Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats
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2011 —
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A study on the Saemangeum tidal flats, Korea, successfully predicted the distribution of 15 intertidal macrobenthic species with high accuracy (65–92%) using logistic regression models based on environmental parameters such as shore level, mud content, and organic content. The research demonstrated that these models could effectively map species occurrence probabilities, revealing significant variability in how closely associated species respond to habitat changes. While the ecological processes driving these distributions were not fully determined, the strong agreement between modeled predictions and field observations underscores the practical utility of this approach for tidal flat management under an ecosystem-based framework.
Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
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2011 —
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Researchers documented the presence of the neon flying squid (<em>Ommastrephes bartramii</em>) in the waters around the Aeolian Islands (Isole Eolie), Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, marking a significant biogeographical observation. Between September 2007 and October 2008, 379 specimens were sampled, ranging from 18 mm to 654 mm mantle length, with the largest weighing approximately 10 kg. This discovery challenges the species' rarity in the Mediterranean, where it was previously considered sporadic or difficult to find. The study highlights its broad bathymetric distribution (100–1500 m depth) and contributes to understanding its epipelagic and mesopelagic habitat preferences.
Völklingen Ironworks
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2011 —
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Industrial heritage preservation, exemplified by the UNESCO-listed Völklingen Ironworks, differs significantly from traditional monument care due to its unique characteristics. This study highlights that while industrial monument preservation is widely accepted in Germany since 1994, regional perceptions vary greatly. It outlines key differences in rehabilitation and conservation requirements for industrial sites compared to classic monuments, providing a concise overview of these special cases of human heritage.
Sacred City of Kandy
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2011 —
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A high prevalence of leptospirosis was detected in smallholder dairy cattle (38.8% of farms) and peridomestic rodents (17.5%) in Kandy, Sri Lanka, with cattle identified as a significant reservoir for human transmission. The study used serological testing to detect antileptospiral antibodies and PCR to identify Leptospira flaB gene DNA in urine and kidney samples. Cattle were predominantly infected with serogroups Sejroe (73.9%) and Hebdomadis (26.1%), while rodents showed reactions to Javanica (61.5%) and Icterohaemorrhagiae (30.8%). The findings suggest cattle may pose a greater risk to agricultural communities than rodents, aligning with human leptospirosis patterns in the region.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2011 —
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A study of avian haemosporidian parasites in Brazil's Cerrado Protected Areas revealed that habitat alteration does not significantly impact the prevalence or diversity of Plasmodium and Haemoproteus infections. Researchers analyzed 676 wild birds from three distinct habitats—intact cerrado, disturbed cerrado, and a transition area between Amazonian rainforest and cerrad—to assess how these environments influence parasite dynamics. While no significant differences were found among habitats, the study identified 15 previously unknown parasite lineages, suggesting potential regional endemism. Additionally, six known lineages accounted for 50-80% of infections, indicating a strong regional relationship in parasite distribution.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2011 —
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A study reveals that Mycoplasma ovis, a hemoplasma known to cause anemia and mortality in small ruminants, infects free-ranging deer populations in Brazil with significant prevalence. Analysis of 103 deer samples from Porto Primavera, Pantanal, and Emas National Park identified an overall infection rate of 58%, with the highest prevalence (72%) observed in Blastocerus dichotomus from Porto Primavera. Molecular characterization using PCR and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene uncovered three genetically distinct hemoplasmas, including M. ovis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma erythrocervae', and a novel strain closely related to M. ovis. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed these findings, highlighting the genetic diversity of hemoplasmas in wild deer populations.
Kathmandu Valley
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2011 —
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A significant prevalence of waterborne pathogens was found in groundwater and river water samples from the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, during the rainy season of 2009. The study detected at least one type of pathogen—including Cryptosporidium, Giardia, human adenoviruses, and noroviruses—in 56% of shallow well samples tested. River water exhibited notably higher concentrations of these pathogens compared to groundwater, with Cryptosporidium and Giardia levels reaching 140 oocysts/l and 8500 cysts/l, respectively. The research also demonstrated that E. coli-positive groundwater samples were more likely to contain protozoa and viruses, suggesting its potential as an indicator for pathogen contamination in valley groundwater. Additionally, genotyping of F-RNA coliphages was successfully used to differentiate between human and animal fecal sources.
Wachau Cultural Landscape
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2011 —
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A comprehensive analysis of geotechnical monitoring and tunneling methods reveals critical insights for enhancing safety and efficiency in underground construction, particularly at UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The study highlights the importance of thorough displacement monitoring in tunnels to prevent accidents, demonstrating that continuous and accurate data collection is essential for risk management. It also introduces innovative approaches like the observational method in TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) tunneling, which significantly reduces risks by adapting to real-time geotechnical conditions. Additionally, the research provides criteria for selecting appropriate tunneling methods, such as NATM (New Austrian Tunneling Method), ADECO-RS, and TBM, based on project-specific factors like soil stability and site conditions. Lessons learned from past incidents, including mine collapses and mudslides, underscore the need for rigorous safety protocols and data integration to mitigate risks effectively.
The English Lake District
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2011 —
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Priest Pot, a freshwater site within the English Lake District, exhibits remarkable microbial diversity driven by its stratified water column. The study identifies 220 species of scale-bearing protists, belonging to three functional groups: amoeboid protozoa, flagellates, and ciliates. These microorganisms thrive in distinct niches determined primarily by oxygen levels at varying depths, showcasing their adaptability to changing physical and chemical conditions. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to analyze microbial eukaryotes from water columns, sediment surfaces, surrounding habitats, and subfossils, revealing intricate details of their microscales. This research highlights Priest Pot as a unique ecosystem with significant potential for further exploration, particularly regarding understudied protist species.
Lower Valley of the Omo
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2011 —
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Ethnic identities in the Lower Omo Valley emerged from two key patterns of movement between 1750 and 1910: organized pastoralist migrations and downstream river movements. These shifts, linked to East African cataclysms like floods and epidemics, reshaped local demographics, leading to assimilation and the disappearance of some primary groups. The study reveals that 'clusters' of interacting peoples in high-interaction localities were crucial nodes for cultural identity formation. By analyzing historical records and migration patterns, it demonstrates how external disruptions and ecological opportunities shaped current ethnic identities.
Amiens Cathedral
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2011 —
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A rare insight into the construction of private medieval manuscripts reveals that books from the 1240s, likely produced at Amiens Cathedral's chancery, were assembled by incorporating older texts or quires and appending new ones. This method of book-making involved at least fifteen scribes, some of whom also created pen-flourished initials, demonstrating a collaborative effort in manuscript production. The study identifies similar practices in other notable libraries, such as those of Henry the Liberal (d. 1181) and Bernard de Castenet (d. 1317), highlighting the reuse and interpolation of older materials to create new philosophical works, many of which were translations from Arabic.
Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
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2011 —
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Ambohimanga, Madagascar's sacred royal hill inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001, exemplifies how such sites become complex spatial constructs with multifaceted interpretations. Through Henri Lefebvre's triadic analysis—practices of space, representations of space, and spaces of representation—the study reveals Ambohimanga as a hybrid space serving religious, national, and touristic functions simultaneously. This duality arises from its designation as a global heritage site, which exposes it to diverse interpretations while maintaining its sacred significance for local communities.
Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau
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2011 —
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The Bauhaus movement, founded by Walter Gropius in Weimar in 1919, revolutionized design and architecture with its innovative approaches that continue to influence aesthetic understanding today. Drawing inspiration from medieval guild practices, the Bauhaus united diverse disciplines under a unified vision, fostering a revolutionary concept that persists nearly a century later. This study highlights the enduring impact of Bauhaus's prototyping practices on innovation, demonstrating their relevance in contemporary contexts.
Gondwana Rainforests of Australia
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2011 —
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Only 3% of tourism brochures in the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area mention 'Gondwana' or 'Gondwana Rainforests,' highlighting a significant gap in branding awareness despite its importance as a tourist drawcard. This study analyzed 343 brochures to assess the representation of key terms like 'rainforest,' 'World Heritage,' and 'Gondwana' in both text and imagery. The findings underscore the need for stronger promotion of this globally recognized brand to enhance visitor engagement and community awareness, given its role as a remnant sub-tropical rainforest ecosystem declared a World Heritage site in 1986.
Lamu Old Town
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2011 —
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Festivals, including those in Lamu Old Townhold significant potential for sustainable local economic development. However, this potential is often underutilized due to poor management and engagement with tourism forces. The study highlights the need for careful planning of festival events to balance cultural preservation, community involvement, and economic benefits while ensuring sustainable tourism practices. By investing in festivals and fostering authentic tourist experiences, regional economies can be boosted, tourism seasonality expanded, and local identities strengthened. This case study underscores the importance of policy interventions that prioritize local participation in communicating Lamu's history and cultural heritage.
Bursa and Cumalıkızık: the Birth of the Ottoman Empire
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2011 —
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Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and known as Prousa during Byzantine rule, exhibits a complex urban fabric where Ottoman identity emerged alongside enduring Byzantine influences. This study reveals that early 14th-century Bursa was less uniform than previously thought, with Byzantine architectural elements persisting and shaping Ottoman construction practices. By analyzing pre-1855 earthquake drawings and textual evidence, the research challenges Ottoman-centric narratives, demonstrating how Byzantine substrata informed the city's development despite significant remodelling due to fires and earthquakes.
Socotra Archipelago
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2011 —
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Two new species of dottyback fish, Pseudochromis chrysospilus and Pseudochromis socotraensis, have been identified from the Socotra Archipelago. These discoveries expand the known biodiversity of the region, with P. chrysospilus belonging to a newly diagnosed 'caudalis-complex' and differing in meristic and coloration traits, while P. socotraensis is part of the 'dutoiti-complex,' distinguished by adult size, meristic characters, and live coloration. The study, based on collections from 1999–2000 and additional visual records, also documents the distribution ranges and biotopes of seven Pseudochromis species and two Chlidichthys species in the archipelago.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
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2011 —
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Scientists have discovered pseudolyonsite, Cu3(VO4)2, a new mineral species from the Tolbachik volcano in Kamchatka, Russia. This dark red to black mineral, found in medium-temperature fumaroles, exhibits unique characteristics such as flexibility in thin needles and distinct anisotropy under reflected light. Pseudolyonsite is isostructural with synthetic Cu3(VO4)2 and dimorphous with triclinic mcbirneyite, featuring a complex crystal structure composed of corrugated octahedral layers connected by VO4 tetrahedra. The mineral's name reflects its visual similarity to lyonsite, another vanadate mineral. The discovery was made through detailed analysis using electron probe microscopy and X-ray diffraction, providing insights into the mineral's composition, structure, and properties.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
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2011 —
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Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Alberta, exemplifies the complexities of heritage development and the 'spirit of place.' This study reveals that while efforts to reconcile tangible and intangible heritage can enrich site narratives, they may also marginalize fragmented histories. By comparing Head-Smashed-In with Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, the research highlights divergent approaches to place-making and Aboriginal consultation in archaeological preservation. The findings underscore the need for a balanced approach that acknowledges both the wholeness and fragmentation of place, challenging conventional heritage practices and public history narratives.
Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
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2011 —
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Recent paroxysmal explosions at Stromboli volcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy) ejected pyrometamorphic rocks, classified as buchites, providing evidence of high-temperature, low-pressure contact metamorphism at the magma-hydrothermal system interface. The study identified three distinct facies within these ejecta—cordierite-plagioclase, mullite-plagioclase palisade, and tridymite-clinopyroxene—indicating complex interactions between hydrothermally altered volcanic rocks and basaltic magma. Mineral growth patterns, such as plagioclase palisades and clinopyroxene coronae, along with pseudoporphyritic microstructures, support the origin of these buchites from hydrothermally altered rocks of the Vancori edifice, which underwent partial melting due to contact with ascending magma. The research highlights the dynamic processes occurring in active island arc volcanoes, where acidic hydrothermal fluids alter volcanic protoliths, leading to diverse alteration facies and subsequent pyrometamorphism.
Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos
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2011 —
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A comprehensive analysis of surface-survey ceramics from southwest Samos reveals the island's evolving landscape structure and networking patterns, spanning from the Archaic to Byzantine periods. By identifying 15 densely populated 'Areas of Interest' through spatial analysis, researchers uncovered a dynamic network of contacts that gradually expanded both internally and externally across the Aegean and Mediterranean. Detailed typological analysis of 2,106 ceramics, combined with environmental context, provided precise dating for these areas, while comparisons with local Ionian ceramics and those from the Heraion Sanctuary offered insights into the island's cultural interactions over centuries.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
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2011 —
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A significant contribution to understanding the ancestral culture of Carchi, this study highlights the enduring legacy of Qhapaq Ñan, the ancient Andean road system. The research reveals that remnants of this path, along with the vibrant life in surrounding communities, serve as tangible evidence of a rich cultural and spiritual heritage. By examining these vestiges, the study not only sheds light on historical practices but also proposes strategies to improve living conditions in marginalized urban areas through the preservation and celebration of natural and cultural assets.
Cologne Cathedral
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2011 —
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A critical factor in the deterioration of Cologne Cathedral's medieval 'Drachenfels trachyte' is its moisture properties, including capillary and sorptive water uptake, water saturation, drying processes, and moisture dilatation. This study assessed eight different stones used in the cathedral's construction, comparing their petrography, mineralogical composition, and petrophysical properties to those of Drachenfels trachyte. The research found significant differences in lithology and petrophysical characteristics among the stones, which are strongly correlated with their deterioration behavior. By defining optical and petrophysical criteria, including strength values, the study evaluated the compatibility of original, replacement, and modern building materials, highlighting that moisture properties play a pivotal role in the decay mechanisms observed.
Medina of Fez
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2011 —
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Researchers found that Bacillus sp., a bacterium contributing to cedar wood decay in Fez's historic Medina, adheres more effectively to the wood surface (90% coverage) compared to Bacillus subtilis (40% coverage). The study quantified bacterial adhesion using environmental scanning electron microscopy and image analysis software. It also revealed distinct physicochemical properties: Bacillus sp. exhibited hydrophilic, electron-donating behavior, while B. subtilis was hydrophobic. Cedar wood, used in Fez's architecture, displayed hydrophobic traits with prevalent electron-donor characteristics (γ– = 6 ± 4 mJ/m²; γ+ = 0 ± 3 mJ/m²). These findings highlight the bacterial interactions influencing wood preservation challenges in UNESCO-listed sites.
Yosemite National Park
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2011 —
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A comprehensive analysis of fire severity distributions across 19 distinct fire-regime types in Yosemite National Park reveals significant variations in burn severity, providing critical insights into current fire dynamics compared to historical patterns. Using Landsat Thematic Mapper data, researchers mapped burn severity for 99 fires spanning 20 years and over 97,000 hectares, classifying these distributions within four vegetation zones: foothill shrub and woodland, lower montane forest, upper montane forest, and subalpine forest. This study establishes a framework to compare contemporary fire regimes with historical conditions, offering valuable data for researchers and land managers to assess changes in fire behavior and inform future management strategies.
Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve
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2011 —
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Free-ranging reindeer and musk oxen on Wrangel Island exhibit similar nutritional parameters, with daily forage intake varying seasonally. Musk oxen consume 7.8 kg of dry weight forage in summer but reduce this to 6.1 kg during the snow period (March–April), while reindeer intake drops to 3.9 kg in winter. Forage digestibility remains consistent across seasons for both species, ranging from 52% to 57%. Metabolizable energy consumption aligns with maintenance levels in winter but increases for musk oxen in summer to meet energy demands. The study employed field tracking of 24-hour animal movements and fecal analysis to estimate intake and digestibility, providing critical insights into the nutritional ecology of these species in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wood Buffalo National Park
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2011 —
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A tragic event at Syncrude Canada’s Aurora North tar sands mine in Wood Buffalo National Park revealed the lethal consequences of bitumen extraction on migratory birds. On 28 April 2008, approximately 1,600 birds died after landing on a tailings pond, where warm bitumen froth created an attractive but deadly resting spot for exhausted or weather-affected migrants en route to the Peace Athabasca delta. The study highlights the ecological risks posed by industrial activities in critical bird migration pathways, emphasizing the need for mitigating measures to prevent such disasters. The research approach combines field observations with legal analysis, underscoring the intersection of environmental science and regulatory challenges.
Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands
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2011 —
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Colchic rainforests and wetlands, despite not fitting the global temperate rainforest model, exhibit characteristics that qualify them as 'rainforests at the margins.' These regions, including those in the Western Eurasian Caucasus, demonstrate how local climates—particularly fog—create conditions conducive to humidity-dependent vegetation, such as oceanic lichens, even in warmer temperatures typically outside the range of temperate rainforests. The study highlights these areas as outliers, where unique microclimatic factors compensate for broader climatic deviations, challenging conventional definitions and emphasizing the diversity of rainforest ecosystems.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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2011 —
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Researchers have identified and described a new species of tardigrade, Ramazzottius belubellus, from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This discovery is notable for its unique dorsal spines—long, sharp, and triangular—which distinguish it from all other known Ramazzottius species. Unlike related species that feature small tubercles arranged in bands or a thin reticulum, R. belubellus stands out due to these distinctive spines. While superficially resembling R. baumanni, the new species differs by lacking flat, hemispherical tubercles and instead possessing sharp triangular spines on its dorsal side. The study highlights the biodiversity of microscopic organisms within UNESCO-listed sites like the Great Smoky Mountains, offering insights into tardigrade taxonomy and adaptation in extreme environments.
Macquarie Island
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2011 —
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Aerial baiting for invasive rabbits on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island triggered rapid recovery of the native tussock grass <em>Poa foliosa</em>, a key component of the island’s ecosystem. Within six months of initiating the eradication program in winter 2010, substantial regrowth was observed, demonstrating the potential for swift ecological restoration following localized removal of invasive herbivores. This finding provides critical insights into monitoring and evaluating the success of vertebrate pest control efforts on fragile island ecosystems.
Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape
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2011 —
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A notable shift in rare vegetation patterns was detected within the Gobustan Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rock art engravings. The study employed advanced spatial analysis techniques to identify changes in vegetation distribution over time. This research underscores the ecological dynamics of this semi-desert landscape, which is also significant for its archaeological and historical value. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring such sites not only for their cultural heritage but also for their biodiversity conservation.
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai
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2011 —
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A study of ancient mortars from the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai, Belgium, reveals that both chalk and 'hard' Tournaisian limestone were used to produce lime during the Imperial Roman, Carolingian, and Romanesque periods (4th–11th century AD). The research, employing mineralogical, chemical, and microscopical techniques, identified these materials as locally sourced and capable of yielding either hydraulic or non-hydraulic lime. Additionally, the low abundance of overburnt particles in Gallo-Roman and Palaeo-Christian mortars suggests that technological knowledge regarding lime burning was present during these periods.
Mount Mulanje Cultural Landscape
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2011 —
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A re-assessment of the globally 'Endangered' Yellow-throated Apalis (<i>Apalis flavigularis</i>), the only bird endemic to Malawi, suggests its population on Mount Mulanje may approach or exceed 10,000 individuals—a figure previously considered the most optimistic global estimate. This finding challenges earlier conservation assessments and highlights the species' resilience in fragmented forest patches as small as 0.01 hectares, particularly along forest edges. Researchers surveyed 41 forest patches during the breeding season, noting a positive correlation between the bird's presence and the invasive Himalayan yellow raspberry (<i>Rubus ellipticus</i>), potentially due to its role in structuring canopy architecture and understorey layers. Conservative estimates indicate at least 7,900 individuals inhabit cedar forests alone on Mount Mulanje, with densities in other native forests suggesting an even higher total population. The study underscores the need for targeted conservation efforts to address threats from illegal logging and uncontrolled fires, which exacerbate invasive species proliferation.
Historic Centre of Warsaw
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2011 —
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While the rebuilding of architecturally significant heritage sites often symbolizes cultural resilience, there is no universal approach to addressing their destruction. This study analyzes how political and economic conditions shape decisions on whether and how to rebuild, using case studies from Old Town Warsaw, Stari Most in Mostar, and the former World Trade Center site. By examining local engagement with monuments before, during, and after destruction, it highlights that rebuilding processes are deeply influenced by context, embracing selectively chosen memories while navigating UNESCO guidelines on authenticity and preservation.
Site of Palmyra
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2011 —
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Research at Palmyra Atoll, a remote and quasi-pristine reef system in the central Pacific, has identified five non-indigenous marine species, including two sponges, one bryozoan, one hydroid, and one macroalga. These introductions likely originated from the Hawaiian Archipelago, potentially via shipping or yachting activity. The study highlights the susceptibility of even remote islands to invasive species, particularly those with a history of human modifications like Palmyra Atoll's military past. While the ecological impacts remain unknown, ongoing monitoring aims to assess their influence on this fragile reef ecosystem.
Archaeological Site of Carthage
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2011 —
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Recent archaeological research has significantly advanced our understanding of ancient Carthage, revealing it as a vibrant cultural and economic hub within the trans-Mediterranean context. Contrary to traditional narratives, Carthage was not merely a maritime power but a complex society that interacted extensively with diverse Mediterranean cultures, including Etruscans, Samnites, Iberians, Syrians, and others. This shift in perspective, supported by extensive excavations from the mid-1970s to the mid-2000s, sheds light on Carthage's religious, social, and economic structures. Notably, Rome's rise as a naval power during the Punic Wars was achieved through innovative tactics like the use of the 'corvus,' a device that allowed Roman marines to board enemy ships, ultimately leading to Rome's dominance in the Mediterranean.
Studley Royal Park including the Ruins of Fountains Abbey
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2011 —
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A shift in the perception of Gothic ruins is highlighted by contrasting objections to William Aislabie's 1768 reorganization of Fountains Abbey. Initially, critics like William Gilpin in the 1770s focused on the ruin's Picturesque qualities and its evocation of mood, aligning with late-eighteenth-century aesthetic ideals. By the 1840s, John Walbran's criticism pivoted toward valuing the original fabric as documentary evidence, reflecting a new antiquarian approach that emphasized empirical examination and moral principles. This evolution underscores how cultural attitudes toward ruins transitioned from private, fashionable aesthetics to public, principled styles, illustrating broader changes in the interpretation of Gothic architecture.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
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2011 —
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A new analysis of Cahokia's Central Palisade reveals that its construction became significantly more efficient over time, with each reconstruction requiring up to 27.5% fewer posts and person-hours than previous ones. This efficiency likely resulted from architectural redesigns, including changes in bastions, which may have been a deliberate strategy by the Cahokians to conserve wood resources. The study recalculated post counts using precise measurements of postholes, bastion structures, and perimeter adjustments across multiple construction phases.
Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park
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2011 —
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A comprehensive conservation assessment of 200 vascular plant species from Costa Rica and Panama, with 52 receiving global assessments and 148 regional ones, reveals critical insights into the biodiversity of the Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park. These species, identified as keystone for the reserve, include detailed taxonomic information, local names, uses, and maps illustrating their distribution. The study highlights significant threats to these species, providing a foundation for targeted conservation efforts. By combining regional and global assessments, this research offers a nuanced understanding of plant biodiversity and the urgent need for protective measures in one of the world's most ecologically significant regions.
Hyrcanian Forests
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2011 —
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A study of the Hyrcanian Forests, one of Eurasia's last temperate old-growth forests, reveals that ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity declines monotonically with altitude. This pattern mirrors broader trends seen in macroorganisms and is influenced by environmental energy limitations, which reduce competitive ability for rare species. The research combined morphological and molecular identification methods to analyze 367 fungal species across three altitudinal transects, finding that host species and altitude were the primary drivers of community composition at both local and regional scales. Climatic variables like mean annual temperature and precipitation, strongly correlated with altitude, also played a significant role in shaping these patterns. The study suggests further investigation into direct effects of climatic variables and their seasonality, particularly at larger spatial scales.
Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks
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2011 —
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A detailed isotopic analysis of the Upper Triassic flora from Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks, Argentina, reveals a mean carbon isotope ratio (δ13C) of -25.4‰, consistent with C3 plants and indicating minimal diagenetic alteration. This value is enriched by ~3‰ compared to Middle Triassic plants, suggesting a disturbance in the global carbon cycle during the Early Mesozoic. The study also estimates a paleo-atmospheric isotopic composition of -6.1‰, differing slightly from marine carbonate proxies, possibly due to atmospheric CO2/O2 ratios or hydric stress. The research provides critical data for chemostratigraphic correlation and offers insights into paleoatmospheric conditions during the Carnian period (~225 Ma).
Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan
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2011 —
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A reinterpretation of the Plaza de los Glifos at Teotihuacan's La Ventilla residential area (ca. 300–450 CE) challenges prior assumptions about its glyphs, suggesting they primarily depict disease-causing entities and curing rituals rather than toponyms or titles. Central to this proposal is the identification of two 'deer-snake' glyphs—a supernatural creature linked to ailments across Mesoamerica—alongside other signs that align with historical concepts of illness and healing. The study combines a meticulous review of existing interpretations, glyphic writing systems, and linguistic hypotheses about Teotihuacan, offering new insights into the cultural and symbolic significance of this unique archaeological site.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2011 —
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Research on <em>Loricariichthys platymetopon</em> at Saraiva Lagoon, Ilha Grande National Park, Brazil, revealed distinct seasonal and spatial patterns in abundance and reproduction. The species exhibited peak relative abundance in February within the middle lagoon section, with reproductive activity concentrated from September to February, ceasing during autumn and winter. High fecundity was observed, averaging 962 oocytes per female (SD ± 382), with notable variation across lagoon sections. These findings suggest adaptive reproductive tactics linked to habitat settlement in the Upper Paraná River floodplain, providing insights into the species' ecological dynamics within a UNESCO-listed site.
Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
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2011 —
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This study reveals that the transition from paganism to Christianity at Jelling Mounds, Denmark, during the Late Viking Age was not conflict-free but involved distinct religious modalities. Using Harvey Whitehouse’s theory of divergent modes of religiosity (DMR), it shows that pre-Christian rituals were primarily imagistic—characterized by low-frequency, high-arousal events with spontaneous meaning-making—while Christian adoption among nobility reflected doctrinal traits, such as narrative-driven, high-frequency rituals with centralized leadership. Archaeological evidence, including burials, cult sites, and monumental ship graves, supports this duality: hierarchical grave goods suggest doctrinal influence, while exclusive burial practices and violent rituals align with imagistic modality. The study concludes that the peaceful shift to Christianity was facilitated by the nobility’s familiarity with controlled religious narratives, bridging the gap between pagan and Christian structures.
Blenheim Palace
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2011 —
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Country-house tourism in England saw a surge between 1770 and 1815, with estates like Blenheim Palace becoming both historical sites and tourist attractions. This study reveals how guidebooks emerged as a means to formalize public access, reshaping the presentation of these properties. Initially, housekeepers guided visitors, but as popularity grew, owners published guidebooks to control narratives, highlight key features, and inform tourists about interiors and contents. The research examines methodologies behind this re-presentation, showing how country houses were metaphorically 'remade' to function as both residences and tourist destinations—a practice still observable today.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)
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2011 —
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Post-war Japan's collective memory of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki has been significantly shaped by government-led narratives, reinforcing victim consciousness over reconciliation. This study reveals how Tokyo strategically integrated A-bomb memories into national identity through symbolic means, analyzing peace parks, memorials, and news coverage from two major daily newspapers on memorial days. The findings demonstrate that the nation's memory is guided predominantly by state-driven efforts rather than collective reflection or overcoming the past.
Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn
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2011 —
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Despite declining air pollution levels in Estonia, research indicates no significant reduction in the corrosion of limestone materials, including those found in UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Tallinn's Old Town. A study analyzing data from 2005–2006 and comparing it to earlier periods (1987–2003) revealed that limestone corrosion loss actually increased during this time. This unexpected finding suggests that factors beyond air pollution, such as changing environmental conditions or variations in material quality—like the use of Portland limestone—may play a significant role in material degradation. The research, part of the International Cooperative Programme on Effects on Materials (ICP Materials), employed long-term monitoring techniques to assess the impact of climate change and air pollution on historical and cultural monuments.
Chitwan National Park
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2011 —
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A citizen-initiated resettlement program in Padampur, Nepal, within the Royal Chitwan National Park, has shown promising results for resident well-being. Unlike traditional forced resettlements, which often lead to negative socioeconomic outcomes, this study found that most respondents reported being socially and economically better off in their new location. While voluntary and forced resettlement groups differed in overall satisfaction and perceptions of land quality and employment, they shared positive evaluations of land ownership, housing, physical infrastructure, health, social ties, and support services. The findings suggest that future conservation-related resettlements could benefit from adopting elements of the Padampur model, with potential improvements focusing on economic status, food and nutrition, and reducing marginalization.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2011 —
WHE2BFA5B76FE
A critical insight from this study is that Emas National Park, despite its small size, provides rare and essential resource conditions for giant armadillos (Priodontes maximus) and jaguars (Panthera onca), making these species highly sensitive to landscape changes caused by agricultural development outside the park. The research used noninvasive methods, including scat detection dogs, to survey five large mammals of conservation concern across 1,572 scat locations and 434 giant armadillo burrow sites. By estimating resource selection probability functions, the study revealed that while natural habitats are crucial for these species, remnants of woodland and forest vegetation enable other wide-ranging mammals like maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus), pumas (Puma concolor), and giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) to utilize agricultural landscapes. The findings underscore the need for a multi-faceted conservation approach that extends beyond park boundaries to protect these species effectively.
Okapi Wildlife Reserve
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2011 —
WHED74925C34C
Civil conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) led to a near 50% decline in elephant populations within the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, primarily due to increased poaching for ivory during the war. Using distance sampling surveys and Generalized Additive Models, researchers found that human activity—rather than habitat factors—dominated elephant distribution both before and after the conflict, with post-war models explaining more variation. Elephant densities were higher in the park's central, better-protected areas, suggesting these zones acted as refuges. However, persistent threats like weakened institutions, illegal trade, and growing human populations continue to endanger remaining populations. Strengthening conservation efforts and curbing illegal wildlife trade are critical for recovery.
