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Prague—Setting the Scene for the 4th EuCheMS Chemistry Congress

Historic Centre of Prague — 2012 — WHEF46F2B9D15

Prague, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its diverse architectural heritage spanning Roman to Cubist styles, served as the backdrop for the 4th EuCheMS Chemistry Congress held from August 26-30, 2012. The city's rich cultural and scientific legacy, home to luminaries like Franz Kafka, Antonín Dvořák, Johannes Kepler, and Albert Einstein, underscores its significance in both arts and sciences. This special issue of Chemistry – A European Journal highlights Prague’s unique blend of historical layers, from Gothic and Baroque to Art Nouveau, along the Vltava River, offering a context for the congress's scientific discussions.

Predation of A tlantic P etrel chicks by house mice on G ough I sland

Gough and Inaccessible Islands — 2012 — WHEEB7FCDFB65

A devastating impact of predatory house mice on breeding seabirds, particularly Atlantic Petrels, has been documented at Gough Island. The study revealed that introduced house mice were present in all checked burrows and contributed to the death of chicks through attacks, significantly reducing breeding success. Over four seasons, the average annual breeding success was just 0.228 chicks fledged per attempt, with only one chick surviving out of 58 nests in a single season (1.7%). These findings underscore the urgent need for mouse eradication on Gough Island to protect its vulnerable seabird populations and highlight the broader threat posed by invasive mammals to island biodiversity.

Predicting Visitor Satisfaction in Parks: Comparing the Value of Personal Benefit Attainment and Service Levels in Kakadu National Park, Australia

Kakadu National Park — 2012 — WHE100B46CB62

A key insight from this study is that the benefits visitors attain during their experience—such as those derived from nature and relaxation—are stronger predictors of overall satisfaction with Kakadu National Park than traditional measures of service quality. The research compares two approaches: assessing visitor service quality and measuring the attainment of perceived benefits, revealing that the latter has a more significant impact on positive responses to park visits. Factor analysis identified distinct types of benefits, which showed varying correlations with satisfaction based on visitors' proximity to the park. This finding suggests that park managers should prioritize creating experiences that facilitate the attainment of desired benefits, rather than solely focusing on service quality improvements.

Preliminary crack study on physical damages of the three-story stone pagoda (Seokgatap) in Bulguksa temple, Gyeongju

Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple — 2012 — WHECCBD45BB0D

A recent crack analysis of the three-story stone pagoda (Seokgatap) at Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Gyeongju, Korea, reveals that its physical damages stem from natural forces rather than artificial or chemical weathering. The study identified tensile and shear movement patterns in the cracks, suggesting they originate from structural loading, subsidence, or seismic activity. Specifically, cracks exhibit lateral displacement from the pagoda's central axis, indicating compression forces linked to uneven ground stability or earthquake-induced stress. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the causes of damage in stone structures, offering new insights into the preservation and stability assessment of cultural heritage sites.

Preliminary Report of 16th Season of Excavations at Tepe Hegmataneh; Hamedan

Hegmataneh — 2012 — WHE7AD6EC3A81

New archaeological evidence from Tepe Hegmataneh challenges long-held assumptions about its historical attribution. Excavations in the 16th season uncovered architectural structures that, based on thermoluminescence dating, are unlikely to belong to the Medes and require reconsideration of their Parthian affiliation. The study explored four 100 m² squares (AJ45, AJ46, AK45, AK46), revealing a suite of spaces—including passages and complete rooms—consistent with earlier plans but distinct in depth and structure. This finding sheds light on the site's complex history and its significance within Hamedan's archaeological landscape.

Preliminary Risk Assessment at the Petra Archaeological Park Recording Strategy

Petra — 2012 — WHE9432A95E9B

A multidisciplinary international team conducted a preliminary risk assessment at Petra Archaeological Park, identifying key vulnerabilities and threats to the site's integrity from both natural and man-made events. The study utilized advanced recording strategies, including time-lapse photography, geo-referenced panoramas, GIS mapping with GPS track logs, satellite imagery, and extensive photo documentation (395 trail photos and 105 area photos). These methods provided a comprehensive visualization of the site's circulation and facilitated the identification of at-risk areas. The findings established the groundwork for developing a risk management plan, which is crucial for integrating into Petra's broader conservation strategy. This research offers actionable insights to enhance the preservation efforts of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Preliminary Study by Environmental Indicator Measurements of Sediments in a Mangrove Forest in Ilha Grande Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2012 — WHE6C3E0BB426

A preliminary study on sediments from Ilha Grande Bay's mangrove forest, a potentially unpolluted ecosystem in southeastern Brazil, revealed that while no mutagenicity was detected, certain metals (Cd and Cu) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), particularly benzo[a]pyrene, were present at levels exceeding environmental thresholds. These findings suggest potential genotoxic damage to biota, despite the absence of significant mutagenic activity in tested Salmonella strains. The research analyzed seasonal samples over 2009–2010 using atomic absorption spectrometry, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and a micronucleus assay on Goniopsis cruentata hemocytes, highlighting the need for further monitoring to assess long-term impacts on this UNESCO-listed site's biodiversity.

Preliminary study for the adaptation of the »Heaven's Cave« for tourist purposes (Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park, Vietnam)

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park — 2012 — WHE47F08EFF6B

Heaven's Cave, located within the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam, was identified as having significant potential for sustainable tourism development. A preliminary study conducted by researchers from the Karst Research Institute ZRC SAZU assessed the cave's suitability for adaptation into a show cave, considering both its environmental sensitivity and economic prospects for the region. The study involved speleological surveys, mapping, and tourist research to propose interventions that balance conservation with visitor access. While not a long-term comprehensive approach, this work serves as a model for evaluating similar caves in remote areas, offering insights into the feasibility of developing new show caves in environmentally and economically viable ways.

Prelude: Quirinus Kuhlmann’s Millenarian Mission to Moscow in 1689

Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow — 2012 — WHE5601A79D1D

A significant historical insight emerges from the account of Quirinus Kuhlmann's millenarian mission to Moscow in 1689, which sheds light on the religious and political dynamics of late 17th-century Russia. Kuhlmann, a Silesian mystic influenced by Jakob Bohme, and Konrad Nordermann, a Dutch merchant, were executed as heretics for their perceived contamination of orthodoxy in Moscow's Foreign Quarter (Nemetskaia Sloboda). Their case exemplifies the zealous efforts to suppress heterodoxy during Peter the Great's reign. The study relies on Kuhlmann's own accounts and historical records, revealing his fervent beliefs rooted in angelic visions. This research contributes to understanding the intersection of mysticism, religion, and state power in early modern Europe.

Presence of raccoon (Procyon lotor) in Doñana National Park and its surroundings

Doñana National Park — 2012 — WHECF49D04E5B

A study confirms the presence of raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Doñana National Park and its surroundings, marking their first documented occurrence in the region. This invasive species, native to North and Central America, has shown remarkable adaptability to diverse ecosystems and a strong ability to colonize anthropogenic environments due to its opportunistic behavior. The research, published in Galemys, highlights the potential ecological impact of this introduction, which likely stems from deliberate or accidental releases linked to fur industry interest and pet trade popularity. The study employed field surveys and data analysis to document raccoon sightings, contributing critical insights for conservation efforts in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Présentation

Rideau Canal — 2012 — WHEC0BCE13D29

The Rideau Canal, constructed in the early 19th century, emerged as a strategic response to the vulnerabilities exposed during the War of 1812. This engineering feat facilitated the development of Ottawa by providing an alternative route to the Saint Lawrence River, fostering economic growth and urban expansion. The canal's construction, overseen by Lieutenant-Colonel John By, also spurred the establishment of military infrastructure and residential areas, including the Haute-Ville and Basse-Ville. By 1828, Bytown (later Ottawa) had grown to nearly 1,000 inhabitants, with its economy significantly boosted by the forestry industry in subsequent decades.

Prevalence of Antibodies to Canine Parvovirus and Distemper Virus in Wolves in the Canadian Rocky Mountains

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2012 — WHE808F674CD4

A high prevalence of antibodies to canine parvovirus (CPV) and distemper virus (CDV) was detected in wolves from Banff and Jasper National Parks, with 95% testing positive for CPV and 24% for CDV. The study found that older wolves (≥2 years) were more likely to have CPV antibodies, while male wolves, older individuals, and those near First Nation reserves showed higher CDV antibody prevalence. However, minimal evidence supported a strong link between human activity and pathogen exposure. These findings suggest that CPV and CDV could pose significant threats to wolf populations in the Canadian Rockies, mirroring patterns observed in Yellowstone National Park. The research analyzed 99 wolves sampled between 2000 and 2008, assessing antibody prevalence in relation to human influence, sex, and age.

Private-community Partnerships: Investigating a New Approach to Conservation and Development in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — 2012 — WHEFEA47D1BFD

Private-community partnerships (PCPs) in conservation, intended to deliver mutual benefits for tourism ventures and local communities, often face significant challenges due to unbalanced power dynamics. A study analyzing a high-end eco-lodge partnership in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, found that technical frameworks overlooked political and contextual factors, leading to escalating conflicts that undermined the 'win-win' goals of such partnerships. The research used a policy arrangement approach to examine actors, power relations, and governing rules, revealing how these hybrid neoliberal conservation models can inadvertently foster conflict rather than sustainable development.

Protecting UNESCO World Heritage Properties's Integrity: the Role of Recording and Documentation in Risk Management for Petra

Petra — 2012 — WHEC37B026D4F

A multidisciplinary approach combining low-cost recording, documentation, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has been developed to enhance risk management for Petra. This methodology enables the creation of a detailed baseline record using non-intrusive techniques such as GNSS, photography, and structured visual inspections, facilitating the identification of disturbances and threats. By mapping the site's boundaries and buffer zones, the approach aims to prioritize monuments at risk based on their significance and vulnerability, providing authorities with actionable insights for preventive and active risk mitigation. The study, conducted by experts from Leuven University, UNESCO Amman, and Jordanian institutions, envisions a decision tool as an outcome to guide future conservation efforts.

Proterochampsa barrionuevoi (Archosauriformes: Proterochampsia) from the Late Triassic (Carnian) of Argentina and a phylogenetic analysis of Proterochampsia

Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks — 2012 — WHE42F44F7969

A restudy of Proterochampsa barrionuevoi, a proterochampsian archosauriform from the Late Triassic Ischigualasto Formation in Argentina, reveals distinct autapomorphies that diagnose the genus. These include unique cranial features such as prominent dermal sculpturing with ridges and nodular protuberances, a hook-like quadratojugal projection, and specific morphological traits of the premaxilla, maxilla, and angular. The study also identifies Proterochampsa nodosa as a valid species, distinguished by fewer cranial ridges with larger protuberances and other cranial characteristics. Phylogenetic analysis supports the monophyly of Proterochampsia, a group that includes Proterochampsa, Chanaresuchus bonapartei, Gualosuchus reigi, Tropidosuchus romeri, and Cerritosaurus binsfeldi. The temporal separation between basal proterochampsians (Proterochampsa and Cerritosaurus) with earliest records in the Late Triassic and other members (Chanaresuchus, Gualosuchus, Tropidosuchus) from the Middle Triassic suggests a hidden diversity of Proterochampsia in the Middle Triassic.

Provincial Government and the Estate in Europe

Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din — 2012 — WHE7312E6CC58

A historical analysis reveals the chronic financial strain faced by the Knights Hospitaller, particularly at their key fortifications Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din (Margat), due to persistent conflicts, resource scarcity, and environmental challenges. Master Hugh Revel’s 1268 account highlights the Order's inability to sustain operations amid attacks from the sultan of Egypt, drought, and abandoned lands, underscoring a long-standing liquidity crisis despite perceived wealth. The study identifies recurring financial difficulties (1170–1310) exacerbated by climate instability, pestilence, and reduced Christian-controlled territory post-1187, challenging contemporary perceptions of the Order’s solvency.

Pygmalion in Bavaria: The Sculptor Ignaz Günther and Eighteenth-Century Aesthetic Art Theory (review)

Pilgrimage Church of Wies — 2012 — WHE9132435ED7

This review highlights the groundbreaking analysis of Bavarian sculptor Ignaz Günther's work, linking his rococo compositions to eighteenth-century aesthetic theory. Christiane Hertel's study reveals that Günther's sculptures, known for their psychological expressiveness, reflect a deliberate self-awareness and critique of devotional expectations, blending Protestant critiques of idolatry with Catholic ritual functions. By employing a comparative method—contrasting Günther's art with texts by thinkers like Winckelmann, Kant, and Rousseau—Hertel argues that his work subverts traditional religious art norms while engaging with broader philosophical concepts of self-reflection and sensation. The study innovatively bridges the gap between art history and aesthetic theory, offering a fresh perspective on Bavarian rococo art.

Quantification and Visualization ofIn SituDegradation at the World Heritage Site Bryggen in Bergen, Norway

Bryggen — 2012 — WHE459D61E47D

A groundbreaking study at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bryggen in Bergen, Norway, reveals that decay rates of archaeological deposits are intricately linked to groundwater flow conditions, oxygen levels, and soil moisture content. Researchers have successfully quantified these degradation processes using advanced monitoring techniques, including piezometric head measurements, oxygen analysis, and geochemical investigations. The findings underscore the critical role of hydrogeological factors in preserving organic archaeological materials in situ. Additionally, the study introduces 3D geo-archaeological modeling as a powerful tool for integrating geological, archaeological, geochemical, and hydrological data, offering a multidisciplinary approach to enhance preservation management and protect these irreplaceable cultural heritage resources.

Quantitative Ecological Risk Assessment of the Magela Creek Floodplain in Kakadu National Park, Australia: Comparing Point Source Risks from the Ranger Uranium Mine to Diffuse Landscape-Scale Risks

Kakadu National Park — 2012 — WHE4EC7E887EB

Non-mining landscape-scale risks pose significantly greater ecological threats to the Magela Creek floodplain in Kakadu National Park, Australia, compared to point source risks from the nearby Ranger uranium mine. A Quantitative Ecological Risk Assessment (QERA) identified weeds, particularly Para grass (Urocloa mutica), as the dominant risk due to its rapid spread and extensive impact on biodiversity. The study also evaluated risks from feral pigs, unmanaged dry season fires, and potential saltwater intrusion due to climate change. While mining-related contaminants like uranium, manganese, magnesium, and sulfate were assessed, their ecological impact was found to be several orders of magnitude lower than that of non-mining threats. This research underscores the need for equivalent scrutiny and investment in managing landscape-scale risks alongside point source mining risks.

Quaternary deposits in the Serra da Capivara National Park and surrounding area, Southeastern Piauí state, Brazil

Serra da Capivara National Park — 2012 — WHE23672DBC56

Research on Quaternary deposits in Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil, reveals that the landscape evolution began around 436,515 years ago with clayey sediment deposition by the Piau River. The study identified colluvial and alluvial deposits indicating a semiarid climate, with fluvial channels likely exhibiting a braided pattern between 296,550 and 116,300 years ago. Depositional processes intensified during the last glacial maximum in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring between 15,800 and 10,350 years ago, marking the transition from Pleistocene to Holocene. The study used morphostratigraphical, sedimentological, and geochronological methods, including luminescence dating (thermoluminescence and optically stimulated luminescence), to interpret paleoenvironmental events.