Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
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2016 —
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Tourism communities in the UNESCO-listed Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces exhibit heightened sensitivity to disaster risks, particularly drought, while also demonstrating greater resilience and adaptive enthusiasm compared to non-tourism communities. A participatory GIS-based field survey revealed that tourism communities recognize a more complex landscape—comprising forests, villages, terraces, and rivers—as vulnerable to hazards, unlike non-tourism communities which primarily focus on terraces and villages. These findings suggest that the multifunctional and enhanced value of terraces in tourism contexts amplify spatial hazard impacts. The study proposes a 'Pressure-State-Response' conceptual model to frame these dynamics, offering insights into how heritage systems can balance risk perception with sustainable development.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park
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2016 —
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A collaborative governance model significantly improved the management effectiveness of Hin Nam No National Protected Area in Lao PDR, with a 13% increase in two years. The approach involved five key building blocks: participatory governance assessment, multi-level collaborative management, participatory zonation based on traditional knowledge and customary rights, drafting collaborative governance agreements, and engaging local people as additional management manpower. This model demonstrates potential for replication across Lao PDR's often under-managed 'paper park system,' though further work is needed to ensure adaptive management and sustainable financing.
Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture
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2016 —
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After the collapse of the Tiwanaku state around AD 1000, populations in the south-central Andes dispersed from large urban centers to smaller villages, a pattern often associated with social fragmentation. This study reveals that despite such dispersal, communities could rebuild cohesion through collective ceremonial practices. Unlike during the height of state control, these rituals were performed in open, accessible spaces, reinforcing shared ancestry while rejecting elite authority. The research suggests that community solidarity was maintained not by replicating hierarchical structures but by adapting long-standing ritual behaviors to new social contexts.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
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2016 —
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Red deer (Cervus elaphus) on the Outer Hebrides and Orkney likely originated from long-distance maritime introductions by Neolithic humans, rather than natural colonization or migration from mainland Scotland, Ireland, or Norway. This finding, derived from ancient DNA analysis of deer samples across Scottish islands and the mainland, challenges assumptions about Neolithic seafaring capabilities and human-wildlife interactions. The study reveals common genetic haplotypes between the Outer Hebrides and Orkney, suggesting shared ancestry or gene flow, while also confirming Ireland's role as a source for deer introductions into the Inner Hebrides. These insights shed light on the processes shaping the distribution of Britain's largest indigenous land mammal and provide evidence for sophisticated Neolithic maritime travel.
Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas
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2016 —
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Combining endangered plants and animals as surrogates yields the most effective strategy for identifying priority conservation areas (PCAs) in Yunnan, China. This approach outperforms using either plants or animals alone, with plant-animal priority areas (PAPAs) providing optimal protection for both groups. PAPAs also align with critical biogeographical regions and represent overall species diversity patterns, suggesting 14 urgent conservation units. The study used the Dobson algorithm under three scenarios—endangered plants, endangered animals, or both—to assess surrogacy values at 75% and 100% conservation levels. At 100%, PAPAs form three connected conservation belts, offering a blueprint for optimizing Yunnan’s protected area system.
Venice and its Lagoon
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2016 —
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Ground displacement patterns in the Po River Delta and Venice Lagoon, Italy, exhibit significant variability, with subsidence rates ranging from 0 mm/yr to -35 mm/yr. This study combines L-band Short-Baseline SAR Interferometry (SBAS) and X-band Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) using COSMO-SkyMed and ALOS-PALSAR satellite data, respectively, to accurately measure ground movements in both urban and natural environments. The methodology leverages the high-resolution capabilities of PSI for built-up areas while utilizing SBAS to effectively capture displacements in vegetated and wet zones. Calibrated with GPS records, this approach provides a comprehensive assessment of subsidence, enhancing the understanding of both natural and anthropogenic processes contributing to land sinking.
Site of Palmyra
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2016 —
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A groundbreaking approach demonstrates that public domain touristic imagery, when combined with professional panoramic images, can yield highly accurate and detailed 3D reconstructions of destroyed cultural heritage sites. Focusing on the Bel Temple in Palmyra—a first-century AD religious structure uniquely designed and devastated by ISIS in 2015—researchers achieved precise reconstructions using state-of-the-art dense image matching software. The study reveals that while public domain images alone provide a useful but fragmented model, integrating them with spherical panoramas (captured in 2010) significantly enhances accuracy and completeness. This method addresses challenges like uncalibrated imagery and wide baselines, offering a cost-effective yet robust solution for documenting and preserving at-risk heritage sites.
Angkor
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2016 —
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Integrating statistical tools with ecological assessments reveals distinct biodeterioration patterns (BPs) on stone temples at Angkor, Cambodia, offering deeper insights than either method alone. This study demonstrates that combining qualitative observations with quantitative analysis identifies unique colonization dynamics driven by environmental variability across four Khmer temples. The findings underscore the value of multidisciplinary approaches in conservation science, enabling more precise and effective strategies to mitigate biodeterioration—a critical threat to cultural heritage materials exposed outdoors.
Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
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2016 —
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Aeolian Islands' wine producers face significant challenges in developing wine tourism, primarily due to limited marketing expertise, insufficient manpower, and lack of stakeholder cooperation. This study reveals that despite the potential synergy between wine production and tourism, small-scale enterprises in the region struggle with implementing effective strategies. The research employed surveys, interviews, and field observations to gather insights from suppliers, highlighting a critical gap in tourism management skills and coordination among stakeholders.
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
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2016 —
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A rare medieval insight reveals how letters were read to high-ranking individuals in the 12th century, specifically at Mont-Saint-Michel. The study analyzes a passage from 'Roman du Mont Saint-Michel,' a verse text by Guillaume de Saint-Pair, a monk of the abbey. It describes a formal Latin letter, likely a papal document on parchment, delivered and read aloud by a chaplain to Richard I of Normandy. The chaplain meticulously unrolled, examined, and recited the letter's content in French, demonstrating precise translation skills without error. This provides an unprecedented glimpse into medieval epistolary practices, offering detailed evidence of how official correspondence was handled and interpreted during this period.
Ningaloo Coast
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2016 —
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Local community involvement in the Ningaloo Coast's World Heritage nomination process revealed mixed perceptions, with support for designation overshadowed by controversy. Key concerns included political and social dominance, mistrust, misinformation, and perceived unfairness, influenced by past government actions. The study highlights challenges in participatory governance, questioning how local communities can effectively engage in such processes for globally significant coastal regions.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
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2016 —
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A study comparing shallow reef-area fish communities in Fernando de Noronha archipelago, Brazil, found that no-take marine protected areas (MPAs) significantly enhance fish diversity, richness, density of larger species, and biomass—nearly double that of regular MPAs. The research analyzed 140 visual censuses across seven sites with varying protection levels, recording 50 species from 27 families. Differences in ichthyofauna were primarily attributed to protection intensity rather than habitat structure, suggesting the National Marine Park of Fernando de Noronha effectively sustains healthy and diverse fish communities. This underscores the critical role of stringent MPA management in conserving marine biodiversity.
Central Zone of the Town of Angra do Heroismo in the Azores
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2016 —
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Macaronesia, comprising the Azores, Canarias, Cabo Verde, and Madeira, has emerged as a pivotal region for advancing our understanding of island ecosystems. This study highlights how research conducted in Macaronesia has significantly shaped global perspectives on biogeography and conservation. The Island Biology Interest Group (IBIG) organized a symposium during the 'Island Biology 2016' conference in Angra do Heroismo, Terceira, Azores, to synthesize past and present investigations from this region. By contextualizing Macaronesian studies within broader island biogeography frameworks, the symposium aimed to bridge gaps between local research and global ecological insights. This approach underscores the region's unique contributions to the field, offering critical lessons for conservation strategies.
Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago
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2016 —
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Biodiesel derived from Roselle-Tung oil shows promise as a more environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum diesel for cruise boats in Ha Long Bay, according to a study comparing their environmental impacts. The research found that biodiesel spills have significantly lower toxicity and degradation risks compared to conventional diesel, particularly in marine ecosystems like those in the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago. By analyzing blending options and assessing ecological effects, the study provides critical insights for policy-making regarding fuel use in sensitive coastal areas. The approach involved laboratory experiments and field assessments to quantify differences in pollution persistence and biological impact between biodiesel blends and petroleum diesel.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2016 —
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Tropical Con Dao Island, Vietnam, harbors more oil-degrading filamentous fungi (ODF) with higher temperature resistance compared to subtropical Iriomote Island, Japan. The study isolated 23 ODF from sediment and water samples across both islands, revealing that while Iriomote had higher fungal counts in sediments, Con Dao's isolates demonstrated superior survival at elevated temperatures (42°C). Notably, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Trichoderma species from Con Dao exhibited robust oil-degradation potential under tropical conditions, contrasting with Iriomote's less heat-tolerant ODF. This suggests tropical environments may better support ODF adapted to higher temperatures, offering insights for bioremediation strategies in subtropical and tropical coastal ecosystems.
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes
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2016 —
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Garlic cultivated in volcanic ash soil on Jeju Island exhibits distinct chemical properties compared to nonvolcanic ash soil, with higher electrical conductivity and available sulfur content in volcanic soils. This study found that the southern ecotype garlic cultivar 'Namdo' grown in volcanic ash soil had elevated levels of soluble solids and allicin, while 'Daeseo' showed increased reducing sugar content. Nonvolcanic ash soil for 'Namdo' garlic was characterized by higher available phosphorus. The research compared soil chemical properties and garlic components across both soil types, revealing that potassium was the predominant macronutrient in Jeju-grown garlic, followed by sulfur, magnesium, calcium, and sodium. Micronutrients included iron, zinc, manganese, and copper. These findings provide valuable insights for high-quality garlic production, particularly for farmers targeting premium garlic cultivation.
Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park
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2016 —
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Oophaga poison frogs, native to the Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves and La Amistad National Park, exhibit complex niche divergence patterns that have driven their speciation. The study reveals that these frogs originated in Central America before dispersing into South America post-Panama Isthmus closure, with both clades converging on similar geographical distributions and climatic niches. Sister taxa within each clade display parapatric distributions along elevational gradients, suggesting divergence along continuous ecological gradients. The research used multi-locus gene genealogies, species phylogenetic methods (MDC and *beast), and environmental niche modeling to reconstruct their phylogeny and test the role of geographical isolation, climatic niche divergence, and altitudinal gradients. Notably, significant shifts in climatic niches were observed post-dating the final elevation of the Talamanca Range and northern Andes, indicating that speciation along structured landscapes has been a primary evolutionary force.
Lower Valley of the Omo
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2016 —
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The construction of the Gibe III dam and associated agricultural development in the Omo River Basin is projected to drastically reduce river flow and eliminate annual floods, critical for the survival of half a million residents in the lower Omo basin and Lake Turkana region. This would devastate natural resource systems, including grazing lands, flood recession agriculture, and fishing habitats, while exacerbating political repression and displacement of villagers for large-scale commercial farming. Concurrently, pastoralists and fishers along Kenya’s Lake Turkana shoreline face economic collapse due to lake level drops, leading to food insecurity, disease, and potential armed conflict over dwindling resources. The study highlights the severe social and environmental consequences of such development, emphasizing the need for urgent policy intervention.
The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
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2016 —
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The Jantar Mantar observatory complex in Jaipur, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II around 1720, represents a pioneering fusion of Hindu astronomical traditions with contemporary European and Islamic scientific knowledge. Constructed as part of a broader network of observatories across India, it integrated advanced instrumentation for precise celestial measurements, including the development of specialized instruments like the samrat yantra and jai prashna yantra. Jai Singh's approach involved assembling a diverse team of astronomers—Hindu pundits, Muslim scholars, and Jesuit experts—to synthesize global scientific advancements, such as Ulugh Beg’s star catalogues from Samarkand. His efforts also included sending delegations to Lisbon for cutting-edge knowledge and dispatching observers to distant islands for empirical data collection. This interdisciplinary collaboration and the observatory's design reflect a sophisticated blend of traditional Indian astronomical practices with emerging global scientific trends, underscoring its significance as both a technological achievement and a cultural milestone in the 18th-century East India Company world.
Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains
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2016 —
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Public confidence in grassroots-level institutions for natural hazards management is limited due to resource and power constraints, with notable differences between urban and rural China. While residents of Wolong, a remote village near the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, recognize the role of these institutions in fostering community connections, their urban counterparts in Tianjin remain skeptical. This disparity may be attributed to issues of solidarity. The study, conducted through semistructured interviews, highlights the implications for state-society cooperation and disaster risk comanagement in both urban and rural settings.
Modernist Kaunas: Architecture of Optimism, 1919-1939
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2016 —
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A comprehensive mapping of heritage values in Kaunas' Naujamiestis area reveals significant discrepancies between official designations and the expectations of the local heritage community. While 45 buildings are marked with European Heritage Labels (EHL) and aspirations exist for UNESCO World Heritage status, these labels often do not align with the daily experiences or perceived significance of the heritage community. The study emphasizes that value definition in such complex urban landscapes must be research-driven, aiming to integrate official criteria with grassroots perspectives. This approach is particularly crucial for 20th-century heritage, where buildings are deeply embedded in contemporary life. The findings stem from a comparative analysis of institutional and community-based valuation instruments, underscoring the need for inclusive, evidence-based frameworks in heritage conservation.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2016 —
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A study on the APA de Cairuçu, Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, reveals significant socioenvironmental conflicts stemming from its overlapping management with other conservation units. These conflicts are exacerbated by the zoning proposed in the Management Plan, particularly in insular areas, and arise due to the duplication of regulatory frameworks across overlapping territories. The research combines bibliographic reviews with extensive social dialogues through fieldwork, providing insights into the challenges of managing such complex ecological corridors.
Historic Centre of Évora
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2016 —
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A key insight from the Congress Internacional SocyHume, held at the University of Évora in 2016, highlights the significant role of masonry in shaping historical and cultural heritage. The event, organized by CIDEHUS (Centro Interdisciplinar de História, Culturas e Sociedades), featured six presentations that delved into the intersection of sociability and masonry, offering a nuanced perspective on its impact on heritage preservation. This interdisciplinary approach combined historical analysis with cultural studies to explore how masonic traditions have influenced societal structures and heritage conservation in Latin America and the Caribbean. The congress served as a platform for scholars to examine these themes, contributing to broader discussions on the intangible and tangible aspects of cultural heritage.
Wet Tropics of Queensland
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2016 —
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Aboriginal people's connections within the Wet Tropics of Queensland were not limited to its rainforest boundaries, contrary to popular belief. This study reveals that rock art motifs, such as decorated shields and painted anthropomorphs/zoomorphs, suggest cultural exchanges extending beyond the region, challenging the notion of the rainforest as a distinct 'cultural zone.' Researchers analyzed rock art assemblages in the Wet Tropics and compared them with those from other North Queensland regions, identifying similarities that imply multifaceted interactions. The study also highlights how the proclamation of the Wet Tropics as a UNESCO World Heritage Site has shaped non-Aboriginal perceptions, potentially oversimplifying Aboriginal historical connections.
Wadden Sea
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2016 —
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A robust consensus habitat suitability model for intertidal seagrass in the Wadden Sea identifies highly suitable areas where seagrass meadows can establish and persist, offering critical support for conservation planning. The study used 17 years of seagrass survey data from the northern Wadden Sea, combined with high-resolution hydrodynamics and geomorphology models, to train five machine learning approaches. Spatial cross-validation ensured model transferability, while consensus modeling improved prediction accuracy. The model distinguished unsuitable, marginal, and suitable habitats across the entire international Wadden Sea, though unaccounted factors limit seagrass development in the southern region. This approach sets monitoring priorities and provides scientific underpinnings for effective conservation strategies in a dynamic landscape.
Cape Floral Region Protected Areas
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2016 —
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A six-year demographic study of the Critically Endangered orchid Disa procera, known from just 50 individuals at a single location, reveals that its population is larger than previously thought and occurs across two distinct sites. The species exhibits high interannual variation in population size and individual turnover, suggesting a short lifespan, yet still meets the criteria for Critically Endangered status. Management insights include avoiding physical damage during its growing season (September–January) and implementing prescribed fire at 10–25-year intervals outside this period. High fruit set rates (68%) indicate no current pollination limitation, but patchy distribution hints at potential dispersal or recruitment constraints. Recommendations emphasize continued protection, monitoring, and further research on pollination, habitat requirements, and mycorrhizal associates.
Everglades National Park
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2016 —
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Everglades National Park's creation in 1947 was shaped by a confluence of Sun Belt environmentalism and conservative politics, reflecting Florida's strategic pivot toward tourism and a modern identity. The study reveals that Spessard L. Holland, a pro-business, states' rights advocate, championed the park to leverage its natural beauty for economic growth while rebranding Florida as a progressive, scientifically-minded state. This transformation was driven by three key motivations: maximizing economic benefits from tourism, capitalizing on growing public appreciation for exotic ecosystems, and reshaping Florida's identity away from its racist past toward a forward-looking, conservationist image. The research approach combines historical analysis with political and economic contextualization, illustrating the complex interplay between environmentalism and conservatism in post-war Southern development.
Sydney Opera House
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2016 —
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A systematic review of the Sydney Opera House's concrete roof pedestals, or 'socks,' reveals evolving approaches to diagnosis and treatment, transitioning from repair-focused strategies to conservation-oriented methods. The study examines the efficacy of various diagnostic tools and therapies applied over the structure's lifespan, highlighting gaps in knowledge that require attention for long-term preservation. It also delves into the underlying structural condition by analyzing efforts to investigate and repair one component of this iconic landmark. Notably, deterioration was reidentified in 2007-2008, prompting further testing and treatment, underscoring the dynamic nature of conservation strategies.
Gordion
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2016 —
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The Midas Tomb chamber complex at Gordion, Turkey, stands as the earliest known standing wooden building globally. This unique timber structure, measuring 5.15 m by 6.20 m—nearly twice the size of the second-largest excavated wooden tomb at Gordion—relies on corner joinery and lateral earth pressure for stability. To prevent structural damage, archaeologists implemented a stabilization strategy involving three wooden posts to support the beams, addressing the challenge of removing lateral earth pressure without compromising the structure's integrity. This conservation effort, analyzed from a structural engineering perspective, highlights innovative approaches to preserving ancient timber architecture while maintaining its historical significance.
Ichkeul National Park
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2016 —
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The World Heritage Convention has been instrumental in advancing nature conservation through policy development and practical experience, with Ichkeul National Park serving as a case study for effective monitoring and management. The chapter highlights how informal and systematic reporting, the use of Danger listings, and international assistance have evolved to support the conservation of World Heritage Sites. Key conferences established UNESCO's leading role in natural heritage conservation within the United Nations system, while the Convention provided a framework for developing principles and tools of good practice.
Australian Convict Sites
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2016 —
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Fremantle Prison, Australia's only World Heritage-listed convict-era prison, predominantly focuses its tourism narratives on male inmates, overlooking the significant history of female incarceration. This study highlights a critical gap in historical interpretation at such sites, emphasizing the under-researched experiences of women in Australian prisons from the convict era to the twentieth century. While feminist scholars have contributed valuable insights, mainstream narratives continue to neglect this aspect, perpetuating a gendered discourse that marginalizes women's criminal history. The research employs qualitative methods, drawing on existing scholarship to expose these omissions and advocate for more inclusive historical representation in prison tourism.
Fujian <em>Tulou</em>
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2016 —
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A systematic approach to evaluating non-World Heritage Fujian tulou in Pinghe County, Fujian Province, has been developed using the analytic-hierarchy process (AHP), expert-scoring methods, and matrix calculations. This study identifies key factors such as value, location, and material conditions to assess these structures, which are culturally significant but lack recognition and funding compared to UNESCO-listed tulou. The research provides a framework for repurposing and conserving Pinghe tulou through targeted renovations, exemplified by case studies from Jiufeng town. By addressing structural deterioration and promoting functional repositioning, this methodology offers a model for preserving Fujian's architectural heritage beyond UNESCO-designated sites.
Chaco Culture
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2016 —
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A reevaluation of the extensive, straight roadways in Chaco Canyon suggests they were designed for rolling timbers to construction sites, challenging the long-held assumption that logs were carried manually. The study examines the feasibility and efficiency of rolling techniques, supported by comparisons with similar practices in other regions, arguing that this method warrants greater consideration than previously accorded.
Beaches of the D-Day Landings, Normandy, 1944
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2016 —
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A study of the D-Day landing sites in Normandy reveals how experience engineering is employed to shape visitor interactions, aligning with Holt’s 1995 model of symbolic consumption. The research identifies four key metaphors—Experience, Integration, Play, and Classification—that frame these interactions, demonstrating the widespread and nuanced techniques used by site managers and curators. While the approach effectively captures the staged authenticity at these sites, it also highlights inconsistencies in how stakeholders present historical narratives, prompting further reflection on the implications of such practices.
Bisotun
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2016 —
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A typo-technological analysis of lithic assemblages from Ghar-e Khar Cave, Bisotun, Iran, reveals a sequence of changes and continuity in core reduction strategies and tool production spanning the Late Middle Paleolithic to Epipaleolithic periods. The study, based on artifacts stored in the National Museum of Iran and Montreal University, examines the transition between the Middle and Upper Paleolithic eras in the Zagros region. However, the current data is insufficient to confirm or reject the hypothesis of a gradual transition, leaving this question unresolved.
Archaeological Site of Atapuerca
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2016 —
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A demographic discontinuity likely occurred between late Early Pleistocene and early Middle Pleistocene populations in Europe, as suggested by mandibular fossil evidence from four key sites: Gran Dolina-TD6-2 (Atapuerca), Mauer, Arago, and Atapuerca-Sima de los Huesos. While hybridization cannot be ruled out, some features of the Gran Dolina-TD6 hominins hint at a possible connection to later European populations, challenging the discontinuity model. The study analyzed derived mandibular traits and integrated archaeological and paleoenvironmental data to reconstruct the ecological context. This research sheds light on population dynamics during a critical period in human evolution, offering new insights into the settlement patterns of early Europeans.
Yosemite National Park
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2016 —
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A study using Landsat satellite imagery from 1985 to 2012 reveals that low-severity wildfires significantly impact montane meadow vegetation in Yosemite National Park. Following the 1996 Ackerson Fire, burned meadows exhibited lower normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values and negative trends during dormant seasons compared to unburned areas, suggesting prolonged recovery effects on evergreen vegetation. The research leveraged Google Earth Engine for image processing to detect subtle fire impacts over a 28-year period, demonstrating the potential of satellite data for monitoring ecological changes in protected landscapes.
Namib Sand Sea
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2016 —
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A new near-coastal background site in the Namib Desert, established for greenhouse gas (GHG) and atmospheric oxygen observations, reveals significant seasonal and synoptic-scale variability in GHG concentrations. The study found that continental air masses influenced by biomass burning during the fire season (peaking in September) led to notable anomalies in carbon monoxide and methane levels. Additionally, top-down estimates of air-sea fluxes for CO₂, O₂, CH₄, N₂O, and CO from the Benguela Current region showed substantial methane release, suggesting a large sedimentary source in Walvis Bay, while CO₂ and oxygen fluxes were substantial but likely unaccounted for in current budgets. The research utilized semi-automated, continuous measurements of multiple GHGs and atmospheric oxygen, employing advanced spectrometers and differential fuel cell analyzers, with data validated through atmospheric transport analysis and shipboard measurements.
Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems
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2016 —
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A groundbreaking study reveals that unicellular diazotrophic cyanobacteria (UCYN-C) significantly contribute to zooplankton nitrogen biomass through direct grazing, marking the first evidence of such a pathway. Conducted during the VAHINE mesocosm experiment in New Caledonia's oligotrophic lagoon, researchers deployed large-scale mesocosms to stimulate diazotroph production and track its impact on zooplankton. Using isotopic mixing models and 15N2 labeling, they found that UCYN-C-derived nitrogen accounted for up to 73% of zooplankton biomass in one mesocosm, while other diazotrophs like het-1 and Trichodesmium relied more on secondary pathways. The study highlights the dual role of UCYN-C in the lagoon's food web, providing critical insights into nitrogen cycling in low-nutrient tropical ecosystems.
Moravian Church Settlements
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Reverend Johannes Jacobus Ulster's tenure as the first indigenous minister and mayor of the Moravian Mission Station, Elim (1965-1974), marked a transformative period for the mission. His leadership significantly stabilized the station by addressing long-standing conflicts, enhancing spiritual welfare through adherence to the Moravian motto 'Our Lamb has conquered, let us follow Him,' and initiating sustainable socio-cultural and community development projects. These contributions are widely regarded as a 'golden period' in Elim's history, leaving a lasting impact on its spiritual and socio-educational infrastructure. This historic literature review synthesizes Ulster's role within the local mission context and the broader Moravian Church, highlighting his pivotal influence on the station's stability and development.
Anticosti
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2016 —
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White-tailed deer on Anticosti Island exhibit significant digestive plasticity, enabling them to sustain high population densities despite harsh forage conditions. These deer show increased ruminal volume and digesta load (43% and 62%, respectively), greater absorption surface of ruminal papillae, and larger relative mass of forestomachs compared to mainland counterparts. Despite similar digestibility of woody forage, faster kinetic digestion may occur in Anticosti Island deer. This study highlights the adaptive role of digestive plasticity in coping with low-quality diets, providing insights into how populations adapt to dietary challenges.
Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu
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2016 —
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, the Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu, Shandong Province, China, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Confucian thought. This study revisits the historic site, contrasting its serene present with its tumultuous past, particularly during the Cultural Revolution when efforts were made to desecrate Confucius' memory. The research delves into the significance of this site, not only as a cultural and historical landmark but also as a repository of political thought that has influenced Chinese society for millennia. By exploring the architectural and spiritual dimensions of the temple complex, the study sheds light on its role in preserving and disseminating Confucian values.
Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia
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2016 —
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A novel representation model for rock-cave architecture, combining contour lines and chromatic codes, offers a breakthrough in visualizing the complex geometric and spatial relationships of rupestrian settlements. This approach transforms traditional orthogonal projections into synthetic drawings that effectively convey hidden features of Cappadocia's cave architecture, addressing long-standing challenges in surveying such structures. The method leverages laser scanning for precise geometric registration but introduces manual chromatic coding to enhance interpretability. Developed specifically for Cappadocia's unique rupestrian habitat, this model bridges the gap between automated data capture and human comprehension of intricate architectural forms.
Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing
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Urban parks, such as the Temple of Heaven Park (THP) in Beijing, exhibit a robust cooling effect that stabilizes when urban heat island (UHI) intensities remain within a defined range but becomes unstable beyond this threshold. This 'enhanced cooling effect' is characterized by stronger nighttime cooling rates and may be influenced by water coverage. The study analyzed THP alongside five other park-district pairs, revealing quasi-linear changes in UHII differences as surrounding district UHII increases. These findings suggest that urban parks play a significant but context-dependent role in mitigating urban heat, offering insights for sustainable urban planning.
Papahānaumokuākea
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2016 —
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Standardized protocols for monitoring reef fish populations are established to support long-term ecological assessments and conservation efforts in the Pacific. The document provides detailed guidelines for training, sampling, and data entry under the Pacific Reef Assessment and Monitoring Program (Pacific RAMP), led by the Coral Reef Ecosystem Program (CREP). These procedures apply across 40 sites in the Hawaiian Archipelago, Mariana Archipelago, American Samoa, and remote Pacific Islands. Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) surveys employ stratified random sampling to evaluate reef fish populations and benthic habitats, ensuring consistency and comparability in data collection. The protocols aim to inform ecosystem management and policy decisions for UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
Shahr-i Sokhta
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2016 —
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Analysis of stone flagons from Shahr-i Sokhta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iran, reveals they contained diverse cosmetic mixtures. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) identified mineral phases—both natural and possibly synthetic—that produced green, blue, and white pigments. The study traces the evolution of these vessels over time, noting morphological changes and their geographical spread. A key discovery is the use of perforated stone caps, likely employed to apply cosmetic powders using bird feathers, challenging previous interpretations as lids or spindle whorls. The research also highlights the economic significance of cosmetology in this ancient civilization.
Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh / Naracoorte)
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A groundbreaking study reveals that the extinct leaf-nosed bats from Riversleigh, Australia, do not represent an endemic Australian radiation. Using 2D geometric morphometrics and phylogenetic analysis, researchers analyzed cranial shape variation in 21 extant and fossil species to classify unallocated fossils within Hipposideridae and Rhinonycteridae families. The study found that fossil species are distributed throughout the phylogenetic tree, with some sharing close relationships with non-Australian taxa. Key findings include the assignment of six Riversleigh Miocene species to Rhinonycteridae and two to Hipposideridae, while also supporting the classification of a French fossil as part of Hipposideros. This research provides insights into the evolutionary history and cranial shape evolution of these bats.
Historic City of Ahmadabad
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2016 —
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A comprehensive cultural heritage inventory for the historic city of Ahmadabad, India, serves as a critical tool for conservation and urban management. This inventory, covering 543 hectares with over 6,000 properties, highlights the importance of integrating built heritage assets with their surrounding context to ensure effective preservation. The study demonstrates that traditional field surveys, combined with digital data management systems using CAD, GIS, and other platforms, can efficiently capture and assess heritage resources while maintaining cost and time efficiency. Although currently limited to monitoring listed properties, the potential for broader urban planning applications is significant once fully integrated into city management systems.
Ujung Kulon National Park
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2016 —
WHE9062882738
A novel approach to integrating creative tourism with ecotourism is explored through a study conducted at Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia. The research reveals that creative tourism can enhance the ecotourism experience by offering innovative activities that engage tourists while preserving the park's natural and cultural heritage. This study provides preliminary evidence of the interrelationship between these two tourism typologies, using questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions to gather insights from stakeholders. Unlike previous studies that primarily focused on cultural or heritage-based creative tourism, this work highlights its potential in ecotourism contexts, contributing to sustainable tourism practices in protected areas.
Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House)
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2016 —
WHEF975DC67F4
Early twentieth-century modernist housing designs, including the Rietveld-Schröder House by Gerrit Rietveld, challenge traditional architectural thresholds to foster physical, sensory, and psychological support for individuals with disabilities. This study compares three iconic houses—the Darwin D. Martin House (Frank Lloyd Wright), Villa Savoye (Le Corbusier), and Rietveld-Schröder House—to demonstrate how innovative threshold spaces can promote social integration and redefine domestic environments. By erasing conventional boundaries, these designs offer new paradigms for accessible living that prioritize freedom and inclusivity.
