Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture
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2010 —
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A shift to C4 dietary resources, likely millet, characterized the Islamic period (10th–13th century AD) on Ibiza and Formentera, contrasting with earlier periods that maintained a predominantly terrestrial C3 diet. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of bone collagen from 75 fauna and 135 human samples across four chronological phases—Chalcolithic, Punic, Late Antiquity–Early Byzantine, and Islamic—revealed this dietary change. While earlier societies showed minimal marine or C4 input, the Islamic population exhibited a significant reliance on C4 resources, suggesting a unique subsistence adaptation. This finding highlights the importance of further research into Islamic-era diets in the Mediterranean to understand broader patterns.
Longmen Grottoes
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2010 —
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A biomimetic approach using calcium oxalate to protect historic stone structures, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Longmen Grottoes, shows promising results. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that a protective film formed on marble stone effectively resists soil and acid weathering, while field trials at Longmen Grottoes validated its practical application. Characterization via XRD and SEM confirmed the material's stability and effectiveness, suggesting this method could significantly advance the conservation of vulnerable cultural heritage sites.
Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan
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2010 —
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A prominent linear topographic escarpment at the Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan site, previously thought to be solely tectonic in origin, is revealed to have both geomorphological and seismic components. Paleoseismic trenching exposed Late Holocene faulting near the Dead Sea's northern edge, while a trench farther south showed no evidence of faulting, suggesting a segmented fault with varying activity patterns. The escarpment may also be partially an erosional feature, shaped by ancient Jordan River incision or Holocene lakeshore processes. A lacustrine channel fill indicates a high stand of the Dead Sea during the Younger Dryas cooling period, highlighting the interplay between tectonic and climatic forces in shaping this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük
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2010 —
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A critical examination of interpreting religious significance at the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük reveals the risks of attributing modern meanings to ancient artifacts. The study highlights how social anthropologists, despite their theoretical expertise, may inadvertently repeat historical interpretative errors if they lack deep archaeological knowledge. Bloch argues that while archaeologists possess superior contextual and technical expertise, anthropologists can contribute unique insights—such as alternative theoretical frameworks and ethnographic comparisons—if they rigorously self-critique to avoid misleading attributions. By drawing on Madagascan cultural parallels, the research underscores the need for disciplined, interdisciplinary collaboration to prevent anachronistic interpretations of prehistoric sites.
Historic Areas of Istanbul
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2010 —
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Istanbul's transformation into the twenty-first century showcased its success in global city marketing, with a rapid development of high-rise structures, luxury residential compounds, and shopping malls. The city beautified its center to anchor global networks while gentrifying areas like Beyoğlu and the historic peninsula, alongside rebuilding the Golden Horn waterfront. This urban renewal coincided with preparations for the 2010 European Capital of Culture status, positioning Istanbul as a leading contender in investment, revenue, and cultural prestige.
Archaeological Site of Troy
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2010 —
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Heinrich Schliemann's 1869 publication, 'Ithaka, der Peloponnes und Troja,' presents groundbreaking findings that solidified the historicity of Troy, a long-debated subject. His excavations at Hissarlik in Turkey uncovered golden artifacts, including what he termed the 'treasury of Priam,' which convinced the public and scholarly community of Troy's existence. Schliemann's work, though pioneering, employed destructive excavation methods that caused significant damage to the site. The book also details his earlier expeditions across Greece, including Corfu, Cephalonia, the Peloponnese, and Ithaca, reflecting his broader quest to locate Homeric sites. This publication marked a pivotal moment in archaeology, predating modern scientific practices but laying foundational work for future research on Troy.
Bourges Cathedral
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2010 —
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A meticulous analysis of Jean de Berry's funerary monument in Bourges Cathedral reveals that the tomb's design, particularly its portrait-like elements and heraldic devices, was likely shaped by the duke himself during his lifetime. The study suggests that while the final execution was overseen by carver Jean de Cambrai, the conceptualization involved André Beauneveu, an artistic adviser to the duke. Notably, the inclusion of a bear—a personal emblem and companion—at the duke's feet adds an intimate, non-conventional dimension to the monument, contrasting with typical heraldic representations. The research also highlights the influence of Jean de Berry's English heritage on his heraldic choices, though the origins of specific symbols like the swan-bear charges remain unexplained. Archival data support these findings, emphasizing the tomb's careful composition and its reflection of the duke's identity.
Canal du Midi
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2010 —
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Jérôme Lalande's 1778 work, <em>Des canaux de navigation et spécialement du canal de Languedoc</em>, challenges modern perceptions of interdisciplinary scholarship by blending astronomy, engineering, and history. As a renowned astronomer, Lalande uniquely combined scientific rigor with practical innovation, advocating for the Canal du Midi as both an engineering marvel and a cultural symbol. His approach, rooted in empirical observation and academic approval, reflects 18th-century Enlightenment ideals, where science served societal progress. This study highlights Lalande's dual role as a savant—bridging theoretical astronomy and applied engineering—to address navigation needs while preserving historical context.
Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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2010 —
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Tourist perceptions of the Wenchuan earthquake in Jiuzhaigou Valley, China, reveal a consistent narrative across diverse visitor demographics despite the earthquake's significant impact on the local tourism industry. The study, conducted during the first Golden Week post-earthquake, found that while the disaster caused periods of depression for Jiuzhaigou's tourism, tourists' perceptions remained remarkably uniform regardless of their social properties. This insight underscores the potential for local governments and tourism enterprises to leverage these shared perceptions to actively shape the destination's image and expedite recovery efforts. The research analyzed data from 196 first-time and repeat visitors, providing a nuanced understanding of how external shocks can influence tourist behavior and industry resilience.
Joggins Fossil Cliffs
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2010 —
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Joggins Fossil Cliffs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nova Scotia, Canada, stands out as a pivotal location for understanding the Carboniferous Coal Age, approximately 315 million years ago. The cliffs, eroded by some of the world's highest tides in the Bay of Fundy, have yielded remarkable fossil discoveries, including fossil forests and a rich terrestrial fauna. Since its early exploration by geologists like Charles Lyell and William Dawson in the nineteenth century, Joggins has remained a hotspot for scientific insights, with ongoing discoveries driven by winter storms, rock falls, and tides. This study highlights the site's enduring significance, providing an updated field guide to unlock its secrets and underscoring its role as a 'classic locality' that continues to captivate researchers.
Stoclet House
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2010 —
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Josef Hoffmann's design for the garden of Stoclet House, Brussels (1905–1911), stands as an underrecognized masterpiece that integrates art and life seamlessly. This study reveals how Hoffmann's garden, often overshadowed by the house itself, exemplifies his innovative approach to spatial harmony, blending modernist principles with natural elements. Through meticulous analysis of archival materials—including original sketches, photographs, and historical documents—the research reconstructs the garden's lost details, offering new insights into its architectural and aesthetic significance. The findings highlight Hoffmann's holistic vision, where the garden functioned as an extension of the house, creating a cohesive artistic experience that challenged conventional boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.
Burgos Cathedral
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2010 —
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Research reveals that the west façade of Burgos Cathedral was completed in 1458 under the leadership of master builder Juan de Colonia. This marked the culmination of a project abandoned since the late 13th century, with Colonia's innovative design integrating pre-existing architecture and modern elements to achieve visual unity. The spires' unique design, drawing from southwest Empire influences but distinct from coeval projects, showcases Colonia's reinterpretation of an unfinished structure. The study, based on historical analysis, highlights the fusion of ancient and modern architectural styles in this significant cultural heritage site.
Baalbek
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2010 —
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A reevaluation of the iconographic evidence challenges long-standing interpretations of the deities Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury at Baalbek (Heliopolis). Contrary to prior assumptions that Jupiter was a solar deity linked to Hadad or that Mercury represented a dying-and-rising Dionysian figure, this study proposes more plausible alternatives. By analyzing visual representations, it argues that these gods were not merely solar or syncretic but held distinct symbolic roles, reshaping our understanding of their religious significance in ancient Heliopolis.
Kairouan
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2010 —
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Kairouan emerges as a pivotal center of intellectual and architectural brilliance during the Arab conquest, distinguished by its strategic location at the crossroads of the Orient, Mediterranean, and Europe. This study highlights Kairouan's enduring legacy as a beacon of Islamic civilization, epitomized by its iconic Great Mosque. The research approach combines historical analysis with architectural examination to elucidate the city's multifaceted role in shaping cultural and intellectual exchanges across regions. By synthesizing primary sources and spatial studies, the work underscores Kairouan's significance as both a symbol of religious devotion and a hub for knowledge dissemination.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
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2010 —
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A karyological study of <em>Amphisbaena ridleyi</em>, an endemic amphisbaenian species from the UNESCO-listed Brazilian Atlantic Islands, reveals its diploid chromosome number is 46, comprising nine pairs of macrochromosomes (including metacentrics, subtelocentrics, and acrocentrics) and 14 pairs of microchromosomes. Ag-NOR staining identified active nucleolar organizer regions in the telomeric region of chromosome 2, while FISH with a telomeric probe confirmed telomeric signals across all chromosomes. This study provides foundational cytogenetic data for <em>A. ridleyi</em>, highlighting its unique chromosomal structure and suggesting evolutionary distinctiveness within amphisbaenians. Further research is needed to contextualize these findings within broader phylogenetic frameworks of the clade.
Historic Centre of Kraków
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2010 —
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Kraków, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and regional metropolis, faces significant urban development challenges despite its historical significance. The study highlights that while the city has undergone rapid transformation post-1989, issues such as disproportionate territorial growth, chaotic investment management, and inadequate legal frameworks persist. A key focus is the renovation of both historic districts like the Old Town and older residential buildings to modernize housing standards. Additionally, leveraging post-industrial plots for future housing needs is identified as a critical strategy. The article suggests that Kraków's ability to address these challenges in the coming years will determine its sustainable development trajectory.
The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape
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2010 —
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Archaeological practices and outcomes differ significantly between mountainous regions despite similar archaeological remains, as demonstrated by case studies from Cerdagne (Pyrénées-Orientales) and the Lozère causses. The study highlights how administrative procedures and fieldwork methods in Languedoc-Roussillon influence the interpretation of past landscapes, revealing disparities in data collection and analysis even when dealing with comparable material culture. This research underscores the importance of contextual factors in shaping archaeological narratives.
Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata
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2010 —
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Pierre Bonte's comprehensive study, 'L’Émirat de l’Adrâr Mauritanien,' reconstructs the history of the Adrâr Emirate in Mauritania, a region of strategic importance due to its salt mines, iron ore, and copper. The work spans from medieval times to the 19th century, focusing on the emirate's resistance against French conquest. Bonte integrates historical sources, including French, European, and Arabic texts, with anthropological and linguistic analyses. Key findings include insights into tribal dynamics, societal structures, and the circulation of wealth within this Saharan society. The book also provides a glossary of terms related to Hassaniyya, Zenaga, and classical Arabic, enhancing its utility for scholars studying North and West African history.
Island of Saint-Louis
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2010 —
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A breach opened in the Barbary Tongue sandspit in 2003 dramatically altered flood dynamics for UNESCO World Heritage-listed Saint-Louis du Sénégal, eliminating significant flooding events. The study found that while the city's vulnerability to rising sea levels persists due to its proximity to high-tide levels, the breach has effectively mitigated inland flooding by accelerating river water drainage. Using hydrological models and IPCC projections of sea-level rise, researchers simulated future flood scenarios, revealing potential for increased marine influence could lead to urban submersions during peak annual waters by century's end.
Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau
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2010 —
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This study highlights the Bauhaus's enduring influence on architectural education, particularly through its legacy in Dessau and its revival in Ulm. It identifies the Dessau building as a didactic instrument, contrasting Gropius’s vision with Hannes Meyer’s work, which links to Max Bill’s Holtschule für Gestaltum (HfG) in Ulm—a project aimed at reviving Bauhaus ideals post-World War II. The research revisits historical narratives, emphasizing the HfG's role as a high-performance educational space, despite its short-lived success (1955–1968). The study underscores how architectural spaces can serve as platforms for pedagogical innovation, even amid controversy.
Ancient City of Damascus
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2010 —
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A significant transformation in the urban landscape of Damascus during the late Ottoman period is highlighted by the construction of Uthman Nuri Pasha's residence, which marked the development of new districts along the city's communication channels. This study reveals how the expansion of al-‘Afif and Jisr al-Abyad neighborhoods, adjacent to the historic Damascus Salihiyya gardens, integrated into the city's growth, reflecting broader urban changes and cultural influences. The research employs a historical and architectural analysis, focusing on the evolution of these suburbs along one of the ancient paths connecting through Damascus. This work contributes to the understanding of Damascene life during this pivotal period, offering insights into the interplay between urban development and social dynamics.
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai
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2010 —
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Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai preserves a unique and continuous record of mortuary practices spanning from the 11th to the 21st century, offering rare insights into the evolution of commemorative traditions. The study identifies 560 burials, including two 11th-century bishops, alongside reconstructed necrologies and obituaries dating back to 1230–1233, which were publicly read until 1593. Exceptional findings include eleven mortuary roll-bearers, rare personal inscriptions, and documented practices like bell-ringing during burials. The research also sheds light on anniversary distributions managed by the refectory office and the clandestine burial of Mgr Labis in 1872. This comprehensive analysis, combining archival records with on-site observations, reveals the cathedral's enduring role as a site of collective memory and mortuary ritual.
Anticosti
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2010 —
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The Goldthwait Sea, a late- and post-Glacial marine invasion in the St. Lawrence Estuary and Gulf east of Québec City, submerged approximately 25,000 km² of land, including significant areas along both shores and Anticosti Island. This study identifies three main periods (Goldthwaitian I, II, III) within a 14,000-year timeline of land emergence, though geographical subdivisions remain challenging due to limited well-developed shorelines. Rapid isostatic recovery, occurring at about 75% during the first 3,000 years post-deglaciation, highlights the dynamic nature of this region's geological history.
Budj Bim Cultural Landscape
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2010 —
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A groundbreaking approach to sustainable development at the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape demonstrates how traditional Aboriginal knowledge can be integrated with modern conservation practices. The research highlights the successful implementation of the Lake Condah Sustainable Development Project, which balances ecological preservation with economic and cultural benefits for the local Gunaikurnai people. By leveraging indigenous land management techniques, the project has restored wetland ecosystems while supporting sustainable agriculture and tourism, offering a replicable model for other World Heritage Sites.
Sian Ka'an
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2010 —
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A study on the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, reveals that large vertebrate populations, particularly game species, are significantly impacted by hunting pressure, while old-growth specialists respond more to forest cover than hunting. Using line-transect surveys across eight sites—including Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and communal landholdings—the research found that species richness increased with landscape forest cover but was unaffected by hunting pressure for non-game species. Notably, Sian Ka'an's old-growth forests supported high encounter rates (ER) for most species, whereas open habitats showed lower ERs. The study underscores the need for integrated management across private, communal, and public reserves to protect biodiversity in this critical region.
Churches of Chiloé
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2010 —
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Research on the Churches of Chiloé reveals that churches, both architecturally and symbolically, historically served as central points around which urban settlements in the archipelago developed. However, contemporary globalization and urban expansion threaten this cultural pattern by encroaching upon spaces integral to religious expressions, transcending the traditional boundaries of church properties. The study employs a spatial analysis approach to trace the evolution of populated entities linked to Chilote religiosity, highlighting the tension between historical urban development and modern cultural shifts.
Anticosti
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2010 —
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Stromatoporoid sponges, once dominant in Late Ordovician and Early Silurian shallow tropical seas, thrived in the Anticosti Basin (Gulf of St. Lawrence), forming extensive calcium carbonate skeletons—some over a meter wide—in reefs and deeper shelf environments near the photic zone's edge. This study highlights their fossil record across a critical global mass extinction boundary, revealing both the taxa that perished during this transition and the subsequent repopulation of equatorial seas. By analyzing the basin's exceptionally well-preserved carbonate sequence, researchers reconstructed ecological shifts, providing insights into resilience and recovery in marine ecosystems following major extinction events.
Historic Town of Zabid
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2010 —
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A groundbreaking approach to the preservation of Yemen's manuscript heritage, particularly focusing on the papers used in manuscripts, was pioneered by the Zabid Manuscript Preservation Program (PZ). This program emphasized the study of manuscript materials as a critical component of conservation efforts. Through three key actions—cataloging, digitization, and preservation—the PZ has systematically documented and safeguarded private library manuscripts, ensuring their longevity for future generations. The focus on material analysis, particularly paper studies, provides invaluable insights into the cultural and historical significance of these texts, contributing to the broader understanding of Yemen's intangible heritage.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
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2010 —
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Research identifies the red edge position index and related vegetation indices as the most effective for estimating chlorophyll content in oyamel (Abies religiosa L.) leaves within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. These indices demonstrated strong correlations (r = 0.531 to r = 0.472) with chlorophyll levels, surpassing other metrics like nitrogen content. The study analyzed hyperspectral reflectance data from 140 trees in Sierra Chincua sanctuary, Mexico, revealing that environmental factors such as altitude and slope significantly influenced leaf composition, while vegetation indices were more affected by site orientation. This finding offers a non-invasive method for monitoring plant health in this critical ecosystem.
Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne
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2010 —
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Monuments are not static entities but dynamic ones shaped by the complex and evolving relationships between them and the populations that inhabit their surroundings. This Franco-Italian collaborative study challenges the notion of monuments as immutable symbols, instead highlighting their fluidity through diverse modes of appropriation—ranging from subtle to overt, individual to collective. Through 15 case studies, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Carcassonne's fortified city and Matera’s Sassi, the research demonstrates how monuments are continuously redefined by human interaction, contradicting the idealized permanence embedded in their design and cultural significance.
Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna
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2010 —
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Recent excavations at the Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna have uncovered the Thermes du Levant, a previously unknown and buried complex dating back to the late 1st century BCE. This two-part structure, consisting of commercial spaces with underground water systems and classical thermal baths, provides rare insight into Roman urban planning and engineering in North Africa. Despite its early origins, the thermes likely functioned only during the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE, possibly due to seismic activity, before being repurposed as a mill/bakery and later abandoned. The discovery, led by the French Archaeological Mission in Libya, highlights Leptis Magna's layered history and the resilience of its infrastructure over centuries.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2010 —
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A population of 1,079 ± 207 Pantanal deer (<em>Blastocerus dichotomus</em>) was estimated within the Ilha Grande National Park and its surroundings during the dry season, yielding a density of 0.998 ± 0.192 individuals per km². The study employed dual-counting aerial surveys to assess distribution, revealing higher concentrations inside the park but also in altered floodplains outside its boundaries. These findings highlight critical conservation challenges due to significant anthropogenic pressures on this vulnerable species. The results provide actionable data for managing and protecting the deer population in this UNESCO-listed site, which balances cultural heritage with biodiversity preservation.
Kernavė Archaeological Site (Cultural Reserve of Kernavė)
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2010 —
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Archaeological excavations at Kernavė, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lithuania, have revealed that Lithuanian monetary silver ingots and their counterfeits were widely used as payment among townsfolk during the 13th–14th centuries. Analysis of metal alloys from 28 fragments found across various sites, including the Castle Hill hillfort, showed that while some were authentic silver ingots, others were counterfeit, made from tin, copper, or lead alloys. The study suggests that ingots were often cracked or hacked to fit transactional needs, indicating a lack of standardized weight systems. Additionally, the prevalence of counterfeits and low-standard silver alloys points to a decline in state-controlled production during this pre-coinage period.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
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2010 —
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Research on the 'Don Pedro I' facade of Seville's Real Alcázar reveals that palomera limestone, despite being the primary material, is more prone to deterioration than tosca limestone due to its inferior petrographical and petrophysical properties. The study characterized these limestones using color parameters, density measurements, porosity analysis, and ultrasonic techniques to map decay levels, providing critical data for future restoration efforts.
Historic Cairo
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2010 —
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A comprehensive linguistic analysis of Judaeo-Arabic letters from the Cairo Genizah reveals significant insights into the evolution of Arabic dialects and epistolary language use. This study distinguishes between formal and vernacular features, providing a diachronic description that captures the unique linguistic characteristics of this ethnolect. The findings highlight the role of Judaeo-Arabic as a primary source for understanding language dynamics within medieval and early modern Jewish communities in Islamic Cairo. By contrasting letters from different periods, the research offers valuable data for historical linguistics, sociolinguistics, and Arabic language studies.
Historic Centre of Macao
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2010 —
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Urban revitalization of Macao's Porto Interior waterfront bridges the Historic Centre of Macao with its industrial past through innovative design. The study introduces nine heritage paths and functional 'celebrate nodes'—plazas, gardens, and leisure spaces—that physically and mentally connect the site to its surroundings while preserving cultural elements. This approach enhances public open space quality, improves vehicular and pedestrian circulation via infrastructure like a harbor tunnel and light rail system, and promotes accessibility through shared streets. The design vision, rooted in Macao's history, creates a unique, cohesive experience that reflects both heritage values and industrial evolution.
Yellowstone National Park
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2010 —
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Researchers have successfully reconstructed fire occurrence and area burned in subalpine forests of Yellowstone National Park (YNP) using sediment-charcoal records, providing a robust method for understanding historical fire regimes. By calibrating charcoal accumulation from four lakes with tree-ring-based fire data, they found that charcoal peaks accurately reflected local fires within 1.2–3.0 km, while total charcoal correlated best with broader area burned (6.0–51 km). A statistical model developed from composite charcoal records explained 64–79% of variability in area burned from AD 1675 to 1960, showing significant increases during extreme drought periods and at ~60-year timescales, aligning with precipitation reconstructions. The study also revealed that post-fire stand development increased fuel abundance, influencing fire spread. Widespread burning (>10,000 ha) occurred every 150–300 years, suggesting future fire regimes in YNP will depend on both climate and vegetation dynamics.
Ogasawara Islands
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2010 —
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Litter from the invasive tree <em>Casuarina equisetifolia</em> significantly inhibits the germination and early growth of <em>Schima mertensiana</em>, a native species on the Ogasawara Islands. Field experiments showed fewer seedlings emerged in areas dominated by <em>C. equisetifolia</em> compared to native forests, with litter removal slightly increasing seedling emergence. Greenhouse trials further demonstrated that increased litter cover—regardless of soil or litter type—suppressed germination and biomass accumulation. The study concludes that the primary factor behind this suppression is the higher volume of litter under <em>C. equisetifolia</em>, rather than differences in soil composition or litter chemistry between native and invasive species.
The Sundarbans
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A significant portion of the Sundarbans Reserved Forest (SRF) supports the livelihoods of approximately 3.5 million people, contributing to both local and national economies while also providing coastal protection. This study highlights that the socio-economic conditions of these individuals—who engage in diverse activities such as fishing, salt farming, and resource collection—remain below standard due to seasonal labor dependencies. The research employs primary and secondary data sources to analyze livelihood patterns within the Nalian and Burigoalini Ranges, offering insights into the economic vulnerabilities and resilience strategies of Sundarbans-dependent communities.
Bale Mountains National Park
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2010 —
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Livestock predation by wild carnivores in the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, results in significant economic losses for pastoral communities. Over three years, 704 livestock were killed, equating to an annual loss of 12 USD per household and representing 1.4% of the local livestock population. Spotted hyaenas were the primary predators (57%), followed by leopards (18%), common jackals (16%), and servals (9%). While hyaenas targeted all livestock types, other carnivores primarily preyed on goats and sheep. The study highlights the role of dogs in alerting pastoralists to hyaena presence but notes that this practice poses a disease transmission risk to the endangered Ethiopian wolf. The findings underscore the need for alternative livestock protection methods to mitigate losses and reduce threats to wildlife.
Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town
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2010 —
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A study reveals that members of the Jewish Community of Hebron persist in a violent environment due to deep religious beliefs and intense hostility toward Palestinians. Despite severe friction, harassment, and violence, the community has expanded since the Six Day War, attracting militant groups responsible for acts such as car bombs and attempts to destroy the Dome of the Rock mosque. The research, based on interviews conducted between 2000 and 2005, explores how the community justifies its presence in Hebron, highlighting a worldview marked by contradiction—balancing religious conviction with extreme distrust and hatred.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2010 —
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Research on Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, the northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island reveals that local citrus varieties, particularly Shikuwasa (Citrus depressa) and Kabuchi (C. keraji), exhibit high levels of polymethoxyflavones (PMFs). These compounds, including nobiletin, tangeretin, and sinensetin, vary in composition across different citrus species, enabling classification into distinct groups such as Shikuwasa, Kabuchi, and Oto (C. oto). The study analyzed 30 native citrus trees, identifying both indigenous varieties and introduced species like Daidai (C. aurantium) and Kununbo (C. nobilis), while also noting cases of synonymy or homonymy among them. This work provides foundational data for genetic resource conservation and utilization in these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Putorana Plateau
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A comparative analysis of the Putorana Plateau’s local floras reveals that the Lontoko goletz and subgoletz belts exhibit distinct floral characteristics compared to those of the Kygam and Morgel’ belts. The study, which analyzed life forms, geography, and ecology across two altitudinal belts in the upper reaches of three rivers, found that while the Kygam floras share similarities with either Lontoko or Morgel’, the latter differ significantly from each other. Ecological groups and life forms further highlight these differences, particularly distinguishing the Lontoko and Kygam belts from the Morgel’ belts. Additionally, the research suggests that since the late Little Ice Age, the Longdokoiskii Kamen’ Ridge has become more floristically integrated with the western Putorana Plateau, likely due to changes in atmospheric influences such as reduced Atlantic cyclone effects and strengthened Siberian anticyclone dominance.
Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha
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Community radio has emerged as a powerful platform for amplifying local voices and fostering social change in Nepal, particularly in Lumbini. A study of the radio series 'Our Lumbini' reveals that community involvement in broadcasting not only enhances representation but also brings tangible benefits to listeners and producers alike. Since Nepal's first independent radio license in 1997, community radio has become a vital medium for sharing diverse perspectives, with this case study highlighting its potential to bridge gaps between local communities and broader societal narratives.
Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura
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2010 —
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Research reveals that the pre-Angkor capital city of Chenla, located at the Sambor Prei Kuk archaeological site in central Cambodia, was strategically positioned on upland II adjacent to a port town near the Stung Sen River. This location minimized monsoonal flood risk while maximizing accessibility and water transport feasibility, demonstrating an adaptation to the region's highly variable dry and wet seasons. The study analyzed geomorphological features of the lower reach of the river, including meander scroll zones, sediment accumulation rates (0.6 mm/year over 4600 years), and floodplain/lake plain divisions to assess flood risk and upland accessibility. These findings highlight the sophisticated understanding of environmental dynamics by ancient inhabitants.
Hyrcanian Forests
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A study evaluating the long-term impact of ground-based skidding on residual damaged trees in Iran's Hyrcanian Forest found that, after 20 years, wounds on tree stems showed significant changes depending on traffic intensity along abandoned skid trails. The research, which inventoried 18.83% of trees alongside these trails, revealed that while some healing occurred, it is still too early to determine the full timeline for wound occlusion and complete recovery from logging damage. The study examined key characteristics such as wound size, location, severity, height, number of wounds per stem, and distance from skid trail centerlines, providing critical insights into forest resilience post-logging operations.
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
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2010 —
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Xochimilco, a historic region with deep cultural and nutritional significance, harbors over 20 species of edible insects, five of which exhibit exceptionally high protein content (45.25–60.75%), including essential amino acids. These insects—gusanos de tepozán, gusanillos de nopal, capulmimichis, picudo de nopal, and gusanos de maíz—are consumed in larval stages, offering a temporally available yet nutrient-dense alternative to traditional staples like maize and beans. The study highlights their balanced macronutrient profile, meeting dietary requirements while reflecting indigenous culinary practices dating back to pre-Hispanic times. This research underscores the untapped potential of Xochimilco’s biodiversity as both a historical food source and a sustainable protein solution for modern diets.
Wood Buffalo National Park
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2010 —
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A comprehensive historical analysis of Buffalo National Park (1909–1939) reveals the rise and fall of Canada's first bison conservation effort, marked by mismanagement, commercial exploitation, and ecological failure. The study highlights how predator control and fenced ranges led to herd overpopulation, while disease management and revenue schemes—such as selling excess bison meat and promoting cattle-bison hybrids—compromised conservation goals. By the 1930s, the park's bison population was diseased and starving, culminating in their slaughter in 1939. The research uses micro-historical methods to contextualize broader trends in wildlife conservation, arguing that commercial motives undermined early efforts to restore plains bison. While the study links past failures to contemporary disease issues in Wood Buffalo National Park, it suggests deeper exploration of bison commercialization could strengthen its relevance.
Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments
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2010 —
WHE1B732AEC07
A comprehensive comparison of Late Roman Coarse Wares, Cooking Wares, and Amphorae between the Western and Eastern Mediterranean reveals significant variations in production, distribution, and consumption patterns. The study, based on 105 papers from the 3rd Late Roman Coarse Wares Conference (2008), highlights regional differences in pottery forms, functions, and contents, with a focus on archaeometric analysis. Researchers analyzed data from 25 countries, including production centers, distribution networks, and regional contexts such as the Adriatic area, Eastern Mediterranean, Rome and Ostia, Tyrrhenian Italy, and the Western Mediterranean. The findings contribute to understanding trade dynamics and cultural exchanges during the Late Roman period, building on previous conferences (LRCW1 and LRCW2) that established a framework for international collaboration in this field.
Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük
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2010 —
WHED7B3D61704
At Çatalhöyük, a Neolithic settlement, the concept of magic is explored through its temporal and spatial dimensions. The study reveals that certain practices—such as the plastering and installation of human and animal skulls, along with wall paintings and modeled media—were likely imbued with spiritual significance, suggesting a complex interplay between the living, the dead, and possibly supernatural forces. Unlike previous interpretations that treated these artifacts as static symbols of religion or art, this research emphasizes the dynamic nature of magical acts, occurring at specific moments in particular spaces. The sustained attention to certain houses across generations further underscores their central role in spiritual life, challenging simplistic distinctions between ritual and everyday practices.
