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Archaeoseismic Evidence of Two Neolithic (7,500-6,000 B.C.) Earthquakes at Tell es-Sultan, Ancient Jericho, Dead Sea Fault

Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan — 2012 — WHE751876BF0C

Research at Tell es-Sultan, the site of ancient Jericho, reveals archaeoseismic evidence of two significant earthquakes during the Neolithic period (7,500–6,000 B.C.). These findings provide a rare glimpse into seismic activity along the Dead Sea Fault, offering insights into the region's geological history. The study analyzed seismites—deformation features in sediments—and faults to reconstruct past earthquake events. Additionally, damaged speleothems from nearby caves were examined to further support the palaeoseismic record. This work contributes to understanding the frequency and impact of earthquakes in the Dead Sea basin during a critical period of human settlement.

Architecture of Residential Buildings in Bulgaria from the Revival Period

City of Safranbolu — 2012 — WHE8C665AF34C

Residential architecture in Bulgaria during the Revival period (late 18th to late 19th century) reflects a distinct architectural language shaped by climate, religion, livelihood, and terrain conditions. The study identifies regional variations while tracing similarities with Balkan and Ottoman influences, particularly comparing Bulgarian houses in Plovdiv, Koprivshtiza, Melnik, and Samokov to those in Istanbul, Edirne, and Safranbolu. It analyzes composition, structure, interior design, and adaptability, revealing how these buildings met religious, functional, representative, climatic, and social requirements. The research highlights the evolution and spread of Revival-period architecture, offering insights into its cultural and environmental adaptations.

Argentina’s former secret detention centres: Between demolition, modification and preservation

ESMA Museum and Site of Memory – Former Clandestine Centre of Detention, Torture and Extermination — 2012 — WHEABFFB237BA

Debates over the preservation, modification, or demolition of Argentina’s former secret detention centers—such as ESMA (Navy School of Mechanics), Rosario Memory Museum, and El Pozo—reveal deep-seated political and social tensions. These sites, once symbols of state terrorism during the 1976–1983 military dictatorship, embody conflicting national memories. The study compares proposals from human rights groups, arguing that their fate reflects broader struggles against globalization and neoliberalism. By analyzing architectural debates, the research highlights how these spaces serve as alternative sites for collective memory, challenging dominant narratives.

Aristotle Among Thirteenth-Century Franciscans: Some Preliminary Remarks

Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge — 2012 — WHE1BA39F0145

A significant portion of medieval Scholastic philosophy and theology, often overshadowed by university settings, was actually produced in the studia or study-houses of religious orders, which were more numerous and widely distributed across Europe. This research reveals that prominent figures like Albert the Great, Thomas Aquinas, and John Duns Scotus spent more time teaching in these studia than in universities, contributing to a vast body of Scholastic literature. Additionally, institutions such as the Papal Court at Avignon played crucial roles in intellectual discourse alongside royal courts. The study compiles essays from a 2008 colloquium, examining the influence of Aristotle on Franciscan thought and broader medieval philosophical traditions across various religious orders and courts.

Arles (Bouches-du-Rhône). Cloître Saint-Trophime

Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments — 2012 — WHE222AE5CE9D

A comprehensive stratigraphic analysis of the Saint-Trophime Cloister in Arles, France, has revealed the complex architectural evolution and historical layers of its masonry, challenging long-standing assumptions about its construction phases. The study, conducted prior to a restoration project led by F. Botton, employed detailed examination of all galleries—including the less-studied 'Romanesque' ones—to uncover previously overlooked details in the cloister's structure. This research not only sheds light on the techniques and chronology of medieval masonry but also provides critical insights for the preservation of this UNESCO-listed monument, offering a more nuanced understanding of its architectural heritage.

Arslantepe-Malatya: A Prehistoric and Early Historic Center in Eastern Anatolia

Arslantepe Mound — 2012 — WHEC623EB305A

Arslantepe Mound, a significant prehistoric and early historic site in Eastern Anatolia, underwent radical transformations during the third millennium BCE. Initially linked with the Syro-Mesopotamian world, its development trajectory shifted towards eastern Anatolia and Transcaucasia, marking a departure from Mesopotamian centralized systems. Further changes occurred during the second millennium BCE, influenced by the rising Hittite civilization. The Late Bronze Age saw increased Hittite cultural and political dominance over the Malatya region, reshaping Arslantepe's history. This study, based on archaeological excavations, provides insights into these shifts, highlighting the site's complex interactions with neighboring regions.

Art, Piety and Destruction in the Christian West, 1500–1700 (review)

The Maison Carrée of Nîmes — 2012 — WHED215CA8264

A collection of essays, 'Art, Piety and Destruction in the Christian West, 1500–1700,' edited by Virginia Chieffo Raguin, challenges conventional narratives about iconoclasm and censorship during the early modern period. Instead of focusing solely on destruction, it highlights how medieval cult objects were reclassified as 'art' or material culture, gaining new historical significance and power. The volume explores this shift through case studies across Germany, England, France, Italy, Mexico, and the United States, examining social forces such as historic preservation that mitigated negative outcomes. It also delves into the transvaluation of Catholic visual images following the rise of Protestantism, the invention of distinct Protestant imagery, and the complex interactions between patrons, artists, and churches in the commissioning and reception of works. The research employs thick historical analysis and theoretical frameworks, including those by Pierre Bourdieu, to elaborate on the social and historical contingencies of ascribed value.

Artificial nests enhance the breeding productivity of African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus) on Robben Island, South Africa

Robben Island — 2012 — WHE19D77CF816

Artificial nests significantly enhance the breeding productivity of African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus) on Robben Island, South Africa. The study found that chicks fledged per egg hatched increased by 9–13% in artificial nests and abandoned buildings compared to natural vegetation, offering shelter from weather and predators without risks like burrow collapse. This supports the use of artificial nests as a conservation tool for this endangered species, aligning with findings from Namibia.

As Cantarias do Sítio Roberto Burle Marx / RJ

Sítio Roberto Burle Marx — 2012 — WHE170FD9AF1C

A study reveals the artistic and innovative use of stonework by Roberto Burle Marx, a renowned landscape architect and visual artist, at his former estate in Barra de Guaratiba, Rio de Janeiro. The research highlights how Burle Marx repurposed stones from colonial-era demolitions into modern aesthetic designs, blending geological materials with contemporary artistry. Through archival research, interviews with current estate staff, and metric and photographic surveys, the study provides a comprehensive overview of these cantarias (stonework structures), offering insights into both their artistic significance and potential for further geological analysis.

Aspects of the Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Rivers in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

Kahuzi-Biega National Park — 2012 — WHE92E3455414

Rivers in Kahuzi-Biega National Park exhibit exceptionally low nutrient levels, with phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations significantly below regional averages. A 2007 study analyzed ten rivers, finding cold (10–15°C), well-oxygenated waters (pH 5.5–7.6) with minimal conductivity (<100 μS/cm). Nitrogen and phosphorus primarily originate from natural sources like rain, atmospheric deposition, and organic decomposition, reflecting the park's pristine forested environment. This research highlights the minimal anthropogenic influence on river chemistry, providing a baseline for understanding nutrient dynamics in this UNESCO-listed biodiversity hotspot.

Assessing habitat availability and connectivity for the Jaguar «Panthera onca», in the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico

Sian Ka'an — 2012 — WHE0F11155336

A new study identifies critical corridors for jaguar conservation in the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico, highlighting that suitable habitats are scarce and primarily located outside protected areas. Using advanced habitat modeling, researchers mapped potential corridors linking four key jaguar population nodes, with the highest-quality route connecting Calakmul to Sian Ka'an along the eastern Caribbean coast. The study also reveals that female jaguars have more contiguous suitable habitats compared to males or a comprehensive model, suggesting sex-specific differences in habitat requirements. These findings underscore the importance of sustainable forest management in productive lands for jaguar conservation, offering actionable insights for minimizing human-wildlife conflicts and guiding future survey efforts.

Assessing the threat of human consumption of tiger prey in the B angladesh S undarbans

The Sundarbans — 2012 — WHE9BC1C48306

A significant portion of households in the Bangladesh Sundarbans, approximately half, consume deer meat annually, with an estimated 11,195 deer being killed for this purpose each year. This consumption is driven by the perceived taste quality of deer meat and is more prevalent among households closer to the forest boundary and those with higher incomes. While most respondents are aware that deer consumption is illegal, a majority view the existing laws as ineffective. The study employed an interview survey to assess the scale and drivers of prey poaching, providing critical insights for designing targeted conservation strategies to mitigate this threat to tiger populations in the Sundarbans.

Assessment of Landscape Characteristics and Changes in the Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim Himalaya, India

Khangchendzonga National Park — 2012 — WHE442DDFE05D

A significant decline in vegetation cover at lower elevations (1000 to 2500 m) within the Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP), India, has been observed over the past three decades, particularly in areas not protected by buffer forests. This study utilized Remote Sensing and GIS tools, including Landsat ETM+ data, to classify 10 land cover types with 81% accuracy, revealing that snow, rock, and alpine meadows dominate the landscape. FRAGSTATS identified a high number of small patches (mean size 1.2 ha), indicating fragmented landscapes. Watershed-based analysis highlighted regions with greater Himalayan character, marked by high elevation gradients and east-west orientation, while riverine zones were found to be vulnerable to glacial lake outburst floods. The research underscores the need for innovative co-management models, careful utilization of riverine areas, and strengthened buffer zone management to prioritize conservation efforts in high-impact regions.

Assessment of Water Quality in Coastal Waters of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil: Biomarker Analyses in Amphistegina Lessonii

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves — 2012 — WHE2B533B1039

A study assessing water quality in the coastal waters of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, revealed that populations of the symbiont-bearing foraminifer Amphistegina lessonii exhibited significant biomarkers of stress outside the Fernando de Noronha National Marine Park (FNNMP). Higher bleaching frequencies (up to 25%), lower antioxidant capacity, and elevated levels of lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation were observed in individuals from non-protected sites, correlating with high concentrations of zinc, copper, and lead. In contrast, foraminifers within the FNNMP showed minimal stress indicators (<2% bleaching) and stronger antioxidant defenses. The research demonstrates that biomarkers in A. lessonii can serve as reliable ecological indicators for water quality, effectively identifying impacted areas and underlying causes of environmental stress.

Astronomically calibrated 40 Ar/ 39 Ar age for the Toba supereruption and global synchronization of late Quaternary records

Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley — 2012 — WHEEC6426A18E

A high-precision astronomically calibrated (40)Ar/(39)Ar age of 73.88 ± 0.32 thousand years for the Toba supereruption in Sumatra, an order-of-magnitude more accurate than previous estimates, has been determined. This finding places the eruption at the midpoint of a cold interval between Dansgaard-Oeschger events 20 and 19, coinciding with a sulfate concentration peak in Greenland ice cores and a subsequent ∼10 °C temperature drop over ∼150 years. The age also provides a critical calibration point for synchronizing global late Quaternary records, including ice, marine, and terrestrial archives containing Toba sulfates and ash, beyond the range of (14)C dating. Additionally, if stone artifacts in the Lenggong Valley, Malaysia, were made by Homo sapiens, this suggests modern humans had reached Southeast Asia by ∼74 thousand years ago.

Atmospheric composition and micro-climate in the Alhambra monument, Granada (Spain), in the context of preventive conservation

Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada — 2012 — WHE8E33F65B89

A study on the Alhambra monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Islamic art in Granada, Spain, reveals that its open architecture mitigates indoor humidity buildup but exposes it to high levels of outdoor pollutants. Despite accommodating over 2 million visitors annually, the monument's design prevents harmful microclimate conditions typically caused by large tourist influxes. However, strong ventilation results in indoor air quality indistinguishable from outdoor air, characterized by significant diurnal temperature and humidity fluctuations and elevated traffic-derived pollutant levels, including NO₂, SO₂, O₃, NH₃, and black carbon. The research analyzed atmospheric composition and microclimate conditions to assess conservation risks, highlighting the trade-off between protecting the monument's structural integrity and its vulnerability to environmental degradation.

Auschwitz: A Doctor’s Eyewitness Account

Auschwitz Birkenau
German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945) — 2012 — WHE24F000C57C

Auschwitz: A Doctor’s Eyewitness Account provides a harrowing firsthand perspective on the atrocities committed at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp during World War II. Authored by Miklos Nyiszli, a Jewish doctor forced to work in the camp's medical experiments, the book offers an unprecedented look into the operations of Nazi medicine, including human experimentation and mass killings. Nyiszli's account, translated from Hungarian and published in 2011, combines clinical detachment with personal trauma, revealing the systemic brutality of the camp while also documenting his own survival strategies. The work is notable for its rare insider perspective, blending historical documentation with a deeply personal narrative that challenges readers to confront the ethical horrors of medical exploitation under totalitarian regimes.

Australian Convict Sites and the Heritage of Adaptation: The Case of Newcastle's Coal River Heritage Precinct

Australian Convict Sites — 2012 — WHE2200B867EF

A significant insight from this study is that the historical significance of Australia's convict heritage can be found not only in surviving material remains but also in what has been destroyed, highlighting a process of adaptation and transformation over time. The research focuses on Newcastle’s Coal River Heritage Precinct, which was excluded from the Australian Government’s successful nomination of eleven ‘convict sites’ for World Heritage listing due to severe erosion of its material remains. By analyzing this case study, the authors argue that more progressive approaches are needed to fully capture the legacies of Australia's convict past, as traditional heritage criteria may overlook such adaptive processes. The study employs a comparative and reflective approach, drawing lessons from the excluded site to suggest broader implications for how convict history is preserved and interpreted.

Automatic crack detection in heritage site images for image inpainting

Group of Monuments at Hampi — 2012 — WHE5099579FDF

Researchers have developed an automated method for detecting cracks in heritage structures, addressing a key challenge in digital restoration. The approach leverages order-statistics filtering and tensor voting to enhance crack contrast and curveness, respectively, followed by image dilation to generate target regions for inpainting algorithms. This innovation eliminates the need for manual region selection, streamlining the restoration process. Experiments conducted on images from Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka, demonstrated the method's effectiveness in identifying and restoring degraded areas caused by aging or vandalism.

Automatic Measurement of Shoreline Change on Djerba Island of Tunisia

Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory — 2012 — WHE38D98AAE23

Between 1984 and 2009, Djerba Island, Tunisia, experienced significant coastal dynamics, with erosion rates reaching -6.95 m/year in Aghir and accretion trends of up to +21.14 m/year in El Kastil. These findings were derived from advanced image processing techniques, including the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) and Landsat imagery, which provided precise measurements of shoreline changes across three key regions: Rass Errmall, El Kastil, and Aghir. The study highlights both erosion and accretion processes along Djerba's coast, offering critical insights into the island's evolving settlement patterns within a UNESCO World Heritage context.