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An Archaeological Mystery Revealed by Radiocarbon Dating of Cross-Flow Nanofiltrated Amino Acids Derived from Bone Collagen, Silk, and Hair: Case Study of the Bishops Baldwin I and Radbot II from Noyon-Tournai

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai — 2014 — WHEEDB82850DE

Radiocarbon dating of cross-flow nanofiltrated amino acids from bone collagen, silk, and hair has resolved an archaeological mystery surrounding the burials of Bishops Baldwin I and Radbot II in Tournai's Notre-Dame Cathedral. The study revealed that the skeletal remains and tomb initially assigned to Baldwin I (d. 1068) actually belong to him, as confirmed by consistent 14C dates from his pastoral staff and femur. However, hair and skull samples suggest the skeleton may also belong to Radbot II (d. 1098), indicating potential postburial disturbance during the 12th–13th century. The research employed advanced nanofiltration techniques to improve sample quality, overcoming contamination issues that hindered traditional methods.

An Architectural Pattern in Late Fourth-Millennium BC Western Iran: A New Link Between Susa, Tal-I Malyan, and Godin Tepe

Susa — 2014 — WHE5B200DF977

A previously unrecognized architectural pattern has been identified in late fourth-millennium BC strata at three significant Iranian sites: Susa, Tal-i Malyan, and Godin Tepe. This discovery provides a new link between these locations during a period characterized by the 'Proto-Elamite phenomenon.' The research, based on close examination of architectural remains, offers insights into the cultural and historical connections across Western Iran during this transitional era. By analyzing shared design elements, the study sheds light on the development and spread of architectural practices that may have influenced later civilizations.

An EB IV Dagger from Tell Es-Sultan/Jericho

Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan — 2014 — WHE05257865C7

A rare Early Bronze Age IV (EB IV) dagger, designated TS.14.143, was recovered from the Jericho Necropolis at Tell es-Sultan, offering valuable insights into a widespread weapon class in the Southern Levant during this period. The dagger, found in an EB IV shaft tomb in Cemetery A that had been disturbed by illegal diggers, provides significant observations on its design and cultural context. This discovery contributes to our understanding of material culture and burial practices in ancient Jericho, shedding light on the social and technological advancements of the time.

An Ecosystem Services Approach to Sustainable Livelihoods in the Homegardens of Kandy, Sri Lanka

Sacred City of Kandy — 2014 — WHEA88FEAB771

Homegardens in Kandy, Sri Lanka, offer significant socio-ecological benefits that extend beyond economic gains, including resilience to shocks, food security, and biodiversity conservation. A study analyzing 31 households over a decade found that livelihood strategies centered around these agroforestry systems provide broader advantages at household, national, and global scales compared to commercial simplification or abandonment of cultivation. These gardens also serve cultural and aesthetic preferences, despite challenges like wild animal incursions and regulatory pressures. The research highlights overlooked feedbacks between ecosystem drivers and interventions, emphasizing the need for an ecosystem services approach to avoid unintended consequences and leverage stakeholder synergies.

An Exemplary Life? A Personal Construct Analysis of the Autobiography of Rudolf Hoess, Commandant of Auschwitz

Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945) — 2014 — WHE4EB084BE76

Rudolf Höss, commandant of Auschwitz-Birkenau, experienced guilt that diverged from conventional expectations. A detailed analysis of his autobiography revealed conflicts in self-perception, where he viewed his adult self as distinct from others while identifying with Jewish characteristics during his youth. The study employed textual grid, ABC, and self-characterization analyses to explore these inconsistencies and found that Höss rationalized his continued service in the concentration camp system, despite acknowledging guilt—albeit in unexpected contexts.

An inconstant planet, seen and unseen, under foot and overhead

Monastic Island of Reichenau — 2014 — WHEACB7A7DC55

A rare medieval account of seismic activity, combined with chronicled extreme weather events, provides valuable palaeoscientific evidence for climate variability and natural disasters during the Middle Ages. The study highlights Walahfrid Strabo's precise observation of an earthquake in 849 AD, centered in the Swabian Alps, alongside corroborating records of severe winter conditions in northern Italy (1215–16), where the Po River froze solid, causing widespread food shortages and economic disruption. While some accounts may serve dramatic purposes, palaeoscientific analysis offers a means to verify seasonal weather patterns and longer-term climate trends, contributing to our understanding of historical environmental extremes.

An index of structural complexity for Apennine beech forests

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula — 2014 — WHE7EB902BF2D

Researchers developed the Structural Heterogeneity Index (SHI), a novel tool to quantify structural complexity in Apennine beech forests, which effectively discriminates between old-growth and managed stands. The SHI, derived from eight core attributes rescaled to 0-10 using regression equations, ranges from 38 to 99.9, with higher values indicating greater structural heterogeneity. Validated against ten reference old-growth stands, the index demonstrated a linear increase with stand age and was significantly higher in multi-layer forests compared to single- or double-layered ones. This approach offers foresters a practical method for assessing and restoring structural complexity in second-growth stands, supporting biodiversity conservation efforts.

An Interconnected World? Evidence of Interaction in the Arts of Epiclassic Cacaxtla and Xochicalco, Mexico

Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco — 2014 — WHE98FF63B573

Archaeological evidence from the Epiclassic period (AD 650-900) reveals complex interactions between the independent polities of Cacaxtla and Xochicalco, located in Central Mexico. These centers developed distinctive art styles that incorporated elements from distant regions, particularly Maya influences from the tropical lowlands. While previous studies focused on murals at Cacaxtla and sculptures at Xochicalco, this research expands the scope to include elite sumptuary goods, ritual items, and utilitarian trade goods like ceramics and obsidian. These artifacts suggest diverse strategies for identity formation, with references to Teotihuacan, Maya, Oaxaca, and Veracruz monuments indicating nuanced agendas in monumental artworks.

An unfished area enhances a spiny lobster, P anulirus argus, fishery: implications for management and conservation within a B iosphere R eserve in the M exican C aribbean

Sian Ka'an — 2014 — WHE5DC10E75CE

Research demonstrates that an unfished offshore area within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve significantly contributes to the sustainability of the Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) fishery. The study, which tagged 379 lobsters and used a multistate mark-recapture model, found that 15-20% of adult lobsters from this protected zone migrate into fishing grounds, thereby enhancing inshore yields without compromising the overall stock. This finding underscores the effectiveness of designated no-fishing zones in supporting both conservation goals and fisheries productivity, offering critical insights for managing this key economic resource in Mexico's Caribbean region.

Análises físico-químicas do corpo hídrico na fazenda São Gonçalo em Paraty (RJ)

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2014 — WHEB9394E4DAA

Water quality parameters in the Rio São Gonçalo, Paraty, Brazil, exhibited significant seasonal variation. Temperature ranged from 21.19°C to 27.62°C, while salinity remained negligible (average 0.13) across eight sampling points. Dissolved oxygen levels varied between 8.25 mg/L and 15.79 mg/L, indicating potential hypoxia in certain sections. pH values were consistently acidic, averaging 4.2, with a range of 3.81 to 4.8, while Redox potential fluctuated from 95.5 to 180.7 mV. These findings suggest seasonal and spatial heterogeneity in water chemistry, which may impact aquatic ecosystems within the Atlantic Forest biodiversity corridor. The study employed multiparameter probes for real-time measurements during two distinct sampling periods (April and October 2011), providing a snapshot of environmental conditions critical to UNESCO-listed Paraty and Ilha Grande's conservation.

Analysis of bacterial communities of two Lake Baikal endemic sponge species

Lake Baikal — 2014 — WHEEBEDA844E3

Research reveals distinct yet overlapping bacterial communities in two endemic Lake Baikal sponges, Lubomirskia baicalensis and Baikalospongia sp., highlighting unique microbial associations compared to the lake's bacterioplankton. Using 454 pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA gene fragments, scientists identified 426 and 428 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in each sponge species, respectively, with Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria dominating their microbial associations. The study underscores the specialized bacterial partnerships in these sponges, offering insights into their ecological adaptations within this UNESCO-listed freshwater ecosystem.

Analysis Of Conservation Experience Of Heritage Objects In Lithuania (The Curonian Spit) And Norway (The Vega Archipelago)

Vegaøyan – The Vega Archipelago — 2014 — WHE584DB559BF

Both Lithuania and Norway recognize the importance of preserving their UNESCO-listed cultural landscapes, such as the Curonian Spit and Vega Archipelago, for future generations. These sites, shaped by natural processes and human intervention, are legally protected as objects of cultural heritage. While both countries have distinct approaches to identification, conservation, and protection due to differing conditions, they share a commitment to safeguarding these landscapes through scientific study, exhibition, and state-led initiatives. The study highlights the need for prioritizing heritage management, development, and knowledge exchange in Lithuania, particularly in balancing conservation with sustainable progress.

Analysis of Conservation Experience of Heritage Objects in Lithuania (the Curonian Spit) and Norway (the Vega Archipelago) / Lietuvos (Kuršių Nerija) ir Vega Salyno (Norvegija) Paveldo Objektų Apsaugos Patirties Analizė

Vegaøyan – The Vega Archipelago — 2014 — WHEFE6DDC95EC

Both Lithuania and Norway recognize the protection of cultural heritage, including landscapes shaped by human intervention, as a state duty. This study compares conservation experiences at two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Curonian Spit (Lithuania) and the Vega Archipelago (Norway). It highlights that while both countries have distinct conditions for identifying, conserving, and protecting these sites, they share a commitment to preserving heritage for future generations. The research emphasizes the importance of heritage management, development prospects, and knowledge exchange as top priorities, particularly for Lithuania. The study employs legal analysis and comparative methods to assess conservation practices, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts in safeguarding cultural landscapes.

Analysis of Drought Severity and Duration Using Copulas in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Sacred City of Anuradhapura — 2014 — WHE474B2036DD

A major drought event in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, characterized by 9 months of duration and a severity index of 10.95, was identified using advanced statistical modeling. The study employed copula-based joint distribution analysis to assess the interdependence between drought duration and severity, utilizing 3-month Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) data from 1951 to 2007. Frank copula was determined as the best-fit model for representing this relationship, combining gamma distributions for both variables. The research highlights the potential for preplanning and risk mitigation strategies by leveraging univariate and multivariate return periods of droughts, offering critical insights for managing agricultural vulnerabilities in drought-prone regions.

Analysis of Evaluation for Flood Risk Architectural Heritage

Jongmyo Shrine — 2014 — WHE7C26AE4B3A

A flood risk assessment model developed for Jongmyo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Seoul, South Korea, reveals significant vulnerabilities to flooding due to drainage system limitations. The study identified potential inundation at Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine caused by insufficient waterway capacity transitions from open channels to pipelines and inadequate external drainage capacity, respectively. Researchers used HEC-HMS for rainfall-runoff analysis, SWMM for urban runoff modeling, and Arc-GIS tools for flood inundation mapping, validating the model with eight historical rainfall scenarios. This approach provides a robust method for evaluating flood risks in urban heritage sites, offering critical insights for conservation efforts.

Analysis of factors affecting mountainous land surface temperature in the summer：a case study over Mount Tai

Mount Taishan — 2014 — WHE772D3D6E58

Mount Taishan's land surface temperature (LST) is primarily influenced by elevation and surface moisture, with elevation showing a natural logarithmic decrease in LST as it increases. A study using Landsat 5 TM6 data and single-window algorithm-derived LST found that while slope, aspect, and solar radiation had minimal impact, normalized difference moisture index (NDMI) was more effective than normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in expressing LST, especially in non-aquatic areas. NDMI exhibited a linear negative correlation with LST, whereas NDVI showed a quadratic relationship. Stepwise regression analysis confirmed that surface moisture characteristics were the dominant factor, followed by elevation. These findings provide scientific insights into the spatial variability and mechanisms of mountain LST.

Analysis of Feature Intervisibility and Cumulative Visibility Using GIS, Bayesian and Spatial Statistics: A Study from the Mandara Mountains, Northern Cameroon

Diy-Gid-Biy Cultural Landscape of the Mandara Mountains — 2014 — WHEBE8F10E479

Research on the Diy-Gid-Biy (DGB) cultural landscape of the Mandara Mountains, northern Cameroon, reveals that the placement of archaeological sites was strategically optimized for intervisibility and visual prominence. Using geostatistical, Bayesian logistic regression, and spatial statistics, scientists found that DGB sites are significantly more visible to one another than random permutations, suggesting deliberate selection based on sightlines. Additionally, these sites tend to be located on gentler slopes, further enhancing their conspicuousness. The study leverages advanced statistical methods to demonstrate how visibility influenced ritual, social cooperation, or competition, providing new insights into the intentionality behind site placement in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Analysis of the population of the Old Kladruby horse in point of the body conformation

Landscape for Breeding and Training of Ceremonial Carriage Horses at Kladruby nad Labem — 2014 — WHE3FFEFCA690

This study reveals significant differences in body conformation among the Old Kladruby horse population, linked to coat color variants, breeding lines, age, and sex. The research analyzed 26 body measurements, 9 joint angles, and 12 hipometric indices from 167 horses at the National Stud of Kladruby nad Labem, identifying distinct traits such as coarser heads in darker-coated horses (vraníci) and larger chest circumferences compared to lighter-coated ones (bělouši). Lineage analysis showed homogeneity within color variants but highlighted notable differences among the most recently developed lines (Rudolfo, Romke, Siglavi Pakra), suggesting incomplete genetic homogenization. Age-related changes included increased chest depth in younger horses and a 'saddle-backed' spine in older ones, while sexual dimorphism was evident, with stallions exhibiting stronger bone structures and more pronounced joint angles. The study recommends integrating objective measurements into breed evaluation to reduce subjective bias and improve breeding strategies.

Analytical Surveys of Stonehenge and its Immediate Environs, 2009–2013: Part 1 – the Landscape and Earthworks

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2014 — WHE99D9FF926D

New evidence from non-invasive surveys at Stonehenge suggests that the 'North Barrow' may predate its previously accepted chronological sequence, challenging long-held assumptions about the site's development. The study also identified geophysical anomalies beneath barrows to the west of Stonehenge, potentially indicating contemporary activity during the monument's construction phase. Additionally, natural topographical features, such as a chalk mound, and periglacial structures were found to have influenced the site's layout. Integrated surveys, including geophysical techniques, revealed differences in the eastern and western parts of the enclosure ditch and provided new data on internal banks mirroring the Y and Z Holes circuits.

Analyzing Environmental Stress Counter-Measures in Agricultural Heritage Sites in China

Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces — 2014 — WHE4CA6858B0D

Traditional agricultural systems, particularly those recognized as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), demonstrate resilience to environmental stress through innovative land and water use patterns that align with local natural conditions. A study analyzing counter-measures in Chinese GIAHS sites, including the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, reveals that these systems effectively mitigate drought risks by leveraging unique production methods, such as drought-tolerant crops like millet and sophisticated water conservancy facilities. These approaches not only reduce vulnerability but also sustain economic viability through diverse income channels and crop varieties, ensuring both ecological protection and agro-system health. The research underscores the potential of traditional systems to achieve sustainable development by harnessing natural regulatory mechanisms.