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Publications

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Estuarine fishes of the South Alligator River, Kakadu National Park, northern Australia

Kakadu National Park — 2015 — WHE535A3E4247

Kakadu National Park's South Alligator River estuary supports a rich and diverse fish fauna, with 81 taxa identified, including 26 previously unrecorded species. This study highlights the region's ecological significance, contrasting with the degradation seen in many other global estuaries. Dominated by Sciaenidae and Engraulidae, the fish assemblage exhibits pronounced seasonal and spatial variation, driven primarily by changes in discharge, salinity, and productivity. Unlike other northern Australian estuaries, this system shows heterogeneous composition unrelated to measured habitat aspects, posing challenges for management amid ongoing water resource development.

Estudios de isótopos estables en huertas familiares actuales de la Quebrada de Humahuaca (Jujuy, Argentina). Su potencial aporte a los estudios paleodietarios del Noroeste argentino

Quebrada de Humahuaca — 2015 — WHE37391F8AD1

A study on the Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina, reveals that soil nutrient availability significantly influences nitrogen isotope values (?15N) in maize (Zea mays), even in semi-arid environments. This finding underscores the potential of stable isotope analysis to refine paleodietary studies by providing a baseline for understanding dietary practices in ancient societies. The research proposes a methodological framework combining interviews with local farmers, soil chemical characterization, and isotopic analysis of six plant species—including maize, potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), oca (Oxalis tuberosa), ulluco (Ullucus tuberosus), quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), and prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica)—to assess the impact of cultivation practices on isotopic signatures. While no direct linear relationship was found between soil quality and isotopic results, lower soil quality correlated with a broader range of ?15N values in maize, suggesting complex interactions between environmental factors and plant metabolism.

Ethnographic reflections on ‘oppositional heritage discourse’ in two post-earthquake Italian cities

Historic Centre of Naples — 2015 — WHEBFCAF2C57B

Oppositional heritage discourse, though intended to counter neoliberal urban processes and marketization of cultural heritage, paradoxically supports them by enforcing rigid boundaries on heritage citizenship and dismissing non-philological relationships with historic centers. This study reveals that such discourse, exemplified in post-earthquake Naples (1980) and L’Aquila (2009), is rooted in idealist notions of collective identity but ultimately perpetuates the very systems it opposes. Ethnographic research in both cities—including observations of protests against government inaction in L’Aquila and long-term fieldwork in Naples—exposes the tensions between civic heritage advocacy and its unintended consequences, challenging assumptions about heritage discourse as purely oppositional.

Etude du fonctionnement hydro-sédimentaire de la zone portuaire de Sidi Bou Saïd, Tunisie

Village of Sidi Bou Saïd — 2015 — WHE09D766B5B1

The port of Sidi Bou Saïd, Tunisia, faces chronic silting issues that disrupt its operations, necessitating frequent dredging. A comprehensive hydro-sedimentary study was conducted to understand the current dynamics and silting mechanisms in the port's entrance channel. Using a global hydro-sedimentary modeling chain, researchers analyzed sediment transport patterns and assessed the impact of proposed modifications. The findings highlight the critical role of sediment movement in shaping the port's functionality, offering insights for sustainable management strategies.

Etude géophysique de la structure interne d'un dôme volcanique : le Puy de Dôme et son environnement (Chaîne des Puys, France)

Chaîne des Puys - Limagne fault tectonic arena — 2015 — WHEE0D119293C

A groundbreaking geophysical study of the Puy de Dôme, a 11,000-year-old trachytic lava dome in France's Chaîne des Puys, reveals its complex internal structure and growth dynamics. The research, combining high-resolution Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM) with Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), gravity, and magnetism, uncovered previously unknown features: a cluster of preexisting strombolian volcanoes beneath the dome, a massive central core surrounded by collapse breccia, and evidence of hydrothermal alteration at its summit. Additionally, intrusions beneath neighboring volcanic edifices were identified, suggesting intricate emplacement processes. This study provides new constraints on the dome's evolution and the mechanisms driving deformations in its vicinity.

Etude historique et architecturale du macellum de Djemila (Cuicul)

Djémila — 2015 — WHE54F8A4ED65

A rare, well-preserved Roman macellum (market) at Djémila, dating to Emperor Antoninus Pius' reign, offers new insights into ancient urban planning and euregetism. Unlike the few other studied macella, this one's proximity to the forum and exceptional epigraphic wealth allowed researchers to reconstruct its architecture, including a 3D model, while analyzing construction techniques. The study also sheds light on the identity of its benefactor, revealing how wealthy individuals funded public infrastructure in Roman cities.

Evaluating constructive and typological retrofits in solid masonry historic buildings

Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar — 2015 — WHEFAD19F5D10

Improving ventilation significantly reduces heating energy demand in historic masonry buildings without compromising their architectural or energetic heritage. This study demonstrates that non-intrusive retrofits, such as enhancing ventilation and replacing single-glazed windows with double-glazed ones, can effectively lower U-values while preserving the integrity of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Oporto's Historic Centre. The research analyzed three typological models based on common ownership patterns, simulating retrofit strategies aligned with national regulations. Findings reveal that ventilation enhancement is the most impactful measure for reducing operating energy for heating, offering a sustainable approach to balancing preservation and energy efficiency.

Evaluating the Impacts of Forest Management Policies and Community-Level Institutions in the Buffer Zone of Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Chitwan National Park — 2015 — WHE3AE5D2A4E1

Over the past 25 years, Nepal's forest management policies have led to a significant recovery of forest cover in the buffer zone surrounding Chitwan National Park. This reversal follows an initial decline after the implementation of the Master Plan for Nepal’s Forestry Sector (MPFS) in 1989. The study analyzed Landsat imagery from 1989, 2005, and 2013 to compute the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), revealing that community-based forest management has been effective in conserving forest resources across 36 village development committees (VDCs) covering approximately 1,267 km². These findings highlight the success of decentralized forest management and offer a model for sustainable forest conservation efforts.

Evaluation of dynamic properties of the Infant Dom Henrique Bridge

Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar — 2015 — WHEE0A88BFF15

A study conducted on the Infant Dom Henrique Bridge, part of UNESCO's Historic Centre of Oporto, revealed excellent correlation between measured and calculated dynamic properties. This research, carried out by the Laboratory of Vibrations and Monitoring at FEUP, utilized both experimental and numerical tools to evaluate the bridge's dynamic behavior post-construction. The findings validated a finite element model of the bridge, establishing a baseline for future damage detection studies. Such insights are crucial for ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of this iconic 21st-century bridge, which complements Porto's historic metallic and concrete bridges.

Evaluation of Methods for Robotic Mapping of Cultural Heritage Sites

Würzburg Residence with the Court Gardens and Residence Square — 2015 — WHE60E87B66F5

Robotic mapping using the mobile robot Irma3D demonstrates significant potential for automating 3D modeling of cultural heritage sites, including data acquisition and registration. The study evaluated methods for automatic 3D color reconstructions at the Würzburg Residence, showcasing how advanced sensor technology—such as photo cameras and laser scanners—can efficiently process large datasets while preserving intricate details. This approach addresses key challenges in archaeological studies by streamlining workflows and enhancing precision in heritage documentation.

Evaluation of Tourism Water Capacity in Agricultural Heritage Sites

Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces — 2015 — WHEC613281A53

Agricultural heritage sites, including the UNESCO-listed Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, face growing water resource challenges due to increased tourism. Research reveals that the tourism water footprint in Yuanyang County—representing these terraces—is nearing its capacity limit, with sewage dilution and dietary water usage contributing over 74% of total water demand. The site's water pressure index stands at 97%, indicating imminent risk of exceeding sustainable thresholds. To mitigate this, the study proposes macro- and micro-level strategies, such as technology adoption, public awareness campaigns, and diversified tourism products, to balance conservation with visitor growth. This framework offers a blueprint for policymakers to safeguard vulnerable ecosystems while fostering responsible tourism.

Eviction and the archive: materials for an archaeology of the Archivo General de Indias

Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville — 2015 — WHEE005085965

The founding of the Archivo General de Indias (AGI) in Seville, Spain, was rooted in both scholarly debates and colonial violence. This study reveals that the establishment of the AGI—an Enlightenment-era project aimed at preserving Spanish colonial records—was predicated on the eviction and erasure of its original inhabitants. By adopting an archaeological approach to the archive's material and architectural foundations, the research traces how Juan Bautista Muñoz's historiographical defense of Spanish colonialism led to the creation of the AGI as a tool for modern historiography. The study highlights the violence inherent in the formation of such institutions, linking it to broader geopolitical struggles of imperial sovereignty and the shift from nomological to historiographical methods.

Evidence for a new regional NW–SE fault and crustal structure in Tunisia derived from gravity data

Kairouan — 2015 — WHE6D2D860A8A

A new regional northwest–southeast fault in Tunisia, extending from Eastern Kairouan to the Algeria-Tunisia boundary, has been identified using advanced gravity data analysis. This fault terminates north-south Jurassic structures in the Kairouan plain and coincides with deep crustal features, including Moho flexures, suggesting its role in the initiation of Mesozoic rift systems. The study employed Gaussian filtered residual anomaly, total horizontal gradient, and Moho discontinuity morphology to reveal this previously unrecognized fault system, which has significant implications for mineral and petroleum exploration. Additionally, the research highlights other known fault systems and crustal structures in Tunisia, contributing to a deeper understanding of the region's geodynamic evolution.

Evidence for the reactivation of a pre-existing zone of weakness and its contributions to the evolution of the Küçük Menderes Graben: a study on the Ephesus Fault, Western Anatolia, Turkey

Ephesus — 2015 — WHE38A2E3FD7A

A detailed geological analysis of the Ephesus region reveals that the Ephesus Fault, initially active as a left-lateral strike-slip fault during the Early–Middle Miocene, was later reactivated as a dip-slip normal fault in the Middle Miocene and continues to shape the modern Küçük Menderes Graben (KMG). The study identifies three distinct deformation phases, with the main extension direction changing from northwest to northeast, suggesting an approximately 60° rotation around vertical axes. This rotation is attributed to the region's location within the strike-slip dominated İzmir-Balıkesir Transfer Zone (İBTZ). The research combines structural, stratigraphic, and sedimentological data to elucidate the fault's role in the evolution of the KMG basin.

Evidencia de uso del perro (Canis lupus familiaris) en un contexto ritual (Tiwanaku, Bolivia)

Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture — 2015 — WHE0F02F11F56

Archaeofaunal analysis of canine remains from the Mollo Kontu mound in Tiwanaku's civic center reveals strong evidence that dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) played ritual, symbolic, and affective roles within 10th-century AD Tiwanaku society. The study identified blunt force trauma and strategic cuts on the dog's skeleton, along with its age group and burial position, suggesting intentional ritual practices. This finding contributes to a limited body of research on the ritual use of animals in Bolivian archaeology, expanding our understanding of the cultural significance of dogs beyond their economic role.

Evolution of tourism in a flagship protected area of China

Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains — 2015 — WHE39A8AB0B0B

Tourism in Wolong Nature Reserve, a flagship UNESCO-listed site in China, followed a rapid growth trajectory before being halted by the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake. This study reveals that Wolong's tourism evolution—spanning exploration, involvement, and development phases—was driven by complex interactions between political, economic, and governance factors. Using the Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) model, researchers analyzed three decades of tourism dynamics, identifying key drivers and structural changes in governance. The findings highlight the fragility of sustainable tourism in protected areas, offering insights for balancing conservation, community development, and resilience against disruptive events.

Evolving Marine Biosecurity in the Galapagos Islands

Galápagos Islands — 2015 — WHEA5CC7F9520

A significant shift in marine biosecurity practices is underway in the Galápagos Islands, with new protocols aimed at preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species. The study highlights the implementation of stricter measures, including enhanced screening of vessels and cargo, to protect the unique marine ecosystems of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Researchers analyzed existing biosecurity frameworks and identified gaps, proposing targeted interventions such as improved training for port authorities and standardized inspection procedures. These efforts are critical in safeguarding the Galápagos' biodiversity, which is particularly vulnerable due to its isolation and delicate balance of native species.

Examination of Drawing in G. Th. Rietveld’s Schröder House

Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House) — 2015 — WHEDF74E4697F

A significant architectural feature of the Rietveld Schröder House is its innovative combination of construction materials. This study reveals that while the house's structure primarily relies on bricks, the second floor uniquely incorporates wood reinforced with steel and a balcony made of reinforced concrete slab. The roof of this level also uses steel, enabling the creation of a large open space. By analyzing drawing documents from the Rietveld Schröder Archive, researchers shed light on G. Th. Rietveld's construction methods, providing valuable insights into his architectural approach.

Excavating Southeast Asia’s prehistory in the Cold War: American archaeology in neocolonial Thailand

Ban Chiang Archaeological Site — 2015 — WHE917619AC65

Ban Chiang Archaeological Site emerged as a pivotal discovery in Southeast Asian archaeology during the 1960s and 1970s. Excavations revealed an autonomous Bronze Age tradition, challenging the prevailing colonial narrative that depicted Southeast Asia as culturally dependent on India and China. This finding not only reshaped understanding of regional prehistory but also sparked international debate about the origins of world metallurgy, although later dating revisions complicated this narrative. The study by Peleggi (2015) goes beyond these archaeological insights to critically examine how American archaeological knowledge production in Thailand was intertwined with Cold War politics and Thailand's neocolonial relationship with the United States. It highlights the militarized context of excavations, which occurred amid the Vietnam War, revealing the complex interplay between scientific inquiry and geopolitical dynamics.

Experiences of adolescents on an expedition to New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic: results from the use of photo-elicitation

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2015 — WHE7697748EA6

A groundbreaking study reveals that expeditions to remote polar regions can profoundly shape adolescents' perspectives and behaviors, acting as powerful advocates for environmental conservation. The research, involving 12 New Zealand teenagers on the 2014 Young Blake Expedition to the sub-Antarctic Auckland Islands, identified five key themes: experiential learning, the uniqueness of the setting, the distinctiveness of the experience, sharing with others, and a sense of adventure and accomplishment. These findings align with previous studies on wilderness-based outdoor education, suggesting that such expeditions can be life-changing for participants. The study used auto-driven photo-elicitation, a novel method to capture personal experiences through participant-selected images.