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Publications

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A Commentary on the Cuneiform Inscriptions of Babylonia and Assyria

Bisotun — 2014 — WHE3404EEC4A1

Sir Henry Rawlinson's groundbreaking work on the cuneiform inscriptions of Babylonia and Assyria, particularly his decipherment of the Behistun Inscription, revolutionized the understanding of ancient Near Eastern languages. Using a trilingual approach (Old Persian, Elamite, Babylonian), Rawlinson built upon earlier research by Georg Friedrich Grotefend to decode Darius the Great's monumental inscription, a key milestone in Assyriology. Published in 1850, this work not only advanced linguistic studies but also provided archaeological context and interpretations of king lists and other inscriptions, though its claim to primacy remains debated.

A Comparative Study of Chlorite Vessels Iconography, Discovered from HalilRud Basin

Shahr-i Sokhta — 2014 — WHEAC6C29A712

A comparative analysis of chlorite vessels from the HalilRud Basin, southeastern Iran, reveals that this region was a significant industrial and cultural hub during the second half of the third millennium BCE. The study examined 144 engraved chlorite vessels, highlighting their iconography and comparing them with artifacts from other sites in southeastern Iran, such as Tape Yahya, Shahdad, and Shahr-i Sokhta. These vessels, along with other handicrafts, were likely exported across Southwest Asia and Central Asia, including Syria, indicating the basin's role in ancient trade networks. The research provides preliminary insights into the artistic and cultural exchanges of the time.

A Competitive Model of Lenggong Valley as a Rural Heritage Destination in Malaysia

Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley — 2014 — WHEC5AC7B1AD1

Lenggong Valley, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significant archaeological heritage, is proposed as a competitive rural destination in Malaysia. The study introduces a competitiveness model that leverages the unique resources of Lenggong Valley to enhance tourism attractiveness. This approach builds on established models of destination competitiveness and aims to capitalize on the valley's four excavation sites, divided into two clusters with distinct core zones and buffer areas. The research seeks to position Lenggong Valley as a key attraction during Perak's Visit Perak Year 2012 campaign, emphasizing its potential to draw more visitors through strategic utilization of its heritage assets.

A contribution to the aphid fauna (Hemiptera: Aphididae) of Wrangel Island

Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve — 2014 — WHE09B9819121

A new aphid species, Aphis polaris, has been identified from Wrangel Island, Russia, marking the first formal description of this taxon. The discovery was made through the examination of aphid specimens collected on the island, with A. polaris distinguished by its feeding behavior on Astragalus alpinus and Oxytropis species. Additionally, the study provides the first description of the fundatrix morph (the sexual form) for two other aphid species, Pterocomma groenlandicum and Metopolophium sabihae, expanding our understanding of their life cycles in this remote Arctic environment.

A Cretaceous-Eocene depositional age for the Fenghuoshan Group, Hoh Xil Basin: Implications for the tectonic evolution of the northern Tibet Plateau

Qinghai Hoh Xil — 2014 — WHE7509887EFF

Research reveals that the Fenghuoshan Group in Qinghai Hoh Xil, marking the onset of terrestrial deposition in the Hoh Xil Basin, was deposited between 85 and 51 million years ago. This finding challenges previous debates on its age and stratigraphic relationships, providing critical insights into the uplift history of northern Tibet. By integrating radiometric dating, biostratigraphic data, and magnetostratigraphy, the study proposes that these strata likely originated from the central Qiangtang Terrane, sharing sediment sources with Cretaceous rocks in the Nima Basin. Additionally, late Oligocene basalt flows capping tilted Fenghuoshan Group strata suggest a shift from Eocene-Oligocene deformation to crustal shortening cessation by the late Oligocene, reshaping our understanding of the tectonic evolution of northern Tibet.

A cultural consensus regarding the king vulture?: preliminary findings and their application to Mexican conservation

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2014 — WHEDBAC8DF33F

Research suggests a cultural consensus among local experts in southern Yucatán regarding the natural history of the king vulture (Sarcoramphus papa), a finding that could bridge local ecological knowledge and academic conservation strategies. The study, involving 66 forest workers—including hunters, loggers, and gum tappers—applied questionnaires to explore shared perceptions about the bird's behavior and ecology within Mexico’s largest tropical forest, including the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. By contrasting these local insights with scientific findings, the research highlights potential applications for integrating traditional knowledge into conservation programming, offering a novel approach to ecosystem management in the region.

A Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Tanzania

Kilimanjaro National Park — 2014 — WHEAA56BAE1EA

A comprehensive field guide to the larger mammals of Tanzania, including marine mammals and some newly discovered species, provides detailed accounts for over 135 species. The guide features color photos, illustrations, distribution maps, and side-by-side comparisons for easily confused species. It also includes first-time-ever species checklists for every national park in Tanzania, making it the definitive and most up-to-date resource for identifying and observing these mammals. The guide covers identification, subspecies, similar species, ecology, behavior, distribution, conservation status, and optimal viewing locations, offering valuable insights for both researchers and wildlife enthusiasts.

A Framework for Assessing the Vulnerability of Archaeological Sites to Climate Change: Theory, Development, and Application

Brú na Bóinne - Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne — 2014 — WHEE3BC61E5F8

A new vulnerability framework for assessing archaeological sites' susceptibility to climate change has been developed, offering heritage managers a practical tool to plan adaptation and mitigation strategies. This six-step approach, demonstrated through case studies at Brú na Bóinne and Skellig Michael, combines values-based indicators with localized flexibility, enabling site comparisons while addressing specific concerns. The framework aids decision-makers in prioritizing conservation efforts by providing a structured method to evaluate risks dynamically and complexly influenced by climate change.

A Framework for Managing Temporal Dimensions in Archaeological Data

City of Verona — 2014 — WHEAD8FEBF7B9

A novel framework extends the ISO 19018 standard to address the inherent vagueness in archaeological dating, enabling the representation of fuzzy dates and their relationships. This advancement allows for more accurate temporal modeling of archaeological data, as demonstrated through a case study of Verona, Italy. The approach integrates fuzzy logic with temporal constraint networks (FTCNs), facilitating consistency checks and reducing date imprecision by leveraging automated time-reasoning techniques. By translating manual dating processes into structured FTCN models, the framework enhances the reliability of archaeological chronologies.

A GIS Approach to Estimating Tourists' Off-road Use in a Mountainous Protected Area of Northwest Yunnan, China

Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas — 2014 — WHEB418F6B89C

A novel GIS-based approach predicts tourist off-road use patterns in the UNESCO-listed Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, offering park managers critical insights for balancing tourism and conservation. By integrating Naismith's rule with anisotropic cost analysis, researchers derived a more accurate measure of accessibility than traditional methods, revealing spatial hotspots where unregulated off-road activity may threaten species conservation. This study demonstrates how quantitative modeling can address gaps in standard monitoring techniques, providing actionable data for sustainable tourism strategies in mountainous protected areas.

A GPS network for tropospheric tomography in the framework of the Mediterranean hydrometeorological observatory Cévennes-Vivarais (southeastern France)

The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape — 2014 — WHECA4049E012

A GPS network deployed in southeastern France reveals strong correlations between tropospheric water vapor depletion and precipitation patterns, offering new insights into hydrometeorological processes. The study, conducted within the Mediterranean hydrometeorological observatory Cévennes-Vivarais (OHM-CV), utilized a combination of permanent and temporary GPS receivers to monitor precipitable water vapor (PWV) with high temporal resolution. By inverting data from a dense local network using tomographic techniques, researchers obtained 3-D fields of tropospheric water vapor content, which showed good alignment with precipitation fields derived from meteorological radar. This approach demonstrates the potential of GPS tomography for improving our understanding and prediction of rain events.

A Legacy of Divergent Fishery Management Regimes and the Resilience of Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout Populations in Lake Crescent, Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park — 2014 — WHE45396E5771

Lake Crescent, within Olympic National Park, harbors three genetically distinct trout populations—one rainbow and two cutthroat—that have persisted despite decades of liberal sport harvest and extensive hatchery supplementation. Unlike nonnative species introduced elsewhere, these populations thrived without establishing dominance, showcasing remarkable resilience. The study, analyzing redd counts (1989–2012) and genetic data, revealed distinct spawning patterns: rainbow trout spawned in the outlet from January to May, while cutthroat trout exhibited unusual timing, spawning in both the inlet tributary (February to June) and outlet river (September to March). Catch-and-release regulations significantly boosted rainbow trout populations. Morphometric analyses showed no intraspecific differences between cutthroat populations, though interspecific hybridization was minimal (9–17%). Lake Crescent's rainbow trout are genetically divergent from nearby populations, representing a unique evolutionary legacy. This research underscores the adaptability of native species under divergent management regimes and highlights their conservation significance.

A Mechanistic Model for Wettability Alteration by Chemically Tuned Water Flooding in Carbonate Reservoirs

Stevns Klint — 2014 — WHE74F8A9E098

Chemically tuned water flooding can significantly enhance oil recovery in carbonate reservoirs, with potential increases of up to 40% of original oil in place (OOIP). This finding stems from a mechanistic model that elucidates how sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻) replace adsorbed carboxylic groups on rock surfaces, altering wettability from oil-wet or mixed-wet to more water-wet conditions. The model, tuned using experimental data from Stevns Klint chalk, demonstrates that optimal brine formulations for chalk reservoirs contain abundant sulfate (0.096 mol/kg water), moderate cation concentrations, and low salinity (<0.2 mol/kg water). While cations like Ca²⁺ have a minor effect on recovery (~5% OOIP), physical parameters such as rock surface area and diffusion coefficient influence the rate but not the final oil recovery. This research provides a robust tool for predicting improved oil recovery (IOR) under varying conditions, offering practical insights for field applications in carbonate reservoirs.

A Method Using GIS Integrated Voronoi Diagrams for Commuter Rail Station Identification: A Case Study from Brasilia (Brazil)

Brasilia — 2014 — WHEC383DC4323

Researchers developed a GIS-based method using Voronoi diagrams to identify optimal commuter rail station locations, applied in Brasília's Metropolitan Area. The approach integrates point density representing high-activity zones and trip-generating rate weights, resulting in a 'T' Trunk-Feeder framework that enhances multi-modal transportation planning. This model, spanning 69 km with an estimated total travel time of 62 minutes, includes 17 stations strategically linked to metro, LRT, and bus systems, prioritizing integration based on activity density. The study demonstrates how spatial analysis can optimize transit networks for efficient urban mobility.

A Molecular Clone and Culture Inventory of the Root Fungal Community Associated with Eastern Hemlock in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park — 2014 — WHE233AF85DA8

A comprehensive inventory of root fungal communities associated with Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park revealed 124 fungal taxa across 23 genera, with Meliniomyces variabilis and Russula granulata being the most dominant. The study, conducted using molecular cloning and cultural methods, sampled roots from 40 trees at two elevations and age classes, identifying key species such as Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma viride in fungal isolates. Surprisingly, species richness, diversity, and evenness were consistent across different elevations and stand ages, providing a baseline for understanding ecological changes post-HWA damage and supporting future reforestation efforts.

A Monetary and Political History of the Phoenician City of Byblos in the Fifth and Fourth Centuries B.C.E.

Byblos — 2014 — WHE873F94182F

Phoenician coins from the Persian period, particularly those from Byblos (modern Jbeil, Lebanon), offer unprecedented insights into the political and economic history of the region, challenging long-held assumptions derived from Greek sources. A comprehensive catalog of 1,662 silver Byblian coins, analyzed through numismatic techniques including monetary inscriptions, iconography, and manufacturing processes, reveals details about coin circulation, trade exchanges, and conflicts involving Greeks, Cypriots, and Egyptians in the eastern Mediterranean. The study by Alain and Josette Elayi, spanning four stages of research—economy under Persian rule, hoard analysis, weight investigation, and monetary/political history—provides a Semitic-language perspective, correcting biases from Greek historical accounts.

A multi-range approach for Cultural Heritage survey: a case study in Mantua Unesco site

Mantua and Sabbioneta — 2014 — WHED8481E10DC

A multi-range approach for cultural heritage survey demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating diverse acquisition technologies—including aerial photogrammetry, UAV-based photogrammetry, laser scanning, and traditional topography—in documenting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This method enables the creation of a 3D multiscale database, capturing architectural-urban details down to fine-scale features (1:50–1:20 scale). Applied in Mantua’s Palazzo Te gardens, the approach revealed historical modifications and provided graphical documentation for potential future redesigns. Comparative analysis of point cloud models confirmed the efficiency of this integrated methodology, offering a robust framework for studying and preserving cultural heritage.

A new Andean lizard of the genus Potamites (Sauria, Gymnophthalmidae) from Manu National Park, southeastern Peru

Manú National Park — 2014 — WHE85B1CC11FE

Researchers have identified a new species of lizard belonging to the genus Potamites in the montane forests of Manu National Park, Peru. This discovery, described from elevations between 1000 and 2100 meters, distinguishes itself through unique morphological traits such as scattered keeled scales on its dorsum, an undivided frontonasal bone, and the absence of femoral pores in females. The study highlights the biodiversity richness of the Cordillera de Paucartambo and upper Kosñipata valley regions, contributing to our understanding of Andean lizard diversity within UNESCO-listed Manu National Park.

A New Approach for Documentation, Conservation and Preservation of the Monolithic Statues in San Agustín as Pilot for Outdoor Cultural Heritage Documentation in Colombia

San Agustín Archaeological Park — 2014 — WHE6C278A5EBA

A new approach integrating advanced technologies, particularly 3D modeling, has been successfully applied to document, conserve, and preserve the monolithic statues at San Agustín Archaeological Park in Colombia. The study, conducted by the Instituto Colombiano de Antropología e Historia (ICANH), utilized infrared structured-light (SL) and phase shift (PS) laser scanning technologies to create detailed 3D models of 66 sculptures. While the initial phase identified areas for improvement, such as increasing mesh detail for more precise conservation efforts, it established a robust methodology that can serve as a pilot model for other heritage sites in Colombia. The findings highlight the potential and challenges of using these technologies for outdoor cultural heritage documentation, offering valuable insights for future preservation projects.

A New Calotes Species from Sri Lanka with a Redescription of Calotes liolepis Boulenger, 1885

Central Highlands of Sri Lanka — 2014 — WHE37EEFCEFF8

Researchers have identified a new species of agamid lizard, Calotes manamendrai, endemic to the Knuckles massif in Sri Lanka's central highlands. This discovery, based on morphological evidence, highlights the unique biodiversity of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. The new species closely resembles Calotes liolepis but can be distinguished by several key features, including nonenlarged pectoral scales, keeled dorsal scales, and distinct color patterns. Additionally, the study provides a comprehensive redescription of Calotes liolepis, contributing to a better understanding of Sri Lanka's agamid lizard diversity.