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Publications

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The Gardens' bulletin Singapore.. Vol. 70 (Supplement 1).

Singapore Botanic Gardens — 2018 — WHE42FB88C7C9

During the pre-World War II period, significant disruptions to botanical work at the Singapore Botanic Gardens occurred due to the secondment of senior staff for duties under the Departments of Food Control and Information. This shift resulted in a notable reduction in botanical activities, highlighting the impact of wartime conditions on scientific endeavors.

The genus Vietbocap Lourenço & Pham, 2010 in the Thien Duong cave, Vietnam: A possible case of subterranean speciation in scorpions (Scorpiones: Pseudochactidae)

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park — 2018 — WHE4D83BAF9A7

Researchers have identified two new species of scorpions belonging to the genus Vietbocap within the Thien Duong cave, part of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. These discoveries suggest a rare case of subterranean speciation in scorpions, with one species found at an unprecedented 5000 meters from the cave entrance. The study also completes the diagnosis of a previously described species, Vietbocap thienduongensis, by incorporating female specimens collected closer to the cave entrance. Morphological differences among these species imply potential evolutionary divergence within the cave system, marking the first such case reported for scorpions.

The glass walls of Samarra (Iraq): Ninth-century Abbasid glass production and imports

Samarra Archaeological City — 2018 — WHE2825F4A105

Advanced Abbasid glass production and imports were confirmed through high-resolution analysis of glass artefacts from Samarra, revealing distinct compositional profiles linked to local craftsmanship and selective Byzantine influences. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) identified two related plant ash groups in architectural glass, pointing to a thriving ninth-century industry near the Abbasid capital. The study also corroborated historical accounts of glass production in Samarra while highlighting the cultural significance of luminous, reflective glass walls in Islamic palaces.

The Global Dispersal of the Non-Endemic Invasive Red Alga Gracilaria vermiculophylla in the Ecosystems of the Euro-Asia Coastal Waters Including the Wadden Sea Unesco World Heritage Coastal Area: Awful or Awesome?

Wadden Sea — 2018 — WHED8F22F8B2F

The non-endemic invasive red alga Gracilaria vermiculophylla has been rapidly dispersing globally, including within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Wadden Sea. This study assesses its ecological impact on Euro-Asia coastal waters, evaluating whether its spread is 'awful' or 'awesome.' The research employs a comparative analysis of Gracilaria's presence in different regions, examining its effects on native biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics. Findings suggest that while Gracilaria can alter local habitats, its introduction may also offer novel ecological opportunities, such as providing habitat for marine species. The study highlights the need for balanced management strategies to mitigate negative impacts while leveraging potential benefits.

The global significance of early agriculture on New Guinea

Kuk Early Agricultural Site — 2018 — WHEFF84F0D663

New Guinea's Kuk Early Agricultural Site challenges the notion that the island was peripheral to global agricultural developments, instead establishing it as a cradle of early agriculture comparable in antiquity to Southwest Asia, China, and Central America. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, the site provides multidisciplinary evidence demonstrating that plant exploitation practices in New Guinea evolved independently, leading to distinct agricultural traditions across Island Southeast Asia, lowland Melanesia, the highlands of New Guinea, and northern Australia. This research shifts the focus from seeking external origins to building robust regional records of plant use and interpretation frameworks.

The Goddess of Butrint: a Mythological Paradigm

Butrint — 2018 — WHEE6B89C37C6

A new interpretation of the 'Goddess of Butrint' statue challenges its traditional classification, revealing it as a symbolic fusion of Themis and Apollo. This mythological paradigm, discovered during 1928 excavations at Butrint's theatre, was likely intended to commemorate Augustus' victory in Actium and the deification of Livia. Unlike previous assumptions that treated the head (object no. 1227) as a fragmentary sculpture or a variant of Apollo's Anzio type, this study integrates historical analysis with stone carving techniques and stylistic elements, arguing for its unified significance. The head's asymmetrical design, polychrome residues, and varied carving stages further support this reinterpretation. While the statue's body was destroyed in 1943, the surviving head offers critical insights into its original intent.

The Gothic arcade of Santa Maria Incoronata in Naples: equilibrium of Gothic arches

Historic Centre of Naples — 2018 — WHE88C2D39A77

A stability analysis of the Gothic arcade at Santa Maria Incoronata Church in Naples reveals the equilibrium and rationality behind its design, even without modern computational tools. The study uses analytical and graphical methods, including the line of thrust concept, to assess the structural integrity of the non-symmetrical front, which has undergone debatable restoration interventions. Findings demonstrate that historical engineers and architects relied on geometric rules and experience to achieve stability, offering insights into the structural knowledge of architectural heritage. This approach could be applied more broadly to other historic structures.

The Grand Lama and His Evolution as the Priestgod of Lhasa

Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa — 2018 — WHEF0F4985DF3

This historical analysis reveals the evolution of the Grand Lama's role as both a spiritual and political figurehead in Lhasa, Tibet, highlighting his transition from a patron of art and learning to an oppressive ruler. The study examines the early history and legends surrounding the Priest-kingship in Tibet, focusing on the first Sovereign Dalai Lama, Lobzang-the-Eloquent, who built the Potala Palace but ruled with authoritarianism. It also explores the turbulent political dynamics of the time, including the imprisonment of the sacred Dalai Lama and the murder of a Regent by Chinese Ambans in 1750. The research approach combines historical records and traditional legends to provide insight into the complex interplay between religion, politics, and power in Tibet during this period.

The Greek Graffiti of Herculaneum

Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata — 2018 — WHE6C25F17A37

Greek graffiti in Herculaneum, preserved under volcanic ash, reveals that Greek was widely used and integrated into the city's epigraphic landscape. This study provides the first contextual analysis of these inscriptions, showing they account for half of the graffiti found, with a focus on Greek alphabets and personal names. By examining two in-situ locations, it offers new insights into the distribution and cultural significance of Greek writing in Campania during antiquity.

The Herpetofauna from Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil): updating species composition, richness, distribution and endemisms

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2018 — WHE607C0D74D4

Ilha Grande, a significant continental island within Brazil's Atlantic Forest Biome, houses 74 species of amphibians and reptiles, including high levels of endemism. This study updates the herpetofaunal list for the island, adding 14 species (three amphibians and eleven reptiles) while removing one previously recorded species. The findings highlight Ilha Grande's role as a critical reservoir of biodiversity and endemism in the Atlantic Forest, emphasizing its conservation importance. The research combines primary fieldwork data with secondary sources from institutional collections and literature to assess species composition, richness, distribution, and endemism.

The herpetofauna of the Bijagós archipelago, Guinea-Bissau (West Africa) and a first country-wide checklist

Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô — 2018 — WHE716F036E18

A comprehensive annotated checklist of amphibians and reptiles from the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau, reveals 13 anuran and 17 reptile species, including several first records for the islands (e.g., Silurana tropicalis, Chamaeleo gracilis) and country-wide records (e.g., Amietophrynus maculatus, Thrasops occidentalis). The study highlights a diverse herpetofaunal composition reflecting savanna and forest elements, contributing significantly to the understanding of biodiversity in this UNESCO-listed coastal and marine ecosystem. Conducted through two field surveys, the research provides critical data on species distribution, systematics, and natural history traits, while also establishing the first country-wide checklist for Guinea-Bissau.

The Historic Ventilation System of the House of Commons, 1840–52: Re-Visiting David Boswell Reid’s Environmental Legacy

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2018 — WHE6179EED029

A pioneering ventilation system designed by Scottish physician David Boswell Reid for the House of Commons between 1840 and 1852 has been systematically reconstructed through new archival research, revealing its sophisticated design and historical performance. Despite the abandonment of a central ventilation scheme after six years, Reid's localized implementation in the House of Commons introduced advanced climatic control and air purity measures. This study uncovers empirical evaluations by scientists and engineers, demonstrating how mid-19th-century architectural technology was refined based on environmental performance. The findings highlight Reid's often-overlooked contribution to the Palace of Westminster and underscore the transient yet critical role of environmental factors in shaping architectural form.

The Impact of Destination Service Quality and Destination Environment on Tourist Satisfaction: A Field Study on Jordans Golden Triangle for Tourists Point of View

Wadi Rum Protected Area — 2018 — WHE65328F6BE1

A significant positive correlation between destination service quality and tourist satisfaction was found in Jordan’s Golden Triangle, encompassing Aqaba, Petra, and Wadi Rum. The study also revealed that the environmental attributes of these destinations—such as natural beauty, accessibility, and cleanliness—play a crucial role in enhancing visitor satisfaction. Conducted through a descriptive survey involving 600 foreign tourists, with a response rate of 62.3%, the research employed a validated questionnaire to assess service quality dimensions (e.g., reliability, responsiveness) and environmental factors. The findings underscore the importance of high-quality services and well-maintained environments in ensuring tourist satisfaction, offering actionable insights for heritage site management.

The impact of the Inca Empire in Northwest Argentina: Assessment of health status and food consumption at Esquina de Huajra (Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina)

Quebrada de Humahuaca — 2018 — WHEF789BFFC5E

A balanced diet and stable health were observed among individuals inhabiting the archaeological site Esquina de Huajra during Inca administration, contradicting expectations of deprivation under imperial control. Stable isotope analysis revealed a diverse diet incorporating both plant and animal resources, while skeletal indicators showed no signs of stress or nutritional deficiency. This finding suggests that Inca governance strategies in Northwest Argentina did not uniformly negatively impact local populations' quality of life, despite regional variations in power centralization. The study employed isotopic, dental, and osteological analyses to assess dietary patterns and health outcomes, providing insights into the complexities of Inca-local interactions.

The Impact of User Participation Methods on E-Government Projects: The Case of La Louvière, Belgium

The Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre and their Environs, La Louvière and Le Roeulx (Hainaut) — 2018 — WHECC3DD0E8C5

User participation methods significantly enhance e-government projects by addressing stakeholder challenges and delivering tangible benefits, as demonstrated in the case of La Louvière, Belgium. The study found that integrating citizen and business involvement through participatory approaches improved project outcomes, leading to more innovative and locally embedded solutions. It also highlighted key differences between traditional e-government models and smart city paradigms, emphasizing how participation methods can bridge governance gaps. The research employed a one-year action research approach, providing practical insights for practitioners while proposing an enhanced e-government implementation process that prioritizes stakeholder engagement.

The impacts of introduced House Mice on the breeding success of nesting seabirds on Gough Island

Gough and Inaccessible Islands — 2018 — WHE9782F2EF34

Invasive House Mice significantly reduce the breeding success of seabirds on Gough Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and vital seabird colony. Annual losses reach up to 1.7 million eggs or chicks, with seven species experiencing particularly high mortality likely due to intense mouse predation. Below-ground and winter-breeding species are most affected, as mice have fewer alternative food sources in winter and smaller chicks are easier prey. The study used field data and statistical models to compare Gough Island's seabird populations with those on predator-free islands, revealing critical threats to endemic and near-endemic species like MacGillivray's Prion, Atlantic Petrel, and Tristan Albatross, which face potential extinction without mouse removal.

The impacts of recent drought on fire, forest loss, and regional smoke emissions in lowland Bolivia

Noel Kempff Mercado National Park — 2018 — WHEEAB2BF67E8

Recent drought conditions in lowland Bolivia have been identified as the dominant factor influencing interannual fire variability, with human activities potentially amplifying fire during these periods. A study focusing on Noel Kempff Mercado National Park (NK) found that while fires within NK were largely confined to the Cerrado and seasonally inundated wetland biomes, drought conditions significantly impacted fire activity, forest loss, and smoke emissions in the region. The research utilized multiple data sources, including MODIS active fire products, Global Fire Weather Database, land cover and forest loss data, and regional extinction coefficients (Bext) derived from visibility measurements. These findings suggest that Bext can serve as a longer-term proxy for regional fire emissions, highlighting the need to consider both human activities and drought in future projections of southern Amazonian fire dynamics, which have implications for carbon emissions and global climate.

The Impacts of UNESCO’s Built Heritage Conservation Policy (2010–2020) on Historic Jeddah Built Environment

Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah — 2018 — WHEF9489C4401

Historic Jeddah's inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) in 2014 marked a transformative shift in Saudi Arabia's approach to built heritage conservation, driven by the implementation of UNESCO standards. This study reveals that the adoption of these policies led to significant changes in urban/spatial planning and architectural typology, guided by collaboration between governmental bodies like the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) and Jeddah Municipality. The research analyzes conservation efforts across multiple stakeholders—governmental, NGOs, public, and private sectors—to assess the policy's tangible impacts on the built environment from 2010 to 2020. It highlights how addressing ICOMOS recommendations for WHS nomination catalyzed a paradigm shift in heritage management, decision-making, and implementation frameworks.

The implementation of Tri Hita Karana on the world heritage of Taman Ayun and Tirta Empul temples as tourist attractions in Bali 1

Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System as a Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy — 2018 — WHEB432599B55

Research reveals that the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, centered on harmony between religious, social, and natural environments, underpins the UNESCO World Heritage status of Bali's Cultural Landscape. This study demonstrates how Taman Ayun and Tirta Empul temples, integral to this heritage site, embody this philosophy while serving as key tourist attractions. The findings highlight that Tri Hita Karana not only defines the Outstanding Universal Value of the site but also shapes Bali's cultural tourism programs, aligning heritage conservation with sustainable tourism practices.

The implications of smallholdings of water and land for the sustainability of a community based water management system in Oman

Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman — 2018 — WHE53D9057B77

Oman's traditional aflaj irrigation systems, which have sustained agriculture and livelihoods for centuries, face sustainability threats due to the economic implications of small water and land holdings. A study on one falaj system revealed that these smallholdings prevent farmers from achieving economies of scale, leading to high average costs and low farm profits. As aflaj are community-managed, the low economic value may result in insufficient funds for maintenance, potentially undermining their sustainability. The research highlights a critical challenge for community-based water management systems in arid regions.