St Kilda
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2016 —
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Research on Soay sheep (Ovis aries) from the UNESCO-listed St Kilda archipelago reveals limited exposure to viral and bacterial pathogens, despite their long isolation. Analysis of 42 sheep showed that nearly half (50%) harboured ovine herpesvirus 2 (OHV-2). A broader study of 750 plasma samples collected between 1997 and 2010 found evidence of Leptospira spp. exposure in 6.5% of cases, while no serological signs were detected for border disease, parainfluenza, maedi-visna, orf viruses, or Chlamydia abortus. Some sheep showed antibodies against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), though confirmation was lacking due to missing faecal samples. The study suggests that pathogen importation and local transmission dynamics warrant further investigation to understand the ecological and fitness impacts on this unmanaged population.
Namhansanseong
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2016 —
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A factor analysis of deterioration in Namhansanseong Yeojang reveals that breakage due to freezing and thawing is the predominant cause of damage. The study employed non-destructive evaluation techniques to measure directional microclimate, aiming to identify weathering factors contributing to the degradation of these structures. By analyzing environmental conditions, the research provides critical insights for conservation management, suggesting a conservation calendar based on weather patterns and damage factors to mitigate deterioration effectively.
Stone Town of Zanzibar
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2016 —
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Conservation of built heritage, such as the Stone Town of Zanzibar, is driven by both cognitive and affective factors. A study combining the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) with Affection-Based Attachment Theory (AT) found that attitudes toward conservation, perceived social pressure, perceived control over conservation, and emotional attachment to heritage all significantly influence local residents' intentions to conserve built heritage in Tanzania. Structural Equation Modeling analysis of cross-sectional questionnaire data from three historic towns—Stone Town, Kilwa Kivinje, and Pangani—supported the integration of TPB with AT as a robust framework for understanding conservation behavior. This approach highlights that effective heritage conservation strategies must address both rational cognitive processes and emotional connections to heritage.
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
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2016 —
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Residents' perceptions of tourism development vary significantly between rural and urban World Heritage Sites (WHSs), with economic gain and community involvement playing distinct roles depending on the context. A study comparing the rural Lenggong and urban George Town WHSs in Malaysia found that while these factors have a stronger influence in rural areas, community attachment and environmental attitudes do not differ significantly between the two settings. Using advanced statistical methods like partial least squares–structural equation modeling, researchers analyzed survey data to reveal these differences, offering valuable insights for local authorities managing tourism development. This work highlights the nuanced relationship between tourism impacts and resident perceptions in developing-world heritage contexts.
Town of Luang Prabang
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2016 —
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Luang Prabang Province, Northern Laos, experienced a significant increase in forest cover from 12.8% in the early 2000s to 32.8% by 2010, an annual growth of 2.8%. This recovery is attributed to socioeconomic development, which reduced rural poverty and shifted agricultural practices toward market-oriented production. The study, comparing Luang Prabang with Huaphanh Province (where forest cover declined), used qualitative and comparative analysis of secondary data. It found that economic growth, urbanization, and improved infrastructure led to decreased subsistence farming, allowing vegetation to regenerate on abandoned lands. This challenges traditional forest transition theory by demonstrating rapid recovery over a short period.
Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex
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2016 —
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Researchers have developed comprehensive failure surfaces for common brickwork settings used in historical masonry structures, providing critical insights into the mechanical behavior of ancient constructions. The study focuses on the Roman brick setting and Herringbone arrangements, prevalent in historical vaulted constructions like those found in Tabriz Bazaar. Using a micro-modeling approach with the Distinct Element Method, the research numerically modeled the discrete medium of brickwork units, accounting for geometric and physical nonlinearities, as well as discontinuities between bricks and mortar. The findings reveal that failure in masonry cannot be simply defined by principal stresses alone; instead, it requires consideration of a third variable, such as the angle θ between principal stress axes and material axes. This study offers a robust graphical representation of failure surfaces in terms of full stress components (σx, σy, τxy) or principal stresses and θ, enhancing our understanding of the complex fracturing mechanisms in masonry materials.
Archaeological Site of Volubilis
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2016 —
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A comparative petrographic analysis of Roman mosaic tesserae from Volubilis and Lixus, two significant archaeological sites in Morocco, reveals distinct mineralogical characteristics that provide insights into the provenance and movement of building materials across North Africa and the Mediterranean. The study identifies the petrographic nature of the rocks used in these mosaics, offering crucial data on their mechanical properties, weathering patterns, and origins. This research contributes to understanding ancient material trade networks and informs conservation strategies for heritage sites by guiding professionals in restoration interventions.
Historic Centre of Florence
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2016 —
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Florence's fashion industry significantly enhances the city's global attractiveness, shaping its image as a premier fashion destination. A 2015 study revealed that tourists and fashion consumers perceive Florence not just as a historic site but as a hub for luxury shopping, with its reputation influencing travel decisions. The research, conducted via surveys along Via Tornabuoni—a renowned luxury street—highlighted how fashion branding strengthens local businesses while boosting the city's competitive edge. Findings suggest that leveraging Florence's fashion identity could further propel its economic and cultural standing, offering strategic insights for both city marketers and fashion brands.
Fatehpur Sikri
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2016 —
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Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 37 km from Agra, reveals significant historical insights into the transition of architectural styles during the medieval period. The site demonstrates how Islamic architecture incorporated materials and remnants from Hindu temples, particularly evident in two mosques within the village of Sikri. These structures, dating back to the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, provide a clear example of cultural syncretism and the blending of architectural traditions following the Turk occupation in 1196. The study highlights the historical layers of the region, from its uninhabited state before Akbar's time to its subsequent development under Turk control.
Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra
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2016 —
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Rural settlements in Albania, particularly in the Gjirokastra region, have undergone significant transformations due to rural migration and administrative reforms. The study highlights that about 58% of the country's population resides in rural areas, with these settlements exhibiting dynamic changes influenced by natural, political, socio-economic factors over historical periods. The research emphasizes the role of geography in providing critical spatial and temporal data for sustainable rural development, supporting decision-making institutions. The Gjirokastra region serves as a case study illustrating how administrative divisions and post-1989 reforms have reshaped the network of rural settlements, impacting their number, size, and functions.
Yellowstone National Park
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2016 —
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A nonnative apex predator, the Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush), significantly altered competitive interactions and trophic dynamics in Yellowstone Lake by driving the collapse of the native Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri) population. This study reveals that as Lake Trout abundance increased, both species shifted their diets to rely more on benthic amphipods, leading to greater trophic similarity between them. Initially, Lake Trout preyed heavily on Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, but with the decline of this native species, they turned to amphipods—a resource that became increasingly contested. The research used diet analysis and stable isotope signatures from 2011–2013 to document these shifts, highlighting how invasive predators can restructure ecosystems and compete with native species for limited resources.
Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs)
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2016 —
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Research identifies three distinct fen associations and three spring associations in the western Pamir-Alai Mountains, Tajikistan, contributing to the classification of alpine and high-montane wetland ecosystems. These communities—Caricetum pseudofoetidae, Allietum fedtschenkoani, Eleocharido quinqueflorae-Primuletum iljinskii (fens), and Epilobio tianschanici-Bryetum schleicheri, Clementsietum semenovii, Codonopsideto clematidi-Cortusetum turkestanicae (springs)—were analyzed using phytosociological methods over six field campaigns (2008–2013, 2015). The study proposes new alliances for Middle Asian fens and springs, linking them to environmental factors like electrolyte levels, altitude, and soil pH. This work advances the understanding of high-altitude wetland biodiversity in Tajikistan's UNESCO-listed Tajik National Park.
Costiera Amalfitana
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2016 —
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A numerical model successfully predicted the propagation and deposition of pumiceous debris flows (DFs) on the Amalfi Coast, Italy, demonstrating its potential for risk assessment in similar contexts. The study employed cost-effective techniques—terrestrial laser scanning and UAV photogrammetry—to survey pre- and post-event topography, enabling precise estimation of DF volumes, peak flow depths, and deposit depths. Using a depth-averaged propagation model (FLATModel), the researchers calibrated the simulation with both Voellmy and Coulomb friction resistance laws, achieving strong agreement between predicted and observed deposits. This approach offers a practical tool for forecasting run-out distances in steep channels, critical for mitigating risks to infrastructure like the busy road overtopped by frequent DFs.
Gordion
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2016 —
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Recent fieldwork at Gordion, Turkey, uncovered substantial Iron Age fortifications and clarified the city's urban layout. Excavations on the Citadel Mound revealed a massive Early Phrygian glacis (ninth century B.C.E.) with a stepped terrace wall over 2.5 meters high, supporting a fortified wall nearly 3 meters wide. Additional Middle and Late Phrygian fortifications were also discovered, along with a new citadel gateway. Remote sensing further mapped Gordion's residential districts—Lower Town and Outer Town—revealing defensive structures like fortification walls and ditches, as well as a large western fort. Conservation efforts preserved notable features, including the Terrace Building Complex, a pebble mosaic floor from Megaron 2, and the Early Phrygian Gate Complex, one of the best-preserved in Iron Age Asia Minor.
The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes
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2016 —
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Recent research on the figurative art of the Loire Valley (1470–1600) reveals a dynamic, interconnected artistic ecosystem that challenges traditional notions of regional schools. Using digital humanities tools, projects like ARVIVA and Sculpture 3D have uncovered new relationships between artists, patrons, and social networks in Tours during the Renaissance. By expanding the study period and leveraging augmented reality for masterpiece analysis, the research provides deeper insights into artistic evolution, patronage dynamics, and previously overlooked works. This approach redefines our understanding of Loire Valley art as a 'foyer'—a vibrant hub rather than a isolated school—and offers interactive visualizations to enhance scholarly analysis.
Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae
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2016 —
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Research reveals that monumental Greek sculptures from the 5th and 4th centuries BC, including those from the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae, served as iconographic prototypes for decorative elements on Scythian scabbards and gorytos (shield covers) from the same period. The study identifies consistent patterns in how these motifs were adapted, such as maintaining character roles, circumstances, and affiliations with Greeks or barbarians, while allowing for creative reinterpretation by craftsmen. Notably, the same iconography was used to depict Amazons on monumental sculptures and male figures on toreutic (metalwork) pieces, suggesting a flexible yet structured approach to artistic representation. Additionally, the research highlights that Scythian patrons' attitudes toward nudity influenced the treatment of figurative images, providing insight into cultural exchange and adaptation in ancient art.
Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains
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2016 —
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A groundbreaking approach using multiple terrestrial laser scanners (TLS) achieves unprecedented accuracy—within 3 mm—in surveying and 3D modeling of ancient wooden architecture, even in challenging, steep terrains like the Wudang Mountains. This method overcomes traditional limitations such as mutual sheltering and scanning view restrictions by integrating three-level TLS with scalable measurement capabilities. The study introduces a multi-scale data fusion technique for precise registration and filtering of complex architectural structures, enabling the generation of detailed drawings (plans, facades, sections) and 3D models. These advancements facilitate deformation analysis and digital preservation, setting a new standard for high-precision documentation of heritage sites.
Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt
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2016 —
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A notable exploration of the Darmstadt Artists' Colony on Mathildenhöhe reveals its significance as both a cultural and architectural milestone. The study highlights how the colony, founded in 1901, aimed to create an entire town that would redefine artistic and urban living through innovative design and craftsmanship. By focusing on the integration of art and architecture—particularly through the use of masonry—the colony became a pioneering example of modernist thought, blending functionality with aesthetic innovation. The research approach combines historical analysis with architectural study, emphasizing the colony's enduring influence on UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Mathildenhöhe.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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2016 —
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A groundbreaking study provides the first direct evidence of natal wintering ground fidelity and estimates juvenile survival rates in New Zealand's southern right whale population. Researchers used DNA profiling of skin biopsy samples to track individual whales from their year of birth, documenting their return to the Subantarctic Auckland Islands over multiple years. Fifteen out of 57 whales initially sampled were recaptured during winter surveys between 1995-2009, including four individuals aged 9 to 11 years, with two females first identified as calves in 1998 and later seen with their own calves in 2007. The study estimates high annual juvenile survival rates ranging from 0.87 to 0.95, using Cormack-Jolly-Seber models to analyze discrete age classes and continuous age functions. This method offers a robust approach for long-term demographic and genetic monitoring, particularly useful for species like southern right whales that undergo significant physical changes over time.
Manú National Park
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2016 —
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Researchers document the first detailed nesting biology of Gould's Inca (Coeligena torquata omissa), a highland Andean hummingbird, within Manu National Park, Peru. The study reveals unique adaptations for breeding at altitudes of 2,200–3,000 meters, including rapid nest warming in cold mornings and high attentiveness to incubation, with the focal bird making up to 27 morning trips per day. Nests were found to be small, mossy cup structures lined with red fern scales, placed higher than previously observed for this species. The study also highlights differences in egg size and nest substrate compared to other Gould's Inca subspecies, while confirming similarities in nesting strategies.
Archipiélago de Revillagigedo
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2016 —
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A whitetip reef shark, Triaenodon obesus, was documented for the first time along the western Mexican mainland coast near Jalisco, extending its known range from the Revillagigedo Archipelago and Baja California. Observed resting in a cave at 4.5 meters depth during an exploratory dive on February 18, 2015, the specimen's identification was confirmed through photographs and videos. This discovery suggests a probable dispersal route from the Revillagigedo Archipelago to Baja California, followed by a southward movement along coastal areas from Sinaloa to Jalisco, supported by recent reports in southern Nayarit.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
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Researchers have confirmed the presence of the reef manta ray (<em>Manta alfredi</em>) in the Bohol Sea, Philippines, marking its first recorded occurrence in the country. This discovery extends the known range of the species over 600 km eastward from the Sulu Sea to the Visayas region, challenging previous assumptions about its distribution. The study relied on photographic evidence from boat-based surveys and a fishery specimen, despite anecdotal reports from the diving industry and long-standing targeted fisheries for mobulid rays in the Philippines. The findings underscore the need for improved conservation strategies, particularly in regions with active manta ray fisheries, to address potential threats to the species' population.
Lut Desert
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A first-of-its-kind discovery of Quaternary mammals has been made in the Qalehjough area of Iran's Lut Desert, offering critical insights into the region's prehistoric biodiversity. The study, led by researchers from Iran and Spain, identified fossilized remains of large mammals such as elephants, rhinoceroses, and equids, providing evidence of a once-rich ecosystem in this arid landscape. The team employed stratigraphic analysis and comparative morphometry to date the fossils to the Quaternary period, contributing to our understanding of environmental changes during this era. This finding underscores the Lut Desert's significance as a paleoecological hotspot and its potential as a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate.
Sian Ka'an
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2016 —
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Research at Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve reveals distinct functional group structures in fish communities, varying between permanent and temporary pools as well as dry and wet seasons. Six functional groups were identified based on food acquisition and locomotion traits, with two showing high redundancy and three represented by unique species. During the dry season, permanent pools exhibited lower functional richness and diversity but higher evenness, suggesting environmental filtering. Conversely, the wet season demonstrated niche complementarity across habitats, indicating dynamic shifts in ecological functioning driven by seasonal changes.
Wet Tropics of Queensland
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2016 —
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Floodplain lagoons in the Wet Tropics of Queensland serve as critical yet threatened habitats for fish, playing a pivotal role in the recruitment and life cycles of 15 native species. This study reveals that these lagoons support both freshwater-resident species and those requiring saline habitats for larval development, with their connectivity to rivers, proximity to the coast, and flood dynamics significantly influencing fish abundance, population structure, and recruitment patterns. The research highlights three distinct ecological strategies among fish species: small opportunists like <em>Melanotaenia splendida</em>, which thrive in wet and post-wet seasons; an equilibrium species, <em>Glossamia aprion</em>; and larger periodic strategists such as neosilurid catfishes. To sustain these essential functions, maintaining natural seasonal flow patterns and protecting lagoons from riparian and land-use disturbances is imperative.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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2016 —
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Researchers have identified five new species of Corybas orchids endemic to New Zealand, distinguished from the Corybas trilobus aggregate through morphometric and DNA fingerprinting (AFLP) analyses. These species—C. confusus, C. obscurus, C. sanctigeorgianus, C. vitreus, and C. wallii—exhibit low genetic divergence, suggesting recent diversification despite their morphological and ecological diversity. The study also reveals multiple dispersal events from New Zealand to offshore and sub-Antarctic islands, contributing new insights into the phylogeny of the Nematoceras clade.
Škocjan Caves
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2016 —
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A study of the physico-chemical properties of waters in the Škocjan Caves region, Slovenia, reveals distinct connections between underground water systems. The research shows that dolomitic water from the Cerkniščica primarily flows into the Rak river and Rakov Škocjan valley, while springs like Kotliči indicate links to Svinjska jama cave and Mala Karlovica. Low water levels in the Rak river at its swallowhole are dominated by Kotliči waters with a Ca/Mg ratio of around 3.5, dropping to 2.2 during the lowest levels when only Cerkniščica sinks into Svinjska jama. High water levels introduce a mixture from both Rak and Kotliči, raising the Ca/Mg ratio to about 4. Influxes from Pivka Valley and poorly conductive parts of Javorniki are marked by higher Ca/Mg ratios (around 5) and increased pollution indicators. The complexity of this system leaves several unanswered questions, highlighting the need for further research.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
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A detailed analysis of flaked lithic artefacts from Neolithic sites around the Bay of Firth, Orkney, reveals significant insights into the development and organization of Neolithic house societies. The study identifies distinct patterns in stone tool production and use, suggesting specialized craftsmanship and social structures within these early communities. Researchers employed a combination of typological analysis, contextual studies, and comparative methods to examine artefacts from multiple sites, uncovering evidence of technological innovation and cultural exchange. This work contributes to understanding the complex societal dynamics of Neolithic Orkney.
Historic Centre of Florence
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A devastating flood in Florence, Italy, in 1966 highlighted the severe threats natural hazards pose to cultural heritage. A recent study quantifies these risks for Florence, where 46 of its 176 officially classified cultural buildings may be affected by a 100-year recurrence interval flood, increasing to 126 for a 200-year event—comparable in magnitude to the 1966 disaster. Beyond physical structures, countless ancient manuscripts, paintings, sculptures, and art objects face potential damage. The study presents a preliminary risk assessment for selected damage categories and discusses mitigation strategies, emphasizing the need for better quantification of losses to stimulate public debate and protection measures. This research underscores Europe's vulnerability as a leader in World Heritage Cities exposed to high flood risks, where the irreplaceable value of cultural assets demands urgent attention.
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
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2016 —
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A comprehensive survey of Niti Valley, a cold arid region within the extended buffer zone of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in the Western Himalaya, has identified 495 vascular plant species across 267 genera and 73 families. This study significantly expands the known flora of the reserve by adding 167 species to the existing record of 801, highlighting Niti Valley's role as a transitional zone between the Trans and Greater Himalaya. The survey, conducted from 2011 to 2014, revealed that Asteraceae was the most diverse family (58 species), followed by Poaceae, Lamiaceae, Fabaceae, Brassicaceae, and Rosaceae. This research provides critical insights into the botanical richness of this understudied region, contributing valuable data for conservation efforts in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
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The core zones of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR) in Mexico harbor a rich and diverse flora, with 694 plant species identified across three core areas: Cerro Altamirano, Cerro Pelón, and Chincua-Campanario-Chivati. Notably, about 38% of these species are endemic to Mexico, underscoring the region's unique biodiversity. The study, conducted between 2000 and 2006, found that forests dominated by Quercus and Abies exhibited the highest species diversity, while herbaceous plants were the predominant growth form (ca. 75%). High beta diversity values (Jaccard index 0.03 to 0.11) indicated significant floristic variation among the core zones, with over half of the documented species (66.3%) found exclusively in one zone. These findings highlight the complementary nature of the core zones for plant conservation and emphasize their importance as critical habitats for migrating Monarch butterfly populations.
City of Cuzco
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High-altitude Polylepis forests in the Cordillera del Vilcanota (Peru) harbor unique biodiversity, including specialist species and high endemism levels. However, these ecosystems face severe anthropogenic threats such as deforestation for fuel and construction, along with overgrazing, making them one of the most vulnerable habitats in the Andes. A recent study by Servat et al. (2016) addresses critical knowledge gaps by documenting flora and fauna across four understudied Polylepis forest localities: Sacsamonte, Yanacocha, Pumahuanca, and Queuñamonte. The research catalogs 144 angiosperm species, 68 bird species (including nine with conservation priority), seven reptiles/amphibians (one of which is rare), and eight mammal species. This contribution to the 'Proyecto Queñual' aims to inform targeted conservation strategies for these fragile Andean ecosystems.
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
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2016 —
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A rare crepuscular pollination system was identified in the Brazilian endemic plant Mouriri guianensis, where flowering peaks at twilight to evade less effective daytime pollinators. The study observed that bees, particularly Megalopta amoena and Xylocopa cearensis, exhibit buzz pollination behavior, with M. amoena using its jaws to access anthers. Over 86 bee visits were recorded, with activity concentrated between 5:00 and 6:00 AM. The research highlights the plant's extended anthesis as a strategy to attract specialized pollinators while minimizing interactions with less beneficial visitors.
Comoé National Park
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2016 —
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Researchers discovered that chimpanzees in Comoé National Park, Ivory Coast, employ a specialized tool-use behavior for extracting water from tree holes using brush-tip modified sticks. This 'fluid dipping' technique was observed across multiple age and sex classes and communities, suggesting cultural transmission. The study, conducted over six months during the dry season, analyzed stick tools used for foraging ants, termites, honey, and water, revealing significant differences in tool morphology between water-dipping and honey-dipping tools. Water-dipping tools featured longer and thicker brush-tips. While this behavior was limited to the late dry season despite alternative water sources being available, its widespread presence highlights the chimpanzees' unique behavioral repertoire, underscoring the importance of their conservation.
Okavango Delta
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A study of the Okavango Delta, Botswana, reveals that while flooding and precipitation patterns have shown spatial variability, some local livelihood systems remain rigid in their ability to adapt. This finding underscores the need for detailed research on livelihood dynamics to better support adjustments within socio-ecological systems facing climate change. The research draws from qualitative interviews conducted between 2010 and 2011 in three communities (Etsha 1, Etsha 6, and Etsha 13) to evaluate perceptions of environmental change, particularly regarding precipitation and flooding dynamics. By analyzing social responses to these changes, the study highlights the challenges posed by climate variability in Southern Africa, a region identified as particularly vulnerable to global climate impacts.
Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena
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Cartagena de Indias played a pivotal role as a conciliatory element in the economy of the Viceroyalty of Nueva Granada (1780–1810), facilitating interregional commerce through its strategic fluvial and maritime connections. The port served as a critical hub for trade, linking main ports, cities, and villages while managing diverse goods, taxes, and merchant networks. This study analyzed commercial exchanges by examining the movement of merchandise, tax systems, and the establishment of trade routes, revealing how Cartagena's infrastructure and logistics supported economic cohesion across the region.
Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue
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During the Great War (1914–1918), Budapest's restaurants demonstrated remarkable creativity and innovation in overcoming food shortages, offering rich and diverse wartime menus. This study highlights how historical archives—collecting restaurant menus and civilian/soldier accounts—can enrich war heritage sites by providing authentic, multisensory experiences. By analyzing these resources, researchers uncover the adaptability of wartime gastronomy, a relatively understudied aspect of World War I history. The findings suggest that such archives hold significant potential for educational and commemorative purposes, bridging historical documentation with immersive storytelling.
Complex of Koguryo Tombs
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Mural paintings in the An-Ak Tomb No. 3 of the Koguryo Dynasty reveal distinct differences in food culture between Koguryo and ancient China before the 4th century, particularly in meat storage practices. While Koguryo tombs depict whole carcasses of animals like roe deer, dog, and pig, Chinese murals show a more detailed approach to slaughtering larger animals such as cows and pigs, with separate depictions of body parts. The study highlights the unique representation of food culture through elements like the stove (buttumak), cauldron (sot), and steamer (siru) in Koguryo tomb murals, providing a vivid contrast to Chinese practices.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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A striking shift from locally produced foods to processed items is linked to heightened food insecurity and poor diet quality in both urban and rural areas of Central Brazil, particularly in Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks. The study, using carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios in fingernails alongside food intake data, revealed that diets in these regions exhibit low diversity and rely heavily on low-quality processed foods, exacerbating nutrition insecurity. While both settings face challenges, rural areas experience more pronounced effects. This transition not only impacts health but also raises concerns about environmental sustainability and economic stability.
City of Graz – Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg
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In Brno and Graz, winter PM10 concentrations frequently surpass the EU limit of 50 µg/m³ due to poor air dispersion conditions. This study demonstrates that reliable daily PM10 forecasts can be generated using multiple linear regression and generalized linear models, incorporating both current measurements and next-day meteorological data. Both approaches yield similarly accurate predictions, as assessed by multiple quality measures. These models could inform future regulatory decisions, such as traffic restrictions, by providing actionable short-term air quality insights.
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
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A shift in the portrayal of foreigners is evident in Theban tomb paintings from the early 18th Dynasty (1550–1372 BCE), marking a departure from traditional depictions of chaos. During this period, characterized by heightened international trade and imperial expansion, foreigners are depicted as orderly bearers of tribute, symbolizing wealth and prestige for the tomb owners. This transformation reflects the Egyptian state's ability to impose order on foreign lands while underscoring the tomb owner's capacity to overcome chaos. The study analyzes these new representations, providing insights into the evolving perceptions of foreigners during a pivotal era in ancient Egypt.
Sangay National Park
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Andean brow forests, particularly those within the buffer zone of Sangay National Park in Ecuador, serve as significant carbon sinks, with above-ground biomass carbon content ranging from 30.56 to 182.24 tons per hectare. These variations are closely linked to biodiversity indices, such as Shannon and Simpson, which reflect species richness and evenness. The study identified Melastomataceae, especially the Miconia genus, as a dominant family, comprising nearly 31% of the 518 individuals sampled across 19 species, 18 genera, and 17 families. This finding underscores the potential of these forests to mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration while highlighting their vulnerability. The research employed 12 permanent sampling plots to assess biodiversity and carbon content, providing critical insights for conservation strategies that balance ecosystem services with environmental protection.
Fujian Tulou
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Fujian Tulou, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exhibits diverse architectural forms and structures. A study of Nanjing Tulou in Fujian Province reveals that these earthen buildings can be classified into three distinct types based on their architectural forms, functional layouts, and construction elements: round, square, and deviant forms. This classification provides insight into the adaptive design principles and structural integrity of Tulou, contributing to a deeper understanding of their cultural significance and engineering prowess.
The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape
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A rare Holocene fossiliferous tufa deposit near Mende, Lozère, southern France, provides unprecedented insights into the Atlantic vegetation of the Causses Basin. Radiocarbon dating and geomorphological analysis reveal that this calcite-rich deposit, linked to a karstic hydrological system, formed during the Atlantic period (Holocene). The flora, dominated by angiosperms, includes leaves and reproductive structures from species such as Acer platanoides, Corylus sp., Hedera sp., Salix cf. cinerea, and Tilia cordata. This discovery suggests that while Pinus-dominated forests and oak groves likely thrived in the northern part of the basin during this period, valleys were locally inhabited by diversified wet angiosperm-dominated forests. The study enhances our limited understanding of Atlantic floras in the region.
Studley Royal Park including the Ruins of Fountains Abbey
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Historical analysis of Fountains Abbey reveals the strategic acquisition of Bordley-in-Craven, shedding light on the interplay between Anglo-Scandinavian, Scots, and monastic interests during medieval England. The study leverages surviving manuscripts to reconstruct land transactions omitted in previous published records, offering new insights into monastic expansion and political dynamics. By examining charters and property records, researchers trace the abbey's growth through acquisitions, highlighting its role as a center of economic and social influence. This work contributes to understanding the complex interactions between ethnic groups and religious institutions during the Norman period.
Mogao Caves
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A study on the Mogao Caves reveals that interactions between tourists and site interpreters significantly influence the management and interpretation of archaeological sites, reshaping the 'interaction order' as defined by Erving Goffman. The research analyzes how these encounters frame and reframe the site's experience, highlighting the dynamic relationship between tourists and heritage professionals. By focusing on face-to-face interactions, the study provides insights into the challenges posed by mass tourism to traditional site management practices, offering a nuanced understanding of how heritage sites can be both preserved and interpreted in a way that engages visitors while maintaining academic integrity.
Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din
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2016 —
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Syrian Muslims in the Latin East held nuanced views of the monastic military orders, recognizing their dual nature as both monks and warriors. Contrary to previous assumptions, Arabic sources suggest a deeper understanding among Muslims of the orders' monastic vocation, which added cultural and ideological dimensions to conflicts between Christians and Muslims. The study reveals an apparent paradox: while some sources depict the orders as allies, others portray them as infidels, highlighting the complexity of their perception. Research analyzed Arabic terms for the Hospitallers (isbitāriyya) and Templars (dāwiyya), tracing their etymology to Latin or Old French roots, rather than Syriac origins proposed earlier. This challenges existing scholarship and sheds light on the semantic distinction of these orders from other Franks.
Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage
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2016 —
WHE2E5DF1F806
Fringe belts, extensive low-density areas designated for institutional use, serve as a key morphological element in Rabat's urban landscape, revealing the city's historical boundaries and evolution. This study demonstrates that fringe belt analysis can effectively confirm the Kasbah of Oudayas as the first Islamic urban nucleus in Rabat, addressing the fragmentation concerns raised during its 2012 UNESCO World Heritage nomination. By investigating Rabat's morphological development periods, the research provides a method to understand how fringe belts contribute to identifying historic areas and their cultural significance. This approach offers new perspectives for studying traditional human settlements, aiding practitioners and academics in urban morphology and heritage conservation.
Historic Centre of Naples
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2016 —
WHED57E834823
A rethinking of spatial segregation in southern European cities, particularly Naples' historic centre, reveals that the concept of 'ordinary' better captures exclusionary dynamics than traditional 'southern' or postcolonial frameworks. The study challenges conventional associations between segregation and public space while examining how global issues like migration and cultural heritage reshape urban landscapes. Through long-standing research in Naples, it highlights nuanced patterns of spatial reordering, emphasizing the need to consider both inter- and intra-city exclusionary processes. This approach offers a more inclusive lens for analyzing urban transformations in southern Europe.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
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2016 —
WHE499E139578
This chapter challenges conventional archaeological approaches by advocating for the integration of landscape, architectural, and material culture studies to better understand monumentality. It argues that causewayed enclosures, such as those at Stonehenge and Avebury, should be interpreted not just as physical structures but as 'acts of enclosure' with social and relational significance. The research builds on Jeremy Till's concept of dependent architecture, emphasizing its contingent nature as an opportunity for creative interpretation and future archaeological inquiry. By bridging theoretical divides, the chapter offers a new framework for analyzing monumental sites, highlighting their dynamic relationship with social contexts.
