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Publications

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A(nother) geography of fear: Burmese labour migrants in George Town, Malaysia

Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca — 2015 — WHE9398E48BEB

Burmese labor migrants in George Town, Malaysia, navigate the city primarily driven by fear of state institutional practices such as police controls and raids, rather than crime. This 'borderscape' dynamic reveals a geography of fear shaped by legal exclusion, highlighting the need to consider both social and legal factors when studying urban space access and possession. The study draws on fieldwork to explore how regular and irregular migrants perceive safety and danger, offering insights into the complex interplay between mobility, social exclusion, and legal status in urban contexts.

Abitare in campagna in età romana: indizi epigrafici dai territori di Brixia, Verona e Mediolanum

City of Verona — 2015 — WHEFADD1C7BC1

Roman urban elites, including seviri and seviri Augustales, maintained rural estates regularly visited, as revealed by epigraphic evidence from Brixia (Brescia), Verona, and Mediolanum (Milan). This study identifies a pattern of countryside residence among the wealthy classes in Northern Italy during the Roman era. Researchers analyzed inscriptions to trace ownership and usage of these estates, offering new insights into the spatial distribution and social dynamics of Roman elite landholding.

Abundance, distribution and conservation status of Siberian ibex, Marco Polo and Blue sheep in Karakoram-Pamir mountain area

Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) — 2015 — WHE4BD0F8D27A

Research reveals that the Karakoram-Pamir mountain region, spanning China and Pakistan, supports viable populations of Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), Marco Polo sheep (Pseudois nayaur), and Blue sheep (Ovis ammon polii) despite harsh environmental conditions. While ibex and Marco Polo sheep populations mirror those in protected areas of neighboring countries like Nepal, India, and China, Blue sheep are notably absent from the Muztagh region of Taxkorgan Nature Reserve in China. These species, along with snow leopards, exhibit transboundary movement across international borders, posing conservation challenges. Key threats include illegal hunting, habitat degradation due to vegetation removal for fodder and firewood, overgrazing by livestock, and border fencing that restricts wildlife movement. The study proposes a science-based conservation strategy to restore wildlife populations and maintain ecological flows, benefiting both species and local communities.

Abundancia relativa y selección de hábitat de Tapirus bairdii en las reservas de Calakmul y Balam Kú, Campeche, México

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2015 — WHE79A661A4CA

Research in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Calakmul and the Balam Kú State Reserve, Campeche, Mexico, reveals that Baird's tapirs (Tapirus bairdii) exhibit no significant preference for specific habitat types or show differences in abundance across sites with varying humidity gradients. The study, conducted using 120 km of linear transects and camera traps at nine waterholes, recorded an average relative abundance index of 0.33 tracks per kilometer and 17 photo-captures per 1,000 trap-days. Statistical analyses, including Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square tests, found no significant differences in tapir abundance or habitat selection between the sites, suggesting that these populations may be generalists in their habitat use. This finding contributes valuable data on Baird's tapir distribution in a region with limited prior research.

Ação política e afirmação territorial: turismo de base comunitária entre os caiçaras de São Gonçalo, Paraty, Rio de Janeiro

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2015 — WHE071349C88C

Community-based tourism among the Caiçaras of São Gonçalo, Paraty, Brazil, is revealed as a powerful political tool for territorial affirmation. This initiative leverages local knowledge to craft tourism routes that contextualize the community's historical struggles and cultural identity. The study synthesizes early reflections on this process, highlighting how traditional practices and ecological awareness are integrated into sustainable tourism models. By centering the Caiçara perspective, the research underscores the transformative potential of tourism as a means for social empowerment and environmental stewardship in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Accelerating cultural heritage tourism in San Antonio: a community-based tourism development proposal for the missions historic district

San Antonio Missions — 2015 — WHEC5ADCDCC81

Cultural heritage tourism can sustain economic prosperity while preserving local authenticity, but deliberate planning is required to mitigate negative impacts. This study demonstrates that community-based tourism development in the San Antonio Missions Historic District could accelerate economic and social benefits—such as job creation, infrastructure improvement, and small business growth—while preventing gentrification and cultural displacement. By integrating sustainable practices, the research proposes a model that balances tourism expansion with the preservation of historic and cultural integrity, reinforcing connections to the river and supporting San Antonio's potential World Heritage designation. The approach leverages heritage tourism as an economic tool while safeguarding local identity and environmental sustainability.

Accessibility of archaeological sites to people with disabilities

Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Palace of Galerius — 2015 — WHE29930C097D

A significant potential for enhancing cultural tourism and economic development lies in improving accessibility to archaeological sites, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, for people with disabilities. The study highlights that facilitating access to such sites not only fulfills legal obligations under human rights and constitutional laws but also unlocks the creative and productive potential of individuals with disabilities. A survey conducted across eight key Serbian sites—Mediana, Caricin Grad, Vrelo-Sarkamen, Ravna, Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Viminacijum, Vinca, and Sirmium—assessed current accessibility standards. The findings underscore the importance of inclusive design in preserving and promoting cultural heritage while ensuring equitable participation for all visitors.

Accounting at Durham Cathedral Priory

Durham Castle and Cathedral — 2015 — WHE3C346A14EE

Durham Cathedral's archives reveal how medieval accounting practices evolved to efficiently manage the priory's financial operations. The study demonstrates that Durham adopted and adapted accounting methods to systematically track income, expenses, assets, and liabilities, providing a rare glimpse into the financial sophistication of a 12th-century institution. By analyzing surviving records, researchers identified key innovations in record-keeping, including the use of double-entry principles before their widespread adoption in Europe. This approach offers valuable insights into the economic organization of one of England's most significant religious sites during its formative years.

Accumulation of Trace Metals by Mangrove Plants in Indian Sundarban Wetland: Prospects for Phytoremediation

The Sundarbans — 2015 — WHEE9BB4B759B

Research identifies Excoecaria agallocha as a highly efficient mangrove species for cadmium (Cd) bioaccumulation, with the highest bioconcentration factor (BCF) of 15.5 among ten studied species in the Indian Sundarbans. The study reveals that Cd and zinc (Zn) are significantly accumulated in E. agallocha's aerial parts, particularly leaves, suggesting its potential as an effective phytoremediation agent. Investigations across two sites analyzed trace metal(loid) concentrations (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in plant tissues and sediments, highlighting the Sundarbans' unique sediment properties that enhance metal retention. The findings underscore E. agallocha's role as a 'metal trap,' offering promise for mitigating trace metal pollution through phytoremediation strategies.

Activity budget and behavioural patterns of Gelada Theropithecus gelada (Mammalia: Primates: Cercopithecidae) on the Gich Plateau of the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Simien National Park — 2015 — WHEBE4D2E7B35

Gelada baboons (Theropithecus gelada) on the Gich Plateau of Ethiopia's Simien Mountains National Park exhibit significant seasonal variation in activity budgets, with feeding increasing to 56.7% of daylight hours during the dry season while resting decreases. This high-altitude population, at the climatic and altitudinal limits of their range, also shows age/sex class differences in behavior, except for social activities. The study used continuous focal animal scan sampling over a year (May 2013–April 2014) to track time allocation across feeding, traveling, resting, socializing, and other non-social behaviors. These findings highlight the adaptability of Geladas to extreme environments and underscore the importance of conservation efforts for this unique primate population.

Activity patterns of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains — 2015 — WHE58E80BB751

Giant pandas exhibit three distinct activity peaks—morning, afternoon, and midnight—in contrast to the previously assumed crepuscular behavior. A study using GPS collars with accelerometers on both wild and captive pandas in Wolong Nature Reserve revealed seasonal variations in activity, with peaks in June, a decline in August-September, and increased activity from November to March. Activity correlated with solar radiation, particularly under cold conditions, suggesting potential impacts of climate change. The findings also indicate that pandas adjust their energy budgets due to dietary constraints, providing insights into the relationship between forage, weather, and energy expenditure.

Acústica de las iglesias jesuíticas como parte del patrimonio integral en Córdoba y San Ignacio Miní

Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil) — 2015 — WHE93CA908C0D

Research on the Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis, declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reveals that these 18th-century churches exhibit high reverberation times, which deviate from optimal acoustic conditions for speech comprehension and religious music performance. The study employed a dual approach: objective in-situ measurements to assess parameters like reverberation time and subjective surveys to gauge listener perceptions, including the influence of different materials on acoustic behavior. Notably, the investigation utilized advanced modeling techniques, such as 'Ray Tracing Impact,' to simulate the presence of congregations in San Ignacio Mini, a ruined church, and even recovered intangible cultural heritage by analyzing an audio archive of Jesuit-Guaraní language. This comprehensive analysis highlights the complex interplay between architectural design, materials, and acoustic performance, offering insights into preserving both tangible and intangible aspects of these historic sites.

Additional insights on fracture patterns in the northern Anticosti Basin from satellite, aerial and bathymetric images

Anticosti — 2015 — WHECC3F02DDEE

A study of the Anticosti Basin reveals that satellite imagery captures fracture patterns more accurately than aerial images, identifying two primary fracture sets trending ~N105 and ~N15. These findings align with field observations but contradict lineaments seen in aerial images, which are deemed unreliable for reflecting actual fracture patterns. The research utilized a combination of satellite, aerial, and bathymetric data to analyze the northern Anticosti Basin's geological structure, providing new insights into its tectonic history.

Additions to the Flora of Great Himalayan National Park, Western Himalaya

Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area — 2015 — WHE23854079F3

A comprehensive floristic survey of the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) in Himachal Pradesh, India, identified 66 previously undocumented angiosperm species. These include one tree, 13 shrubs, two climbers, and 50 herbs, representing 55 genera across 32 families. The study, conducted between 2010 and 2011, provides critical data on the flowering patterns, altitude distribution, growth habits, and potential uses of these species. This significant contribution to the region's flora enhances our understanding of biodiversity in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering valuable insights for conservation efforts.

Adenovirus and Herpesvirus Diversity in Free-Ranging Great Apes in the Sangha Region of the Republic of Congo

Forest Massif of Odzala-Kokoua — 2015 — WHEBEC35F7AB8

Researchers have uncovered significant diversity among adenoviruses and herpesviruses in free-ranging gorillas and chimpanzees near Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo. The study identified 19 DNA viruses from two viral families, including three previously undescribed herpesviruses, with co-detections of multiple viruses common in both species. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and lymphocryptovirus (LCV) were frequently found together alongside adenoviruses. Viral discovery curves suggest a minimum richness of 23 viruses in the population, with an estimated detection rate of 83%. This is the first description of DNA viral diversity in feces from free-ranging great apes in this region, providing critical insights into the viruses circulating among these endangered species.

Advances in GPR data acquisition and analysis for archaeology

Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City — 2015 — WHEB85EFABEEB

A ground-penetrating radar (GPR) study successfully identified a thin burnt soil layer buried over 2 meters deep at the Liangzhu Site, despite challenging conditions like high electrical conductivity and root scattering. The research demonstrated that using multiple antenna configurations—100 MHz and 200 MHz in TE/TM broadside and cross-polarized setups—combined with advanced attribute analysis (e.g., instantaneous phase, geometric attributes) significantly improves the detection of prehistoric archaeological features. Ground-truthing validated GPR imaging, confirming correlations between subsurface properties like electrical conductivity and relative dielectric permittivity (RDP). This approach enhances archaeological subsurface characterization even in complex environments.

Agent-based Bicycle Traffic Model for Salzburg City

Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg — 2015 — WHEC7EBE20FC3

Commuters from outside Salzburg significantly influence the spatial distribution of bicycle traffic within the city, according to an agent-based modeling study. The research found that outer-city origins play a crucial role in shaping inner-city cycle flow patterns, challenging conventional transportation models. By simulating cycle traffic using an intuitive, parameter-driven approach, the study validated its findings against real-world data from cycle counting stations. This method proved effective for explorative system analysis, offering new insights into sustainable urban mobility strategies. The research also highlights key areas for future investigation to further refine bicycle traffic modeling in historic urban centers like Salzburg.

Agrarian legacies and innovations in the Nabataean territory

Hegra Archaeological Site (al-Hijr / Madā ͐ in Ṣāliḥ) — 2015 — WHE5117E91FAB

Research at UNESCO World Heritage Site Hegra (al-Hijr) reveals that the Nabataeans, renowned for their trade along the Incense Road, also developed sophisticated agrarian systems. Analysis of carpological and anthracological data from four sites—Bosra, Dharih, Petra, and Hegra—showed a mix of annual and perennial crops tailored to economic needs, including food, raw materials, and fuel. Fruit trees were strategically distributed based on climate and topography, with Mediterranean agroforestry systems in semi-arid areas and an oasis agrosystem in arid regions. Notably, the presence of cotton at Hegra suggests Nabataean agricultural innovation linked to trade, indicating a blend of inherited practices and new technical advancements.

Agriculture and agrarian structures

Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park — 2015 — WHE6F140BF16B

Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on St Kitts, reflects the island's deep agricultural legacy, particularly its dominance by sugar production. Though sugar now accounts for only 2% of foreign exchange earnings and employs 8% of the workforce, it still occupies 30% of agricultural land, illustrating its enduring impact on the landscape. The fortress offers a panoramic view of this heritage, with lush cane fields on coastal plains giving way to mixed cropping and pasture on steeper hillside landscapes, while remnants of forest cloak the volcanic Mt Liamuiga. This study highlights how historical economic shifts—from sugar to tourism—have reshaped St Kitts' economy but left a lasting imprint on its agrarian structures and natural environment.

Agriculture in Viñales Valley, Cuba

Viñales Valley — 2015 — WHE53A7E258EC

Viñales Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in western Cuba, showcases a unique living cultural landscape where traditional agriculture thrives amidst bulbous limestone cliffs. This study highlights the valley's significance as both an agricultural and artistic destination, emphasizing its imaginative qualities through visual submissions such as drawings, illustrations, or photographs. The research approach involves inviting readers to contribute their creative works alongside explanatory information, fostering a dynamic interaction between scientific documentation and artistic expression. By blending traditional farming practices with artistic representation, Viñales Valley stands out as a model of sustainable cultural heritage preservation.