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Publications

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Heritage tourism in the global South: Development impacts of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, South Africa

Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa — 2015 — WHE87C1E777EB

A state-led heritage tourism initiative at the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site in South Africa has not yet achieved its potential for driving local development, despite being designed as a pro-poor growth strategy. The study analyzes this major infrastructure-driven project, which aimed to boost economic and social benefits in a marginalized region. While heritage tourism is increasingly important for local economies globally, particularly in the global South, this research finds that current impacts fall short of expectations. The analysis likely relied on quantitative or qualitative data collection methods to assess development outcomes, though specific details are not provided.

Heterogeneity of genetic architecture of body size traits in a free‐living population

St Kilda — 2015 — WHE535C9D2B52

A groundbreaking study on St Kilda's Soay sheep reveals stark differences in the genetic architecture of body size traits. While jaw and weight exhibit polygenic inheritance—with multiple chromosomes contributing to variance without specific SNPs driving significant phenotypic changes—leg length traits (foreleg, hindleg, metacarpal) are dominated by two key SNPs on chromosomes 16 and 19, each explaining over 10% of additive genetic variance. Heterozygous females for one SNP (s74894.1) outperform homozygous counterparts in lamb production and recruitment, hinting at fitness advantages. The research also traces shorter leg alleles to historic admixture with Dunface sheep, underscoring how dense SNP panels can unravel selection pressures and evolutionary history in wild populations.

Hierarchies of happiness: Railway infrastructure and suburban subject formation in Berlin and Cairo around 1900

Historic Cairo — 2015 — WHE1B7E0460C7

Railway infrastructure at the turn of the 20th century played a pivotal role in shaping suburban subjectivities and social distinctions for middle-class residents in both Berlin and Cairo. The study reveals that trains and stations were not merely transportation hubs but integral to practices that fostered a sense of happiness, health, and differentiation from urban lower classes. By analyzing contemporary publications, the research demonstrates how train rides—associated with reading, rationalizing technology, and appreciating historic landscapes—contributed to the formation of suburban identities in both cities. This comparative approach underscores shared historical processes of subject formation while acknowledging differing power structures, advocating for a more integrated study of European and non-European urban histories.

High density of Tridacna crocea in exposed massive corals proximate the Ranger Station of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Cagayancillo, Palawan, Philippines

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park — 2015 — WHE636231028A

A study conducted at Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park revealed exceptionally high densities of the crocus clam, Tridacna crocea, within exposed massive corals near the Ranger Station. The survey recorded an average density of 767 individuals per 100 m² (ranging from 200 to 2,200 ind./100 m²), significantly higher than previous transect-based surveys in the same area or elsewhere in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. This discovery underscores the importance of Tubbataha Reefs as a critical habitat for giant clams, potentially serving as a natural genetic bank and seed source for depleted reefs. The research employed random sampling of coral heads exposed at low tide, measuring both coral head area and individual clam sizes using quadrats and calipers. The findings highlight the need for robust protection measures to preserve this vital population, given its ecological significance in promoting balanced reef ecosystems.

High emission rate of sulfuric acid from Bezymianny volcano, Kamchatka

Volcanoes of Kamchatka — 2015 — WHEA7037D52A1

Research at Bezymianny volcano, Kamchatka, reveals exceptionally high sulfuric acid (H2SO4) emissions, averaging 243 ± 75 tons per day alongside SO2 emissions of 212 ± 65 tons per day. This discovery challenges conventional understanding of volcanic plume composition, as H2SO4 constitutes a significant portion—up to 87 mol%—of the total sulfur content in fumarolic gases. The study employed direct sampling, filter pack sampling, and differential optical absorption spectroscopy to quantify these emissions, which are difficult to measure remotely. The high H2SO4 levels suggest catalytic oxidation of SO2 within the volcanic dome, indicating complex chemical processes at play. This finding underscores the need for more accurate remote sensing techniques to account for sulfate aerosol in volcanic plumes.

High mountain societies and limited local resources - livelihoods and energy utilization in the Eastern Pamirs, Tajikistan

Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) — 2015 — WHEE695F048CA

In the isolated high mountain region of Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs), only 15% of inhabitants in Alichur are currently energy poor, with 25% at risk and 60% energy secure. However, declining access to dwarf shrubs—a primary energy resource—could push over 70% into energy poverty by reducing secure households to less than 30%. This study challenges prior assumptions about energy scarcity in such regions by developing a locally adapted energy poverty index that integrates social and environmental factors, providing a nuanced assessment of Alichur's energy dynamics. The research employs an interdisciplinary approach, evaluating the local energy mix and resource supply while highlighting future vulnerabilities.

Hiker Fatality From Severe Hyponatremia in Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park — 2015 — WHEC386D36E55

A fatal case of severe hyponatremia, likely the first documented in a wilderness hiking setting, occurred at Grand Canyon National Park. The hiker, who consumed excessive water during a 5-hour trek, collapsed and died from cerebral edema within 24 hours despite medical intervention with intravenous saline. The incident highlights the dangers of overhydration, particularly in strenuous environments, and underscores the importance of adhering to treatment guidelines—symptomatic hyponatremia should be managed with hypertonic saline rather than isotonic fluids, which can delay recovery or prove fatal. This case also illustrates the challenges of diagnosing and treating acute hyponatremia in remote settings.

Historic New Lanark

New Lanark — 2015 — WHE4EA1A84116

New Lanark, a former cotton spinning village, stands as a pioneering example of technological and social transformation during the Industrial Revolution. Recognized today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its history from 1785 to the present is meticulously chronicled in this updated edition. The publication highlights key developments, including a new chapter on its World Heritage status and revisions on restoration efforts, offering essential insights into Scottish social history.

Historical and cultural landscape of the Ancient Villages of Northern Syria

Ancient Villages of Northern Syria — 2015 — WHE7FF6A0002E

The Ancient Villages of Northern Syria exemplify a unique cultural landscape where architecture and nature merge seamlessly, challenging traditional distinctions between the two. This study highlights that such landscapes, shaped by human activity over time, form a harmonious unity with their natural surroundings, reflecting deep cultural significance. The research draws on philosophical perspectives, notably Le Corbusier's emphasis on landscape integration in architectural design, to argue for the preservation of these relict areas as vital components of national heritage. By analyzing the interplay between space, culture, and nature, the study underscores the importance of recognizing historical and cultural landscapes as distinct categories of heritage deserving urgent conservation efforts.

Historical population size of the threatened New Zealand sea lion Phocarctos hookeri

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2015 — WHE61BFB177CD

The historical population of the New Zealand sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri) in the subantarctic islands was significantly larger than current estimates used for management, suggesting that present-day bycatch levels from commercial trawl fisheries may be unsustainable. Using genetic methods to estimate long-term effective population size, researchers found that the pre-exploitation abundance of this threatened marine mammal was substantially higher than contemporary carrying capacity targets (K). This implies that the species' recovery toward historical population levels could be hindered by current management strategies, which may not account for sustainable bycatch limits. The study highlights the need to reassess population thresholds to ensure long-term viability and recovery of the NZ sea lion.

History and Development of Tsuchiya General Hospital in Hiroshima

Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) — 2015 — WHE7E07A10BA9

Tsuchiya General Hospital, situated adjacent to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, serves as a poignant symbol of resilience and medical response following the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. The hospital's history reflects the immediate devastation wrought by the blast, which reduced a thriving city of over 420,000 people to barren scorched earth. Despite the tragedy, the site has become a focal point for global tourism and remembrance. This study provides an in-depth account of the hospital's development, highlighting its role in the aftermath of the bombing and its enduring significance as both a medical institution and a cultural landmark.

History and mechanisms for the expansion of the Badain Jaran Desert, northern China, since 20 ka: Geological and luminescence chronological evidence

Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes — 2015 — WHE7FFEBA74EF

The Badain Jaran Desert (BJD) in northern China has undergone significant expansion since 20,000 years ago, with periodic growth phases linked to regional climate shifts and human activity. Research using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating reveals that the BJD's landscape stabilized within the last 2,000 years, with key expansions occurring at 19–15 ka, 11–9 ka, 7.3 ka, and 6–5 ka, likely due to low effective moisture conditions. More recent expansions around 2 ka and in the past 200 years correlate with intensified human activity. This study provides critical chronological evidence for understanding the BJD's dynamic evolution and its response to environmental and anthropogenic factors.

Holistic model-based monitoring of the human health status in an urban environment system: pilot study in Verona city, Italy

City of Verona — 2015 — WHE477DFCA375

A pilot study in Verona, Italy, reveals significant correlations between urban environmental factors and human health outcomes. Researchers found that hospitalization rates for cancerous diseases were four times lower in the municipal population compared to a regional reference group, with similar trends observed for cardiocirculatory and respiratory pathologies linked to air pollution and landscape ecological quality. The study employed a holistic model integrating landscape ecology, environmental quality indexes, and health indicators, utilizing GIS technology to analyze spatial data. Fisher exact test confirmed non-independence between cardiocirculatory diseases, air pollution, and landscape ecological quality, suggesting that urban environment systems can effectively represent the complexity of human health dynamics.

Holocene biogenic sediments of the Curonian Spit (south-eastern Baltic Sea coast)

Curonian Spit — 2015 — WHEE3F64DC921

Holocene biogenic sediments along the Russian part of the Curonian Spit provide critical insights into the region's geological evolution and environmental dynamics. Radiocarbon dating reveals that these organic-rich deposits formed over a span of 7300 to 300 calibrated years before present (cal. BP), capturing distinct stages of the spit's development during the Late Glacial and Holocene periods. Beyond their role as potential accumulators of oil pollution, these sediments serve as key indicators of coastal erosion intensity and contribute to reconstructing the geological history of the Curonian Spit and Lagoon. The study integrates radiocarbon analysis with paleoenvironmental reconstructions, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding long-term coastal dynamics in this ecologically significant region.

Holocene landscape reconstruction of the Wadden Sea area between Marsdiep and Weser

Wadden Sea — 2015 — WHE71484768E9

A significant finding from this study is the identification of distinct natural and anthropogenic processes that have driven coastal changes in the Wadden Sea between Marsdiep and Weser during the late Holocene. The research reveals that while early coastal dynamics were primarily shaped by sea-level rise, tidal basin formation, and peat bog development, human activities—particularly land reclamation and dike construction from the Late Iron Age onward—accelerated subsidence and vulnerability to storm surges, leading to catastrophic flooding events like those in the Jade and Dollard regions during the 14th and 15th centuries. The study combines paleogeographical mapping with historical analysis to reconstruct these changes, offering insights into the interplay between natural coastal evolution and human intervention over millennia.

Holy Matter: Changing Perceptions of the Material World in Late Medieval Christianity

Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites — 2015 — WHEF348297A0E

A groundbreaking exploration of late medieval Christian attitudes toward the material world reveals that, contrary to conventional views, many religious thinkers embraced a doctrine of 're-creation' enabled by Christ's incarnation. Sara Ritchey's study demonstrates that holy women's writings and Franciscan texts, particularly those centered on trees and crucifixion imagery, framed nature not as an obstacle but as a medium for divine manifestation. The research employs close textual analysis of works like the Speculum virginum, Hildegard of Bingen's writings, and Franciscan lives, alongside comparative examination of contrasting theological perspectives (e.g., Herrad of Hohenbourg). Key findings include the virginal body's role as an 'engine of incarnation' and the crucifixion's centrality in Clare of Assisi's vision of a redeemed material order. The study challenges secularizing eco-critical narratives, arguing that medieval religious culture perceived matter as inherently sacred, with implications for environmental humanities.

Home range and habitat use of reintroduced Javan Deer in Panaitan Island, Ujung Kulon National Park

Ujung Kulon National Park — 2015 — WHE246B6EEB53

A study comparing the home range and habitat use of Javan deer in Peucang Island and Panaitan Island, Ujung Kulon National Park, found that while overall home range sizes did not differ significantly between the two populations, subadult males on Peucang Island exhibited larger home ranges than their counterparts on Panaitan Island. The research used Minimum Convex Polygon to measure home range size and habitat use, providing critical insights for wildlife habitat management in small island ecosystems. Javan deer on Panaitan Island were found to thrive in suitable conditions, highlighting the importance of reintroduction efforts and habitat conservation.

Home range, habitat use, and movement patterns of non-native Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA

Everglades National Park — 2015 — WHEAA04AAD8C5

Non-native Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) in Everglades National Park exhibit low site fidelity and expansive home ranges averaging 22.5 km², with core-use areas concentrated in slough and coastal habitats, particularly around tree islands and roads. These findings, derived from radio-tracking 19 adult pythons over 5,265 days (VHF and GPS tags), suggest that surface water presence correlates with long-distance movements during both wet and dry seasons. The study identifies 18 common-use areas where python activity overlaps, highlighting potential hotspots for targeted control efforts to mitigate impacts on native fauna.

Hominin subsistence and site function of TD10.1 bone bed level at Gran Dolina site (Atapuerca) during the late Acheulean

Archaeological Site of Atapuerca — 2015 — WHEECB98030F6

A study of the TD10.1 bone bed level at Gran Dolina (Atapuerca) reveals deep-rooted hominin subsistence and occupational patterns, predating Middle Palaeolithic trends by over 300,000 years. The faunal record shows an almost exclusive focus on prime-age ungulates, particularly red deer, with abundant anthropogenic marks indicating diverse domestic activities. Taphonomic analysis suggests early primary access to carcasses, implying regular hunting strategies and long-term site use as a residential base camp. This challenges the notion that such behaviors emerged later in human evolution, providing evidence for selective predatory niches and complex social organization during the late Acheulean.

Homo naledi, a new species of the genus Homo from the Dinaledi Chamber, South Africa

Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa — 2015 — WHE898E2D8B97

Scientists have discovered Homo naledi, a new species of extinct hominin within the Dinaledi Chamber of South Africa's Rising Star cave system. This species exhibits a unique combination of traits: a small body similar to modern humans but a brain size akin to earlier australopiths. Its cranial morphology resembles early Homo species like Homo erectus or Homo habilis, while its dentition is small and simple. Remarkably, H. naledi displays humanlike hand, wrist, foot, and lower limb adaptations, contrasting with a more primitive trunk, shoulder, pelvis, and proximal femur. The discovery represents the largest assemblage of a single hominin species in Africa, comprising at least 15 individuals with repeated skeletal elements.