Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks
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2016 —
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A detailed revision of the early crocodylomorph <em>Trialestes romeri</em> from Argentina's Ischigualasto Formation challenges prior classifications, confirming it as one of the oldest known non-crocodyliform crocodylomorphs. The study resolves debates about its phylogenetic placement and rejects earlier interpretations that suggested a mesotarsal ankle joint or dinosaurian affinities. Using comprehensive phylogenetic analysis, researchers positioned <em>Trialestes</em> within Crocodylomorpha, closer to Crocodyliformes than other early archosaurs like <em>Pseudhesperosuchus</em>. This work clarifies the species' taxonomic status and significance, highlighting it as one of the most complete early crocodylomorphs from the late Triassic period.
Area de Conservación Guanacaste
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2016 —
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A comprehensive revision of the wasp genus Promicrogaster (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) from Costa Rica's Area de Conservación Guanacaste identifies 21 new species and provides a key to all Mesoamerican species. The study reveals that Promicrogaster is predominantly Neotropical, with most species thriving in cloud forests above 1,000 meters. Notably, all verified host records indicate these wasps parasitize caterpillars living deep within plant tissues, though no ACG-specific host data exists. The research restricts the genus to the New World and reclassifies a previously described Indian species as incertae sedis.
Historic Town of Ouro Preto
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2016 —
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Revitalization efforts for Ouro Preto's Horto Botânico and Vale dos Contos, the city's most significant urban green space, have successfully transformed these areas into a public park that enhances tourism, leisure, and environmental engagement. The project restored accessibility and functionality, fostering direct interaction with nature while preserving historical significance. By analyzing the physical, functional, and visual relationships between the park and its surroundings, the study highlights how such interventions can create differentiated options for urban recreation and conservation in UNESCO-listed heritage sites.
National History Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers
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2016 —
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A re-examination of the Haitian Revolution reveals its roots in the covert struggles and vibrant political traditions of enslaved people, challenging conventional narratives that focus solely on military leaders. The study highlights how spiritual practices, provision grounds, marronage, and market networks were pivotal in constructing resistance and social meaning, rather than viewing the revolution as a singular event. By analyzing a revolt around Les Cayes using rich archival sources, including seized mailbags, the research provides unprecedented insights into the mobilization of enslaved people's political power during this formative period.
Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Palace of Galerius
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2016 —
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A comprehensive analysis of late antique palaces and grand villas along the Danube-Balkan region, including Gamzigrad-Romuliana, reveals significant insights into architectural styles, metallurgical practices, and regional trade networks. The study combines archaeological findings from multiple sites, employing advanced techniques such as lead isotope analysis and multi-layered chert sourcing to trace material origins and distribution patterns. Notably, it highlights the sophisticated craftsmanship of Bronze Age copper production in Austria and its widespread influence, as well as the mineralogical features of ancient gold mining in Bulgaria. Additionally, the research explores the role of script in identity formation among ancient peoples, offering a nuanced understanding of cultural dynamics during the Younger Alpine Iron Age.
Brú na Bóinne - Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne
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2016 —
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This study reveals that the Boyne Valley's landscape, rich with archaeological sites and seasonal rhythms, serves as a dynamic repository of human-environmental narratives. It demonstrates how integrating empirical data from geography, archaeology, history, and anthropology—alongside cultural elements like legend, poetry, and music—can transform static museum representations into a living, evolving narrative. The research highlights the significance of combining diverse knowledge systems to understand power relations, identity, and sustainable development in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Brú na Bóinne. By juxtaposing time-slice landscape representations with field observations, the study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in reanimating places and preserving their cultural and ecological heritage.
Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City
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2016 —
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Archaeological evidence from the Lower Yangtze Valley reveals that rice domestication, marked by reduced shattering traits, was already underway around 9000–8400 BP at the Huxi site. Analysis of spikelet bases shows a progression from wild (shattering) to intermediate and non-shattering forms, indicating early human selection for domesticated rice. The findings also suggest that japonica rice (Oryza sativa subsp. japonica), a significant lineage, emerged during this period. Further examination of sites like Kuahuqiao, Tianluoshan, Majiabang, and Liangzhu confirms ongoing selection for non-shattering traits over millennia, highlighting a prolonged domestication process. The study integrates seed, phytolith, and contextual data to trace the transition from wild rice to cultivated forms, providing insights into early agricultural practices in the region.
Rideau Canal
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2016 —
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Rideau Canal serves as both a cultural and historical symbol in Ottawa, Canada. This essay explores the personal connection to the Canal through the lens of ice skating, highlighting its role in shaping individual identity while also reflecting on its broader national significance. The piece delves into the Canal's origins and its enduring appeal, contrasting personal nostalgia with collective heritage. Through vivid storytelling, it examines how local experiences intertwine with larger narratives of national identity, offering a unique perspective on the cultural resonance of this iconic waterway.
Okavango Delta
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2016 —
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A study on the Okavango Delta, Botswana, reveals that Culex pipiens is the dominant mosquito species, accounting for nearly 70% of captures, with its population dynamics significantly influenced by temperature, rainfall, and flooding levels. The research, conducted between 2011 and 2012 using CO₂-baited net traps, identified 32 mosquito species but detected no Rift Valley Fever (RVF) virus in pooled samples. A mechanistic model demonstrated that local rainfall and flooding accurately represented the spatial distribution of Cx. pipiens abundance, with temperature being the primary driver for its global population dynamics. The study suggests that peaks in mosquito abundance, particularly from March to May, could indicate periods of higher RVF risk, providing a basis for targeted surveillance and control strategies.
Brasilia
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2016 —
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A significant portion of the Parque Nacional de Brasília, covering 83% of its area, is at high to very high risk of forest fires, with 3% facing extreme risk. This finding stems from a study that developed a fire risk model using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), incorporating variables such as land use, terrain slope, slope orientation, and road networks. The methodology was validated against recorded fire hotspots in 2010 and successfully replicated in other areas within the Cerrado biome, providing a strategic framework for fire combat planning.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
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2016 —
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A study on Fernando de Noronha Island, Brazil, revealed significantly higher prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep (85.0%) compared to cattle (10.7%), highlighting distinct risk factors for each species. For sheep, contact with felines emerged as a critical risk factor, while cattle showed higher infection rates linked to extensive farming systems, water sources, the presence of more than three cats per farm, and rat infestation in feed storage areas. The research employed indirect immunofluorescence assays on serum samples from all animals across farms, followed by univariate analysis and logistic regression to identify these factors. This study underscores the impact of environmental and management practices on Toxoplasma gondii transmission in insular ruminant populations.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2016 —
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A study identifying critical roadkill hotspots within the Cerrado Protected Areas of Brazil reveals key locations where animal mortality is highest, threatening local fauna, including endangered species like the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), paca (Cuniculus paca), and maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus). The research, conducted from 2012 to 2013 along roads near Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks, documented a mortality rate of 1.46 animals per kilometer per year, with mammals and reptiles accounting for the majority of roadkill cases. Hotspots were linked to natural vegetation remnants and intersections with riparian forests, suggesting these areas are vital crossing points for wildlife. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted mitigation strategies to protect biodiversity in protected regions.
Península Valdés
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2016 —
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Roadside surveys on the Valdés Peninsula, Argentina, revealed lower raptor abundances compared to continental Patagonia, with 9 species recorded across two sampling periods. The most frequently observed were the turkey vulture (<em>Cathartes aura</em>) and chimango caracara (<em>Milvago chimango</em>). Conducted along a 451-km transect in November 2012 and April 2013, this study highlights the peninsula's unique avifauna while underscoring its distinct ecological dynamics. The findings contribute to baseline data for conservation efforts in this UNESCO-listed site.
Western Caucasus
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2016 —
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Robinia pseudoacacia L., commonly known as black locust, does not reduce arboreal species diversity in riparian forests of the Western Caucasus despite its increasing dominance over native tree species. The study, conducted by Akatov et al. (2016), reveals that while R. pseudoacacia is most abundant where native dominants hold a middle-level presence, its proliferation does not negatively impact overall forest diversity. Researchers analyzed distribution, age structure, and population dynamics across the region, finding that most individuals are under 20 years old, suggesting rapid colonization but limited long-term persistence. The study highlights the resilience of riparian forests to invasive species, offering insights into ecological succession and conservation strategies for UNESCO World Heritage Sites like those in the Western Caucasus.
Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia
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2016 —
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A comprehensive exploration of rock mechanics and engineering, 'Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering: From the Past to the Future' presents groundbreaking insights from EUROCK2016, an international symposium held in Cappadocia, Turkey. This collection of 204 accepted papers and eight keynote addresses delves into diverse aspects of rock mechanics, emphasizing future directions in engineering technologies. The contributions span fundamental theories to practical applications, including stability analysis, design methodologies, and the preservation of historical sites like Göreme National Park. Advanced analytical and numerical methods are highlighted, alongside innovative approaches for underground excavations, waste disposal, and carbon dioxide sequestration. The symposium, organized by the Turkish National Society for Rock Mechanics, continues a distinguished European series, offering valuable insights for researchers and professionals in rock mechanics and engineering.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
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2016 —
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Neolithic inhabitants of Orkney exploited or controlled rodents, providing the first evidence for such practices in Europe. Skeletal remains from four locations within and around Skara Brae, a renowned Neolithic site, reveal that rodent bones accumulated due to deliberate human activity. Burnt bones found in household waste deposits suggest rodents were used as a nutritional resource and may have been targeted for early pest control. This study contrasts with previous research focused on recent dietary use of rodents, offering new insights into ancient human-rodent interactions.
Acropolis, Athens
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2016 —
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Two Roman ship graffiti, depicting an unusual oared vessel with a pointed bow and additional sail, were discovered on the interior walls of the Tower of the Winds at the Acropolis of Athens. These graffiti, featuring distinctive elements such as thole pins and a possible multi-sheet sail, offer rare insights into Roman naval architecture and suggest parallels with shipwrecks and representations from Northern Europe, including the Baltic Sea. Unlike known contemporary depictions, these ships lack direct motive parallels, making them significant for understanding maritime design in antiquity.
Škocjan Caves
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2016 —
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Roofless caves, characterized by the absence of a ceiling due to roof collapses, represent a transitional phase in cave development from subterranean systems to surface features like dolines and gorges. This study highlights their polygenetic nature, where glacial erosion during the Pleistocene exposed these remnants, particularly on high-altitude plateaus (2000–2300 m) such as Steinernes Meer and Tennengebirge in the Eastern Calcareous Alps of Salzburg and Central Alps. Franz Kraus's earlier observations are expanded upon, identifying such caves—like Rakov Škocjan—as key examples of this phenomenon. The research emphasizes their significance in understanding karst landscape evolution, with a focus on regions like Hennenkopf, Sandkar, and Hochtor.
Fortress of Suomenlinna
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2016 —
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The construction of Suomenlinna Fortress (Sveaborg) in 18th-century Finland demonstrates how large-scale military investments can foster economic growth by facilitating knowledge and skill transfer between the army and civil society. This study reveals that the fortress's peacetime construction, focusing on brickwork and shipbuilding techniques, introduced innovations later adopted by civilian entrepreneurs. Skilled craftsmen brought to Helsinki trained soldiers in specialized skills, with many transitioning to civilian roles or settling as burghers after the project. Similarly, demobilized soldiers returned home with acquired expertise, creating a bidirectional exchange of technology and knowledge that benefited both sectors. The research highlights the long-term economic impact of such military-civilian interactions during periods of stability.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
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2016 —
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A pilot program integrating digital visualizations into visitor interpretation at Carlsbad Caverns National Park demonstrated significant potential to enhance science literacy and engagement. Rangers reported that tablet-based presentations of research on Brazilian free-tailed bats improved their ability to achieve interpretive goals, particularly in strategic locations like the cave entrance. Visitors responded positively, though challenges remained, suggesting this blended approach warrants further exploration for broader application in science communication at UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Tchogha Zanbil
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2016 —
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Archaeological evidence from Tchogha Zanbil and other Middle Elamite sites reveals sophisticated royal burial rituals, underscoring a profound belief in the afterlife. These ceremonies varied significantly based on social rank, with royal burials involving elaborate brick-built vaulted tombs, distinct from simpler plain or jar burials. The study reconstructs these practices by analyzing excavated remains and linguistic documents, highlighting the cultural significance of burial rites during this period.
Humayun's Tomb, Delhi
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2016 —
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Humayun's Tomb in Delhi employs narrative techniques through architectural design to create visual drama, revealing its protagonist—the tomb's massive white dome—through a dynamic interplay of supporting elements like arches and changing perspectives. The study identifies key rules governing this narrative, such as the alternating revelation and concealment of the dome, framed glimpses of the protagonist, and the gradual unveiling of the mausoleum's grandeur. These techniques generate visual acceleration, enhancing the visitor's experience by rapidly shifting horizontal and vertical angles of vision. While the research relies on observations of the current built environment—lacking documentary evidence of original intent—it establishes design principles for crafting visually engaging spaces in architecture.
Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
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2016 —
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This study identifies sacral signatures—spiritual symbols deeply embedded in Ukrainian culture—as fundamental representations of national identity. It reveals that these signatures, such as those of St. Sophia (wisdom), the Savior (transformation and hope), St. Nicholas (compassion and kindness), and St. George (courage and defense), collectively form a spiritual framework that structures Ukrainian mentality and cultural values. The research demonstrates how these signatures, rooted in historical landmarks like Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and Chernihiv-Siversky region, serve as archetypal symbols that organize ethnocultural space and reflect the gender ambivalence of Ukrainian national psychology. By analyzing architectural and spiritual spaces under these signatures, the study provides a culturological perspective on how they embody Christian values and influence regional identities across Ukraine.
Sado Island Gold Mines
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2016 —
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Sado Island's Oni-Daiko drum performances, a traditional cultural practice involving students and villagers, foster personal growth and community engagement. Conducted annually since 2009 in Toyooka village, the festival begins at a shrine and involves parading through homes before returning to the shrine. Performances occur from early morning to evening, with students showcasing their skills after a week-long lesson. While the practice faces challenges due to population decline, it remains a vital cultural activity aiming for continued preservation. This study highlights the educational and social significance of traditional arts in maintaining cultural heritage amidst demographic changes.
Bagan
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2016 —
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Bagan Archaeological Area, a sprawling cultural landscape covering over 100 km² along the Ayeyarwady River in Myanmar's central dry zone, faces significant threats to its preservation despite renewed efforts for UNESCO World Heritage inscription since 2012. The site, renowned for its 2,500+ ancient Buddhist monuments, intricate water management systems, and exceptional mural paintings, requires an integrated management system to address challenges from uncontrolled development. This study highlights the urgent need for detailed assessments and strategic safeguarding measures to protect Bagan's archaeological vestiges, architectural marvels, and living traditions, which include festivals and rituals sustained by locals, pilgrims, and monks.
City of Safranbolu
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2016 —
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Safranbolu, recognized as Turkey's capital of protection and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces significant parking challenges within its Çarşı zone due to inadequate parking spaces. A study analyzed these issues and found that the existing conservation-based development plan does not sufficiently address the problem, particularly during weekends and holidays when tourism peaks. The research introduced three alternative approaches aimed at resolving these parking difficulties while maintaining the integrity of the protected urban site. These solutions focus on balancing tourism growth with sustainable urban planning, offering a model for other heritage sites dealing with similar challenges.
Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture
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2016 —
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A new analysis of black-polished pottery from San Pedro de Atacama, combined with bioarchaeological evidence, reveals a more complex and unequal social reality in the region during 400-1000 D.C., challenging traditional views of Tiwanaku's influence. The study reinterprets the relationship between Tiwanaku and San Pedro de Atacama by examining classic pottery from cemeteries, suggesting that local dynamics played a significant role in shaping social structures, rather than solely relying on economic or iconographic determinism.
Tower of Hercules
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2016 —
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San Pedro leucogranite, sourced from A Coruña in northwest Spain, emerges as a significant heritage stone due to its distinctive color, rarity, and petrophysical properties. This study highlights its historical use in monumental structures, including the UNESCO-listed Hercules Tower lighthouse, which underscores its potential for designation as a Global Heritage Stone Resource. The research approach combines geological analysis with architectural documentation, emphasizing the stone's unique characteristics that have made it a preferred material for medieval monuments such as churches and tombstones.
K’gari (Fraser Island)
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2016 —
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Beaches, when used as roadways, present complex and multifaceted driving environments that challenge traditional safety regulations. A study analyzing 150 reported incidents—including four fatalities—on K’gari (Fraser Island) revealed the intricate interplay of factors contributing to accidents in such settings. Using systems analysis approaches like Accimap and Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA), researchers identified competing priorities, conflicting constraints, and alternative pathways of accident causation. The findings highlight the need for improved stakeholder coordination and safety measures tailored to the unique demands of beach driving, which balances cultural, economic, and social implications.
Site of Palmyra
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2016 —
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The 'Save Palmyra' project, initiated by the Museum of the Near East, Egypt and Mediterranean, underscores the devastating impact on archaeological heritage in Syria and Iraq, particularly highlighting the role of 3D technologies in preserving and reconstructing damaged sites. The project aims to raise awareness about the destruction while demonstrating the efficacy of advanced digital tools in archaeology. By leveraging 3D modeling and reconstruction techniques, researchers can document, analyze, and potentially restore historical structures, offering a crucial method for safeguarding cultural heritage amid ongoing conflicts.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
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2016 —
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A new study expands the known distribution of several Scaphopoda species, including Graptacme perlonga, Fustiaria liodon, and Polyschides tetraschistus, in Brazil's oceanic islands. Researchers documented eight Dentaliidae species—seven for the first time in Fernando de Noronha—and three additional species (Fustiaridae and Gadilidae) in Atol das Rocas. The findings highlight the biodiversity of these UNESCO-listed marine reserves, with collections spanning 1990–2002 from beaches (Fernando de Noronha) and depths of 0–45 meters (Atol das Rocas). This study contributes critical baseline data for conservation efforts in these fragile ecosystems.
Galápagos Islands
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2016 —
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A participatory system dynamics model reveals that unchecked tourism growth and residential population expansion in the Galápagos Islands severely shock the natural environment, particularly by increasing invasive species threats and saturating the Galapagos National Park's tourism reception capacity. The study integrates stakeholder perspectives with quantitative data to simulate three tourism growth scenarios, demonstrating critical social-ecological feedbacks that could disrupt the islands' unique ecosystem. This decision-support tool offers policy-makers a way to better understand and manage the coupled human-natural system, ensuring sustainable conservation outcomes.
Putorana Plateau
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2016 —
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Two new species of moss, Schistidium austrosibiricum and S. scabripilum, were identified from Asian Russia using genetic analysis (nrDNA ITS1-2 sequences) to distinguish them from morphologically similar species. S. austrosibiricum was previously confused with S. sinensiapocarpum due to shared characteristics like long, sharply serrate hair-points and papillose dorsal costa, but differs in leaf size, shape, and areolation. Meanwhile, S. scabripilum was misclassified as S. echinatum due to similarities in hair-point structure, though molecular data revealed distinct clades and distribution patterns. The study provides detailed descriptions, illustrations, and ecological data for these species, highlighting their unique traits and geographic ranges—S. austrosibiricum is restricted to southern mountain regions of Asian Russia, while S. scabripilum is found in northern Asia, including the Putorana Plateau.
Santiniketan
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2016 —
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A new species of cyanobacteria, Schmidleinema santiniketanense sp. nov., has been discovered on the facade of a building in Santiniketan, India. This finding expands the known diversity of the monotypic genus Schmidleinema, which was previously only represented by S. indicum and had no molecular data available. The new species exhibits distinct morphological characteristics, particularly in its sheath structure and branching pattern, setting it apart from its congener. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequences placed the new species within the family Fischerellaceae, providing insights into its evolutionary relationships with other heterocystous and branched cyanobacteria. This discovery contributes to our understanding of aero-terrestrial cyanobacterial flora in tropical regions.
Mammoth Cave National Park
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2016 —
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A significant finding of this study is the rich intersection of science and art within U.S. National Parks, particularly during the centennial celebration of the National Park Service (NPS). The research highlights how national parks, established to preserve unique geological and biological features, have inspired diverse artistic expressions—from paintings by George Catlin and the Hudson River School to Ansel Adams' iconic photographs and Aaron Copland's musical compositions. The study emphasizes the potential for integrating art into STEAM education, using specific parks like Mammoth Cave (for groundwater studies) and Yellowstone (for evolution discussions) as case examples. By analyzing historical and contemporary artistic works linked to national parks, the research demonstrates how these sites serve as both scientific subjects and sources of creative inspiration, offering a multifaceted approach to public engagement with conservation and education.
Naumburg Cathedral
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2016 —
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Assaf Pinkus's <em>Sculpting Simulacra in Medieval Germany, 1250–1380</em> challenges traditional scholarly interpretations of Gothic sculptures by arguing that these works, particularly those at Naumburg Cathedral and other sites, function as simulacra—inviting diverse emotional and imaginative responses from lay viewers. Unlike previous analyses that focused on religious or mystical experiences, Pinkus contends that such interpretations may overlook the broader cultural impact of these artworks. His study draws on extensive German scholarship but assumes familiarity with this body of work, leaving room for further exploration. While Pinkus provides compelling examples to support his thesis, the book could have benefited from deeper comparisons with French Gothic precedents and more focused discussions on specific monuments.
Historic Cairo
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2016 —
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Historic Cairo exhibits repetitive spatial, architectural, and land-use patterns along its urban edges, which create distinct barriers influencing surrounding activities. These patterns suggest potential for learning from successful interventions applied to similar configurations, regardless of cultural or contextual differences. The study develops a quantitative analytical framework capable of measuring micro and macro-level spatial configurations, revealing cause-and-effect relationships between edge structures and their surroundings. This method enables targeted urban planning strategies that leverage identified patterns to enhance intervention success within historic city fabrics.
Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats
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2016 —
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Geunso Bay, a semi-enclosed tidal flat in the western Korean Peninsula, exhibits seasonal variations in sediment characteristics driven primarily by suspended sediment supply and tidal current circulation. Research conducted between winter and summer of 2009 revealed that while erosion dominates the middle part of the bay with an annual net erosion rate of -15.0 mm/year, deposition occurs in the western tidal flat during winter and spring at a net rate of 10.8 mm/year. Sediments were classified into five facies, predominantly muddy sand, with suspended sediments supplied in larger quantities during winter and spring, transported anti-clockwise. Winter waves had limited influence due to the bay's southwestward-opening mouth. The study highlights the critical role of sediment supply and tidal dynamics in shaping seasonal sedimentation patterns on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
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2016 —
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Research on the food preferences of reintroduced greater one-horned rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis) in Manas National Park, Assam, India, reveals significant seasonal variations. Grasses dominated their diet year-round, with species like Arundo donax and Cynodon dactylon being most favored, while shrubs and tree twigs were primarily consumed during winter. Monsoon season saw limited browsing due to abundant young grass. The study identified 139 plant species across 39 families as part of the rhinos' diet, with grasses (24%), herbs (22.3%), and trees (18.7%) being the most significant contributors. Anthropogenic pressures such as unregulated burning, cattle grazing, and invasive weeds like Chromolaena odorata have degraded critical grasslands, necessitating targeted management strategies to protect these habitats for rhinos.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2016 —
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A study on Iriomote Island, Okinawa, Japan, reveals that the bays of Shirahama and Funauki exhibit distinct seawater exchange patterns driven by tidal cycles. During high tide, water flows from Funauki Bay to Shirahama Bay, while during low tide, the flow reverses. This bidirectional movement is influenced by differences in bay depth and length, creating a stable environment where low-salinity river water can persist near the surface of Funauki Bay during summer months. The research combines observational data, numerical analysis, and theoretical modeling to elucidate these processes, providing insights into the physical dynamics that govern seawater exchange in coastal ecosystems.
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
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Researchers have quantified the significant sediment transport induced by tidal bores, reaching up to 40 kg/m²/s, in the macrotidal estuary of Mont-Saint-Michel Bay. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the difficulty of measuring suspended sediment concentrations (SSC) due to high turbulence and large SSC values. The study employed both direct and indirect (optical) methods for SSC measurements, calibrated in laboratory settings to ensure consistency and accuracy. By coupling these measurements with ADCP velocity data, scientists calculated instantaneous sediment transport associated with tidal bore passages, providing critical insights into the dynamics of sediment movement in such environments.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2016 —
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A study reveals that food and nutritional security (SAN) varies significantly among municipalities in the Chapada dos Veadeiros region, with Cavalcante showing better conditions (55% of respondents) compared to Teresina de Goiás and Colinas do Sul (both 45%). The research highlights a concerning shift in dietary habits, where locally produced foods are being replaced by processed and industrialized products, particularly during breakfast and snacks. Socioeconomic challenges, including low income and limited education, further exacerbate food insecurity in these areas. The study employed the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA), semi-structured interviews, and dietary assessments to uncover these trends.
Gonbad-e Qābus
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2016 —
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A seismic assessment of the Gonbad-e Qabus tower, the world's tallest pure-brick structure, reveals significant vulnerability to earthquakes. The study found that low-frequency seismic records induce higher displacements and stresses than high-frequency ones, with maximum displacements reaching 27.57 cm during the Loma-Yerba earthquake. Stress contours exceeded the compressive and tensile strength of the tower's materials, indicating a critical need for seismic rehabilitation. Researchers employed finite-element modeling, nonlinear dynamic analysis, and experimental tests to determine mechanical properties of masonry blocks and surrounding soil, providing insights into the structure's performance under various seismic conditions.
Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites
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A structural assessment of the Honjo Brick Warehouse, built in 1896, reveals that its brick masonry and king post truss design can be reinforced to meet earthquake resistance standards for its planned use as a small city hall and museum. The study, which includes strength tests on brick masonry walls, vibration tests, anchor bolt reinforcement assessments, and ground condition investigations, confirms the warehouse's structural integrity after renovation. This finding is significant for reinvigorating local tourism by linking the Honjo site to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tomioka Silk Mill, registered in 2014.
State Historical and Cultural Park “Ancient Merv”
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2016 —
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Merv, a city of strategic and cultural significance spanning from antiquity to the medieval period, played a pivotal role during the early Seljuk era (1035-1092). This study reveals that Merv served as both a political and military hub for the Seljuks, shaping their state's foundational principles. Under Çağrı Bey, it flourished as a center of trade along the Silk Road, uniting regions like Horasan, Batı Türkistan, and Mavera politically and culturally. However, neglect in later periods led to its decline, with lasting consequences for the Seljuks. The research employs historical analysis to highlight Merv's enduring importance, advocating for its revitalization today.
Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
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A significant surge in the discovery of fossil vertebrate tracksites in western Canada, particularly in Alberta and British Columbia, has revealed groundbreaking insights into prehistoric animal behavior. Notable findings include the first recorded sauropod tracks in Canada, evidence of herding behavior among tyrannosaurs and ankylosaurs, and avian track sites spanning nearly the entire Cretaceous Period. Pathologies observed in footprints have also provided unique data on extinct species' health and biomechanics. These discoveries, drawn from formations like the Mountain Park Member of the Gates Formation and the Wapiti Formation, are filling critical gaps in the skeletal record of terrestrial vertebrates. The study highlights the spatial distribution of tracksites, with older sites concentrated around British Columbia's Rocky Mountains and younger ones in the Foothills and Plains regions. This research underscores the importance of ichnology in understanding extinct animals' behavior and ecology, offering a more comprehensive picture than skeletal remains alone.
Venice and its Lagoon
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2016 —
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A novel selection and resource allocation model has been developed to optimize fire safety upgrades for historic buildings, addressing budget constraints while ensuring effective protection. The model integrates innovative tools to solve real-world budget allocation challenges, demonstrated through a case study of the Mount Athos Monasteries. This approach provides a systematic framework for designers to balance trade-offs in fire protection design under limited resources, offering a practical solution for preserving cultural heritage from fire hazards.
City of Quito
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2016 —
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The edited volume 'Selling EthniCity' reveals how urban cultural politics in the Americas, from colonial times to contemporary consumer societies, commodify ethnicity for economic and identity purposes. It demonstrates that ethnic heritage is increasingly leveraged as a marketable asset, reshaping urban landscapes while raising questions about authenticity and memory. The study employs comparative case studies—ranging from carnival celebrations in post-Katrina New Orleans to gentrification in U.S. neighborhoods—to analyze how ethnicity is performed, consumed, and contested. Key findings include the tension between heritage preservation (e.g., Quito’s historic center) and commercialization, as well as the role of digital media in re-ethnicizing urban spaces. The research combines ethnographic observation, cultural analysis, and critical discourse studies to expose the complexities of identity politics in globalized cities.
Strasbourg, Grande-Île and Neustadt
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2016 —
WHEC3905F0048
This study reveals a disconnect between the increasing media attention and UNESCO World Heritage Site designation of Strasbourg's Neustadt—once an imperial quarter—and its perception by local residents. While the area is being actively valorized, particularly due to its potential inclusion in UNESCO’s heritage list since 2010, local social representations do not align with this narrative. The research employs an interdisciplinary discourse-linguistic approach, combining questionnaires and interviews with psychosociological theories (e.g., 'central nucleus theory' and the 'silent zone hypothesis') and lexicometic methods to analyze semantic frames in discourse. These frameworks help uncover the content, structure, and dynamics of how residents perceive Neustadt, shedding light on the cognitive and social dimensions of urban heritage interpretation.
Sangay National Park
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2016 —
WHE590CE205B5
Researchers have identified Senecio sangayensis, a striking new species of plant endemic to the eastern Ecuadorian Cordillera. This discovery is notable for its unique racemiform synflorescence, characterized by dense cymose-corymbs subtended by triangular-ovate bracts, and its distinctive life-history strategy. The species was found in the páramo ecosystems of Sangay National Park. Preliminary assessment indicates that Senecio sangayensis is Endangered (EN) under IUCN criteria, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect this rare and ecologically significant plant.
