iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Maputo National Park
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2013 —
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St Lucia, the world's oldest protected estuary and Africa's largest, faces unprecedented conservation challenges due to global change. This comprehensive volume synthesizes over 60 years of research on its biodiversity, geological origins, hydrology, and management strategies, serving as a critical model for estuarine conservation worldwide. The study integrates long-term data to address the impacts of environmental shifts and provides actionable insights for rehabilitation efforts, emphasizing the need for adaptive management in similar ecosystems globally.
The Sundarbans
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The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove wetland spanning 1 million hectares (60% in Bangladesh and 40% in India), is a biodiversity hotspot with significant ecological roles. This study highlights its critical functions: coastal protection against erosion and tidal waves, fishery resource generation, and provision of forestry products. It supports an extraordinary diversity of flora—35 true mangrove species (out of 50 globally), 334 plant species, and rich faunal diversity, including the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger, wild buffalo, and 25 bird species. The dominant tree species are Sundry (<em>Heritiera fomes</em>, 73%) and Gewa (<em>Excoecaria agallocha</em>, 16%). The research provides a comprehensive assessment of the Sundarbans' ecological structure, emphasizing its global importance as a unique mangrove ecosystem.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
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2013 —
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Two liana species, Calamus ovoideus and Coscinium fenestratum, exhibit significant growth and physiological responses to varying canopy removal treatments in Pinus caribaea plantations near Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka. After eight years, both species showed greater height increments under open-canopy conditions compared to closed-canopy controls, with C. ovoideus thriving best in the three-pine-rows removal treatment and C. fenestratum showing no significant height difference across treatments but higher root collar diameter growth in canopy removal plots. Physiological studies revealed that C. ovoideus had the highest photosynthetic rate in the one-pine-removed treatment, while C. fenestratum performed best under full canopy removal. The study demonstrates that these lianas can successfully establish and grow in monoculture Pinus plantations, offering potential for agroforestry integration in Sri Lanka's lowland wet zone.
Yakushima
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2013 —
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Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) on Yakushima Island have a negligible impact on leaf production but significantly influence fruit consumption. While their folivory accounted for only about 0.04% of total leaf production—far less than insect folivory—they consumed 6-40% of the fruit production for three major fleshy-fruited species, rivaling bird consumption (32-75%). This suggests that macaque frugivory could play a substantial role in shaping forest dynamics. Researchers estimated consumption through direct observation of macaque groups over a year and calculated leaf and fruit production by accounting for litter fall and other consumers.
Pitons Management Area
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Piton de la Fournaise volcano exhibits nonlinear magma transfer dynamics, where strain weakening during distal eruptions triggers horizontal magma movement and resets eruptive cycles. The study used Drücker-Prager elastoplastic rheology to model the volcanic edifice, revealing that friction angles shift from 15° during distal eruptions to >30° in interdistal periods, indicating plastic deformation in the eastern flank relaxes elastic stress. This challenges the linear elasticity paradigm, suggesting magma transfer discretization arises from the volcano's nonlinear response rather than supply changes alone.
Persepolis
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Extreme floods pose a significant risk to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Persepolis and Naghsh-e-Rostam, Iran. A study using hydrological modeling revealed that while a 10,000-year return period flood would not inundate these sites, a probable maximum flood could submerge parts of the Southern Barzan and Platform at Persepolis. The research estimated peak flows for extreme floods and employed the HEC-RAS model to simulate potential flooding scenarios. These findings underscore the need for routine assessments of archaeological sites to mitigate risks from such events over human timescales.
Aksum
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Optimal intra-row spacing and variety selection significantly enhance onion yield and quality at Aksum, Northern Ethiopia. Research found that a 10 cm spacing maximized plant height, leaf biomass, and dry matter content, while the closest spacing (5 cm) produced the highest total bulb yield. Among four varieties tested, 'Melkam' emerged as the top performer in both yield and average bulb weight, whereas 'Adama Red' resulted in higher unmarketable yields. The study, conducted between 2010 and 2011 using a randomized complete block design, provides actionable recommendations for farmers in the region to improve onion production efficiency.
Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage
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2013 —
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Research reveals that the P-wave velocity (Vp) in two types of Moroccan building stones, calcarenite and marble, diminishes with increasing fractures, but at rates dependent on both fracture number and orientation. While calcarenite shows variable Vp diminution due to its rougher, more heterogeneous structure, marble exhibits a steady decline linked to its smoother, granoblastic texture. Fractures parallel to the wave propagation direction slightly amplify Vp, acting as waveguides, whereas those at 45° cause less diminution than fractures at 25° or 90°. These trends persist under both dry and saturated conditions, reflecting the compressive nature of P-waves and their interaction with solid media. The study provides insights into how fracture characteristics influence seismic properties in building stones, relevant for heritage conservation.
Ningaloo Coast
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Land tenure adjacent to Ningaloo Marine Park significantly influences visitor behavior, including origin, length of stay, and recreational activities. A survey of 1208 visitors revealed that repeat visitation and site fidelity were particularly high on pastoral leases, while the percentage of respondents engaging in fishing, sailing sports, and snorkeling varied across different tenures. This study highlights the complex interplay between tenure types and visitor use, posing challenges for managers aiming to balance conservation and recreation goals while also contributing to a diverse range of visitor experiences.
Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia
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Erosion rates of up to 1.24 mm per year threaten the stability of rock-hewn structures at Zelve Open Air Museum, Cappadocia. The study found that cyclic freezing-thawing and wetting-drying processes significantly accelerate degradation under saturated conditions, leading to failure modes like spalling and slabbing. These phenomena alter the geometry of openings, increasing structural instability. The research combined field observations with erosion measurements over five years to assess the impact of environmental factors on the soft tuffs surrounding historical structures.
Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija
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Long-term mercury (Hg) contamination from the Idrija mining site, carried by the Isonzo River for centuries, does not appear to significantly stress soil biological activities despite high Hg levels. A study found that while total Hg concentrations ranged from 0.2 to 80 μg g–1 near the riverbanks, most soil microbial biomass and activities remained unaffected, except for arylsulphatase and acid phosphatase, which showed negative correlations with Hg. Elemental mercury and mercuric sulfide dominated the speciation. Among plants, Rubus spp. exhibited notable Hg uptake (up to 1 μg g–1). Though microbial resilience suggests limited ecological impact, Hg transfer through the food chain remains a concern.
Paris, Banks of the Seine
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Research on the calanoid copepod <em>Eurytemora affinis</em> in the Seine Estuary reveals that short photoperiods (≤12 hours of light) and constant darkness can induce diapausing egg production, with a maximum of 6% observed under these conditions. This finding suggests that <em>E. affinis</em>, a key species in the estuary's mesozooplanktonic community, employs an egg bank strategy for long-term survival or adverse condition resilience. The study used an experimental device combining five photoperiods and two temperatures to assess diapausing egg production across two clutches, also noting a significant increase in non-viable eggs between clutches. While photoperiod is a key factor, other environmental variables likely influence this reproductive strategy. The observed diapausing egg percentage (7%) aligns with natural sediment samples from the estuary, supporting the hypothesis of an adaptive survival mechanism.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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Repeated wildfires in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park's mesic and wet forests can shift ecosystems into treeless, less-desirable stable states by overwhelming community resilience. Unlike single fires that top-kill dominant trees like <em>Metrosideros polymorpha</em> (which often survive via basal sprouting) and reduce native tree fern (<em>Cibotium glaucum</em>) survival, repeated fires drastically increase mortality by killing these resprouts. Post-fire understorey composition also diverges unexpectedly from once-burned or unburned forests, with aggressive herbaceous species rapidly occupying space, potentially stalling native forest recovery. The study highlights how feedback processes post-fire may lock ecosystems into novel states, delaying or preventing natural succession.
Okavango Delta
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Restricting wild herbivore movement via fencing in Botswana's Okavango Delta has significantly reduced woody plant cover and diversity on the wildlife management side, compared to tribal grazing areas. A study found that woody vegetation was nearly halved (P = 0.011), with lower diversity (P = 0.004) due to concentrated herbivore activity, despite minimal changes in herbaceous layers. The research used paired vegetation surveys along the southern Buffalo Fence, sampling 20 sites every 2 km, with quadrats for herbaceous and woody plants. While the fence may benefit some herbivore species, it appears to detrimentally impact overall plant diversity.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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Sea otter recolonization in Glacier Bay, Alaska, has demonstrated significant top-down structuring of soft-sediment intertidal prey assemblages over a multi-decadal timescale. As sea otter densities increased from zero to over 8,500 individuals between 1993 and 2012, clam populations showed a 50% probability of decline at densities of approximately 6 otters per km², with preferred prey species like Saxidomus giganteus declining even at lower densities (<2 otters per km²). Energy recovery rates for otters decreased significantly with increasing otter density, indicating that higher predator densities require more energy expenditure. The study, which sampled 45 intertidal sites before and after otter colonization, found consistent effects on clam populations similar to those observed in other habitats, highlighting the broader ecological impact of sea otters as a top predator.
Mogao Caves
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A monumental discovery in the Mogao Caves near Dunhuang in 1900 uncovered a medieval monastic library, hidden since the 11th century. This trove of manuscripts, initially sold to foreign scholars, revolutionized multiple academic fields by providing unprecedented firsthand material from China's middle period. 'Eighteen Lectures on Dunhuang' offers the first English summary of this transformative field, tracing its history and scholarly contributions. The book bridges Eastern and Western scholarship, synthesizing decades of research into an accessible overview for academics and educated readers alike.
Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn
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A 19th-century oil painting by Karl (Carl) Ferdinand von Kügelgen offers one of the most historically accurate and artistically significant depictions of Tallinn's fortifications, revealing insights into its urban and military landscape during the early 1800s. The work, housed in Estonia's Art Museum, stands out for its realist style, contrasting with Kügelgen's usual Classicist approach, and provides a detailed portrayal of the city's earthen entrenchments and defensive structures, including the Nunnavall, which may have been constructed during the Livonian War (1558–1583). The painting also captures the spatial separation between the medieval city center and its surrounding Russian Empire fortifications. While Tallinn's Old Town and city wall remain largely intact today, the entrenchments depicted in the artwork have since been leveled to create parks. This study, conducted by Ragnar Nurk, leverages art historical analysis and archival research to interpret the painting's significance as both a cultural artifact and a historical document.
Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin
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2013 —
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Museum Island (Museumsinsel), Berlin, stands as a unique global cultural hub with deep transnational significance, yet its international allure is often understated by local comparisons to the Louvre. While one-third of current visitors are foreigners, historical visitor data is scarce, leaving gaps in understanding cross-cultural engagement. The study employs qualitative analysis of notable figures—such as Mary Shelley, Guillaume Apollinaire, Samuel Beckett, and Charlie Chaplin—to illustrate the island's emotional and intellectual resonance worldwide. It challenges simplistic comparisons to Parisian institutions, emphasizing its distinct historical, aesthetic, and architectural identity. This approach reveals how Museum Island transcends national narratives, fostering a transnational dialogue that defies linear historical or collection-based parallels.
Funerary Tradition in the Prehistory of Sardinia – <em>The domus de janas</em>
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A newly discovered Neolithic hypogeum, Badde de Janas in Sardinia, features a realistic depiction of a double-sloped roof within its main chamber, mirroring the design of domestic structures. This finding challenges assumptions about the scarcity of rectangular dwellings in Neolithic Sardinia and suggests that such representations may instead symbolize cult buildings, akin to the 'Red Temple' at Monte d'Accoddi. The study compares this tomb with nearby S’Incantu, reinforcing its significance as a possible ritual or ceremonial space rather than a direct representation of contemporary housing.
El Tajin, Pre-Hispanic City
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El Tajín reveals a sophisticated visual language through its architecture and sculpture that encapsulates the cultural and cosmological thought of its ancient inhabitants. This study identifies recurring formal elements, compositional structures, morphological patterns, and aesthetic canons in representative buildings, providing new insights into their iconographic and iconological significance. The research employs structuralist and formalist analysis, supported by linear drawings to clarify visual components, allowing for a detailed examination of both individual units and overall building morphology. By contextualizing El Tajín within Mesoamerica's historical, social, and religious landscape, the study underscores the enduring relevance of its visual language today, contributing to its preservation and restoration efforts.
Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines
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During the second half of the 18th century, labor practices in Guanajuato's mines were shaped by state-led mining modernization, which imposed forced labor and stringent regulations. This study reveals that despite the diversity of trades among workers, their development was constrained by a complex system of labor control involving both state intervention and corporate influence. The findings highlight how these measures limited workforce growth in one of the era's most advanced industrial sectors.
Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape
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A study analyzing protein patterns in date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) leaflets from 10 locations within Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia, revealed distinct genetic variations among the 'Khalas' cultivar. Using SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and clustering methods like NJ and UPGMA, researchers identified three major clusters, with Cluster 1 potentially representing the original 'Khalas' cultivar due to its monomorphic protein patterns. Clusters 2 and 3 showed unique or low-protein-content bands, suggesting genetic divergence likely from seed propagation. The findings underscore the importance of identifying the original cultivar to preserve superior traits in cultivated trees, though further genetic and biochemical studies are recommended for confirmation.
Salonga National Park
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A study on Salonga National Park and Malebo in the Democratic Republic of Congo reveals that forest elephants significantly influence understorey openness, with 94% of it positively correlated to elephant abundance. The research also found that elephant trails create distinct plant species gradients: fruit-bearing plants, which are dispersed by elephants, decline within 20 meters of trail centers, while leaf-browsed plants increase, suggesting dynamic trail movement over time. Projections indicate a potential fourth optimum point at 76 meters from the trail center, where both plant types would be absent. Based on these findings, the study concludes that a minimum corridor width of 150±2 meters is necessary to connect fragmented elephant habitats effectively.
Al Zubarah Archaeological Site
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A complex territorial dispute between Qatar and Bahrain over maritime boundaries, involving islands, shoals (fashts), and the district of Zubarah in Qatar, has hindered boundary delimitation. The study explores the historical emergence and evolution of territorial states in the region, shedding light on the intricate geopolitical dynamics that have shaped the Persian Gulf's security landscape. By analyzing archival records and legal documents, researchers trace the origins of these disputes, providing a nuanced understanding of how territorial claims have evolved over time. This work highlights the interplay between historical narratives and modern geopolitical strategies in the context of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
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A significant rise in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) cases was observed in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, between 2008 and 2011, with an annual incidence of 26.2 per 100,000 population. The study identified clear spatial and temporal clustering, with cases peaking monthly from August to November and geographically concentrated in three administrative divisions, where incidence ranged from 94.7 to 54.1 per 100,000. Males were disproportionately affected (65.9%), and nodules and crusts were the most common lesion types, primarily located on upper limbs or the face. The research analyzed data from 362 patients, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance in Sri Lanka to address this emerging health concern.
Vredefort Dome
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The Orosirian Period (2.05 to 1.8 billion years ago) marked the emergence of eukaryotes, coinciding with a temperate climate and significant geological activity, including two major meteor impacts—Vredefort in South Africa and Sudbury in Canada. This era saw the rise of the eukaryote last common ancestor (ELCA), which competed with established prokaryotes within biofilms. The study highlights how revolutionary evolutionary advances often occur in small, localized environments, emphasizing the competitive dynamics between ELCA and its prokaryotic predecessors. The research sheds light on the critical transition from prokaryotic dominance to eukaryotic diversification during a pivotal chapter in Earth's history.
Keoladeo National Park
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A stable spatial pattern emerges in wetland ecosystems, such as Keoladeo National Park (KNP), where 'good biomass' persists despite the dynamic presence of 'bad biomass.' The study identifies critical parameters—growth rate and carrying capacity for bad biomass, along with carrying capacity and half-saturation constant for good biomass—that determine ecosystem health. Using a diffusion-based model, researchers simulated spatiotemporal dynamics and analyzed stability, revealing how these factors influence species persistence or extinction. Computer simulations further highlighted the role of these parameters in maintaining ecological balance.
Yosemite National Park
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A high probability of significant debris-flow hazards exists within and downstream of the 2013 Rim Fire burn area in Yosemite National Park and the Stanislaus National Forest, California. Empirical models predict a 60-80% likelihood of debris flows in 28 out of 1,238 drainage basins following a 10-year recurrence interval rainstorm, with 901 basins potentially generating over 10,000 cubic meters of debris. These findings highlight the moderate risk to nearby populations, infrastructure, wildlife, and water resources, emphasizing the need for vigilance regarding weather forecasts and adherence to evacuation orders.
City of Cuzco
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A significant majority of patients at two major hospitals in Cusco, Peru, reported using medicinal plants, with 83.2% having used them at some point and 75.3% within the last month. Notably, 85.7% expressed a desire for physicians to prescribe these plants during consultations. The study, conducted between August and September 2011, employed a non-probabilistic sampling method involving 250 participants and identified digestive, urinary, and respiratory issues as the most common conditions treated with medicinal plants. This cross-sectional research highlights the widespread integration of traditional medicine alongside conventional healthcare in Cusco, suggesting a potential for greater collaboration between modern medical systems and traditional practices.
Western Ghats
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2013 —
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A study of the Western Ghats' forests revealed that endophytic fungi from the Xylariaceae family, found in 49 tree species across dry thorn and stunted montane evergreen habitats, exhibit dual life strategies. These fungi thrive as both endophytes within leaves and saprotrophs on plant litter, producing enzymes like cellulase, laccase, and lipase. Molecular analysis identified most isolates as belonging to <em>Xylaria</em> or <em>Nemania</em>, while their extracts showed inhibitory effects against fungi, bacteria, and algae, suggesting competitive advantages in forest floor ecosystems. The study highlights the potential of these fungi for biotechnological applications due to their unique ecological roles.
Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain
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Aerobiological and atmospheric gas surveys reveal that microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, can penetrate deep into Altamira Cave's Well Hall, far from the main entrance. This challenges previous assumptions about microbial entry being solely dependent on atmospheric exchange through the cave's single, elevated entrance. The study combines aerobiological data with multiparametric gas analysis to uncover this novel pathway for microbial dispersion, posing potential risks to the conservation of the UNESCO World Heritage Site's Paleolithic rock art.
Taï National Park
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An extra-curricular environmental education program, Club P.A.N., significantly enhanced students' knowledge and attitudes toward nature in nine villages near Côte d'Ivoire's Taï National Park. Over two years, 1,244 participants showed measurable gains in environmental awareness, with boys and sixth-grade pupils benefiting the most. The study, conducted by Borchers et al. (2013), used multivariate analysis to assess changes in knowledge and attitudes, highlighting the program's effectiveness while identifying areas for further research.
Erbil Citadel
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A study analyzing soil samples from six sites in Erbil, including the UNESCO-listed Erbil Citadel, reveals critical levels of heavy metals in industrial and citadel areas. Concentrations of Co, Mn, and Pb exceeded pollutant thresholds in industrial zones, while Ni, Cu, Co, and Mn reached hazardous levels in the Citadel's soils. Phosphorus pollution was also noted in the Citadel samples. Despite these concerns, most elements, including Fe, K, Al, and others, remained below international standards for toxicity. The research highlights localized environmental risks, particularly in urban and heritage sites, underlining the need for further monitoring of heavy metal accumulation in soil.
Doñana National Park
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A two-dimensional hydrodynamic model of Doñana National Park wetlands accurately simulates wind-induced water displacement, demonstrating displacements of up to 2 kilometers. Researchers calibrated the model using Envisat/ASAR satellite images and on-site wind records, assessing different formulations for wind drag action. The study found that including an atmospheric stability parameter did not significantly improve results, suggesting that such data may not be necessary for accurate simulations in hypothetical or design scenarios. This research contributes to better predictions of flooding and emergence patterns, aiding in the assessment of hydrologic restoration actions within Doñana's basin.
Bryggen
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2013 —
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A collection of essays examines the role of epigraphic writing, particularly runic inscriptions from Scandinavian rune stones and Bryggen's rune staves, as indicators of social, cultural, and religious practices during the Viking Age and early Christianization. The study reveals that runic prayers exhibit regional characteristics of nascent Christianity, suggesting an early cult of Christ in certain areas. Additionally, it explores the pragmatic use of runic writing for commercial correspondence, charms, and practical directions, highlighting its instrumentalist communication aspects. High-resolution scans and linguistic analyses were employed to differentiate carvers, assess their social status, and interpret the transition from pre-Christian to Christian milieus.
Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape
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A significant Roman-era structure, the southern round tower of Pergamon's Red Hall, has been successfully restored using simple yet effective techniques that prioritize material preservation. Built by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, this tower stands as a notable example of Eastern Roman architecture. The restoration project, led by the German Archaeological Institute (DAI), employed locally sourced materials and skilled local workers to ensure structural integrity while maintaining historical authenticity. Completed in September 2009, the tower was reopened to the public, serving as an exhibition space for archaeological artifacts. Ongoing work includes the restoration of a cross vault above an adjacent substructure, set to be finalized in 2013. This project demonstrates that complex heritage conservation can be achieved through straightforward, locally adapted methods without compromising historical significance.
Yellowstone National Park
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A detailed analysis of Lone Star Geyser's eruptions in Yellowstone National Park reveals that its heat output, estimated at 1.4–1.5 MW, is less than 0.1% of the total heat output from the Yellowstone Caldera. The study, conducted over four days, identified four distinct phases in the geyser's eruption cycle: a fountaining phase with high jet velocities (16–28 m/s) and low steam fraction, a posteruption relaxation phase, a recharge period, and a preplay phase characterized by steam pulses and flow oscillations. Researchers used simultaneous measurements of water discharge, acoustic emissions, infrared intensity, and video to quantify these dynamics, providing new insights into the energetics and behavior of geyser eruptions.
Pitons Management Area
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A new method for forecasting eruption locations on Piton de la Fournaise Volcano, a highly active basaltic volcano on La Réunion island, has been identified. Researchers discovered that high-frequency seismic events occurring during the quiescent period between volcano-tectonic swarms and eruptive tremors are strongly linked to future eruption sites. These shallow, short-duration events, lasting only a few hours, indicate the opening of magma pathways at shallow depths, even while magma is still propagating vertically. Unlike previous models that attributed such seismicity to direct magma pressure, this study suggests it reflects the volcano's generic response to stress perturbations, offering significant potential for improving short-term eruption location predictions. The findings are based on analysis of five eruptions between November 2009 and December 2010.
Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945)
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Survivors of the Holocaust sought to bear witness to their experiences, yet little is known about the conditions and constraints shaping their narratives. This study reveals that understanding the discursive contexts of survivors' testimonies—whether in literary works or videographic interviews—enables a more nuanced reception of their accounts. By analyzing post-war literary testimonies (e.g., by Primo Levi, Jean Améry) alongside videographic interviews from the 1990s, the research demonstrates how these two key forms of testimony emerged under distinct narrative pressures and societal demands. The findings underscore that engaging with survivors' narratives requires recognizing their original dialogic intent, which persists even today.
Tchogha Zanbil
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Chogha Zanbil, an UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iran, reveals the strategic urban planning of the Elamite king Untash-Napirisha through environmental psychology analysis. The site's structure, featuring concentric zones, towers, and pathways, reflects political, religious, social, and economic reforms. This study highlights how the layout—including boundary walls and decorative elements—served as a deliberate architectural expression of power and cultural identity during the Meso-Elamite period (Dûr-Untaš). By reconstructing the site's original height and examining its symbolic significance, researchers uncover insights into ancient urban design and its psychological impact on inhabitants.
Pasargadae
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Archaeological excavations at Pasargadae have uncovered evidence of urban decline dating back to the 11th century. The research, conducted by a joint mission involving Iranian and Italian institutions, identified eight distinct phases of development in an excavated trench west of the mosque. Notably, Phase 2 revealed a significant paved road connected to an extensive sewer system, suggesting a once-thriving urban quarter. Subsequent phases showed a gradual decline, with earthen roads replacing the paved ones and narrowing the carriageway, indicating a shift in urban significance. This study provides crucial insights into the historical evolution of Pasargadae, shedding light on its transition from a prominent center to a less influential area.
Yakushima
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Tree-ring analysis of Cryptomeria japonica on Yakushima Island reveals that growth rates were significantly higher 100–150 years ago compared to the last three decades, suggesting that historical logging activities may have positively influenced tree growth. The study examined 28 regenerated trees, finding that basal area increment (BAI) increased rapidly until around 30 cm diameter before plateauing, with growth patterns beyond 70 cm remaining undetermined due to limited samples. Unlike artificial forests, Yakushima's Cr. japonica showed prolonged rapid growth, lasting up to 110 years. These findings highlight the potential ecological impact of past logging on forest regeneration and long-term growth dynamics.
Nyungwe National Park
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A tropical highland forest in Rwanda, specifically Nyungwe National Park, emerges as a significant but poorly understood source of nitrous oxide (N2O) and nitric oxide (NO), critical greenhouse gases with global warming potential. This study quantifies N2O and NO emissions from the park's soil, contributing to broader estimates for tropical forests—a major yet uncertain component in global atmospheric budgets. By analyzing legacy data, researchers identified key soil properties influencing these emissions, providing a foundation for more accurate regional and global simulations. The findings highlight the need for targeted monitoring of specific parameters to refine predictions, addressing critical gaps in African data and advancing understanding of tropical forest contributions to climate change.
Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia
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Pedestrian experiences in Salvador de Bahia and Caracas reveal how social segmentation, security concerns, and urban redevelopment undermine shared street space. The study highlights the fragile nature of proximity in these Latin American cities through sensitive expressions of bodily movement, demonstrating that spatial conflicts disrupt communal engagement despite efforts to reimagine public areas.
Abbey Church of Saint-Savin sur Gartempe
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Researchers developed a non-intrusive method to measure thermal conductivity and moisture content in porous inorganic materials, such as stone and plaster, used in historic buildings. This approach, adapted from the hot-wire technique for corrosive fluids, allows for surface-level measurements that account for surface roughness, providing crucial data for the conservation of heritage sites. The study applied this method to analyze microclimatic conditions in two historic sites: the Hypogée des Dunes in Poitiers and the crypt of the Abbey Church of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe. Findings revealed the impact of restoration work on the Hypogée's climate and the influence of climatic variations on biological film formation in the crypt, offering insights into the preservation challenges faced by these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Abbey Church of Saint-Savin sur Gartempe
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A groundbreaking analysis of the murals at Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe Abbey reveals that the paintings were executed using two distinct techniques: true fresco in the first three bays and dry painting on a lime wash in the subsequent bays. This discovery was made possible through scientific examination of samples from the nave's vault, conducted by the Laboratoire de Recherche des Monuments Historiques in collaboration with restorers and art historians. The study identified calcite grains, likely sourced from metamorphic rock resembling marble, as a unique marker distinguishing original paintings from later repaints. This finding sheds new light on the abbey's artistic techniques and conservation history.
Vézelay, Church and Hill
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Twelfth-century Christian art did not rely on exclusive physical features to visually distinguish Jews, Muslims, Africans, or heretics. Instead, representations from this period shared ambiguous physiognomic and iconographic traits among 'others,' challenging the notion that discriminatory visual codes were fully developed. This ambiguity suggests a semiotic practice where rigid exclusion and enemy construction did not depend on formalized physical distinctions. The study examines these principles through an analysis of Eugenia of Alexandria's depiction on a nave capital in Vézelay's abbey church, which blends male and female characteristics. By tracing the interplay between meaning production and visual representation, the research offers insight into how 'otherness' was constructed in 12th-century art without relying solely on denotative physical markers.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
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A comprehensive review of ankylosaurid dinosaurs from the Late Cretaceous of Alberta, Canada, and Montana, USA, challenges long-standing taxonomic classifications. The study resurrects four species—Anodontosaurus lambei, Scolosaurus cutleri, Dyoplosaurus acutosquameus, and Oohkotokia horneri—as distinct from Euoplocephalus tutus, based on morphological differences in skull ornamentation, osteoderms, and skeletal features. Anodontosaurus is characterized by posterior orbital ornamentation and wide knob osteoderms, while Scolosaurus exhibits long squamosal horns and low medial osteoderms. Dyoplosaurus is differentiated by pelvic and pedal morphology, along with a narrow tail club knob. The research leverages extensive fossil material, including dozens of Euoplocephalus specimens, to refine our understanding of intraspecific variation and taxonomic diversity within this group.
Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue
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2013 —
WHE93CC10EAD7
Gentrification in Budapest's Andrássy Avenue, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site since 2002, drives property prices up significantly post-architectural renewal but leaves flats in poor condition unaffected. The study identifies three key research indicators—economical, social, and architectural—to model gentrification impacts using descriptive statistics and factor analysis. It reveals that young, highly educated residents are drawn to renewed areas like Liszt Ferenc Square, while facility managers must tailor maintenance budgets to the social profiles of property owners. The case study of a renewed residential palace in Teréz Town underscores how rent-gap dynamics and functional shifts shape urban renewal processes.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2013 —
WHEE8EC7E7483
Researchers have developed a novel method to measure the recovery of endangered species following invasive predator management, demonstrating its effectiveness on Amami-Oshima Island, Japan. The study found that population densities of four endangered species—Amami rabbit and three frog species—showed clear signs of recovery as mongoose densities declined, with populations reaching estimated carrying capacities at 20-40% of surveyed sites. This approach, combining long-term monitoring data with a logistic growth model, provides a measurable benchmark for assessing the success of invasive predator eradication programs without requiring pre-invasion baseline data. The findings highlight the potential for widespread application in conservation efforts, offering unambiguous goals for managing invasive species.
