Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve
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2013 —
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A camera-trap survey along the Sikre River in Honduras' Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve revealed a rich diversity of large and medium-sized mammals, including threatened species like the giant anteater. The study recorded 14 mammal, three bird, and one reptile species over 2,040 trap-nights, with the Baird's tapir being the most frequently captured. Notably, pumas and ocelots were documented multiple times, while a single jaguar photograph from a prior survey suggested its presence. Unlike the pine savanna, where no animals were recorded, broad-leaf forest areas hosted significant biodiversity, comparable to other Central and South American sites. This highlights the Sikre River's importance as a conservation priority within the reserve.
Funerary Tradition in the Prehistory of Sardinia – <em>The domus de janas</em>
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A new interpretation of Sardinia's <em>domus de janas</em>, ancient funerary structures, suggests that animal representations and architectural decorations serve a broader social function beyond religious symbolism. These figures likely originated as 'trophies' displayed in homes, reflecting their role in wealth accumulation, production, and social status. The study proposes that while these animals may have been later divinized, their primary purpose was to project stability and justify societal structures through ideological means. This challenges previous assumptions about the religious significance of these depictions.
Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House)
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This study challenges and expands upon Siegfried Giedion's theory of three spatial-temporal conceptions in architecture, arguing that the modern era introduced a radical shift in how space and time are perceived and utilized. It proposes a multidisciplinary framework to analyze the physical, mental, and social components of space-time in built environments, drawing on concepts like Bakhtin's 'cronotope.' Using Gerrit Rietveld's work, particularly the Schröderhuis, as a case study, the research demonstrates how modern architecture integrates dynamic spatiality, transparency, and multi-sensorial perception while critiquing bourgeois comfort norms. The study also evaluates the enduring relevance of Giedion's hypotheses by comparing them to contemporary architectural practices, suggesting that 'chronotopically' richer architectures persist regardless of adherence to modern ideals.
Las Médulas
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Las Médulas demonstrates the profound impact of early scientific dissemination on societal appreciation for cultural landscapes. Through targeted educational initiatives, particularly involving grade-school environments, the Las Médulas Foundation has successfully fostered heritage and scientific literacy among teachers, students, and families. This approach, centered around the site's unique historical significance, integrates comprehensive educational programs that bridge the gap between cultural heritage and society, setting a paradigm for future conservation efforts.
Quebrada de Humahuaca
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2013 —
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Recent urban transformations in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina—a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003—reveal profound shifts driven by economic crisis and tourism. The study identifies key morphological changes, including new urban expansions, discontinuous developments, and densification patterns, while assessing their relationship to broader socio-economic forces. By analyzing territorial 'windows' at multiple scales, researchers mapped these transformations, highlighting how global recognition and national tourism policies have reshaped local dynamics. This work provides a nuanced framework for understanding the interplay between heritage designation, economic pressures, and urban evolution in Argentina's arid landscapes.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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Households at the Maya cities of Rio Bec and Calakmul, despite differing political structures, acquired lithic tools through similar networks during the Late Classic period (a.d. 650–800), suggesting that domestic economic practices were largely independent of centralized political power. The study distinguishes two types of chert biface production—market-based and itinerant craftsmanship—by analyzing experimental and quantitative data from household collections at both sites. This approach shifts the focus from elite workshops to everyday consumer behavior, offering new insights into Maya economic organization.
City of Verona
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Stable isotope analysis of bone collagen from Riparo Tagliente, a Late Epigravettian site near Verona, Italy, reveals that a young adult male had a diet enriched with terrestrial herbivore proteins and high trophic level species. The human δ13C (−18.4‰) and δ15N (13.0‰) values indicate significant enrichment compared to local herbivores (+1.2‰ in 13C, +10.0‰ in 15N) and omnivores (+1.4‰ in 13C, +7.2‰ in 15N), suggesting a protein intake derived from both terrestrial herbivores and higher trophic level organisms. This finding aligns with taphonomic evidence from faunal remains but contrasts with the expected diet of Late Upper Palaeolithic hunter-gatherers in this region. The study provides the first stable isotope data for human diet reconstruction at Riparo Tagliente, contributing to our understanding of subsistence strategies during this period.
Mount Etna
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A quantitative assessment of lava flow hazards at Mount Etna reveals that historical eruption patterns and numerical simulations can predict the most likely future paths of lava flows, enabling more effective land-use planning to mitigate damage in densely populated areas. This study combines extensive field data spanning over 2000 years with probability analyses to create hazard maps for both flank and summit eruptions, offering a scalable methodology applicable to other volcanic regions. By integrating these findings, authorities can minimize risks for nearly one million residents living near the volcano.
Provins, Town of Medieval Fairs
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2013 —
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Provins, a medieval town renowned for its economic prosperity during the 13th century, stands out for its unique urban development pattern. Unlike many medieval cities, Provins did not experience intense urbanization despite its expansion under Thibault IV's third enclosure around 1230. Instead, urban growth remained concentrated along main axes, with limited infill in new plots, leading to a 'fossilized' cityscape that preserved open spaces intra-muros. This study examines the role of timber in Provins' civilian architecture from the 12th to 17th centuries, highlighting its prevalence and structural significance. Using historical records and architectural analysis, the research reveals how timber construction techniques, such as half-timbering, adapted to local needs while reflecting broader European trends.
Abbey Church of Saint-Savin sur Gartempe
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Restauration efforts at the Abbey Church of Saint-Savin sur Gartempe (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) faced significant challenges in reconciling 19th-century decorative interventions with original paintings, requiring careful compromises. The 2005–2008 restoration, following structural issues addressed in the 1970s, prioritized conservation while enhancing interpretability through selective reintegration of architectural elements and partial restitution of scenes. This approach balanced preserving historical layers with improving visual coherence, offering a model for heritage management that acknowledges past interventions while advancing contemporary understanding.
Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments
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2013 —
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A new understanding emerges of the Gregorian Reform's impact on ecclesiastical structures in 11th and 12th-century Languedoc and Provence, revealing a shift from textual compilation to list-making as a means to assert the Roman Church's universal authority. The study demonstrates how papal documentation, such as Deusdedit’s canonical collection (1086-1087) and the Liber censuum (1192), reflected evolving ecclesiastical directions and feudal dynamics. It also highlights the transformation of St. Peter’s apostolic protection into a tax paid to the Lateran Palace, illustrating the changing conceptions of liberty, protection, and exemption under papal rule.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
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Research on the leaf adaptability of two non-timber forest species, Caryota urens L. and Elettaria cardamomum var. major, reveals distinct light requirements for optimal growth within the Pinus caribaea enrichment buffer zone in Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka. Caryota urens demonstrated superior adaptability to higher sunlight levels, with significant increases in leaf cuticle, blade, upper and lower epidermis, palisade layer, and spongy mesophyll thickness under conditions where five pine rows were removed (5R treatment). In contrast, Elettaria cardamomum exhibited optimal anatomical traits, such as increased leaf blade, lower epidermal layer, and spongy mesophyll thickness, under moderate light levels, particularly when three pine rows were removed (3R treatment). These findings provide critical insights into the optimum light requirements for these species, which can guide sustainable forest management practices in disturbed forest areas.
Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains
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A study on the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries reveals that leaf-form characteristics of plants in the <em>Quercus aquifolioides</em> community vary significantly along an elevational gradient (2200–3600 m) on Balang Mountain, Wolong Nature Reserve. The research found that small-type leaves dominate, accounting for 36.09% of vascular plant species, while fine and medium-type leaves contribute equally (~25%). Large and giant leaves are less common (<10%), with micro-type leaves ranging from 1.28% to 5.59%. Leaf morphology shifts with elevation, showing a decline in small leaves at mid-elevation (3000 m) before rising again. Single-leaf species predominate (~76%), though complex leaves increase slightly at higher elevations. Leaf texture also varies, with paper-like leaves being most common (46.03%), followed by thin (29.17%) and leathery (22%) types. The study highlights the adaptability of plant leaf traits to elevation changes in this unique high-mountain oak forest ecosystem.
Independence Hall
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2013 —
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South Korean national identity remains deeply influenced by memories of Japanese colonialism, fostering a sustained antagonism towards Japan. This study applies Charland's theory of constitutive rhetoric and reinterprets Billig's banal nationalism to analyze discourses in presidential speeches on Liberation Day and exhibits at Independence Hall. Findings reveal that these narratives perpetuate a national identity inextricably linked to the 'Japanese Other,' demonstrating how historical grievances continue to shape contemporary political rhetoric.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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A study on Ilha Grande, a popular ecotourism destination in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro State, reveals concerning findings about leishmaniasis transmission. Researchers identified five sand fly species as potential vectors for the disease, including <em>Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) intermedia</em> and <em>L. migonei</em>, with the latter showing a high natural infection rate (10.3%) by <em>Leishmania (Viannia) sp.</em>, likely <em>L. (V.) braziliensis</em>. The presence of <em>L. (Lutzomyia) longipalpis</em>, linked to visceral leishmaniasis, and <em>L. (N.) flaviscutellata</em>, associated with diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis, was also confirmed in peridomestic areas. The study highlights the epidemiological significance of these vectors, particularly for tourists visiting Ilha Grande, and emphasizes the need for health education to mitigate disease burden.
Dougga / Thugga
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This publication highlights the contributions of two prominent scholars, Samir Aounallah and Okko Behrends, to the study of Dougga (Thugga). Aounallah, a researcher at the Institut National du Patrimoine in Tunisia, focuses on archaeological and epigraphic studies of the region, particularly the Cap Bon area, with notable works including 'Pagus et Civitas Siviritani' and 'Pagus, castellum et civitas'. His research delves into the organization and history of villages and cities in ancient Africa. Behrends, an emeritus professor from the University of Göttingen, brings a broader perspective on the cultural landscapes of North Africa. The publication aims to synthesize their expertise, offering insights into the historical and cultural layers of Dougga, a site that reflects the complex interactions between Roman and Berber traditions. Through epigraphic analysis and historical reconstruction, this work contributes significantly to our understanding of the region's ancient urban development.
Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna
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2013 —
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Leptis Magna, under the rule of Emperor Septimius Severus (193–235 AD), experienced unprecedented architectural development that transformed it into a symbol of Roman power and prestige. This study reveals how Severus's native city became a showcase for imperial ideology through grand monuments, reflecting both local identity and broader Romanization trends. The research analyzes the urban fabric, aesthetic components, and socio-political significance of these structures, uncovering their role in reinforcing imperial authority while benefiting Rome economically. By comparing architectural patterns and artistic production, the study highlights Leptis Magna's unique position as a bridge between African and Roman cultures during this pivotal period.
Sukur Cultural Landscape
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2013 —
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A critical analysis of the challenges and pathways for preserving ancient architectures in West Africa reveals that socio-political dynamics significantly influence conservation efforts. The study identifies key factors that either facilitate or hinder the safeguarding of heritage sites, including Djenné (Mali), Kano, Sukur, and Ushafa (Nigeria). These factors range from political will to community engagement, economic pressures, and environmental degradation. The research employs a comparative approach, examining how these dynamics manifest across different cultural landscapes, with a particular focus on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sukur. It underscores the need for integrated strategies that balance preservation with sustainable development, offering insights applicable to similar contexts globally.
Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din
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The Order of the Knights Hospitaller, originating from a hospital founded in Jerusalem in the 11th century, evolved into a powerful military-religious order. Initially dedicated to caring for pilgrims and providing medical aid, it transitioned into a military role by the 12th century, defending the Holy Land and Latin states with formidable fortresses like Crac des Chevaliers. The order's strategic resources were bolstered by a vast network of houses in Western Christendom, enabling its military campaigns across the Levant and Iberian Peninsula. Displaced from the Holy Land after the fall of Acre in 1291, it relocated to Cyprus, Rhodes, and ultimately Malta, where it continues its charitable legacy today.
Historic Site of Lyon
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2013 —
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Urban water landscapes, once marginalized, now hold significant cultural and ecological value, reflecting a shift from historical neglect to modern patrimonialization. This study identifies the evolving societal relationships with fluvial and wetland environments in Western cities over the past four decades, highlighting their transition into coveted heritage assets. Using a geohistorical, diachronic approach, researchers analyzed multiple cities in the Paris Basin (Amiens, Bourges, Châlons-en-Champagne, Évreux, Orléans, Tours, Troyes) to theorize temporal and spatial dynamics of water-related urban landscapes. Findings reveal that these environments are intrinsically linked to urban heritage, shaped by historical processes and sociocultural conditions. The study underscores the growing civic appreciation for water landscapes, paralleled by urban development projects aimed at aesthetic and functional requalification.
Village of Sidi Bou Saïd
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2013 —
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A comprehensive analysis of museums in the Maghreb reveals significant challenges and opportunities in their reconfiguration, particularly regarding public engagement. The study, conducted by a multidisciplinary team at Sidi Bou Saïd in 2010, highlights that the perception and integration of museum audiences are critical yet often overlooked aspects of institutional development. Researchers and professionals from diverse fields faced difficulties in defining the role of museums, underscoring the need for a more nuanced approach to audience engagement. This work provides a foundational framework for understanding the evolving dynamics between Maghrebi museums and their publics.
Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura
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2013 —
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A new analysis of personal ornaments from the Mesolithic burial site of Groβe Ofnet in Germany reveals that the last hunter-gatherer societies of the Swabian Jura maintained active, large-scale exchange networks despite potential reductions in mobility. The study, which combines taphonomic, archaeozoological, technological, morphometric, and functional analyses, demonstrates complex acquisition patterns for these ornaments, including multidirectional exchanges, and suggests intergenerational transmission through shared technical traditions. This challenges previous interpretations of hostile intergroup relationships by showing that social organization was sustained through long-distance connections rather than localized isolation.
Taos Pueblo
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This study reveals the complex interplay between Euro-American perceptions and Indigenous views of Pueblo and Navajo heritage, highlighting how globalized tourism and patrimonialization shape cultural narratives. It finds that while sites like Chaco Culture, Mesa Verde, and Taos Pueblo are tied to living traditions, their management—often influenced by laws such as NAGPRA—creates tensions between economic interests (e.g., tourism) and Indigenous agency. The research compares the 'outsider' gaze of tourists and professionals with the 'insider' perspective of Pueblo and Navajo descendants, showing how these divergent views can either hinder or foster cultural revitalization. By analyzing actors across local, national, and global scales, the study underscores the need for intercultural dialogue to redefine heritage narratives in a way that balances preservation with Indigenous sovereignty.
Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna
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A detailed study of four ceramic contexts from the Thermes du Levant at Leptis Magna, dating between 250 and 400 AD, reveals significant advancements in the chronological framework of Roman ceramics in Tripolitania. By integrating archaeological and archaeometric analyses, researchers identified key imported (Sicilian and Eastern amphorae) and locally produced ceramic classes (Tripolitanian sigillata, culinary ware), refining regional economic insights and the site's overall chronology. This work contributes to a deeper understanding of Leptis Magna's 3rd-4th century economy and cultural dynamics.
Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct)
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Roman concrete, renowned for its durability and use in iconic structures like the Pont du Gard aqueduct and the Colosseum, harbors a hidden secret: the mineral al-tobermorite. This discovery, detailed by Jackson et al. (2013), reveals that Roman seawater concrete undergoes a unique chemical process over time, forming this stable mineral which enhances its longevity. The study analyzed samples from 11 ancient Mediterranean harbors, part of the ROMACONS project (2002-2009), demonstrating how Roman engineers leveraged volcanic ash and seawater to create a material that defies modern concrete's typical degradation. This insight offers potential for developing more resilient, long-lasting infrastructure materials today.
Yosemite National Park
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A comprehensive survey of lichens and lichenicolous fungi in Yosemite National Park, California, reveals 562 species, significantly expanding the known diversity from previous records. This includes 461 newly documented species for the park, 22 additional lichenicolous fungi, and two non-lichenized fungi associated with specific host species. The study also identifies 75 species known from nearby Sierra Nevada regions but not yet recorded in Yosemite, along with 14 species apparently new to the Sierra Nevada, 17 new to California, and five new to North America (e.g., Gyalidea fritzei, Pyrenopsis reducta). Taxonomic updates include the description of Verrucaria carbonusta Breuss and the synonymization of Lecidea fuscoatrina under L. cascadensis H. Magn. The research combines literature review, intensive field studies at 15 sites, and opportunistic sampling across the park.
Brú na Bóinne - Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne
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A lidar survey of the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site, covering approximately 90 km², revealed previously unrecorded archaeological features such as large enclosures (>100 m in diameter), route ways, hollow-ways, embanked enclosures, and quarries. These findings, analyzed using advanced visualization techniques like multi-direction hillshade and Sky View Factor, significantly enhanced the understanding of this Neolithic landscape's subtle topographic expressions. Geophysical surveys corroborated lidar-based discoveries, while viewshed analysis suggested that Newgrange would have been the first visible tomb for a Neolithic boat traveler, with all three great tombs only visible from the Bend's apex. The study also highlighted recent discoveries lacking topographic expression, emphasizing lidar's potential and limitations in subtle-relief landscapes.
Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha
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A detailed Buddha narrative, originating from Kapilavastu (modern-day Nepal), was translated into Chinese around 200 CE and is linked to the development of Buddhist pilgrimage traditions. The text, based on localized episodes, includes key sites such as Lumbini (birthplace of the Buddha), Bodh Gaya (Enlightenment site), Benares (Deer Park sermon location), and the Buddha's final resting place. French scholar Alfred Foucher proposed that this narrative evolved to serve pilgrimage routes, emphasizing its cultural and historical significance in Buddhist heritage.
Vredefort Dome
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Research at the Vredefort Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Earth's largest meteorite impact structures, reveals that lightning strikes can significantly enhance natural remanent magnetization (NRM) in target rocks. Laboratory experiments demonstrated increased NRMs, susceptibility, and Koenigsberger Q values in both Vredefort and non-impact Johannesburg dome rocks after simulated lightning pulses. Magnetic measurements and scanning electron microscopy identified mineralogical changes, including the oxidation of magnetite to maghemite, grain fragmentation, and size reduction—processes analogous to those observed in lodestones. These findings suggest that lightning-induced magnetization could explain elevated Q values previously attributed solely to meteorite impact or plasma fields, offering new insights into the magnetic properties of impact structures.
Struve Geodetic Arc
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A groundbreaking cooperative model established by the Livonian Society in the 19th century facilitated unprecedented integration of science, economy, and culture across Estonia and Latvia. This innovative organization, funded significantly by a donation equivalent to over 3,250 oxen at the time, supported landmark scientific projects such as the triangulation of Livonia—resulting in the Struve Geodetic Arc, the only Baltic States research-based entry on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The Society's collaborative framework, uniting estate owners, scientists, and political figures, laid the foundation for enduring cooperative networks in agriculture, trade, industry, and meteorology. Its legacy raises contemporary relevance in 21st-century crises, suggesting that similar cooperative structures could revitalize large-scale scientific and economic initiatives today.
Ningaloo Coast
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A hydrographic survey off Ningaloo Reef, northwest Australia, during austral autumn 2010 revealed that subsurface water masses remain relatively stable despite interannual variability of the Leeuwin Current (LC). The study found a consistent subsurface nitrate maximum (~110–230 m) across different water masses, suggesting local in situ remineralization of organic matter. Enhanced surface chlorophyll a levels offshore were linked to deeper mixed layer depths within downwelling-favorable LC regions, while nutrients were efficiently uplifted near the continental shelf by quasi-persistent cyclonic eddies. A wind-driven coastal upwelling event, characterized by a deep nutrient source (~100–150 m), promoted local and regional productivity through alongshore advection.
Serengeti National Park
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Livestock depredation by carnivores in the Serengeti ecosystem is significantly influenced by proximity to the protected area, with villages farthest from the park experiencing the lowest rates of depredation. Spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) were identified as the most destructive species, while small carnivores, including baboons, posed greater threats in medium and distant villages. The study also found that livestock diseases were the primary cause of livestock loss, particularly in villages closest to the park. Methods for protecting livestock varied significantly based on distance from the protected area, highlighting the need for improved enclosures and livestock husbandry skills among local communities. The research recommends enhanced veterinary support, including well-trained personnel and adequate facilities, as well as integrated studies on livestock and wildlife diseases to mitigate economic losses and improve household economies.
Mount Athos
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Mount Athos's monastic community faces ethical dilemmas in balancing religious heritage preservation with public accessibility, reflecting broader challenges in contemporary museology. This study highlights the tension between traditional values and modern museum principles, particularly concerning displays of sacred treasures. Through extensive research within the monastic community, it reveals reluctance to adopt widespread museological standards due to fears of 'touristification' and 'museumification.' The paper argues for a collaborative approach where heritage professionals can respect monastic value systems while advocating solutions that make Athonite heritage more accessible to the public without compromising its spiritual significance.
Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea
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Rio de Janeiro's urban expansion, driven by economic growth, is significantly altering its ecological landscape, particularly within the Atlantic Forest, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. This study highlights two contrasting case studies: Misericórdia Massif, where community-led efforts aim to restore ecosystem services amid dense urbanization, and Barra da Tijuca, a newly developed area where developers complied with environmental laws by protecting ecological parks. Despite differing motivations—community-driven restoration versus regulatory compliance—the forests in both areas provide irreplaceable ecosystem services. The findings underscore the potential for biodiversity to play a central role in urban planning and ecosystem retrofitting, offering practical models for balancing urbanization with ecological preservation.
Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley
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A study examining gender differences in business opportunity search among the local community of Lenggong Valley reveals that men and women differ significantly in their approach to generating business ideas. Conducted on 500 participants, the research found distinct patterns in how males and females identify and develop business opportunities, which could inform entrepreneurial training programs aimed at fostering innovation within the community. This insight is crucial for understanding the dynamics of entrepreneurship and its potential impact on economic growth, particularly in UNESCO World Heritage Sites where cultural heritage intersects with economic development.
Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras
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Local residents of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, exhibit deep awareness of their ancestral landscape and its role in livelihoods and food supply. This insight emerged from a participatory photographic survey involving community members, revealing their intimate connection to the terraces beyond stereotypical depictions often promoted by tourism and media. The study highlights how local perceptions contrast with outsider narratives, offering a nuanced understanding of cultural heritage that integrates traditional knowledge with modern conservation efforts.
Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats
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A 15-year study of the Southern Kanghwa Tidal Flat, part of Korea's UNESCO-listed Getbol tidal flats, reveals significant sedimentary and topographic changes driven by human interventions. The research found that while mud-dominated sediments decreased in area, sand-mud mixed sediments expanded eastward between 1997 and 2011. Topographically, deposition occurred at Tongmakri and Yeochari tidal flats, whereas erosion was observed at Changhwari. These changes are attributed to the construction of artificial structures near the tidal flat since the 1990s, which altered local hydrodynamic conditions. The study compared surface sediment distributions in summer 1997 and 2011, as well as elevations from April 1998 and March 2013, providing a comprehensive assessment of long-term environmental shifts in this ecologically significant coastal ecosystem.
Taï National Park
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Despite multi-decadal rainfall declines in West Africa, Taï National Park's tropical rain forest shows no negative impact on fruit phenology. A 12-year study of 44 species found upward trends in fruiting for most species at both individual and community levels, with peak production unrelated to seasons. While some species showed negative correlations with rainfall, only five exhibited positive ones, suggesting other factors drive fruit abundance variability.
Maya Site of Copan
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A comprehensive paleodemographic analysis of Maya populations from the Late and Terminal Classic periods reveals significant variations in mortality, fertility, and life expectancy across three key sites: Jaina (coastal Yucatán), Palenque, and Copán. The study, based on 676 skeletal remains, estimates an average age at death of 28.5 years, with Jaina exhibiting the highest mortality rates and fertility (8.8 births per woman) compared to Palenque and Copán (5.0). Notably, Jaina's fertility rate of 63.9 is the highest recorded for ancient Maya groups. The research highlights underrepresentation of infant mortality in skeletal records and provides insights into demographic dynamics, offering a comparative framework for understanding pre-Hispanic Maya population structures.
Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba
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The Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba, Argentina, feature some of the oldest artificial dams in the province, known as 'Tajamares,' constructed between 1616 and 1683. These hydrological structures, designed to optimize water resource use for agriculture and energy, remain functional or structurally intact today, demonstrating remarkable longevity. A study by Reyna et al. (2013) analyzed the stability, functionality, and conservation status of these dams, comparing them with similar European and Asian systems. The research involved hydrological, batymetric, and topographic assessments, along with structural stability calculations. Findings suggest that the Jesuits' approach—balancing utopian ideals with practical engineering—minimized environmental impact while ensuring durability. The study also aligns with UNESCO recommendations for preserving hydraulic systems within World Heritage Sites, proposing measures to safeguard these structures for future generations.
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
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A rare Colonial-era legal document from Xochimilco, near Mexico City, reveals critical insights into the land tenure system and sociopolitical dynamics of the region's native lords during the early Spanish conquest. The 1548 text, analyzed by Dr. Carrasco, details the lands and tribute obligations of three key divisions—Tepetenchi, Tecpan, and Olac—offering unprecedented clarity on both pre-Conquest cacique governance and the transition to Colonial administration. The study leverages archival legal records to reconstruct historical economic structures and power relations, bridging gaps in our understanding of this pivotal period.
Gough and Inaccessible Islands
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Introduced house mice on Gough Island are severely impacting burrowing petrels, leading to low burrow occupancy (4–42%) and poor breeding success (0–44%) across multiple species. Research reveals that smaller petrel species and winter breeders are particularly vulnerable, with high chick mortality rates observed in Atlantic Petrels. The study suggests that predation by house mice is likely causing population declines among most burrowing petrels on the island, including Soft-plumaged Petrels and Broad-billed Prions, which show greatly reduced abundance compared to earlier decades. These findings indicate a broader threat than previously documented, emphasizing the urgent need for mouse eradication to protect Gough Island's petrel populations.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
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In the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, only 7% of deliveries are attended by skilled birth attendants (SBAs), contributing to a high maternal mortality ratio of 642 deaths per 100,000 live births. This study identifies complex barriers to SBA utilization, including negative community perceptions of hospital care, financial insecurity, road limitations, and insufficient hospital resources. Using Thaddeus and Maine’s Three Delays model, researchers analyzed delays in decision-making at home, reaching the hospital, and receiving care through participatory action research involving Maasai stakeholders, traditional birth attendants (TBAs), and healthcare workers from 2009 to 2011. Key solutions proposed include increasing food security, integrating TBA/SBA care for culturally appropriate support, expanding hospital staffing, and improving emergency obstetric care availability. The study highlights the need for collaborative, multi-actor efforts to align local needs with clinical best practices in maternal healthcare.
Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
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A new mineral, lucabindiite, (K,NH4)As4O6(Cl,Br), has been discovered in the fumaroles of Vulcano's 'La Fossa' crater within Italy's UNESCO-listed Aeolian Islands. This hexagonal mineral forms as colorless to white, transparent encrustations at 170°C, characterized by its unique crystal structure featuring neutral As2O3 sheets separated by interlayer potassium, ammonium, and halide atoms. Lucabindiite is the natural analog of synthetic phases with a similar formula and is named in honor of Luca Bindi, Professor of Mineralogy at the University of Florence. The discovery was made through chemical analysis and X-ray diffraction, revealing its distinct composition and structure, contributing to our understanding of mineral formation in high-temperature volcanic environments.
Sacred City of Anuradhapura
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Luminescence dating reveals distinct construction phases in brick stupas, offering new insights into the architectural biographies of religious monuments. This groundbreaking approach uses optically stimulated luminescence to date brick fabric, distinguishing between original and recycled materials, which provides a more accurate timeline for economic and political changes. The study, conducted in the hinterland of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, demonstrates that while brick replacement and embellishment complicate absolute dating, it effectively identifies different building episodes. This method enhances our understanding of stupa evolution and their societal significance.
Historic Site of Lyon
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Rénovation work on a building in Lyon's historic district revealed architectural plans typical of the area, featuring two residential structures aligned along a narrow parcel. The buildings, measuring approximately 25.5 meters in length and 8 meters in width, do not span the entire block, offering insights into urban planning in the Vieux Lyon sector. This discovery highlights the consistent design patterns observed in this preserved region.
Cocos Island National Park
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2013 —
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A study of freshwater macroinvertebrates on Cocos Island, Costa Ricarevealed that mountainous islands in the Eastern Tropical Pacific support richer aquatic faunas due to higher cloud interception feeding freshwater environments. Researchers collected 455 individuals from 20 taxa across three rivers and two creeks, with Staphylinidae (Coleoptera) being the most abundant group. The analysis supported the Theory of Island Biogeography, showing that elevation-corrected island area better predicts taxonomic richness than distance alone. Physicochemical variables were consistent across sites, likely due to the island's geology and lack of pollution. This suggests that topographical features play a crucial role in shaping biodiversity on tropical oceanic islands.
Paphos
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2013 —
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A significant archaeological discovery from Paphos, Cyprus, reveals a late Roman amulet (6th century AD) featuring a unique ιαεω- palindrome inscribed on its reverse. The amulet, unearthed during the 2011 Paphos Agora Project excavation, measures 39.41 x 41.32 x 4.81 mm and is crafted from siltstone. Its obverse depicts Harpocrates, Osiris, a crocodile, rooster, snake, half-moon, and star, while the reverse bears an eight-line Greek text translating to 'Yahweh is the bearer of the secret name, the lion of Re secure in his shrine.' The palindrome's 59 letters and the amulet's symbolism suggest a fusion of Eastern influences and solar motifs. Dated via Cypriot Red Slip Ware (AD 450-550), this artifact offers rare insight into late Roman magical practices and religious syncretism in Paphos.
Mount Athos
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2013 —
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Heritage management at Mount Athos reveals that top-down decision-making by monastic authorities often sidelines heritage professionals. KEDAK, the agency tasked with preserving Athonite heritage, operates under strict control of the monasteries, leading to compromises in professional expertise. The study highlights tensions between expert-driven and community-based approaches, demonstrating how religious authority can dominate heritage conservation processes.
Tasmanian Wilderness
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2013 —
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Tasmanian eucalypt forests, managed under high public scrutiny and adaptive practices, exemplify effective management of native forests as complex adaptive systems. This study highlights how Tasmania's Forest Practices Code and research-driven adaptive management have refined timber production while prioritizing environmental outcomes. Key strategies—summarized in Box 12.1—involve balancing ecological integrity with economic goals, demonstrating practical applications of complex adaptive system principles. Examples from state forests managed by Forestry Tasmania illustrate this approach, offering insights into sustainable forestry that could inform global practices.
