Paphos
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2017 —
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Recent archaeological evidence at Paphos, Cyprus, challenges the traditional understanding of its Hellenistic-era port infrastructure. While the New Paphos harbour, established by the end of the 4th century BCE and described in ancient texts, is widely believed to be located south of the modern city, new observations suggest additional maritime installations existed northwest of the city's gate. These structures, potentially careenage docks for military fleet maintenance, may have been constructed during the 2nd century BCE or after 145 BCE when Paphos became a key Ptolemaic naval hub. Their eventual burial under rubble, likely due to sediment deposition and seismic activity in the late 1st century BCE, aligns with the reconstruction of the southern harbour and the introduction of new wall towers during the Roman Imperial period. This discovery sheds light on Paphos' strategic maritime role and its evolving port infrastructure.
Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos
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2017 —
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A significant musical discovery from the Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos, Bolivia, has been meticulously documented and edited by Leonardo Waisman and collaborators. This collection, comprising nearly ninety compositions from the 18th century, represents a critical edition of one of two major archives resulting from Jesuit activity in South America. The music, preserved in the San Rafael mission, offers valuable insights into the cultural and religious practices of the Guarani people during this period. The research approach involved rigorous scholarly analysis, transcription, and critical editing, providing researchers and performers with an unprecedented resource for studying and performing this repertory. This work is particularly significant as it sheds light on the intellectual debates surrounding missionary aims, freedom, power, and religion in the 18th century.
Historic City of Toledo
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2017 —
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Jean Laurent's photography, particularly his depictions of Toledo, played a pivotal role in the 19th-century expansion of Spanish imagery across Europe. His work, showcased in catalogs from 1863 to 1896, captured monumental and artistic elements, contributing significantly to the romantic aesthetic movement prevalent at the time. Laurent's success as both an inventor and businessman allowed him to traverse Spain and Portugal, documenting cities like Toledo with a focus on their cultural and architectural heritage. This study highlights his influence in shaping European perceptions of Spanish landscapes and monuments through photography.
Cape Floral Region Protected Areas
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2017 —
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Phylogenetic analysis of the Erica abietina/E. viscaria clade (Ericaceae) reveals that the seven currently recognized subspecies of E. abietina represent at least three distinct, endemic lineages with non-overlapping distributions in the Cape Floristic Region (CFR). This challenges current taxonomic classifications and underscores the underestimated regional species diversity within this globally significant floral kingdom. The study, using nuclear ribosomal and plastid DNA sequences, resurrects the name E. grandiflora for two subspecies and introduces a new species, E. situshiemalis, further highlighting the complex endemism of Cape Erica. These findings add to the known endemic species in Table Mountain National Park.
Western Tien-Shan
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2017 —
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A significant underestimation of seismic hazard exists in the southern Issyk-Kul Lake region, part of the UNESCO-listed Western Tien-Shan. Recent research identified active tectonic structures, including faults and folds linked to the South Issyk-Kul Fault, which have caused strong earthquakes (magnitude ≥ 7) in historical and paleoearthquake events dating back to the Holocene and Late Pleistocene epochs. These seismic activities, evidenced by fault scarps and rockslides, were previously unrecorded in this region. The study also revealed deformations in archaeological monuments, supporting the presence of epicentral areas for strong earthquakes (intensity ≥ IX). A model describing a fault rupture plane that becomes shallower southward, complicated by reverse thrusts, was proposed. This indicates the existence of a long-lived fault zone separating structures with different movement regimes during Neotectonic time, highlighting the need to reassess seismic risk in this region.
Kakadu National Park
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2017 —
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A combined diagnostic and modelling framework reveals that sea-level rise (SLR) on Kakadu National Park, particularly at Yellow Water wetland, may paradoxically foster collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledge systems. While SLR threatens freshwater ecosystems, cultural sites, and infrastructure, the study suggests it could unify responses to a shared threat. Mitigation measures like levees are proposed for localized protection, but broader adaptation hinges on engaging Kakadu Bininj in research and monitoring to enhance adaptive capacity amid irreversible landscape changes. The approach integrates governance analysis with qualitative modelling and Bayesian belief networks, offering a semi-quantitative tool for assessing SLR impacts on social–ecological systems.
Hanseatic City of Lübeck
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2017 —
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Despite sharing similar geographic and climatic conditions, the German coastal cities of Lübeck and Rostock exhibit divergent perceptions of vulnerability and resilience to climate change. This discrepancy is attributed to their distinct historical and socio-economic contexts, with Rostock's past as part of the former GDR and subsequent marginalization influencing local knowledge about climate impacts. The study employs discourse analysis of news articles and expert interviews to reveal these idiosyncratic constructions, suggesting that social constructionism can provide a framework for understanding such differences. Additionally, it underscores the role of shared experiences like social marginalization in shaping climate change narratives.
Wadden Sea
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2017 —
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Content analysis of local policy and planning documents on the Island of Terschelling, a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Wadden Sea region, reveals an increasing awareness of synergies between tourism and landscape protection. This study demonstrates that such analyses can serve as proxies for understanding historical institutional contexts, providing valuable insights to balance socio-economic development with nature conservation. The research, spanning 1945 to 2015, identified fluctuations in priorities but highlighted the growing recognition of synergy as a means to enhance social-ecological resilience. Supported by semi-structured interviews with key informants, this approach offers policymakers and planners a tool to improve decision-making in complex institutional environments.
Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture
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2017 —
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Ibiza's identity is characterized by six distinct dimensions: its vibrant club and discotheque scene, an exciting personality, an atmosphere of harmony, moments of collective fusion, a clubber image, and the figure of a young, liberal tourist who loves to party. This identity remains strong and stable over time, with limited potential for radical repositioning. The study used Kapferer's brand-identity prism and qualitative analysis through focus groups involving tourists who had visited Ibiza in the past to uncover these dimensions.
Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô
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2017 —
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Long-term habitat fragmentation, such as that experienced by the Bijagós Archipelago in Guinea-Bissau due to sea-level rise around 11,000 years ago, drastically reduces species richness—even for highly mobile taxa like bats. A study of bat assemblages across eight Bijagós islands and nearby coastal regions found that island species richness was only about one-fifth of mainland levels, with generalist and abundant species dominating. Unlike recent human-caused fragmentation, where impacts may be less severe due to lower matrix contrast (e.g., land vs. water), the findings suggest that ongoing habitat loss in high-contrast landscapes will likely lead to further species depletion over time.
Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar
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2017 —
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Porto's Historic Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, has successfully undergone rehabilitation and sustainability efforts led by Porto Vivo – SRU. This initiative balances heritage preservation with environmental and social considerations, focusing on enhancing urban functions, contemporary comfort, and mobility while minimizing energy impact. The approach integrates cultural identity, health, and lifestyle improvements, demonstrating a model for sustainable urban development that can be replicated globally.
Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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2017 —
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Conservation efforts in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Nature Reserve, aimed at restoring the landscape to a perceived 'natural' state and protecting biodiversity, have led to unintended consequences. A study analyzing satellite imagery from 1973, 2004, and 2013 revealed that while overall cleared land has decreased, the distribution of treeless areas has shifted towards flatter slopes in valley bottoms (~2400 m) and higher subalpine elevations (~3800 m). This change reduces topographic diversity, potentially impacting biodiversity, as plant communities in Jiuzhaigou are highly stratified by elevation and aspect. Additionally, the study found that many 1973 treeless areas were on deep-seated landslides, whereas recent ones are on landslide deposits and alluvial fans, suggesting that relocation efforts may not mitigate natural hazard risks for residents. These findings highlight the complex interplay between conservation policies, landscape diversity, biodiversity, and human vulnerability in protected areas.
Historic Centre of Siena
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2017 —
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The Palio of Siena is identified as the principal modern expression of Sienese civil religion, encapsulating the city's historic memory and distinctive civilization. This festival, occurring twice annually, uniquely blends variety with sameness, change with continuity, serving as both a psychological and topographical center for Siena. Following the fall of the independent Sienese Republic in 1555, the Campo became a focal point for introspective self-consciousness, reflecting the city's enduring cultural identity.
Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System as a Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy
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2017 —
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The UNESCO World Heritage listing of Bali's Cultural Landscape, recognizing the Subak system as a manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, has led to significant 'awkward engagements' on the ground. These challenges include uncontrolled development, disputes over benefit allocation, and governance issues, which stem from the gulf between global World Heritage standards and local community needs. Through ethnographic study, the research highlights how local agencies, left to manage the site independently, face complex problems that undermine the intended benefits of heritage recognition. The findings underscore the unintended consequences of such listings when local contexts are not adequately considered in implementation.
City of Safranbolu
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2017 —
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University students' perceptions highlight the need for strategic urban planning to preserve the distinct cultural landscapes of Bartın, Amasra, and Safranbolu. The study found that while these cities—key stops on Turkey’s Western Black Sea cultural tourism route—retain unique historical and aesthetic qualities, rapid urbanization poses risks. Students identified the Bartın River as a defining feature but noted its need for flood-resistant redesign; Amasra’s peninsula location offers visual variety, yet new constructions disrupt its protected area coherence. Safranbolu’s traditional houses and saffron cultivation contribute to its cultural identity, though green spaces are lacking. The research underscores that aligning urban design with local heritage is crucial for sustaining these landscapes' sustainability and appeal.
Ogasawara Islands
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2017 —
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A deep earthquake (Mw 7.9) beneath the Ogasawara Islands, occurring at an unusual depth of 680 km, produced strong ground motion across Japan with distinct low-frequency characteristics unlike typical subducting slab earthquakes. Unlike conventional deep earthquakes that generate high-frequency waves guided by the Pacific slab, this event primarily radiated low-frequency S wave pulses (<1 Hz) and long-period signals (<0.1 Hz), resulting in significant shaking at regional distances (1,000–2,000 km). Numerical simulations revealed that these low-frequency waves originated from direct S waves and SV-to-P conversions at the free surface, forming a shear-coupled PL wave reinforced by continuous S wave input. The weak high-frequency slab-guided signal was attributed to the earthquake's exceptional depth, outside the main subducting slab, highlighting the unique seismic behavior of very deep earthquakes.
Venice and its Lagoon
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2017 —
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A strategic program for Venice could successfully integrate conservation requirements with accessibility improvements, addressing the unique challenges posed by its historical urban fabric and UNESCO World Heritage status. The study evaluates current national and regional regulations alongside Inclusive Design principles to identify strategies that enhance mobility and usability, particularly for bridges, which are currently limited in accessibility due to their stepped nature. By analyzing existing solutions like the 'stepped ramp' and new accessible ramps for the Venice Marathon, the research aims to transition from mechanical devices to specific architectural projects that guarantee autonomy while preserving historical integrity.
Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape
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2017 —
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Pergamon (Bergama), Turkey, achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014 as a multi-layered cultural landscape, highlighting successful urban and archaeological conservation efforts spanning from 1992 to 2014. The study reveals that while such achievements are possible through coordinated policies by central and local governments, they come at the cost of time, financial resources, and potential loss in historical areas, particularly Ottoman houses and open archaeological sites. It also underscores persistent challenges faced by Turkey's urban and archaeological sites, including lack of public awareness, insufficient funding, and administrative inefficiencies. The research focuses on the conservation policies implemented by key authorities such as the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Environment, Bergama Municipality, and the General Directorate of Vakiflar, providing a case study for effective heritage management.
Seventeenth-Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht
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2017 —
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Urban cultural heritage, serving as both a local and global common, faces significant challenges in preservation amid rapid urbanization. This study evaluates the effectiveness of existing UNESCO conventions—specifically those protecting World Cultural and Natural Heritage and Intangible Cultural Heritage—in safeguarding urban heritage, finding them largely inadequate for modern contexts. A new approach, the 2011 Recommendation on Historic Urban Landscape (HUL), is analyzed through case studies, revealing successful applications in Amsterdam, Ballarat, and Cuenca, while highlighting failures in Stockholm, Hong Kong, and Macau. The research proposes a governance framework for sustainable urban development, emphasizing heritage's role in identity formation and collective memory. It concludes that a new UNESCO convention may be necessary to address contemporary urban heritage challenges.
The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement
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2017 —
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Le Corbusier's urban planning principles, rooted in praxeological and system knowledge, revolutionized modern city construction by emphasizing geometric forms, regularity, and repetition. His designs, though criticized for centralization, prioritized individual welfare through functional yet emotionally resonant built environments. The study analyzes his efficient design process, revealing a multidisciplinary approach that synthesized social, industrial, and economic aspects. These innovative concepts remain influential, serving as foundational models for contemporary virtual city planning. Le Corbusier's work demonstrates the methodological link between theoretical research and practical production, underscoring urban planning as a complex synthesis of diverse factors.
Historic Areas of Istanbul
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2017 —
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Urban transformation and gentrification in Istanbul's historic districts, including Fener-Balat and Süleymaniye—both UNESCO World Heritage Sites—have disrupted the relationship between symbolic capital and collective memory, threatening cultural heritage. The study reveals that neoliberal urbanization processes have led to the instrumentalization of urban space, prioritizing market-based trajectories over alternative paths, and have contributed to phenomena such as urban alienation and cultural uprooting. This shift has also transformed collective consciousness based on historicity, moving towards a post-emotional socialization stage where culture is mediatized and expressed in packaged socio-spatial practices. The research analyzes the socio-spatial impacts of gentrification and the unregulated dynamics of Neo-Ottomanist approaches in urban renewal, highlighting the risks to human-centered democratic communities and polyphonic cultural constituents.
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 vibrations from modern transport systems pose a significant threat to the aesthetic integrity of cultural heritage sites, even when structural damage is absent. A study on Rome's Temple of Minerva Medica and Catacomb of Priscilla revealed that ambient vibration monitoring produced markedly different outcomes for these two monuments, despite their exposure to similar traffic sources. The research, part of the CO.B.RA project, employed non-destructive tests (NDTs) and noncontact investigations to assess damage and structural conditions. Findings highlight the need for tailored sustainability measures for tramways, railways, and road traffic near diverse archaeological assets, emphasizing the importance of objective data in preserving cultural heritage.
Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar
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2017 —
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The destruction of the Mostar Bridge, a UNESCO-listed Ottoman architectural masterpiece and symbol of Bosnian cultural heritage, exemplifies 'urbicide'—the deliberate targeting of monumental structures to erase historical identity. The bridge's significance extended beyond its functional role in trade; it embodied Ottoman colonial influence, religious pluralism, and Bosnian-Islamic urban fabric. As a global tourist icon, its demolition disrupted not only physical infrastructure but also the cultural narrative of Mostar. The study analyzes this destruction through the lens of conservationist Amir Pašić's observations, highlighting how monumental architecture serves as both a tool for colonial control and a marker of cultural resilience.
Saloum Delta
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2017 —
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Successful management of shared resources in the Saloum Delta, Senegal, demonstrates resilience against climate change through collaborative governance. This doctoral research reveals that community-led and mixed-stakeholder organizations—combining local actors, government, and NGOs—facilitate sustainable conservation of fisheries and forestry via negotiated social transactions. The 'connexity socio-institutionnelle' framework, an adaptive strategy rooted in the Niominka community’s history, enables collective action to mitigate climate vulnerabilities while sustaining biodiversity-rich delta ecosystems. Qualitative ethnographic methods, including documentary reviews, observations, and interviews, uncovered diverse discursive and factual materials, analyzed through dimensions of organization, interaction, intentionality, historicity, space, and prospective adaptation. The study underscores the critical role of inter/transdisciplinary approaches in environmental sciences to bridge psychosociological insights with ecological realities.
Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System
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2017 —
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A detailed analysis of carbon emissions from rural tourist accommodation and services at Mount Qingcheng reveals that emissions amount to 30.27 kg CO₂ per person per day, with indirect sources accounting for 74.99% of the total. The study highlights that previous underestimations stemmed from omitting emissions from construction and durable goods production, which contribute significantly (13.08% and 21.58%, respectively). Emissions increase by 1412.08 kg CO₂ for every additional 10,000 yuan in revenue, positioning the tourism industry's carbon footprint between agriculture and processing/manufacturing sectors. The research underscores the importance of tourist consumption behaviors, operational strategies, and infrastructure longevity in shaping emissions, suggesting targeted interventions like behavioral guidance and portfolio optimization to mitigate environmental impact.
Papahānaumokuākea
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2017 —
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A novel application of multivariate control charts reveals that reef fish assemblages in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI), part of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, have remained largely stable over time. However, notable exceptions were detected in 2012 and 2015 at sites in the south region (Nihoa, Mokumanamana, and French Frigate Shoals), where changes in native species abundances exceeded statistical thresholds. These shifts may be linked to low survey site density and limited coral cover, particularly in 2015. The study demonstrates that multivariate control charts, leveraging bootstrapping techniques on species composition data, can effectively monitor large protected areas for ecological disturbances. Future monitoring should incorporate habitat or environmental variables to investigate potential causes when alarms are triggered.
Historic Areas of Istanbul
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2017 —
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Structural steel frames offer a promising solution for enhancing the seismic performance of unreinforced masonry (URM) historical buildings, particularly in earthquake-prone regions like Istanbul. This study demonstrates that attaching internal steel frames to URM walls significantly reduces inter-story drifts and increases lateral stiffness and strength, even in buildings with plan irregularities. The technique preserves the building's historic fabric, avoids architectural space occupation, and allows for easy replacement post-earthquake if minor damage occurs. Applied to a five-story historical masonry building in Istanbul, the proposed method effectively mitigates seismic risks while maintaining structural integrity and cultural heritage.
Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture
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2017 —
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A graphic model has been developed to represent the complex range of cross-cultural interactions in ancient borderlands, addressing challenges faced by archaeologists studying peripheral regions influenced by expansive states or colonial powers. This model captures multiple simultaneous levels of interaction, integrating indigenous perspectives with colonial aspirations. Its utility is demonstrated through research on the early Middle Horizon (ca. A.D. 550–800) in the Moquegua Valley, Peru, a borderland between the Wari and Tiwanaku States, offering new insights into cultural contact dynamics in such settings.
Gondwana Rainforests of Australia
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2017 —
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Automated acoustic monitoring revealed seasonal elevational migration among resident bird species in Australia's Gondwana Rainforests, marking the first comprehensive avian biodiversity survey in the region. This study demonstrated that affordable bioacoustic recorders could efficiently collect large-scale, long-term data on species distributions, migratory patterns, and breeding behaviors—previously challenging to obtain. By analyzing 14 months of continuous recordings along two elevational gradients in northern New South Wales, researchers identified key insights into avian ecology, including the arrival and departure times of migratory species and the reproductive activity of cryptic species. These findings provide critical baseline data for understanding climate change impacts on rainforest avifauna and guiding conservation strategies.
Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
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2017 —
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Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis emerges as a highly sensitive tool for detecting invasive crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Honghe-Hani rice terraces, offering potential to revolutionize pest management strategies. The study found that eDNA sampling from paddy water could reliably detect even low-density crayfish populations—outperforming traditional bottle traps—which missed 32% of infested paddies. Real-time qPCR analysis confirmed the presence of crayfish in all observed cases (100% accuracy) and none in uninfested ones, with eDNA concentrations correlating positively with crayfish counts. While not perfect (one false negative), repeated eDNA sampling proved feasible for tracking invasion fronts and monitoring geographic spread, addressing critical gaps in current farmer-led pesticide applications. This approach could enhance regional control efforts by enabling early detection of small, cryptic populations before they cause structural damage to terraces or rice yields.
Arslantepe Mound
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2017 —
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Laser scanning technology has proven highly effective in analyzing the complex, ever-changing structures of mud-brick architecture at Arslantepe Mound, a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate in eastern Turkey. This study demonstrates that laser scanning can provide extremely accurate measurements and structural monitoring over time, addressing the challenges posed by the irregular designs typical of such ancient buildings. The research, conducted on the Palatial Complex dating back to the 4th millennium BCE, offers valuable insights into the architectural evolution and condition assessment of these monumental structures, aiding in their preservation and interpretation.
K’gari (Fraser Island)
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2017 —
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Aversive conditioning shows promise as a non-lethal alternative to lethal control for managing aggressive dingo behavior on K’gari (Fraser Island), reducing risks to human safety. The study reviews eight experimental approaches, including electric fencing, chemical repellents, and fear-evoking stimuli, with some—like exclusion fencing and personal protection tools—offering effective mitigation. However, methods such as conditioned taste aversion are deemed ineffective. While not a universal solution, aversive conditioning provides a viable gap-filling strategy in dingo management.
Prambanan Temple Compounds
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2017 —
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Aerial photography using quadcopters achieves high accuracy in capturing spatial data for cultural heritage sites, with orthophoto maps of the Ijo Temple Complex (Prambanan, Indonesia) demonstrating 99.73% horizontal and 98.62% vertical accuracy at a scale of 1:1,400. This method, employing Bundle Block Adjustment to process images into mosaic form, offers efficient, cost-effective documentation for small areas with detailed resolution (1.64 cm). The study highlights the potential of UAVs in heritage conservation, providing rapid data acquisition that surpasses traditional methods while maintaining precision.
Prambanan Temple Compounds
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A novel solution for drainage control at the Prambanan Temple Compounds involves the use of porous paving blocks made from volcanic materials, specifically bantak and Merapi volcanic ash. These blocks, with an optimal mixture containing 30% volcanic ash, demonstrate superior permeability compared to traditional paving blocks and soil, with a coefficient of 1.93 cm/s—8 times faster than normal blocks and 18 times faster than the temple's current soil. This innovation effectively eliminates ponding during rainfall, reducing runoff levels by up to 81.6% and preventing water accumulation entirely due to their permeability exceeding local rainfall intensity (1.5×10⁻³ cm/s). Additionally, these blocks exhibit a strength capacity of 6.05 MPa, supporting forklift loads up to 9 tons, ensuring durability in high-traffic areas.
Amiens Cathedral
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2017 —
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Graphical thrust line analysis emerges as the most appropriate method for studying pier buttresses in historic masonry structures, such as Amiens Cathedral, challenging the widespread misuse of continuous modeling techniques like photoelasticity and finite element methods. This study demonstrates that discontinuous approaches—specifically discrete element methods and graphical thrust line analysis—more accurately reflect the physical behavior of unreinforced masonry, resolving longstanding debates about structural stability, including the placement of pinnacles. By comparing results from two prior continuous models with new discontinuous analyses, the research validates graphical thrust line analysis as a reliable tool for assessing historic structures while questioning the validity of continuous methods in such contexts.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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Research confirms the Calakmul–Laguna de Terminos corridor as a critical pathway for jaguar movement in southeastern Mexico, validating its role in maintaining connectivity between two key conservation units. Using camera traps across four sections of the corridor from 2012 to 2014, scientists captured 106 jaguar images, including resident individuals and females, in three sections. While no single jaguar was recorded moving between sections, the presence of multiple residents suggests the corridor facilitates population stability. The study recommends integrating portions of this corridor into existing conservation units to strengthen regional strategies. However, further research is needed to document long-distance movement among sections to fully confirm its functionality.
Quebrada de Humahuaca
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2017 —
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A significant surge in real estate values in Tilcara, Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina, has been driven by the rapid growth of tourism over the past decade. This study identifies how tourism expansion has not only inflated property prices but also reshaped land use and urban habitat conditions, deepening socio-spatial segregation within the town. Researchers analyzed land prices and usage patterns through surveys and data collection, revealing substantial transformations in the area's landscape and social dynamics.
Seventeenth-Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht
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A key insight from this study is the identification of the former Vrije Gemeente building, now Paradiso, as a pivotal urban artifact in Amsterdam's Singelgracht area. Its strategic location and architectural transformations reflect significant shifts in cultural, social, and musical landscapes over 125 years. The research employs a chronological approach to analyze the building's evolution, focusing on its role as a transitional element between major urban structures like Leidseplein and Weteringschans, while also examining its adaptive changes to serve as a modern pop venue. This study highlights how architectural adaptations and urban planning intersect with cultural identity, offering a nuanced perspective on Amsterdam's heritage.
Millenary Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma and its Natural Environment
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Bálint Varga's 'The Monumental Nation' reveals how late 19th-century Hungarian nationalism sought to assert Magyar dominance through monumental statues across the kingdom, symbolizing the Árpád conquest and state doctrine. The study highlights the multi-ethnic tensions in Habsburg Hungary, where monuments like those at Pannonhalma Benedictine Abbey and Munkács Castle were strategically placed to reinforce nationalist narratives while facing competing local interpretations. Varga's analysis, based on multilingual sources, demonstrates that national integration efforts were most effective in monoglot Hungarian regions, offering a nuanced view of symbolic politics during the fin-de-siècle period.
Wet Tropics of Queensland
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A significant shift in trade wind direction from southeast to east has been identified along the northeastern Queensland coast, with increasing trends in trade wind inversion (TWI) frequency and modest increases in inversion base height, particularly in subtropical regions. This variability is closely linked to the subtropical ridge (STR), influencing rainfall patterns during the wet season (November–March). While the Madden-Julian oscillation (MJO) strongly affects intraseasonal rainfall variability across most regions except the northern Queensland region (NQL), NQL exhibits a notable relationship between warm rain precipitation features and MJO phases. Interannual rainfall variability is primarily driven by El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), with stronger associations observed during the wet season. The study also reveals that trade winds dominate daily rainfall in the Wet Tropics, contributing nearly half of total rainfall annually and approximately 40% during the wet season. No significant trends were found in the frequency of rainfall clusters.
Saint Catherine Area
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A study on the ground beetle <em>Anthia sexmaculata</em> in Egypt reveals distinct morphometric differences among populations across three ecogeographical regions: the Western Mediterranean Coastal Desert (WMCD), the Western Desert, and South Sinai. Using multivariate analysis, including cluster and discriminant analysis, researchers identified 21 key morphometric traits that clearly differentiate these populations, with the first two discriminant axes accounting for 99.9% of the variation. Notably, the South Sinai population exhibits unique morphological characteristics compared to other Egyptian populations, suggesting significant regional adaptation or speciation. The study employed an eyepiece micrometer for precise measurements and utilized multiple discriminant analysis (MDA) to quantify these differences, providing insights into the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of this carabid beetle species.
Vatnajökull National Park - Dynamic Nature of Fire and Ice
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Vatnajökull National Park, established in 2008 and encompassing Europe's largest ice cap and Iceland's highest mountain, presents a unique glacial landscape shaped by climate-induced changes. The park, accessible within five hours from Reykjavik, showcases an unparalleled array of glacial and fluvio-glacial landforms, offering a comprehensive guide to these dynamic features. Author David J.A. Evans provides a detailed exploration through maps, diagrams, tabulated data, and striking color photographs, which not only serve scientific purposes but also stand as artistic representations of the landscape's grandeur. This publication serves as an exceptional resource, surpassing typical textbooks in its depth and visual appeal.
Cape Floral Region Protected Areas
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In the aseasonal, fire-prone fynbos shrubland of South Africa's Cape Floral Region, fire season does not significantly impact proteoid recruitment, unlike in Mediterranean-climate shrublands. The study found that factors such as species type, pre-fire parent density, and post-fire vegetation age were more influential than fire timing or rainfall. While germination occurred primarily during cooler months, summer plantings took longer, indicating limited drought-avoiding dormancy. This flexibility in proteoid recruitment suggests that fire management can be adapted without seasonal restrictions, unlike in winter-rainfall shrublands.
Bam and its Cultural Landscape
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Arg-e-Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iran, stands as a rare global example of red clay architecture, rebuilt after its near-complete destruction by the 2003 Bam earthquake using ancient local techniques. This reconstruction process, supported by international cooperation since the site's 2004 recognition, highlights the resilience and sustainability of vernacular earthen construction methods. The study, presented at SOStierra 2017, underscores the significance of preserving and reviving traditional building practices for both cultural heritage conservation and environmental sustainability.
Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls
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A groundbreaking historical analysis of Victoria Falls reveals how the site was central to British colonial imagination and strategic planning in Southern Africa. The study challenges conventional narratives by uncovering new insights into the political, economic, and cultural dimensions of British colonialism's engagement with the falls. Unlike previous works that focused on natural or tourist aspects, this research employs a critical examination of archival records, travelogues, and colonial policy documents to demonstrate Victoria Falls' pivotal role in shaping colonial identities and territorial ambitions. The findings underscore the site's significance beyond its natural wonders, highlighting its symbolic and material importance in the colonial project.
Site of Palmyra
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Post-conflict heritage conservation and reconstruction of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Palmyra, are not merely technical processes but also strategic political acts. This study reveals how the Russian Federation leverages these efforts to manipulate the cultural biography of heritage objects, highlighting their role in broader geopolitical narratives. Using extensive ethnographic research, it demonstrates that conservation and reconstruction are pivotal moments in shaping the future of war-torn heritage, offering new insights into the intersection of culture, politics, and violence.
Namib Sand Sea
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Researchers uncovered evidence suggesting that viruses may have been transported from the Atlantic Ocean into the Namib Desert, potentially via fog and wind. This hypothesis emerged from phylogenetic analyses of circovirus-like proteins and scaffold network analysis of a virome dataset from a copper-rich site in the Namib Sand Sea. The study also highlighted the importance of strict data filtering and advanced biocomputational methods for accurate viral genome assembly and annotation, demonstrating that CLC-Workbench outperformed other assemblers in reconstructing large scaffolds and handling excessive read coverage.
Historic Cairo
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2017 —
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Current virtual heritage platforms often focus on precise digital models of historic structures, overlooking the human and cultural dimensions that make heritage relatable. This study addresses this gap by integrating a 'cultural feed' into virtual heritage environments (VHE), aiming to enhance thematic interactivity and public engagement. Through fieldwork in Islamic Cairo with five start-up entrepreneurs, the research develops a conceptual and practical framework for VHE platforms, emphasizing their potential as tools for research, education, and public recognition of historic spaces. The approach combines advanced digital modeling with cultural content, moving beyond photorealistic gaming systems to create more immersive and meaningful experiences.
Historic Cairo
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2017 —
WHE3DCE4F2D6F
Historic Cairo's Islamic water system, shaped by the Nile's westward shift and the relocation of Egypt's capital away from the river, has been reconstructed through a virtual reality model. This innovative approach captures both the tangible infrastructure—such as intake towers—and intangible historical narratives, including the strategic decisions of sultans like al-Naser Mohamed and al-Ghoury. The study leverages chronicles and surviving structures to create a realistic digital representation, offering new insights into the evolution and challenges of Islamic water management in Egypt.
Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne
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2017 —
WHEC1BC99A047
Simon, the Viscount of Béziers and Carcassonne, distinguished himself by acquiring his southern French territories through conquest rather than inheritance, contrasting with the traditional Trencavel lineage. His rule was marked by a deliberate departure from local traditions, justified ideologically as a correction of deficient Christian governance. Simon's governance strategy combined military prowess with strategic patronage, including the co-optation of native lords and burghers, respect for urban autonomy, and generous support for local bishops and Cistercian houses. His implementation of reformist policies, encapsulated in the Statutes of Pamiers, balanced ideological demands with practical realities, earning him a dynamic rather than dogmatic approach to governance. This study highlights Simon's nuanced leadership, which mitigated opposition while advancing his reform agenda, offering insights into medieval governance and the interplay between tradition and innovation.
