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Publications

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The threat of road expansion in the Peruvian Amazon

Manú National Park — 2017 — WHEE7BEA12E35

Road expansion in the buffer zones of Peru's Manu National Park and Amarakaeri Communal Reserve poses significant threats to biodiversity, indigenous communities, and climate commitments. The proposed infrastructure development risks uncontrolled colonization, deforestation, illegal resource extraction, and social conflict, undermining sustainable development goals. Alternative strategies such as agricultural intensification, improved land-use planning, and less invasive transportation could mitigate these impacts while achieving economic growth and mobility. This study highlights the broader implications of road expansion in tropical regions, offering compromise solutions applicable to other remote areas facing similar challenges.

The tribe Crotoneae (Euphorbiaceae, Crotonoideae) in the Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás, Brazil

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2017 — WHE548529B474

A comprehensive taxonomic treatment of the tribe Crotoneae (Euphorbiaceae, Crotonoideae) in Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks, Brazil, reveals 35 species, including seven new records for Goiás State. This study advances understanding of a morphologically diverse and taxonomically understudied group, with significant contributions such as revised descriptions, lectotypifications, and illustrations for nearly all recorded species. The research, based on four years of field collections and herbaria consultations, highlights the region's high plant endemism within the Cerrado phytogeographic domain.

The trophic role of a large marine predator, the tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier

Ningaloo Coast — 2017 — WHEFF46B0DC26

Tiger sharks exhibit context- and habitat-dependent trophic roles, reflecting adaptive foraging strategies that allow them to exploit multiple shelf and offshore habitats. Stable isotope analysis of shark tissues from Ningaloo Reef (Western Australia), Shark Bay, the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), and temperate coastal regions revealed distinct dietary transitions between pelagic and seagrass-based food-webs, with tiger sharks occupying apex predator roles in some but not all habitats. The study highlights the generalist, opportunistic nature of tiger shark diets at the population level, influenced by factors such as body size, sex, residency, and diet stability.

The Ukrainian Church Elite under the Russian Centralism. the Attempts to Assert the Long-Standing Rights under the Peter II (1727–1730)

Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — 2017 — WHE1BB834F33C

During the reign of Peter II (1727–1730), the Ukrainian church elite successfully challenged Russian centralism, securing key privileges for the Kyiv Metropolia and the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The study highlights their efforts to restore the lost status of the Kyiv Metropolia through Archbishop Varlaam Vanatovich's appeal, as well as petitions to overturn restrictions on clergy property ownership imposed by Hetman Danylo Apostol. Additionally, a delegation from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra advocated for the confirmation of its stauropegion status, press freedom, and other monastic privileges. This research sheds light on the strategic negotiations and diplomatic maneuvers employed by the Ukrainian church elite to preserve their autonomy within the broader context of Russian imperial policies.

The urban development of late Hellenistic Delos *

Delos — 2017 — WHE747A0CC05D

A key discovery from the UrbaNetworks project reveals that late Hellenistic Delos, following its 167 BC status as a Roman duty-free port under Athenian control, experienced rapid urban growth driven by both public and private sector decisions. Contrary to earlier assumptions, underwater surveys confirmed that settlement remains, not harbor facilities, dominated the landscape. This multi-disciplinary study challenges the notion of a single planning initiative, instead highlighting consecutive urban development actions that connected Rome's commercial relations with the Hellenistic East. The research provides new insights into how economic shifts and urban growth intertwined in ancient Mediterranean cities.

The use of UAVs to monitor archeological sites: the case study of Choirokoitia within the PROTHEGO project

Choirokoitia — 2017 — WHEA68102BB50

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) emerged as a transformative tool for monitoring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering high-resolution data collection and analysis. This study demonstrated their effectiveness at Choirokoitia, a Neolithic settlement in Cyprus, showcasing UAVs' ability to capture detailed topographic and archaeological features without ground disturbance. By integrating multispectral imaging with photogrammetry, researchers generated precise 3D models and orthomosaics, revealing micro-topographical variations and structural details that are critical for site preservation and analysis. The approach not only enhanced documentation but also provided a scalable solution for large-scale heritage monitoring within the PROTHEGO project.

The value of long-term, community-based monitoring of marine turtle nesting: a study in the Lamu archipelago, Kenya

Lamu Old Town — 2017 — WHEBF8301CA77

Long-term community-based monitoring of sea turtle nesting in the Lamu archipelago, Kenya, reveals stable green turtle nesting densities over 17 years. The study recorded 2,021 nests, predominantly green turtles (97.5%), with hawksbill and olive ridley turtles contributing smaller fractions. Nesting peaked from March to July, accounting for 74% of annual activity. Mean clutch sizes varied among species, while incubation duration for green turtles showed significant monthly and seasonal differences but not location-specific variations. Hatching success was high (81.3%), with in situ nests outperforming relocated ones by 3.2%. This work underscores the critical role of community-led patrols in sustaining Western Indian Ocean sea turtle populations through low-cost, effective monitoring.

The Venice specimen of Ouranosaurus nigeriensis (Dinosauria, Ornithopoda)

Venice and its Lagoon — 2017 — WHE5EBD287752

A mounted skeleton of Ouranosaurus nigeriensis, displayed at the Natural History Museum of Venice since 1975, has been confirmed to include paratype material from Niger's Gadoufaoua locality. This study clarifies its complex history, revealing that while most elements are authentic, some (e.g., femur, coracoid) were replaced with plaster copies, and others (e.g., vertebrae, pelvic bones) likely originated from additional specimens. Osteohistological analysis shows the Venice specimen is sub-adult, providing new insights into its growth stages. Comparisons with the holotype highlight intraspecific variability and potential preparation errors, while also refining the taxon's diagnosis. The dorsal 'sail' structure remains a distinctive feature, reinforcing its role as a display trait among ornithopods.

The Victorian Palace of Science

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2017 — WHED9F45DD280

The Palace of Westminster, renowned as the seat of Britain's Houses of Parliament, was also a hub of Victorian scientific innovation during its construction (1834–1860). This study reveals that politicians and officials leveraged cutting-edge science to create a radical, modern building. Experimentalists used the House of Commons for chemistry experiments, geologists debated the Palace’s stone materials, natural philosophers tested air purity by hanging meat around the structure, and mathematicians aimed to pioneer electrically-controlled time synchronization across public spaces. These projects underscore the politically contentious yet transformative role of Victorian science in shaping one of the world's most iconic buildings.

The Virgin of Chartres

Chartres Cathedral — 2017 — WHE5EA2D48BD5

A detailed analysis of the cult of the Virgin of Chartres, focusing on its development during the 11th and 12th centuries, reveals a rich tapestry of history woven through ritual observances, local legends, and religious relics. The study centers on the Virgin’s gown, a major relic in Chartres Cathedral, and the Feast of Mary's Nativity, using an interdisciplinary approach that integrates local histories, letters, obituaries, chants, liturgical sources, and miracle reports. This comprehensive examination provides new insights into the political, musical, and artistic dimensions of medieval Christianity, while also serving as a guide to understanding the cathedral's west façade.

The visit to the plague-stricken man and what came of it

Kronborg Castle — 2017 — WHEEEBDB2167E

A historical account from Kronborg Castle in 1620 reveals the devastating impact of plague on Denmark, with approximately 16,000 deaths reported across Sjælland, Norway, and Jutland. The narrative highlights a strict regulation prohibiting castle servants from entering plague-infected homes, yet it details an incident where three soldiers defied this order to visit their afflicted comrade, Thomas Randers. This breach of protocol led to a confrontation with Sergeant Caspar, who accused them of violating the rules. The account underscores the tension between duty and compassion during a pandemic, while also illustrating the limited understanding of disease transmission at the time. The text serves as a poignant historical record, offering insights into medieval responses to infectious diseases.

The wall of city of Aleppo “A descriptive historical study” سور مدینة حلب " دراسة تاریخیة وصفیة"

Ancient City of Aleppo — 2017 — WHE863B3E57A7

A comprehensive analysis of Aleppo's city wall reveals its dynamic evolution over centuries, shaped by successive rulers from the Hamdanid era to Ottoman Sultan Mahmud II. The study traces significant expansions and restorations, including the addition of towers and gates, reflecting strategic adaptations during periods of conflict. It documents the wall's transformation in response to changing warfare dynamics, ultimately rendering it obsolete with advancements in weaponry. The research also details the historical emergence of its doors and modern restoration efforts, providing a detailed account of this UNESCO World Heritage Site's architectural heritage.

The waves at the Mulberry Harbours

Beaches of the D-Day Landings, Normandy, 1944 — 2017 — WHE021B5EBAA7

A severe storm shortly after the deployment of Mulberry Harbours during the D-Day landings (June 1944) resulted in significant wave damage, particularly to the American harbour and severely to the British one. Using hindcast data from ECMWF and SWAN modelling, researchers found that waves were notably more intense at the American site than the British, which may explain the differential damage observed. The study also validated the commonly cited storm severity estimate of 1 in 40 years for summer storms in this region, providing critical insights into historical ocean engineering challenges.

The Westminster Palace competitions

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2017 — WHEAF557B1C06

A significant milestone in British battle painting, the Palace of Westminster competition, revealed how French artistic influences shaped British painters' approaches during the 1840s. The study highlights that among the three notable painters—Sir William Allan, Thomas Sidney Cooper, and Edward Armitage—their career trajectories and choices of pictorial sources reflected the diversity within the battle painting genre at the time. Critically, the competition's sole premium-winning battle picture was perceived as aligning with history painting traditions, underscoring ongoing debates about the 'English school' in art. This analysis provides insight into how artistic competitions influenced the evolution of British battle painting and its critical reception.

The Wonder of the North: Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

Studley Royal Park including the Ruins of Fountains Abbey — 2017 — WHEAF97B362BC

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal exemplify the architectural grandeur and historical significance of Northern England. The study highlights the site's unique blend of monastic ruins and landscaped gardens, which have captivated visitors for centuries. By analyzing historical records, architectural features, and cultural impact, researchers reveal how this site represents the transition from medieval monasticism to 18th-century landscape design. The research approach combines archival analysis with spatial mapping to uncover the layers of history embedded in the site's structure and surroundings. This dual perspective underscores the enduring legacy of Fountains Abbey as both a religious and cultural landmark, offering insights into its role in shaping Northern England's heritage.

The World Heritage Convention and human rights in Nepal

Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha — 2017 — WHE6D2645DA96

Nepal's 2015 constitution marks a pivotal shift toward integrating human rights into World Heritage conservation, particularly for its four designated sites—Kathmandu Valley and Lumbini (cultural) and Sagarmatha National Park and Chitwan National Park (natural). The study reveals that while Nepal has made strides in balancing heritage preservation with development, challenges persist in fully aligning these efforts with human rights principles. It highlights the need for a rights-based approach to cultural heritage, rooted in Nepali legal traditions, to ensure sustainable conservation without compromising human dignity or development goals.

The Writing on the Wall: Rethinking the International Law of Occupation. By Aeyal Gross

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2017 — WHE2E17A9801D

Fifty years after the Six-Day War, Israel's control over the West Bank and Gaza Strip remains a contentious issue under international law. Aeyal Gross's work challenges conventional interpretations of Israel's status within these territories, presenting two opposing perspectives: one that denies the existence of formal occupation and another that frames it as a quintessential case of belligerent occupation. The analysis draws on historical events, political declarations, and public sentiment to re-examine the legal and moral implications of Israel's presence in Palestinian territories. Gross's approach combines legal scholarship with political discourse, highlighting the complexities of defining occupation in contemporary contexts.

The xeric side of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest: The forces shaping phylogeographic structure of cacti

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves — 2017 — WHE6C2C8949BB

A phylogeographic study of three cactus taxa in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (BAF) reveals distinct population groups shaped by historical climatic and sea-level changes. The research identifies four allopatric population groups with divergence initiated during the middle Pleistocene, suggesting peripatric speciation for Cereus insularis on Fernando de Noronha archipelago. Genetic diversity was strongly influenced by initial south-to-north colonization followed by fragmentation, likely driven by neotectonic activity and environmental shifts. The study used nuclear and plastid gene data to analyze population structure, phylogenetic relationships, and biogeographic patterns across xeric habitats, including Inselbergs, Restinga forests, and rocky shores.

Thermal Performance Analysis and Improvement Measures of Square Tulou Buildings, take the Instance of Zhenyang Tulou in Nanjiang Village, Yongding China

Fujian Tulou — 2017 — WHEDB6BA2CD2D

Square Tulou buildings, such as Zhenyang Tulou in Nanjiang Village, Fujian, demonstrate superior thermal performance compared to modern brick houses, offering a more stable and comfortable indoor environment. This study quantifies these advantages through rigorous measurement of temperature, humidity, and other environmental parameters, revealing that traditional Tulou structures maintain cooler and more stable conditions, particularly during hot and humid periods. However, it also identifies key defects in the thermal performance of wooden walls and floors, proposing targeted improvement measures to enhance energy efficiency without compromising architectural integrity. These findings provide actionable insights for the preservation and adaptive reuse of Tulou buildings, balancing modern needs with heritage conservation.

Thermal structure of Sikhote Alin and adjacent areas based on spectral analysis of the anomalous magnetic field

Central Sikhote-Alin — 2017 — WHE229C9AA6A4

A new map of the geothermal gradient for the Sikhote Alin region and adjacent areas reveals that zones with higher thermal gradients coincide with regions of increased seismic activity. This discovery was made using spectral analysis of the anomalous magnetic field to estimate the depth of the magnetoactive layer's base and the geothermal gradient, a method that identifies the Curie depth point in magnetoactive masses. The study provides the first detailed thermal structure map for this part of the Central Asian belt, offering insights into the relationship between geological heat distribution and seismic risk.