Bursa and Cumalıkızık: the Birth of the Ottoman Empire
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2011 —
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A study evaluating radon concentrations in well and tap waters in Bursa, Turkey, found that while most samples were below safety limits, seven sites exceeded the USEPA's recommended threshold of 11.1 Bq l(-1). Radon levels ranged from 1.46 to 53.64 Bq l(-1) in well water and 0.91 to 12.58 Bq l(-1) in tap water, with all values significantly below the EU's revised reference level of 100 Bq l(-1). The research used AlphaGUARD PQ 2000PRO radon gas analyser across diverse geologic formations, comparing local data with international standards. Annual mean effective doses from water consumption were minimal, ranging from 0.02 to 1.11 µSv a(-1), indicating low health risks.
Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital
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2011 —
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Urban expansion in Beijing between 2004 and 2009, particularly around the central axis, led to a significant increase in built-up areas by approximately 139.19 km² (4% of the study area) and altered land surface temperature (LST) patterns. High-temperature zones were initially concentrated south of the central axis, extending to the fifth ring road in 2004, but this distribution was mitigated by 2009. The study found a strong negative correlation between LST and NDVI for both years, with LST changes accounting for about 40% of NDVI changes. This suggests that urbanization not only increases built-up areas but also significantly impacts thermal environments, potentially influencing local climate dynamics.
Macquarie Island
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2011 —
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A single seed of kowhai (<em>Sophora microphylla</em>), a species not native to Macquarie Island, was discovered on the island's lakeshore. This finding suggests that long-distance dispersal by birds, followed by additional transport mechanisms, may enable the colonization of oceanic islands by certain plant species, including those in the Edwardsia group of <em>Sophora</em>. The discovery highlights the potential for multi-stage dispersal processes to overcome geographical barriers in sub-Antarctic ecosystems.
Nyungwe National Park
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2011 —
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Researchers have uncovered evidence that rodents, specifically the Kivu brush-tailed rat (Cricetomys kivuensis), play a significant role in seed dispersal within Nyungwe National Park's tropical montane forests. The study, conducted through seed-removal experiments, analysis of rodent burrows and caches, examination of cotyledon burial in seedlings, and camera trap imagery, demonstrates that these rodents remove and hoard large seeds of the Carapa grandiflora tree. This finding highlights an understudied aspect of seed dispersal in African ecosystems, with potential implications for forest regeneration and biodiversity.
Western Tien-Shan
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2011 —
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Research in the Maily-Say Valley, Kyrgyz Tien Shan, reveals a significant shift in landslide size-frequency distribution over the past 50 years, suggesting increasing landslide-related hazards. Analyzing five inventories (1962–2007) using remote sensing and spatial analysis, scientists observed a rise in both the number and size of unstable slopes, alongside a decreasing power-law exponent—a trend indicative of heightened geomorphic activity. The study employed image subtraction techniques based on NDVI to detect new landslide activations, confirming systematic changes in slope instability patterns in Central Asia.
Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park
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2011 —
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Research in the Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves reveals unexpected evidence of Late Pleistocene glaciation at elevations below 1000 meters, challenging previous assumptions that glacial activity in Costa Rica was confined to peaks above 3000 meters. The study identifies distinct glacial landforms, including U-shaped valleys, frontal and lateral moraines, megalithic deposits with striations, polished rock planes, and striae parallel to valleys along the San Rafael, San Pedro, and Peñas Blancas rivers. These features provide compelling evidence for significant glaciation during the Late Pleistocene in the Valle del General, suggesting that glacial processes extended to lower elevations than previously recognized.
Caliphate City of Medina Azahara
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2011 —
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A detailed analysis of historical records reveals that the landscape at the foot of the Sierra Cordobesa, long assumed to be primarily dedicated to extensive livestock grazing, was actually a diversified agricultural zone during the 13th to 15th centuries. This area, home to significant historical sites like the ruins of Madinat al-Zahra (Córdoba la Vieja), supported not only pastures but also olive groves, vineyards, and gardens that played a crucial role in supplying Córdoba's markets during the Late Middle Ages. The study challenges traditional narratives by leveraging documentary sources to reconstruct a more complex economic landscape, highlighting its multifaceted contributions to the region's subsistence and trade.
Socotra Archipelago
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2011 —
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The Socotra Archipelago, an isolated continental fragment in the Western Indian Ocean, exhibits remarkable floristic diversity and endemism shaped by at least 18 million years of isolation. Despite its significance as a unique biogeographical system—often likened to the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean—it remains understudied. This research reveals that Socotra's flora has undergone significant local adaptations and radiations, providing key insights into island biogeography. By analyzing origins, affinities, disjunctions, and environmental influences, the study elucidates the evolutionary processes contributing to its distinct biodiversity. The findings highlight Socotra as a critical case study for understanding long-term isolation and ecological specialization in island ecosystems.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2011 —
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The Yukon Alpine Centennial Expedition of 1967, organized by the Alpine Club of Canada to celebrate Canada's centennial, achieved 33 climbs in the St. Elias Range, including 27 first ascents, while also naming geographic features and leaving a cultural imprint. This expedition, funded by multiple governments, challenged traditional narratives of nationhood through its approach to mountain landscapes, contributing to the establishment of Kluane National Park in 1972. The study examines how these encounters and stories intersect with local knowledge, cultural landscapes, and environmental philosophy, providing insight into the politics of mountaineering and Canadian federalist nationalism in northern regions.
Ogasawara Islands
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2011 —
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Residents of the Ogasawara Islands, a remote UNESCO World Heritage Site, exhibit a notable unawareness of their geopolitical positioning due to historical disconnection from Japan and proximity to U.S. naval administration. This 'borderlity'—a sense of being neither Japanese nor American—stems from the islands' isolation and lack of strong ties to either nation. A questionnaire-based case study revealed that inhabitants perceive their locality as detached from both countries, reinforcing this unique geopolitical identity. The findings underscore how geographical and administrative factors shape local perceptions of belonging.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
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2011 —
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Among the seven endemic wild cinnamon species in Sri Lanka, three are classified as Threatened (Cinnamomum litseaefolium, C. rivulorum, and C. sinharajaense), two as Highly Threatened (C. capparucoronde and C. citriodorum), one as Indeterminate (C. ovalifolium), and only C. dubium as Not Threatened. This assessment, based on eco-geographical surveys, herbarium data, and potential distribution modeling using DIVA-GIS, highlights critical threats including habitat destruction, urbanization, and unsustainable agriculture. The study underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these ecologically and economically valuable species, particularly those endemic to Sinharaja Forest Reserve.
Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range
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2011 —
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The Yumekake Bridge, located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range, Japan, represents a groundbreaking achievement in bridge engineering. It is the nation's first extradosed prestressed concrete bridge utilizing high-strength (60 MPa) and self-compacting cast-in-place concrete for both the tower and box girder, along with high-strength materials for the piers. This innovative design enhances slenderness and seismic resistance, addressing structural challenges in steep ravines like the Kumano River. The bridge's special features are detailed in this study, showcasing advancements in material science and civil engineering that could inform future infrastructure projects in similar environments.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2011 —
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A study modeling wind-generated waves in Ilha Grande Bay, Brazil, revealed significant wave heights of up to 1.5 meters during storm conditions, posing risks to coastal structures and beaches. Researchers used the WAVEWATCH III spectral model with Reanalysis II wind data to simulate both typical and extreme wave scenarios. The findings highlight the potential for such modeling techniques to predict and mitigate coastal damage in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Paraty and Ilha Grande, which are valued for their unique culture and biodiversity.
Aldabra Atoll
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2011 —
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Aldabra Atoll has witnessed a remarkable 500%–800% increase in its nesting green turtle population over four decades of protection since becoming a nature reserve in 1968. Initially, the population faced intense exploitation, but standardized track count protocols implemented from 1980 onward revealed significant recovery. The study monitored 52 nesting beaches across the atoll's 83-km outer rim, classifying them into six groups and tracking reproductive output through egg clutch estimates. Notably, Settlement Beach (SETT), historically the most exploited, showed the highest rate of increase during Phase 2 (1994–2008). This research underscores the effectiveness of long-term conservation efforts in restoring endangered species.
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes
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2011 —
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Jeju Island's volcanic rocks exhibit distinct groundwater distribution patterns, primarily influenced by regional hydrogeological features. The study reveals that the island can be divided into four regions—east, west, south, and north—each with unique groundwater characteristics. In the east and west, basal groundwater and lower sub-basal groundwater dominate, while in the south and north, sub-basal and upper groundwater are more prevalent. The correlation between aquifer depth and groundwater levels is highest in the southern region, gradually decreasing towards the northern, eastern, and western regions. This research leverages data from 203 groundwater wells across Jeju Island, including agricultural, municipal, and monitoring wells, to analyze hydrogeological structures such as clinker layers, fractures, and volcanic tuffs.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2011 —
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Blue-and-yellow Macaws (Ara ararauna) in the Cerrado Protected Areas of Brazil, particularly Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks, are highly attracted to firebreaks due to the abundance of fruiting Anacardium humile shrubs. A study observed 76 macaw flocks foraging at these sites between September 2006 and February 2007, revealing that seeds from A. humile were their primary food source. Macaws also consumed young apical parts, leaves, flowers, and branches of other plant species, with a significant preference for shrubs over trees. Their foraging activities often resulted in damage to reproductive and young plant parts, highlighting the ecological impact of macaw behavior on these protected areas.
Old and New Towns of Edinburgh
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2011 —
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A devastating fire in Edinburgh's Old Town in 1824, which destroyed historic structures and exposed systemic inefficiencies in firefighting, catalyzed the municipalization of fire protection in Britain. This event enabled James Braidwood to establish foundational principles for organized firefighting, influencing urban centers like London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, and others. Shane Ewen's 'Fighting Fires: Creating the British Fire Service, 1800–1978' traces the evolution of fire services from fragmented insurance-dependent models to a nationalized, publicly funded system, accelerated by wartime demands. The study highlights the tension between professionalization efforts by senior officers and the exploitation of rank-and-file firefighters, as well as the pivotal role of World Wars in standardizing practices and improving labor conditions. Ewen's work challenges historical narratives by emphasizing Victorian local government responsiveness and the enduring impact of urban fires on public service reform.
Bourges Cathedral
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2011 —
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A comprehensive analysis reveals that medieval cathedral building projects were financed through a diverse and multifaceted array of sources, with no single or limited funding stream dominating. The study, based on exhaustive data from approximately eighty cathedrals, including Bourges Cathedral, demonstrates that bishops and cathedral chapters utilized every conceivable revenue source—such as gifts from founding bishops, initiation fees for canons, fines, papal and secular donations, tithes, indulgences, pilgrim contributions, fair profits, loans, and more—to sustain prolonged construction campaigns. This financial complexity directly influenced the pace, scope, and design of cathedral projects, with funding patterns varying significantly across sites. The analysis, drawn from fabric records and supplemented by detailed case studies like the Utrecht Dom, provides an encyclopedic overview that establishes a foundational framework for future research on medieval cathedral financing.
Yellowstone National Park
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2011 —
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Research at Mushroom Spring, Yellowstone National Park, reveals distinct ecological populations (ecotypes) of the cyanobacterium Synechococcus, specialized to specific temperature gradients within microbial mats. By analyzing genetic diversity at the psaA locus across 1°C intervals along an effluent flow channel and vertical depth layers, the study identified ecologically distinct clades using computational tools like Ecotype Simulation and AdaptML. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis further confirmed these variants' distribution relative to temperature, oxygen, pH, and light variations, underscoring their ecological specialization in extreme thermal environments.
Chitwan National Park
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2011 —
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Tiger diets in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, exhibit significant fine-scale spatio-temporal variation that is influenced by study duration and the size of the study area. Aggregated data from three studies revealed that increasing both factors leads to greater dietary diversity, with different prey species contributing most prominently depending on the study's temporal extent. Despite this variation, deer (Cervidae) consistently dominated tiger diets, while small to medium-sized prey played a notable role in one study. Surprisingly, tiger diet was unrelated to prey abundance, suggesting that other factors may drive dietary shifts. The findings underscore the importance of long-term and large-scale studies for understanding tiger feeding patterns, which are critical for conservation efforts aiming to mitigate poaching threats to tiger populations.
Tasmanian Wilderness
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2011 —
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Rain forest distribution in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is strongly influenced by topography, with these ecosystems predominantly found in valleys and steep south-facing slopes—areas less prone to fire. This study reveals that rain forests occupy topographic 'fire refugia,' where fires are least likely to burn, while highly flammable moorlands dominate flats, ridges, and north-facing slopes. Using geospatial statistics and satellite imagery, researchers mapped large-scale fires (>40,000 ha) to demonstrate how vegetation types interact with topography to shape fire patterns. The findings support a hierarchy of fire frequency (moorland > scrub > wet sclerophyll > rain forest), suggesting that fire-topography interactions play a critical role in maintaining vegetation mosaics in fire-prone landscapes. This insight challenges traditional models by emphasizing the antagonism between fire and rain forest, offering implications for understanding stable vegetation states in similar ecosystems.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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2011 —
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A groundbreaking distributional study of Branchiobdellida, or crayfish worms, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) reveals a previously understudied biodiversity hotspot. Researchers identified 10 species across 15 sites, including five species of Cambarincola, with occurrences ranging from one to eleven sites per species. This study, part of the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory, highlights the complex factors influencing species distribution and host preferences in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Notably, a redescription of <em>Cambarincola holostomus</em> Hoffman, 1963, adds new morphological characters to its profile. The findings underscore the need for further intensive surveys to comprehend the ecological dynamics and conserve both the symbionts and their hosts.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Maputo National Park
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2011 —
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A new species of Gastrotricha, Halichaetonotus sanctaeluciae, has been discovered in the St. Lucia Estuary within South Africa's iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Maputo National Park. This microscopic organism, identified among marine sediment samples, exhibits unique characteristics such as a hydrofoil scale shape and three long dorsal spines, distinguishing it from related species like Halichaetonotus australis and Halichaetonotus marivagus. The study also documented five other Gastrotricha species in South Africa for the first time, including two previously described species (Dactylopodola australiensis and Heteroxenotrichula squamosa) and three requiring further taxonomic analysis. The findings highlight the biodiversity of this UNESCO-listed wetland park and contribute to understanding the region's meiofauna.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
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2011 —
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Researchers have uncovered the first report of plant fossils from the Tipam Group of rocks exposed at Subankhata Locality within Manas National Park, Assam, India. The findings include two new fossil leaves affiliated with Parashorea stellata and Shorea ovalis, both members of the Dipterocarpaceae family, alongside a fern frond resembling Cyclosorus proliferus from the Thelypteridaceae family. Additionally, impressions of a monocot stem and a seed-like structure were identified. These fossils suggest a Middle-Late Miocene age for the region, indicating the presence of rain forests during this period. The study provides valuable insights into the paleobotanical history of Manas National Park, contributing to our understanding of ancient ecosystems in the area.
Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park
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2011 —
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Capitalist conservation is accelerating agrarian change and commodifying nature at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. The study reveals how translocal capitalist pressures revalue rural lands and ecosystems as marketable assets to finance development, transforming shared resources into capital under the guise of conservation. Using the concepts of 'first' and 'third nature,' it demonstrates that resource partitioning, objectification, and commodification have intensified differentiation among rural communities, driven by private investments that align with modern Philippine ideals. While this process revalues nature in market terms, its effects remain recursive and context-dependent, blending conservation and development in partial ways.
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
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2011 —
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A rapid shift in fish community structure on the Belize Barrier Reef, driven by intense fishing pressure, has relaxed trophic cascades and threatened reef resilience. Over six to seven years (2002-2008/09), large-bodied grouper and carnivorous snapper populations plummeted—grouper encounter probability dropped from 21% to just 2%, while snapper biomass declined sevenfold, primarily in the species <em>Ocyurus chrysurus</em>. Concurrently, parrotfish, particularly the dominant herbivore <em>Sparisoma viride</em>, saw a 41% biomass reduction, with their inclusion in catches rising from 6% to 20%. This fishing pressure led to a dramatic 880% increase in mesopredators like <em>Cephalopholis</em> spp., likely due to reduced predation and foraging constraints imposed by large serranids. Additionally, damselfish densities (<em>Stegastes planifrons</em> and <em>S. partitus</em>) decreased by ~45%, attributed to elevated predation from mesopredators. No such changes were observed in nearby marine reserves. The decline in parrotfish likely contributed to the spread of <em>Halimeda tuna</em> into previously grazed microhabitats, suggesting impaired reef resilience. However, recent Belizean legislation aims to address these issues by improving grouper management and banning the harvesting of most herbivorous fish.
Churches of Chiloé
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2011 —
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Chiloé's architectural heritage, renowned for its wooden churches inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list, extends beyond religious structures to include Spanish forts. These forts exemplify the island's unique adaptation to geography and history, showcasing a resilient patrimony that has endured through time. The study employs an analytical approach to highlight the significance of these forts within Chiloé's broader cultural landscape, emphasizing their historical and architectural value.
Bale Mountains National Park
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2011 —
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Excessive cutting of ecologically, economically, and medically important tree species has been identified as a significant threat to the Dry Afromontane Forest in Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. The study, conducted between July 2003 and June 2004 across three sites (Adelle, Boditi, and Gaysay) at altitudes ranging from 3010 to 3410 meters, documented 230 species belonging to 58 families. Analysis revealed five homogeneous vegetation clusters, with tree densities of 766 and 458 individuals per hectare in Adelle and Boditi forests, respectively. Juniperus procera and Hagenia abyssinica contributed significantly to the basal area, accounting for 43% and 57%, respectively. The study highlighted that both Adelle and Boditi forests are at an early secondary stage of development, with clear evidence of selective logging impacting population structures.
Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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2011 —
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A study on the brown-eared pheasant (<em>Crossoptilon mantchuricum</em>) in Huanglong Mountains, Shaanxi, China, revealed distinct habitat preferences for foraging and day-roosting during the early breeding period (February-March 2006). The research identified that these birds favored foraging sites with lower altitude, gentler slopes, proximity to trails or gullies, fewer tree/shrub varieties, reduced grass cover/height, and higher visibility. Conversely, they preferred half-sunny slopes for roosting, characterized by smaller slope degrees, greater distance from trails, denser tree cover, and lower shrub/grass density/height with reduced visibility. Classification models using these variables accurately distinguished used habitats from random sites (96.08% for foraging, 75.64% for roosting), highlighting critical factors like geographical characteristics, tree density, shrub diversity, grass cover, slope degree, and trail distance as key discriminators. The findings provide insights into the ecological requirements of this species in its natural habitat.
The Dolomites
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2011 —
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Replacement dolomite in the Latemar carbonate buildup of the Dolomites formed at temperatures between 42–72 °C, with a fluid δ^(18)O(H_(2)O) averaging –0.3‰, mirroring conditions of modern mid-ocean ridge fluids. This finding aligns with prior hypotheses about dolomitizing fluid origins but introduces clumped isotope thermometry as a precise method to independently estimate temperature and fluid composition. The study reveals that while calcite preserves original δ^(18)O, its clumped isotope temperatures suggest a reset during dolomitization, highlighting the method's potential for unraveling burial and diagenetic processes with uncertainties as low as ±5 °C and ±0.75‰.
Vredefort Dome
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2011 —
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A groundbreaking study reveals that pseudotachylitic breccias (PTB), enigmatic friction-melt-like structures found in impact craters, can form from local melt reservoirs rather than requiring intrusion of distant impact melt. Researchers analyzed a 1.5 × 3 × 0.04 m granite slab from the Vredefort Dome, South Africa—the central uplift of a >250 km diameter impact structure—to estimate melt volumes. Their calculations show that a 1 m³ PTB-bearing host rock can accommodate up to 52 dm³ of melt, with larger breccia zones potentially deriving from local reservoirs during rapid decompression phases linked to crater formation or post-impact collapse. This challenges long-standing debates on PTB origins, suggesting decompression melting during central uplift formation is a plausible mechanism.
Frontiers of the Roman Empire
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2011 —
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A comprehensive survey of Roman forts, roads, and landscapes along the southwest border of Roman Dacia reveals critical insights into the Empire's frontier dynamics. Researchers from Babeş-Bolyai University employed advanced GPS mapping techniques to record precise coordinates and landscape characteristics for each fort, providing a detailed spatial analysis. This approach highlights the strategic significance of these structures within the broader context of Roman territorial control and military organization. The study's findings are visualized through meticulous maps, offering new perspectives on the interplay between human settlement patterns and natural landscapes during this pivotal period.
The English Lake District
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2011 —
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A four-decade study of Grasmere, a small lake in the English Lake District, reveals that while phosphorus loading from treated sewage increased threefold post-construction of a wastewater treatment plant, its ecological impact was mitigated by strategic outfall placement below the summer thermocline. Despite this, maximum chlorophyll a concentrations doubled, though annual averages remained stable, suggesting interannual variability is more influenced by hydraulic flushing—driven by high rainfall—than nutrient enrichment. Cyanobacterial blooms were linked to periods of relative drought. Improved wastewater management since 1996 has reduced phosphorus loadings, correlating with declines in recent chlorophyll a maxima. The study also documents phytoplankton species shifts, noting that indicators of eutrophication have thrived while slow-growing or nutrient-poor habitat species have declined, except for brief post-flushing blooms.
Messel Pit Fossil Site
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2011 —
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A new species of water-penny beetles (Coleoptera: Psephenidae: Eubrianacinae) from the Middle Eocene Messel Pit fossil site in Germany provides evidence that some parts of Lake Messel had stone-shore areas, indicating an autochthonous faunal element. The study analyzed multiple fossil specimens to infer the species' stratigraphic and spatial distribution but could not fully unravel its larval ontogeny due to preservational influences. Phylogenetic analysis revealed unresolved relationships within Eubrianacinae, suggesting that interpretations based solely on extant members may be misleading. The research also highlights the historical biogeography of Psephenidae, showing that fossil records extend beyond their current distribution range.
Laurisilva of Madeira
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2011 —
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Researchers have identified four new species of the diatom genus Achnanthidium from European environments, including one discovered within the unique Laurisilva forest ecosystem on Madeira. These species—<em>Achnanthidium hoffmannii</em>, <em>Achnanthidium acerosum</em>, <em>Achnanthidium ertzii</em>, and <em>A. tepidaricola</em>—were distinguished based on morphological traits such as valve shape, areolae structure, and apical characteristics. Notably, <em>A. ertzii</em> was found in moss vegetation within the Laurisilva's dense, laurel forest, highlighting the region's biodiversity. The study employed light microscopy (LM) to analyze samples from oligotrophic rivers in Sweden, a greenhouse in Belgium, and the Madeira forest, providing detailed descriptions that differentiate these species from existing ones. This discovery expands the known diversity of European diatoms and contributes to our understanding of microalgal ecology in distinct habitats.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
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2011 —
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A 4000-year reconstruction of environmental change and human activity in the Cochabamba Basin, Bolivia, reveals two distinct periods of reduced moisture availability—around 4000–3370 and 2190–1020 years ago—correlating with El Niño/Southern Oscillation variations. Multiproxy analysis of Lake Challacaba sediments shows continuous human use of the ancient Qhapaq Ñan road network during this time, evidenced by high charcoal abundance. A notable decline in charcoal and increase in dung fungus around 1340–1210 years ago suggests cultural shifts played a significant role in shaping the modern landscape. Despite evidence of human impact on Polylepis woodlands today, no signs of woodland clearance were detected in this record.
Old Town of Lijiang
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2011 —
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A study on the Old Town of Lijiang found that the fractal dimension of built-up land increased from 1.73 in 2000 to 1.84 in 2006, indicating a growing imbalance between urban development and green spaces. This imbalance threatens environmental quality. Researchers used TM image data analyzed via a back-propagation neural network and the box-counting method to quantify urban form. They identified an optimal range within a 2000-meter radius of the Old Town's entrance where increasing green areas could maximize ecological benefits, suggesting that future planning should prioritize balanced land use in this zone.
Island of Saint-Louis
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2011 —
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This study highlights the unique socio-economic trajectory of Île de France (later Mauritius) during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, contrasting its stability with other French colonies amid global conflicts. It reveals how the island's strong maritime orientation and reliance on neutral trade, particularly U.S. commerce, sustained its economy despite broader disruptions. The research underscores the dual nature of Île de France's economy—urban maritime and rural plantation—and its resilience during the French Wars, which positioned it distinctly from Caribbean colonies. Additionally, it examines the island's economic boom post-1825 following Britain's preferential sugar tariff, coinciding with the decline in slave labor availability. The study employs historical analysis to explore these dynamics, offering insights into the complex interplay of colonial economies and global trade during this period.
Western Ghats
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2011 —
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A two-year study (2007–2009) of the Koyna River, northern Western Ghats, India, identified 58 freshwater fish species—11 endemic to the Krishna River system and eight threatened by human activities. Notably, the Koyna River remains relatively free from anthropogenic stressors or invasive species, positioning it as a potential refuge for conserving endangered and endemic fishes. The research highlights the ecological significance of this site while emphasizing the need for minimal human interference and strict controls on alien species introduction to safeguard its unique biodiversity.
Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes
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2011 —
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Cerro de Moctezuma, a hilltop settlement in the Casas Grandes ritual landscape of northwest Mexico, was not merely an ordinary residence but a specialized ideological center with unique architectural and symbolic features. Unlike other Media period settlements (A.D. 1200-1450), El Pueblito on Cerro de Moctezuma stands out due to its distinct construction materials, imposing buildings, and untypical settlement composition, suggesting a focus on ritual and community interactions. Comparative analyses of artifacts revealed no extraordinary differences in ceramics or stone tools, but other evidence—such as wood preference, bird wings, and elk remains—pointed to specialized, ideological interests. The site's trails, wayside shrines, and hill summit precinct were physical and symbolic places that shaped perceptions of the hill, positioning Cerro de Moctezuma as a ritual center reinforcing central beliefs from Paquime, the premier capital of the region.
Okavango Delta
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2011 —
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A decade-long ethnographic study of the Okavango Delta, Botswana, reveals that while the Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) program has fostered collaboration among local communities, government, tourism operators, and conservationists, its effectiveness in achieving long-term wildlife conservation remains mixed. The research highlights that CBNRM, which offers economic incentives such as land access, employment, and tourism profits, has succeeded in co-management in some cases but may lack substantive impact in others. Collaboration across social actors—including NGOs—is identified as a key indicator of potential success, though sustained efforts are needed to ensure lasting conservation outcomes. This case study provides valuable lessons for similar co-management initiatives worldwide where biodiversity and local livelihoods intersect.
Agra Fort
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2011 —
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Between 1803 and 1857, Mughal monuments in Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, and Delhi experienced significant disruptions in their maintenance due to British colonial policies. The study reveals that the British government altered the Islamic institution of <em>awqaf</em>, rescinding tax-free status for charitable lands, which led to the decline of several monuments. While some repairs were funded sporadically—such as those directed by Lord Minto and Lord Hastings—the trend reversed in 1847 under Lord Hardinge, accelerating decay. Delhi’s monuments fared better due to revenue from <em>waqf</em> lands, but non-religious structures deteriorated severely. The 1857 Uprising marked a turning point, halting the British government's inconsistent approach to monument preservation.
Agra Fort
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2011 —
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British colonial policies significantly disrupted the maintenance and preservation of Mughal monuments in Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, and Delhi between 1803 and 1857. Key findings reveal that while some structures received intermittent funding for repairs—such as the Taj Mahal under Lord Minto and Akbar's tomb under Lord Hastings—the British government largely dismantled traditional Islamic endowment systems (awqaf), removing tax-free status and redirecting revenues to state benefits. This led to widespread decay, particularly in Agra and Fatehpur Sikri, where shrines like Sheikh Salim Chishti's dargah lost protection post-1847. Delhi's monuments fared better due to a special magistrate overseeing waqf properties, but palaces and gardens there also deteriorated. The study highlights how high imperialism altered spatial practices, prioritizing state interests over monument conservation until the 1857 Uprising, which further destabilized their care.
Ancient City of Damascus
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2011 —
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A 2011 travelogue recounts the journey of fifteen scholars from Northern Europe and the United States through Syria and Turkey, revisiting ancient paths taken by merchants, geographers, intellectuals, and pilgrims. The expedition, led by Inga-Lill and Samuel Rubenson (Lund University), highlighted the enduring cultural and religious significance of Damascus, including its historic city walls linked to the Apostle Paul's escape, and the unique Aramaic-speaking Christian community in Ma'aloula. The study offers a firsthand account of Syria’s linguistic heritage, ancient churches, and pilgrimage sites, providing insights into the region's historical layers and living traditions.
Taos Pueblo
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2011 —
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Flannery Burke's work challenges the romanticized notion of New Mexico as a 'world apart' from modernity, instead framing it as central to 20th-century modernism. Through her analysis of Mabel Dodge Luhan and her circle, Burke exposes the complexities and contradictions inherent in primitivism, a key aesthetic and political movement among modernists. She demonstrates how non-white individuals, including Pueblo people like Tony Lujan and Nina-Otero Warren, actively negotiated the terms of patronage and representation, often diverging from the interests of their Anglo benefactors. Burke's nuanced approach reveals the material consequences of these cultural encounters, particularly in debates over land-claim legislation, while also highlighting the enduring influence of modernist primitivism on contemporary issues in New Mexico.
Ephesus
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2011 —
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Apartment blocks, or insulae, likely served as early Christian meeting spaces in Greco-Roman cities, challenging the traditional view that house churches were the primary form of worship. This study applies social networking theory to analyze the social and physical dynamics of early urban Christianity (c. 50–150 CE), using Ephesus as a case study. While literary records mention house churches, archaeological evidence for large-scale purpose-built spaces is scarce until the third century. The research suggests that insulae provided both practical and social environments conducive to Christian gatherings, bridging gaps in our understanding of early Christian architecture and urban life.
Roman Walls of Lugo
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2011 —
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A high-resolution ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey of the Roman Walls of Lugo, Spain, revealed intricate details of a Roman villa previously obscured by a pseudo-3D imaging strategy. The study demonstrated that ultra-dense grid data acquisition—with GPR lines spaced just 0.1 meters apart—could capture fine structures such as walls, apses, and chambers with unprecedented clarity. Initial surveys in May 2007 used a more spaced grid (0.5 m), which only identified broad areas of interest. A follow-up survey in July 2008, focusing on a smaller area with ultra-dense sampling, uncovered the villa's full architectural complexity. This case highlights how advanced GPR techniques can significantly enhance archaeological interpretations in complex semi-urban environments.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
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2011 —
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A significant shift is underway in how pagan interests are being integrated into decisions regarding the treatment of prehistoric human remains, as demonstrated by the Avebury Reburial Consultation. This study highlights that meaningful engagement between archaeologists and pagans can foster respectful dialogue, but identifies challenges in the process. It explores the philosophical and emotional perspectives of pagans, advocating for their inclusion in decision-making to develop common ground and enable participatory pragmatism. The research emphasizes the need for frameworks that accommodate diverse worldviews while balancing scientific study with spiritual considerations.
Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs)
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2011 —
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A study on fungal root endophyte associations of 16 endemic plant species from the Pamir Alay Mountains, Central Asia, reveals that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were present in 15 species, with varying colonization types, while absent only in Matthiola integrifolia. This is the first report of AM status and morphology for all studied species, including three genera. Dark septate endophytes (DSE) accompanied AMF colonization in ten species, with low colonization frequency except in Spiraea baldschuanica. Sporangia of Olpidium spp. were sporadically found in three plant species' roots. Seven AMF species from the Glomeromycota phylum were also reported for the first time from this region. These findings provide valuable insights for conservation and restoration programs of these endemic plants, highlighting the potential role of beneficial root-inhabiting fungi in protecting rare and endangered species.
Yellowstone National Park
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2011 —
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Gases from different thermal areas in Yellowstone National Park exhibit distinct chemical signatures, revealing complex subsurface processes. Unlike previous assumptions, these variations are not solely tied to surface temperatures or feature types but instead reflect underlying lithologies and contributions from magmatic, crustal, and meteoric sources. The study analyzed 130 gas samples and 31 water samples collected between 2003 and 2009, measuring bulk chemistry and isotopic compositions (δ¹⁸O, δD, δ¹³C for CO₂ and methane, helium, neon, and argon). By comparing these findings with previous research, the authors highlight the significance of subsurface geology in shaping gas emissions, offering new insights into Yellowstone's dynamic hydrothermal system.
