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Publications

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Reorganization of the Main Spaces in Changdeokgung Palace during 1907~1910

Changdeokgung Palace Complex — 2015 — WHE423E7142E1

Between 1907 and 1910, the Injeongjeon area of Changdeokgung Palace underwent significant reorganization, transforming from traditional Korean architecture to a Japanese-Western eclectic style, mirroring the Meiji Palace. This shift was orchestrated by Japanese architectural engineers who redefined the palace's spatial organization, structural design, and aesthetic elements under the guidance of Gungnaebu, the royal architectural bureau. The study reveals how this period marked a departure from historical preservation practices, blending cultural influences to create a modernized royal palace while retaining its symbolic significance.

Repairs to the Llangollen arm of the Shropshire Union Canal

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal — 2015 — WHE8590861797

The Llangollen arm, a critical navigable feeder to the Shropshire Union Canal and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal, has faced persistent structural challenges since its 1805 construction. A study by Peters and Brown (2015) highlights that this section has experienced 20 significant leaks or breaches over two centuries, primarily due to its geotechnically challenging hillside location near the River Dee, a railway line, and a major road. The research documents innovative repair methods employed, including stonewalling, concrete lining, corrugated iron sheets, interlocking steel sheets, asphalt lining, and traditional clay puddling, offering insights into historical civil engineering solutions for water retention in difficult terrains. These findings underscore the arm's complex maintenance history and its significance as a testament to 19th-century engineering ingenuity.

Replicative construction experiments at Teotihuacan, Mexico: Assessing the duration and timing of monumental construction

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2015 — WHE18F66AA4A1

Replicative construction experiments at Teotihuacan reveal that the duration of monumental building aligns with archaeological evidence when estimated population labor is considered. This study challenges conventional chronologies by revising phase assignments for key structures, offering a more accurate timeline for state power dynamics in the Pre-Hispanic City. The research employs architectural energetics and labor analysis to quantify construction efforts, providing a novel framework for understanding early complex societies' power relations.

Reportage:The Bukharan-Jewish Museum in Samarkand: memory preservation of a rapidly-diminishing community

Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures — 2015 — WHE28D52DF791

The Bukharan-Jewish Museum in Samarkand, established within the Samarkand Museum of Regional Studies in 2008, serves as a critical archive for preserving the memory and cultural heritage of a rapidly diminishing Jewish community. This reportage highlights the museum's role in documenting the Bukharan Jews' history, traditions, and contributions to Central Asian culture, particularly in Samarkand—a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cross-cultural exchanges. The study employs qualitative methods, including archival research and interviews, to explore how the museum addresses the challenges of cultural preservation amid demographic decline. It underscores the importance of such institutions in safeguarding intangible heritage and fostering intercultural dialogue.

Representation of Butchulla cultural heritage values in communication of K'gari (Fraser Island) as a tourism destination

K’gari (Fraser Island) — 2015 — WHE45743C978E

Tourism marketing for K’gari (Fraser Island) fails to adequately represent the cultural heritage values of its Indigenous Butchulla people, despite their aspirations for recognition. A content and image analysis revealed minimal inclusion of indigenous perspectives in promotional materials, marginalizing local heritage and missing an opportunity to enrich visitor experiences with a deeper historical narrative. The study underscores the need for greater integration of Butchulla cultural values in tourism communication, which could also inform future reviews of K’gari’s World Heritage status. Recommendations for both industry practice and further research are proposed.

Representations of the dingo: contextualising iconicity

K’gari (Fraser Island) — 2015 — WHE33C4AB690A

Dingoes on K’gari (Fraser Island) serve as both a symbol of cultural significance and a source of contention, embodying multiple human values—ranging from conservation to tourism—while also being perceived as pests. This study reveals that the dingo’s iconic status is shaped by diverse disciplinary perspectives, including scientific, anthropological, and tourism-related analyses, each with its own divisions. The research highlights how the dingo remains a liminal figure in human perception, often viewed through an anthropocentric lens. By synthesizing these disparate viewpoints, the study underscores the need for future research to explore reciprocal perceptions, such as how dingoes might perceive humans.

Reproductive Ecology and Hatchling Growth Rates of the American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) on Coiba Island, Panama

Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection — 2015 — WHE1BE74F8EE5

American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) populations on Coiba Island, Panama, experience dramatic declines in hatchling survival within the first two months post-hatching, with only 0.5% remaining by December. This study, the first to assess nest-site characteristics and estimate hatchling survival in a Pacific population, found that while hatching success was high at 88.9%, environmental factors such as soil composition (high potassium and manganese) and nest location (30% under forest canopies, 70% exposed) significantly influenced growth rates (0.03–0.16 cm/day). The research examined 10 nests across three localities from January to December 2013, revealing critical insights into reproductive ecology that could inform conservation strategies for this vulnerable species.

Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case Concerning the Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand) (I.C.J.)

Temple of Preah Vihear — 2015 — WHE8020A2FDEA

A 2013 ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) clarified Cambodia's sovereignty over the Temple of Preah Vihear and its surrounding promontory, though lingering disputes persist regarding the exact boundary between Cambodia and Thailand in the Dangrek Mountains region. The ICJ's interpretation of its 1962 judgment confirmed Cambodia's territorial claims but did not fully resolve the longstanding border uncertainty. This legal analysis examines the 2013 Judgment, focusing on its implications for the disputed area while acknowledging that the issue remains partially unresolved.

Research on digital exhibition Old Summer Palace somatosensory interaction based on Leap Motion

Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing — 2015 — WHE2FF1B72736

A novel approach using Leap Motion technology enhances the immersive experience of digital exhibitions at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly for the Old Summer Palace. This somatosensory interaction method allows users to engage with virtual reconstructions through intuitive hand gestures, reducing reliance on traditional input devices like mice or keyboards. The study demonstrates that high-fidelity virtual environments can effectively bridge the gap between real and simulated experiences, offering a non-invasive way to explore cultural heritage without altering original sites. This innovation addresses challenges in digital preservation by enabling detailed scene interactions while preserving historical integrity.

Research on the Impact of Human Activities on the Landscape Pattern in Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve

Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2015 — WHE7E69069A8C

A study analyzing the landscape pattern of Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve using three-phase sensing images (1997, 2004, and 2012) found that human activities, including tourism, settlements, and road construction, had minimal impact on the overall landscape structure. The reserve maintained a stable and balanced landscape pattern, with woodland being the dominant type and construction land the least prevalent. Dynamic changes revealed no significant diversification or agglomeration in areas with concentrated human activity, such as Shuzheng, Rize, and Zezhawa valleys, compared to other regions.

Research on the relative weathering and spalling depth of rocks on the Gate of Lixian of ancient City Wall at Quzhou

Ancient City of Ping Yao — 2015 — WHE5B2FD24EBE

Rocks and stone relics in the Ancient City of Ping Yao exhibit varying degrees of weathering due to differences in mineral composition and structural properties, leading to surface spalling that poses irreversible damage risks. Research on the Gate of Lixian of the ancient city wall quantified weathering and spalling depths using advanced techniques such as three-dimensional laser scanning (Leica Scanstation 2) and plasticine squeeze-film methods. Findings indicate significant variability in weathering resistance among different rock types, including sandstone, siltstone, rhyolite, and slabstone, with measurements also extended to other heritage sites like Yungang Grottoes and the Confucian Temple of Quzhou. This study underscores the importance of quantifying weathering processes for long-term preservation strategies, building on prior assessments conducted in 2008 and subsequent years.

Reseña

Palmeral of Elche — 2015 — WHE7D129B761D

This volume contributes significantly to the study of sustainable heritage management by integrating natural, agricultural, and industrial landscapes into cultural heritage frameworks. It highlights innovative approaches to reusing and valorizing industrial and mining heritage, such as the rehabilitation of Pathé Marconi's factory in Chatou and the sustainable practices applied at Abbadia San Salvatore in Italy. The work also explores models for managing cultural assets, including the coordination of technical museums in Catalonia and the development of the MARQ museum in Alicante, which balances continuity with modern orientations. Challenges in multilingual coordination are acknowledged, but the volume stands out as a relevant addition to emerging fields that demand further contributions.

Residential patterning at Angkor Wat

Angkor — 2015 — WHE5A9F06CC94

New evidence from Angkor Wat challenges traditional views of temple precincts, revealing that the large rectangular enclosure surrounding the temple was not exclusively reserved for the elite or priestly classes. LiDAR surveys and excavations have uncovered signs of low-density residential occupation, suggesting that these areas may have housed individuals servicing the temple rather than being solely sacred or reserved for the wealthy. This finding reshapes our understanding of the social hierarchy within Angkor Wat's community.

Resilience of Groundwater Impacted by Land Use and Climate Change in a Karst Aquifer, South China

South China Karst — 2015 — WHE5170D7545B

A subtropical karst aquifer in South China has shown significant groundwater discharge decline, with nearly 50% reduction during the dry season, primarily driven by land use changes and climate change. The study, which analyzed long-term hydrochemical data, found that groundwater quality deteriorated more in runoff and discharge zones compared to recharge areas. While land resource exploitation and shifting land use patterns began impacting groundwater conditions around 1990, climate change effects became evident from 2001, as indicated by rising water temperatures despite high aquifer depth. These findings underscore the need for continuous monitoring and reassessment of karst aquifers to understand their resilience amid urbanization and development.

Responses to water depth and clipping of twenty-three plant species in an Indian monsoonal wetland

Keoladeo National Park — 2015 — WHED29415F1E8

Plant species in monsoonal wetlands exhibit highly individualistic responses to water depth and harvesting, challenging the assumption that functional groups react uniformly. A controlled experiment at Keoladeo National Park revealed that six of 23 dominant species thrived under flooded conditions, while twelve declined when clipped. These findings highlight the complexity of wetland vegetation dynamics, suggesting that species-specific data is crucial for predicting post-disturbance composition. As global water demands rise, understanding life history constraints and hydrological responses can guide conservation strategies to preserve biodiversity in these fragile ecosystems.

Restoring Wildlife Access and Airflow to Slaughter Canyon Cave, NM

Carlsbad Caverns National Park — 2015 — WHEC5DD5D1854

A six-day project in January 2015 successfully restored natural cave microclimate conditions and improved wildlife access to Slaughter Canyon Cave, a backcountry site within Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The initiative replaced four entrances with bat-friendly gates, including reopening two that had been sealed off by rock and mortar walls. This intervention aimed to enhance airflow and accessibility for wildlife while maintaining the cave's ecological integrity. Led by Stan Allison and Shawn Thomas, Cave Technicians in the Cave Resource Office, the project highlights the importance of adaptive management in preserving sensitive subterranean ecosystems.

Retrieving 65 years of volcano summit deformation from multitemporal structure from motion: The case of Piton de la Fournaise (La Réunion Island)

Pitons Management Area — 2015 — WHE7EF2AA2416

A groundbreaking study reveals that Piton de la Fournaise volcano (La Réunion Island) has experienced consistent summit volume growth at a rate of 2.2 million cubic meters per year from 1950 to 2015, with an acceleration to 8.0 million cubic meters per year preceding the major 2007 eruption. The research, leveraging multitemporal structure from motion photogrammetry, also identified asymmetric deformation, characterized by significant eastward seaward displacement (9.2 ± 2.5 m) and minimal westward movement (1.3 ± 2.5 m). These findings highlight the volcano's dynamic magma influx and long-term preferential eastern motion, crucial for mitigating risks associated with flank destabilization.

Revealing letters in rolled Herculaneum papyri by X-ray phase-contrast imaging

Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata — 2015 — WHE4F0AA79E49

X-ray phase-contrast tomography has successfully revealed letters within the rolled Herculaneum papyri, preserving their fragile structure. This breakthrough addresses a longstanding challenge: the carbonized papyri, buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, were previously impossible to read without unrolling and damaging them. The technique penetrates the spiral layers of the papyrus, detecting carbon-based ink for the first time. By enabling non-invasive text recovery, this method unlocks new insights into ancient Greek literature and philosophy, offering a solution to conserve and study one of Antiquity's few surviving libraries.

Revision of the genus Cetrelia (Lecanorales, Ascomycota) in the Białowieża Forest (Belarussian part)

Białowieża Forest — 2015 — WHE9EF0A6D6B4

A comprehensive revision of the lichen genus Cetrelia (Lecanorales, Ascomycota) in the Belarussian part of the Białowieża Forest identifies three distinct taxa: C. monachorum, C. olivetorum, and C. cetrarioides. C. monachorum is the most prevalent, with 46 recorded localities, while C. olivetorum is found in 35 sites, and C. cetrarioides is notably rare, documented at only two locations. The study challenges previous reliance on morphological characteristics and color chemical reactions, which are often unreliable, by employing a more rigorous taxonomic approach. Distribution maps and conservation assessments for these species are provided, highlighting their ecological significance within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Revisiting Key Sedimentary Archives Yields Evidence Of A Rapid Onset Of Mining In The Mid‐13th Century At The Great Copper Mountain, Falun, Sweden

Mining Area of the Great Copper Mountain in Falun — 2015 — WHEE1D0159883

A rapid onset of large-scale mining at the Great Copper Mountain, Falun, Sweden, began around 1245 AD, contradicting earlier suggestions that mining started as early as the fifth to eighth centuries. This finding emerges from a reanalysis of sedimentary archives using geochemical methods on samples from three key sites: Tisksjöbergets myr, Tisken lake, and Runn. The study revealed that Tisksjöbergets myr's peat, containing up to 6% copper, is not useful for tracing early mining due to its cupriferous nature. Similarly, sediments from Tisken lake showed signs of infilling with reversed radiocarbon dates (19th and 16th centuries), rendering it unreliable as a historical record. Only Runn's sediment provided clear evidence of the abrupt increase in ore-related elements, such as a 34-fold rise in copper, consistent with mid-13th century mining activities.