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Muographic monitoring of the volcano-tectonic evolution of Mount Etna

Mount Etna — 2020 — WHEE52F675C7A

A groundbreaking study using muographic imaging has revealed critical insights into the volcano-tectonic evolution of Mount Etna, demonstrating its potential for mid-term eruption predictions. The research, conducted from 2017 to 2019, detected a cavity months before the collapse of the North-East Crater in 2017 and identified underground fractures that preceded the emergence of a new eruptive vent in June 2019, which remains active as of February 2020. This pilot experiment underscores muography's capability to monitor the internal dynamics of active volcanoes, offering a novel approach to understanding their plumbing systems. The findings suggest that expanding this technology could establish a robust monitoring system for predicting volcanic activity on timescales of weeks to months.

Muography as a new tool to study the historic earthquakes recorded in ancient burial mounds

Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group: Mounded Tombs of Ancient Japan — 2020 — WHE0F0E4BD914

Researchers using muography have uncovered evidence of large-scale vertical cracks at the top of Imashirozuka burial mound, suggesting instability predating the 1596 Fushimi earthquake. These findings indicate that the mound's foundation was inherently unstable before the seismic event, which triggered a rotational landslide and subsequent collapse. The study employed bidirectional muographic measurements—a non-invasive technique—to analyze the internal structure of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering new insights into the impact of historic earthquakes on ancient architectural heritage.

Murder in the Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church — 2020 — WHE6C7BCA51C0

T.S. Eliot's 1935 play Murder in the Cathedral, performed in Canterbury Cathedral, transcends its historical setting to address enduring tensions between spiritual and temporal authority within Christian ecclesiology. While often interpreted as a meditation on Saint Thomas Becket’s martyrdom, the work critically engages with political and ecclesiastical power dynamics, reflecting anxieties of its time. The play dramatizes the conflict that has persisted since Constantine, challenging conventional narratives by emphasizing its political and theological dimensions over purely spiritual ones.

Música y performance como estrategias de conversión en el Virreinato del Perú

Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos — 2020 — WHE60014EAD86

Music and performance emerged as powerful tools for religious conversion during the Spanish colonization of the Andes, blending European liturgical traditions with indigenous practices to facilitate the spread of Christianity. This study highlights how Franciscan friar Luis Jéronimo de Oré's evangelization manual Symbolo Catholico Indiano (1598) and the 18th-century Jesuit missional opera San Ignacio de Loyola demonstrated the effectiveness of musical performance in teaching and delighting native populations, while also reinforcing Spanish colonial authority. By integrating Quechua lyrics with European music and narrating the lives of saints, these works not only promoted Catholicism but also showcased indigenous talent within the colonial system. The analysis reveals a strategic use of performance to replace violent conversion methods, offering both educational and cultural value.

Musical life in urban communities of North-Eastern Slovakia in the period of reformation

Levoča, Spišský Hrad and the Associated Cultural Monuments — 2020 — WHE5F948062AD

Archival research reveals significant shifts in musical culture within North-Eastern Slovakia during the Reformation, marked by the influence of Lutheran urban cantorates from Central Europe. The study highlights how multi-ethnic and multi-confessional dynamics shaped these changes, particularly in major centers like Levoča, Spišský Hrad, Bardejov, Prešov, Kežmarok, and Spišská Nová Ves. Key figures such as J.Fabri, L. Stöckel, J. Plotz, and G. Plotz played pivotal roles in this transformation, blending local musical traditions with imported practices. The research employs a detailed analysis of archival documents to trace the evolution of cantorates, focusing on the contributions of domestic musicians—cantors, organists, and trumpeters—to the cultural landscape.

Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in the 1930 Evacuees from St Kilda, Scotland

St Kilda — 2020 — WHE6B68E39414

A rare and significant health impact emerged among the St Kilda evacuees following their 1930 relocation from the remote Hebridean island to the Scottish mainland. Contrary to typical scenarios where isolated communities are exposed to endemic diseases, this study reveals that the evacuees themselves became vulnerable to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), a pathogen not previously present on St Kilda. The research highlights how the introduction of a non-immune population into a more densely populated and disease-exposed environment can lead to unexpected health consequences. By analyzing historical records and medical data from the decade post-evacuation, the study underscores the importance of understanding the bidirectional risks of infectious diseases during community relocations.

National nature-based tourism in Samarkand Region

Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures — 2020 — WHEE5FB9CF2C1

A sociological survey identifies key vacation spots and environmental concerns in Samarkand Region, Uzbekistan, revealing that eco-tourism—unlike general nature-based tourism—must prioritize biodiversity conservation while benefiting local communities. The study used Esri’s ArcGIS social Survey 123 Online to gather data on pollution levels, recreational preferences, and penalties for environmental damage, distinguishing between passive (e.g., birdwatching) and active (e.g., hiking) tourism. Findings emphasize that ecotourism can enhance ecological, educational, and cultural standards if implemented sustainably.

Natural biocides and bio-calcite: innovative tools for cultural heritage

The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera — 2020 — WHE7E2DB2A6F3

Research on the Sassi and Park of Rupestrian Churches in Matera, Italy, reveals promising eco-friendly alternatives for cultural heritage preservation. The study found that glycoalkaloids from plants like Solanum nigrum exhibit strong biocidal activity against bacterial strains colonizing stone surfaces, offering a safer alternative to traditional chemical treatments. Additionally, Bacillus bacteria native to the churches demonstrated significant calcinogenic potential, producing bio-calcite crystals coherent with the stone substrate, which could enhance consolidation efforts. This approach advocates for proactive, continuous monitoring and targeted interventions to prevent biodeterioration, shifting from reactive remediation to preventive conservation strategies.

Nature-Based Solution for Reducing CO2 Levels in Museum Environments: A Phytoremediation Study for the Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper”

Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci — 2020 — WHE8D3779867C

A nature-based solution (NBS) using Laurus nobilis L. (common laurel) demonstrates significant potential for reducing CO2 levels in air-tight museum environments, such as the Refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church in Milan, Italy, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s 'The Last Supper.' The study found that laurel plants can effectively remove CO2 under controlled conditions, with light-saturated net assimilation (Pnmax) increasing significantly at elevated CO2 levels (1000 ppm). This capacity varies seasonally, with higher performance in spring and autumn. To manage visitor-related CO2 emissions, the research suggests deploying 58 to 112 young laurel plants in an external greenhouse connected to the museum’s HVAC system, depending on seasonal conditions. These findings propose a sustainable approach to integrating NBS with traditional air-cleaning systems to enhance indoor environmental quality in heritage sites.

Negotiating Authority: Local Communities in the World Heritage Convention

Ironbridge Gorge — 2020 — WHE0E01F58FCE

Power dynamics within the UNESCO World Heritage Convention significantly influence the inclusion and authority of local communities and indigenous peoples, as demonstrated by a critical analysis of Ironbridge Gorge. The study reveals that despite international guidelines emphasizing their intrinsic role in site management, local communities often face challenges in negotiating legal and intellectual authority due to bureaucratic processes. This research highlights the tension between heritage policy aspirations and practical implementation, particularly in European contexts. By examining case studies like Ironbridge Gorge, the paper underscores the need for structural reforms to ensure equitable participation and recognition of local knowledge in World Heritage practices.

Negotiation, bargaining, and discounts: generating WoM and local tourism development at the Tabriz bazaar, Iran

Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex — 2020 — WHE307A1EEA1B

A study on the Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex reveals that experiential satisfaction with negotiation and bargaining, along with satisfaction with received discounts, significantly motivates tourists to engage in word-of-mouth (WoM) behaviors. This finding underscores the critical role of interactive shopping experiences in driving tourism development at UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The research employs survey data from 615 respondents to explore how these factors influence WoM communication, contributing to Social-Exchange-Theory and offering actionable insights for policymakers aiming to boost local tourism.

Neotectonic Vertical Movements in the South Sikhote-Alin and Characteristics of Self-Similarity of the Stream Network in the Region

Central Sikhote-Alin — 2020 — WHE36DD8015A8

Research reveals that neotectonic vertical movements in the South Sikhote-Alin region, particularly east of the Central Sikhote-Alin Fault, have significantly shaped its landscape over distinct geological periods. Key findings indicate that intense uplift occurred during the Pliocene, coinciding with basaltic volcanism, while the Pleistocene saw minimal vertical movement but significant erosion-denudation relief formation. Slight reactivation in late Pleistocene to Holocene periods left residual relief imprints. The study combines morphostructural and fractal analyses of stream networks, demonstrating that self-similarity parameters correlate with areas of maximum elevation increments and minimum erosion. This approach highlights the conservative nature of stream network patterns, reflecting the region's complex neotectonic evolution.

Neotectonic vertical movements of the South Sikhote-Alin and characteristics of self-similarity of the stream network

Central Sikhote-Alin — 2020 — WHE3304D3A8A2

Research reveals that neotectonic vertical movements in the South Sikhote-Alin region have significantly shaped its modern relief, with distinct phases of uplift and stability influencing erosion patterns. The study identifies four key stages: a pre-Oligocene general uplift, Pliocene activation of vertical movements linked to basalt volcanism, Pleistocene stabilization during which current erosion-denudation relief formed, and slight Holocene reactivation east of the Central Sikhote-Alin fault. Fractal analysis of stream networks shows that areas with the highest self-similarity parameter (PRNS) correspond to regions of greatest elevation increments, while minima align with significant erosion zones. This conservative pattern reflects the stage-wise development of relief, highlighting the need for additional factors in fractal analysis when studying such dynamic landscapes.

Nested BoxesTangible Cultural Heritage and Environmental Protection in Light of Climate Change

Venice and its Lagoon — 2020 — WHED8D2066141

Climate change poses significant threats to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly those with mixed cultural and natural significance. A study reveals that while the World Heritage Convention provides specialized protection for localized adaptation and mitigation measures at these sites, international environmental regulations like the UNFCCC focus more broadly on systemic mitigation and adaptation, potentially overlooking specific heritage concerns. This 'nested boxes' paradigm highlights the need for a more integrated approach to balancing cultural heritage preservation with global environmental strategies. The research underscores the importance of recognizing tangible cultural heritage as both a localized and systemic priority in international law.

Nesting Ecology of Gharials (Gavialis gangeticus): Implications from In Situ and Ex Situ Conservation Programs in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Chitwan National Park — 2020 — WHEE4F6398877

A long-term study on the nesting ecology of critically endangered Gharials (Gavialis gangeticus) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, revealed significant insights into their reproductive behavior and conservation implications. The research, spanning 17 years from 2001 to 2017, identified a consistent nesting window with a mean oviposition date of March 31, and hatching occurring around June 15 after an average incubation period of 76 days. Notably, the study found that while clutch size and infertile egg proportions were higher in the Narayani River compared to the Rapti River, hatching success was significantly greater in the Rapti River. Additionally, nests in the Narayani River were positioned farther from the water's edge, likely as an adaptation to prevent flooding. This comprehensive study provides critical data for designing and optimizing both in situ and ex situ conservation programs for Gharials in Nepal.

Neusiedler See – tourism as a part of architectural development : building criteria for the world heritage Site Fertö / Neusiedler See cultural landscape

Fertö / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape — 2020 — WHE7F1345F991

A future architectural framework for tourism development in the UNESCO-listed Fertö/Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape is proposed, ensuring alignment with its exceptional universal value and preservation criteria. The study combines historical analysis of architecture and landscape influences with a review of existing infrastructure, drawing on the nomination dossier's key attributes—authenticity, integrity, and conservation requirements—to define typologies and design guidelines. This approach aims to balance innovation with regional adaptation, providing architects with evidence-based criteria for sustainable, culturally sensitive tourism development in this protected region.

New application of strontium isotopes reveals evidence of limited migratory behaviour in Late Cretaceous hadrosaurs

Dinosaur Provincial Park — 2020 — WHED2113E7047

A new study using strontium isotopes from fossilized hadrosaur enamel provides compelling evidence that these Late Cretaceous dinosaurs exhibited limited migratory behavior, moving between Dinosaur Provincial Park and a nearby locality approximately 80 kilometers away in Alberta, Canada. This finding challenges the assumption that the continent-wide distribution of some hadrosaur species was due to long-range migrations, instead suggesting more localized movements akin to those observed in modern elephants. The research represents the first successful application of strontium isotope ratios to reconstruct dinosaur migration patterns, offering a novel approach to understanding dinosaur ecology beyond fossil distribution alone.

New approach to the evaluation of internal variability in the Acheulean: a case study of Garba I (Melka Kunture, Ethiopia) (Contribution à l’évaluation de la variation interne des industries acheuléennes. Le cas de Garba I (Melka Kunture, Ethiopie))

Melka Kunture and Balchit: Archaeological and Palaeontological Sites in the Highland Area of Ethiopia — 2020 — WHE5A091B7B31

Acheulean stone tools from Garba I, Melka Kunture (Ethiopia), exhibit significant internal variability that challenges traditional interpretations of early hominin technology. This study introduces a novel methodological approach to analyze such variability, revealing patterns previously overlooked in Acheulean assemblages. By integrating spatial distribution analysis with technological attributes, researchers identified distinct functional and temporal trends within the site, suggesting dynamic behavioral shifts among early hominins. The findings imply that internal variability in Acheulean industries is not merely random but reflects complex adaptive strategies, offering new insights into the cognitive and cultural evolution of early human populations in the Ethiopian highlands.

New Approaches to St Stephen’s Chapel, Palace of Westminster

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2020 — WHE2D240A5E8C

A groundbreaking collection of articles introduces innovative approaches to studying St Stephen's Chapel within the Palace of Westminster. The research shifts focus from traditional architectural analysis to a multidisciplinary examination of the chapel's cultural and historical significance, emphasizing its role as a symbol of democratic governance. By integrating digital humanities methods—such as 3D modeling, archival analysis, and material science—the study offers unprecedented insights into the chapel's construction, conservation challenges, and evolving legacy. This approach not only deepens our understanding of the site's heritage but also sets a new standard for preserving complex historical structures.

New Excavations at Umhlatuzana Rockshelter, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a Stratigraphic and Taphonomic Evaluation

The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa — 2020 — WHE2174C26F55

New excavations at Umhlatuzana Rockshelter, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, challenge previous assumptions about sediment movement and reveal a stable depositional history spanning the last 70,000 years. Contrary to earlier suggestions, high-resolution geoarchaeological analyses—including sedimentology, particle size distribution, cluster analysis, phytolith studies, and geochemical assessments (pH, loss on ignition, stable carbon isotopes)—demonstrate that the site’s stratigraphic integrity is intact, with no evidence of large-scale postdepositional disturbance. The study proposes a revised stratigraphic division for the Pleistocene sequence, showing that low-density archaeological horizons in the upper layers result from varying sedimentation rates rather than sediment movement. This finding provides critical insights into the Middle to Later Stone Age transition (~40,000–30,000 years BP) and contributes to understanding the emergence of modern human behavior in southern Africa.