexts, often fail due to their disregard for complex local interdependencies and practical knowledge. These plans, driven by high-modernist ideologies and state power, impose schematic visions that disrupt rather than improve human conditions. The study identifies four common conditions leading to these disasters: administrative ordering of nature and society, overconfidence in scientific progress, authoritarian interventions, and weak civil resistance. By contrasting formal epistemic knowledge with local practical knowledge, Scott argues for a more inclusive approach to development that respects the values and objections of affected communities.
City of Quito
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2017 —
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Research on foreign tourists visiting Quito, Ecuador, reveals that hedonic-gastronomic motivations significantly influence visitor satisfaction and loyalty. Three motivational dimensions—cultural, circumstantial, and hedonic-gastronomic—were identified, along with four distinct tourist segments: hedonic-gastronomic cultural tourists, hedonic-gastronomic tourists, circumstantial hedonic-gastronomic cultural tourists, and alternative tourists. The study highlights that only the hedonic-gastronomic dimension plays a critical role in shaping perceived satisfaction and loyalty among visitors to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This finding underscores the importance of gastronomic experiences in enhancing tourist engagement and long-term attachment to cultural destinations.
Naumburg Cathedral
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2017 —
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Feudal powers, including princes and ecclesiastical leaders, were pivotal in driving the urbanization of central Europe during the Middle Ages. A key example is Naumburg Cathedral, where seigneurial power closely intertwined with the merchant class to shape early town development. The study reveals that medieval town laws evolved through statutes issued by town councils, interpretations by judges, and later by Roman law-trained lawyers. This dynamic process reflected broader territorial competition among princes, dynasts, bishops, and abbots in the Holy Roman Empire, highlighting the complex interplay between political power and urban growth.
Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines
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2017 —
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Tajos, traditional biocultural systems in Mexico's Sierra Gorda, demonstrate exceptional agrobiodiversity and subsistence value. These stone-walled terraces, adapted to semiarid conditions, support high levels of native and introduced plant species, including maize and beans, while providing nearly 70% of household subsistence needs. The study, conducted through qualitative interviews and vegetation sampling in three communities, highlights tajos as a heritage of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) that integrates pre-Columbian and Mediterranean agricultural techniques with modern practices. Their ability to create fertile soils in arid valleys underscores their potential as sustainable models for similar regions worldwide.
Vredefort Dome
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2017 —
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A transdisciplinary, qualitative study at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vredefort Dome in South Africa revealed that residents' emotional and physical experiences with the rural landscape—such as safety, tranquility, hope, curiosity, and relational connections—can directly inform spatial planning guidelines. Participants, through interviews, focus groups, and visual collages, developed two- and three-dimensional design recommendations to preserve the site's 'sense of place,' including low-density development, conservation zones, and stylistic unity with diverse details. The research proposes an integrated, participatory approach that bridges human experiences with spatial planning, offering a novel framework for balancing heritage conservation with community needs.
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, revealed that 9.0% of free-ranging and feral cats tested positive for Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite harmful to wildlife. The seroprevalence was notably higher in rural areas where endangered species coexist with wild animals, suggesting increased infection risk from these cats. Researchers used a novel Gaussia luciferase immunoprecipitation system assay to analyze 1,363 cats, highlighting the potential threat to local biodiversity and emphasizing the need for effective cat management strategies to protect wildlife populations on the island.
Ogasawara Islands
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2017 —
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A significant sex difference in scute pattern abnormalities was observed in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) from the Ogasawara Archipelago, with adult females exhibiting a higher frequency of non-modal patterns compared to males. The study suggests that warmer incubation temperatures, which favor female production, may also induce these abnormalities due to overlapping developmental periods for sex and scute pattern determination. Additionally, the heritability of scute abnormalities was demonstrated, as females with non-modal patterns produced offspring with similar traits at a higher frequency than those with modal patterns. These findings imply that cooling incubation environments could reduce abnormality rates while preserving natural sex ratios, offering a potential conservation strategy.
Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas
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2017 —
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Urban design in Latin America, often perceived as a one-way influence from European models, is revealed to be a reciprocal process shaped by the region's 'violent and sublime landscapes.' The book 'Shaping Terrain: City Building in Latin America,' edited by René Davids, explores how urban morphology in cities like Mexico City, Panama, and Caracas has been influenced by both topographical factors and socioeconomic divisions. Through case studies, it demonstrates that architectural design in these cities is not isolated but deeply intertwined with physical and social geographies. The book introduces three overarching themes—buildings, terrain, and form; cities and water; and hills, infrastructure, and social order—to connect specific architectural examples to broader urban landscapes, political goals, and national identity.
Tasmanian Wilderness
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2017 —
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A novel landscape management model integrating Culture, Nature, and Art (CNA) has been proposed to address the ineffectiveness of current heritage management approaches. This model shifts away from the Western dualist perspective, which separates cultural and natural heritage management, towards a more holistic approach inspired by traditional Aboriginal perspectives of 'Country'. The research, conducted through case studies at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Purnululu National Park and Reserve, and the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, demonstrates that integrating intangible heritage as the primary driver for policy development can enhance cross-cultural understanding and reciprocity. Additionally, the study explores negotiation processes within landscapes, providing a qualitative basis for informed management priorities through visual practices such as photography, drawing, painting, sculpture, and installation.
White City of Tel-Aviv – the Modern Movement
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2017 —
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Sharon Rotbard's 'White City Black City' reveals the intricate interplay between architecture, politics, and culture in Tel Aviv and Jaffa during the 20th century. The book highlights how these cities evolved in opposition to one another, with Tel Aviv's modernist identity emerging as Jaffa's historic character was marginalized. Through a three-part structure—'White City,' 'Black City,' and a concluding reflection—the work deftly explores the urban transformation shaped by colonialism, nationalism, and war. Rotbard's approach combines archival research with critical analysis to uncover the layers of history embedded in these UNESCO-listed sites.
Old City of Dubrovnik
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2017 —
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Dubrovnik's maritime trade, a cornerstone of its political and economic power, was predominantly seaborne by the 15th century, with land-based trade accounting for only a quarter. The Ragusan Republic (later Dubrovnik) flourished through strategic investments in shipping, pioneering the world's first maritime insurance law in 1568—a century ahead of similar regulations. Its shipbuilding prowess was unmatched in the Mediterranean, ranking third globally by the 16th century after Spain and the Netherlands. The study highlights Dubrovnik's resilience against piracy (e.g., Rhodes, 1507–1509) and its extensive network across Europe, including shipyards on nearby islands like Lopud and Šipan. Historical records, such as those by Coronelli (1688) and Crescentio (1602), underscore Dubrovnik's dominance in naval craftsmanship and trade, cementing its legacy as a maritime powerhouse.
Yosemite National Park
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2017 —
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Reintroduced fire in Yosemite National Park significantly reduced shrub patch area, biomass, and spatial density, while increasing the mean distance between patches by 135%. The study found that fire-related tree mortality within shrub patches was marginally lower (67.6%) compared to areas without shrubs (71.8%), contrasting with findings in chaparral-dominated ecosystems where most trees are killed by fire. Researchers used extensive continuous mapping of trees and shrub patches across a 25.6-ha study site, along with new allometric equations for beaked hazel, to assess changes post-fire. The research highlights the complex role of shrubs in forest fuel load, tree mortality, and regeneration, providing critical insights into fire ecology in lower montane forests of the Sierra Nevada.
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
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2017 —
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Sidewalks along Jalan Hang Jebat in Melaka, Malaysia, are largely inaccessible to people with disabilities (PwDs) due to physical barriers and design flaws. A study involving on-site access audits and simulations with actual PwDs revealed that current sidewalks fail to meet basic accessibility standards, such as those outlined in MS1184:2014. The research highlights the urgent need for improved sidewalk design, suggesting the adoption of 'shared space' concepts to enhance accessibility in historic urban areas like Melaka and George Town, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Ancient City of Sigiriya
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2017 —
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A critical examination of local narratives challenges the historical account of Sigiriya's construction in the Mahavamsa, particularly its depiction of King Kashyapa building the ancient site within 18 years. By comparing these narratives with contemporary archaeological practices and historical writings, the study reveals discrepancies that cast doubt on established interpretations. The research employs a comparative approach, analyzing the 'Ten Kings' and 'Two Kings' chapters of the Mahavamsa alongside local texts to highlight inconsistencies in the timeline and construction feasibility. This work not only questions the reliability of traditional sources but also reflects on the broader implications for archaeological methodology.
Serra da Capivara National Park
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A groundbreaking discovery in the Quaternary cave deposits of Serra da Capivara National Park, Northeastern Brazil, reveals the first record of Bibimys, a sigmodontine rodent genus, extending its paleobiogeographic range beyond its current distribution. This finding challenges existing assumptions about the historical distribution of this group. Researchers analyzed sigmodontine remains from three caves—Toca do Gordo do Garrincho, Toca do Barrigudo, and Toca do Serrote das Moendas—and identified seven taxa, including Bibimys sp., Necromys lasiurus, Pseudoryzomys simplex, Holochilus sciureus, Cerradomys sp., Calomys sp., and Wiedomys sp. The study underscores the significant paleontological potential of Serra da Capivara’s deposits in elucidating biogeographic dynamics during the Quaternary period.
Levoča, Spišský Hrad and the Associated Cultural Monuments
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2017 —
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Research reveals that 16th–17th century Hungarian calendars and popular works, such as penny books and manuscript song collections, exhibit complex relationships between image and text, blending late Renaissance and Baroque influences. The study highlights non-traditional figures like mermaids/sirens in the 1578 calendar (Kolozsvár-Cluj), which later appeared on 18th-century Calvinist church furniture and ceiling panels in Hungary. Additionally, it analyzes title pages from Upper Hungary calendars (e.g., Calendarium Tyrnaviense) and those by David Frölich (Wrocław, 1623–1646), demonstrating how cultural topoi and archetypes evolved across time and space. The findings underscore the dynamic interplay between visual symbolism and textual content in these works.
Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
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A comparative analysis of four North American landscapes—northern Ontario (Canada), the Adirondack State Park (US), Arctic Alaska (US), and the Transboundary Rocky Mountains (US and Canada)—reveals both shared and region-specific barriers and opportunities hindering climate change adaptation efforts. While common challenges include lack of political support, financial constraints, and difficulties in translating complex climate impacts into actionable management strategies, opportunities such as collaboration, funding, and strong leadership were identified across regions. However, regional variations suggest that adaptation strategies must be tailored to local ecological, political, social, and economic contexts. The study underscores the potential for cross-site learning while emphasizing the need for context-specific approaches to advance climate change adaptation in these landscapes.
Sangiran Early Man Site
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2017 —
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A study of the Sangiran Early Man Site, specifically focusing on the Ngebung area, uncovered significant archaeological evidence of early human culture. The research identified 2 bone tools—spatulas and lancipans—and 63 stone tools, including shale and flakes, from excavations conducted in 2013 and 2014 by the Preservation Hall Ancient Man Site (BPSMP) Sangiran team. The findings contribute to the understanding of prehistoric human tool-making traditions, particularly comparing artifacts between the two excavation periods. This study enhances the existing dataset for the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sangiran site, providing new insights into early human technological practices and cultural continuity.
Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point
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A recently repatriated cache of 12 soapstone vessels from the Claiborne site, Mississippi, reveals that these artifacts were likely deposited around 200 years after the peak trading activity at Poverty Point. New AMS assays on carbon deposits from seven vessels indicate the cache was placed during or shortly before the abandonment of Poverty Point (ca. 3600–3400 cal BP). This discovery sheds light on the post-peak period of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, suggesting shifts in cultural practices and environmental conditions after 3200 cal BP. The study combines radiocarbon dating with observations on vessel form and function to infer the cache's significance amid broader societal changes.
Škocjan Caves
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Škocjan Caves, Slovenia, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, exemplify the integration of natural conservation with sustainable tourism. The site's unique underground canyon, archaeological significance, and biodiversity necessitate a multifaceted management approach to preserve its outstanding universal value. This study highlights the effectiveness of combining international guidelines, national legislation (e.g., the Škocjan Caves Regional Park Act), and localized management plans to protect the caves' microclimate, water quality, and habitats. Key strategies include monitoring radon levels for safety, tracking tourism impacts on cave environments, and implementing educational initiatives. The research underscores the importance of balancing ecological preservation with responsible visitation, ensuring long-term sustainability for both the site's natural features and its cultural heritage.
Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük
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2017 —
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A complex sequence of primary and secondary burials at Çatalhöyük reveals multiple Neolithic funerary practices, including the retrieval of skulls from both intramural inhumations and unburied bodies. This dual process suggests an extended interval between death and burial, with skull circulation likely tied to social distinctions. The study proposes that distinguishing between equifinal processes in the archaeological record—through careful spatiotemporal context analysis and meticulous osteological examination—is essential to understanding the social and cosmological significance of Neolithic 'skull cult' practices.
Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah
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2017 —
WHEDB3DC1EC31
A new slum revitalization plan for Baghdadiyah, a densely populated and economically disadvantaged neighborhood in Jeddah's historic district, offers a spatial re-modeling approach that integrates urban connectivity and transport networks to restore the area's architectural heritage. The study, led by H.M. Taki, proposes a design that prioritizes patterns of integration and connection while addressing land-use constraints. By analyzing existing conditions and reconstructing syntactical properties, the research demonstrates how strategic spatial reconfiguration can improve living standards and preserve Jeddah's historic character. This approach provides a model for balancing urban development with cultural preservation in World Heritage contexts.
Ogasawara Islands
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2017 —
WHE73E97BD161
Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) on the Ogasawara Islands exhibit extraordinarily small body mass, approximately half that of rats in other regions like Hokkaido, Yokohama, and Tokyo Bay. This study attributes the reduced size to environmental factors rather than genetic differences, as morphological traits such as crown length, head-body length, and tail length remained consistent across populations. Stomach content analysis revealed a predominantly plant-based diet (95.2% by volume), deviating from the species' typical preference for protein-rich foods, suggesting that dietary limitations may restrict body mass growth in these rats.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2017 —
WHE8BCF53F81A
Mammals in Ilha Grande State Park, Brazil, play both positive and negative roles in seed dispersal, significantly aiding the spread of invasive jackfruit trees while also dispersing native seeds. The study found that six mammal species, particularly Trinomys dimidiatus, Didelphis aurita, and Cuniculus paca, accounted for 92% of jackfruit predation and seed dispersal records. While Cuniculus paca and Trinomys dimidiatus dispersed both jackfruit seeds and native seeds, Didelphis aurita consumed only the mesocarp of jackfruit, contributing to its spread without aiding in seed dispersal. The research used video recordings and faecal analysis to observe that jackfruit production can exceed mammals' consumption capacity in high-density areas, leading to unchecked invasive spread. Additionally, small mammals dispersed more native seeds in areas without jackfruits, highlighting the complex interplay between invasive species and native ecosystems.
Serengeti National Park
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2017 —
WHEC464FE96AA
Illegal snaring poses a severe and underappreciated threat to wildlife in Serengeti National Park, causing significant injuries, disabilities, stress, and mortality across diverse species, including iconic herbivores, carnivores like lions, and non-targeted animals. Despite conservation efforts such as the Serengeti De-Snaring Program, snares remain widespread, particularly in western, central, and northern regions, with origins often tracing back to adjacent villages. Challenges in addressing this issue include ineffective community-based conservation benefits, insufficient patrol efforts, increased campsite presence, and socio-economic factors favoring bush meat consumption. The study advocates for urgent, evidence-based interventions, including adaptive patrol strategies like the SMART approach, improved local community benefits, and sustainable livelihood programs tailored to specific communities. Long-term research is also emphasized to quantify snare-related deaths and injuries, assess snare distribution, and evaluate the effectiveness of current conservation measures.
