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Intangible cultural heritage and peace building in Indonesia and East Timor: Birgit Bräuchler

Town of Luang Prabang — 2012 — WHE5815C6845D

Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, exemplifies the complex interplay of nostalgia, tourism, and material preservation. This study reveals how diverse groups—including local elites, expatriates, tourists, and UNESCO experts—contest and shape the town's heritage landscape, each with distinct agendas and influences. Nostalgia serves as both a resource and a political tool for preservation agents, investors, and tourist companies, while the town is perceived differently by its inhabitants and visitors, ranging from an 'Indochinese Oxford' to a 'damned town.' The research employs anthropological methods to explore this intricate scene, highlighting how modernity, tourism, and nostalgia create dilemmas that are experienced and contested in various ways. This analysis underscores the hybrid nature of heritage sites, where disconnected groups collectively produce a shared heritage despite their divergent perspectives.

Intangible Heritage and Tourism Development at the Tsodilo World Heritage Site

Tsodilo — 2012 — WHE9FA81F67CA

Heritage tourism at Tsodilo, Botswana, while economically beneficial, accelerates cultural change and may undermine the conservation aims of World Heritage status. The study finds that commodification through tourism transforms intangible heritage values, particularly for ethnic minorities, as communities are increasingly tied to self-reliance in a market economy. Using a case study approach, it analyzes the tension between heritage preservation (criterion vi) and the economic pressures of tourism development, examining how heritage management plans—modeled on community-based natural resource management (CBNRM)—reshape local identities and gender roles. The research highlights the political complexities of heritage conservation in Botswana, where national narratives of inclusion clash with the realities of ethnic marginalization and globalization.

Integrated Ladinian bio-chronostratigraphy and geochrononology of Monte San Giorgio (Southern Alps, Switzerland)

Monte San Giorgio — 2012 — WHE89B1D67763

A groundbreaking study refines the age of Monte San Giorgio's (UNESCO World Heritage Site) Ladinian marine vertebrate faunas to substage and zone levels, revealing a 4-million-year span significantly shorter than previously assumed. High-resolution single-zircon U–Pb dating on volcanic ash layers intercalated in biostratigraphically-defined Meride Limestone intervals provided precise ages: 241.07 ± 0.13 Ma (Cava superiore beds), 240.63 ± 0.13 Ma (Cassina beds), and 239.51 ± 0.15 Ma (Lower Kalkschieferzone). These ages correlate the San Giorgio Dolomite and Meride Limestone with reference sections at Bagolino, while also showing higher sedimentation rates at Monte San Giorgio compared to pelagic conditions in the Buchenstein Formation. The study enables correlation of vertebrate faunas with the Prosanto Formation's record, advancing our understanding of Triassic paleontology.

Integrated Planning and Indigenous Engagement

Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests — 2012 — WHE12738EE41C

Indigenous communities, such as those custodians of the Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests in Kenya, demonstrate significant effectiveness in heritage conservation through traditional knowledge and communal practices. This study highlights their role in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and managing fragile ecosystems, contrasting with formal administrative approaches. Five case studies reveal systematic indigenous decision-making processes that balance preservation and transmission of heritage values. Challenges notwithstanding, these communities exhibit resilience and commitment, underscoring the importance of recognizing indigenous leadership in sustainable development. The research emphasizes the need for global frameworks, like the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, to prioritize their expertise and protect their unique knowledge systems.

Integrating radar and laser-based remote sensing techniques for monitoring structural deformation of archaeological monuments

Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura — 2012 — WHE3318E37827

A novel integration of Ground-Based Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (GBInSAR) and Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) successfully monitored structural deformation in the Domus Tiberiana, an archaeological monument on Rome's Palatino Hill. Over nearly a year, this approach provided precise 3D interferometric radar point clouds, revealing displacement patterns without indicating significant worsening of stability. The method demonstrated early detection capabilities for anomalies or sudden changes, offering potential for early warning systems and assessing human activity impacts on masonry structures.

Integration of Static and Dynamic Spaces in Historic Cairo: A Community Spirit that May Vanish

Historic Cairo — 2012 — WHE4736FC3B21

Historic Cairo's streets, renowned for their intimacy and walkability, are threatened by rapid socio-cultural changes that disrupt the balance between static and dynamic urban spaces. The study reveals that the integration of these spaces—defined by enclosure degree, wall thickness, opening width, and activity nature—is crucial for fostering community spirit and behavioral needs. Through observation, researchers analyzed how variations in these factors influence urban dynamics, highlighting the vulnerability of this centuries-old town to modernization pressures.

Interactions between water-land resources and oasis urban development at the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang, China

Xinjiang Tianshan — 2012 — WHEDAB9EFDCE5

Urban development in the arid and semi-arid regions of Xinjiang, China, particularly along the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains, is constrained by limited oasis areas and water-land resources. A study revealed that while urbanization levels and populations have increased, built-up areas have remained relatively stable due to these constraints. Water consumption rose with urban development but at a slower rate, indicating improved water use efficiency. The coupling degree between urban development and resource use emerged as a key indicator of comprehensive urban progress, with high coupling signifying advanced urbanization and sustainable resource management.

Interproximal grooving of lower second molars in WLH 4

Willandra Lakes Region — 2012 — WHE0B51A86110

Interproximal grooving on the distal surfaces of lower second molars has been identified for the first time in the Willandra Lakes Region, Australia, specifically in the WLH 4 individual. This non-masticatory wear pattern, likely caused by repeated abrasion from processing fibrous materials, offers new insights into cultural behaviors practiced by late Holocene populations in the region. While distinct occlusal wear patterns have been previously documented in other individuals from this area, such as WLH 3, the discovery of interproximal grooving in WLH 4 expands our understanding of technological practices and dietary habits.

Into the night: camera traps reveal nocturnal activity in a presumptive diurnal primate, Rhinopithecus brelichi

Fanjingshan — 2012 — WHE1204B6F20A

A study at Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, China, reveals that the Guizhou snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus brelichi), typically considered a strictly diurnal primate, exhibits significant nocturnal and twilight activity. Using 24-hour camera traps over two periods in 2011, researchers standardized time data to account for geographic coordinates, demonstrating that these monkeys adjust their activity patterns opportunistically to maximize energy intake amid fluctuating day lengths and food resources in temperate environments. The findings challenge the assumption of strict diurnality among anthropoids, except owl monkeys, and highlight the adaptability of primate behavior under varying ecological conditions. Additionally, the study underscores the utility of camera traps in primate research and advocates for standardized time data to facilitate cross-study comparisons.

Intra-attraction Tourist Spatial-Temporal Behaviour Patterns

Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing — 2012 — WHE631C3EE089

Research on the Summer Palace identifies seven distinct spatial-temporal behavior patterns among tourists. These patterns are influenced primarily by temporal factors and exhibit space-time tension, where tourists' stay time decreases as exit constraints increase. The study employs a combination approach integrating quantitative and qualitative methods based on time geography concepts to analyze these behaviors. Findings reveal that understanding tourist activities can enhance attraction management, product renewal, and marketing strategies, ultimately improving visitor experiences. This work provides a scientific foundation for upgrading facilities within the Summer Palace.

Introduction to this special section: Passive seismic and microseimic—Part 1

Las Médulas — 2012 — WHE69DC3D58B9

A groundbreaking technique employed by the Romans in 77 CE at Las Médulas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northwest Spain, predates modern hydraulic fracturing by nearly two millennia. The method involved inducing failure by raising fluid pressure to extract gold from buried lodes, demonstrating an advanced understanding of geomechanical principles long before contemporary engineering advancements. This historical insight is highlighted alongside the evolution of seismic technology, emphasizing the parallels between ancient Roman innovation and modern unconventional gas extraction methods in the U.S., which have surged from 5% to 60% of production since 1995 due to hydraulic fracturing techniques.

Introduction: New World Primates

Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves — 2012 — WHE035AD4189F

New World primates exhibit remarkable evolutionary diversity, encompassing over 200 taxa with adaptations spanning size, diet, and locomotion. Research highlights four principal adaptive zones: Callitrichidae (small, insectivore-frugivore-exudativores), Cebidae (small to middle-sized, dextrous omnivores), Pitheciidae (hard-fruit eaters and seed predators), and Atelidae (large, suspensory frugivore-folivores). The study emphasizes the significance of understanding phylogenetic relationships and adaptive traits for conservation efforts. It also underscores the progress in captive breeding programs and in situ/ex situ conservation strategies, which have significantly contributed to the survival of threatened species such as the Golden lion tamarin. The research approach combines field studies, taxonomic reviews, and conservation initiatives to provide a comprehensive overview of New World primates' diversity, evolution, and conservation status.

Introduction. Philosophy and Theology in the ‘Studia’ of the Religious Orders and at Papal and Royal Courts

Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge — 2012 — WHE6E92678AA4

A significant portion of later medieval Scholastic literature was produced within the studia or study-houses of religious orders, rather than universities. These studia, which outnumbered and were more widely distributed across Europe than universities, provided the primary institutional setting for learning in liberal arts and theology, particularly for members of mendicant orders. Notable figures such as Albert the Great, Thomas Aquinas, and John Duns Scotus spent more time teaching in these studia than as Regent Masters in universities. Additionally, the Papal Court—particularly the Sacred Palace at Avignon—and royal courts served as significant loci for Scholastic learning. This volume compiles essays from a colloquium held at the University of Notre Dame, focusing on the study and teaching of philosophy and theology across various religious orders, the Papal Court in Rome and Avignon, and several royal courts.

IntroductionFieldwork in the Territory of Others

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis — 2012 — WHE6841F88EF7

A significant discovery sheds light on the long-standing issue of how local communities, such as the ʿAbd al-Rasul family, have historically sustained themselves through the illicit trade of ancient Egyptian artifacts from the Theban Necropolis. This study reveals that the necropolis has not only served as an ancient burial ground but also as a living space for generations of villagers in al-Qurna, who inhabited mud-brick houses near the Tombs of the Nobles and the Valley of the Kings. The research employs a combination of historical analysis and fieldwork to explore the complex relationship between the living and the dead, challenging modern antiquities legislation by examining past practices that would be illegal under current Egyptian laws.

Intrusive rocks

Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park — 2012 — WHE006BBCCFE7

Limited progress has been made in understanding intrusive rocks in Central America since the 1970s, with knowledge of plutonic rocks lagging significantly behind that of volcanic rocks. Recent studies on the Talamanca Range in Costa Rica have provided some advances, though they remain less comprehensive than those for volcanic systems. This chapter synthesizes existing literature to highlight gaps and potential avenues for further research, focusing on the geological evolution of intrusive rocks in this region.

Invasive Species Mapping in Hawaiian Rainforests Using Multi-Temporal Hyperion Spaceborne Imaging Spectroscopy

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — 2012 — WHE9DF34DC3FC

Multi-temporal spectral analysis of Hyperion satellite data significantly enhances the detection accuracy of invasive tree species in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park's montane rainforests, with Kappa coefficients reaching 0.80 when integrating spectral features from September, August, and January. This improvement stems from capturing species-specific phenological variations, reducing spectral overlap among species. The study demonstrates that combining data across different growing seasons provides a more robust method for invasive species mapping compared to single-timepoint analyses, which showed lower detection success (Kappa: 0.51–0.69).

Investigation and Production of Furniture for Villa Tugendhat 2009–2012

Tugendhat Villa in Brno — 2012 — WHE25D71969A1

A significant rediscovery has shed light on the lost heritage of Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece by Mies van der Rohe. The study confirms that the majority of the original furniture, including the iconic Makassar wall—previously believed missing for seven decades—remained in the possession of the Tugendhat family. This finding completes the villa's historic restoration, allowing it to reopen with its 1938 furnishings intact. The research involved a meticulous investigation into the villa's contents, revealing how Mies van der Rohe's design philosophy extended seamlessly from architecture to interior elements, dictating precise spatial organization and limiting functional flexibility for the owners. The study also highlights the political context of the Tugendhats' exile in 1938, which accelerated the villa's abandonment.

Investigation of diachronic dietary patterns on the islands of Ibiza and Formentera, Spain: Evidence from sulfur stable isotope ratio analysis

Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture — 2012 — WHEB77C3004BC

A new analysis of sulfur stable isotope ratios in bone collagen from Ibiza and Formentera, Spain, reveals that human diets across four chronological periods (Chalcolithic to Islamic) were predominantly terrestrial, with minimal marine protein consumption. The study found distinct δ(34)S values for different populations, indicating potential immigrants during the Punic, Late Antiquity-Early Byzantine, and Islamic periods. Notably, 18 of 20 individuals from the Islamic period exhibited sulfur isotopic signatures inconsistent with local diets, suggesting they were recent arrivals who had not yet adapted to the island's dietary baseline. This research builds on prior carbon and nitrogen isotope studies, offering a more nuanced understanding of dietary patterns and population dynamics in the Balearic Islands.

Invisible Artifacts: Uncovering Secrets of Ancient Maya Agriculture with Modern Soil Science

Tikal National Park — 2012 — WHE4EBD73375C

Research at Tikal National Park reveals that ancient Maya agriculture was more complex and extensive than previously thought, with evidence suggesting they relied on both local farming and trade. Soil analysis identified phosphorus traces in plaza floors, indicating marketplace activities, while C4 plant residue analysis showed maize cultivation in lowland soils, contrasting with upland erosion patterns. This interdisciplinary approach combining archaeology and soil science challenges the narrative of Maya collapse, highlighting both unsustainable practices leading to soil degradation and innovative conservation techniques like agricultural terraces.

Is diatom richness responding to catchment glaciation? A case study from Canadian headwater streams

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2012 — WHE5E3CD6F369

A study on Canadian headwater streams revealed that diatom richness varies significantly with catchment glaciation, with glacial streams exhibiting lower species diversity compared to more distant sites. The research, conducted across the Coast Range and Rocky Mountains, identified pioneer taxa like Achnanthidium minutissimum as dominant in glacier streams, while subdominant taxa included rare arctic-alpine or high-altitude species. Cluster analysis distinguished glacier stream sites from downstream river segments, highlighting the impact of glacial conditions on diatom communities. The findings underscore the vulnerability of glacial streams to global change and their unique ecological characteristics.