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Publications

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Assessment of Threat Status in the Northern Woodlands of the Bale Mountains, Ethiopia: Indicator for Management Effectiveness

Bale Mountains National Park — 2015 — WHEE32448710F

Protected forest patches within the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, exhibit significantly lower levels of human-induced disturbances compared to unprotected areas, indicating effective management practices. The study identified eight major disturbance types—including logging, fuel wood collection, path/track formation, and livestock grazing—as widespread, with crop production, settlement, and charcoal making confined to unprotected patches. Notably, recent logging activity (< 20 years) was more prevalent in protected areas, targeting larger trees (DBH > 10 cm). Data were collected along five 1-km transects per patch, revealing that unprotected areas experienced higher incidences of logged trees, fuel wood collection, and livestock herbivory. This research underscores the positive impact of protection on reducing human disturbances, serving as a critical indicator for management effectiveness in the region's woodlands.

Assessment of waterfront attractiveness in port cities - Facebook 4 Urban Facelifts

Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata — 2015 — WHE44E13FDA01

A participative tool was developed to assess the attractiveness of urban waterfronts, offering a sustainable approach for decision-making in port cities. This method evaluates spatial quality and identifies priorities for public investment by involving stakeholders. Applied to Torre Annunziata's industrial port area in Southern Italy, the research demonstrated its potential to guide future development scenarios, supporting effective and inclusive urban regeneration strategies.

Assistive visual framing in 3D dense points cloud

Amiens Cathedral — 2015 — WHE43E85D63A6

A novel assistive visual framing technique for navigating dense 3D point clouds of cultural heritage sites, including Amiens Cathedral’s Saint Sébastien chapel, has been developed. This approach leverages image saliency-based Gaussian mixture models to enhance user experience, particularly for novice users, by dynamically highlighting key visual features during navigation. Evaluations demonstrate that the method outperforms manual and automatic framing techniques in user studies, offering a more intuitive and efficient way to explore complex virtual environments. The findings suggest significant potential for improving accessibility and engagement with digital reconstructions of historical monuments.

Atrakcje turystyczne Jordanii i ich znaczenie dla rozwoju usług turystycznych

Wadi Rum Protected Area — 2015 — WHE07D82CA897

Jordan's tourism sector, driven by its rich cultural and natural heritage, is poised for significant economic growth. The country's strategic development of tourism infrastructure, supported by foreign investments, particularly in the hotel industry, underscores its potential as a key driver of the national economy. Among its most notable attractions are Petra, Wadi Rum Protected Area, the Dead Sea, Aqaba, and Amman. This study analyzes Jordan's tourist destinations, visitor profiles, seasonal trends, accommodation, revenue, and employment in the tourism sector, comparing it with other countries in the Middle East to assess future development prospects.

Attitudes and perceptions of the local people towards benefits and conflicts they get from conservation of the Bale Mountains National Park and Mountain Nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni), Ethiopia

Bale Mountains National Park — 2015 — WHEC58AC33B53

Local communities near Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, show mixed attitudes towards conservation, with 55% experiencing conflicts and 26% benefiting. Key benefits include leasing horses to tourists (62%) and guiding (44%), while major conflicts involve fear of relocation (84%) and livestock grazing restrictions (74%). Despite these challenges, 80% support the park's conservation efforts, particularly for the endangered mountain nyala. Benefit distribution was perceived as inequitable (83%), and attitudes varied by livelihood strategy but not proximity or settlement duration. The study suggests potential for enhanced cooperation to improve conservation outcomes.

Attitudes of founders and abbots to Hilandar and Studenica Typicons of St Sava

Studenica Monastery — 2015 — WHE803B6EA409

A key finding from this study is that the scepter of the monastery founder, introduced in Hilandar Monastery's Typikon around 1200/1, reflects a long-standing tradition on Mount Athos. This practice was later adopted by Saint Sava for Serbian monasteries at the beginning of the 13th century, shaping the relationship between abbots and founders. The research examines how Typikons of Hilandar and Studenica, along with Dusan's Code, regulated these relationships within medieval Serbian legal order. It highlights that church tradition provided explicit guidelines during the establishment of new monasteries, ensuring their organization adhered to established norms.

Augmented Reality Edutainment Systems for Open-Space Archaeological Environments

Old Town of Corfu — 2015 — WHEB93E5E11BF

Augmented reality (AR) can significantly enhance edutainment experiences in archaeological settings, offering personalized and adaptive guided tours. A study on the Old Fortress in Corfu's UNESCO-listed Old Town demonstrates how AR systems, integrated with a communication engine for museums, support multiple tour types by analyzing content-user needs and designing interactive scenarios. The approach provides new narration tools for experts while adapting to individual visitor preferences, thereby enriching cultural tourism experiences through technology-driven storytelling.

Auschwitz

Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945) — 2015 — WHE90927CDFF3

Auschwitz stands as a stark symbol of the systematic extermination of European Jews, with over one million victims perishing in the largest Nazi concentration and death camp. Sybille Steinbacher's analysis reveals the intricate interplay between genocide and colonial expansion, where the camp's proximity to the 'model city' of Auschwitz-Birkenau underscored the juxtaposition of normalcy and atrocity. The study delves into the perception of mass murder in contemporary society, the plight of prisoners, resistance efforts against the SS, and the role of Allied forces. It also scrutinizes the historical debate surrounding victim counts and addresses post-war legal consequences, including the 'Auschwitz lie,' challenging perceptions and providing a comprehensive account of this pivotal chapter in history.

Automatic identification of shrub vegetation of the Teide National Park

Teide National Park — 2015 — WHE5E6797D5EF

Researchers have developed an innovative method to automatically identify populations of Teide broom, an endemic shrub in the Canary Islands, using remote sensing imagery. This approach combines superpixels as the minimum image processing unit with one-class classification, enabling precise location mapping of the species within Teide National Park. The methodology was validated in a known population area in the northwest of the park, demonstrating its potential to support conservation efforts by providing accurate and efficient vegetation monitoring. This technique offers significant applications for biodiversity assessment and environmental management.

Autumn crane migration and climate change in the Carpathian Basin

Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta — 2015 — WHE230A00B119

Research on autumn crane migration in the Carpathian Basin, particularly focusing on Hortobágy National Park, reveals significant advances in crane arrival dates linked to rising local temperatures. The study, conducted between 2006 and 2014, identified asymmetrical migration patterns with multiple waves of cranes using nearly 60 roost sites, predominantly large fishponds. Notably, cranes in Körös-Maros National Park began overwintering more frequently, favoring dry wetlands, while those in Kiskunság staged for shorter periods, often gathering in Szeged's Lake Fehér and alkali lakes. The Borsodi Mezőség region was found to host satellite flocks linked to Hortobágy. Additionally, the study detected a correlation between later autumn migration peaks and warmer North-Atlantic Oscillation winters, suggesting climate change influences on crane migration phenology.

Availability and uses of spatial databases for research and management of K’gari-Fraser Island

K’gari (Fraser Island) — 2015 — WHEB10D47AB80

K’gari (Fraser Island) is a unique and dynamic ecosystem highly sensitive to natural and human-induced changes such as fires, cyclones, pests, and recreation. A vast archive of spatial data, collected from diverse sources including remote sensing, surveys, digitization, and crowd-sourcing, holds significant potential for monitoring and managing this delicate environment. However, the integration of these datasets—originally designed for different scales and themes—often leads to misuse. The study proposes a theoretical model to guide the effective selection and utilization of spatial data, aiming to provide deeper insights into the island's ecosystem for better research and management under climate change scenarios.

Avaliação do Impacto Socioambiental da Utilização de Trilhas na Reserva Ecológica da Juatinga em Paraty

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2015 — WHE8F2CDD4533

A study evaluating the socioenvironmental impacts of trail use in Paraty and Ilha Grande's Reserva Ecológica da Juatinga (REJ) found significant degradation, including erosion features like ravinas and steps on one trail, while another suffered from high soil density due to overuse. The research used a perceptive methodology, observing impacts and analyzing soil samples at 0-10 cm depth to assess density, porosity, and texture. Findings highlight the need for trail recovery, improved drainage systems, and environmental education for users to mitigate these effects. The REJ's ongoing recategorization process adds complexity to its management.

Balung Buto dalam Persepsi Masyarakat Sangiran: Antara Mitos dan Fakta

Sangiran Early Man Site — 2015 — WHE144AD4EEEC

A persistent local myth, 'balung buto' (giant's bone), continues to influence fossil-collecting behavior and site preservation efforts at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sangiran, despite dwindling belief among younger generations. This study reveals that the myth, rooted in the perception of prehistoric fossils found on agricultural lands or household plots, still shapes the mindset and actions of some inhabitants, even as its cultural transmission wanes. Conducted through in-depth interviews with local residents, the research highlights the indirect but tangible impact of folklore on scientific exploration and conservation practices at a key paleoanthropological site.

Bangladesh Sundarbans: Present Status of the Environment and Biota

The Sundarbans — 2015 — WHE8297F10A21

A significant decline in sediment-laden freshwater discharge through the Bangladesh Sundarbans Mangrove Forests (BSMF) since the Farakka Barrage's operation in 1975 has led to increased polyhaline conditions, threatening the growth and distribution of Heritiera fomes (sundri), a commercially important mangrove. This study reveals that the BSMF has lost approximately 66 km² of forestland, with a decrease in tree cover from 296 plants per hectare in 1959 to 144 by 1996 and a projected further decline to 109 plants per hectare by 2020. The research utilized Landsat satellite data and GIS analysis from 1970s to 2010, demonstrating that reduced freshwater discharge has altered the mangrove ecosystem, favoring less commercially valuable species like Bruguiera sexangula, Excoecaria agallocha, and Sonneratia apetala. The study suggests restoring pre-1975 sediment flow conditions through water sharing agreements and dredging to mitigate salinity and erosion, potentially funding such efforts through carbon trading, given the BSMF's substantial carbon reserve of 56 million metric tons.

Bárcena Volcano, 1952: a 60-year report on the repopulation of San Benedicto Island, Mexico, with a review of the ecological impacts of disastrous events

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2015 — WHE687565B0A3

A 60-year study of San Benedicto Island, part of Mexico's Revillagigedo Archipelago, reveals the resilience and recovery dynamics following a catastrophic volcanic eruption in 1952. The eruption of Bárcena Volcano devastated the island, causing widespread extinctions—including an endemic rock wren—and drastically altering its flora and fauna. Despite these losses, the island has shown remarkable ecological recovery, with land crabs expanding their range and sea bird populations fluctuating significantly, particularly among masked boobies and shearwaters. A notable new addition to the island's avifauna is the red-footed booby, which established itself following the creation of a lava delta. The study also highlights the impact of erosion and accidental introductions on the island's vegetation, underscoring both the fragility and adaptability of its ecosystems.

Bathy-morphological setting of the Aeolian Islands

Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) — 2015 — WHE0B2FBCCCED

Aeolian Islands' underwater volcanic structures reveal significant insights into their evolution and instability. Advanced multibeam swath bathymetry maps of the archipelago's western, central, and eastern sectors uncovered extensive submerged portions of volcanic edifices, surpassing the emerged areas in size. These findings highlight the influence of structural lineaments on volcanism and identify large-scale flank instabilities, along with recent submarine eruptions. The study enhances understanding of the Aeolian Islands' geological dynamics by integrating detailed bathymetric data.

Bayesian Analysis to Evaluate Tests for the Detection of Mycobacterium Bovis Infection in Free-Ranging Wild Bison (Bison Bison Athabascae) in the Absence of a Gold Standard

Wood Buffalo National Park — 2015 — WHEF13F195F0F

Bayesian analysis demonstrates that combining the caudal-fold skin test (CFT) with a rapid lateral-flow serologic test (RT) significantly enhances sensitivity for detecting Mycobacterium bovis infection in free-ranging wood bison, offering a promising strategy to improve disease control and eradication efforts. The study estimated the performance of three diagnostic tests—CFT, fluorescent polarization assay (FPA), and RT—using Bayesian modeling without relying on a gold standard. CFT proved most sensitive, while RT was the most specific, with their combination outperforming individual or paired tests in parallel. Prior assumptions influenced absolute estimates but not relative rankings, underscoring Bayesian analysis as a robust tool for ranking diagnostic strategies under field conditions where perfect standards are unattainable.

Becoming a creative city: perspectives from Augustus’ Rome

Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura — 2015 — WHEE8EC77D40A

Augustus' Rome exemplifies the potential of creative cities to foster social cohesion and cultural integration. The study reveals that Augustus' urban transformations—focusing on integration, spectacles, and aesthetic enhancement—served as a model for uniting diverse communities through culture, offering a historical precedent for modern creative city policies. By analyzing ancient sources and scholarly literature, the research highlights how Rome under Augustus functioned as a vibrant cultural hub, blending art, architecture, and public engagement to create a cohesive urban experience. This perspective challenges conventional views on creative cities by emphasizing their role in bridging social divides through shared cultural participation.

Below-Ground Ectomycorrhizal Community Structure in the Postfire Successional Pinus koraiensis Forests in the Central Sikhote-Alin (the Russian Far East)

Central Sikhote-Alin — 2015 — WHEE06366DF8B

A highly diverse ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungal community, comprising 110 operational taxonomic units, was identified in postfire Pinus koraiensis forests within the Central Sikhote-Alin region. The study revealed significant shifts in taxonomic composition and dominant fungal species between burned and unburned sites, with Russulaceae and Thelephoraceae being prevalent across all communities. While mycorrhizal colonization rates were high in both fire-affected and control sites, vertical stratification of EcM fungal diversity was more pronounced in later succession stages. These findings suggest that EcM fungi play a crucial role in forest regeneration post-fire, highlighting their importance in ecosystem resilience. The research employed molecular techniques to directly analyze mycorrhizal roots, providing novel insights into the below-ground dynamics of these symbiotic relationships.

Between Inclusion and Exclusion

Arslantepe Mound — 2015 — WHE8FEFFA676B

Archaeological evidence from Arslantepe Mound in southeastern Anatolia reveals the role of food redistribution and feasting as key mechanisms of elite power during the Late Chalcolithic period (5300–3000 cal. BCE). This study highlights how meals, both through labor exchanges and communal feasting, were central to the economic and political strategies of early centralized societies in Mesopotamia. The research leverages in situ material remains and distinct architectural features to demonstrate how food served as a tool for social inclusion and exclusion, shaping commensal politics—a system where shared meals reinforced hierarchical power structures.