Península Valdés
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2011 —
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Guanacos (Lama guanicoe) in Península Valdés, Argentina, showed a three-fold increase in abundance within three years following the removal of sheep from a private wildlife reserve. This rapid response suggests that guanacos, even at high densities, are less damaging to vegetation than sheep. The study compared guanaco populations and plant cover inside and outside the reserve, revealing higher guanaco numbers and greater grassland coverage in areas where sheep were excluded. While management changes led to significant local increases in guanaco populations, the researchers emphasize that large-scale protection is necessary for the long-term persistence of wild guanaco populations. The findings highlight the potential for sustainable coexistence between livestock production and wildlife conservation in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Yellowstone National Park
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2011 —
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A 15-year gill-netting program targeting non-native lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) in Yellowstone Lake, USA, failed to achieve population suppression or eradication despite removing nearly 450,000 individuals. While the lake trout population's growth rate remains positive but reduced compared to pre-harvest levels, current fishing efforts are insufficient to curb reproduction and ensure long-term decline. The study highlights that increasing mortality of sexually mature lake trout could enhance suppression effectiveness, underscoring the challenges of restoring a large, remote ecosystem with a simple fish assemblage through targeted apex predator removal.
Macquarie Island
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2011 —
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A significant decline in stream invertebrate taxa and abundance on Macquarie Island, attributed to vegetation damage from overgrazing by exotic rabbits, was documented between 1992 and 2010. Taxa richness dropped by 25–36%, and ordination analysis revealed marked compositional shifts, particularly at sites with moderate or severe grazing impacts. The study suggests that altered organic material input into streams, due to vegetation damage, may have driven these changes. If such degradation persists without refuges, stream invertebrate communities could undergo permanent alteration, posing risks to the island's delicate ecosystem.
Longmen Grottoes
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2011 —
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Heritage governance in urban China operates as a dynamic, interactive process that derives legitimacy from multiple sources without systematic bias against any social group. This insight emerges from an empirical evaluation of the Longmen Grottoes' nomination and preservation, required for its UNESCO World Heritage status. The study examines four varied approaches to state-society relations, applying them to the case of Luoyang's local political system. It reveals that governance in this context is resourceful and adaptive, contrasting with traditional models that assume systematic bias or top-down control.
Ephesus
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2011 —
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Ancient Ephesus, once a bustling coastal city, faced insurmountable challenges from natural sediment deposition that ultimately led to the abandonment of its harbours. Despite repeated human interventions—such as the construction of moles to prevent siltation—the Küçük Menderes River's sediment load inexorably filled the Gulf of Ephesus, forcing inhabitants to relocate harbours westward over centuries. This study reveals that natural processes consistently outpaced human efforts, using a combination of geomorphological data, subsurface geological analysis, archaeological excavations, and ancient texts. Sediment coring and palaeogeographical studies traced shifting river courses, floodplain changes, and anthropogenic deposits, demonstrating the futility of large-scale engineering in combating estuarine infilling. The findings underscore the vulnerability of coastal settlements to long-term natural dynamics, even with advanced intervention strategies.
Aachen Cathedral
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2011 —
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A groundbreaking method for retrofitting historic structures using flexible textile-reinforced mortar bandages has been successfully applied to Aachen Cathedral. This innovative approach demonstrates significant potential for strengthening masonry while preserving its aesthetic and structural integrity. The study involved the application of a lightweight, flexible reinforcement system that effectively bridges cracks and enhances load-bearing capacity without altering the monument's visual character. By combining modern materials with traditional conservation techniques, this method offers a sustainable solution for the long-term preservation of cultural heritage sites facing structural deterioration.
Mount Etna
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2011 —
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A retrospective validation method for long-term lava-flow hazard maps at Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, demonstrates that such maps can accurately predict areas at risk of destructive volcanic processes. The study divided the volcano into ten probability classes based on simulated lava-flow paths and found strong agreement between predicted and actual lava-flow coverage post-1981 using two fitting scores. The approach involved identifying high-probability vent regions, characterizing eruption types for numerical simulations with the MAGFLOW model, and computing eruptive probabilities to construct the hazard map.
Curonian Spit
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2011 —
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A comprehensive review identifies 24 species of Nepticulidae (leaf-mining moths) from the Curonian Spit, Lithuania, associated with host plants across eight families. Notably, over half of these species are linked to Betulaceae and Rosaceae plants, reflecting their ecological significance. The study categorizes their distribution into nine chorological groups, revealing a mix of broad Palaearctic and European ranges alongside more restricted Sub-Baltic distributions. Rare species, such as <em>Stigmella zelleriella</em>, were documented in sand dunes, with illustrations provided for adults and male genitalia. This taxonomic list, supplemented by host-plant data and leaf-mine photographs, advances our understanding of nepticulid biodiversity in this UNESCO-listed coastal ecosystem.
The Persian Garden
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2011 —
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Persian gardens, rooted in Iran's cultural imagination of paradise, exemplify ingenious landscaping adapted to arid climates. A study analyzing Mahan Prince Garden reveals that elements like soil, water, plants, and layout coalesce into a distinct Persian garden style. The research employs descriptive analysis, drawing from examples, documents, and library studies, to highlight how these gardens balance aesthetic beauty with practical sustainability in water-scarce regions. This approach underscores the significance of Persian horticultural artistry in transforming harsh environments into lush, symbolic landscapes.
Wadi Rum Protected Area
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2011 —
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Jordan's lizard fauna is highly diverse, representing 55.5% of the country's terrestrial herpetofauna, with Arabian species dominating (43%). The study reveals that Wadi Rum and the Badia region in southern Jordan serve as a biogeographical filter, hosting species primarily of Arabian affinities that do not extend westward. These areas are part of the Levantine land bridge, facilitating isolation among congeneric species like Ptyodactylus, which may have driven evolutionary divergence. Additionally, Jordan marks the southern limit for some Palaearctic lizard species, such as Lacerta media and Pseudopus apodus, highlighting its role in connecting Mediterranean and Arabian ecosystems. The research synthesizes distributional data to elucidate biogeographical patterns and evolutionary dynamics in this ecologically significant region.
Margravial Opera House Bayreuth
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2011 —
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Richard Wagner's influence on opera, theater, and art theory remains profound, with his original Bayreuth Festival Theatre serving as a foundational model for modern productions. Designed by Otto Brückwald (exterior) and Karl Brandt (interior), the theatre embodied Wagner’s vision of the <em>Gesamtkunstwerk</em> (total work of art), drawing from Gottfried Semper’s architectural principles. Juliet Koss’s <em>Modernism after Wagner</em> explores how this integration of arts—first theorized by Wagner but rooted in Semper’s ideas—shaped modernist movements, particularly in German culture. The book analyzes the enduring legacy of Bayreuth’s design and its impact on subsequent theatrical and artistic innovations.
Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi
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2011 —
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Finbarr B. Flood's 'Objects of Translation' offers a groundbreaking analysis of the material culture and architectural history of medieval Hindu-Muslim encounters, particularly focusing on the Qutb Minar complex in Delhi. The study challenges traditional narratives by examining objects such as coins, ivories, and robes of honor, revealing their roles in cultural dynamics and political economies across the Indus basin from the 8th to 13th centuries. Flood's rigorous art historical analysis is enriched by contemporary theoretical frameworks, providing a nuanced understanding of how these artifacts shaped Indo-Islamic art and architecture. The work stands out for its interdisciplinary approach, blending historical geography, cultural dynamics, and architectural studies to illuminate the complexities of medieval encounters in South Asia.
Gough and Inaccessible Islands
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2011 —
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A critical population assessment of the Endangered Northern Rockhopper Penguin (<em>Eudyptes moseleyi</em>) at Tristan da Cunha reveals that over 65% of the global population resides in this remote South Atlantic archipelago, with breeding numbers estimated at 168,700 pairs across four islands. The study, the first to update counts since 1973 for Middle Island, found stable populations over three decades, contrasting with broader declines observed elsewhere. Researchers employed comprehensive aerial and ground surveys in 2009, providing a baseline for conservation efforts at this UNESCO-listed site, which is vital for the species' survival.
Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands
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2011 —
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A revision of the genus Coprosma (Rubiaceae) in the Marquesas Islands reveals three newly described species: <em>Coprosma fatuhivaensis</em>, <em>C. meyeri</em>, and <em>C. temetiuensis</em>. These additions bring the total number of Coprosma species in the region to six, making it the sixth largest lineage after genera like Psychotria, Cyrtandra, and Bidens. Four of these species are classified as Critically Endangered (CR), while two are Endangered (EN). The study provides detailed descriptions, illustrations, conservation assessments, and a key for identification. It builds upon earlier work during the preparation of the <em>Vascular Flora of the Marquesas Islands</em>, offering critical insights into the biodiversity and conservation status of this remote Polynesian archipelago.
Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands
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2011 —
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A revision of the genus Kadua (Rubiaceae) in the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia, reveals three newly described species: Coprosma fatuhivaensis, Coprosma meyeri, and Coprosma temetiuensis. This expansion brings the total number of Coprosma species in the archipelago to six, making it the sixth largest lineage after Psychotria (9 spp.), Cyrtandra (8 spp.), Bidens (8 spp.), Melicope (7 spp.), and Ixora (7 spp.). The study provides detailed descriptions, illustrations, conservation assessments, and specimen citations for these species. Notably, four of the Coprosma species are classified as Critically Endangered (CR), while two are Endangered (EN). Amended descriptions and a key to the species are also included, contributing significantly to the understanding of the Marquesas Islands' vascular flora.
Anticosti
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2011 —
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A significant revision of the Ordovician–Silurian boundary position is proposed based on δ13C chemostratigraphy from southern Ontario, suggesting the Manitoulin Formation is latest Ordovician (Hirnantian) rather than earliest Silurian. The study identified a Hirnantian isotope carbon excursion (HICE) in the upper Queenston Formation to lower-middle Manitoulin Formation, supporting this conclusion and aligning with biostratigraphic data from conodonts and brachiopods. Notably, the HICE is absent on Manitoulin Island but present in the Bruce Peninsula and adjacent regions, indicating age variations across the area. This challenges the traditional boundary placement at the base of the Manitoulin Formation, instead suggesting it lies near the base of the overlying Cabot Head Formation. These findings have major implications for interpreting the geologic history and marine depositional patterns of the latest Ordovician in North America.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
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2011 —
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New radiocarbon dating and stable isotope analysis of the Neolithic chamber tomb at Quanterness, Orkney, reveals that burial activity likely spanned from 3510 to 2790 cal BC, with a peak period between 3450 and 2850–2790 cal BC. This tighter chronological framework challenges previous assumptions about the site's stratigraphy, indicating extensive mixing of deposits. Osteological evidence suggests that the human remains were not subjected to excarnation or significant sub-aerial weathering, implying local burial practices rather than secondary deposition from elsewhere. Stable isotope data (δ13C: –20.5 ± 0.4‰; δ15N: 11.1 ± 0.6‰) indicate minimal marine protein consumption despite the site's coastal proximity, with potential diachronic trends hinting at evolving farming practices. These findings contextualize Quanterness within Middle/Late Neolithic Orkney, supporting theories on the emergence of Grooved Ware pottery and the origin of Maes Howe-type passage tombs.
Pitons Management Area
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2011 —
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A detailed analysis of the Piton de La Fournaise, a basaltic shield volcano on Réunion Island, reveals that while its overall dangerosity is relatively low, historical activity patterns demonstrate phases with potentially destructive eruptions. The study characterizes distinct eruption processes and assesses associated risks to human lives and infrastructure on the volcano's slopes. By synthesizing recent research, it provides insights into the volcanic dynamics that could inform risk management strategies for this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kairouan
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2011 —
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A groundbreaking analysis of the Ribāṭ (monastic community) and the ideal of sainthood in Kairouan and the Ifrīqiyen coast reveals how these institutions evolved from the 2nd/8th to the 4th/10th century, with significant implications for understanding Islamic spiritual practices and political dynamics during this period. The study leverages the Riyāḍ al-Nufūs, a biographical dictionary compiled by Abū Bakr al-Mālikī around 1072, which provides rare insights into the social and religious transformations of the time. This work sheds light on the interplay between saintly figures, monastic life, and broader historical events such as the Hilaliene invasion, Zīrīdo-ḥammādide rivalries, and Almoravid expansion, offering a nuanced perspective on the Islamization and Arabization of medieval North Africa.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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2011 —
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Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA)-induced mortality of eastern hemlock in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has triggered significant ecological shifts in riparian ecosystems. Impacted streams exhibit reduced canopy coverage, increased light availability, and altered vegetative composition, with red maple, yellow birch, sweet birch, and rosebay rhododendron dominating post-mortality landscapes. Aquatic systems show cooler temperatures during colder months, higher concentrations of nutrients like silicon, sodium, potassium, magnesium, chlorine, and copper, as well as increased acid neutralization capacity and pH. While macroinvertebrate diversity and abundance remain largely unaffected, shifts in functional feeding groups (from collector/filter to scraper) and reductions in specific taxa, such as Chironomidae, Ephemeroptera, and Pleuroceridae snails, highlight the ecological disruption caused by hemlock mortality. The study employed a comparative approach, assessing riparian and aquatic impacts across reference sites with initial HWA presence and impacted sites with over 90% hemlock mortality, revealing both short-term and long-term consequences of invasive species on stream ecosystems.
City of Cuzco
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2011 —
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A study of medicinal plants sold in nine markets—five major and four smaller zonal ones—in the city of Cusco, Peru, revealed a rich diversity of 152 species across 45 families. The most abundant were Asteraceae (36 species) and Lamiaceae (12), with Muehlenbeckia volcanica ('Mullaca'), Perezia virens ('Valeriana'), Matricaria recutita ('Manzanilla'), and Hypochaeris taraxacoides ('Pilli pilli') being the most frequently traded. The findings indicate that 75% of these plants are herbaceous, with 81% using the entire plant part, primarily prepared as infusions or 'mates calientes.' The study also identified that 83% of the species are native, predominantly from the Andean region surrounding Cusco, highlighting a strong connection to ancient Quechua knowledge. This research underscores the significant role of traditional medicinal practices in contemporary markets, mirroring patterns observed in other Andean regions like Bolivia and Ecuador.
Dazu Rock Carvings
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2011 —
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A quantitative risk assessment of disease affecting the eaves of niches in the Dazu Rock Carvings reveals critical vulnerabilities that threaten their preservation. By integrating geographic information system (GIS) technology with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), researchers identified key factors contributing to disease risk and assigned them weights. Spatial analysis and an integrated assessment model then mapped these risks, enabling targeted conservation strategies. This approach offers a data-driven method for prioritizing interventions in heritage site management, balancing scientific rigor with practical application.
Tsodilo
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2011 —
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A recent study at Rhino Cave, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tsodilo Hills in Botswana, reveals compelling evidence of ritualized behavior during the Middle Stone Age (MSA). The research uncovered a unique assemblage of MSA artifacts, including intricately crafted points made from non-local raw materials, which were deliberately burned or smashed and never left the cave. These artifacts, found alongside grinding slabs and specularite pigment, suggest a specialized behavioral pattern distinct from typical subsistence activities. The discovery also includes a section of a carved rock face with numerous cupules, further indicating ritualistic practices. This study employed a chaîneopératoire analysis to interpret the behavioral patterns, providing new insights into the cognitive and social complexities of MSA societies in southern Africa.
The Sundarbans
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2011 —
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Research in the Bangladesh Sundarbans reveals that rotifers and cladocerans, alongside copepods, are consistently associated with the presence of pathogenic Vibrio cholerae strains and the incidence of cholera. This finding highlights the role of zooplankton diversity in influencing V. cholerae population dynamics and disease outbreaks. The study analyzed chitinous zooplankton communities across different water bodies to understand their interaction with V. cholerae and cholera cases, uncovering subtle ecological factors that modulate these relationships.
City of Cuzco
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2011 —
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Rooted cosmopolitanism emerges as a dynamic framework for understanding global interactions in Cusco, Peru, challenging the binary global/local dichotomy. This study identifies three interrelated processes—openness to diversity, valuing local aesthetics, and territorial commitment—that collectively produce rooted cosmopolitan places. Unlike traditional cosmopolitanism theories focused on global North urban centers, this approach highlights simultaneous engagement with difference, personal preferences, traditions, and shared space in a South American context. The research contributes to broader conversations on negotiating diverse flows in place, offering a nuanced conceptualization that avoids prescriptive development criteria while advancing theoretical and empirical insights.
Pantanal Conservation Area
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2011 —
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Rotational grazing significantly enhances cattle productivity and pasture conditions in the Pantanal, offering a sustainable conservation tool. A 17-month study comparing rotational and continuous grazing systems found that rotational grazing increased forage dry mass, resulting in cattle that were 15% heavier with 22% higher pregnancy rates. Additionally, stocking rates in rotational systems could be 2 to 6 times higher than those in continuously grazed areas, suggesting improved land use efficiency without compromising productivity. This approach mitigates the pressures of deforestation and habitat conversion while optimizing economic benefits for ranchers. The study, conducted by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in collaboration with local communities, underscores the potential of rotational grazing to balance agricultural profitability with biodiversity conservation in the Pantanal.
Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes
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2011 —
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Seasonal lake dynamics in the Badain Jaran Desert exhibit distinct statistical and spatial patterns, with total lake area and number decreasing from spring to winter before regenerating annually. Remote sensing analysis of ETM+ imagery revealed that atrophic and expanded lake regions cluster spatially, while some periods show gradual transitions. These findings provide a foundation for further studies on water cycling, balance, and ecosystem dynamics in this unique desert landscape.
White City of Tel-Aviv – the Modern Movement
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2011 —
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Tel Aviv's development from the late nineteenth century to the mid-1930s challenged the conventional dichotomy of nature and culture, demonstrating that rural, agricultural landscapes and urban metropolises could coexist as complementary facets of the Zionist dream. This study reveals how local and international planners, Zionist cultural agents, volunteer organizations, and residents collaboratively implemented strategies to materialize a green vision for Tel Aviv, the first Hebrew town in modern Palestine. By analyzing early Tel Aviv's rural imagery within the broader discourse on city planning, the research highlights the interplay between pastoral ideals and urban development, offering insights into how ideological goals shaped urban landscapes during this transformative period.
The English Lake District
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2011 —
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A deep connection between the English Lake District and John Ruskin, one of Victorian England's most influential art critics and social theorists, is revealed. This biographical study highlights how the region shaped Ruskin's life, artistic vision, and commitment to local traditions and crafts over nearly three decades. The research, conducted by H. D. Rawnsley—a clergyman, conservationist, and former protégé of Ruskin—traces this relationship from Ruskin's childhood fascination with the landscape to his enduring legacy, including his funeral at Coniston. It also explores his collaboration with poet William Wordsworth and his role in founding a precursor to the National Trust, underscoring the Lake District's cultural and historical significance.
Venice and its Lagoon
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2011 —
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A critical examination of the historical and cultural narratives surrounding Venice's Basilica di San Marco reveals its complex origins, challenging long-held myths about its Byzantine influences. The book 'San Marco, Byzantium and the Myths of Venice' deconstructs the basilica's architectural and symbolic significance, arguing that its development was more intricately tied to Venetian identity than previously assumed. Through interdisciplinary analysis—incorporating art history, archaeology, and textual studies—the authors dissect the layers of myth and reality, offering a nuanced understanding of how Venice constructed its own historical legacy.
Old City of Sana'a
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2011 —
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Sana'a, the historic capital of Yemen, has undergone rapid and uncontrolled urban transformation, expanding from 3.7 square kilometers in 1962 to over 1,600 square kilometers by 2010. This study highlights the fragmentation of Sana'a's urban fabric, a phenomenon shared across Arab cities but often overshadowed by globalization discussions. Using diachronic and synchronic approaches, the research analyzes phases of urban form fragmentation and identifies spatial and environmental challenges in both old and new city areas. While not aiming for conclusive results, it provides a conceptual framework to inform debates on Sana'a's urban future.
Pitons, cirques and remparts of Reunion Island
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2011 —
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A large hydrothermal system beneath Piton de la Fournaise volcano, Reunion Island, has been identified through satellite-based evidence. During the April 2007 eruption, sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions from the Dolomieu crater's collapse phase were significantly higher than those explained by lava effusion alone, suggesting the sudden release of SO₂ from a previously hidden hydrothermal system. This discovery provides new insights into the magmatic source evolution and its potential role in eruptive behavior at this active volcano.
Ogasawara Islands
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2011 —
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Land snails on oceanic islands, derived from mainland seashore ancestors, retain ecological preferences for high-pH, calcium-rich microhabitats with sparse vegetation cover. A study on Hahajima Island (Ogasawara Islands) found that these seashore-derived species exhibit higher diversity on limestone outcrops than non-limestone areas, while other snail species show no such preference. Additionally, seashore-derived species dominate limestone ridges over doline soils, even within limestone regions. This suggests their habitat use remains constrained by ancestral ecology, limiting colonization to exposed, calcium-rich environments. Notably, some seashore-derived species include cave-dwelling forms lacking functional eyes, indicating that only these lineages can colonize caves due to their ecological traits. The findings highlight how ancestral habitat preferences can persist and shape descendant species' ability to exploit novel habitats, even in depauperate island ecosystems.
Olympic National Park
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2011 —
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Mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) in Olympic, North Cascades, and Mount Rainier National Parks exhibit seasonal altitudinal movements, with winter ranges at lower elevations (817–1,787 meters) shifting to higher summer ranges (1,312–2,061 meters). GPS-collar data revealed that goats transition between these ranges within a narrow window (June 11–19 for ascent, October 26–November 9 for descent), with home range variability from 0.7 to 37.0 km depending on season and sex. Aerial survey detection probabilities varied significantly across parks (0.69 in North Cascades, 0.76 in Olympic, and 0.87 in Mount Rainier), influenced by habitat openness and group size. While surveys in Mount Rainier reliably captured goat presence, Olympic and North Cascades required adjustments to sampling frames to minimize biases. Expanding survey coverage by lowering altitude thresholds could improve population estimation accuracy.
Serengeti National Park
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2011 —
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A study on the Serengeti National Park's rivers reveals that wildlife, particularly migratory animals, significantly contributes to fecal bacteria levels in surface waters. The research found substantial seasonal variation in total coliform and Escherichia coli bacteria, with increases during the wet season in southern rivers, while northern rivers showed minimal seasonal differences due to large resident wildlife populations. Fecal bacteria were positively correlated with rainfall and ammonia but exhibited a negative quadratic relationship with salinity. This suggests that wildlife in protected areas can be a major source of fecal contamination, posing potential threats to human health as water demand rises. The study used defined-substrate technology to quantify bacterial abundance, providing insights into the ecological factors influencing water quality in semiarid river systems.
Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park
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2011 —
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A geological profile spanning Costa Rica, from the Osa Peninsula on the Pacific coast to Punta Cahuita on the Atlantic coast, reveals the distinct tectonic histories of two major basins: the Térraba and Talamanca basins. These basins accumulated over 5,000 meters of Tertiary sediments, forming a regressive megasequence. The Térraba basin exhibits compressive tectonics characterized by thrust scales and inverse faults, with subsidence in its backward part, while the Talamanca basin shows gravitational landslides in its sedimentary cover, leading to significant overlaps at the foot of the Talamanca mountain range on the coastal plain. This study provides a detailed reconstruction of the geological evolution of these basins, offering insights into their tectonic styles and sedimentary dynamics.
Venice and its Lagoon
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2011 —
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Balconies in early modern Venice served as social hubs where residents, particularly those of high status, could observe public events while being exposed to public scrutiny and gossip. This dual role—offering visibility without anonymity—was influenced by their liminal position between private and public spaces. The study, based on architectural, artistic, theatrical records, and magistracy documents, reveals that men were more likely to use balconies outside working hours, while women also frequented them. Additionally, the proximity of balconies to canals facilitated illicit activities. High-status individuals typically appeared only for special occasions, underscoring the balcony's significance in social dynamics.
Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville
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2011 —
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A recent collection of essays challenges the modern interpretation of Thomas Jefferson's role in American democracy, arguing that his democratic ideals differ significantly from contemporary understandings. The study avoids presentism, emphasizing Jefferson's historical context rather than projecting modern values onto him. It critiques works that overemphasize the relevance of Jefferson's ideas to today's politics, suggesting such approaches distort his actual contributions and limitations. By analyzing Jefferson's optimism and political thought within his own era, the essays aim to clarify misconceptions about democracy in early America, particularly regarding his stance on slavery and national self-determination.
Western Tien-Shan
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2011 —
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Seismic tomographic imaging reveals distinct crustal and upper mantle structures beneath the central and western Tien Shan orogenic belt, indicating dynamic geological processes. High-velocity (Vp, Vs) and low Poisson's ratio (σ) anomalies in the upper and middle crust suggest the presence of Paleozoic crystalline basement rocks, while low-velocity and high-σ anomalies in the lower crust and upper mantle imply upwelling of hot, wet material from the mantle. The study also identifies underthrusting of the Tarim and Kazakh lithosphere beneath the Tien Shan, contributing to mountain building. Additionally, a lithospheric-scale boundary is observed along the Talas-Fergana fault, with contrasting seismic structures in central and western Tien Shan, potentially serving as a channel for mantle material to reach the surface.
Rock Islands Southern Lagoon
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2011 —
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A collaborative approach combining archaeological expertise with traditional knowledge and local community involvement has emerged as a key strategy for identifying cultural properties of outstanding universal value (OUV) in the Pacific Islands, particularly in the Rock Islands–Southern Lagoon area of Palau. This research highlights how such partnerships can address the under-representation of the Pacific region on the UNESCO World Heritage List, while also navigating challenges related to governance and resource accumulation. The study underscores the importance of integrating indigenous perspectives with scientific methods to strengthen heritage nominations and management in the region.
Ogasawara Islands
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2011 —
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Anthropogenic impacts have led to nonrandom losses of phenotypic diversity among terrestrial gastropods in the Ogasawara Islands, with extinction patterns varying by island and type of threat. Extinct species exhibited significantly smaller geographic ranges compared to surviving ones, but current declines do not show significant range differences between threatened and non-threatened species. Extinctions were selective based on shell spire index (SI), a functionally important trait, though the relationship between body size and extinction vulnerability differed among extinction agents—some being strongly size-selective while others were not. The study suggests that as anthropogenic threats have shifted from habitat loss to predation over time, so too have the patterns of biodiversity loss, indicating that resilience to one type of threat does not ensure long-term survival.
Historic City of Sucre
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2011 —
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A collection of essays examines the role of ethnicity and cultural elements in urban planning and city promotion, revealing how cultural, political, and economic elites construct unique city images. The study highlights the use of heritage programs, festivals, and tourism to shape perceptions of places like New Orleans, Chicago, Oaxaca, and Sucre, Bolivia. It also explores the commodification of ethnic identities in cities such as Quito, Detroit, Seattle, Los Angeles, Mérida, and Vancouver, demonstrating how these processes influence urban landscapes and public spaces.
Noel Kempff Mercado National Park
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2011 —
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A sensitivity analysis reveals that carbon baseline estimates for the Noel Kempff Mercado National Park REDD+ initiative are highly sensitive to temporal calibration periods and geographic scope, with deforestation rates and avoided carbon emissions most influenced by these factors. The study used a spatially explicit modeling approach, combining remote sensing data with the GEOMOD land-use change model, to simulate deforestation dynamics under a business-as-usual scenario. Findings underscore the critical role of methodological choices in reducing uncertainty and enhancing the robustness of carbon accounting in REDD+ projects. This research advances measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems by demonstrating how sensitivity analysis can improve transparency, credibility, and reproducibility in carbon baseline estimation.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2011 —
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A declining harbor seal population in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, showing over 70% decline since 1992, was found to be immunologically naïve to distemper viruses and other pathogens. Serologic surveillance conducted between 2007 and 2008 revealed low prevalence of antibodies against Leptospira spp., with no detectable serum antibodies for Toxoplasma gondii, morbilliviruses, or Cryptosporidium in fecal samples. Giardia was detected in 6% of fecal samples from Glacier Bay, while no antibodies were found in reference samples from Kodiak Island. The study suggests that pathogens are unlikely to be the primary cause of the population decline, highlighting potential vulnerabilities to emerging diseases due to limited immunological exposure.
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
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2011 —
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Research on the Belize Barrier Reef reveals that coral recruitment is becoming increasingly challenging due to a rapidly closing 'recruitment window.' The study found that annual coral recruitment rates declined by over 50% within two years, with substrates hospitable to corals being overtaken by inhospitable organisms like sponges. This shift occurs within approximately 9–14 months following a disturbance, after which the environment becomes hostile to coral settlement and survival. The study deployed terra-cotta plates at 10 m depth for 38 months, monitoring changes in benthic communities and their impact on coral spat survivorship.
Historic Centre of Kraków
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2011 —
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A study of the 1905 'Lustmord' scandal involving the murder of nine-year-old Marya Kolasówna in Kraków reveals how the popular press shaped public discourse on sexual violence and deviance, while also reflecting and interacting with street-level conversations. The research demonstrates that media coverage, though sensationalistic, contributed to a nascent public sphere by mediating between authorities and citizens, framing violence against women and children as stemming from 'sexual urges or temporary insanity.' Unlike conventional critiques, the study argues that such coverage was part of broader discussions on morality, urban life, and social order, rather than mere false consciousness. The analysis combines close reading of press narratives with contextualization within medical and legal discourses to illustrate the complex dynamics between media, public opinion, and authority in fin-de-siècle Kraków.
Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture
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2011 —
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An ethnographic study in Ibiza reveals that substances, particularly drugs and alcohol, play a pivotal role in promoting sexual encounters among British youth tourists. Unlike previous research that primarily focuses on survey-based methods and overlooks interactions with non-tourist social players, this study highlights the involvement of promotion representatives, strippers, and prostitutes in these dynamics. By adopting Bakhtin's concept of the 'carnivalesque,' the research offers a nuanced understanding of how substances facilitate and shape sexual behaviors in holiday destinations. Conducted through 38 focus groups, observations, and informal conversations over three summers (2009–2011), this work fills a critical gap by examining sexual relations beyond those strictly between British tourists.
Shahr-i Sokhta
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2011 —
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A 2011 study challenges the established chronology of Shahr-i Sokhta, suggesting its final phases (III and IV) occurred in the late 3rd millennium to early 2nd millennium BCE. This revised dating implies potential interactions between the Helmand sites (Shahr-i Sokhta and Mundigak) and the Indus Civilization. The research evaluates arguments for contemporaneity by examining archaeological sequences from the western Indus Valley and Makran, questioning proposed links between Shahr-i Sokhta and Indus sites.
Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary
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2011 —
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Shark reactions to scuba divers vary significantly based on diver behavior, observation strategy, and proximity. This study found that sharks exhibit stronger behavioral responses when divers employ 'direct approach,' sudden movements, or move closer than 4 meters. These actions, along with the use of camera flashes and noise, tend to elicit evasion or alert reactions in sharks, particularly those species targeted by divers. Interestingly, divers are more intrusive towards species they perceive as less threatening and easier to access due to environmental conditions. The research, conducted in two marine protected areas—Galápagos Marine Reserve (Ecuador) and Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary (Colombia)—analyzed five shark species using four reaction categories and five diver behavior categories. It highlights the need for responsible diving practices to minimize impacts on shark behavior and ecology.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2011 —
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A study on the freshwater snail <em>Gundlachia ticaga</em> from Ilha Grande, Brazil, reveals significant phenotypic plasticity in shell morphology across four populations. Using nine morphometric characters and discriminant analysis, researchers found that shells from preserved and highly modified environments exhibited similar traits, challenging previous diagnostic criteria for identification. The findings highlight that narrower, elongated shells could be misidentified as <em>Ferrissia</em>, while broader, roundish shells might be confused with <em>Burnupia</em>. The absence of radial lines is not a reliable diagnostic feature, emphasizing the need to analyze apical micro-sculpture and soft parts for accurate species identification.
