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Recent insights into analytical precision and modelling of DDA and NMM for practical problems

Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct) — 2014 — WHE0AE75E52C6

Numerical instability in Discontinuous Deformation Analysis (DDA) is primarily caused by the loss of effective digits when superposing global stiffness matrices under varying block conditions, a critical insight that enhances the precision and reliability of structural analysis for masonry heritage sites. The study evaluates DDA and Non-smooth Model Method (NMM) through practical applications, including static analyses of the Pont du Gard aqueduct, dynamic rockfall simulations, and seismic response assessments of rock slopes. By comparing these methods with site observations at UNESCO World Heritage Sites—such as the Great Pyramid in Egypt, the Bayon Temple in Cambodia, and the Pont du Gard in France—the research demonstrates their applicability and reliability for heritage conservation challenges.

Recirculation cells in a wide channel

Paris, Banks of the Seine — 2014 — WHEE066D9B8F3

A groundbreaking study on the Seine River reveals the presence of remarkably regular, stationary recirculation cells—pairs of counter-rotating vortices—spanning the entire width of a straight river reach. These structures, observed using acoustic Doppler current profiling, challenge traditional interpretations that attribute such flows solely to boundary effects like duct corners. The research demonstrates that these secondary flow cells contribute significantly to momentum transfer, comparable to classical turbulent transfer. This finding sheds new light on fluid dynamics in wide channels and has implications for understanding riverine processes.

Recolecta de artrópodos para prospección de la biodiversidad en el Área de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Area de Conservación Guanacaste — 2014 — WHE92D322DADD

A bioprospecting study in the Área de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica, identified 642 arthropod species across 21 orders and 95 families as potential sources of new medicines. The research, conducted between 1994 and 1998, collected 1800 samples (6-10 g each) using low-impact methods such as manual collection, light traps, and insect breeding, prioritizing the separation of life stages to avoid contamination in screening processes. Lepidoptera dominated the samples (49.72%), followed by Coleoptera (15.75%) and Hymenoptera (13.33%). The strategy of diversifying samples based on ecological and behavioral factors yielded a broad range of materials, including frass, to enhance pharmaceutical research potential.

Reconstrucción visual (gráfica, ilustrada y digital) del Templo Hampi

Group of Monuments at Hampi — 2014 — WHEF782A32241

A groundbreaking visual reconstruction of the Hampi temple complex reveals its original architectural grandeur. By leveraging advanced digital tools like AutoCAD and Google Sketch-Up, researchers meticulously plotted edges and vertices to create detailed 2D drawings, which were then extended into 3D models. This method not only facilitated the visualization of the temple's former glory but also provided a comprehensive insight into the Vijayanagara Empire's architectural prowess. The study utilized Kinect for digital interpretation, offering a multi-dimensional approach to understanding and preserving this historical site.

Reconstructing historic Glacial Lake Outburst Floods through numerical modelling and geomorphological assessment: Extreme events in the Himalaya

Sagarmatha National Park — 2014 — WHEB143C86EF5

A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) from Chukhung Glacier, Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal, was reconstructed using numerical modeling and geomorphological assessment. The study found that the GLOF, triggered by moraine-dam failure, had peak discharges ranging from 146 to 2200 cubic meters per second, with maximum flow depths exceeding 9 meters and velocities over 20 meters per second near the breach. The flood rapidly inundated the floodplain within ten minutes, forming a significant debris fan. The research highlights the rapid evolution of hazardous moraine-dammed lake complexes in response to climatic change, emphasizing the importance of understanding their geomorphological impacts.

Reconstructing the Chronology of the House XVII-XVIII Complex at Umm el-Jimal, East Jordan: Radiocarbon Dates of Organic Inclusions of Architectural Mortars

Umm Al-Jimāl — 2014 — WHEA903D23C20

Radiocarbon dating of organic inclusions from the House XVII-XVIII Complex at Umm el-Jimal, East Jordan, reveals that the structure was likely constructed or plastered during the middle Byzantine period. This finding aligns with historical and archaeological evidence indicating Umm el-Jimal's flourishing population during this time, suggesting the house was built to accommodate the growing demand for housing. The study utilized accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) to date fine straws and charcoal fragments embedded in preserved architectural lime mortars and plasters, providing a non-invasive method to refine the site's chronology without extensive excavation.

Reconstructing the deadly eruptive events of 1790 CE at K lauea Volcano, Hawai'i

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — 2014 — WHEBA4D4B56A7

A deadly eruption of Kīlauea Volcano in 1790 CE, which killed numerous people, was reconstructed through detailed analysis of the Keanakāko'i Tephra deposits. The study identified three successive units that recorded shifts in eruption style, aligning with survivor accounts from 46 years later. The findings suggest that a wet ash fall, followed by pulsing pyroclastic density currents likely caused by phreatic activity, was responsible for the fatalities. This reconstruction highlights the potential danger of similar future eruptions at Kīlauea, representing one of its most hazardous and unpredictable threats.

Redescription of the Skull ofColoradisaurus brevis(Dinosauria, Sauropodomorpha) from the Late Triassic Los Colorados Formation of the Ischigualasto-Villa Union Basin, northwestern Argentina

Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks — 2014 — WHEB170D56470

A comprehensive redescription of the skull of Coloradisaurus brevis, a basal sauropodomorph from the Late Triassic Los Colorados Formation in Argentina's Ischigualasto-Villa Union Basin, reveals new autapomorphies and supports its placement within Massospondylidae. The study identifies unique cranial features, such as circular upper temporal fenestrae and distinct laminae on the basisphenoid and parasphenoid, while also noting convergent traits shared with plateosaurids, like a low mandibular articulation and broad maxillary wall. This dual characterization highlights the complex evolutionary relationships among basal sauropodomorphs, blending massospondylid characteristics with plateosaurid-like features, suggesting a more nuanced phylogenetic pattern than previously recognized.

Redesigning a Retail Distribution Network in Restricted Urban Areas: A Case Study on Beverage Distribution in the Historic Center of Quito

City of Quito — 2014 — WHEBBFC00C6A3

A new distribution network for beverage deliveries in Quito's historic center, designed using multicriteria decision-making and operational research models, successfully reduces route distances while adhering to municipal restrictions. The proposed scheme also balances daily delivery times, offering a more efficient solution for urban logistics in restricted areas. This study demonstrates the feasibility of optimizing retail distribution networks through advanced modeling techniques, providing a practical approach for similar challenges in heritage-sensitive urban environments.

Rediscovery of an Endemic Vertebrate from the Remote Islas Revillagigedo in the Eastern Pacific Ocean: The Clarión Nightsnake Lost and Found

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2014 — WHEFBE5078BAC

A previously dismissed endemic snake, the Clarión nightsnake (Hypsiglena ochrorhyncha unaocularus), has been rediscovered on Isla Clarión in the remote Islas Revillagigedo archipelago. Genetic analysis of newly collected samples revealed that this population is distinct from other Hypsiglena species, closely related to mainland populations near the Sonora-Sinaloa border and Isla Santa Catalina in the Gulf of California. The study also recognized these two lineages as separate species, highlighting the importance of museum specimens and historical records in documenting biodiversity changes. This rediscovery underscores the vulnerability of island ecosystems to extinction and the critical role of conservation efforts in fragile subtropical environments.

Reducing Rockfall Risk in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park — 2014 — WHE46EBF4B11E

Yosemite National Park's iconic granite cliffs, such as Half Dome and El Capitan, face significant rockfall hazards that endanger the 4 million annual visitors. A study by Stock and Collins (2014) identifies critical strategies to mitigate these risks. The research employs a combination of geological analysis, historical data review, and hazard assessment to pinpoint vulnerable sections of the cliffs. By integrating monitoring technologies and risk evaluation models, the study provides actionable insights for park management to enhance visitor safety and preserve the natural integrity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Reef-Fidelity and Migration of Tiger Sharks, Galeocerdo cuvier, across the Coral Sea

Lord Howe Island Group — 2014 — WHE3C65F33DD7

Tiger sharks exhibit complex migration patterns and reef-fidelity, with sub-adults and adult males showing year-round residency in the Chesterfield Islands, while females display long-distance movements across the Coral Sea. A study using passive acoustic transmitters and satellite tags tracked 33 tiger sharks, revealing transient behavior in coastal barrier reefs and wide-ranging migrations up to 1,114 km, with some individuals utilizing three-dimensional activity spaces averaging 2,360 km³. The findings suggest that while certain reefs like the Chesterfields are critical habitats for specific shark demographics, coastal Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) provide only brief protection due to the sharks' extensive movements. This underscores the need for broader research on oceanic Coral Sea reefs to inform effective conservation strategies.

Reflections on the reconstruction of the Constantine Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem

Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem — 2014 — WHE5088C07454

A critical reassessment of the Constantine Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem challenges long-held assumptions about its architectural design. Contrary to previous reconstructions, which proposed a towering octagonal structure over the Grotto of the Nativity, this study suggests that such a feature was likely absent from the original 4th-century basilica. Instead, evidence supports a sanctuary with a three-sided apse and choir screens, providing a more plausible reconstruction aligned with early Christian architectural norms. The analysis, based on re-evaluating excavation documentation from the 1927–30s, reveals inconsistencies in earlier interpretations, including the proposed octagonal tower. This revision offers a refined understanding of the church's design, integrating its basilica and central-plan elements without the need for an isolated octagonal structure.

Regenerating the “Creative Place”: A New Approach in Promoting Contemporary Heritage of Islamic -Iranian City (Case Study: Naqsh-E-Jahan Square of Isfahan)

Meidan Emam, Esfahan — 2014 — WHECB3D61A930

A new model for sustainable urban development, rooted in cultural identity and contemporary heritage, has been proposed through the concept of 'creative place.' This approach integrates art, culture, knowledge-based organizations, and community projects to regenerate historic Islamic-Iranian cities, such as Naqsh-e-Jahan Square in Isfahan. By analyzing environmental components and leveraging the unique features of Iranian-Islamic architecture and urbanism, this study demonstrates how recognizing and utilizing contemporary heritage can establish a foundation for sustainable regeneration. The research employs content analysis and literature review to identify key factors that contribute to the realization of creative places, offering a strategic framework for balancing tradition with modern needs.

Regional Archaeology in the Inca Heartland

City of Cuzco — 2014 — WHE2AC73C4D4B

A comprehensive regional survey of the Cuzco region, spanning from 2000 to 2008, reveals critical insights into the settlement patterns, subsistence practices, and social organization of pre-Columbian Andean societies. This study, covering approximately 1200 square kilometers north and west of Cuzco, employed systematic methodologies to reconstruct the transformation of landscapes from early hunter-gatherer occupations to the complex agricultural systems under Inca rule. The research also examines how Spanish colonial practices reshaped this imperial landscape into a peripheral one. By integrating data across all pre-Columbian periods, the study significantly advances the archaeological understanding of Andean prehistory, particularly in the Inca heartland.

Regularities of spatial differentiation of fauna and bird population on the Putorana Plateau

Putorana Plateau — 2014 — WHE3079A39D48

Bird species diversity and population density on the Putorana Plateau decline with altitude, with the most significant drop occurring between subalpine and alpine belts. Most species span multiple altitude belts, but their abundance decreases from west to east across the plateau. Forest belt bird communities exhibit greater stability and homogeneity compared to alpine and subalpine belts, showing minimal fluctuations in diversity and density. The study analyzed 137 nesting bird species, revealing that population dynamics tend to increase toward peripheral regions of mountain systems.

Regulation of usages and dependency on indigenous fruits (IFs) for livelihoods sustenance of rural households: A case study of the Ivindo National Park (INP), Gabon

Ivindo National Park — 2014 — WHEE655778796

A comprehensive study of the Ivindo National Park (INP) in Gabon reveals that indigenous fruits (IFs) play a crucial role in the livelihoods of rural households, serving as both a food source and income generator. The research, involving 152 households near the park and 100 farther away, found that nearly all participants (99.2%) harvested six fruit species, with Coula edulis, Dacriodes buettneri, and Irvingia gabonensis being the most popular due to their higher market prices. The study highlights significant variations in usage trends based on ethnic group, distance from the park, and residential period, emphasizing the need for flexible regulations to balance resource conservation with rural livelihoods.

Rehabilitation of greater one-horned rhinoceros calves in Manas National Park, a World Heritage Site in India

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary — 2014 — WHE50F891A9EF

A groundbreaking conservation effort successfully rehabilitated three greater one-horned rhinoceros calves, rescued from Kaziranga National Park during floods, into Manas National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The calves were hand-reared at the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) using human milk formula until two years old, then transitioned to a diet of concentrates and greens in paddocks. At three years old, they were translocated 500 km away to Manas NP, where they spent two years in a 600-acre pre-release area enclosed by an electric fence, allowing them to forage freely. After release, radio monitoring confirmed all three calves survived, established their own home ranges, and thrived in the new habitat. This study demonstrates the feasibility of long-distance rhino rehabilitation, offering a model for restoring populations in historically suitable but currently depopulated areas.

Reintroduction of the Scarlet Macaw ( Ara Macao Cyanoptera ) in the Tropical Rainforests of Palenque, Mexico: Project Design and First Year Progress

Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque — 2014 — WHE065F9A393D

A reintroduction project for the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao cyanoptera) in Palenque, Mexico, achieved high survival rates of 92% within its first year. The initiative, led by Aluxes Ecopark Palenque and supported by Xcaret Ecopark and UNAM, aims to restore this seed- and fruit-eating species that has been extinct in the region for over 70 years. The project follows IUCN/SSC guidelines, employing a soft-release protocol and long-term monitoring. It also emphasizes social engagement with local communities to ensure long-term success. Between April 2013 and June 2014, 92 macaws were successfully released, marking a significant step in ecological restoration and reconnecting people with their natural heritage.

Relaciones entre el patrimonio y el desarrollo turístico: Burgos, 1900-1939

Burgos Cathedral — 2014 — WHE20ED9499A3

This study reveals how the early tourism development in Burgos (1900–1939) was deeply intertwined with its cultural heritage, particularly the Cathedral and the legend of El Cid, shaping the city's identity under neocatholic and traditionalist influences. The research demonstrates that tourism and heritage were instrumentalized to project a static, historical image of Burgos as Caput Castellae, overshadowing provincial diversity and resisting modernization efforts. By analyzing mutual influences during their initial consolidation phases, the study highlights how ideological frameworks (Castellanocentrism) mediated the transformation of cultural resources into tourist products, with lasting effects on heritage valuation, conservation, and urban narrative. Methodologically, it combines historical analysis with spatial references to Burgos and its province, offering a nuanced perspective on tourism's role in reinforcing or challenging heritage narratives.