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Rabbi Judah Moscato and the Jewish Intellectual World of Mantua in the 16th-17th Centuries

Mantua and Sabbioneta — 2012 — WHE41D1B8BB85

A distinguished figure of the Italian-Jewish Renaissance, Rabbi Judah Moscato (c.1533–1590), emerges from this scholarly volume as a pivotal intellectual force in Mantua during the 16th and 17th centuries. The proceedings, derived from an international conference co-organized by the Institute of Jewish Studies at Halle-Wittenberg and Mantua’s State Archives, offer a comprehensive exploration of Moscato's life, contributions, and the broader cultural milieu that shaped his era. Through interdisciplinary analyses, the volume illuminates the synergy between Jewish scholarship, preachery, and Renaissance intellectual movements, providing a nuanced understanding of Mantua as a hub for Jewish thought and innovation.

Radiocarbon Dates from Jar and Coffin Burials of the Cardamom Mountains Reveal a Unique Mortuary Ritual in Cambodia's Late- to Post-Angkor Period (15th–17th Centuries AD)

Angkor — 2012 — WHEAA54C2ADB7

A unique mortuary ritual involving jar and coffin burials, practiced on exposed rock ledges in the Cardamom Mountains of Cambodia, is dated to between 1395 and 1650 AD. This highland burial practice, distinct from lowland Khmer culture, coincides with the decline of Angkor as the Khmer capital and the rise of new Mekong trade ports. The study, based on radiocarbon dating of 28 samples from four sites, reveals a previously unrecorded funerary tradition that shares similarities with rituals in Mainland and Island Southeast Asia but remains culturally isolated. The research sheds light on post-Angkorian mortuary practices and their regional context.

Ravenna

Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna — 2012 — WHE5F47E0E833

Ravenna, located on the southern branch of the Po River in northeast Italy, stands as a pivotal site for understanding Late Antique art and architecture. This city served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire from 402 to 476 AD and remained a significant political center under Germanic, Ostrogothic, Byzantine, and Lombard rule until 751 AD. Its rich collection of well-preserved churches, mosaics, and sarcophagi provides invaluable evidence for artistic production during this historically underrepresented period, which was marked by iconoclastic destructions in the Byzantine East. These monuments offer a unique window into the transition between early Christian and medieval art, bridging gaps left by the loss of many contemporary works.

Reaching Maturity, 1177–1206

Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din — 2012 — WHE22D89A8632

A critical phase in the development of Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, was marked by significant architectural and political advancements between 1177 and 1206. The study highlights that the Order of the Knights Hospitaller, following Master Cast of Murols' death, transitioned towards a more peaceful and pilgrim-focused approach under Jobert's leadership. This shift was pivotal in stabilizing the Order's financial position, enabling large-scale reconstruction efforts post-earthquake and facilitating Count Raymond III of Tripoli's ransom negotiation with Muslims. The research underscores the Order's strategic use of its landed estate to recover financially and its diplomatic influence during this period.

Reading Architecture - Remembering - Forgetting interplay: Development of a Framework to Study Urban and Object Level Cases

Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar — 2012 — WHE3E98D68882

Architecture serves as a dynamic medium for the interplay of remembering and forgetting, embedding cultural and social narratives within urban landscapes. This study introduces a framework to analyze how architectural forms facilitate memory performance at both macro (urban) and micro (object) levels. Through qualitative mapping, archival research, and narrative interviews, the research identifies markers in urban environments that enable remembering while questioning forgetting. Applied to cases like Bangalore, India, and Stari Most (Old Bridge), Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina, the framework demonstrates that certain architectural features act as 'auratic contact zones,' supporting memory performance. The findings highlight architecture's potential to preserve and challenge collective memory through form and interaction.

Reading Ruins against the Grain: Istanbul, Derbent, Postcoloniality

Citadel, Ancient City and Fortress Buildings of Derbent — 2012 — WHE322F17FC55

The ruins of church-mosques, museums, and ancient cities serve as powerful allegories that evoke transcendence amid the desacralized conditions of post-imperial modernities. This study advances the understanding of ruins' functioning across diverse temporal contexts by drawing on the works of Benjamin, Jameson, and Koselleck. Focusing on Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, the Museum of Islamic Art, and the ancient city of Derbent in Daghestan, it highlights the variability of ruins as sites of political mobilization, particularly within a postcolonial framework. The research employs an ethnographic approach to explore these paradoxes, offering insights into how monuments function in contemporary urban spaces.

Recent Population Trends of Mountain Goats in the Olympic Mountains, Washington

Olympic National Park — 2012 — WHE281F2327C3

Mountain goat populations in Washington's Olympic Mountains have shown the first signs of growth since population control measures were halted in 1990, with a 4.9% annual increase observed between surveys conducted in 2004 and 2011. This study estimated a current population of approximately 344 mountain goats (±72) within a surveyed area, marking a notable shift from previous declines. Researchers attribute this growth, along with variations across western, eastern, and southern sections of the survey zone, to the variable influence of climate change on precipitation gradients in the region. The findings were derived from aerial surveys conducted over 39 sample units, accounting for detection biases, providing critical insights into the ecological dynamics of non-native species in protected areas like Olympic National Park.

Recent subsidence of the Venice Lagoon from continuous GPS and interferometric synthetic aperture radar

Venice and its Lagoon — 2012 — WHEF1FBDBA235

Recent research reveals that the Venice Lagoon is experiencing significant subsidence, with northern regions sinking at 2–3 mm/year and southern areas at 3–4 mm/year. Contrary to earlier assumptions, the city of Venice itself continues to subside at 1–2 mm/year, defying past suggestions of stabilization. Using a combination of GPS data from four stations (2001–2011) and InSAR observations from RADARSAT-1 images (2003–2007), the study identifies an eastward tilt in subsidence, with natural geological processes contributing at least 0.4–0.6 mm/year. This high-resolution analysis, precise to 0.1–0.2 mm/year, underscores the need for flood mitigation strategies to account for both local subsidence and rising sea levels.

Recharge and source‐water insights from the Galapagos Islands using noble gases and stable isotopes

Galápagos Islands — 2012 — WHEC08AFDA847

A novel approach using noble gases and stable isotopes reveals distinct recharge patterns in the Galápagos Islands' fractured basaltic aquifers. The study, conducted on Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal islands, demonstrates that low-altitude springs (<420 m) and basal aquifer samples are primarily recharged during the hot season, while high-altitude springs (>420 m) show recharge from both the garúa (cooler) and hot seasons. Noble gas temperatures (NGTs) and stable isotopes independently corroborate these findings, with young water ages further supporting seasonal recharge preservation. High-altitude samples exhibit systematic deviations in dissolved noble gases, challenging conventional degassing models. The study proposes that mixing of high-altitude rainwater (≥1500 m) with low-altitude fog droplets (~400 m) during the garúa season could explain these patterns, offering new insights into groundwater dynamics in volcanic island environments.

Reconnection and reconciliation in Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks: Jasper National Park, Canada

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2012 — WHE7C28D2DEBB

Jasper National Park, part of the UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage site, stands out for its vast expanse (11,228 km²) and its role as a critical habitat for Rocky Mountain mammals such as caribou, grizzly bears, wolves, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. It also safeguards the headwaters of major rivers like the Athabasca, contributing to Canada's ecological and hydrological heritage. The park exemplifies the unique physical and biological features of the Rocky Mountain Biogeographical Province, while adjacent fossil sites in Yoho and Mount Robson Provincial Parks provide invaluable insights into Earth's evolutionary history. Additionally, its glacial geological processes, including ice fields and remnant valley glaciers, offer exceptional examples of erosion and deposition, underscoring its significance as a natural laboratory for studying both biodiversity and geological dynamics.

Reconsideration of the Athens Charter(1931)

Acropolis, Athens — 2012 — WHE0CC19EFE7C

A critical reassessment of the Athens Charter (1931) reveals that its broader report, published in 1933 by the International Museums Office, contained more comprehensive guidance on historic monument conservation than the charter itself. This report, spanning 56 articles and 500 pages, introduced advanced philosophical and technical concepts that marked a milestone in conservation philosophy. The study examines these agendas, particularly focusing on Anastylosis (restoration techniques), while highlighting potential issues of authenticity when such methods are applied to archaeological sites like the Acropolis. This reevaluation underscores the report's historical significance and its enduring influence on modern conservation practices.

Reconstitution des variations multidécennales et saisonnières de la mousson ouest-africaine au cours des deux derniers millénaires à partir de l’étude sclérochronologique des amas coquilliers fossiles dans le delta du Saloum, Sénégal.

Saloum Delta — 2012 — WHEFDC414EDDE

A groundbreaking study reveals that the West African Monsoon (WAM) experienced significantly wetter conditions from 460 to 1090 A.D., with rainfall seasons lasting approximately five months—nearly double the current duration. This finding challenges modern climate perceptions and was uncovered through sclerochronological analysis of fossil shell mounds in the Saloum Delta, Senegal, a region highly sensitive to WAM variations. Researchers leveraged isotopic signatures (δ18O, δ13C) from the bivalve Anadara senilis to reconstruct hydrological changes with unprecedented precision, capturing seasonal shifts as small as 25 days. The study also indicates that winter and spring rains, rare today, were more frequent during this period, extending the monsoon season and increasing the precipitation-evaporation balance. This work highlights A. senilis as a high-resolution paleoclimatic archive, offering critical insights into past hydrological cycles in West Africa.

Reconstructing Pergamon

Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape — 2012 — WHE7AB44A901A

The reconstruction of Pergamon's altar, from its discovery by Carl Humann to its current status as a museum centerpiece, reveals significant insights into the evolution and stylistic consistency of Greek art. This study highlights how Pergamon's sculptures, characterized by their naturalistic details, reflect both the artistic achievements and historical context of classical antiquity. By analyzing style changes and the relationship between sculpture and architecture, researchers have identified key moments in the development of definitive Greek art. The debate surrounding these findings, as illustrated by Adolf Hildebrand's work on form and perspective, underscores the challenges and complexities inherent in interpreting ancient art within its original architectural frame.

Reconstruction Study on the Traditional Architectural Lacquer Painting Technique for the Imperial Palace of Hue, Vietnam as Seen Trough of the Han Nom Documents in the Nguyen Dynasty

Complex of Hué Monuments — 2012 — WHE60B0AD3FD1

A reconstruction study of traditional lacquer painting techniques for the Imperial Palace of Hué, Vietnam, reveals distinct characteristics of Nguyen Dynasty architecture as documented in Han Nom texts. The research clarifies and categorizes the dynasty's lacquer painting methods, materials, restoration practices, and production systems through historiographical analysis. This approach provides valuable insights into the cultural and technical heritage of one of Southeast Asia's ancient capital cities, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1993.

Recovery of inner Shark Bay snapper (Pagrus auratus) stocks: relevant research and adaptive recreational fisheries management in a World Heritage Property

Shark Bay, Western Australia — 2012 — WHE1A4D6131DF

A study on the recovery of snapper (Pagrus auratus) stocks in Shark Bay, Western Australia, reveals that adaptive recreational fisheries management has successfully rebuilt spawning biomass to target levels in the Eastern Gulf and Denham Sound, while the Freycinet Estuary shows slow but steady recovery. The research highlights the effectiveness of progressive management measures, including increased minimum length limits, maximum length restrictions, daily bag limit reductions, a moratorium, spawning closures, and a Total-Allowable-Catch system introduced between 1998 and 2003. These findings underscore the importance of data-driven, adaptive approaches in recreational fisheries management, particularly in UNESCO World Heritage Sites where both conservation and sustainable use are critical.

Recovery Potential of a Western Lowland Gorilla Population following a Major Ebola Outbreak: Results from a Ten Year Study

Forest Massif of Odzala-Kokoua — 2012 — WHEDC5C219FC7

A western lowland gorilla population in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of the Congo, shows potential for recovery following a devastating Ebola outbreak that reduced its numbers from around 380 to fewer than 40 individuals. Over ten years, the population remained stable but underwent significant structural changes, including the disappearance of solitary males and the immigration of adult females forming new breeding groups with young silverbacks. Despite some females joining unlikely sire silverbacks without observed infanticide, the population's demographic shifts suggest resilience. This study highlights the long-term impacts of Ebola on gorilla populations and provides demographic indicators for detecting outbreaks in non-monitored areas.

Redescription of hemiurid species parasitic in marine fishes from Ha Long bay, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago — 2012 — WHEB6DB34A835

Four trematode species, previously undocumented in Vietnam, were redescribed from marine fishes in Ha Long Bay: Hemiurus arelisci, Stomachicola muraenesocis, Lecithochirium alectis, and Merlucciotrema praeclarum. Key morphological traits—such as the constricted seminal vesicle of H. arelisci or the enormous ecsoma of S. muraenesocis—distinguish these species, with illustrations provided for clarity. The study also addresses their geographical distribution, noting patterns that may reflect host specificity or environmental factors. These findings contribute to our understanding of trematode biodiversity in Southeast Asian marine ecosystems.

Redescription of two troglobiotic species of the genus Pseudosinella Schäffer, 1897 (Collembola, Entomobryidae) from the Western Carpathians

Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst — 2012 — WHE9769FDCDBB

Two troglobiotic species of the genus Pseudosinella, endemic to the Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), were redescribed with notable findings. Pseudosinella aggtelekiensis exhibits a higher level of troglomorphy, including elongated antennae and reduced ungual teeth, suggesting it may descend from an older phylogenetic lineage within the Lepidocyrtus-Pseudosinella group. In contrast, P. paclti displays a moderate degree of troglomorphy and is distributed across multiple karst regions in central Slovakia. The study employed detailed morphological analysis to re-examine these species, contributing to our understanding of their evolutionary adaptations and distribution within the Western Carpathians.

Reef Sharks Exhibit Site-Fidelity and Higher Relative Abundance in Marine Reserves on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef

Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System — 2012 — WHEC64B65498F

A study on the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System reveals that reef sharks, particularly the Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi), exhibit strong site-fidelity and higher relative abundance within marine reserves compared to fished reefs. This suggests that marine reserves can benefit reef shark populations by reducing fishing pressure or enhancing prey availability. Researchers used acoustic monitoring and baited remote underwater video surveys at Glover's Reef Marine Reserve (GRMR) and other sites to measure shark behavior and presence, confirming the positive effect of marine reserves on reef shark abundance while ruling out environmental factors as primary drivers.

References

Messel Pit Fossil Site — 2012 — WHEBBE405536E

Grube Messel offers a unique snapshot of the Eocene epoch's fossil ecosystem. This site, once an oil shale pit and now a conserved lake within the Rhine Graben rift valley, reveals critical insights into the adaptive radiation of mammals and birds following the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event. The extensive series of lakes formed in this down-warping of Earth's crust preserved a diverse range of fossils, including extinct mammal groups, providing evidence of the ecological niches filled by mammals and birds during this transformative period. Volcanism associated with the opening Atlantic Ocean and the Rhine Rift Valley further shaped the landscape, contributing to the unique fossil record found at Messel.