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Publications

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Archimandrite Leonid (Kavelin) and a collection of Slavic manuscripts in the library of St. Paul in Mount Athos monastery

Mount Athos — 2017 — WHE76A01F1A73

A previously unknown chapter in the history of Serbian-Slavic manuscripts at St. Paul's monastery on Mount Athos has been uncovered, revealing Archimandrite Leonid (Kavelin)'s pivotal role in their preservation. Through analysis of unpublished and published sources—including his correspondence with monks like Hieromonk Macarius (Sushkin) and librarian Azary (Poptsov)—researchers traced the fate of these manuscripts, which were ultimately burned in the early 20th century despite Leonid's efforts to acquire them for Russia's Rumyantsev Public Museum. The study also highlights the monastery library's significance as a gathering place for notable figures such as Slavicist V. I. Grigorovich and traveler Robert Curzon, offering new insights into its cultural and historical importance.

Architectural Forms and Distribution Characteristics of Beacon Towers of the Ming Great Wall in Qinghai Province

The Great Wall — 2017 — WHE2CD963EDDE

Research on the Ming Great Wall's beacon towers in Qinghai Province reveals that their elevations typically decrease along military intelligence routes, with sudden changes at strategic corners. The study classified 116 beacon towers into six architectural types based on their relationship to surrounding structures and found a radial distribution pattern around the Xining Guarding Post, often following river systems and ancient roads. By analyzing 'beacon tower links,' the authors demonstrated how these towers facilitated intelligence transmission during the Ming Dynasty, showcasing the sophisticated design of ancient Chinese military architecture.

Architectural Monuments of Sheki: Study, Preservation and Adaptation

Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace — 2017 — WHEBB11C82FDB

Sheki, Azerbaijan, boasts a rich architectural heritage with monuments spanning various historical periods, including fortresses, mosques, churches, and caravanserais. A key finding is that the town has preserved ancient construction traditions, evident in its public buildings, cult structures, and residential houses, despite its role as a historic silk trade center. The study highlights the need for urgent preservation efforts to protect these monuments from modern development threats while ensuring their historical integrity. It also emphasizes the importance of studying architectural peculiarities and preservation methods to safeguard Sheki's unique cultural landscape for future generations.

Architectural Object on an Archaeological Site: The Transformation of an Image during the Restoration Process

Archaeological Site of Ani — 2017 — WHE48E05A292B

Restoration and conservation efforts on archaeological sites, such as the medieval Armenian capital of Ani (Turkey), can significantly alter the visual perception of monuments. This study demonstrates that even well-intentioned interventions may transform a site's image, necessitating a philosophical approach to preservation that considers the broader town or ensemble context. It argues for a tailored protection strategy for Ani, which cannot rely solely on international legal frameworks but must integrate cultural and historical nuances.

Architecture of a hydroelectrically powered wireless sensor node for underground environmental monitoring

Historic Centre of Siena — 2017 — WHE19487CF784

A novel hydroelectrically powered wireless sensor node enables autonomous, real-time monitoring of underground environmental conditions without external power sources. The system harnesses energy from flowing water using a watermill principle, making it ideal for deployment in historic underground aqueducts like Siena's 'Bottini.' This innovation minimizes maintenance and supports the preservation of ancient sites by providing continuous data on environmental parameters. Tested at 'Fontebranda,' one of the largest fountains in the network, the node integrates power generation, data acquisition, and wireless transmission, demonstrating its feasibility for long-term, independent operation.

Are bilateral conservation policies for the Białowieża forest unattainable? Analysis of stated preferences of Polish and Belarusian public

Białowieża Forest — 2017 — WHE6EC978FD0C

A discrete choice experiment reveals that Polish citizens are significantly more willing to support increased conservation efforts within their domestic segment of the Białowieża Forest compared to Belarusian citizens, who largely prefer maintaining the status quo. This unilateral preference suggests potential challenges in implementing bilateral conservation policies for this transboundary UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study identifies a distinct group within Poland that supports transboundary cooperation, contrasting with non-cooperative groups on both sides of the border. These findings highlight possible barriers to collaborative conservation efforts, including perceived differences in welfare or behavioral factors, and question whether the forest is viewed as a shared public good by both populations.

Are conflict-causing tigers different? Another perspective for understanding human-tiger conflict in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Chitwan National Park — 2017 — WHEF45FE58A10

<5% of tigers in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, are responsible for human-tiger conflicts, with transient or physically impaired individuals being more likely to engage in such behavior. A study analyzing data from 2007 to 2016 identified 22 problem-causing tigers—13 involved in human fatalities, six serial livestock killers, and three threatening human safety. By comparing these 'problem tigers' with the broader tiger population through camera trapping (2009, 2010, 2013), researchers found that conflict was not evenly distributed but concentrated among a small subset of individuals. The study recommends proactive measures, such as an early warning system combining regular monitoring and timely intervention, to mitigate conflicts by either relocating or removing problem tigers or encouraging behavioral changes in local communities.

Are landscape attributes a useful shortcut for classifying vegetation in the tropics? A case study of La Amistad International Park

Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park — 2017 — WHE5FDC7B5FB1

Research in La Amistad International Park reveals that river catchment, combined with elevation and annual mean temperature, effectively explains variation in tropical plant species composition. Unlike traditional elevation-based classifications, which often dominate in the tropics, this study found distinct vegetation assemblages only at high-elevation oak forests and Páramo zones. While beta diversity did not significantly differ across mid-elevation plots, it varied between river catchments, suggesting that river catchment could serve as a useful alternative for classifying tropical forest assemblages in conservation settings. The analysis utilized floristic data from 141 plots spanning an elevation gradient of 130 to 3200 meters above sea level.

Are ranger patrols effective in reducing poaching‐related threats within protected areas?

Nyungwe National Park — 2017 — WHE3258B13495

Ranger patrols significantly increase the likelihood of eliminating poaching-related threats, with the probability rising from 7% without patrols to up to 57% with increased patrols. Poaching is most prevalent at lower elevations (1,801–2,200 m) near roads and tourist trails, while higher elevations (2,601–3,000 m) and areas closer to ranger posts see fewer threats. The study used 10 years of ranger-based monitoring data and dynamic multi-season occupancy models to analyze poaching patterns in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, revealing that strategic placement of ranger posts and increased patrols can effectively mitigate illegal activities.

Around the pole: evolution of sub‐Antarctic Ranunculus

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2017 — WHE9A431B2059

Multiple lineages of the genus Ranunculus have independently colonized the sub-Antarctic islands, likely arriving from lower-latitude regions such as Australia, New Zealand, or South America before the Last Glacial Maximum. Phylogenetic and divergence time analyses of 53 accessions revealed that chance events played a significant role in species arrival, while subsequent trait–environment interactions were crucial for establishment and persistence in sub-Antarctic habitats. The study also found that two distinct ecomorphological trait combinations are shared between sub-Antarctic and lower-latitude species, with their proportions differing significantly between these regions.

Arqueologia Vial del Qhapaq Nan en Sudamérica: Análisis Teórico, Conceptos y Definiciones

Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System — 2017 — WHE80F83D1276

This study addresses critical gaps in the theoretical framework surrounding the Qhapaq Ñan, the extensive Andean road system of the Inca Empire. It highlights the need for a more rigorous contrast between theoretical suppositions and specific archaeological data, particularly in Chile, to derive meaningful interpretations about the Tawantinsuyu (Inca territory) and its infrastructure. The research synthesizes contemporary archaeological findings on road systems in South America, focusing on methodological advancements and conceptual definitions of Inca roads. It also introduces classificatory criteria for these pathways, emphasizing their archaeological implications. While building on foundational works like those by Hyslop and Niemeyer & Rivera, the study aims to deepen theoretical discussions on the Qhapaq Ñan's structure, function, and significance within the broader context of Inca territorial occupation.

Art and Archaeology

Archaeological Site of Delphi — 2017 — WHE0E085BE3DA

The Serpent Column, originally erected to commemorate the Greek victory over the Persians at Plataia in 479 BC, has endured significant historical transformations while retaining its symbolic significance. Paul Stephenson's analysis traces its 'cultural biography,' from its ancient pagan purpose to its adaptation within Christian and Muslim contexts. Despite being relocated by Emperor Constantine to Constantinople (modern Istanbul), the column retained its status as a talisman against snakebites, reflecting a blend of superstitious beliefs and cumulative tradition. Stephenson's approach combines esoteric sources with historical analysis, though it notably avoids reconstructing the column's original tripod structure. The study challenges Edward Gibbon's interpretation of Constantine's motives, suggesting instead a nuanced understanding of the emperor's role in preserving and recontextualizing this ancient monument.

Art and identity: Aboriginal rock art and dendroglyphs of Queensland's Wet Tropics

Wet Tropics of Queensland — 2017 — WHE6D6E41007C

Aboriginal rock art and dendroglyphs in Queensland's Wet Tropics reveal that cultural identity, rather than language, was the primary determinant of stylistic choices. The study analyzed 45 rock art sites and 12 dendroglyph sites across six language areas, finding distinct eastern and western rock art styles that often transcend linguistic boundaries. Dendroglyphs, predominantly non-figurative in the east, contrast with figurative rock art, suggesting distinct roles for these visual expressions. The research employed both quantitative (site and motif recording) and qualitative methods (interviews with Aboriginal people), emphasizing collaboration to contextualize findings within broader cultural landscapes. This work highlights the significance of rock art and dendroglyphs as living elements of Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Asmara: Africa’s Modernist City (UNESCO World Heritage Nomination)

Asmara: A Modernist African City — 2017 — WHE119556511C

Asmara, Eritrea's modernist capital, stands as a groundbreaking example of colonial urban planning and architecture that challenges Eurocentric narratives. The city's nomination for UNESCO World Heritage List (WHL) in 2016, supported by nearly two decades of interdisciplinary research, highlights its unique blend of innovative functional zoning, modernist design, and local cultural integration. Unlike many post-colonial settings, Asmara's conservation approach emphasizes preserving early colonial-era architecture, offering a critical lens to reassess global heritage perceptions. The research aims to secure the city's WHL inscription while addressing the underrepresentation of African and modernist sites on the list, fostering stability and prosperity.

Aspect and slope influence plant community composition more than elevation across forest–tundra ecotones in subarctic Canada

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2017 — WHE781B9DCFA2

Plant community composition within the forest–tundra ecotone of subarctic Canada is primarily influenced by aspect and slope angle, more so than by elevation. South-facing slopes exhibit warmer soil temperatures and deeper active layers, leading to distinct plant communities compared to north-facing slopes, which are driven by soil moisture differences on steeper angles. Species richness increases with elevation on north-facing slopes but shows no trend on south-facing ones, while community turnover rates are higher on the latter. These findings suggest that future vegetation changes may vary in rate and direction depending on topographic characteristics, emphasizing the need for region-specific modeling of alpine vegetation dynamics.

Aspects of the ecology of the Atherton antechinus (Antechinus godmani) living in sympatry with the rusty antechinus (A. adustus) in the Wet Tropics, Queensland – a trapping and radio-tracking study

Wet Tropics of Queensland — 2017 — WHE36764B0630

Atherton antechinus, a geographically restricted marsupial, exhibits distinct ecological traits that facilitate coexistence with the sympatric rusty antechinus. This study reveals significant resource partitioning between the two species: Atherton antechinuses primarily forage nocturnally in deep leaf litter and rotting logs, while rusty antechinuses are arboreal and active both day and night. The diet of the Atherton antechinus is dominated by arthropods, with minor inclusion of small vertebrates. Male condition declines for both species during June–July, while free-living young appear in November (rusty) and January (Atherton). Home ranges for Atherton antechinuses span 2.5–5.8 ha for males and 3.6 ha for a female, with females sharing space with multiple males but no same-sex nest sharing observed. The species thrives in contiguous wet tropical upland rainforest with old-growth characteristics, making it vulnerable to climate change impacts.

Aspetti della politica culturale sotto il pontificato di Leone XII. Recupero dell'Antico, Censura delle immagini e Rappresentazione della sovranità

Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura — 2017 — WHEDF9682E332

During the pontificate of Pope Leo XII (1823-1829), Rome witnessed significant shifts in cultural policy, marked by the recovery and reintegration of ancient marbles salvaged from the incineration of St. Paul's Basilica outside the walls. This study reveals a strategic approach to preserving and repurposing historical artifacts while reinforcing papal sovereignty through curated imagery and strict censorship. The research delves into the restoration efforts of the palatine heritage, illustrating how these measures were not only symbolic but also instrumental in shaping the visual and ideological landscape of Rome during this period. By analyzing archival sources and cultural documents, the study offers a nuanced understanding of how Leo XII's administration balanced tradition with modernity, setting a precedent for future conservation practices.

Assessing and Planning Sustainable City Region Food Systems: Insights from Two Latin American Cities

City of Quito — 2017 — WHEEB9A43D21B

Urban food systems and urban development are deeply interconnected, necessitating integrated approaches to address sustainability and resilience challenges. The concept of City Region Food Systems (CRFS) offers a promising framework for local governments and policymakers to make informed decisions that bridge urban and rural development. This study analyzes the CRFS approach through case studies in Quito and Medellín, revealing initial advances in policy uptake and territorial food planning. By examining these Latin American cities, the research highlights the potential of CRFS to enhance food security and sustainability while fostering more cohesive regional development strategies.

Assessing ecological performance thresholds in fire‐prone Kakadu National Park, northern Australia

Kakadu National Park — 2017 — WHE57D44D6734

A critical assessment of fire management strategies in Kakadu National Park reveals significant challenges and limited progress over 18 years. Despite substantial resources, only two out of 14 ecological performance thresholds were met by 2015, with no material improvement observed across the study period. The research, leveraging Landsat-scale fire mapping (1997–2015) and modeled biodiversity responses, found that vast areas—98% in lowlands and 87% in uplands—experienced large fires (>1 km²), while only a minimal portion of habitats remained unburnt for more than three years. The study underscores the need for alternative resourcing models, such as market-based savanna burning projects, to achieve effective biodiversity conservation in fire-prone Australian savannas.

Assessing the risk to the conservation status of temperate rainforest from exposure to mining, commercial logging, and climate change: A Tasmanian case study

Tasmanian Wilderness — 2017 — WHE04373F0B23

Only about half of Tasmania's temperate rainforests, including the UNESCO-listed Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, are fully protected from mining and commercial logging. While 90% of these rainforests lie within reserves, 43% remain vulnerable to logging or mining due to their reserve category. A legislative review further downgraded 66,012 hectares, reducing protection. Climate change poses additional threats, particularly through increased fire risk from lightning and arson, which could fragment intact rainforest blocks and undermine their ecological resilience. The study underscores the complexity of assessing reserve effectiveness, given overlapping governance systems and regulatory frameworks that can allow land-use activities even within protected areas.