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Plague epidemics and public health in Mantua, 1463-1577

Mantua and Sabbioneta — 2014 — WHEE241330809

A nuanced understanding of public health responses to plague epidemics in Mantua, Italy (1463–1577) reveals that the city's health office deviated from the rigid 'Italian system' model applied in larger urban centers. While Mantua adopted core measures like trade bans and quarantine, their implementation varied significantly based on outbreak severity and state apparatus evolution. The study highlights the critical role of civic-ecclesiastical collaboration, including symbolic acts like processions, alongside practical interventions, challenging the notion of uniform enforcement. This research advances knowledge of Renaissance Italian public health by emphasizing flexibility within structured responses and community participation as defining features.

Plant colonization across the Galápagos Islands: success of the sea dispersal syndrome

Galápagos Islands — 2014 — WHE46CA3CD186

Species with sea-drifting diaspores are significantly more successful at colonizing multiple islands within the Galápagos archipelago, contrary to expectations. This finding emerges from a novel analysis of 289 lowland plant species across 12 islands, combining floristic and syndrome trait assessments. Researchers inferred colonization events and categorized dispersal syndromes (sea, wind, animal interior, or exterior) to evaluate their association with island distribution success. Surprisingly, while most species lacked specialized dispersal traits, those with sea-dispersal adaptations exhibited the broadest distributions. The study challenges the assumption of a net loss in dispersability from non-endemic to endemic species, providing critical insights into plant colonization dynamics in oceanic archipelagos.

Plant colonization, succession and ecosystem development on Surtsey with reference to neighbouring islands

Surtsey — 2014 — WHE0B6A3CF10E

Seabirds, particularly seagulls and puffins, play a pivotal role in the development of volcanic island ecosystems by transferring nutrients from sea to land, significantly accelerating plant colonization, soil formation, and biodiversity. A study on Surtsey, a volcanic island formed in 1963, revealed that seabird colonies led to the establishment of dense grasslands with higher species richness, diversity, biomass, and soil carbon compared to low-impact areas. By 2013, Surtsey hosted 69 vascular plant species, more than twice as many as neighboring islands, with bird dispersal becoming the dominant pathway after 1985. However, long-term impacts of seabirds result in species-poor grasslands, similar to those found on older neighboring islands like Elliðaey and Heimaey. The research compared permanent plots on Surtsey, Elliðaey (puffin colony), and Heimaey (no seabirds) to assess plant succession, soil formation, and invertebrate communities, highlighting the contrasting effects of nutrient input on ecosystem development.

Plant‐soil interactions in salt marsh environments: Experimental evidence from electrical resistivity tomography in the Venice Lagoon

Venice and its Lagoon — 2014 — WHE2188D9D4F9

Aerated soil layers persist beneath flooded surfaces in salt marshes when plant transpiration rates are sufficiently high, according to the first quantitative observational study of its kind. Researchers used time-lapse microscale electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and tensiometric observations to map space-time soil moisture dynamics in a Venice Lagoon salt marsh, overcoming limitations posed by salinity on traditional measurement techniques. The findings confirm model predictions that transpiration improves soil aeration, with implications for vegetation distribution, topographic features, and the survival of these critical ecosystems—key markers for climate change studies.

Polarimetric RADARSAT-2 and ALOS PALSAR multi-frequency analysis over the archaeological site of Gebel Barkal (Sudan)

Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region — 2014 — WHE5F3F05B9B2

Multi-frequency polarimetric analysis using RADARSAT-2 and ALOS PALSAR satellite data reveals subsurface structures at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gebel Barkal, Sudan. The study demonstrates that C-band and L-band radar signals can penetrate soil to detect archaeological features, offering a non-invasive method for identifying subsurface anomalies. These findings highlight the potential of integrating polarimetric SAR (polSAR) with optical satellite data in GIS-based projects to support archaeological research and conservation efforts, particularly for at-risk sites. Collaborations between universities in Turin and Venice enhanced the study's methodological rigor.

Police and Security in the World Heritage City of Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala — 2014 — WHE053A7C077E

Antigua, Guatemala faces growing security challenges that contradict its image as a tranquil colonial city. Research reveals that both locals and tourists are increasingly concerned about crime, particularly tourism-related offenses and drug trafficking, which the city was ill-prepared to handle. The study employs ethnographic methods, focusing on police dynamics, to explore the ambiguous attitudes of Antigüeños and Maya communities toward law enforcement. It highlights how tourism's lens interacts with policing, challenging perceptions shaped by the site's heritage status. The findings draw on theories of 'spectacle' (Debord), 'state of exception' (Agamben), and 'system nervous' (Taussig) to contextualize these tensions within a transnational tourist framework.

Political mosaics and networks: Tiwanaku expansion into the upper Desaguadero Valley, Bolivia

Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture — 2014 — WHE4AEDD9B4DD

New evidence from four sites in the upper Desaguadero Valley, Bolivia, challenges the notion of Tiwanaku's continuous political control over its territory. Instead, it reveals a selective and fluid political influence characterized by shifting networks rooted in politico-religious relationships with riverine communities. This influence was aimed at gaining access to caravan circuits rather than maintaining direct control over a unified heartland. The study presents archaeological data that support this model of Tiwanaku's expansion, offering a nuanced understanding of its political organization and regional integration.

Polysemous violence and the construction of memory: the Passion of Salsa of Tipasa

Tipasa — 2014 — WHEB56901BA76

The narrative of Salsa of Tipasa's martyrdom reveals a structured portrayal of violence and memory construction, centered on three key violent events: the destruction of an idol by the young girl, her subsequent lynching, and her miraculous intercession to defeat tyrannical violence. This narrative serves to legitimize her martyrdom and holiness, integrating her into a broader process of cultural memory. The study employs a close analysis of the Passion of Salsa, examining how stereotypes and violent episodes are used to construct a sacred figure's legitimacy within historical and religious contexts.

Pompei Knowledge Factory Cultural Heritage and ICT for a smart city

Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata — 2014 — WHE3048AE9D85

The 'Pompei Knowledge Factory' project introduces a groundbreaking territorial infrastructure model that integrates advanced technologies and expertise to drive innovation in the protection, regeneration, and sustainable development of Pompeii's cultural, environmental, landscape, and industrial assets. This approach aims to transform Pompeii into a smart city, characterized by technological connectivity, sustainability, and balanced urban development. The project defines operational protocols for analyzing, surveying, and managing the entire municipality of Pompeii, not just its archaeological excavations, which attract over 6 million tourists annually. By employing integrated digital survey techniques in a field laboratory setting, the research develops a methodology for multidimensional and multi-scalar analysis that can be applied to other contexts. This innovative framework seeks to address critical urban challenges such as energy management, transport efficiency, and environmental sustainability while reordering development priorities through smart territorial planning.

Population genetic structure of the Pocillopora damicornis morphospecies along Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Ningaloo Coast — 2014 — WHE1A86A6D3F3

Research on the coral species Pocillopora damicornis along Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, reveals two genetically distinct lineages with high dispersal potential and partial reproductive barriers. Despite significant genetic differentiation, low levels of unidirectional admixture indicate that these lineages are not fully isolated. Both lineages exhibit dual reproduction modes, with sexual reproduction contributing variably across sites. The most common lineage shows strong spatial autocorrelation up to 60 km, suggesting high resilience to patchy disturbances. This study highlights the importance of genetic structure in understanding coral recovery and management strategies for UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Ningaloo Coast.

Population status of the Southwest China Serow Capricornis milneedwardsii: A case study in Cat Ba Archipelago, Vietnam.

Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago — 2014 — WHEAE8D40BCCA

A critically low population of the Southwest China Serow (Capricornis milneedwardsii), estimated at just 26–28 individuals, was identified in the Cat Ba Archipelago, Vietnam. This isolated population faces severe threats from poaching, with serows clustering near ranger stations and avoiding villages due to hunting pressure. The study highlights the urgent need for increased ranger deployment to combat poaching and suggests that improving local farming practices could reduce reliance on wild serow exploitation. These findings underscore the precarious status of this near-threatened species in Vietnam's karst landscapes, emphasizing the importance of targeted conservation interventions.

Population structure and phylogeography reveal pathways of colonization by a migratory marine reptile ( C helonia mydas) in the central and eastern Pacific

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2014 — WHEA79D85383B

Research reveals that the Revillagigedo Islands served as a crucial stepping-stone for green turtle (Chelonia mydas) colonization and radiation from the Hawaiian Archipelago to the eastern Pacific. Analysis of 545 turtles from eight rookeries in the central and eastern Pacific, using 770 bp of mitochondrial DNA control region sequences, identified five distinct stocks with significant genetic differentiation (F_ST = 0.08-0.44, P < 0.005). The study suggests that the eastern Pacific was colonized from the western Pacific via the Central North Pacific, with Hawaii more closely related to eastern Pacific populations than western ones. The split between central/eastern and western Pacific haplotypes occurred around 0.34 million years ago, indicating that the Pacific region west of Hawaii has been a stronger barrier to gene flow than the East Pacific Barrier. This challenges the notion of oceanic islands as peripheral 'graveyards,' instead highlighting their role as sources and recipients of biodiversity.

Por Los Senderos Paralelos Del Camino Real De Tierra Adentro: Abasto, Rutas Y Comercio De La Jurisdicción De Huichapan En El Siglo XVIII

Camino Real de Tierra Adentro — 2014 — WHE7A85D2F5FD

A strategic crossroads in the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, Huichapan's jurisdiction emerged as a pivotal 18th-century hub for cattle production and grain supply, serving markets from Mexico City to Michoacán. Unlike neighboring regions focused on sheep, Huichapan's dual role—sustaining silver mines via livestock and supplying urban and rural demand with meat and seeds—highlighted its unique economic significance. The study reconstructs trade networks using archival records, revealing how the region’s geographic position and agricultural specialization facilitated commerce across parallel routes connecting Pachuca, Ixmiquilpan, and beyond.

Possible Pollution Threat to the Green Buffer Zone around TAJ MAHAL

Taj Mahal — 2014 — WHE4043F87A7A

Research reveals that the green buffer zone around the Taj Mahal, designed to mitigate pollution damage, is itself under threat from anthropogenic factors. The study found that trees like Mahogany and Mimusops elangi, which dominate this zone (50-55% coverage), suffer from leaf spot diseases caused by fungi such as Mycosphaerella and Cladosporium when exposed to high levels of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Infection rates reached 45% under high SPM conditions, while NOx exposure increased fungal virulence even at a neutral pH. The study also demonstrated that Blitox treatment could reduce fungal spore germination by up to 80%, suggesting that replacing dominant timber-producing trees with less critical species and applying fungicides could help preserve the buffer zone's effectiveness in protecting the Taj Mahal from pollution-induced deterioration.

Potential habitat corridors and restoration areas for the black-and-white snub-nosed monkey Rhinopithecus bieti in Yunnan, China

Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas — 2014 — WHE9C38227B99

Genetic isolation between northern and southern populations of the black-and-white snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti) in Yunnan, China, is driven more by human disturbance and fragmented high-quality habitats than by physical distance. The study used genetic analysis, least-cost path modeling, and Euclidean distance measurements to identify potential habitat corridors and prioritize seven restoration areas. These findings highlight the need for targeted conservation efforts, including reducing human influence and designing long-term habitat restoration plans to reconnect isolated populations within the UNESCO-listed Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas.

Pre-Colombian Cities

Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque — 2014 — WHEA843D179FA

Pre-Colombian Cities, authored by Professor Jorge Hardoy, presents a comprehensive exploration of ancient urban centers in Latin America, revealing the architectural and cultural achievements of civilizations that preceded the Spanish Conquest. The book highlights the advanced urban layouts, art, and crafts of cities such as Aztec Tenochtitlan (modern Mexico City) and Inca Cuzco, while also examining lesser-known sites like Palenque, Tikal, and Machu Picchu. Through extensive analysis of archaeological evidence—including photographs, maps, and city plans—the text reconstructs the lives of inhabitants over 1500 years of urban development. Hardoy's work underscores the ongoing potential for new discoveries in archaeology, emphasizing that much of these civilizations' history remains buried and unexplored.

Pre-verbal focus in Kisikongo (H16a, Bantu)

Mbanza Kongo, Vestiges of the Capital of the former Kingdom of Kongo — 2014 — WHEC25C72F21C

Kisikongo, a western Bantu language spoken near Mbanza Kongo (Angola), exhibits a rare clause-internal pre-verbal argument focus position, contrasting with the post-verbal focus typical of eastern and southern Bantu languages. This study identifies distinct mono-clausal and bi-clausal strategies—including cleft-constructions—for focusing arguments, expanding known linguistic patterns in the Kikongo Language Cluster (KLC). Research leveraged comparative analysis with neighboring Mbuun and Nsong dialects to highlight regional syntactic variations, offering new insights into Bantu linguistic diversity.

Precast concrete structures in the future

Centennial Hall in Wrocław — 2014 — WHE34F3C028D8

Precast concrete structures emerge as a sustainable and innovative solution for future construction, offering rapid delivery, durability, and adaptability to diverse architectural needs. The study highlights their potential in tall buildings, advanced factories, warehouses, and large-scale infrastructure while emphasizing the importance of sustainability through lightweight materials, recycled aggregates, and energy-efficient designs. It also addresses challenges like seismic behavior, advocating for further global research to enhance their application in earthquake-prone regions. The paper underscores precast concrete's role in cultural expression and its versatility, supported by experimental investigations and case studies, including the renovation of Wrocław’s UNESCO-listed Centennial Hall dome.

Predicting Behavioral Intentions to Comply with Recommended Leave No Trace Practices

Olympic National Park — 2014 — WHEDAA56E4484

A study found that the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) can effectively predict backcountry visitors' intentions to follow Leave No Trace practices, with significant predictors varying between Olympic National Park and Glacier National Park. The model explained over 44% of the variance in compliance intentions, offering insights for developing more persuasive educational messaging. Researchers surveyed overnight visitors from both parks, analyzing their behavioral intentions based on TPB constructs such as attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control.

Predicting connectivity of green turtles at Palmyra Atoll, central Pacific: a focus on mtDNA and dispersal modelling

Site of Palmyra — 2014 — WHEDB75153C51

Green turtles foraging at Palmyra Atoll, central Pacific, exhibit strong genetic connectivity to the West Central and South Central Pacific Regional Management Units (97% assignment), with ocean currents playing a significant role in their dispersal. This study combined mitochondrial DNA analysis of 349 turtles collected over five years (2008-2012) with high-resolution ocean circulation modeling to reveal that turtles likely drift from rookeries to Palmyra via surface currents along an equatorial path. While the Palmyra feeding ground shows genetic differentiation from other Indo-Pacific regions, no significant variation was found among years, sexes, or life stages at the site. These findings advance understanding of green turtle distribution and inform conservation strategies for this threatened species.