Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
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2013 —
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A study of the essential oil from <em>Achillea ligustica</em> in Lipari, Aeolian Islands, reveals its chemical composition and strong free radical scavenging activity. The dominant compound, (Z)-chrysanthenyl acetate, accounts for nearly 30% of the oil, followed by viridiflorol, bornyl acetate, and 1,8-cineole. Unlike previous studies on this species, the Aeolian population shows distinct variations in composition. The oil's antioxidant potential was quantified using DPPH and ABTS assays, highlighting its therapeutic promise. This research contributes to understanding the biogeochemical diversity of Mediterranean flora while underscoring the plant's bioactive properties.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Maputo National Park
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2013 —
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Chemical cues released by the invasive gastropod <em>Tarebia granifera</em> trigger avoidance responses in native South African gastropods, facilitating its invasion success. The study employed in situ behavioral experiments using video cameras and demarcated arenas to quantify displacement and movement orientation of three native species—<em>Assiminea cf. capensis</em>, <em>Melanoides tuberculata</em>, and <em>Coriandria durbanensis</em>—when exposed to chemical cues from <em>T. granifera</em>. All native gastropods exhibited significant negative taxis, moving away from the invasive species' cues, while <em>T. granifera</em> showed random responses to conspecifics. This suggests that chemical signaling disrupts native species' behavior, creating ecological opportunities for the invader in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Dorset and East Devon Coast
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2013 —
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A study of the Dorset and East Devon Coast, specifically focusing on the Sinemurian (Lower Jurassic) black shales from the Wessex Basin, reveals significant stratigraphic variations in carbonate, organic carbon, and organic-carbon isotopes. These variations, particularly in total organic carbon (TOC), indicate periods of deoxygenation likely driven by basin stratification due to freshwater influx, which enhanced organic matter preservation. The organic-carbon isotope curve (δ13Corg) shows positive excursions that do not correlate with TOC stratigraphy, suggesting long-term changes in seawater isotopic composition, potentially linked to marine organic-carbon burial on the margins of the proto-Atlantic. While detailed correlation with sea-level curves is challenging, significant transgressive pulses in the turneri and late raricostatum Zones align with positive δ13Corg excursions.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
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2013 —
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Research around the seamounts and islands of north-eastern Brazil, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Fernando de Noronha, reveals that topography interacts with oceanic flows to create highly patchy distributions of chlorophyll a and inorganic nutrients. The study, conducted during large-scale surveys in 1997 and 1998, found significant variability in nutrient concentrations—ranging from undetectable levels to peaks of 17.52 µm L⁻¹ for silicon, 10.02 µm L⁻¹ for nitrate, and 3.91 µg L⁻¹ for chlorophyll a. Notably, 1998 showed more uniform nutrient distributions with lower chlorophyll a and higher phosphate concentrations compared to 1997. The findings also highlight an inverse linear relationship between nutrients (nitrite and nitrate) with temperature and salinity, alongside an exponential decay relationship with chlorophyll a, suggesting complex thermohaline interactions shaping marine productivity in these tropical regions.
Serra da Capivara National Park
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2013 —
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Rock paintings in the semi-arid caatinga of Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil, reveal one of the world's most extensive prehistoric art traditions. Radiometric dating techniques applied to 249 paintings across 105 sites demonstrate a continuous artistic tradition spanning at least 10,000 years, with some works dating back over 12,000 years—among the oldest in the Americas. This challenges previous assumptions about the chronology and cultural significance of Brazilian rock art. Researchers analyzed sediment accumulation patterns and stylistic evolution to establish a robust chronological framework, revealing layers of artistic expression from hunter-gatherer societies that thrived during the late Pleistocene and Holocene. The findings underscore the park's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving evidence of one of humanity's earliest and most enduring creative traditions.
Wet Tropics of Queensland
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2013 —
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Chytridiomycosis continues to significantly impact the survival of tropical stream-associated frogs, even 15 years after the introduction of the pathogen <em>Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis</em>. A study on the threatened common mist frog (<em>Litoria rheocola</em>) in Queensland's Wet Tropics revealed that infection prevalence was the best predictor for apparent survival probability, with seasonal variations ranging from 0% to 65%. Survival probabilities were lowest during winter months (approximately 70%), while annual survival rates were very low (12-15%). Despite this, high recruitment rates (71-91%) led to fluctuating population growth. The research used an intensive capture-mark-recapture study across seasons and years, highlighting the ongoing threat of chytridiomycosis to amphibian populations, which may also render them vulnerable to other threatening processes affecting recruitment success.
City of Cuzco
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2013 —
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Urban indigenous societies in colonial Latin America were not merely marginalized but actively shaped and sustained colonial cities through agency, resilience, and adaptation. Contrary to the long-held view that urbanization led to the decline of indigenous communities, this anthology demonstrates their pivotal role in maintaining social structures, navigating complex ethnic relations, and preserving cultural practices despite Spanish dominance. The study employs a comparative ethnohistorical approach, analyzing case studies from Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, and beyond, to illustrate how indigenous groups—such as the Ayarmaca-Pumamarca in Cuzco or Nahua communities in Tenochtitlan—redefined ethnic identities, maintained rural connections, and challenged colonial authority through institutions like cabildos. Mobility, property rights, and social cohesion emerged as key strategies for survival and influence, revealing urban Indians as integral, though overlooked, contributors to the colonial world.
Venice and its Lagoon
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2013 —
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A critical assessment of Manila clam (Venerupis philippinarum) stocks in the Venice lagoon, Europe's primary production site for this species, reveals significant potential for recruitment and highlights the need for sustainable management practices. The study, conducted near the Porto Marghera industrial zone—a key natural settlement area—used ordinary kriging to evaluate clam abundance, biomass, and sediment texture across 46 sampling stations over approximately 1085 hectares. Findings indicate that while wild stocks remain a vital resource for mollusc culture, their conservation status is precarious due to unsustainable exploitation. Proposed measures include establishing biological protection areas and implementing shared, rational management of nursery sites, which could enhance the sustainability of clam farming in the lagoon.
Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park
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2013 —
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A new Zamia species, Zamia nana, is described from Coclé Province, Panama, resolving long-standing confusion surrounding Zamia acuminata. Research clarifies that Z. acuminata is a Costa Rican endemic restricted to the western Talamanca mountain range, distinct from plants previously misidentified in El Valle de Antón, Panama. The study leverages recently collected material and re-examination of the holotype to correct historical misidentifications and erroneous locality data. This taxonomic clarification enhances understanding of Zamia diversity in Central America.
Frontiers of the Roman Empire
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2013 —
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The Claustra Alpium Iuliarum, a late Roman linear defense system, was strategically positioned to protect Italy from northeastern incursions. Unlike the Empire's outer borders, this structure was built within its territory along the Julian Alps, spanning from Croatia's northern Adriatic to Slovenia's Soča valley. It featured walls, towers, and fortresses, safeguarding a crucial via publica between Aquileia and Emona with multiple defense lines. The study integrates literary sources, numismatic evidence, and archaeological excavations, addressing chronological challenges in the construction of this late Roman defense structure.
Okavango Delta
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2013 —
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Tourism businesses in Maun, Botswana, within the Okavango Delta, have not widely adopted climate change adaptation strategies despite perceiving potential negative environmental impacts. While operators anticipate changes linked to climate, most report no immediate adverse effects on their operations. This lack of preparedness poses a significant threat to nature-based tourism, which is a cornerstone of Botswana's economy and the second-largest economic sector in the country. The study, based on semistructured interviews with tourism business operators, highlights a disconnect between perceived climate risks and actual adaptation practices.
Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena
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2013 —
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Ports, located on coasts and rivers, face significant climate change risks including sea level rise and extreme weather events. A collaborative study between the International Financial Corporation and Terminal Marítimo Muelles el Bosque (MEB) in Cartagena, Colombia, identified key risks and opportunities for ports. The research highlights that climate change not only threatens port infrastructure but also impacts trade, shipping, and surrounding communities. It proposes economic and sustainable adaptation strategies while outlining challenges to implementing these measures. This study provides valuable insights into managing climate risks at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Cartagena's Port, Fortresses, and Group of Monuments.
Danube Delta
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2013 —
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Significant coastal transformation in the Danube Delta's Histria region, once an ancient Milesian colony, reveals that the city's decline coincided with its detachment from the open coast due to shoreline progradation. The study, using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) scanning and stratigraphic records, documents intense neotectonic movements causing recent drowning of areas like the Sinoe lagoon and Histria and Nuntasi Lakes. These processes, inferred from discontinuous chronology and discordant stratigraphy, highlight the role of seismic activity in reshaping the coastal landscape over millennia.
Danube Delta
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2013 —
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Severe coastal erosion in the Danube Delta, driven by natural trends and human interventions, has been systematically quantified through advanced modeling. The study reveals that episodic water level changes can cause significant shoreline retreats, while a conceptual model for spit formation at river mouths was developed using the Sahalin spit as a case study. Researchers employed a multi-step approach: simulating wave climate with SWAN and wind data, calculating sediment transport using UNIBEST CL+, analyzing sediment budgets, and modeling water level changes and spit dynamics with Delft-3D. The findings underscore the need for sustainable mitigation strategies, such as artificial beach nourishment, to combat retreating shorelines.
Old Town of Corfu
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2013 —
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A comparative analysis of online prices for collective accommodation establishments on the Mediterranean islands of Corfu, Cyprus, and Malta reveals distinct pricing strategies influenced by tourism competition. The study, conducted using a representative sample from three competitive destinations heavily reliant on tourism, identified significant price variations across these sites. Hypotheses were tested to understand how factors such as incentives, product diversification, and pricing competitiveness impact tourist choices. Findings suggest that destinations offering more diverse tourism portfolios and competitive pricing tend to attract higher demand, providing actionable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders aiming to optimize their market position in a globalized tourism landscape.
Historic Inner City of Paramaribo
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2013 —
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Effective preservation of colonial heritage, such as the historic inner city of Paramaribo, Suriname, hinges on resolving complex ownership dilemmas and legal challenges. This study reveals that successful monument preservation policies are intricately linked to legal property rights, legislation enforcement, and stakeholder cooperation—especially in multicultural contexts where colonial structures may be perceived as alien. Despite international recognition of heritage value, Paramaribo's case demonstrates persistent tensions between national policy goals and local realities, including economic priorities and political will. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, analyzing Suriname's legislative framework and field data to assess its effectiveness, highlighting critical gaps in enforcement and stakeholder engagement that hinder preservation efforts.
Aphrodisias
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2013 —
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Aphrodisias reveals that its columnar sarcophagi were not merely decorative but served as symbols of elite emulation within the Roman Greek East. Unlike those from Rome or Athens, these sarcophagi feature unique architectural elements such as columnar facades and arcaded entablatures, accompanied by human figures in intercolumniations. The study establishes a chronology for these artifacts and identifies their commissioners primarily among Aphrodisias' social elite. By analyzing funerary inscriptions and archaeological context, the research contextualizes the iconography within the broader cultural landscape of Asia Minor, offering insights into the social dynamics and artistic expressions of the time.
Shiretoko
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2013 —
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A study at Shiretoko National Park, Japan, reveals that community assembly processes significantly shape altitudinal gradients of forest biodiversity. The research found that deterministic processes dominate in high-altitude, low-productivity stands due to niche partitioning among small individuals within less stratified environments. Conversely, stochasticity influences community structure in structurally developed, low-altitude stands, likely due to competition for light resources. While the altitudinal gradient of β-diversity was less pronounced in oribatid mites compared to plants, local-scale environmental heterogeneity still favored deterministic assembly processes. The study highlights that biogeographical patterns of biodiversity are not independent of community processes and are instead shaped by stochastic and deterministic factors that vary within a landscape.
Hubei Shennongjia
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2013 —
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A montane evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved mixed forest in Shennongjia, Hubei, China, demonstrates remarkable resilience to external disturbances. The Fagus engleriana–Cyclobalanopsis multiervis mixed forest, a dominant community in the region, maintained stable species richness and structure over nine years despite an ice storm in 2008. While total species count fluctuated slightly (from 81 to 84), dominant species such as Cyclobalanopsis multiervis, Fagus engleriana, Rhododendron hypoglaucum, and Lithocarpus henryi remained constant. Stem number and basal area followed a similar trend, increasing initially before declining, suggesting dynamic equilibrium. The study analyzed three datasets (2001, 2006, and 2010) from a permanent plot, revealing that mortality and recruitment rates varied significantly but did not alter the community's overall stability.
The Great Wall
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2013 —
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Local communities adjacent to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Great Wall in Beijing, China, primarily benefit from heritage tourism without significant involvement in decision-making or management. A study comparing two sites revealed that while communities receive economic and social benefits, their participation in planning remains minimal. Researchers developed a two-dimensional framework assessing community involvement based on decision-making and benefit acquisition, highlighting disparities between these dimensions. The findings suggest opportunities for improvement in engaging local communities more effectively in heritage tourism governance.
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
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2013 —
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Researchers found that the use of ampicillin significantly increased the concentration of total coliform bacteria extracted from Xochimilco Lake sediment compared to traditional methods like manual shaking, homogenization, and ultrasonication. This suggests that ampicillin could be an effective technique for extracting coliforms, though its potential impact on bacterial sensitivity must be considered. The study compared multiple extraction techniques, including the use of enzymes (pancreatine) and surfactants, but only ampicillin showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.03). Samples were collected from Xochimilco Lake in Mexico City, with the most probable number of coliform bacteria determined after applying each technique.
Lake Baikal
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2013 —
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A comparative analysis of Lake Baikal's bacterial communities revealed significant differences between planktonic and biofilm habitats. The study, using pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA gene fragments, identified 35 bacterial phyla in the lake, some previously undetected. Biofilm communities were dominated by Cyanobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria (each comprising over 99% of the community), while planktonic communities exhibited greater heterogeneity, with 15% belonging to other phyla alongside dominant groups like Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria. This approach also uncovered minor microbial groups not previously detected by other molecular methods, highlighting the unique biodiversity and ecological complexity of Lake Baikal's aquatic ecosystems.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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2013 —
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A comparative biogeographical analysis of echinoids, bivalves, and gastropods from the Southern Ocean reveals distinct faunal provinces that align with oceanographic currents and historical marine seaways. The study identifies three primary provinces for echinoids and bivalves—New Zealand, southern South America and sub-Antarctic islands, and Antarctica—and five for gastropods, including additional subdivisions within Antarctica (West and East). These patterns support hypotheses of past connections between the Amundsen–Bellingshausen area, Weddell Sea, and Ross Sea. The research employed a non-hierarchical clustering method, bootstrapped spanning network (BSN), to analyze taxonomic similarities at species and genus levels across 14 bioregions, demonstrating its effectiveness in identifying both strong faunal groupings and transitional areas. This approach also highlights potential dispersal routes, offering insights into present and past marine connectivity.
Yellowstone National Park
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2013 —
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A comparative genomic analysis of four closely related Hydrogenobaculum isolates from Yellowstone National Park's Dragon Spring outflow channel revealed subtle but significant differences in their genetic makeup compared to a geographically distinct strain, Y04AAS1. The DS isolates exhibited unique genes associated with arsenite oxidation and type II secretion systems, while Y04AAS1 harbored genes for thiosulfate metabolism, nitrate respiration, and mercury resistance, many of which were likely acquired via horizontal gene transfer. The study also identified distinct CRISPR loci and differences in average nucleotide identity and conserved DNA percentage between the two groups. Fragment recruitment analysis suggested that the DS metagenome was more similar to the DS isolates than to Y04AAS1, indicating a continuum of Hydrogenobaculum genotypes within the geothermal environment.
Historic City of Ayutthaya
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2013 —
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Pillar houses in Ayutthaya, Thailand, demonstrated significantly lower flood damage compared to non-pillar houses during the 2011 floods. This study highlights the adaptive design of traditional Thai architecture, which mitigates flood risks by elevating living spaces above water levels, thereby reducing economic losses. The research analyzed direct monetary damages across three housing types—pillar houses, two-storey houses, and one-storey houses—finding that pillar houses sustained minimal structural damage due to their elevated foundations, a feature tailored to Ayutthaya's flood-prone topography. The study also documented the 2011 flood characteristics, including peak rainfall in September-October, which caused river overflows and widespread flooding. By comparing damage data, it underscored the resilience of pillar houses as a cultural adaptation strategy for water-based settlements facing chronic seasonal flooding.
Semmering Railway
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2013 —
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Emergency stations (NHS) in very long railway tunnels (>20 km), such as the Lötschberg Base Tunnel and those under construction like the Gotthard, Brenner, Semmering, and Koralm Tunnels, are designed to ensure rapid and safe passenger evacuation during incidents like train fires. A comparative analysis reveals that these stations incorporate detailed ventilation and safety features tailored to project-specific conditions. The study highlights the importance of structural design, ventilation systems, and safety equipment in mitigating risks and facilitating efficient evacuation protocols.
Shahr-i Sokhta
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2013 —
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A compositional analysis of pottery shards from Shahr-i Sokhta, one of the oldest settlements in southeastern Iran, reveals that most shards are locally made. Using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) to analyze major and trace elements, researchers found that the majority of buff, gray, and red shards share similar chemical signatures, indicating local production. However, a subset of samples (18259-9, 18265-10, 18266-13, 18271-15, and 18273-4) exhibited distinct compositions, suggesting they were imported. This study sheds light on the site's economic and social dynamics during its occupation from approximately 5000 years ago to 1800 BC.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)
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2013 —
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Kenzo Tange's Hiroshima Peace Park Project (1950) envisioned a transformative urban concept centered on the Atomic Bomb Dome, integrating peace memorialization with cultural development. Tange's design aimed to connect Nakajima and Motomachi districts through this symbolic axis, embodying his 'factory of peace' philosophy. Despite planning a comprehensive complex, only Hiroshima Children's Library was realized in Motomachi due to external pressures and internal adjustments. The study reveals how Tange harmonized architectural vision with postwar reconstruction challenges, offering insights into the interplay between urban design, cultural identity, and historical preservation at UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Lamu Old Town
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2013 —
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Illness among the Swahili of Lamu, Kenya, is perceived as a spiritual imbalance stemming from personal transgression or supernatural attacks orchestrated by envious individuals. This concept integrates fixed moral attributes determined at birth, influencing behavior and susceptibility to ailments. The study highlights how culturally congruent nursing care can be achieved when healthcare providers align with the Swahili framework for diagnosing and treating illness, illustrated through two case studies. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding local cultural perspectives in healthcare practices.
Western Caucasus
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2013 —
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A new fungal species, Conocybe hausknechtii, has been discovered in the Western Caucasus, Russia. This species belongs to the section Pilosellae and is distinguished by its unique morphological characteristics. The discovery was made through detailed field observations and microscopic analysis, providing the first documented record of this species in the region. The study contributes to the understanding of fungal biodiversity in the Western Caucasus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich and diverse ecosystems.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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2013 —
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Conservation efforts around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, while promoting distributional justice through targeted benefits, may inadvertently increase local economic inequality. The study found that direct benefits from conservation and development projects, such as compensation for park-related damages, are limited in coverage and thus fail to significantly impact overall development. However, indirect benefits—such as improved transportation, health, education, and security—affect a broader population. These contrasting outcomes highlight the complex interplay between conservation goals and local development, suggesting that the human geography of national parks plays a crucial role in shaping these dynamics. Improved local attitudes toward the park appear to result from a combination of factors rather than any single initiative.
Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
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2013 —
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A networked approach to conserving Gassho-style houses could serve as information centers for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, leveraging scattered historical structures across Japan. The study highlights the potential of repurposing relocated gassho houses—some used in museums and restaurants—as hubs for educational engagement with these heritage sites. Conservation efforts began in the 1960s, with village community associations playing a key role, particularly in Shirakawa-go. Designations as National Historic Sites in the 1970s further protected Ainokura and Suganuma villages in Gokayama. The research underscores the importance of integrating these dispersed houses into broader heritage preservation strategies.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2013 —
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Only 3.1% of the Brazilian Cerrado biome—one of the planet’s most biodiverse yet threatened savannahs—lies within fully protected areas, highlighting severe gaps in conservation efforts. Despite intense habitat fragmentation and significant loss (48.2%) of original floral cover, governmental and non-governmental measures show limited effectiveness due to resource duplication, over-reliance on international funding, and lack of integration with private landowners or economic incentives. While public agencies dominate conservation planning, field actions remain underdeveloped, emphasizing the need for targeted policies that engage governments, civil society, and farmers to enhance connectivity and protect remaining native vegetation.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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2013 —
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A phylogeographical analysis of the Davy's nakedbacked bat (Pteronotus davyi) in Mexico reveals three distinct conservation units, each with unique genetic diversity and conservation priorities. The study identified Gulf North, Pacific-Veracruz, and Southeastern regions as critical areas for preserving this cave-dwelling species' biodiversity. Populations in Playa de Oro, Arroyo del Bellaco, Catemaco (Pacific-Veracruz), and Agua Blanca, Sardina, Calakmul, Calcehtok, Kantemó (Southeastern) were flagged for high genetic diversity or unique haplotypes, while the Gulf North unit showed recent loss of variability. This research provides a model for conserving other cave-dwelling bat species in shared habitats.
Mount Athos
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2013 —
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A sixteenth-century sakkos, the 'Sakkos of Ioannis Tzimiskes,' from Iviron Monastery on Mount Athos, was found to be composed of 43 textile pieces sourced from another object or objects, revealing significant insights into its structure and stratigraphy. This discovery challenges assumptions about the vestment's original form and use, offering new perspectives on its historical significance. The conservation process not only preserved the artifact but also uncovered its layered history, demonstrating the conservator's pivotal role in unraveling the narrative of such cultural heritage objects. The study highlights the importance of integrating conservation with research to elucidate the past through material evidence.
Hubei Shennongjia
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2013 —
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Aesthetic greenway construction in China's Shennongjia region demonstrates that integrating artistic principles into road design can achieve ecological, socioeconomic, and aesthetic benefits. Over six years of monitoring revealed that this approach not only enhances traffic safety and promotes local tourism but also preserves natural habitats by prioritizing local species for revegetation while addressing visual landscape harmony. The strategy effectively balances environmental conservation with economic growth, setting a precedent for future landscape design and management in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura
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2013 —
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Research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sambor Prei Kuk (Isanapura) reveals that the largest temple complex within its city compound, known as M78/M79, was constructed and rebuilt across two distinct periods: the Pre-Angkor period and during the Angkor period. This finding sheds light on the architectural evolution and chronological layers of this significant archaeological site, which was part of the Chenla kingdom in the early 7th century. The study analyzed temple structures, ponds, and ceramics to understand their spatial relationships and human occupation patterns. By examining these features, researchers determined that the M78/M79 complex underwent significant modifications over time, reflecting shifts in urban planning and religious or administrative functions.
Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast
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2013 —
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A rare instance of contemporary stromatolite formation has been documented in the high intertidal rock pools of Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland. These microbial structures, typically associated with extreme environments like hypersaline lagoons or Antarctic dry valleys, form here due to a combination of groundwater-fed calcium carbonate and cyanobacterial binding, while competing organisms are excluded by the pool's infrequent marine inundation and wave exposure. Two distinct stromatolite growth patterns were observed: thin, waterline-adjacent layers linked to wetting-drying cycles, and thicker, mound-like structures up to 3mm in height with internal laminae, suggesting either recent favorable environmental shifts or cyclic formation-destruction phases driven by fluctuating water chemistry.
Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace
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2013 —
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A comprehensive analysis of the first local history of Sheki Province, 'A Brief History of the Sheki Khans' by Karim Agha Fateh, reveals significant inaccuracies and misrepresentations that have persisted in historiography. This study, employing an analytic-descriptive method and library sources, corrects these errors while providing a detailed introduction to the work's content and writing style. The findings highlight the importance of re-evaluating historical texts based on rigorous source analysis to ensure accurate historical narratives.
Medina of Marrakesh
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2013 —
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Lifestyle migration and residential tourism in the Medina of Marrakesh are marked by contested spatialities that reflect broader neocolonial dynamics. This edited volume reveals how lifestyle migrants—often drawn to Marrakesh for its cultural richness and affordability—disrupt local spatial order, leading to conflicts over land use, social integration, and political participation. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, analyzing gendered spatial practices, territorial dispossession, and the rearticulation of indigenous communities. It contrasts Marrakesh’s experience with other global cases, such as Spain, Chile, and Malaysia, highlighting how these migrations challenge traditional notions of place-making, capitalism, and sustainable development. The study underscores the need for policies that balance the benefits of tourism with the preservation of cultural heritage and equitable community engagement.
Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa
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2013 —
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The formation of the Himalaya is intricately linked to the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates, particularly evident along the Indus suture zone. This study sheds light on the geological processes shaping the western Himalaya, focusing on regions like Ladakh, Zanskar, and Zangla—ancient Buddhist kingdoms with unique geological exposures due to their arid climate and rain shadow effects. The research leverages historical context, including the political landscape of the region post-1950, to explore these remote areas, which remained largely inaccessible until recent decades. By examining the geology of Ladakh, a former part of southwestern Tibet annexed during British rule, the study provides insights into the tectonic and climatic forces that have sculpted this critical zone of continental collision.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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A comparative analysis of aerial algal communities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) and the Lake Superior region (LSR) reveals no significant regional distinction, despite their geographic separation. Both regions exhibit dominance by cyanobacteria, accounting for over 50% of relative abundance in each. While unique taxa exist in low abundances, many prevalent species overlap between the two areas. Non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination highlights that moisture availability within GSMNP influences community structure, with drier habitats favoring cyanobacteria and wetter ones supporting higher abundances of chlorophytes and diatoms. The study employs a comprehensive approach, measuring physical and chemical factors such as aspect, moisture levels, light, and pH to assess ecological patterns.
Incense Route - Desert Cities in the Negev
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2013 —
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Dust storms significantly elevate PM10 levels in urban arid environments, contributing an average net increase of 122 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) daily in Beer-Sheva, Israel, between 2001 and 2012. The study identified dust days using a 'dust-free' season baseline threshold of 71 µg/m³, revealing that over 10% of daily PM10 concentrations exceeded this value annually. Analysis of intense storms (hourly averages of 1000–5197 µg/m³) showed the strongest events occurred predominantly in the last three years of the study period. These findings highlight the dual impact of local and regional dust sources on air quality, suggesting potential links to environmental changes like global warming and desertification that may exacerbate pollution risks to human health.
Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems
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The Loyalty Islands, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Lagoons of New Caledonia, exhibit unique paleoshoreline features shaped by neotectonic uplift. Unlike most tropical Pacific islands, these islands formed due to the uplift of pre-existing atolls on the flexural forebulge of the New Hebrides Trench. The study reveals that island morphology and topography vary with distance from the trench crest, influencing emergent paleoatolls like Maré and Lifou, which display ancient barrier reefs forming high-standing annular ridges around interior plateaus representing paleolagoon floors. Ouvea's partially emergent rim flanks a drowned lagoon, showcasing diverse paleoshoreline features such as paleoreef flats and tidal notches. These features record uplift rates since the last interglacial and mid-Holocene sea-level highstands, aligning with theoretical predictions based on trench subduction rates. The research highlights the Loyalty Islands as a case study for neotectonically controlled island environments.
Shark Bay, Western Australia
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2013 —
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Shark Bay, Western Australia, hosts a unique microbial carbonate system shaped by extreme environmental conditions. The study reveals that microbial deposits, including stromatolites and thrombolitic forms, have evolved over the Holocene in response to sea-level variations and salinity changes. Nilemah tidal flat exhibits the thickest (1.3 m) and most developed microbial sedimentary system, with its deposition predating other flats like Rocky Point and Garden Point. The research identifies filamentous bacteria as dominant in tufted and smooth mats, while coccus bacteria dominate pustular and pavement structures. These microbial communities coexist with diverse organisms, contributing to extensive bioturbation and carbonate precipitation. The findings highlight the evolutionary series preserved within tidal flats, reflecting relative ages and salinity elevation.
Maya Site of Copan
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2013 —
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Archaeological evidence from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Copán reveals that human settlement in the fertile Copan Valley began between 1100 and 900 B.C., with early inhabitants transitioning from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to agriculture due to cultural exchanges. By 400 B.C., these communities coalesced into the Mayan Empire, marking a significant political and cultural unification that endured for over 1,400 years. The study highlights the long-term impact of inter-civilizational contact on societal development in Mesoamerica.
Biblical Tels - Megiddo, Hazor, Beer Sheba
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2013 —
WHE15A705B953
A groundbreaking catalog of stamp seals and amulets from Palestine/Israel, spanning the Chalcolithic to Persian periods, has been expanded with Band IV, adding 1225 new objects to a total of 6313. This comprehensive work, the first of its kind in sigillography, sets a new standard for archaeological documentation by systematically presenting artifacts from legal excavations, enriched with detailed descriptions, photographs, and drawings. The catalog provides invaluable material for biblical studies, Levantine historiography, and Egyptology, offering chronological and cultural context through extensive parallels. Originating from 30 additional sites, including Tel Gamma/Tell Jemmeh (213 objects) and Geser (691), the collection bridges gaps in historical research and redefines foundational scholarship in these fields.
Old Town Lunenburg
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2013 —
WHE81BE6AC689
UNESCO World Heritage (WH) designation can significantly boost visitor spending, but its economic viability depends on visitation levels and rising costs. A cost-benefit analysis of Old Town Lunenburg, a WH site since 1995, revealed a 6.2% increase in Nova Scotia's tourism revenue post-designation. The study projected similar proportional benefits for Grand Pré National Historic Site, which is seeking WH status. However, the escalating costs of designation pose challenges, particularly for smaller-scale attractions. The research highlights that while WH recognition can drive economic growth, its long-term sustainability requires careful consideration of visitation impacts and financial burdens.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
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2013 —
WHE879F61912A
A new analysis challenges the distinction between two species of hadrosaurid dinosaurs, Prosaurolophus maximus and P. blackfeetensis, suggesting that the latter is a junior synonym of the former. This conclusion, supported by cranial morphometric data and phylogenetic analysis, extends the temporal range of <em>P. maximus</em> to 1.6 million years with no significant morphological change, indicating prolonged stasis in this taxon. The study examines ten articulated skulls from Dinosaur Provincial Park (Canada) and compares them with material from Montana (USA), revealing substantial variation in nasal crest morphology that precludes species-level differentiation.
Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow
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2013 —
WHEF9918606B2
The construction of the Moscow Kremlin between 1485 and 1533 marked a significant shift from dilapidated limestone fortifications to a formidable red-brick fortress, symbolizing Moscow's consolidation and expansion during the early sixteenth century. This architectural transformation, led by Italian engineers and Russian artisans under Ivan III and Vasilii III, featured imposing walls with 18 lookout towers, measuring over 2 kilometers in length and up to 6.5 meters in thickness. The Kremlin's design, rooted in Italian quattrocento aesthetics, included a complex of ecclesiastical and royal buildings that underscored its dual role as a military stronghold and a symbol of political power. While the fortress's military capabilities were initially less emphasized than its political significance, its completion represented a pivotal moment in Muscovite state formation.
