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Publications

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Alien species pathways to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Galápagos Islands — 2017 — WHE6DFACEB9FC

A comprehensive analysis of alien species pathways to the Galápagos Islands reveals that 1,579 terrestrial and marine species have been introduced by humans, with nearly all becoming established. The study identifies intentional introductions, primarily of plants, as a significant but declining threat due to strengthened biosecurity measures. However, unintentional introductions via plant material, transport vehicles, and commodities like fruit and vegetables pose an increasing risk, particularly as tourism expands. The research collated extensive data on human activity pathways, including tourist movements, cargo, and biosecurity interceptions, highlighting the close correlation between human population growth and the frequency of alien species arrivals. Effective management of these invasion pathways is critical to preserving the biodiversity of this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Alloys and Architecture: Periodic and Quasiperiodic Patterns in Sinan’s Selimiye in Edirne

Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex — 2017 — WHE3AC206EA33

A striking resemblance between the intricate carved patterns on Sinan’s 16th-century Selimiye Mosque minbar and quasiperiodic structures found in aluminum alloys, which later earned a Nobel Prize, has been identified. The mosque’s radial symmetry with five-fold and ten-fold rotational elements—uniquely non-periodic for its time—mirrors the complex geometric order discovered in materials science only in the 21st century. This convergence suggests Ottoman architects, through rigorous geometric training rooted in Islamic art traditions, intuitively grasped principles now central to advanced scientific understanding. The study highlights a historical link between architecture and material science, challenging modern assumptions about the timing of such discoveries.

Almacenamiento prehispánico de una aldea maya: análisis de material cerámico procedente de Joya de Cerén, El Salvador

Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site — 2017 — WHE63CF8DE86B

A Mayan village buried by volcanic ash around 650 A.D. at Joya de Cerén, El Salvador, reveals new insights into prehispanic storage and supply systems. Analysis of ceramic materials suggests sophisticated organizational strategies for agricultural production, challenging previous assumptions about the capabilities of indigenous communities in the region. The study, conducted on UNESCO World Heritage Site remains, provides a closer look at daily life, social structures, and religious practices through material culture. By examining pottery linked to storage and resource management, researchers propose new paradigms for understanding human activities and societal organization among the Maya and other indigenous peoples of El Salvador.

Alpine Tourism and ‘Masked Transformation’: Salzburg and Tyrol before 1914

Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg — 2017 — WHE845DD56499

Tourism in the Austrian crownlands of Salzburg and Tyrol underwent a 'masked transformation' before 1914, blending modernization with persistence of traditional society. The study reveals that while tourism infrastructure expanded, many local customs remained intact, masking deeper societal changes. Researchers differentiate between adaptive (adjusting existing structures) and industrial transformations (dedicated tourism zones), highlighting the nuanced impact on host societies. This comparative analysis underscores tourism's dual role as both a driver of change and a preserver of tradition in alpine regions.

Alva Ixtlilxochitl's Native Archive and the Circulation of Knowledge in Colonial Mexico

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2017 — WHE1DBBCF1E1B

A transgressive bequest of indigenous manuscripts by the Alva Ixtlilxochitl family to Carlos Sigüenza y Góngora bridged colonial Mexico's rigid social divide between república de españoles and república de indios, revealing mutual interest in historical knowledge over ethnic boundaries. The archive, amassed by mestizo-descended Alva Ixtlilxochitl (1578–1650) to assert indigenous lineage and economic rights, included oral histories and pictorial records. His son's 1674 bequest—paired with Sigüenza y Góngora’s commissioned vida of a holy aunt and relic-like skull—demonstrated how material culture and social networks facilitated knowledge circulation across colonial elites, challenging mestizaje as the sole mediator of Spanish-Indigenous relations. Analysis of legal texts and wills from Spanish and Mexican archives uncovered enduring collaborations, suggesting affection and shared historical inquiry transcended formal divisions.

Amalgamation and Small-Scale Gold Mining at Ancient Sardis, Turkey

Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe — 2017 — WHE257BECB9CB

Research at Sardis, Turkey, reveals that amalgamation—a mercury-based gold extraction method—was likely used for small-scale alluvial gold mining in antiquity. This finding challenges the assumption that cyanide, introduced only in the 1880s, was the primary method for large-scale mining. Evidence includes the presence of cinnabar (mercury ore), an ancient retort, and fine-grained alluvial gold consistent with amalgamation byproducts. The study suggests that this technology supplied gold to Sardis' refineries and craftsmen, as supported by the composition of a Byzantine coin. This insight recontextualizes ancient mining practices and their global persistence in modern small-scale operations.

American History Unbound: Asians and Pacific Islanders by Gary Y. Okihiro, and: Domination and Resistance: The United States and the Marshall Islands during the Cold War by Martha Smith-Norris

Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site — 2017 — WHE7179F197F2

Two books challenge conventional narratives of U.S. history and foreign relations, offering counter-histories that destabilize hegemonic discourses. Gary Y. Okihiro's 'American History Unbound: Asians and Pacific Islanders' redefines American identity by centering the diverse experiences of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders since the 18th century, while Martha Smith-Norris's 'Domination and Resistance: The United States and the Marshall Islands during the Cold War' exposes the devastating impacts of U.S. militarism on Marshallese communities, including nuclear testing at Bikini Atoll and Kwajalein. Okihiro disrupts traditional chronologies by highlighting migrant laborers' roles and racial biases in citizenship laws, while Smith-Norris focuses on radiation experiments, displacement, and environmental degradation, revealing systemic injustices through archival research and oral histories.

Amsterdams werelderfgoed. De grachtengordel na 400 jaar

Seventeenth-Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht — 2017 — WHEBFD7A9D3EF

A comprehensive review of the Amsterdam Canal Ring Area reveals its enduring significance after 400 years. The study, authored by Marleen Sloof and Jaap Evert Abrahamse, highlights the site's architectural, urban planning, and historical value, emphasizing how it reflects Amsterdam's golden age and its adaptability to modern needs. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating historical analysis, urban studies, and conservation science to assess the site's cultural and natural heritage. It underscores the importance of preserving such sites while balancing development and tourism pressures.

An Account of the Churches of Bethlehem and Jerusalem by the Priest Iachintus

Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem — 2017 — WHEF2667FC5DB

A rare, early description of the Church of the Nativity and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre emerges from the fragmented text by Priest Iachintus, providing the earliest known detailed account of the second Edicule in Jerusalem. This structure, built over Christ's supposed tomb, was destroyed in 1009 and later rebuilt before the eleventh century. Through paleographical, literary, and historical analysis, researchers have narrowed Iachintus's travel dates to either the first years of the twelfth century or the mid-eleventh century, offering a valuable but previously underutilized source for understanding medieval Holy Land architecture and pilgrimage narratives.

An Analysis of Water Features in Persian gardens; Bagh-e Shahzadeh

The Persian Garden — 2017 — WHEB57914C3ED

Persian gardens, integral to Iran's landscape, rely heavily on water features that evoke life, brightness, and mental comfort. A study of Bagh-e Shahzadeh, a historic Qajar-era palace garden in Kerman, Iran, reveals the significance of these features—pools, fountains, Qanats (underground channels), and waterfalls—in both aesthetic and functional roles. The research analyzes the design and structural characteristics of surviving water features, offering insights for their preservation. By examining how water enhances sensory experiences and technical functions, the study underscores its indispensable role in Persian garden architecture.

An Analysis on Crops Choice and Its Driving Factors in Agricultural Heritage Systems—A Case of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces System

Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces — 2017 — WHED758839E1B

A significant decline in the cultivation of red rice, a traditional crop, within the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces System (HHRTS) has been linked to modern agricultural practices and tourism development. The study, conducted through surveys and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), identified hybrid rice, corn, and fruit as the dominant crops, with red rice accounting for only 12.04% of cultivated land. The research revealed that the choice between hybrid rice and red rice is influenced by factors such as household ethnicity, farmland altitude, labor productivity, family size, and yield per unit area. These findings underscore the need for targeted policies to encourage red rice cultivation, thereby preserving the cultural and ecological integrity of this UNESCO-recognized site.

An Analytical Study of Maidams of Ahom Kings in Comparison with Egyptian Pyramids.

Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty — 2017 — WHE7CFF883ADF

A comparative analysis of the Maidams, the mound-burial structures of the Ahom Dynasty in Assam, India, reveals striking architectural and symbolic parallels with the Egyptian pyramids. The study highlights that both systems share complex construction techniques, hierarchical organization, and cultural significance, despite their geographical and temporal differences. Researchers employed a methodical approach to assess structural attributes, burial practices, and socio-political contexts, drawing on historical records and archaeological data. This comparative framework underscores the sophistication of Ahom burial traditions, challenging conventional narratives that emphasize Egyptian uniqueness in monumental architecture.

An Application of the CHAID Algorithm to Study the Environmental Impact of Visitors to the Teide National Park in Tenerife, Spain

Teide National Park — 2017 — WHE2D1760B780

A significant link between visitor behavior and environmental impact at the Teide National Park (TNP), one of Europe's most visited sites, was identified through a CHAID algorithm analysis. The study revealed that visitors arriving by car tend to stay longer in the park, correlating with increased environmental footprint due to prolonged exposure and higher emissions from private vehicles. Conducted via 805 valid questionnaires in 2016, this research underscores the urgent need for sustainable transport solutions, such as promoting less polluting vehicles or alternative transportation modes, to mitigate ecological strain on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

An Archaeological Perspective on Ancient East Asian Royal Tombs

Complex of Koguryo Tombs — 2017 — WHE701314371A

Archaeological analysis of East Asian royal tombs reveals that the construction of massive royal tombs, such as those found in Northern Wei (China), Gaya (Korea), and Wa (Japan), was a shared process across different historical contexts, driven by the establishment and growth of royal authority. The study highlights that the Northern Wei dynasty, despite its nomadic origins, began constructing large tombs in the late 5th century, likely as part of sinicization policies and in response to neighboring regimes like Koguryo and the Rouran Khaganate. In Gaya, the decline of state power and changes in royal lines are inferred from the absence of new large tombs after the 4th century, while Daegaya's tombs suggest a social development comparable to Silla and Baekje. In Wa (Japan), the frequent relocation of tomb construction sites indicates dispersed royal authority and instability in hereditary succession. The research combines in-situ investigations with historical analysis to uncover these patterns, providing insights into the political and social dynamics of ancient East Asian societies.

An empirical evaluation of camera trapping and spatially explicit capture‐recapture models for estimating chimpanzee density

Taï National Park — 2017 — WHE5EF244F0EF

Camera trapping combined with spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) models accurately estimates chimpanzee population size and density, even when only a small number of traps are deployed. This study validated the method by sampling a habituated western chimpanzee community in Taï National Park, Ivory Coast, where the true population size was known. Results showed that SECR abundance estimates were precise and that targeting frequently visited locations improved detection probabilities without compromising accuracy. The findings demonstrate that camera trapping can effectively monitor chimpanzee populations with reduced sampling effort, offering a cost-effective tool for conservation research.

An Ethnoarchaeological Perspective on Ground Stone Production at the Santiago Quarry in the Casas Grandes Region of Chihuahua, Mexico

Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes — 2017 — WHEA389FB56F5

A ground stone quarry, the first of its kind discovered in the Casas Grandes region of northern Mexico, reveals critical insights into the production of finely crafted manos and metates. The study, conducted during a 2013 survey project, identified the Santiago Quarry as a site where these tools were manufactured using specialized stone tools. By analyzing the morphology of the site and the toolkit of ancient 'metateros' (metate makers), researchers provide a detailed account of prehistoric ground stone production techniques. Ethnoarchaeological observations of modern metates further enrich the interpretation, offering a bridge between past practices and contemporary understanding. This discovery sheds light on the technological sophistication and cultural significance of ground stone tool production in the region.

An exhumed Paleozoic glacial landscape in Chad

Ennedi Massif: Natural and Cultural Landscape — 2017 — WHEF722032CA4

A newly discovered late Paleozoic glacial landscape, dating back to the Visean age, has been identified within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ennedi Massif: Natural and Cultural Landscape in northern Chad. Satellite imagery analysis revealed at least five paleo-ice stream pathways, each 5–12 km wide, characterized by mega-scale glacial lineations (MSGLs) and occasional drumlins. These features, confined to low-lying areas representing ancient valley networks, exhibit sinuous geometries and occur on multiple stratigraphic levels, confirming their geological antiquity through dissection by late Neogene rivers and fault offsets. The pathways suggest the presence of a previously unknown paleo-ice sheet that flowed northward toward present-day Libya, with an estimated ice margin thickness of less than 250 meters. This discovery significantly expands the known extent of late Paleozoic ice sheets and has implications for understanding sea-level changes during this period.

An integrated model for evaluating investments in cultural heritage tourism in the Dominican Republic

Colonial City of Santo Domingo — 2017 — WHE383A69FE4C

Investments in cultural heritage tourism can significantly boost economic growth, employment, and income in tourism-dependent economies. A study on the Colonial City of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic demonstrates that enhancing cultural heritage tourism opportunities diversifies the tourism product, expands the visitor base, and increases tourism expenditure. The research introduces an integrated economic model combining economy-wide modeling, time series analysis, stated preference approaches, and net present value analysis to evaluate such investments. This framework provides valuable insights into how targeted investments can accelerate economic development, offering a replicable approach for other regions with similar goals.

An Investigation of Enterococcus Species Isolated from the African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Serengeti National Park — 2017 — WHE615CA5E56B

Researchers found that Enterococcus species isolated from African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, exhibit genetic diversity and limited antimicrobial resistance, suggesting minimal human-driven transmission of resistance genes. Analysis of 219 isolates revealed six species: E. avium, E. casseliflavus, E. faecalis, E. faecium, E. hirae, and E. mundtii. Multilocus sequence typing showed that some E. faecalis and E. faecium isolates had significant evolutionary distance from primary founders, indicating potential genetic divergence. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing indicated that resistance was not widespread, implying that human intervention has not yet significantly impacted enterococcal populations in this ecosystem.

An iterative 3D GIS analysis of the role of visibility in ancient Maya landscapes: A case study from Copan, Honduras

Maya Site of Copan — 2017 — WHED3212F98A3

A groundbreaking study reveals that the ancient Maya at Copán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Honduras, strategically designed their landscape to convey sociopolitical messages through visibility. The research demonstrates that built forms were organized within the natural environment to create spatial configurations that sent targeted visual signals, influencing daily social interactions and perceptions. This was achieved using an innovative iterative 3D GIS analysis combining computational and experiential approaches, leveraging technologies like airborne LiDAR and aerial photogrammetry. The findings highlight how visibility played a pivotal role in structuring everyday experiences, bridging sensory perception and spatial organization.