Monte San Giorgio
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2015 —
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A detailed examination of a Saurichthys curionii specimen from the Cassina beds (early Ladinian) at Monte San Giorgio reveals the presence of advanced halecomorph fishes in the Middle Triassic period. The stomach content, analyzed using UV investigation, included a smaller Saurichthys and at least four other fish species characterized by reduced or absent scale coverage and thin, ring-like vertebral centra surrounding a persistent notochord. These findings significantly expand our understanding of the fossil ichthyofauna in Monte San Giorgio, indicating the presence of new species with advanced morphological traits.
Chitwan National Park
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2015 —
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A study on the prey selection of Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, revealed that tigers preferentially target Sambar and Chital, despite these species being less abundant than others like Hog Deer, Wild Boar, and Muntjac. Analyzing 77 tiger scats collected between January and March 2010, researchers compared the observed prey composition with expected proportions based on herbivore density data. The findings indicated that Sambar constituted the largest bulk (43.75%) of the diet by weight, while Chital accounted for the most frequently killed prey (50.36%). This suggests a preference for larger, medium-sized prey, which are crucial for tiger conservation in the park. The study highlights the importance of both large and medium-sized herbivores in sustaining tiger populations within UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Durham Castle and Cathedral
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2015 —
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Durham Cathedral's obedientiary account rolls, spanning 1278–1367, reveal the economic dynamics of medieval northern England, offering a rare glimpse into the aristocratic consumption patterns of one of the largest households beyond York. The study highlights how the priory balanced self-sufficiency with market dependence, purchasing goods ranging from food and drink to textiles, building materials, and draught animals—many sourced commercially despite its extensive estates. While wool and hides sales are notable, most records reflect monastic household expenditures, including high-value items like liveries and specialized fabrics. This research underscores the priory's sophisticated economic interactions, contrasting regional resilience with broader medieval trade networks.
Taï National Park
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2015 —
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Research at Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire, reveals that wild chimpanzees exhibit cultural transmission of tool-use behaviors, even when females migrate between communities. Despite ecological similarities and personal proficiency, immigrant females abandoned their native nut-cracking tool preferences upon joining new groups, adopting the dominant local style. This persistence of cultural diversity, maintained despite frequent female transfers, suggests strong conformist tendencies in chimpanzees. The study employed archaeological methods to reconstruct past tool-use patterns, combining recovered artifacts with direct observations to track behavioral changes over time.
Mount Athos
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2015 —
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A notable historical and economic insight emerges from the study of Great Lavra of Saint Athanasius on Mount Athos, revealing its significant role as a beneficiary of Serbian rulers' patronage. The research demonstrates that the monastery's properties were acquired through charters issued by the Lazarevic dynasty between 1394/1395 and 1427, reflecting the piety and tradition of the royal family while also responding to geopolitical pressures, particularly from Ottoman threats. These charters granted villages and revenue sources such as transit customs, illustrating a strategic blend of religious devotion and practical governance. The study highlights how these estates were conditionally privileged or revoked based on the security situation, underscoring the interplay between monastic wealth accumulation and political necessity during this period.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
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2015 —
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A prioritization framework for managing invasive non-native plants, developed using expert knowledge and cost-effectiveness analysis, identifies the most efficient strategies to reduce their dominance across the Lake Eyre Basin (LEB), including Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The study estimates that implementing 12 control strategies could reduce non-native plant dominance by 32% over 50 years at an annual cost of AU$34 million, with three species—Parkinsonia aculeata, Ziziphus mauritiana, and Prosopis spp.—offering 20% of the benefits for just 0.01% of the total cost. The framework provides a model for financially efficient investment in invasive plant management, addressing knowledge gaps such as data reliability and regional collaboration.
Levoča, Spišský Hrad and the Associated Cultural Monuments
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2015 —
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New archaeological research on Spiš, Slovakia, reveals that fortifications at Spišský Hrad, previously attributed to the Jiskra family of the 15th century, were actually constructed around mid-13th century in response to the Mongol invasion of 1241. This challenges prior historical interpretations and provides insights into the systematic fortification strategies implemented by the Árpád dynasty across Hungary during the late 13th to early 14th centuries. The study utilizes modern conservation research methods, archival analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration to examine fortifications at Spišský Hrad, Spišská Kapitula, and Levoča, including unique structures like towers, defensive walls, and a possible refuge in the lower courtyard. These findings offer a clearer understanding of the fortified church settlement of Spišská Kapitula and the fortified town of Levoča, home to the Spiš SAS Community.
Maya Site of Copan
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2015 —
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Procedural modeling emerges as a promising, low-cost approach for reconstructing ancient Maya cityscapes, offering rapid prototyping and adaptability to test hypotheses linked to archaeological data. Unlike traditional 3D modeling, which is labor-intensive and expensive, procedural modeling leverages rules-based generation to streamline the integration of diverse datasets. While this method has been applied to other ancient civilizations like Rome and Greece, its use in Maya city reconstructions remains novel. Using Copán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Honduras, as a case study, researchers highlight initial methodological challenges—such as balancing data accuracy with computational efficiency—and propose solutions to overcome them. This approach could revolutionize digital archaeology by enabling dynamic, hypothesis-driven reconstructions that evolve with new findings.
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
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2015 —
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A high-accuracy image map of the Mortuary Temple of King Ramses III at Habo, Luxor, Egypt, was produced using remote sensing techniques, revealing that its main axis is oriented with a precision of ± 0°59'7"—a finding validated against traditional GPS measurements. The study demonstrated that QuickBird satellite imagery, corrected with a second-order polynomial function and ground control points, achieves mapping accuracy suitable for large-scale applications (1:10,000). This methodology provides a robust tool for assessing the astronomical alignment of ancient Egyptian structures while advancing the protection and documentation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites through modern remote sensing.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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2015 —
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Unauthorized natural resource use persists in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, despite over 25 years of integrated conservation and development (ICD) projects. Research reveals that unauthorized activity is most prevalent among the poorest households living closest to the park boundary and farthest from roads and trading centers. Key motivations include crop raiding by wild animals, inequity in revenue sharing, and lack of employment, which fuel resentment among vulnerable communities. While ICD benefits were found to be significant deterrents against unauthorized use, law enforcement remained the top-ranking factor. The study employed household surveys, indirect questioning techniques (unmatched count technique), and focus group discussions to profile users and explore motivations, providing actionable insights for conservation interventions. To mitigate unauthorized activity, the authors recommend targeting ICD benefits to the poorest populations in remote areas near park boundaries, ensuring transparent and equitable management while addressing crop raiding and providing affordable alternatives.
Borobudur Temple Compounds
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2015 —
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A novel projection technique for generating detailed 3D computer graphic (3DCG) assets with reduced polygon complexity has been developed to create an immersive virtual reality experience of Borobudur Temple. This approach addresses the challenges posed by the temple's structural degradation and facilitates the preservation of its Buddhist cultural and architectural heritage. By leveraging 3DCG projection, researchers have enabled society to explore Borobudur virtually through computers or devices, offering an authentic experience that mitigates the risks of physical deterioration. The method balances fidelity with computational efficiency, ensuring high-quality visualization while minimizing resource demands.
New Lanark
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2015 —
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A model of integrity is proposed to assess corporate responsiveness to sustainability pressures, challenging the dominant Shareholder Value Maximization doctrine. The study applies this model to Robert Owen's 19th-century New Lanark mills, comparing his deeds against promises to evaluate his commitment to social responsibility and ecological conservation. Findings highlight 'workability' as a key factor for business performance, contingent on corporate integrity. This approach offers a practical framework to uncover attempts by businesses to prioritize shareholder value over sustainability, emphasizing the need for corporate activities to reintegrate with social and ecological contexts.
Greater Blue Mountains Area
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2015 —
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Tourism brochures from the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area reveal significant gaps in promoting environmental and conservation values, with limited use of 'World Heritage' branding and minimal representation of non-modified eucalyptus environments. The study analyzed materials from Visitor Information Centres (VICs) to assess their effectiveness in raising awareness about the region's ecological significance. Findings indicate inconsistent promotional efforts across VICs, hindering both brand recognition and environmental consciousness. This suggests that 'green' advertising in this context has not yet reached its full potential, despite the area's UNESCO designation.
Old City of Sana'a
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2015 —
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A multidisciplinary research initiative has successfully demonstrated the viability of reviving traditional gardens, known as Maqashim, in Sana'a's Old City using greywater from surrounding houses and repaving streets to redirect stormwater. The study, conducted by the Water and Environment Centre (WEC) with support from WaDImena and IDRC, identified 45 Maqashim and selected one for a pilot greywater system, achieving four key outcomes: the development of a greywater treatment system, the re-paving of streets using traditional methods, the documentation and application of economic traditional crops, and the formation of an association to maintain these gardens. The research highlights the potential for integrating indigenous knowledge with modern water management practices to address groundwater depletion and revive sustainable agricultural practices in historically significant urban areas.
Archaeological Site of Atapuerca
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2015 —
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Archaeological evidence from El Portalón, a key entrance to the Cueva Mayor-Cueva del Silo system in Spain's Sierra de Atapuerca, reveals sustained long-distance cultural exchanges between Central Europe and the Iberian Peninsula during the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. Analysis of bone, antler artifacts, and Boquique pottery indicates not only local production but also significant interaction with Mediterranean regions, suggesting a continuous symbiotic relationship across multiple cultural periods. This challenges the notion that such exchanges were sporadic, underscoring their enduring importance in shaping regional material culture.
Cologne Cathedral
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2015 —
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Cologne Cathedral's proportional design was not arbitrary but deliberately crafted, reflecting systematic and symbolic qualities rooted in medieval aesthetic traditions. The study analyzed the cathedral's plan and section using geometric principles and figurate numbers common during the medieval period. By interpreting these elements through a lens of medieval symbolism and geometry, researchers uncovered a structured approach to its architectural proportions. This analysis reveals that the cathedral's design was carefully considered for both functional and symbolic purposes, aligning with the broader medieval understanding of geometry and number.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2015 —
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Only three out of 18 Cerrado protected areas can sustain viable giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) populations under a pessimistic scenario, while 11 succeed in an optimistic one. Roadkills significantly threaten long-term survival, necessitating urgent management interventions to mitigate their impact on these vulnerable species. Researchers used VORTEX population modeling to assess viability across different mortality scenarios (2.5%, 5%, and 10% annual losses), revealing critical gaps even within protected zones. This study underscores the need for targeted conservation strategies to counteract human-induced threats in agricultural frontiers.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2015 —
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Research reveals that ultramafic rocks within the Kluane Schist, Yukon, are fragments of deeper arc-related intrusive rocks introduced to the Kluane forearc basin between 95 and 82 million years ago. These rocks, characterized by high magnesium content (>40 wt.% MgO) and distinct trace element patterns, differ from residual mantle materials but resemble peridotite or pyroxenite cumulates linked to arc magmas. The study, using metamorphic assemblages and U–Pb zircon dating, suggests these rocks were exhumed along shear zones in northwestern Stikinia, likely the Wann River or Llewellyn Faults. This finding provides new insights into the tectonic history of the northern Cordillera, particularly the role of arc collisions and strike-slip faults in shaping the region's geology.
Archaeological Site of Olympia
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2015 —
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Most red-figure pottery fragments excavated at Olympia, Greece, were produced locally in the north-western Peloponnese during the Classical period. This was determined using neutron activation analysis (NAA), which revealed a characteristic elemental pattern termed OlyA, distinct from those of other regions like Attica or Italy. Only a small number of vases were identified as imports from Attica, while none originated from Italy. The study also compared local clay samples with Corinthian exports and Italian imitations to refine provenance analysis, demonstrating the effectiveness of NAA in distinguishing between regional pottery traditions.
Frontiers of the Roman Empire – The Lower German Limes
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2015 —
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A solitary Roman basalt stone from Kotterbos, Netherlands, has been linked to a specific subgroup of Limes basalts through petrographic and geochemical analysis. The study identified five potential provenance sites in Germany's volcanic hinterland, with Rolandsbogen emerging as the most plausible due to its strategic location near an ideal Rhine anchorage. Unlike other stones, the Kotterbos basalt is argued to have been picked up as a stray cobble rather than part of a building stone shipment, offering new insights into Roman logistics and material sourcing along the northern Limes.
Temple of Preah Vihear
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2015 —
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A groundbreaking analysis reveals how the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has expanded its jurisdiction through provisional measures in interpretation proceedings, notably in the Avena and Temple of Preah Vihear cases. The study demonstrates that such measures can serve as a mechanism to extend the court's authority beyond traditional boundaries, offering a novel legal framework for dispute resolution. By examining these landmark cases, the research highlights the practical implications of provisional measures on international law and the protection of World Heritage Sites, particularly in contentious border disputes like those involving Preah Vihear, a UNESCO-listed temple complex straddling Cambodia and Thailand.
Western Tien-Shan
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2015 —
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A pioneering survey of the Sajram-Ugam State National Nature Park in Western Tien Shan has uncovered 60 species of pteromalid wasps (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae), all previously unrecorded from this region. Notably, <em>Mesopolobus arcanus</em> Askew is documented for the first time in Kazakhstan and represents the first instance of this species being reared from the fruits of <em>Ephedra equisetina</em> Bunge (Ephedraceae). The study employed comprehensive field sampling techniques to catalog the park's pteromalid diversity, contributing critical baseline data for biodiversity monitoring in this UNESCO-recognized site. This discovery underscores the region's ecological significance and provides new insights into the biogeography of Chalcidoidea in Central Asia.
Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town
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2015 —
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A study measuring indoor radiofrequency (RF) radiation exposure in Hebron, West Bank—Palestine, found that the maximum total power density was 2.3 × 10⁻⁶ W/m², well below ICNIRP safety guidelines with an exposure quotient of 0.01. The average exposure across 343 locations was 0.08 × 10⁻⁶ W/m², with FM radio (46%) and GSM900 mobile networks (26%) being the dominant contributors. Outdoor RF sources accounted for 73% of indoor exposure, highlighting their significant impact on public health. The research employed power density measurements to assess compliance with international safety standards.
Yellowstone National Park
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2015 —
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A newly isolated strain of Pyrobaculum yellowstonensis, WP30, from Yellowstone National Park's Joseph's Coat Hot Spring demonstrates a unique ability to respire on elemental sulfur and/or arsenate under circumneutral conditions (pH 6.1), contributing to the biogeochemical cycling of sulfur and arsenic in high-temperature environments (>70°C). This chemoorganoheterotroph forms thioarsenates and polysulfides during growth, suggesting a significant role in local geochemistry. Genome sequencing revealed extensive metabolic pathways for carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid degradation, along with multiple genes encoding DMSO-MPT oxidoreductases, which facilitate sulfur and arsenic reduction. Comparative genomics confirmed that P. yellowstonensis is closely related to in situ populations, providing insights into the distribution and ecological function of these microorganisms within Yellowstone's geothermal sediments.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
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2015 —
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A sustainable tourism model for the Qhapaq Ñan, a 55,000-kilometer Andean road network built during the Inca Empire, demonstrates potential for balancing use and preservation. This study argues that selective, community-driven tourism—prioritizing innovative programs over mass tourism—can protect these sensitive heritage sites while fostering local engagement. The research emphasizes the importance of integrating cultural conservation with economic development, ensuring long-term sustainability without compromising archaeological integrity.
Mount Etna
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2015 —
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Mount Etna's volcanic plume significantly depletes ozone, with average reductions of 15–45% observed during ground-based measurements. The study found that reactive halogen species, particularly bromine, drive rapid ozone destruction within the early stages of the plume (1–4 minutes post-emission). A numerical model confirmed this chemistry, revealing a strong dependence on volcanic NOx emissions and suggesting near-vent ozone levels can serve as an indicator of NOx activity. The research highlights the role of high-temperature 'effective source regions' in generating reactive halogens, contributing to our understanding of volcanic atmospheric impacts.
Robben Island
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2015 —
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Research indicates that the South African sardine fishery is likely to have minimal impact on the African penguin colony at Robben Island, even when compared to scenarios without fishing. The study used a population dynamics model linking penguin adult mortality to local sardine biomass, fitted to moult counts and tagged penguin re-sightings. Findings suggest that rapid colony growth in the 1990s was driven by immigration rather than local survival improvements. Projections based on future sardine abundances under current fishery management procedures show that fishing's impact is overshadowed by uncertainties in sardine spatial distribution.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Maputo National Park
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2015 —
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Mfabeni Mire, located within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Maputo National Park in South Africa, exhibits a delicate water balance where precipitation (1,031 mm) nearly equals total evaporation (1,053 mm), with minimal groundwater inflows and outflows. Despite this equilibrium, the mire contributes slightly to downstream ecosystems through stream outflow (9 mm). The study, conducted over one year from May 2008 to April 2009, revealed that seasonal patterns of evaporation vary between dominant plant communities—swamp forest and sedge/reed fen—likely due to differences in canopy structure. Limiting factors for evaporation include low vapor pressure deficit and cloud cover. The mire's significance lies in its role as a buffer against climatic variability, providing a stable groundwater condition for adjacent aquatic ecosystems. However, it is vulnerable to threats such as adjacent commercial forestry, which has historically depleted surrounding aquifers. This study underscores the importance of protecting mires in water-stressed regions and highlights the need for careful land-use planning to maintain ecological balance.
Hwaseong Fortress
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2015 —
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Multi-story Hanok structures are the most economically viable option for Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, given its narrow plots. A quantitative study analyzed urban transitions and architectural data to determine suitable Hanok forms. The research found that two or more stories maximize space efficiency in concentrated areas, while back-trowelling techniques should be used for wall construction in some zones. Standard property line separation is recommended elsewhere, though institutional adjustments are needed to relax existing regulations. This approach combines geographic information with historical urban analysis to guide sustainable Hanok development.
Amiens Cathedral
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2015 —
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Amiens Cathedral's metallic roofing, once a symbol of perfection and power, has left sparse historical records. This study reveals that the quality of its implementation reflects the sponsor's intent, offering a rare glimpse into medieval craftsmanship and political symbolism. By analyzing the cathedral's roofing alongside other Gothic structures like those in Paris and Beauvais, researchers uncover a dual interpretation: theological and liturgical significance, as well as a strategic display of power through visibility. The research relies on limited historical sources to reconstruct the original setting and its implications for medieval society.
Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City
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2015 —
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New radiocarbon dating evidence from the Bianjiashan site in Hangzhou, China, establishes that the Liangzhu Culture, a significant Neolithic culture along the Yangtze River, ended no later than Cal BC 2470 with high probability. The study used catalytic hydropyrolysis (HyPy) to pre-treat charcoal samples, isolating black carbon fractions to remove contaminants and ensure accurate dating. Analysis of wooden stakes from a wharf structure revealed that this late Liangzhu site was occupied between Cal BC 2635 and 2890, suggesting the culture's duration at the site did not exceed approximately 400 years. The findings confirm earlier evidence while demonstrating that sediment preservation occurred in an undisturbed, closed environment post-river cessation. This research provides a more precise lower age limit for the Liangzhu Culture, resolving longstanding uncertainty about its timespan.
Agra Fort
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2015 —
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Historical forts in arid and semi-arid regions of western India, including the Agra Fort, employed sophisticated rainwater harvesting techniques during the 15th to 17th centuries. These methods, such as surface runoff collection and step well terrain reservoirs, were crucial for water storage in fortified urban units, demonstrating advanced engineering solutions to water scarcity in desert environments. The study, based on observational and analytical approaches, highlights the significance of these ancient practices in addressing future water challenges.
Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta
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2015 —
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Fluctuations in precipitation can rapidly alter plant species composition in alkali grasslands, particularly by increasing the cover of halophyte forbs due to salinisation or waterlogging stress. This study used Self-Organizing Map (SOM) neural networks to analyse vegetation dynamics across five stands of four alkali grassland types in Hortobágy National Park (eastern Hungary) from 2009 to 2011. SOM revealed that Puccinellia grasslands exhibited the most stable species composition, which is significant for conservation as this habitat supports numerous threatened halophyte species. The method also identified small-scale vegetation changes and provided detailed visualisation of short-term dynamics, suggesting its potential applicability in more species-rich habitats or landscapes.
Town of Luang Prabang
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2015 —
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Only 16.2% of motorcycle riders in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR, wore helmets during an observational survey conducted in February 2015, with adult helmet use at 29% and near-zero compliance among children. The study highlights a significant gap between legal requirements and actual behavior, particularly concerning child safety, as almost half of non-helmet-wearing parents believed their children were too young for helmets. Adults cited discomfort and aesthetics as key barriers to helmet adoption. These findings align with regional trends in Southeast Asia and underscore the need for targeted public health interventions to improve helmet compliance, especially among vulnerable populations like children.
K’gari (Fraser Island)
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2015 —
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K’gari (Fraser Island) faces a critical juncture where its World Heritage status could be secured through innovative, adaptive management or lost to degradation due to unsustainable tourism and climate change. The study synthesizes the impacts of human pressures on the island's biodiversity, cultural connections, ecological functions, and environmental values, highlighting the need for environmentally sound conservation planning that integrates socioeconomic factors. It emphasizes the importance of sustaining biological refugia in less-visited areas and developing a coherent approach to interpretation to encourage sustainable use. Without urgent rectification of historical mismanagement and current practices, the island's unique natural beauty and ecological processes risk irreversible decline.
Sacred City of Kandy
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2015 —
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Urban development in Kandy, Sri Lanka, risks eroding its unique cultural essence and 'spirit of place'—a blend of Buddhist traditions, symbolic representations, and historic urban design. The study identifies key determinant factors for preserving this intangible yet vital aspect, proposing that traditional urban design principles and built form strategies can guide future planning. By re-evaluating these historical elements in a modern context, the research offers actionable insights to counteract the loss of experiential qualities caused by rapid, unplanned structural changes.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2015 —
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Tourism emerges as a pivotal economic driver for communities surrounding the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, one of Brazil's most preserved Cerrado biomes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study reveals that the park's unique physiographic and cultural landscape attracts thousands of annual visitors, significantly boosting local economies. Through fieldwork, documentary analysis, and bibliographic review, researchers mapped the socio-spatial dynamics shaping tourism in Alto Paraíso de Goiás and Vila de São Jorge, highlighting its role as a modern economic force while preserving the region's ecological and cultural integrity.
Yosemite National Park
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2015 —
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Montane fens in Yosemite National Park, California, are accumulating carbon at rates comparable to those observed in rich fens of western Canada. This study quantifies recent carbon accumulation (past 50–100 years) using peat cores collected from three sites spanning elevations of 2070 to 2500 meters. Analysis revealed organic carbon densities ranging from 0.026 to 0.065 g C cm⁻³, with mean vertical accretion rates of 0.28 (±0.09) cm yr⁻¹ (1960–2011) and 0.18 (±0.04) cm yr⁻¹ (1910–2011). Corresponding carbon accumulation rates were 95.4 (±25.4) and 74.7 (±17.2) g C m⁻² yr⁻¹, respectively. These findings suggest that temperate montane fens may play a significant but understudied role in regional carbon storage, though further research is needed to compare peat formation processes between boreal and temperate ecosystems.
Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan
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2015 —
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Challenging the long-held belief that the Early Bronze Age (EBA) in the southern Levant marked the emergence of urban society, this study argues that EBA evidence does not meet standard definitions of urbanism. Key elements such as large-scale social differentiation, localized cultural diversity, and a rural-urban dichotomy are absent. Instead, the research suggests that EBA societies pursued a distinct societal project—characterized by population aggregation, fortified communities, agricultural intensification, water management innovations, and regionalized material culture—without undergoing urbanization. By analyzing mortuary practices at Jericho and Bab adh-Dhra`, the study highlights the lack of cultural coherence and social stratification, proposing a reconceptualization of EBA society based on its unique regional context.
Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection
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2015 —
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A critical examination of perpetrator memories reveals their complex and contradictory role in reconciliation efforts, particularly within the context of Cambodia's Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC). The study, conducted through ethnographic and interview data from Anlong Veng—a former Khmer Rouge stronghold—highlights how memories of atrocity can both disrupt and align with reconciliation narratives. While perpetrator and victim memories often appear irreconcilable, they also demonstrate surprising commensurability within the ECCC's framework. This duality challenges conventional understandings of reconciliation, offering new insights into the place of perpetrator memories in human rights scholarship.
Ogasawara Islands
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2015 —
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Researchers document the first records of two rare manefish species, Platyberyx andriashevi and P. rhyton, from the Ogasawara Islands, Japan. The study identifies three specimens of P. andriashevi, expanding its known range in Japan, while also providing the third recorded specimen of P. rhyton, previously known only from northeastern Japan. Morphological data for both species were collected, and a new Japanese name was proposed for P. andriashevi. Additionally, the study presents an identification key for the five Caristiidae species currently recognized in Japan, contributing to the taxonomic understanding of these deep-sea fishes.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
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2015 —
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A newly redescribed Chasmosaurus skull (UALVP 40) from Dinosaur Provincial Park, Canada, reveals significant asymmetries and developmental features suggesting it is a subadult. The right postorbital horncore inclines at a steeper angle (60°) than the left, while unfused cranial sutures and a short predentary support its immature status. Analysis of UALVP 40 alongside other Canadian Chasmosaurus specimens with long postorbital horns (>150 mm) indicates an isometric relationship between interorbital width and horn length, implying these may represent an ontogenetic series of a single species. The study also introduces a novel diagnostic trait for the genus: a straight squamosal dorsal border adjacent to the supratemporal fenestra, sloping posteroventrally before ascending to form the parietal fenestra's lateral border.
Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments
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2015 —
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Redevelopment of Saint Petersburg's historic centre, built as intricate networks to foster trade and social interaction, faces challenges due to its confined layouts, which deter modern commercial developers. This study proposes five distinct types of historic urban areas based on functionality, development regularity, and perimeters, offering tailored redevelopment strategies for each. By comparing Saint Petersburg with other European cities like Paris, Versailles, Stockholm, Budapest, and Berlin, the research aims to address ongoing decay, piecemeal reconstruction, and lack of planning strategy through a systematic approach.
The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa
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2015 —
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A detailed technological analysis of the Grey Rocky Layer in Sibudu Cave, South Africa, reveals significant advancements in Howiesons Poort lithic technology during the late Pleistocene. The study highlights the importance of blade production using diverse knapping methods, alongside flaking techniques tailored to coarse-grained rock types. Additionally, it identifies new strategies for bifacial production and microlithism, demonstrating a versatile reduction strategy influenced by rock characteristics. This technological variability suggests potential diachronic, functional, or organizational differences among Howiesons Poort sites, while also showing clear links with other Middle Stone Age assemblages. The findings underscore the unique character of the Howiesons Poort technocomplex and its connections to pre-Still Bay and post-Howiosons Poort industries.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
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2015 —
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New radiocarbon dating refines the chronology of the Neolithic settlement at Pool, Sanday, Orkney, revealing two distinct phases of Grooved Ware pottery development. Phases 2.2 and 2.3, featuring flat-based Grooved Ware with incised decoration, likely spanned the 31st to 28th centuries cal BC, followed by a century-long hiatus before Phase 3, characterized by applied decoration, emerged between the 26th and 24th centuries cal BC. This study provides critical insights into the emergence and evolution of Grooved Ware, shedding light on the trajectory of settlement and monumentality in Sanday during this period.
Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz
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2015 —
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Alexander Kuhn's legacy, previously under-recognized, sheds light on his significant contributions to the documentation of Central Asia during the 19th century. As a Russian Orientalist, Kuhn collected vast amounts of manuscripts, archives, and photographic materials during his service in Turkestan, including key sites like Kītāb of ShahriSabz (Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz). His work, particularly the 'Turkistan Albums,' provided invaluable visual documentation of Central Asian cultures. This study delves into Kuhn's personal archive to uncover his motivations and the extent of his influence on historical records, revealing a more nuanced understanding of his role in preserving cultural heritage.
Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica
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2015 —
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Researchers have significantly expanded the known distribution and ecological range of the tropical porcupine, <em>Sphiggurus mexicanus</em>, in Oaxaca, Mexico. Five new records—including a camera-trap capture—document the species' presence at higher altitudes (1,673 to 2,668 meters) within cloud forests, marking its first confirmed occurrence in this habitat type in Oaxaca. These findings extend its geographical range by 34 kilometers southwestward and suggest that <em>S. mexicanus</em> breeds in these environments, as evidenced by an immature female specimen. The study relied on field observations, voucher specimens, and camera traps to gather data, underscoring the importance of distributional records for conservation efforts.
Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve
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2015 —
WHE7827F48938
A potential distribution model for jaguars (Panthera onca) in Honduras, developed using MaxEnt with 100 jaguar records and 19 bioclimatic variables, identified the Moskitia and Caribbean regions as critical habitats spanning approximately 42,192 km². This area encompasses 18 protected zones but faces significant threats from agricultural expansion (27.65% of the modeled region). Four key connectivity bottlenecks were pinpointed, where habitat fragmentation risks disrupting movement between vital protected areas, such as Cusuco National Park and Jeannette Kawas National Park. The Moskitia Indigenous territory emerged as a less disturbed jaguar stronghold, underscoring its conservation importance. The study emphasizes the urgent need for implementing the Jaguar Conservation Plan to safeguard habitats and maintain population health in Honduras.
Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve
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2015 —
WHE6D9C900DA1
A new study reveals the rediscovery of the Honduran white bat (<em>Ectophylla alba</em>) in six previously unknown locations within Honduras, expanding its known distribution. Using historical and contemporary records, researchers modeled the species' potential distribution, finding it primarily concentrated in the broadleaf forests of the Honduran Mosquitia region, including protected areas such as the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve, Warunta and Mocorón mountain forests, and indigenous territories like Mabita and Rus Rus. These forests form a continuous corridor spanning approximately 4,775 km², connecting northern lowland tropical rainforests with riparian broadleaf forests and pine savannas to the east. The study highlights the importance of these ecosystems for the species' survival.
Angkor
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2015 —
WHEDBE28A3902
A groundbreaking study challenges conventional views of the Preah Khan of Kompong Svay complex, revealing it as more than just a military outpost or industrial center during the Angkor period (9th to 13th centuries A.D.). Using remote sensing and comprehensive ground surveys, researchers produced the first detailed archaeological map of the site, uncovering its multifaceted role in Khmer imperial dynamics. This research sheds new light on early urbanism, industrial production, and regional governance within the vast Khmer Empire, which once spanned much of mainland Southeast Asia. The findings suggest a more complex and integrated function for this remote monumental center than previously understood.
