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Publications

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Archaeological Researches on the Excavated Finds at the Ancient City of Wadee

Pyu Ancient Cities — 2014 — WHE696E6F8718

A newly discovered ancient site, Wadee, sheds light on Myanmar's prehistoric period and its connection to the Pyu civilization. Located near Phayagyi Village in Central Myanmar, Wadee is one of several circular-walled cities, smaller than major Pyu sites like Srikshetra but larger than Thagara in Dawe. The excavation reveals varied remains that provide insights into Wadee's past and its relationship with other Pyu sites and earlier periods, including the Samon culture. This study contributes to understanding the broader context of Myanmar's pre-historic era by analyzing excavated finds, offering a glimpse into a previously unfamiliar ancient human settlement.

Archaeology and Epic: Butrint and Ugolino Verino's Carlias

Butrint — 2014 — WHEBFF58AA8C6

Recent excavations at Butrint, a historic Epirote port in Albania, reveal the decayed state of this fortified Venetian town and the living conditions of its inhabitants in 1493. Ugolino Verino's neo-Latin epic 'Carlias' describes Butrint as a crumbling stronghold, shaped more by literary influences than actual circumstances. The poem, written during Charles VIII of France's invasion of Italy, aimed to inspire the young king to emulate Charlemagne and undertake a crusade. This study reconstructs Butrint's material reality through archaeological evidence, contrasting it with Verino's poetic narrative.

Architectural heritage in the city of Hebron and the rehabilitation of the historical centre

Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town — 2014 — WHE7074A75210

Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town's architectural heritage, particularly Souq al-wakala, showcases unique regional and historical characteristics that hold significant cultural value in Palestine. A proposed rehabilitation project aims to repurpose the souq into a multifunctional space, including a guest house for the Hebron Rehabilitation Centre (HRC), while adhering to international standards for sustainable urban rehabilitation. The study emphasizes the need to integrate essential services and maintain historical authenticity, ensuring the preservation of this culturally rich site.

Architectural Topographies

The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement — 2014 — WHEC5F9A0B2D2

Architectural Topographies offers a groundbreaking analysis of the relationship between architecture and landscape, providing a critical dictionary that explores how buildings interact with their surroundings. The work presents 50 case studies by 46 renowned architects, using sectional drawings to illustrate key concepts such as the physical and material connections between construction and ground, methods for transforming landscapes, and the implications of these approaches on architectural design. This innovative approach allows readers to recognize, analyze, and invent solutions by comparing how different architects position their work in relation to the ground plane, offering a unique perspective on modern architectural movements.

Architecture and Armed Conflict

Old City of Dubrovnik — 2014 — WHE5A77F2F7C0

Architectural destruction during armed conflicts, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Dubrovnik's Old City, reveals patterns of cultural erasure and resistance. The study examines how deliberate destruction—whether through iconoclasm, revolutionary actions, or post-conflict urban remodelling—shapes historical narratives and societal identity. It combines case studies from Vietnam, Lithuania, Northern Ireland, and France, analyzing primary sources such as Assyrian accounts, Life Magazine imagery, and 19th-century urban planning documents. Key findings highlight the intersection of power dynamics, memory, and reconstruction, demonstrating how destruction serves as both a tool of control and a catalyst for cultural renewal.

Are fungi a real threat for the conservation of Altamira Cave?

Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain — 2014 — WHE64D1563F69

Research on Altamira Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Paleolithic cave art, reveals that it harbors opportunistic microorganisms posing potential health risks to visitors. The study identified bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Ochrobactrum anthropi, linked to human presence, alongside other pathogens whose effects in humans remain unknown. These microorganisms primarily affect the respiratory system and skin, underscoring the need for protective measures if the cave were to reopen to tourism. To address this gap, the research analyzed microbial presence, emphasizing the importance of informing vulnerable populations—such as those with weakened immune systems—and advocating for precautions like masks, gloves, and protective clothing during visits.

Are Therapy Dogs Like Xanax? Does Animal-Assisted Therapy Impact Processes Relevant to Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy?

Saltaire — 2014 — WHEB6231D8909

Animal-assisted therapy, featuring therapy dogs, shows promise as an effective non-pharmacological intervention for cognitive behavioral psychotherapy. A study reviewing the exhibition 'Cloth & Memory 2' at Salts Mill, Saltaire, Yorkshire, found that interactions with therapy dogs can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, akin to the effects of pharmaceutical interventions like Xanax. The research employed a qualitative approach, analyzing participant responses and experiences during the exhibition, which integrated animal-assisted therapy elements. Findings suggest that such therapies may offer a complementary or alternative approach to traditional cognitive behavioral techniques, potentially enhancing emotional well-being without the side effects associated with medication.

Armut und geistiger Aufstieg. San Francesco und Dante

Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites — 2014 — WHE3843FA2750

This study reveals the complex interplay between artistic representation, spiritual poverty, and material wealth, particularly through the lens of San Francesco's life as depicted by Giotto and Dante. It examines how Giotto's portrayal of 'Poverty' in the Basilica of San Francesco contrasts with Dante's literary representation in the Paradiso, where San Tommaso d'Aquino's discourse deviates from the strict 'sine glossa' rule, incorporating self-commentary to clarify his hermetic style. The research highlights a tension between religious ethics and artistic vision, as Dante uses vivid topographical imagery—such as the Arno and Tevere rivers—to evoke material richness while exploring the allegorical ascent of 'Poverty' alongside Beatrice. This analysis opens a critical space for understanding how Dante's work bridges spiritual ideals with tangible cultural contexts.

Arsenic Removal by Nanoscale Magnetite in Guanajuato, Mexico

Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines — 2014 — WHEC53B339D29

A pilot-scale demonstration using nanoscale magnetite successfully removed arsenic from groundwater in Guanajuato, Mexico, proving its potential for real-world water treatment applications. Researchers packed 20 nm magnetite particles into sand columns and tested their efficiency under field conditions, finding that magnetite-to-sand ratio and residence time were critical factors affecting arsenic removal. While batch tests showed improved adsorption at lower pH levels, pilot-scale results did not reflect this trend, suggesting complex interference effects in continuous systems. This study highlights the challenges of scaling up nanotechnology-based solutions for full-scale water treatment while offering a promising low-cost method (ca. $2.50 USD) to address arsenic contamination in drinking water, a pressing issue in Latin America.

Art, Architecture and Engineering

Roman Theatre and its Surroundings and the "Triumphal Arch" of Orange — 2014 — WHE8E05CD3880

Roman architecture and art were not static but dynamically adapted to local conditions, cultures, and climates across the vast Roman Empire. Unlike the common perception of Roman architectural continuity, this study reveals how structures like colonnaded streets in Near Eastern cities or rainwater cisterns in North Africa reflected practical adaptations rather than rigid traditions. Even freestanding theatres often utilized natural terrain, such as hills or excavated ground, showcasing a flexible approach to design. This adaptability was crucial in the acceptance and transmission of Roman architecture globally, demonstrating its resilience and versatility in diverse environments.

As condições de vida e de trabalho da população em situação de rua do Centro Histórico de Salvador, Bahia

Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia — 2014 — WHE944E591B29

A study of homeless populations in Salvador de Bahia's historic center reveals that structural factors, not just social assistance needs, drive homelessness. While most homeless individuals—predominantly male, Black, and of working age—lose family ties due to unemployment, substance use, or violence, the research suggests that addressing systemic causes is key to prevention. Using quantitative and ethnographic methods, the study highlights that providing shelter alone is insufficient; a preventive approach targeting root causes like economic instability and social exclusion is necessary for sustainable solutions.

As RPPNs Como Estratégia Para a Conservação da Biodiversidade: O caso da Chapada dos Veadeiros

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2014 — WHE5D44199DB7

Private Natural Heritage Reserves (RPPNs) emerge as a vital strategy for biodiversity conservation, particularly in regions with significant private land ownership. A study focusing on the Chapada dos Veadeiros, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Brazil's Cerrado biome, demonstrates that RPPNs can effectively complement protected areas like national parks by promoting sustainable use and habitat conservation without extensive human intervention. The research highlights 15 federal RPPNs surrounding the Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros, contributing to its zone of amortecimento (buffer zone). These reserves are recognized as priority areas for conservation by major NGOs and Brazilian environmental agencies, including Conservation International, WWF, TNC, MMA, and ICMBio. The study underscores the potential of RPPNs in implementing territorial planning through community partnerships, offering a scalable model for biodiversity conservation in regions with complex land tenure dynamics.

As RPPNs como Estratégia para a Conservação da Biodiversidade: o Caso da Chapada dos Veadeiros RPPNs as a Strategy for the Conservation of Biodiversity: the Case of the Chapada dos Veadeiros

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2014 — WHECAEF198001

Private Natural Heritage Reserves (RPPNs) serve as effective tools for biodiversity conservation, particularly in regions with established private land ownership. A study on the Chapada dos Veadeiros in Goiás, Brazil, demonstrates that RPPNs—voluntarily created on private properties and subject to strict protection measures—can significantly contribute to habitat preservation without extensive human intervention. The region, recognized as a priority area for conservation by international NGOs and Brazilian environmental agencies, hosts 15 federal RPPNs surrounding the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park. This review highlights that RPPNs, when implemented in collaboration with local communities, can enhance territorial planning and biodiversity protection, offering a sustainable model for conservation in areas where traditional protected areas may be less feasible.

As simbologias religiosas dos Santuários do Bom Jesus do Monte de Braga e do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, em Congonhas

Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga — 2014 — WHE5B31CDD8D1

A comparative analysis of the religious symbolism in two prominent Portuguese sanctuaries—Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga and Bom Jesus de Matosinhos in Congonhas—reveals a shared iconographic language rooted in Baroque aesthetics, blending Christian devotion with architectural grandeur. The study identifies recurring motifs such as staircases, chapels, and sculptural elements that serve as visual narratives of faith, pilgrimage, and spiritual elevation. Through iconographic and semiotic analysis, the research deciphers how these symbols function as tools for religious communication, reinforcing themes of penitence, divine intervention, and cosmic order. The approach combines archival research with spatial analysis, examining architectural plans, inscriptions, and visual motifs to uncover their theological significance.

Assembling ritual, the burden of the everyday: an exercise in relational ontology in Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina

Quebrada de Humahuaca — 2014 — WHE7DF09E738C

Ritual practices in Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina, are not isolated from everyday life but are deeply embedded within social performance and relational ontology. This challenges traditional dualistic views that separate ritual from common activities. The study employs a relational approach to ritual, emphasizing its role in social structures and bridging the gap between the sacred and the mundane. By analyzing contemporary archaeological contexts, it argues that ritual is an integral part of how societies perform and maintain their identities.

Assessing prehistoric genetic structure and diversity of North American elk (Cervus elaphus) populations in Alberta, Canada

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2014 — WHE0F98046F19

Historic population declines and habitat loss nearly eradicated two North American elk subspecies, Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) and Manitoban elk (Cervus elaphus manitobensis), in Alberta, Canada. A study analyzing mitochondrial DNA from 50 ancient elk remains (2260 BCE to 1920 CE) revealed that while the genetic diversity of Manitoban elk was significantly reduced by these pressures, Rocky Mountain elk populations benefited from early 20th-century translocations from Yellowstone National Park. The research also found higher gene flow between the subspecies in the past compared to today, indicating they once formed a continuous population. This study provides critical baseline data for understanding the genetic impacts of historic declines and informs modern conservation efforts in Alberta.

Assessing risks to humans from invasive Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA

Everglades National Park — 2014 — WHEF56F422B81

Invasive Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) in Everglades National Park, Florida, pose minimal risk to humans despite their established presence. Over a decade-long study (2003–2012), only five unprovoked strikes were reported—all involving biologists moving through flooded wetlands, with no injuries requiring medical attention and none resulting from constriction. These incidents were likely cases of mistaken identity, where pythons initiated strikes but aborted predatory behavior before ingestion. Notably, no strikes were directed at park visitors, despite annual visitation rates exceeding one million during the study period. The research concludes that while human risk cannot be entirely dismissed, the likelihood of a fatal python attack in Everglades NP remains extremely low.

Assessing the Contribution of Marine Protected Areas to the Trophic Functioning of Ecosystems: A Model for the Banc d’Arguin and the Mauritanian Shelf

Banc d'Arguin National Park — 2014 — WHE6490D950AD

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) like the Banc d'Arguin National Park play a significant role in sustaining larger ecosystems, contributing up to 13% to total consumption and supporting 23% of production on the Mauritanian shelf. A study using food web models revealed that 15 out of 29 exploited species rely on the Banc for over 30% of their diet, highlighting its critical trophic function. The research applied Ecopath with Ecosim to analyze data from 1991-2006, accounting for fisheries, food web structure, and spatial distribution while addressing knowledge gaps through multiple models. Findings indicated that increased fishing pressure led to declines in high-trophic-level biomass and catch, confirming overexploitation. Simulations further showed that additional fleets could reduce outside MPA catches by 23%, underscoring the importance of MPAs in maintaining ecosystem balance.

Assessing the patterns of the invertebrate community in the marshes of Doñana National Park (SW Spain) in relation to environmental factors

Doñana National Park — 2014 — WHE97E90A408D

Doñana National Park's marshes, a Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot, host a diverse invertebrate community shaped by environmental factors. The study identified 102 taxa, with cladocerans, ostracods, and dipteran insects dominating in abundance. Clear water patches, characterized by higher macrophyte cover and structural heterogeneity, supported richer and more diverse invertebrate assemblages compared to turbid patches. Environmental variables such as conductivity, soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), and chlorophyll-a concentration were key drivers of community structure. The research suggests that hydrologic connectivity and flood duration significantly influence invertebrate diversity, highlighting the importance of submerged macrophytes in marsh ecosystems.

Assessing the Situational Analysis of Heritage Tourism Industry in Melaka

Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca — 2014 — WHE56E10D8F0B

A balanced approach to heritage tourism in Melaka can simultaneously protect cultural assets while maximizing economic benefits. This study reveals that current marketing strategies—evaluated using PESTEL and SWOT/TOWS frameworks—show mixed effectiveness, with tourist perception analysis indicating both strengths and areas for improvement. The research highlights the need for sustainable tourism models that align conservation goals with promotional efforts, ensuring long-term viability for stakeholders. By measuring visitor feedback through mean tests, the study provides actionable insights to refine strategies, fostering a more harmonious relationship between heritage preservation and tourism growth.