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Publications

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Integration of constrained electrical and seismic tomographies to study the landslide affecting the cathedral of Agrigento

Archaeological Area of Agrigento — 2014 — WHE8112D234CA

Integrated geophysical techniques reveal the complex subsurface structures underlying landslides at Agrigento's Cathedral of Saint Gerland, providing critical insights for stabilization efforts. The study combined 2D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), seismic refraction tomography (SRT), microtremor analysis, and surface wave soundings to map lithological layers, fractures, and cavities affecting the hillside. By constraining geophysical data with stratigraphic information from boreholes, researchers constructed robust 3D models of electrical resistivity and P-wave velocity, elucidating the sliding processes that threaten the cathedral and adjacent Archaeological Park. These findings offer a foundation for targeted landslide consolidation works to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Intensification of the meridional temperature gradient in the Great Barrier Reef following the Last Glacial Maximum

Great Barrier Reef — 2014 — WHE2FA96E8A84

A steeper meridional sea surface temperature (SST) gradient existed in the central Great Barrier Reef (GBR) during the Last Glacial Maximum and deglaciation, with temperatures 1–2 °C cooler between 17° and 20°S compared to today. This intensification was driven by the northward expansion of subtropical waters due to a weakening South Pacific gyre and East Australian Current. The study used coral Sr/Ca and δ18O records to reconstruct past SSTs, revealing that the GBR experienced substantial meridional temperature changes during deglaciation. These findings suggest the reef may be more resilient to climate change than previously thought, challenging assumptions about its vulnerability to rising ocean temperatures.

Intercultural Relations between Southern Iran and the Oxus Civilization. The Strange Case of Bifacial Seal NMI 1660.

Shahr-i Sokhta — 2014 — WHE08EDCF9E3E

A bifacial seal, discovered at Shahr-i Sokhta and now housed in the Bastan Museum, provides compelling evidence for previously unrecognized intercultural relations between southern Iran's Jiroft civilization and the Oxus (Bactria-Margiana) civilization during the III-II millennium B.C. transition period. This artifact challenges the traditional narrative of one-way cultural diffusion from Central Asia to Iran, instead suggesting a complex, bidirectional exchange that shaped artistic and ideological developments across a vast region spanning Margiana, Bactria, Jiroft, and Elam. The seal's unique features—rooted in both southern Iranian and Central Asian traditions—highlight the emergence of a shared cultural source with distinct local adaptations. This finding, derived from new archaeological evidence from Turkmenistan and Iran, redefines our understanding of historical interactions between these civilizations.

Into the Labyrinth: Tales of Organizational Nomadism

Chartres Cathedral — 2014 — WHE45242337D6

Labyrinths and mazes, from prehistoric designs to the pilgrimage layout of Chartres Cathedral, serve as powerful symbols of transformation and organizational complexity. This study reveals that labyrinthine structures, whether physical or metaphorical, act as transitional spaces fostering reflection, doubt, and uncertainty—countering the prevailing trend toward simplification and streamlining in organizations. By analyzing academic discourse and conducting ethnographic research, the authors demonstrate how these structures function as archetypes for sensemaking in complex organizational environments. The findings highlight labyrinths as indelible tools for navigating ambiguity, challenging reductionist narratives while providing a framework to understand human experience within intricate systems.

Into the mountains and across the country: emergent forms of equine adventure leisure in Canada

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2014 — WHEC2FCF0A045

This study reveals how equine adventure leisure serves as a transformative escape from societal power structures, illustrating its potential to redefine human-animal relationships and territorial experiences. By analyzing two historical case studies—Mary Shaffer’s early 20th-century journey into Jasper National Park and Barbara Kingscote’s post-WWII cross-Canada horseback trek—the research demonstrates how such adventures embody Deleuze and Guattari’s 'lines of flight,' enabling participants to challenge gender, class, and territorial norms. The findings highlight the emergence of a mutual ethics of caring between humans and horses, fostering new forms of dialogue and material alliances that transcend conventional social boundaries.

Introduction to stone in historic buildings: characterization and performance

Historic Centre of Vienna — 2014 — WHEAA6775730D

A significant body of research on the characterization and performance of natural building stone, particularly in historic buildings, highlights its enduring relevance to geologists, architects, engineers, conservators, and conservation scientists. This study compiles recent work centered on understanding stone's properties, behavior, and treatment, emphasizing its importance for heritage preservation. It draws from a wealth of publications and conferences, including notable Geological Society Special Publications, which provide case studies and strategies for the conservation of historic stone structures. The research underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to address challenges in preserving stone monuments, offering insights that are crucial for professionals working on UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Historic Centre of Vienna.

Introduction: Global change and tourism in national capitals

Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens — 2014 — WHE2A51929100

Even after losing their political significance, former national capitals continue to attract tourists due to their cultural heritage, architectural grandeur, and role in commemorative events. This study highlights how Melbourne, Australia's first capital (1901–1927), leverages its intact heritage gems—such as the Royal Exhibition Building, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site—for tourism and historical celebrations. The research proposes three key factors driving this appeal: cultural significance, built structure preservation, and commemorative event staging. For instance, Melbourne's status as Australia’s first capital was celebrated during the 2001 Centenary of Federation, leading to the creation of Federation Square, a dedicated events precinct. This case study offers insights into how former capitals adapt to global change by repurposing their heritage for tourism and cultural identity.

Introduction. Romance Notes

Historic City of Toledo — 2014 — WHEF2BB3E06BD

This study highlights the significance of urban spaces, particularly historic cities like Toledo, as strategic sites for exploring societal transformations and cultural production. It emphasizes the role of space as a heuristic tool capable of generating knowledge about epochal changes, moving beyond traditional historicism to integrate spatiality into critical analysis. The research draws on theories by Saskia Sassen and Michel Foucault, examining how urban centers such as Madrid and Mexico City serve as active agents in narrative and cultural production, influencing artistic, literary, and musical outputs. It underscores the importance of spatiality in contemporary studies, illustrating this through examples from Hispanic literature and film, and aligns with Lefebvre’s theoretical framework on social space.

Invasion of yellow crazy ant Anoplolepis gracilipes in a Seychelles UNESCO palm forest

Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve — 2014 — WHEA8CAF7E2DA

A study on the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve reveals that the invasive yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes) has significantly impacted the endemic fauna of this unique Seychellois palm forest. Since its first recorded presence in 2009, the ant has been confined to the northeast region, showing minimal spread between 2010 and 2012. Infested areas exhibit higher temperature and humidity but lower canopy cover compared to uninvaded zones. Notably, endemic arboreal fauna abundance and species richness were reduced in invaded areas, with molluscs entirely absent. This restricted distribution suggests potential biotic resistance or the need for effective control measures to mitigate further ecological disruption.

Inversion of ground constant offset loop-loop electromagnetic data for a large range of induction numbers

Provins, Town of Medieval Fairs — 2014 — WHEDD1FFFDC33

A novel approach for interpreting ground loop-loop electromagnetic data demonstrates that constant offset measurements, combined with multifrequency soundings, can effectively image subsurface electrical conductivity without requiring extensive multioffset data collection. This method, validated using synthetic and field data from Provins, Franceshows strong agreement with borehole and geological information. The technique involves two key steps: converting in-phase and out-of-phase data into robust apparent conductivities across all induction numbers, followed by 1D and 2D inversion to derive true ground conductivity distributions. This approach offers a time-efficient alternative for geophysical surveys while maintaining accuracy, as validated by Maxwell theory simulations.

Investigating the implementation of potential strategies for enhancing urban mobility and a city logistics system on the island of Corfu

Old Town of Corfu — 2014 — WHEDE9EEB4C9D

A study on Corfu Island identifies three key strategies to enhance urban mobility and logistics, focusing on reducing private car use, improving public transport services, and optimizing freight distribution. The research, based on interviews with transport professionals, highlights the need for a shift towards eco-friendly, energy-efficient transportation systems. These measures aim to achieve significant modal shifts from private to sustainable transport while rationalizing goods delivery, ultimately contributing to higher energy efficiency and environmental quality in Corfu.

Investigation and research on public toilets in classical gardens of Suzhou

Classical Gardens of Suzhou — 2014 — WHEB0A455B0BA

A significant disparity exists in the development and management of public toilets within Suzhou's classical gardens, with high-traffic sites boasting modernized, automated facilities while lesser-known gardens lag behind. The study highlights a lack of environmental integration and limited adoption of personalized configurations or toilet culture promotion, contrasting sharply with global standards. Investigations revealed poor sanitation in low-visitor gardens, exacerbated by uncivilized tourist behavior due to insufficient public awareness campaigns. The research proposes improvement measures by benchmarking against international practices, aiming to bridge this gap for enhanced visitor experience and sustainability.

Investigation into Achaemenid Persian Painted Plasters and Glazed Bricks from Persepolis and Pasargadae in the Smithsonian's Freer Gallery of Art

Pasargadae — 2014 — WHEA4794D285B

Achaemenid Persian painted plasters and glazed bricks from Persepolis and Pasargadae, housed in the Smithsonian's Freer Gallery of Art, reveal sophisticated craftsmanship and material analysis techniques used by ancient artisans. The study employed advanced microscopy to examine pigment composition, manufacturing processes, and degradation patterns, providing insights into the durability and aesthetic achievements of Achaemenid architecture. Findings highlight the use of high-quality materials and innovative glazing methods, contributing to our understanding of Persian artistic and technological advancements during the 6th to 4th centuries BCE.

Investigation of orographic features influencing spatial distribution of rainfall over the Western Ghats of India using satellite data

Western Ghats — 2014 — WHEC183713CF4

A study reveals that the Western Ghats of India experience enhanced orographic precipitation, particularly on the windward side of Karnataka, during the summer monsoon. This increase is influenced by topography, including cascaded mountain structures, elevated summits, and gradually increasing slopes, with rainfall peaking before the mountain apex and tapering off at around 800 meters altitude. The research used TRMM 3B42 satellite rainfall data validated against IMD gridded data to analyze spatial patterns of monsoon rainfall over a 14-year period, identifying areas prone to heavy and very heavy precipitation events (thresholds: >150 mm/day for very heavy, 120-150 mm/day for heavy). These findings provide critical insights for hazard management and improving weather predictions in mountainous terrains.

Iranian historical bazaar as public space. Case study: Tabriz bazaar

Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex — 2014 — WHED7052C819A

Historical bazaars, such as the Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex, can serve as vital public spaces in contemporary cities if they are accessible and administratively inclusive. This study identifies that their potential to foster social coexistence and equality is contingent upon participatory governance structures. Using a qualitative single-case approach, it combines historical analysis with spatial ethnography to assess the Tabriz bazaar's role as a hub of commercial and social exchange. The research advocates for rehabilitation policies that ensure equal access and openness for all public members, highlighting the importance of preserving these architectural spaces while adapting them to modern societal needs.

Islandscapes: Isolation and Pressure

Wadden Sea — 2014 — WHE7218EB4B34

Islands, including those within the Wadden Sea, exhibit unique 'island-ness' characterized by fluctuating population sizes and economic activities, often serving as metaphors for human societies facing environmental challenges. During periods of high population pressure, these landscapes become 'pressure-cooker' environments with intensive agriculture and small-scale field patterns, while the sea acts as a safety valve, supporting mixed economies like shipping or fishing. Conversely, migration can lead to significant population decline or even abandonment of islands. In the current era of globalization, some islands have transitioned from agriculture to tourism, capitalizing on their 'heritage landscape' character shaped by alternating periods of activity and stagnation. This study analyzes these dynamics across Europe, with a focus on the Wadden Sea, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of island landscapes.

Isolation and molecular identification of deteriorating fungi from Cyrus the Great tomb stones

Pasargadae — 2014 — WHE33A1AE2AE3

A study on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pasargadae, including Cyrus the Great's tomb, identified several fungi species responsible for severe deterioration of limestone monuments. Fungi such as Caldosporium sp., Embellisia sp., and Candida sp. were found to cause significant bio-weathering through enzyme secretion, organic and inorganic acid production, and pigment formation. These microorganisms penetrate stone surfaces, altering both the exterior appearance and interior chemical composition. The research employed biochemical and microscopic methods, along with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) sequencing of the ITS region, to confirm fungal identification and construct phylogenetic relationships. Scanning Electron Microscope images revealed severe damage patterns including pitting, biomineralization, etching, and sugaring on stone surfaces.

Isolation, characterization and antimicrobial activity of a Streptomyces strain isolated from deteriorated wood

Medina of Fez — 2014 — WHEC91467BEBE

Researchers have identified a Streptomyces strain, H2, from deteriorated wood in the historic Medina of Fez, demonstrating significant antimicrobial activity against a range of pathogens. The study highlights the potential of this actinomycete as a source of novel bioactive compounds, particularly effective against drug-resistant bacteria. Investigations revealed that the active substance produced by the strain is non-protein and heat-resistant, with optimal production occurring between 7 to 10 days of fermentation. Preliminary evidence suggests it targets bacterial cell walls, as indicated by its ability to release genomic DNA from Staphylococcus aureus. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) and bioautography techniques were used to localize these active compounds, paving the way for further exploration of their therapeutic potential.

Isotope analyses of the lake sediments in the Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park — 2014 — WHEEAB7031108

A marked increase in radioactive isotope 14C activity in the top 10–12 cm of sediment cores from Plitvice Lakes' karst lakes Prošće and Kozjak reflects atmospheric nuclear testing during the 1960s. This finding, derived from accelerator mass spectrometry and low-level gamma spectrometry, also revealed anthropogenic 137Cs in sediments. Sedimentation rates were estimated using unsupported 210Pb activity, while stable isotope 13C analysis differentiated geochemical and biological processes affecting carbonate (63–80 pMC) and organic (82–93 pMC) fractions. Comparisons with earlier sediment samples (1989, 2003) highlighted shifts in carbon isotope composition, underscoring the lakes' sensitivity to both natural and anthropogenic influences.

Istanbul, Türkei: Istanbulder Holzhäuser

Historic Areas of Istanbul — 2014 — WHE2E9CC0E2CA

A critical gap in Istanbul's architectural documentation has been identified, with the remaining wooden houses representing a race against time to preserve their historical significance. These structures, particularly those on the Princes' Islands and along the Bosphorus, exhibit unique typological developments influenced by European and North American models. The study highlights rationalization efforts seen in semis pairs and documents notable examples such as the German Ambassador's summer residence in Tarabya, including functional buildings like the carriage house and sailors' house, the latter built during World War I. This research underscores the importance of urgent documentation to capture the last remnants of Istanbul's timber architecture before their disappearance.