Landscape for Breeding and Training of Ceremonial Carriage Horses at Kladruby nad Labem
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2013 —
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A year-long study at the National Stud Farm in Kladruby nad Labem revealed that stable microclimate conditions, including temperature, humidity, and dew point, are significantly influenced by ambient weather patterns. The research, conducted from April 2011 to March 2012, found that while the stables generally provide suitable environments for horse welfare, gas concentrations—measured monthly in 24-hour cycles—varied with horse presence. This suggests that enclosed stable conditions can be optimized further to enhance breeding outcomes and equine health.
Joggins Fossil Cliffs
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2013 —
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A study of the Joggins Fossil Cliffs reveals that evaporite tectonics played a crucial role in shaping the late Paleozoic stratigraphic development of the Cumberland basin in Atlantic Canada. The research demonstrates that salt expulsion led to the formation of broad synclines and narrow anticlines, influencing sediment accumulation patterns. In the western Athol syncline, evaporites remained largely undisturbed until the Pennsylvanian period, accommodating thick Joggins succession deposits, including fossil forests with upright trees. Eastern regions like the Tatamagouche syncline experienced earlier salt withdrawal, resulting in thinner Cumberland Group strata. The study's analysis of seismic profiles highlights unique halokinetic structures, suggesting vertical salt movement characteristic of strike-slip basins, which may impact resource distribution, including hydrocarbons.
Costiera Amalfitana
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2013 —
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Event tourism and cultural tourism significantly impact rural communities, offering a framework for sustainable development. The study introduces a preliminary model of event management that leverages destination and event image congruence to enhance visitor experience and local economic benefits. It also explores the role of innovation and creativity in festival organizations, demonstrating their potential to drive territorial marketing and attract tourism. Case studies, including the Ravello Festival on Italy's Amalfi Coast and the Innibos Arts Festival, illustrate how cultural events can serve as powerful tools for regional promotion and sustainable growth. The research employs a mix of theoretical models, such as the VICE model, and empirical analyses to provide actionable insights for stakeholders in tourism management.
Papahānaumokuākea
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2013 —
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Research reveals the existence of a second island-associated population of false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, primarily within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. This discovery challenges previous assumptions that only one such population existed around the main Hawaiian Islands. The study used photo-identification and satellite tagging to track whale movements over 52 days, documenting their range from French Frigate Shoals to Middle Bank, including both shallow nearshore and deep offshore waters. Three encounters in 2010 matched individuals previously documented near Kaua'i in 2008, confirming overlap with the main Hawaiian Islands insular population's range.
Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex
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A comprehensive examination of the Kalemisi works in the Selimiye Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Konya, reveals intricate adherence to graphic design principles. The study highlights how elements such as line, color, texture, and compositional balance contribute to the mosque's aesthetic cohesion. Researchers found that the motifs' conformity to architectural structures, rhythmic visual continuity, and strategic use of color and density create a harmonious yet dynamic visual experience. These findings underscore the sophistication of Turkish-Islamic adornment techniques, blending artistic expression with structural integration.
Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville
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2013 —
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A collection of essays examines the influence of classical antiquity on early American leaders, particularly Thomas Jefferson, revealing a nuanced relationship characterized by both deep appreciation and selective application. While Jefferson and his contemporaries admired classical languages and aesthetics, they often viewed classical wisdom as more illustrative than prescriptive, especially in shaping republican governance and progressive ideals. Notably, Jefferson's architectural designs at Monticello and the University of Virginia reflect meticulous adherence to classical proportions, suggesting practical integration of classical forms into American innovation. Conversely, his educational vision for women drew from classical models to foster learning and social parity, though political governance prioritized forward-looking principles over classical precedents.
Petra
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Excavations along the Nabataean Incense Road, stretching from Petra to Gaza, reveal its dynamic evolution as a vital trade route, peaking under Roman rule after 106 CE before declining in the third century. This study highlights key archaeological sites conserved between 1993 and 2000, which later contributed to the road's inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage list in 2005. The research employed systematic excavations and conservation efforts to trace the route's transformation, offering insights into its historical significance as a conduit for long-distance trade.
Old and New Towns of Edinburgh
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2013 —
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Archaeological excavations in the Canongate Backlands, part of Edinburgh's Old Town World Heritage Site, revealed significant medieval and post-medieval features, including a possible 12th-century burgh ditch, a 17th-century well, a medieval graindrying kiln, refuse pits, drainage features, and quarry pits. These findings provide valuable insights into the site's historical development, particularly its boundary works and land use practices from the medieval to post-medieval periods. The study employed systematic excavations in two plots (Plot N of the Holyrood North Re-Development Project and alongside Calton Road), uncovering substantial artefact assemblages that contribute to our understanding of Edinburgh's layered history.
Wadden Sea
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This study demonstrates that environmental impact assessments (EIAs) can be effectively used to optimize operations and ensure approvability for oil or gas exploration and production in highly protected areas, such as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The research highlights the importance of a comprehensive and flexible approach, integrating technical and logistic alternatives to minimize environmental impact while adhering to multiple conservation objectives. Through case studies involving pipeline laying, sea power cable installation, scour protection, and exploratory drilling around Germany’s largest oil field in the Wadden Sea—a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site—the study illustrates how radical adaptations were made to meet stringent conservation requirements, including zero discharge principles, avoidance of sensitive periods, temperature control, area minimization, extensive monitoring, and compensation measures like salt marsh revitalization. These examples showcase successful project approvals, even in court cases, proving that EIAs can be dynamic tools for environmental optimization rather than static evaluations.
Grand Canyon National Park
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2013 —
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Heat-related illnesses (HRI) pose a significant public health risk to visitors of the Grand Canyon National Park, with nearly 500 nonfatal and six fatal cases reported between 2004 and 2009. The study, analyzing Ranger Emergency Medical Services data, found that 84% of cases involved U.S. residents, primarily hikers aged 43 years on average, with a notable prevalence of cardiovascular conditions (18%). Clinical assessments revealed dehydration (25%), heat exhaustion (23%), and suspected hyponatremia (19%), while 40% required helicopter evacuations. HRI rates peaked in May, underscoring the urgency for targeted prevention efforts, particularly during high-visitation periods.
Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls
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2013 —
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Tourists' pursuit of existential authenticity in cultural restaurant experiences at Victoria Falls prioritizes the totality of the experience over individual components, with a focus on hedonistic enjoyment and social interaction rather than objectivist authenticity. A netnographic analysis of post-visit online reviews revealed that tourists value nonconformist, original, or unusual offerings, as well as interactive service consumption over passive experiences. Restaurateurs are advised to leverage creativity, unexpected add-ons, and marketing that reflects the social nature of dining experiences to enhance tourist satisfaction.
Komodo National Park
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A collaborative management initiative at Komodo National Park, designed to balance tourism and biodiversity conservation, collapsed after just five years despite significant investment. The study identifies the failure as rooted in the narrow design of the initiative and the political ecology of Indonesia's civil service, characterized by persistent corruption and weak environmental awareness. This research highlights the challenges of managing complex social-ecological systems, particularly in World Heritage Sites with high tourist interest and diverse stakeholder involvement.
La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia
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2013 —
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Augmented reality (AR) significantly enhances the accessibility and visitor experience at the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'La Lonja de la Seda' in Valencia. A study involving 145 participants of diverse backgrounds found that AR effectively addressed perception challenges such as poor lighting and distance, allowing users to interactively explore architectural details with positive feedback. The application was well-received, fostering a renewed appreciation for the monument's historical and cultural significance.
Kaiping Diaolou and Villages
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2013 —
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A balanced adaptive reuse strategy for architectural heritage can effectively preserve cultural significance while fostering local economic development, as demonstrated by the case study of Paris Hotel in Kaiping. The research highlights that integrating conservation efforts with tourism and economic growth is crucial to prevent structural damage or over-commercialization, common issues faced by UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Kaiping Diaolou and Villages. By analyzing the challenges and potential solutions for Paris Hotel, the study provides a practical model for heritage management that maintains the rustic beauty and historical value of such sites while supporting sustainable tourism.
Saloum Delta
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2013 —
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A strong perceived link between water salinity and hypertension exists among coastal communities in the Sine-Saloum Delta, Senegal. This qualitative study reveals that residents consistently attribute their high blood pressure to consuming saline water, shaping their health-seeking behaviors and imposing economic burdens as they seek alternative freshwater sources like rainwater or bottled water. The findings underscore the need for public health strategies to address both hypertension prevention and reliable freshwater access in this region.
Lake Baikal
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2013 —
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Research on endemic Baikal amphipods reveals that the thermotolerant species <em>Eulimnogammarus cyaneus</em> exhibits a 5-fold higher basal level of heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70) under normal conditions and lower induction upon temperature elevation compared to its more thermosensitive congener, <em>E. verrucosus</em>. This suggests that structural and functional rearrangements in the hsp70 gene family contribute to thermal adaptation. The study isolated and sequenced hsp70 genes from both species, identifying two cytosolic Hsp70/Hsc70 isoforms under normal conditions, with only one isoform induced by heat shock. These findings provide insights into molecular mechanisms underlying thermal tolerance in Baikal amphipods, representing the first description of hsp70 gene structure and function in endemic species inhabiting thermally contrasting habitats.
Ancient City of Sigiriya
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Vegetation succession in moist deciduous forests at Sigiriya Sanctuary is characterized by a slow, progressive change dominated by shade-tolerant species rather than the accumulation of new colonists. Research indicates that young successional forests, even after abandonment from swidden farming, are dominated by agricultural weed and light-demanding shrub species due to high soil temperatures and low moisture levels. Seed predation further limits the establishment of climax forest species, including valuable timber trees, despite their presence in older forests. The study highlights the degraded state of these forests and emphasizes the critical need for protection and rehabilitation to ensure their perpetuity.
Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing
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2013 —
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A growing debate in China over the legacy of the Old Summer Palace, destroyed by British and French troops in 1860, reveals deep divisions in national narratives. While the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has amplified this traumatic event to bolster nationalist legitimacy, linking it to the 'Century of Humiliation,' online critics challenge its official version, accusing it of bias and excessive resource allocation. This study highlights how the CCP's historical framing serves as a tool for political legitimization but also sparks dissent, with some citizens arguing that China remains subordinate to foreign powers despite decades under CCP rule.
Fatehpur Sikri
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2013 —
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A comprehensive reassessment of Fatehpur Sikri reveals its architectural and urban planning sophistication, challenging earlier perceptions of its abandonment. The study identifies a meticulous construction chronology, advanced water management systems, and the significance of wall paintings, providing new insights into Mughal imperial design and sustainability. By analyzing mason's marks, residential layouts, and hydraulic structures, researchers reconstruct the city's evolution under Akbar's rule, offering a nuanced understanding of its decline and legacy as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ogasawara Islands
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2013 —
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Green anoles (<em>Anolis carolinensis</em>) established on the Ogasawara Islands, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exhibit a fecundity of 13.7 eggs per female annually under captive conditions resembling their natural habitat. Egg-laying peaks in August, with females averaging 0.95 eggs per week from April to October, primarily selecting fern leaf gaps and ground hollows for nesting. This study highlights the need for targeted population control, particularly focusing on females before peak egg-laying in April, to mitigate their ecological impact on endemic insect communities.
Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea
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2013 —
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Mega-events such as the FIFA World Cup and Olympics drive profound urban transformations, particularly in socio-spatially fragmented cities of the Global South. In Rio de Janeiro, these events sparked processes of 'festivalisation,' where favelas—informal settlements—were strategically altered through measures like invisibilisation (hiding), pacification (security operations), beautification (aesthetic upgrades), and touristic staging (marketing for visitors). The study critically evaluates these interventions, revealing how they reshape urban landscapes while raising questions about social equity and sustainability. Using a case-study approach centered on Rio's 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics preparations, the research combines urban policy analysis with spatial and socio-political perspectives to expose the complexities of event-driven urban development.
Península Valdés
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Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) on Península Valdés exhibit consistent and repeatable breeding habitat preferences, forming harems in bays sheltered by cliffs with gentle slopes (<4°) and unconsolidated substrates. Non-reproductive groups, meanwhile, occupy shelf points. This study, spanning a decade of population stability (2001–2007, 2010), analyzed ten topographic variables along 12 km of coastline during peak breeding seasons to reveal these fine-scale patterns. The findings contribute to understanding large-scale distribution trends in southern elephant seal colonies, offering insights into their ecological requirements and spatial organization.
Archipiélago de Revillagigedo
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Researchers document the first confirmed breeding record of the White Tern (<em>Gygis alba</em>) in México, specifically on Socorro Island within the UNESCO-listed Revillagigedo Archipelago. This rare observation, made during summer 2012, involved two adults tending to a single nestling, providing critical evidence that contradicts earlier erroneous reports of breeding activity in the region. The study highlights the species' status as a vagrant in the archipelago while offering insights into its parental behavior, contributing valuable data to ornithological records for México.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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Researchers report the first documented occurrence of the predatory leech Mimobdella japonica on Okinawajima Island, part of Japan's Ryukyu Islands. Genetic analysis (COI sequences) revealed no differences between specimens from Okinawajima and Amami-oshima, suggesting M. japonica may be an introduced species in at least one of these locations. The study provides detailed morphological descriptions of the leeches, including external and internal features, to aid in future identifications.
Ogasawara Islands
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2013 —
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A new endemic focus of Angiostrongylus cantonensis, a parasitic nematode linked to human neuro-angiostrongyliasis, has been identified in the Hahajima group of islands within Japan's Ogasawara Archipelago. The study, conducted between 2010 and 2011, detected A. cantonensis infections in 46 invasive rats (Rattus norvegicus) across five islands—Anejima, Meijima, Imoutojima, Hirajima, and Mukohjima. Molecular analysis confirmed the parasite's presence, revealing a single lineage shared with samples from Okinawa, Hawaii, and Brazil. While human cases remain unreported in the Ogasawara Islands, this discovery underscores potential public health risks due to the widespread distribution of the parasite in this UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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This is the first documented report of <em>Calonectria</em> leaf spot disease affecting <em>Vaccinium reticulatum</em>, commonly known as ohelo, a native Hawaiian shrub. The study identified <em>Calonectria pseudocolhounii</em> as the causative pathogen through morphological and molecular analysis, including β-tubulin gene sequencing. Symptoms included severe leaf spots, stem lesions, and defoliation in greenhouse-grown ohelo plants in Hilo, Hawaii, but no natural outbreaks were observed in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or along Saddle Road. Koch's postulates were fulfilled by successfully re-isolating the fungus from artificially inoculated ohelo seedlings, confirming its pathogenicity. Ohelo berries are culturally significant and serve as a food source for the endangered nene goose.
City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto
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A Roman amphora from Vicenza, northern Italy, revealed the presence of small fish and crustacean fragments, suggesting these species originated from the northern Adriatic shore. The findings indicate a mix of freshwater and marine species, hinting at the region's diverse aquatic ecosystems during the Roman Empire. Microscopic analysis was necessary due to the poor preservation state of the remains, which were part of a roadway foundation likely used for rainwater drainage. This discovery sheds light on ancient trade routes and the ecological landscape of the Adriatic coast.
Salonga National Park
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A comprehensive list of 152 fish species, including nine potentially new taxa, has been documented from the Luilaka, Salonga, and Yenge Rivers around Salonga National Park, Africa's largest protected area. This study addresses a significant gap in knowledge regarding the ichthyofauna of the Congo basin, particularly in the central region where taxonomic and distributional data are scarce. The findings provide a foundational dataset for future research, though the authors acknowledge its likely incompleteness due to limited sampling efforts.
Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe
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Excavations at Sardis, Turkey, have uncovered five small bronze coin hoards from the fifth century C.E., challenging previous assumptions about the demonetization of fourth- and early fifth-century coins. These hoards suggest that fifth-century coinage was a dynamic mix of fourth-century coins, blanks, and official issues, all circulated as legal tender. The study uses comparative analysis of eastern Mediterranean hoards to support this finding, cautioning archaeologists against relying solely on coinage for dating strata due to the complex nature of fifth-century coin assemblages.
Bursa and Cumalıkızık: the Birth of the Ottoman Empire
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Informal settlements in Bursa, Turkey, face significant flood disaster vulnerability due to inadequate disaster risk reduction measures. A study analyzing interviews with households affected by floods in 2010 revealed that these communities lack access to effective mitigation strategies and bear disproportionate economic burdens post-disaster. Key factors increasing flood damage included poor infrastructure and limited preparedness, while interviewees reported minimal post-flood adaptive measures. The research underscores the urgent need for integrated disaster risk reduction policies tailored to low-income communities, emphasizing collaboration between authorities and vulnerable populations to enhance resilience.
Pantanal Conservation Area
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A study of the Brazilian Pantanal revealed that large and midsized mammals exhibit heterogeneous habitat use influenced by seasonal flooding, with 26 species documented across marshes, dry forests, and riparian forests. Jaguars, collared peccaries, and red-brocket deer were consistently present in all habitats, while eleven species were habitat-specific. The research, conducted over a year using camera-traps, sightings, tracks, fecal samples, and interviews at both protected and private sites, found that precipitation and river levels significantly affected mammal activity in dry forests and isolated marshes. Notably, 62% of the recorded species occurred outside protected areas, underscoring the need for conservation efforts to safeguard unprotected dry forests and threatened species.
Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments
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An augmented-reality serious game, 'Vol sans effraction,' revolutionizes public engagement with the Arles Roman Forum by leveraging drone technology and image-detection algorithms. The game challenges traditional perceptions of museums as dusty or elitist, using a small drone to virtually 'shoot' clichés placed in the Forum's courtyard while the pilot stands outside. Short videos triggered by this interaction feature young speakers debunking stereotypes, offering an innovative way for the Arlaten Museum to connect with audiences during its renovation. This approach demonstrates how digital technology can bridge gaps between heritage sites and the public, preserving access to UNESCO-listed monuments even when physical entry is restricted.
Hubei Shennongjia
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Lichens serve as a crucial, year-round food source for the Sichuan snub-nosed monkey (<em>Rhinopithecus roxellana</em>) in Shennongjia National Nature Reserve, China, providing high water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and fat while avoiding feeding deterrents like fiber, condensed tannins, or total phenolics. This first nutritional chemistry analysis of their diet reveals that lichens supplement seasonal plant foods—such as foliage, flowers, buds, and seeds—which are rich in protein, WSC, and fat. Monkeys selectively consume mature leaves with higher WSC and lower fiber, while fruits and seeds offer optimal fat content. The study suggests that <em>R. roxellana</em> strategically balances nutrition from lichens and seasonal plant parts to meet dietary needs, even in habitats with limited food availability.
Papahānaumokuākea
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Classic atolls with islands on shallow rims are more vulnerable to the combined effects of sea-level rise and storm waves, leading to earlier and more severe inundation than predicted by passive models. This study compared dynamic inundation models—accounting for wave-induced set-up and run-up—to passive 'bathtub' models using Midway Atoll (shallow rim) and Laysan Island (deep rim). Findings revealed that sea-level rise increases wave heights and wavelengths, amplifying run-up despite reduced set-up. Dynamic modeling showed substantial inundation at lower sea-level rise thresholds than passive models, suggesting infrastructure and ecosystems on shallow-rim atolls face heightened risks sooner in the 21st century.
Garajonay National Park
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Historical socioeconomic changes and recent conservation efforts have significantly altered the dynamics of Canarian laurel forests, challenging traditional perceptions of their natural state. This study reveals that human activity has profoundly shaped these forests, which were previously thought to be relatively untouched. By analyzing the structure, composition, and dynamics of the laurel forest in protected areas like Anaga and Teno Rural Parks (Tenerife) and Garajonay National Park (La Gomera), researchers demonstrate a 'forest transition'—where the abandonment of economic activities triggers vigorous natural regeneration. The findings underscore human influence as a key driver of current forest dynamics, while also highlighting the role of natural disturbances in shaping these ecosystems.
Butrint
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A 2013 study on the Roman Forum of Butrint revealed significant insights into the site's architectural and urban development during the Roman period. The research, led by Çondi Dhimitër and David Hernandez, analyzed the forum's layout, structures, and inscriptions to reconstruct its historical context. Using archaeological surveying, documentation, and comparative analysis with other Roman forums, the study highlighted Butrint's unique blend of Greek and Roman influences, particularly in its public spaces and administrative buildings. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of Butrint's role as a crossroads of cultural exchange in ancient Illyria.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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2013 —
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Four new species of Arthoniomycetes lichens—Arthonia physcidiicola, Chiodecton sorediatum, Herpothallon kigeziense, and Reichlingia syncesioides—have been discovered in the montane rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. These findings expand the known diversity of lichens in the region, with Reichlingia being newly reported to Africa after being emended to include three fertile species. The study employed molecular data from combined mtSSU, nLSU, and RPB2 genes to construct a phylogenetic tree, placing the new species within Arthoniomycetes. Additionally, two new combinations—Reichlingia virginea and Reichlingia zwackhii—were established, bridging taxonomic gaps in lichen classification.
Aldabra Atoll
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Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Seychelles, hosts the largest breeding population of frigatebirds in the Indian Ocean. A 2011-2012 survey revealed approximately 4,400 pairs of Greater Frigatebirds and 6,600 pairs of Lesser Frigatebirds, suggesting a potential 10% increase since previous surveys in 1976/77 and 2000. However, significant annual variation was observed, as 2012 populations were notably lower than those in 2011. The study also documented the re-emergence of a frigatebird colony on Picard Island, which had not been reported since the early 20th century. Researchers recommend enhanced monitoring protocols and revised tourist regulations to ensure sustainable conservation efforts.
Angkor
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Cultural heritage, particularly in postcolonial contexts, is often shaped by nationalistic narratives and global commodification, with UNESCO World Heritage status exacerbating these dynamics. This study highlights the contested histories of Angkor Wat and the Royal Khmer Ballet, demonstrating how French colonial reinvention and postcolonial essentialization have transformed these elements into global commodities. By analyzing their transcultural trajectories, the research reveals the complexities of heritage construction, using comparisons to the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) for broader context. The findings underscore the need to critically examine the formation histories of heritage sites to avoid perpetuating cultural stereotypes and essentialist narratives.
Archaeological Site of Volubilis
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Contrary to the long-held assumption that the Arab conquests (7th–8th centuries) were catastrophic for North African society, archaeological evidence reveals a more nuanced picture. Most Byzantine urban centers, including Volubilis, persisted as significant hubs rather than being abandoned. Rural landscapes remained active, with estates, farms, and fortified villages indicating sustained economic activity. Case studies of Tocra, Sbeïtla, and Volubilis—analyzing fortifications, religious structures (churches and mosques), housing, and production—challenge the notion of abrupt societal collapse. The study suggests that Arab rule in North Africa was more complex than previously thought, with urban continuity and rural resilience shaping early medieval Ifrīqiya.
Palace and Park of Versailles
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Late Assyrian palaces, as reflected in textual sources, reveal a complex duality between public and private spaces, articulated through the Akkadian terms <em>bābānu</em> (outside) and <em>bētānu</em> (inside). This study highlights the challenges in reconstructing palatial topography due to fragmented spatial designations that lack coherence. By comparing these ancient structures with better-documented examples like Versailles and Topkapi, it underscores how access and social organization shaped Assyrian palaces. The analysis relies on textual evidence, though its limited attestation complicates interpretations.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
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Sir John Lubbock's collection of prehistoric stone tools and ethnographic artifacts, analyzed through the lens of his evolutionary interests, reveals his pivotal role as a Victorian champion for prehistory studies. This analysis highlights how Lubbock transitioned from Darwin’s protégé to an advocate for ancient monument preservation, using six key acquisitions to trace his intellectual journey. The study underscores Lubbock's influence in shaping scientific thought on human evolution and the protection of archaeological heritage, particularly at sites like Avebury.
Maya Site of Copan
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A novel GIS approach demonstrates how unexcavated mounds at the UNESCO-listed Maya site of Copán can be interpolated into 3D models, bridging gaps in landscape archaeology. By leveraging remote sensing data—including lidar, photogrammetry, and SAR—the study reveals small-scale architectural complexes and households, providing critical context for larger, known sites. This method enhances regional analyses by transforming static map data into dynamic visualizations, offering new insights into unexcavated landscapes without requiring excavation. The findings underscore the potential of 3D modeling to redefine our understanding of ancient Maya urban planning and settlement patterns.
Persepolis
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A unique bronze plaque from Persepolis, inscribed with Elamite text on both sides, challenges the assumption that such objects were typically sealed. Unlike other finds, this plaque (PBP) was discovered with its obverse face up, while the reverse remained protected by the floor, preserving it better than expected. The study establishes a connection between PBP and Persepolis Fortification tablets through PF 352, linking it to well-documented figures like Huban-ahpi from Susa's Acropole. Paleographical analysis further ties PBP to Neo-Elamite documents, though the use of GAM in its text complicates dating efforts, as this feature is not exclusive to that period. The research clarifies that GAM cannot serve as a definitive chronological marker, refining our understanding of Elamite inscriptions and their historical context.
Timbuktu
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Timbuktu's Fondo Ka'ti archive, once overlooked, emerges as a pivotal historical artefact when approached through archival biography. This study reveals that the archive's unique construction and 'life' offer fresh insights into the entangled processes shaping history, highlighting hybridities in both archives and identities. Unlike traditional studies focusing solely on manuscript content, this research treats the Fondo Ka'ti as an active participant in its historical context, assessing its conditions of production and reciprocal influence on surrounding environments. Such a perspective sets new standards for source-based histories, challenging conventional narratives and illuminating alternative pathways to understanding Sub-Saharan Africa's pre-colonial written tradition.
Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures
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Rural Uzbek migrants to Samarkand undergo significant identity transformations, adopting both their 'Uzbekness' and urban lifestyles upon encountering diverse national groups and symbols of urbanity. This process involves distancing from village customs while embracing new social markers such as clothing, mobile phones, cars, and Russian-style apartments. The study highlights how migrants construct identities through references to their origins and newly acquired urban traits, emphasizing the role of rural depopulation in shaping cultural dynamics within Tajik-dominated Samarkand.
Old Towns of Djenné
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The annual re-claying of the Djenné Mosque highlights the enduring tradition and challenges faced by Mali's mud masons. This practice, central to the region's monumental mud-brick architecture, has been disrupted by recent political instability, economic strain, and environmental pressures in Mali. Despite these challenges, the craft remains a specialized trade with deep cultural significance, regulated by the barey ton association. A parallel focus on human-elephant relations at Nepal's Khorsor Eleeding Centre illustrates the intricate training rituals and multi-species dynamics involved in elephant conservation efforts, emphasizing the role of the Tharu people in managing these relationships for biodiversity protection and tourism.
Frontiers of the Roman Empire
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Egypt's Great Oasis functioned as a critical buffer zone for the Roman Empire, protecting Nile Valley inhabitants from desert nomads through its conceptual, physical, and human dimensions. This study reveals that the oases, consisting of two linked regions, required specific imperial frontier policies that were not merely economic or militaristic but also ideological. By analyzing documentary sources and archaeological material from the Roman period (ca. 30 B.C.E. to the sixth century C.E.), the research introduces a new theoretical approach that integrates space and social perception to understand borderland developments in imperial contexts.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
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A study on the fruiting phenology of eight Shorea species in Sinharaja Man and Biosphere Reserve reveals distinct fruiting patterns among two groups: Thiniya and Beraliya. The Thiniya group exhibits annual fruiting with high variability in participation across years, while the Beraliya group shows a supra-annual pattern with tightly synchronized fruit fall. Fruiting intensity in most species correlates significantly with monthly rainfall, indicating that these trees time their reproductive cycles to coincide with favorable environmental conditions. This research provides crucial insights for identifying mother trees and collecting seeds for restoration efforts in degraded forest areas, funded by USAID, the MacArthur Foundation, and the Britin Scholarship Fund.
Cape Floral Region Protected Areas
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A computer-aided plant identification application demonstrates high accuracy and efficiency in recognizing fynbos species using leaf photographs, addressing the challenge of limited flowering periods. The system leverages computer vision and pattern recognition to achieve robust performance, with comprehensive testing validating its effectiveness in online user interfaces and processing speed. This breakthrough offers a practical tool for identifying non-flowering fynbos, enhancing conservation efforts in the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas.
