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The Trial of the Soul. Post-Byzantine Visual Representations of the Tollbooths in the Romanian Churches in Maramureş

Wooden Churches of Maramureş — 2011 — WHEA5CD4BE56D

Post-Byzantine iconography of the Last Judgment in Maramureş wooden churches reveals unique visual representations of tollbooths, distinct from other Carpathian Rus’ traditions. Unlike typical depictions where demons hold scrolls with sin names, Maramureş artists introduced a 'dialogue' between angels and demons presenting narrative descriptions of the deceased's deeds, reducing ordeals to as few as three. This innovation reflects both religious mentalities—highlighting gradations of sins, good deeds, and repentance—and social dynamics, including local parishioner conflicts. The study, analyzing 17th–18th century paintings, demonstrates how these cultural artifacts offer insights into rural Romanian communities' spiritual and societal structures.

The Use of Fire in the Cerrado and Amazonian Rainforests of Brazil: Past and Present

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2011 — WHEA842EDED8C

This study highlights the significant impact of human activity on fire regimes in Brazil's Cerrado and Amazon biomes over the past 4000 years, revealing a stark contrast between fire-adapted savannas and fire-sensitive rainforests. It demonstrates that while natural lightning fires are common in savannas, anthropogenic fires now dominate both ecosystems, with post-European settlement fire frequency surging due to cattle ranching and agricultural practices. The research consolidates fragmented data on indigenous fire use and emphasizes the need for distinct fire management strategies to mitigate biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. In the Amazon, policies should promote fire-free small-scale agriculture, while in the Cerrado, sustainable fire use for ranching must align with local conditions. Effective conservation strategies require integrating scientific knowledge with indigenous expertise to maintain ecological processes and reduce destructive wildfires.

The Victoria Falls, a species boundary for the Zambezi Parrotfish,Cyphomyrus discorhynchus(Peters, 1852), and the resurrection ofCyphomyrus cubangoensis(Pellegrin, 1936) (Mormyridae: Teleostei)

Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls — 2011 — WHEE70353FC01

Research reveals that the Victoria Falls acts as a significant species boundary for the Zambezi Parrotfish, Cyphomyrus discorhynchus, with populations above and below the falls exhibiting marked anatomical and electrical discharge differences. Specimens from the Upper Zambezi, Kwando, and Okavango systems show fewer dorsal fin rays (30–31) compared to those below the falls (33–34), alongside geographic variation in electric organ discharge waveforms. These findings support the resurrection of Cyphomyrus cubangoensis as a distinct species for the Upper Zambezi/Kwando/Okavango system, highlighting the ecological and evolutionary significance of the Victoria Falls in shaping parrotfish diversity.

The Visual Economy of Andean Childhood Poverty: Interpreting Postcards in Cusco, Peru

City of Cuzco — 2011 — WHE4C85F83EC5

Postcards depicting 'Andean poor children' in Cusco, Peru, serve as a lens to understand how diverse actors—producers, tourists, vendors, and volunteers—negotiate meanings around childhood poverty through their interactions. While structural inequalities perpetuate stereotypical representations, the study reveals creative appropriation, resistance, and adaptation of these ideologies by those involved. This dynamic process reshapes discourse on poverty and sustains economic subsistence in the Andean market. The research combines ethnographic fieldwork with interviews to explore how flexible practices redefine visual narratives and social perspectives.

The Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site: Providing regulated and structured white water rafting practice towards a sustainable adventure tourism resource

Vredefort Dome — 2011 — WHE7FDF151A11

Research identifies critical gaps in adherence to proposed guidelines for sustainable whitewater rafting practices at the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site, revealing that not all operators fully comply with recommended standards. The study, conducted with 11 rafting operators and key industry stakeholders, developed a structured management tool through a self-administered questionnaire to address environmental protection, client safety, and operational risks. Findings underscore the need for stricter adoption of these guidelines to balance growing demand for adventure tourism with ecological preservation. Additionally, the research advocates for national standards to regulate commercial and private rafting operations in South Africa, ensuring long-term sustainability and professionalism within the industry.

Thermal Performance of the Residential Open Space in Sana`a City – Yemen (Summer Period)

Old City of Sana'a — 2011 — WHE673FBEA438

Residential open spaces in Sana'a, Yemen, exhibit distinct thermal performance patterns during the summer period, with older urban areas demonstrating superior climatic comfort compared to newer developments. The study, conducted through field measurements of air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed, revealed that traditional designs in the Old City of Sana'a generate more favorable microclimates, offering potential insights for sustainable urban planning. These findings underscore the importance of integrating climate-responsive design elements into residential spaces to enhance thermal comfort and mitigate heat stress in high-altitude urban environments.

Thermal tolerance of two seagrass species at contrasting light levels: Implications for future distribution in the Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef — 2011 — WHE93465F910B

Future temperature increases may lead to the contraction of Zostera muelleri from the northern Great Barrier Reef (GBR) by over 1000 km, potentially disrupting critical fisheries habitats. This study found that while Halodule uninervis thrives at higher temperatures (33°C), Z. muelleri experiences severe metabolic imbalances and growth reductions under the same conditions. Researchers assessed metabolism, growth, and survival of both species over one month at three temperatures (27°C, 30°C, 33°C) under saturating and limiting light levels. H. uninervis exhibited up to 10× higher carbon production at 33°C with saturating light, while Z. muelleri showed near-zero growth and a 90% reduction in biomass. The decline was more pronounced in low-light conditions, where Z. muelleri's carbon balance shifted into deficit. These findings suggest that Z. muelleri, currently near its thermal threshold, may disappear from northern GBR estuaries, impacting muddy habitat-dependent fisheries.

Thinking Hattusha: Astronomy and Landscape in the Hittite Lands

Hattusha: the Hittite Capital — 2011 — WHE0713B1FA60

Astronomical and topographical orientations were not random in Hittite temples, contrary to previous assumptions. This study reveals well-defined patterns in the orientation of Hittite monuments, providing insights into their cultural and religious significance within the Anatolian context. By analyzing a statistically significant sample of Hittite temples and gates, along with preliminary Phrygian data, researchers demonstrate that these orientations were purposeful and linked to solar cults and festival calendars. The findings challenge earlier skepticism about Hittite interest in celestial phenomena and contribute to understanding the transition from Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age religious practices.

Three experimental high-flow releases from Glen Canyon Dam, Arizona— Effects on the downstream Colorado River ecosystem

Grand Canyon National Park — 2011 — WHE65717EED55

Three experimental high-flow releases (HFEs) from Glen Canyon Dam, conducted in 1996, 2004, and 2008, demonstrated that artificial floods can restore critical downstream ecosystem functions in the Colorado River. These controlled releases mimicked pre-dam seasonal flooding, benefiting endangered humpback chub populations, sandbar habitats, cultural sites, and recreational resources within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Grand Canyon National Park. The study synthesized findings from multiple HFE-related investigations since 1996, providing a framework for future implementations to mitigate the dam's ecological impacts.

Three new remarkable carnivorous sponges (Porifera, Cladorhizidae) from deep New Zealand and Australian (Macquarie Island) waters

Macquarie Island — 2011 — WHE54B1967A70

Researchers have discovered three new species of carnivorous sponges (Cladorhizidae) in deep waters around New Zealand and Macquarie Island, each exhibiting remarkable deviations from known sponge morphology. Abyssocladia carcharias stands out with its pedunculate disc shape and unique multidentate isochelae, while Asbestopluma (Asbestopluma) anisoplacochela introduces a novel microsclere form, the anisoplacochelae, characterized by dissimilar plate-like central teeth. Asbestopluma (Asbestopluma) desmophora features densely packed desma megascleres at its base and exhibits dichotomous branching. These findings challenge existing phylogenetic understandings of Cladorhizidae and highlight the biodiversity of deep-sea environments in the region, including Macquarie Ridge.

Three new species of oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida: Galumnoidea) from Ethiopia

Bale Mountains National Park — 2011 — WHEF8FCB7726D

Researchers have identified three new species of oribatid mites—Galumna lanceosensilla n. sp., Trichogalumna africana n. sp., and Galumnopsis giganteus n. sp.—from the soil of Bale Mountains National Park in Ethiopia. These discoveries, belonging to the superfamily Galumnoidea, expand our understanding of mite biodiversity in the region. The study employed detailed morphological analysis to distinguish these species based on characteristics such as body structure and sensory setae. This research contributes to the documentation of microarthropod diversity, which plays a crucial role in soil ecology and conservation efforts in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Thysanoptera of the Galápagos Islands

Galápagos Islands — 2011 — WHE3D4C264C3D

A comprehensive inventory of Thysanoptera (thrips) in the Galápagos Islands reveals 77 species across 17 islands, including nine pest species. This represents a 54% increase from previously known records, with four species—Frankliniella occidentalis, Gynaikothrips uzeli, Thrips palmi, and Thrips tabaci—documented for the first time in the archipelago. The study combined museum specimens, field collections (2009), and published literature to achieve this significant expansion of the Galápagos thrips fauna.

Ticks on free-living wild mammals in Emas National Park, Goias State, central Brazil

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2011 — WHE928549F42B

A comprehensive study of ticks on free-living wild mammals in Emas National Park, Brazil, reveals significant new host-parasite associations. Over nearly a decade (1999–2008), researchers documented nine tick species across multiple mammal orders, including several novel findings: adult Amblyomma tigrinum parasitizing pampas cats (Leopardus colocolo), and nymphs of six tick species on previously unrecorded hosts such as crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) and other carnivores. While most associations were consistent with prior records, the study expands our understanding of ectoparasite diversity in Brazilian wildlife, highlighting the importance of long-term monitoring in protected areas like Emas National Park.

Tipo, Tamaño y Medida en la Arquitectura Gótica. el Foco Burgalés (SS. XIII-XIV)

Burgos Cathedral — 2011 — WHE048664D141

A study of Burgos Cathedral and associated Gothic churches reveals three distinct architectural scales, achieved through versatile typology and simple metric rules. These findings suggest that the stonemason groups' designs were adaptable yet standardized, enabling widespread replication across Spain during the 13th and 14th centuries. The research analyzes ground-plan geometry and proportions to uncover underlying design principles, offering new insights into the diffusion of Gothic architecture.

Titelbild: Mauerwerk 6/2011

Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin — 2011 — WHEFADEBCB8E6

Awarded the German Architecture Prize 2011, the reconstruction of the Neues Museum on Berlin's Museumsinsel stands as a landmark achievement. Led by David Chipperfield Architects with Julian Harrap and overseen by the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation alongside the Federal Office for Building and Spatial Planning, this project exemplifies innovative restoration blending historical fidelity with contemporary design. The honor recognizes not only architectural excellence but also the meticulous preservation of cultural heritage within a dynamic urban context. This case study highlights the intersection of conservation challenges, modern engineering, and aesthetic innovation in safeguarding UNESCO-listed sites.

To the hepatic flora of the Sochi National Park (Western Caucasus)

Western Caucasus — 2011 — WHE46FEB60CEA

A comprehensive survey of the hepatic flora in Sochi National Park, Western Caucasus, identifies 80 taxa, including two species new to the Caucasus and 17 previously unrecorded in Krasnodar Territory. This study significantly expands the known biodiversity of the park, with 41 hepatics documented for the first time. Notably, three red-listed European species and six species from the Krasnodar Territory Red Data Book were found, underscoring the park's critical conservation value. The research combines literature reviews with field collections of 250 specimens, providing a robust dataset that enhances our understanding of this ecologically significant region.

Tolomeo y Copérnico en el Nuevo Mundo. Juan O’Gorman y el muro sur de la Biblioteca Central de Ciudad Universitaria

Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) — 2011 — WHE9E37A45F1E

A significant mural by Juan O’Gorman on the southern wall of the Biblioteca Central at UNAM’s Ciudad Universitaria campus reinterprets the astronomical debate between Ptolemaic and Copernican models, blending Mexican modernist art with colonial-era cultural encounters. Unlike Antonio Ruiz’s conventional cosmographic approach, O’Gorman’s mural integrates pre-Hispanic codices with modern library functions, creating a tension that reflects Mexico’s complex historical narrative. The study analyzes this mural as part of a broader programmatic design, highlighting its role in reshaping Mexican identity through art and architecture.

Tourism in Northeastern Argentina

Iguazu National Park — 2011 — WHE5F9769BC2F

Mass tourism at Iguazu National Park, attracting over one million visitors annually, has significantly impacted both the Mbya Guaraní indigenous population and the surrounding environment. The edited collection 'Tourism in Northeastern Argentina' reveals that while ecotourism is often promoted for its environmental benefits, it can lead to the loss of traditional lands for indigenous groups like the Mbya, who have been forced to adapt their culture to accommodate tourism. The study also highlights the challenges faced by nearby towns, such as Colonia Carlos Pelligrini, in balancing economic development with environmental protection, particularly in preserving pristine wetlands. This research underscores the complex intersection of human and indigenous rights with environmental conservation in the context of rapidly growing tourism.

Tourism revenue sharing policy at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda: a policy arrangements approach

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — 2011 — WHE8A73E02968

A study on tourism revenue sharing (TRS) at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, reveals that the policy's governance capacity is low due to structural incongruence among its dimensions—actors, resources, rules of the game, and discourses. Despite participatory reforms, the Uganda Wildlife Authority retains control over resources and sets the rules, leaving local communities undercompensated for conservation costs. Weak communication, unfair distribution, corruption claims, and powerful local elites further exacerbate these issues. The research, based on qualitative data from BINP and surrounding parishes, suggests that addressing inequities in TRS design could enhance its potential to support conservation through development.

Tourism's role in the struggle for the intellectual and material possession of ‘The Centre’ of Australia at Uluru, 1929–2011

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park — 2011 — WHE4D1D046556

Tourism at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park has been a contentious force, shaping the struggle for intellectual and material possession of Australia's 'Centre.' Contrary to prevailing narratives, the Australian National Travel Association (ANTA) actively positioned Uluru as a tourist destination in 1958, embedding it with colonial symbolism to honor explorers and prospectors. This study reveals that ANTA's efforts marked the first phase of a broader conflict over Uluru's heartland, culminating in Anangu's restoration of customary rights in the 1980s. Today, Anangu navigate tourism's dual role—both as a catalyst for change and a potential avenue for reconciliation between colonizers and the colonized. The research traces ANTA's brokerage of travel traditions and tourist gazes, analyzing how these practices formalized climb-based expectations that now face dismantling.