Fanjingshan
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2015 —
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China's endangered primates face severe threats from habitat fragmentation, with genetic studies revealing distinct subpopulations of five species (Rhinopithecus roxellana, R. bieti, R. brelichi, Trachypithecus francoisi, and T. leucocephalus) that are isolated by agricultural land, grazing meadows, highways, and human settlements. These subpopulations exhibit strong genetic divergence and limited mobility, making them vulnerable to local extinction and loss of diversity. Current protected areas are unevenly distributed, leaving some fragmented subpopulations at higher risk. To preserve genetic diversity, the study prioritizes protection for specific subpopulations, including R. roxellana in Shennongjia National Reserve, certain subpopulations of R. bieti and R. brelichi in Fanjingshan National Reserve, and all three T. leucocephalus subpopulations in central Guangxi Province.
Canal du Midi
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2015 —
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The Canal du Midi stands as a monumental achievement of 17th-century engineering, defying the technological and territorial constraints of its time. This study reveals how its construction was not merely an exercise in technical innovation but also a strategic tool for asserting political power and reshaping Gaul's landscape. By analyzing archival records, the research demonstrates the canal's role in transforming local governance and epistemic credibility, challenging traditional narratives of French territorial expansion. The approach combines historical analysis with critical examination of engineering practices, offering new insights into the intersection of technology, politics, and territorial identity during this pivotal period.
Pitons, cirques and remparts of Reunion Island
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2015 —
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Researchers have identified a previously undetected preeruptive seismic velocity drop of 0.15% associated with the June 21, 2014 eruption at Piton de La Fournaise volcano on Réunion Island. This discovery was made possible by correcting seismic velocity data for pore pressure changes caused by rainfall, which had previously obscured the signal. The study used a transfer function to model the relationship between fluid pressure and seismic velocity variations, allowing for the isolation of true preeruptive signals during a period of low eruptive activity (2011–2013). This advancement improves the potential for more reliable volcanic eruption prediction by mitigating interference from environmental factors.
Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems
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2015 —
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Larval coral-reef fishes exhibit location-dependent orientation at regional scales, a discovery that challenges assumptions about their dispersal behavior. Research on the damselfish <em>Chromis atripectoralis</em> revealed significant differences in through-water swimming direction across three regions: the northern Great Barrier Reef (NGBR), central Great Barrier Reef (CGBR), and New Caledonia reef lagoon (NCRL). While larvae swam southerly at NGBR, they oriented easterly at CGBR and NCRL. Over-bottom orientation varied similarly, with strong westerly currents observed in NCRL. This regional variation suggests an evolutionary adaptation to local hydrodynamic conditions, limiting downstream dispersal. The study used in situ diver observations and GPS tracking over 20 years, providing the first evidence of such behavior at a regional scale.
City of Cuzco
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2015 —
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Tourism-driven development in Chinchero, Peru, has triggered significant social and cultural transformations, particularly concerning landscape heritage and indigenous identity. The study reveals how the reconversion of Inca ruins into an archaeological park and the commercialization of textile production have led to processes of re-territorialization and social exclusion. Additionally, the proposed New International Airport of Cuzco project, aimed at boosting tourism, has deepened community divisions and raised unrealistic expectations for progress. This ethnographic research highlights the complex interplay between modernization, indigenous traditions, and environmental conflict, underscoring the need to address the broader implications of rapid tourist development on local communities.
Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands
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2015 —
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Robert Louis Stevenson's 'In the South Seas' offers a unique ethnographic account of Polynesian culture, particularly focusing on the Marquesas Islands. Stevenson, motivated by personal health concerns and a desire to observe without vested interests, provides vivid, compassionate descriptions of island life, capturing the essence of traditional Polynesian society before its decline. His observations, enriched with literary detail, highlight the resilience of human spirit amidst environmental fragility. The work stands out for its lack of missionary or commercial bias, presenting an unbiased, perceptive portrayal of indigenous customs, social structures, and daily life. Stevenson's narrative, though not a formal scientific study, contributes significantly to the understanding of Polynesian culture through his sensitive and detailed documentation.
Península Valdés
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2015 —
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A dramatic increase in the wounding of southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) calves by Kelp Gulls (Larus dominicanus) at Península Valdés, Argentina, has been documented over the past four decades. The study found that while only 2% of mother-calf pairs showed gull lesions in the 1970s, this figure rose to 99% by the 2000s. Calves, particularly those older during the calving season, suffered more extensive and numerous lesions compared to their mothers, with some bearing nine or more wounds covering a significant area of their backs. The research analyzed aerial survey photographs of living pairs (1974-2011) and stranding photographs of dead calves (2003-2011), revealing that intensified gull harassment could potentially compromise calf health by leading to dehydration, impaired thermoregulation, and energy loss due to wound healing. However, this trend does not fully explain the large year-to-year variance in calf mortality rates observed since 2000.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2015 —
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A new species of crustacean, Indoapseudes bamberi sp. nov., has been discovered from Funaura Bay on Iriomote Island, part of the Ryukyu Islands in southwestern Japan. This tiny tanaidacean stands out among its five congeners due to distinctive morphological traits: an antenna with a squama and pereopods 1 and 2 featuring one dorsal spine on the basis. Researchers also sequenced part of the COI gene for this species, providing genetic insights that contribute to taxonomic identification. The discovery enriches biodiversity records in the region and offers a key tool for distinguishing Indoapseudes species.
Zagori Cultural Landscape
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2015 —
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A two-year study on UNESCO World Heritage Sites revealed that indoor particulate matter (PM) and microbial concentrations in cultural heritage collections often exceed outdoor levels, posing risks to organic materials. The research, conducted at coastal, urban, and mountainous locations—including the Historical Museum of Crete and the Neophytos Doukas Library—found that while closed showcases mitigated fungal exposure, specific bacteria, such as acid-producing and cellulose-metabolizing types, still penetrated these enclosures. Urban environments, like Athens, showed higher levels of heterotrophic bacteria, particularly in exhibits with mummified tissues. The study highlights the influence of indoor activities, anthropogenic emissions, and natural factors on air quality, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation strategies to protect vulnerable heritage collections.
Central Sikhote-Alin
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2015 —
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Sable populations across its range from the Urals to the Far East maintain distinct genetic traits despite human impacts such as overhunting and introduction. A study using eight nuclear microsatellite markers revealed significant genetic similarity among Central Siberian populations, attributed to natural migrations reducing differentiation, while maximum divergence (0.361) was observed between peripheral populations. The Kamchatka Peninsula population stands out as an isolated phylogenetic group, closely related to the ancestral form alongside Sikhote-Alin populations. Despite interspecific hybridization with martens, genetic differentiation remains high.
Serengeti National Park
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2015 —
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A study on the Serengeti National Park reveals that arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) hyphal abundance is significantly influenced by land use and soil nutrient levels. Research found that wildlife-grazed systems exhibited the highest AM hyphal densities, followed by livestock-grazed systems and croplands, with mean densities of 61.03±22.02 m/cm³, 52.89±16.41 m/cm³, and 47.9±22.65 m/cm³ respectively. The findings align with the functional equilibrium hypothesis, suggesting that plants allocate more resources to belowground structures when limited by soil nutrients like phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N). The study analyzed soil samples from the upper 15 cm beneath dominant plant species across different land uses, providing insights into the distribution of AM hyphae in tropical soils and their response to varying edaphic conditions.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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2015 —
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Trees with severe hemlock woolly adelgid infestation (>75%) experience significantly higher water stress compared to those with low infestation (<25%), according to a 13-month study in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This finding suggests that adelgid-induced water stress may reduce the effectiveness of imidacloprid treatments, complicating chemical management strategies for this invasive pest. Researchers measured monthly water stress in eastern hemlocks across three infestation severity levels, providing critical insights to improve conservation efforts.
Niokolo-Koba National Park
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2015 —
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A drier climate in West Africa, coupled with human hunting preferences, is significantly reducing the population of grazing ungulates while benefiting browsing species. Research in Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal, found that from 1989 to 1997, all but one year were drier than the long-term average, leading to a cumulative water deficit that favored woody plant growth over herbaceous plants. This shift disadvantages grazers, which are also preferred targets for local hunters. The study analyzed ungulate population densities from two census periods (1990–1993 and 1994–1998) alongside precipitation data and hunter preferences, revealing a dual threat to grazing species. Management efforts in the park should prioritize controlling bush encroachment and promoting herbaceous plant growth to mitigate these impacts.
Kinabalu Park
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2015 —
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Kinabalu Park, Malaysia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site for natural heritage, demonstrates how evolving governance models can support sustainable tourism while addressing emerging challenges. A time-series study (2005–2014) reveals that integrating private sector involvement and local community participation enhances long-term sustainability by fostering capacity building and multi-stakeholder collaboration. However, profit-driven private sector motivations and growing visitor expectations for educational experiences pose new issues requiring closer attention. The research employed a pragmatic mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews involving park visitors, guides, porters, and staff, offering insights into balancing economic benefits, conservation, and visitor satisfaction in protected areas.
The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape
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2015 —
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Submonthly air–sea coupling significantly influences heavy precipitation events (HPEs) in the Western Mediterranean, particularly in Valencia (Spain), the Cévennes (France), and Calabria (Italy). Using 24 years of simulations from two atmosphere–ocean coupled regional climate models (AORCMs), researchers identified a statistical link between HPE intensity and sea-surface temperature (SST) variations in these regions. The study found that low-level wind changes, driven by surface heat flux adjustments, enhance precipitation sensitivity to SST shifts. Notably, specific HPEs on 28 September 2012 (Valencia), 12 October 2012 (Valencia), and 25–26 October 2012 (Cévennes) were likely affected by this coupling mechanism. The findings underscore the importance of submonthly air–sea interactions in predicting extreme weather events, with implications for climate modeling and risk assessment.
Historic Centre of Warsaw
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2015 —
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A significant surge in heritage tourism, particularly urban tourism, has been observed in Poland's historic cities over the past decades. This growth is attributed to socio-economic transformation, increased income and education levels, greater national awareness, globalization, and improved tourist infrastructure. Warsaw's Old Town stands out as a primary attraction, drawing millions of visitors annually alongside Cracow's Old Town. The study highlights the importance of innovative local community partnerships in fostering sustainable urban tourism, ensuring that these historic sites remain both economically viable and culturally preserved.
Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar
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2015 —
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A pioneering optic-based monitoring system has been successfully implemented on the historic Luiz I Bridge in Oporto, Portugal, marking a significant advancement in structural health monitoring of bridges. This innovative approach leverages new sensing, processing, and modeling techniques to provide continuous, structured data on bridge behavior, offering deeper insights into their performance over time. The study highlights the potential for such systems to revolutionize the assessment of design, construction, and maintenance practices for civil engineering structures. By focusing on short-term monitoring examples, the research demonstrates the practical benefits and feasibility of integrating advanced monitoring technologies in existing infrastructures.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
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2015 —
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A comparative review of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Burringurrah (Mount Augustus), two iconic Australian inselbergs, challenges the use of 'monolith' as a geomorphic term due to their significant differences in dimensions, lithological variations, geological evolution, tectonics, rock structures, operating processes, and ages. Despite both consisting of sedimentary rock, they differ in almost all other aspects, rendering direct comparisons unhelpful. The study outlines the distinct geology and morphology of each landform, emphasizing that their uniqueness undermines the utility of the 'monolith' label for such diverse features.
Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape
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2015 —
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A recent analysis of three stone artefacts from Pergamon reveals a previously unrecognized repetitive sequence of ancient magical signs, offering new insights into late antique ritual practices. The study challenges existing interpretations by re-evaluating the inscriptions' structure and transmission process, enriching our understanding of how magical texts were inscribed on ritual objects. By examining the sequences in detail, researchers propose an alternative reconstruction of the inscription process, shedding light on both the practical application and theoretical significance of these signs within their historical context.
Paris, Banks of the Seine
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2015 —
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Tactical urbanism, often perceived as a modern innovation, has deep historical roots. This study reveals that its core principles—temporary, low-cost, flexible, iterative, and participatory approaches to urban planning—have been employed throughout history, from Roman military encampments to the illicit bookstalls of 16th-century Paris (les bouquinistes) along the Seine and the ephemeral White City at the 1892 Chicago World’s Fair. By reframing these historical precedents for the digital age, Lydon and Garcia demonstrate that tactical urbanism is not a novel concept but an evolution of long-standing placemaking strategies. The research employs a comparative approach to trace the continuity and adaptation of these principles across eras, offering insights into their enduring relevance in addressing contemporary urban challenges.
Hubei Shennongjia
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2015 —
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Temperature is the primary driver of microbial community variations at forest timberlines, significantly influencing microbial biomass, diversity, and composition. This study, conducted at Shennongjia Mountain—a UNESCO World Heritage Site in China—analyzed soil microbial communities using 16S rRNA sequencing, GeoChip 4.0, and network analysis across 24 sampling sites. Findings revealed strong linkages between temperature and both taxonomic and functional gene levels, with nitrogen and phosphorus cycle genes correlating to nutrient availability. The research provides critical insights into the belowground impacts of timberline upshift due to climate warming, offering a predictive framework for future ecological consequences.
Kilimanjaro National Park
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2015 —
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Aerial surveys of Kilimanjaro National Park reveal the intricate interplay between conservation efforts and ecological complexity, highlighting the unintended consequences of geometric fencing on wildlife movement and habitat dynamics. The study employs a case study approach, combining field observations with expert-led aerial reconnaissance to document how artificial barriers—designed to exclude large herbivores like elephants—create isolated 'islands' of savanna within dusty plains. These findings underscore the need for adaptive conservation strategies that account for the spatial complexity and interconnectedness of ecosystems, particularly in regions where human-wildlife conflicts and climate-induced habitat shifts pose significant challenges.
Area de Conservación Guanacaste
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2015 —
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A groundbreaking integrative taxonomy study identifies 55 new species of Euplectrus wasps (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae) from the Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), Costa Rica, bringing the total treated to 90 species. This research, led by C. Hansson, provides detailed descriptions and illustrations for all species, including 20 previously known ones found in ACG. The study also establishes one new synonym and designates lectotypes for eight species with uncertain status due to damaged type material. Host records are available for 74 Euplectrus species, contributing significantly to the understanding of their natural history. Two identification keys—one for females and one for males—facilitate species differentiation, enhancing taxonomic precision in this region.
Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes
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2015 —
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Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys of mega dunes in the Badain Jaran Desert, China, revealed a hidden moisture layer beneath their arid surface, challenging assumptions about desert hydrology. The study identified quasi-evenly spaced bedding features on the windward side of dunes, oriented parallel to the leeward slope and aligned with the angle of repose for dry sands. These beddings form due to periodic cementation by moisture and calcareous deposits, which enhance sand strength and facilitate the growth of these towering structures. The findings suggest that groundwater from local sources may partially recharge nearby salt lakes, offering a mechanism for their persistence in an otherwise hyper-arid environment. Numerical simulations validated the observed radar profiles, supporting the proposed internal structure model.
Medina of Tunis
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2015 —
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Urban conservation policies in the Medina of Tunis reveal a complex interplay between international standards and local practices. The study highlights how French colonial-era interventions, particularly through the Mission de Tunisie (1881), shaped Tunisia's heritage legislation and institutions, blending imported knowledge with indigenous traditions like the Habous charitable trust. This dual approach has influenced the preservation and valuation of cultural heritage in Tunis, reflecting a long history from Punic and Roman times to modern conservation efforts. The research examines how these policies were implemented, offering insights into the challenges and synergies between global conservation frameworks and local governance.
K’gari (Fraser Island)
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2015 —
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A critical disjunction between ecological and cultural valuing hinders effective environmental advocacy for K’gari (Fraser Island), despite growing recognition of nature’s intrinsic value in ecological discourse. The study applies an adapted Principle of Double Effect to analyze the destructive impact of motor vehicles on the island, revealing how modern cultural frameworks fail to integrate geocentric ecological values. This philosophical exploration identifies underlying cultural causes of the disjunction, offering a pathway to bridge ecological advocacy with broader cultural recognition. The research combines ecological and philosophical perspectives to propose strategies for more successful environmental protection efforts.
Uvs Nuur Basin
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2015 —
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Research reveals that the success of introduced semiaquatic mammals—muskrat, American mink, and Eurasian beaver—in the Uvs Nuur Basin hinges on trophic niche availability rather than postintroduction history or abiotic factors. Herbivorous species like the beaver, with access to stable food resources, exhibit greater adaptive success in this harsh, continental climate compared to carnivorous counterparts. The study highlights behavioral adaptations, such as the evolutionary stability of the beaver's building instinct, which facilitates colonization. While all three species occupy similar geographic ranges, their population trends and ecological impacts vary significantly, underscoring the critical role of trophic niche diversity in naturalization processes.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park
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2015 —
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Reptile conservation efforts highlight the critical role of zoological facilities and field research in preserving threatened species. The study emphasizes that 9.6% of reptile species are listed as Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List, with habitat destruction, pollution, over-collection, and climate change posing significant threats. Conservation programs, such as those involving the Northern river terrapin and Egyptian tortoise, demonstrate successful integration of ex situ breeding in zoos with in situ field conservation efforts. The One Plan Approach, which unifies zoo and range-country stakeholders, is shown to enhance species survival by addressing both captive and wild populations. Additionally, the discovery of cryptic reptile species through molecular techniques underscores the importance of systematic biodiversity research. Public education and community involvement are also identified as key components for sustainable conservation, particularly in regions with human-wildlife conflicts.
Dorset and East Devon Coast
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2015 —
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The Dorset and East Devon Coast preserves globally significant geological and geomorphological features spanning 185 million years of Earth's history. This coastal property showcases fossil-rich exposures from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods, offering a unique window into pivotal eras of geological evolution. The site's cliffs and coastline serve as a critical repository for understanding past environmental changes and biodiversity. This introduction highlights its scientific importance, emphasizing the need for protection and sustainable management to preserve these irreplaceable records.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2015 —
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A study documents the invasion of the alien gecko <em>Hemidactylus mabouia</em> into the natural habitat of Praia do Sul Biological Reserve, Ilha Grande, Brazil. This invasive species, native to tropical regions, has been rapidly expanding its range, posing a threat to local biodiversity. Researchers employed field surveys and ecological observations to assess the impact of this invasion on the reserve's ecosystem. The findings highlight the urgent need for monitoring and management strategies to mitigate the potential ecological consequences of this invasive gecko population.
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
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2015 —
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Invasive lionfish (Pterois spp.) are significantly threatening the critically endangered social wrasse (Halichoeres socialis), endemic to Belize’s inner barrier reef, by preying on it as a primary food source. Stomach content analyses revealed that this small, schooling fish constitutes nearly half of the lionfish diet in the region. The combination of lionfish predation, the social wrasse's limited range, and ongoing habitat destruction positions it as one of the most endangered coral reef fishes globally. Similar risks are observed for other species with comparable traits across the Caribbean.
Colonial City of Santo Domingo
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2015 —
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Children in the informal settlement of Los Platanitos, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, actively challenge negative perceptions of their environment by redefining the liminal space of the cañada—a polluted waterway—as a source of agency and creativity. Through play, imagination, and representation, they transform tropes of decay, filth, and danger into meaningful elements of their urban experience. This study highlights the potential for children's placemaking practices to inspire radical, everyday-based approaches to urban planning that move beyond traditional discourses of citizenship-formation and technical interventionism.
Ivindo National Park
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2015 —
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A study conducted in Gabon's Ivindo National Park has revealed that tsetse flies, potential vectors of trypanosomiasis, are infected with Trypanosoma parasites. This finding underscores the risk of human and animal trypanosomiasis infection within the park. The research involved an inventory of tsetse fly species and an assessment of their infection rates. Conducted by a team from Gabon, the study highlights the importance of monitoring vector-borne diseases in protected areas to mitigate public health risks.
Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan
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2015 —
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Extensive surface survey data from the Teotihuacan Mapping Project (TMP), conducted in the 1960s, remains one of the most detailed records for an ancient city. This study highlights how TMP's spatial, descriptive, and artifactual data have been instrumental in investigating Teotihuacan's culture and history over decades. The analysis demonstrates the utility of such data for studying urban organization, including neighborhoods and social districts, while also emphasizing the growing importance of preserving these records as parts of Teotihuacan face increasing threats from urban sprawl and destructive agricultural practices.
Western Caucasus
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2015 —
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A groundbreaking ice core from the western plateau of Mt. Elbrus, Caucasus, reveals undisturbed paleoclimate records spanning over 140 years, with annual layering enabling precise intraseasonal climate proxy analysis. The 182-meter core, drilled in 2009, shows high snow accumulation rates and borehole temperatures ranging from -17°C to -2.4°C, with glacier thickness varying from 45 m near the margins to 255 m at the center. Chemical analysis of stable isotopes (δ18O, δD), major ions, succinic acid, and tritium confirmed distinct annual oscillations, aiding in core dating and aligning with known markers like the 1963 bomb horizon and the 1912 Katmai eruption sulfate peak. Mathematical modeling suggests basal ice ages of ~350–400 years BP at the drilling site, offering valuable insights into the atmospheric history of Europe.
Medina of Marrakesh
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2015 —
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Religious salience can significantly increase prosocial behavior among Muslim individuals in natural settings, according to a field study conducted in the souks of Marrakesh's medina. The research found that shopkeepers exhibited greater cooperation and fairness in an economic decision-making task when exposed to the Islamic call to prayer compared to when it was absent. This challenges previous mixed findings on religion and prosocial behavior by demonstrating its impact in a real-world, culturally relevant context. The study employed a dictator game-like experiment, providing novel evidence that religious rituals may serve as powerful cues for fostering cooperation beyond self-reported measures.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2015 —
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A more neutral and internationalized approach to protecting cultural identities could be advisable for the Old City of Jerusalem, given its significance to three monotheistic religions, uncertain political status, and global implications. Current protection efforts are fragmented, with communities managing their own heritage. This study evaluates whether a broader framework beyond the World Heritage Convention regime would be feasible and effective in safeguarding the site's diverse cultural identities.
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
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2015 —
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Consumers in Mexico show willingness to pay a premium for agro-ecological products, challenging the notion that such farming is incompatible with market-driven systems. This study, focusing on vegetable production in Xochimilcoreveals that demand for sustainable alternatives depends on socio-economic factors like age, income, and gender, as well as access to product information. Buyers are also open to compensating producers for adopting eco-friendly practices, suggesting a viable market for agro-ecology even in resource-limited regions. The research combines survey data with economic analysis to assess consumer behavior, offering insights that could reshape agricultural sustainability strategies globally.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
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2015 —
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On Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, tourism drives the island's economy but also creates a musical conundrum for local musicians. While the self-contained environment fosters versatility and rewards musical talent, it simultaneously stifles the development of original music due to the industry's preference for 'covers.' This study reveals complex interconnections between tourism and musical practices, highlighting how genre selection, live performance, and recorded music are influenced by external demands. Field research conducted in 2012 and 2014 traced these patterns, exposing a tension where musicians struggle to balance authenticity with the expectations of a tourism-driven market.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
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2015 —
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Prehistoric populations of the North Atlantic Islands, particularly in Orkney and the Western Isles, exhibited a dynamic relationship with aquatic resources that evolved significantly over time. While coastal grazing played a crucial role in sheep management throughout prehistory in Orkney, its importance in the Western Isles emerged only during the Bronze Age. Aquatic protein also influenced pig management in the Western Isles during the Middle Iron Age. Human consumption of aquatic resources was minimal in the Neolithic period and slightly more evident in the Bronze Age but became notably significant during the Iron Age. This study integrates isotopic analysis, human isotopic evidence, and zooarchaeological data to reveal the complex and shifting roles of aquatic resources in prehistoric economies and animal management.
Surtsey
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2015 —
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A comparative genetic analysis of two pioneering plant species on Surtsey, Iceland—Festuca rubra (arctic fescue) and Empetrum nigrum (crowberry)—reveals distinct colonization patterns despite similar levels of genetic diversity. Festuca, an early colonizer since 1973, exhibits significant subpopulation structure, suggesting expansion from a diverse local genepool, while the later-arriving crowberry (since 1993) shows no genetic differentiation, indicating a likely single-source origin. Using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers, researchers analyzed DNA fragments from two census periods (1996–1997 and 2005–2006), uncovering temporal and spatial genetic structuring unique to each species. This study provides critical insights into the genetic dynamics of plant colonization on volcanic islands.
Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex
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A comprehensive bibliography of works published and printed by Jan Moretus I (1543–1610) at the Plantin Press in Antwerp, following Christopher Plantin's death in 1589, has been compiled by Dirk Imhof. This work builds on Leon Voet's earlier bibliography of Plantin's publications, providing a detailed record of Jan Moretus I's output during his tenure (1589–1610). The study focuses on the continuity and evolution of the Plantin Press under Moretus' leadership, offering insights into 16th-century printing practices, typography, and publishing trends. Imhof's bibliography serves as a valuable resource for scholars studying the history of printing, book production, and the cultural significance of the Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex.
Jongmyo Shrine
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Research reveals that the Jangseogak archives, particularly the <Jinseoldo> document, played a pivotal role in organizing royal rituals at Jongmyo Shrine during the late Joseon period. This study identifies how the archives managed ritual utensils and vessels, ensuring adherence to ceremonial protocols such as the Gilrye memorial service and the Gukjooryeui state rites under King Gojong's reign. By analyzing historical records and ritual manuals like the Daemyeongjiprye, the research reconstructs the systematic arrangement of objects used in these ceremonies, offering new insights into the ceremonial practices of the era.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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Excavations near the southwestern corner of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem's Old City revealed significant insights into the foundations of the Western Wall, part of the Temple Mount complex. Conducted between December 2013 and March 2014 by the Israel Antiquities Authority and financed by the City of David Society, the study exposed these ancient structures using advanced archaeological techniques, including wet sieving in the Zurim Valley. Led by J. Uziel with a multidisciplinary team, the research aimed to shed light on the historical and architectural significance of this iconic site. The findings contribute valuable data to our understanding of Jerusalem's layered history, particularly its religious and cultural heritage.
Archaeological Site of Troy
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John Linton Myres, a pivotal figure in the study of ancient Greece, bridged two significant revolutions in archaeological research. His work at Hissarlik, the site of Troy, was inspired by Heinrich Schliemann's pioneering excavations and later shaped by Michael Ventris and John Chadwick's decipherment of Linear B script. Myres emphasized the importance of systematic excavation, combining fieldwork with scientific analysis to advance historical understanding. Unlike laboratory-based sciences, archaeological research relies on in-situ exploration, where excavators must document findings meticulously while leveraging geology-like methods to uncover precise answers. His approach highlighted the unpredictability of human remains compared to natural strata and underscored the evolving nature of archaeological research—shifting from broad exploration to targeted, efficient investigations.
Vredefort Dome
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A study on the Vredefort Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Earth's largest preserved impact craters, reveals that gravity gradient tensor (GGT) data significantly enhances the inversion quality for geological modeling compared to traditional gravity field data alone. Researchers found that while algebraic ambiguity and signal-to-noise ratio are critical factors, the choice of GGT components is less influential when ambiguity is minimized. Gradiometer measurements at Vredefort demonstrated that GGT data provides a more efficient and effective approach to improving inversion quality, offering faster and clearer reconstructions of subsurface structures.
Okavango Delta
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Researchers have uncovered the subsurface structure of the Okavango Delta, revealing a multi-layered sedimentary system with distinct hydraulic properties. The study found that a shallow freshwater sandy aquifer overlies a conductive sequence of clay and salt-water-saturated sands, which in turn underlies a moderately resistive sandy layer before reaching the basement. By jointly inverting audiomagnetotelluric (AMT), controlled-source audiomagnetotelluric (CSAMT), and central-loop transient electromagnetic (TEM) data with seismic observations, the team identified these layers and estimated their interconnected porosities, clay contents, and pore-fluid resistivities. The findings suggest that the second and third sedimentary layers may represent remnants of Paleo Lake Makgadikgadi and a proposed Paleo Okavango Megafan, respectively.
Sydney Opera House
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Lighting at the Sydney Opera House plays a crucial, yet often overlooked, role in defining and enhancing the spatial experience for patrons. This study reveals that illumination, both internal and external, significantly contributes to the metaphysical journey envisioned by architect Jørn Utzon in his 'Descriptive Narrative.' By analyzing Utzon's conceptual framework alongside lighting design principles, the research demonstrates how light shapes the perception of space within this iconic performing arts center. It highlights the interplay between architecture, lighting, and the performing arts, offering new insights into how spatial experiences can be sculpted through deliberate illumination strategies.
Wartburg Castle
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2015 —
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Luther's exile at Wartburg Castle marked a pivotal period of identity transformation, during which he rejected monastic celibacy and accomplished the rapid translation of the New Testament into German—an achievement completed in just eleven weeks. This study argues that his intense crisis, stemming from loss and isolation, created the conditions for both his theological shift and linguistic feat, offering new insights into the formation of Luther's thought and its enduring impact.
Kairouan
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2015 —
WHE11F8E3223F
The Kairouan plain lowlands, once marginalized due to flood risks and limited agricultural suitability, have transformed into experimental agricultural lands since the 1960s. This shift was driven by upstream dam construction and flood regulation, enabling young, often multi-occupied farmers to exploit these areas as an alternative to competing for groundwater resources in more established regions. The study employs a systematic and diachronic approach to analyze how these lowlands were developed differently from other plains, highlighting their role as testing grounds for new agricultural practices and economic opportunities. This research underscores the adaptive potential of historically challenging lands when integrated into broader water management strategies.
