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Asianidia Zachvatkin (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) associated with the laurisilva forest of Madeira island: species phenology and hostplant preferences

Laurisilva of Madeira — 2011 — WHEA1D8EECA25

A study on the laurisilva forest of Madeira island identified five Asianidia Zachvatkin species, with notable differences in abundance, phenology, and host plant preferences. Asianidia decolor was the most abundant (47%), followed by A. albula (36%) and A. insulana (16%). A. chrysanthemi and A. melliferae were rare, showing monophagy, while others exhibited oligo- to polyphagy. Activity peaked in spring and summer, with secondary abundance maxima for A. albula and A. decolor in November. New host plant associations were discovered, suggesting potential roles in speciation processes due to divergent dietary preferences.

Assembling heritage: investigating the UNESCO proclamation of Bedouin intangible heritage in Jordan

Petra — 2011 — WHE9B341EC90A

UNESCO's recognition of Bedouin intangible heritage in Jordan, particularly around Petra and Wadi Rum, reveals how cultural categories are reshaped to align with contemporary narratives. The 2005 proclamation highlighted the tension between preserving traditional Bedouin culture and modern settlement policies, showing that heritage designation often reflects multiple, sometimes contradictory discourses rather than a unified vision. This process of 'assembling heritage' demonstrates how global institutions like UNESCO interact with local communities, creating images of Bedouin culture that serve both cultural preservation and political agendas.

Assessing the economic impact of a UNESCO World Heritage designation

Landscape of Grand Pré — 2011 — WHE8558FDEEDB

A UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) designation for Grand Pré Historic Site, Nova Scotia, is projected to increase tourist visitation by 6.2% and generate approximately $200,000 in annual local economic impact. This estimation was derived from regression analysis comparing tourism statistics of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia's only other WHS, with historical data from Grand Pré (1990–2008). The study suggests that the designation would significantly boost the local tourism industry, which has faced recent declines, by attracting 3,000 additional visitors annually. Survey data on visitor spending further informed the economic analysis under both projected and historical visitation scenarios.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Marine Reserves on Unsustainably Harvested Long‐Lived Sessile Invertebrates

Gulf of Porto: Calanche of Piana, Gulf of Girolata, Scandola Reserve — 2011 — WHEFAF38D0D17

A first quantitative assessment of poaching within a marine reserve revealed significant negative impacts on long-lived sessile invertebrates, particularly Mediterranean red coral (Corallium rubrum). The study found that colonies in the Medes Islands Marine Reserve, where recreational diving is permitted and poaching occurred post-establishment, were significantly smaller than predicted growth models and those in strictly protected areas without fishing or diving. Poaching was linked to a 60% loss of coral biomass, while abrasion from divers correlated with reduced colony size, suggesting increased mortality rates for larger colonies. The research highlights the effectiveness of enforced prohibitions on fishing and diving in preserving unsustainably harvested species.

Atol das Rocas: an oasis for Octopus insularis juveniles (Cephalopoda: Octopodidae)

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves — 2011 — WHED864968FBF

Atol das Rocas Biological Reserve serves as a critical oasis for juvenile Octopus insularis, with the highest population density recorded at 0.30 individuals per 100 m² in the Mapas area. This study reveals that O. insularis exhibits a strong preference for rocky substrates and small crabs, accounting for 70.5% of its diet, including species like Xanthodius denticulatus (38.5%) and Microphrys bicornutus (18.5%). The research employed visual censuses in fixed quadrants to analyze den characteristics, octopus size, substrate types, and food remains, identifying 454 prey items across 22 taxa. These findings underscore the specialized predatory behavior of O. insularis and highlight the ecological significance of Atol das Rocas for the development of this cephalopod species in northeastern Brazil.

Augustine of Hippo, Chelles, and the Carolingian Renaissance: Cologne Cathedral Manuscript 63

Cologne Cathedral — 2011 — WHEB95CCC5A4A

A significant discovery links the theological writings of Augustine of Hippo to the Carolingian Renaissance through Cologne Cathedral Manuscript 63, revealing its role as a bridge between late antique thought and early medieval scholarship. The study analyzes this manuscript's contents, paleography, and historical context, demonstrating how it preserved and disseminated Augustine's ideas during a pivotal period of intellectual revival in Europe. By integrating textual analysis with codicological evidence, the research sheds light on the cultural and theological transformations that defined the Carolingian era, particularly within the ecclesiastical centers of Chelles and Cologne.

Auschwitz and Afterimages

Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945) — 2011 — WHE689D15E6D3

Auschwitz and Afterimages introduces a groundbreaking approach to Holocaust testimony, challenging traditional interpretations of Julia Kristeva's concept of abjection. The study re-evaluates the significance of abjection in understanding witnessing and representation, extending its application through fresh analyses of Charlotte Delbo's prose, Francis Bacon's paintings, and the 'Scrolls of Auschwitz'—material remnants excavated from Birkenau's crematoria grounds. These artifacts, examined for their physical state and testimonial value, offer a nuanced perspective on writing, imaging, and bodily experience, enriching Kristeva's theoretical framework with empirical depth.

Australian Prison Tourism: A Question of Narrative Integrity

Australian Convict Sites — 2011 — WHE8E9449373C

Prison tourism in Australia, rooted in the nation's history as a penal colony, presents unique challenges to narrative integrity at former prison sites. The study reveals that prevailing social attitudes and stakeholder influences skew historical narratives, undermining the sites' authenticity and social significance. This analysis highlights the need for balanced storytelling to preserve the historical and cultural integrity of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Australlus, a new genus for Gallinula disneyi (Aves: Rallidae) and a description of a new species from Oligo-Miocene deposits at Riversleigh, northwestern Queensland, Australia

Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh / Naracoorte) — 2011 — WHEC731550895

Paleontologists have identified a new genus, Australlus, for the fossil species Gallinula disneyi from Oligo-Miocene deposits at Riversleigh World Heritage Site. This discovery challenges previous classifications and suggests that G. disneyi is not an early member of the crown group Rallidae but rather a basal rallid with affinities to Porphyrio. Additionally, a second species within this genus was described, along with evidence for a third, smaller rallid from the same site. These findings represent the only known gruiforms and small non-passerine ground-birds from Riversleigh, offering significant insights into the evolutionary history of rails during the Oligo-Miocene period.

B’aakal: Arqueología de la Región de Palenque, Chiapas, México: Temporadas 1996-2006

Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque — 2011 — WHE8F82F3522C

A decade-long archaeological survey (1996–2006) of the B'aakal region in Chiapas, Mexico, revealed significant insights into the pre-Hispanic urban and environmental landscape surrounding Palenque. The study documented previously unknown structures, settlement patterns, and ecological interactions through extensive fieldwork, mapping, and a detailed gazetteer of sites. Appendices on regional flora and fauna further enriched the understanding of this UNESCO World Heritage Site's biodiversity. This comprehensive approach combined remote sensing, surface surveys, and excavation to reconstruct the region's complex history, bridging gaps in our knowledge of Maya urbanism and environmental adaptation.

Babylon

Babylon — 2011 — WHE592CECA22A

Babylon, once the epitome of learned scholarship in ancient cultures, has been rediscovered through an interdisciplinary lens focusing on its 'culture of knowledge.' This collection of papers, stemming from a conference held during the Babylon exhibition in Berlin, sheds light on how Babylon's scholarly traditions were both celebrated and later forgotten. The research approach combines insights from Ancient Near Eastern Studies to explore Babylon's significance as a center of learning, contrasting it with its later symbolic association with occultism and esoteric knowledge. Published as an open-access eBook, this volume marks a milestone in interdisciplinary collaboration between Topoi and De Gruyter, offering a comprehensive exploration of Babylon's intellectual legacy.

Back to the Roots: The Imperial City of Shenyang as a Symbol of the Manchu Ethnic Identity of the Qing Dynasty

Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Beijing and Shenyang — 2011 — WHE1AB0DEFB70

The Shenyang Imperial City, inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties' alongside Beijing's Forbidden City, stands out for its unique reflection of Manchu culture and identity. Unlike the Forbidden City, which symbolizes centralized power under the Ming and Qing dynasties, Shenyang Palace embodies the origins and evolution of the Manchu ethnic identity, particularly through its pre-1644 architecture and later additions during Qianlong's reign. This study reveals how the palace serves as a tangible symbol of both the Manchus' devotion to their ancestors and their gradual sinicization, merging distinct cultural and institutional systems. The research draws on primary sources such as Qing shilu (清實錄) and Manwen laodang (滿文老檔), providing unprecedented insights into Qing history before Beijing's conquest. By analyzing these architectural and historical layers, the study underscores Shenyang Palace's dual significance: as a testament to Manchu heritage and a bridge between Manchu and Chinese cultures.

Backtracking to sustainable urban development and working with local communities: the al-Darb al-Ahmar project in islamic Cairo

Historic Cairo — 2011 — WHE8F5177D1C2

A groundbreaking approach to sustainable urban development in Islamic Cairo emerged from the al-Darb al-Ahmar project, demonstrating how integrating behavioral and cultural insights into urban design can foster community engagement and preserve heritage. The study, led by Dina Shehayeb, combined her expertise in Environmental Behavior Studies with local collaboration to create a methodology that bridges traditional urban planning with the lived experiences of residents. By prioritizing the meaning and behavior associated with the built environment, the project achieved tangible improvements in sustainability while strengthening community ownership. This innovative model offers a replicable framework for balancing development needs with cultural heritage conservation, particularly in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Historic Cairo.

Balancing commercial and environmental needs: licensing as a means of managing whale shark tourism on Ningaloo reef

Ningaloo Coast — 2011 — WHE4E68D1E230

A competitive licensing system for whale shark tourism at Ningaloo Marine Park has evolved from minimalist requirements to comprehensive, audited sustainability indicators. This study reveals that while operators face challenges like business planning and cost pressures, they rarely perceive their activities as environmentally impactful or regulatory procedures as burdensome. To achieve perpetual improvement, the system requires refinement with transparent, science-based incentives balancing environmental regulation and commercial sustainability, benefiting operators, local economies, the environment, and guests alike.

Bamberg: The Empire, the Jews, and Earthly Order

Town of Bamberg — 2011 — WHE77752C99F1

The Bamberg Cathedral's Fürstenportal, consecrated in 1237, presents a dramatic visual narrative of the Last Judgment and the separation of the saved and damned. This sculptural ensemble, accessible to both locals and visitors, was primarily designed for the bishop, his household, and guests of the episcopacy. The portal features intricate carvings, including a tympanum depicting the Last Judgment, apostles and prophets straining to witness the sacred drama, and a trumpeting angel announcing Christ's Second Coming. Notably, it includes monumental personifications of Church (Ecclesia) and Synagogue (Synagoga), with the latter adorned with symbols reflecting medieval anti-Jewish sentiments. This study highlights the portal's role in communicating theological and political messages within Bamberg's urban community during the High Middle Ages.

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis infection of amphibians in the Doñana National Park, Spain

Doñana National Park — 2011 — WHEEEC849FE57

A study on amphibian chytridiomycosis in Doñana National Park, Spain, revealed that 7 out of 9 native amphibian species tested positive for Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), an emerging pathogen linked to global amphibian declines. Despite some individuals showing higher infection intensities, all sampled animals appeared healthy, with no evidence of mortality or population declines observed so far in the park. The research, conducted during early and intermediate breeding seasons in 2007–2008, suggests that while Bd is present in this biodiverse protected area, its impact on amphibian populations may not yet be severe.

Bats of Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado: Composition, Reproduction, and Roosting Habits

Mesa Verde National Park — 2011 — WHE0D5078ADFE

A comprehensive study of the bat fauna at Mesa Verde National Park revealed that 14 species, representing nearly all known bat species west of the Great Plains in Colorado, inhabit the park. The research found significant variations in reproductive rates linked to spring precipitation, with drought conditions potentially impacting bat populations more severely due to forecasted climate changes. Notably, radiotracking identified rock crevices as the primary roosting habitat for five species, contrasting with their known use of trees in other regions. No drastic shifts in bat community composition were observed following recent stand-replacing fires, suggesting resilience or adaptability.

Becoming Farmers: Opening Spaces for Women's Resource Control in Calakmul, Mexico

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2011 — WHEF71141588F

A groundbreaking study on the Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Mexico, reveals that women's collective identity as farmers can challenge their traditional invisibility in agricultural roles. Through interviews with 100 women and a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods, the research demonstrates how adopting transgressive farmer identities empowers women to gain greater control over resources, including land and project funds. This case study highlights the transformative potential of collective action for women in rural Latin American contexts, offering new insights into gender dynamics within agricultural communities.

Behold the raking geison: the new Acropolis Museum and its context-free archaeologies

Acropolis, Athens — 2011 — WHECEB3F98605

The Acropolis of Athens, once a symbol of ancient Greek glory, now reflects modern Greece's complex identity struggles. This study reveals how the site has been transformed into a contested 'topos' of cultural identity, claimed by both national and international authorities seeking to impose their interpretations on its management and purpose. The research employs a critical discourse analysis, drawing on Foucault's concept of heterotopia, to examine the Acropolis as a space that embodies Western Classicism while also serving as a battleground for competing narratives about Greece's past and present. The study argues that the ongoing 'cleansing' of non-Classical antiquities from the site is part of an enduring national project, highlighting the tension between preserving ancient heritage and constructing a modern Greek identity.

Being a Pilgrim: Art and Ritual on the Medieval Routes to Santiago (review)

Bourges Cathedral — 2011 — WHEE2E8B54DAE

The review examines 'Being a Pilgrim: Art and Ritual on the Medieval Routes to Santiago,' which explores the intersection of art, ritual, and pilgrimage through the lens of the Camino de Santiago. The book, co-authored by Kathleen Ashley and Marilyn Deegan, combines scholarly analysis with evocative photography, offering both academic insight and visual appeal. It highlights the enduring significance of medieval pilgrimage routes, blending historical research with modern perspectives from pilgrims and scholars alike. The work stands out for its extensive imagery, including rare and previously unseen photographs, which enhance its narrative as a visual travelogue. However, its design, while visually striking, may detract from readability, potentially limiting its scholarly impact despite its rich content.