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Strategic Participatory Planning in Archaeological Management in Greece: The Philippi Management Plan for Nomination to UNESCO’s World Heritage List

Archaeological Site of Philippi — 2013 — WHEB78D38AB7C

Strategic participatory planning in archaeological heritage management can significantly enhance the effectiveness of management plans, such as those for UNESCO World Heritage Site nominations. A case study from Philippi, Greece, reveals that conventional approaches often treat the management plan as an endpoint rather than a continuous process. The research identifies constraints and benefits of participatory planning, arguing for more critical evaluations to improve this approach in Greece and globally. This paper advocates for deeper analysis of the planning process itself to foster long-term improvements.

Strategic Projects for Development of Gamzigrad Spa

Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Palace of Galerius — 2013 — WHE2EDCB4C220

A strategic approach to ranking development projects for Gamzigrad Spa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Eastern Serbia, reveals the ELECTRE method as a robust tool for prioritizing initiatives. This study demonstrates that combining ELECTRE with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) enhances decision-making by providing weighted criteria, offering a nuanced framework for sustainable tourism development. The findings underscore the importance of structured, multi-criteria analysis in balancing economic, environmental, and social factors—critical for preserving the site's cultural significance while fostering growth. This method could serve as a model for other heritage sites facing similar challenges.

Street Theatre as Democratic Politics in Ahmedabad

Historic City of Ahmadabad — 2013 — WHE2EED0BB90D

Street theatre emerges as a powerful tool for democratic politics and the redefinition of criminalized subjectivities within urban spaces, particularly among indigenous communities. This study highlights how the Chharas community in Ahmedabad uses performance to challenge societal narratives, fostering dialogue across differences and asserting their right to be seen and heard in public spheres. The research employs collaborative ethnographic methods, drawing on ongoing fieldwork in Gujarat, to demonstrate how theatre serves as both a socio-spatial tactic and a mechanism for affirmative subjectivities. By bridging performative practice with democratic potential, the study offers a nuanced understanding of cultural resistance and civic engagement in post-colonial contexts.

Street‐naming, tourism development and cultural conflict: the case of the Old City of Acre/Akko/Akka

Old City of Acre — 2013 — WHEB92F576494

Place-naming in the Old City of Acre, Israel, serves as both a tool for tourism development and a catalyst for cultural conflict. The study reveals that official street names, often chosen by development agencies like the Acre Development Company, clash with the oral naming systems used by local Arab residents, leading to symbolic struggles over the city's identity. While prior research focused on prestige or profit motivations in place-naming, this work uniquely examines tourism-driven naming and its societal implications, including resident reactions and contested identities. The analysis combines historical context with qualitative methods to uncover how naming processes reflect broader tensions between heritage preservation, commercialization, and local agency.

Strengthening the 100‐year‐old reinforced concrete dome of the Centennial Hall in Wrocław

Centennial Hall in Wrocław — 2013 — WHE63BCC83586

A century after its construction, the reinforced concrete dome of Centennial Hall in Wrocław—once the world's largest—was successfully strengthened using external prestressing techniques. This innovative approach addressed structural weaknesses in the 65-meter-diameter dome, ensuring its longevity while preserving its modernist architectural significance. The study involved a detailed assessment of the hall's condition, numerical simulations to model stress distribution, and the implementation of prestressing cables along the lower tension ring. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its pioneering engineering, Centennial Hall's renovation serves as a case study in sustainable heritage conservation, balancing structural integrity with historical preservation.

Streptomycete endophytes from anti-diabetic medicinal plants of the Western Ghats inhibit alpha-amylase and promote glucose uptake

Western Ghats — 2013 — WHE9089A320AC

Researchers have identified endophytic streptomycete bacteria from two anti-diabetic medicinal plants, Leucas ciliata and Rauwolfia densiflora, found in the UNESCO-listed Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. The study demonstrates that extracts from these microbes—specifically Streptomyces longisporoflavus and an unidentified Streptomyces species—exhibit significant anti-diabetic potential by inhibiting α-amylase (with an IC50 value of 162.3 ± 1.05 μg/ml, comparable to the standard Acarbose™) and promoting glucose uptake in porcine hemidiaphragm tissue. This marks the first documentation of such activity in endophytic streptomycetes, highlighting their potential as novel sources for anti-diabetic agents. The findings underscore the Western Ghats' rich biodiversity as a reservoir for medicinally valuable microbial resources.

Structural anatomy of the Ligurian accretionary wedge (Monferrato, NW Italy), and evolution of superposed melanges

Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato — 2013 — WHE5FF342F1B4

Research reveals the complex, multi-stage evolution of the Ligurian accretionary wedge in northwestern Italy, highlighting three sequentially formed mélanges—tectonic, diapiric, and sedimentary—that developed through Late Cretaceous to late Oligocene processes. The study identifies a structurally ordered block-in-matrix fabric from tectonic mélange, triggered by NE-vergent thrusting during continental collision, while overpressurized fluids along thrust faults drove the rise of shaly material, forming diapiric mélange and later sedimentary mélange units. This interplay of tectonic, diapiric, and sedimentary processes controlled the dynamic equilibrium of the accretionary wedge, suggesting similar polygenetic mélanges may contribute to tsunamic events in convergent margins. The findings are based on multiscale structural analysis, offering insights into the geodynamic evolution of the NW Apennines–western Alps.

Structure of ocean circulation between the Galápagos Islands and Ecuador

Galápagos Islands — 2013 — WHE28668A8AAA

A significant oceanographic discovery reveals strong cross-hemisphere exchange between the Galápagos Islands and Ecuador, characterized by a robust northeastward surface current transporting 7–11 Sv at depths of 200 m. Underlying this surface flow, a southward undercurrent with a transport of 7–8 Sv was observed, extending up to 600 m deep and 100 km wide. Near the Ecuador coast, the shallow Ecuador Coastal Current extended offshore by 100 km, with peak velocities near 0.33 m/s at the surface, transitioning into the Peru-Chile Countercurrent. The study, conducted using vessel-mounted ADCP measurements from March to April 2009, confirmed these findings through observed sea level differences and their correlation with large-scale climate indices like Niño3 and the Southern Oscillation Index. Notably, more than half of the sea level variability remained unexplained, suggesting complex underlying dynamics.

Structure of the Rural and Urban Population in Gjirokastra Circuit and Its Changes during the Twenty Years, from 1989 to 2009.

Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra — 2013 — WHECAF0F1142D

Between 1989 and 2009, the rural exodus—mass migration from villages to urban centers—drove significant demographic shifts in Gjirokastra District. Urban population growth surged primarily due to internal migration, despite low natural growth rates. International emigration mitigated this trend, yet local data reveal a stark contrast: while urban areas expanded, rural populations declined sharply. The study’s analysis of migration dynamics underscores how contemporary industrialization and urbanization are reshaping settlement patterns in Albania’s UNESCO-listed Gjirokastra Circuit.

Study and Analysis of XIV Century Timber Built-Up Beams in Verona

City of Verona — 2013 — WHED117FB1519

A groundbreaking study reveals the mechanical efficiency of XIV century timber beams found in Verona, Italy, which were constructed using a sophisticated assembly technique involving multiple wood parts. These beams exhibit properties akin to single-piece logs due to intricate indentations that enhance structural integrity and load-bearing capacity. The research analyzes their orthotropic behavior and compares them with similar structures from Ferrara, offering insights into historical engineering techniques documented by Leonardo da Vinci. Additionally, the study proposes reinforcement methods for safe reuse in historic buildings, highlighting potential pre-stress mechanisms depicted in Da Vinci's drawings.

Study of alterations on Roman masonry in the Tower of Hercules

Tower of Hercules — 2013 — WHE34EF9A3183

Despite its remarkable state of conservation, the Tower of Hercules, the sole surviving Roman lighthouse still in operation, exhibits notable alterations in its masonry. These changes, primarily resulting from historical influences, necessitate a thorough evaluation to inform effective preservation strategies. The study focuses on the internal core of the quadrangular structure, which retains its original Roman design, comprising four chambers across three floors. By analyzing these alterations, researchers aim to establish protocols that ensure the lighthouse's longevity while maintaining its integrity as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Study of the Painting Methods of Mural Paintings in Ancient Tombs of Goguryeo Using Scanning Electron Microscope

Complex of Koguryo Tombs — 2013 — WHEC4379D03CC

Goguryeo mural paintings, long thought to follow either eastern secco or western fresco techniques, employ a distinct pseudo-fresco method combining traditional soft binders with secco techniques. This study resolves disputes by analyzing samples using scanning electron microscopy energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), revealing that Goguryeo painters mixed binders and applied paint, borders, and corrections after drying—unlike Western fresco methods. The findings clarify the unique artistic process of this ancient civilization, offering new insights into their mural techniques through elemental mapping.

Studying “Fractionation” in Earliest Christianity in Rome and Ephesus

Ephesus — 2013 — WHEE9E664F7F3

This study reveals significant similarities and differences between the earliest Christian communities in Rome and Ephesus, two major cities of the Roman Empire. It finds that both cities experienced 'fractionation,' a phenomenon characterized by local fragmentation influenced by various factors. Drawing on Peter Lampe's influential work on early Christians in Rome, the research compares these communities to assess whether their histories can be fruitfully contrasted. The study highlights how fractionation contributed to the development and perpetuation of distinct Christian identities in both cities.

Studying Caves for Scientific, Societal, and Other Benefits

Carlsbad Caverns National Park — 2013 — WHE1A98896267

A groundbreaking NASA expedition to Lechuguilla Cave within Carlsbad Caverns National Park revealed significant scientific insights, including the discovery of novel microbial life forms and unique geological features. The study, led by Penelope Boston in 1993, employed a multi-disciplinary approach combining speleology, microbiology, and geochemistry to explore the cave's extreme environment. Researchers documented previously unknown species adapted to harsh conditions, contributing valuable data on astrobiology and terrestrial extremophiles. This expedition underscored the importance of caves as natural laboratories for studying life in extreme environments, with potential implications for space exploration.

Sub-surface terahertz imaging through uneven surfaces: visualizing Neolithic wall paintings in Çatalhöyük

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2013 — WHE18A1E3BD14

A groundbreaking image processing technique enabled the visualization of Neolithic mural paintings obscured by uneven surfaces at Çatalhöyük, Turkey. The method, based on Gaussian beam-mode coupling, overcame limitations of traditional terahertz data analysis, allowing sub-surface imaging without disturbing the archaeological site. This advancement in pulsed terahertz imaging demonstrates its potential for non-invasive study of buried artworks in complex environments.

Surface Morphology of Basalt Columns at Svartifoss, VatnajökulsÞjóðgarður, Southern Iceland

Vatnajökull National Park - Dynamic Nature of Fire and Ice — 2013 — WHE2B8A9DA489

A striking discovery at Svartifoss, within Vatnajökull National Park, reveals the complex surface morphology of basalt columns, characterized by unique horizontal striations and millimeter-scale laminations. These features, previously undescribed, exhibit crescentic hackles with a plumose pattern, suggesting tensile stresses during fracture propagation. Additionally, circular rings on the horizontal parting surfaces display radiating hackles, likely resulting from late-stage melt migration driven by load-induced pressure gradients. Petrographic analysis confirmed an interlocking network of plagioclase laths aligned perpendicular to column axes, offering insights into the basalt's formation and structural dynamics.

Surfaces and streets: phytoliths, micromorphology and changing use of space at Neolithic Çatalhöyük (Turkey)

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2013 — WHECCEFBB0EF2

Research at the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük reveals that open areas, initially used for waste accumulation, evolved into informal and later formal surfaces or streets during the settlement's occupation. This transformation challenges earlier assumptions about the absence of public spaces in this densely patterned site. The study employed micromorphology and phytolith analysis to securely interpret these changes, offering new insights into the spatial organization and social dynamics of one of the earliest large-scale human settlements in south-west Asia.

Survey of Japanese encephalitis virus in pigs and wild boars on Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands in Okinawa, Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2013 — WHE7E8775D3CD

A significant difference in Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) seroprevalence was observed between pigs and wild boars across Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands in Okinawa, Japan. While only 3.1% of pigs on Ishigaki tested positive for JEV antibodies, a striking 44.4% of wild boars on nearby Iriomote Island showed evidence of exposure. This contrasts sharply with previous seroprevalence rates of 3.7% in Iriomote wild boars from 2000 and 2004, suggesting a potential increase in JEV transmission. Phylogenetic analysis further indicated that the JEV strain detected on Ishigaki (JEV/sw/Ishigaki/1/2005) was closely related to strains circulating in Taiwan between 2006 and 2008, hinting at possible inter-regional transmission dynamics. The study employed serological surveys of serum samples collected from pigs and wild boars over multiple years (2008–2010), providing critical insights into JEV distribution and potential spillover risks in these regions.

Surveying World Heritage Islamic Monuments in North Africa: Experiences with Simple Photogrammetric Tools and no Previous Planning

Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage — 2013 — WHEAC2BD67863

A novel approach to surveying Islamic monuments in North Africa demonstrates the feasibility of using simple photogrammetric tools—such as a single camera and laser meter—without prior planning, yielding high-quality metric documentation for heritage sites lacking existing records. The study highlights the effectiveness of opportunistic surveys conducted during scientific meetings, capturing detailed data from World Heritage-listed landmarks like the Almohad gates in Rabat and Marrakech, the al-Badi palace, and the mosque of Tlemcen. By leveraging low-cost tools and spontaneous fieldwork, researchers successfully documented previously unrecorded or poorly documented monuments, proving that even unplanned surveys can contribute valuable insights to heritage preservation. The methodology, refined through CIPA (International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing) collaborations, underscores the importance of user-driven documentation in acquiring knowledge from these sites.

Surviving in Mountain Climate Refugia: New Insights from the Genetic Diversity and Structure of the Relict Shrub Myrtus nivellei (Myrtaceae) in the Sahara Desert

Tassili n'Ajjer — 2013 — WHEC1B14DE23D

Clonal reproduction and high genetic diversity persist in Myrtus nivellei, a relict shrub endemic to Saharan mountain ranges, despite severe range contraction during the last aridification phase. This suggests that population connectivity was likely maintained during past humid periods, contradicting expectations of significant genetic isolation due to habitat fragmentation. Researchers analyzed 215 individuals from 23 wadis across three Algerian mountain ranges using nuclear microsatellites and AFLP markers, revealing low isolation-by-distance within ranges but strong structuring among them. The study highlights the resilience of relict species in climate refugia and provides insights into their survival strategies under environmental change.