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Description of Hylopanchax paucisquamatus (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae), a new lampeye species from the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo

Forest Massif of Odzala-Kokoua — 2014 — WHE91DCFF2AB7

Researchers have identified and described Hylopanchax paucisquamatus, a new species of deep-bodied lampeye fish (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae) from the Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo. This discovery represents the first deep-bodied Hylopanchax species found outside the Kasaï River drainage, distinguishing it from related congeners like H. leki and H. ndeko. The species is characterized by a unique combination of morphological traits, including a low number of mid-longitudinal and transverse scales, dorsal-fin ray count, and the position of its dorsal fin relative to the anal fin. The study highlights the biodiversity significance of the Odzala-Kokoua region, contributing to our understanding of freshwater fish diversity in the Congo basin.

Description of the tadpoles of three rare species of megophryid frogs (Amphibia: Anura: Megophryidae) from Gunung Mulu, Sarawak, Malaysia

Gunung Mulu National Park — 2014 — WHED04CED8B4A

Three rare megophryid frog species—Leptobrachella brevicrus, Leptolalax dringi, and Megophrys dringi—endemic to Borneo, were confirmed through genetic analysis of their tadpoles and adults in Gunung Mulu National Park. DNA barcoding using 16S rRNA mitochondrial gene sequences validated the distinct species status. The study revealed unique adaptations: L. brevicrus and L. dringi tadpoles exhibit fossorial traits, such as elongated bodies and small eyes, suited for gravel-bed stream habitats, while M. dringi larvae thrive at pool surfaces. Morphometric data and ecological comparisons with congeners were also provided, contributing to the understanding of these elusive species' biodiversity in a UNESCO-listed site.

Descriptive Epidemiology of Detected Anthrax Outbreaks in Wild Wood Bison (Bison Bison Athabascae) in Northern Canada, 1962–2008

Wood Buffalo National Park — 2014 — WHE37E961B42A

Between 1962 and 2008, anthrax outbreaks in wild wood bison (Bison bison athabascae) in Wood Buffalo National Park and the Slave River Lowlands resulted in 1,515 detected deaths, with an average of 126 carcasses per outbreak. Outbreaks lasted 16–44 days on average but were not randomly distributed; those starting in July caused more fatalities than those beginning in June. Males were disproportionately affected, and no clear spatial pattern emerged. The study suggests targeting bulls for surveillance and extending monitoring beyond three weeks post-outbreak detection to improve data accuracy. Inconsistent record-keeping historically hindered analysis, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts across jurisdictions.

Desempenho de Diferentes Métodos de Estimativa da Evapotranspiração de Referência para Fernando de Noronha

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves — 2014 — WHE90EF21AE4E

A study evaluating the performance of different methods for estimating reference evapotranspiration (ETo) in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, found that the Hargreaves method was the most reliable and consistent for daily estimates. The research compared several methods against the standard FAO-Penman-Monteith approach, assessing accuracy using correlation coefficients, mean squared error, index of agreement, and coefficient of performance. While the Hargreaves & Samani (1985) and Camargo (1971) methods performed poorly, the Jesen-Haise (1963) and Priestley-Taylor (1972) methods showed average performance for daily estimates. Notably, the Priestley-Taylor and Hargreaves methods were deemed suitable for estimating accumulated ETo over ten-day periods. This study highlights the importance of accurate evapotranspiration estimation in water management and biodiversity conservation, particularly in semiarid climates like those found in Fernando de Noronha.

Design and Development of Multimedia Cultural Contents for Virtual Reality - Gogurye Ancient Tomb Mural

Complex of Koguryo Tombs — 2014 — WHEA3E9AE3E11

A virtual reality system was successfully developed to provide immersive educational experiences of Goguryeo tomb murals. The system integrates 3D modeling, rendering, and multimedia animation to offer detailed views and information on the daily life, clothing, homes, and historical sites of the Goguryeo people. By leveraging Flash for user-friendly interfaces, 3D Max for modeling, and Adobe Premiere for educational animations, the researchers created an engaging platform that enhances understanding of this globally recognized cultural heritage. The approach combines technical innovation with pedagogical design to bridge historical knowledge gaps in an accessible manner.

Detecting land-cover change using mappable vegetation related indices: A case study from Sinharaja Man and the Biosphere Reserve

Sinharaja Forest Reserve — 2014 — WHE370B64C311

A study analyzing land-cover changes in Sinharaja Man and the Biosphere Reserve revealed significant vegetation dynamics between 1993 and 2005, with a notable increase of 962 hectares of prime vegetation in the western region from 2001 to 2005. However, the reserve's fringe was found to be vulnerable to forest fires, with burned areas decreasing from 160 hectares (1993-2001) to 79 hectares (2001-2005), and a minimal 10-hectare burn over the entire period. The research utilized mappable vegetation indices—Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Burn Index (BI)—derived from Landsat 7 ETM+ images, processed with ENVI® software to detect changes across three time steps. While NDVI indicated substantial vegetation growth, BI highlighted fire susceptibility in peripheral areas. The findings underscore the need for ground truthing data to support sustainable forest management strategies.

Detrital zircon ages and provenance of the Upper Paleozoic successions of Kotel’ny Island (New Siberian Islands archipelago)

Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve — 2014 — WHEC681C88844

A new detrital zircon provenance study of Upper Paleozoic sandstones from Kotel’ny Island, part of the New Siberian Islands archipelago, reveals that these islands, along with Wrangel Island and the Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago, were likely positioned along the northern margin of Laurentia-Baltica during the Late Devonian-Mississippian period. The study identified strong similarities in detrital zircon populations across these regions, suggesting they may have formed a single tectonic block. Additionally, a dramatic shift to a Uralian provenance is observed in Permian clastics, providing critical insights for Paleozoic tectonic reconstructions of the Arctic region prior to the opening of Mesozoic oceanic basins. The research utilized the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and age distributions of detrital zircons to analyze sedimentary provenance and crustal affinity.

Developing a Monitoring Programme for Mammals in Himalayan Protected Areas: A case study from Khangchendzonga National Park and Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim, India

Khangchendzonga National Park — 2014 — WHE5BA34F6947

A comprehensive monitoring programme for mammals in Khangchendzonga National Park and Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim, India, was developed using field techniques like trail monitoring, scan counts, camera trapping, and dung counts between 2008-2012. The study confirmed the presence of 42 mammal species, with camera trapping proving most effective for carnivores and solitary ungulates. To detect a 10% annual decline in snow leopard populations with 70% power, 800 effective camera days per year over seven years are required. The estimated cost for detecting significant population changes in mammals ranges from Rs.3,067,000 (US$51,116) over 10-15 years. Regular monitoring of critical habitats and strict patrolling can mitigate negative impacts of anthropogenic activities such as unsupervised livestock grazing and unsustainable resource extraction.

Developing an effective glyphosate application technique to control Bischofia javanica Blume, an invasive alien tree species in the Ogasawara Islands

Ogasawara Islands — 2014 — WHEC9BDC388F9

A novel glyphosate application technique, the drill-and-plug method, effectively controls Bischofia javanica, an invasive tree species threatening the Ogasawara Islands' native ecosystems. This approach involves injecting a precise glyphosate dosage into stem holes, sealed with cork stoppers to prevent solution loss. Researchers developed an allometric regression model to determine optimal herbicide dosage based on stem diameter and aboveground biomass (AGB), finding that 0.1–0.5 g kg⁻¹ of active ingredient effectively kills most treated trees. Testing the minimum dosage (0.1 g kg⁻¹) confirmed high efficacy, offering a targeted strategy to curb B. javanica expansion while preserving native biodiversity in this UNESCO-listed site.

Developing Heat Flux Evaluation and Fire Risk Map for Forest Fires in Yangdong Villages

Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong — 2014 — WHE676D691DC1

Approximately 10% of the houses in Yangdong Village are directly exposed to the risk of forest fires due to their proximity to forested areas and vulnerable construction materials. An additional 5% face potential secondary fire hazards from the spread of initial blazes. The study employed GIS-based raster analysis to map house locations and materials, followed by numerical heat flux simulations to assess fire risk. Findings underscore the need for targeted forest fire prevention strategies, including fuel removal, buffer zone creation, and waterproof infrastructure, to mitigate risks to these culturally significant timber-framed structures.

Development and Implementation of South Asia’s First Heat-Health Action Plan in Ahmedabad (Gujarat, India)

Historic City of Ahmadabad — 2014 — WHE3C42FC3101

Ahmedabad, India, has pioneered South Asia’s first comprehensive Heat-Health Action Plan to mitigate the growing threat of heat waves, which are expected to intensify with climate change. The plan combines evidence-based strategies—including probabilistic weather forecasting, policy briefs for vulnerable populations, and targeted public outreach—to reduce heat-related health risks. Developed through a coalition effort involving local data analysis, expert consultations, and community engagement, the pilot program was implemented in 2013 and has since served as a model for scalability to other Indian cities. Key innovations include a 7-day early warning system that triggers adaptive measures before extreme heat events, demonstrating an effective framework for urban heat resilience.

Development of artificial intelligence based NO 2 forecasting models at Taj Mahal, Agra

Taj Mahal — 2014 — WHED0DEF0C0C6

A novel artificial intelligence-based model outperforms traditional methods for forecasting NO₂ concentrations at the Taj Mahal, Agra. The PCA–ANN (Principal Component Analysis–Artificial Neural Network) model demonstrated superior accuracy with a correlation coefficient of 0.91 during validation, compared to multiple linear regression (MLR), which achieved 0.89. This study highlights the potential of computational intelligence in public health-oriented air quality forecasting, particularly for high-pollution periods like November when levels spike significantly around the monument. The model's reliability was validated through statistical metrics including NMSE, IOA, and FB, all showing strong agreement with observed data.

Die altpersischen Keil-inschriften von Persepolis

Persepolis — 2014 — WHE9E7697A86E

A pivotal breakthrough in the decipherment of ancient cuneiform scripts, particularly Old Persian, was achieved through the collaborative efforts of Christian Lassen and Julius Oppert. Their work, rooted in comparative linguistics, revealed the phonological structure of Old Persian by analyzing inscriptions from Persepolis. Lassen's 1836 publication, which appeared alongside Eugène Burnouf's independent findings, employed a methodical comparison of cuneiform symbols with Avestan and Sanskrit equivalents. This groundwork was later refined by Oppert in 1847, incorporating insights from Henry Rawlinson's Behistun inscription. The study not only advanced the understanding of Old Persian but also showcased the meticulous process of linguistic reconstruction, including the design of a specialized cuneiform font for clarity.

Differences in Survival and Growth Among Tropical Rain Forest Pioneer Tree Seedlings in Relation to Canopy Openness and Herbivory

Sinharaja Forest Reserve — 2014 — WHE93884A63F3

A study on pioneer tree species in Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka, reveals that canopy openness significantly enhances seedling survival over time, while herbivory reduces it, particularly under dense canopies. The research tracked 960 seedlings of six species across four gap-understory positions, finding that survival and growth varied consistently with known shade tolerance rankings. Notably, Trema orientalis exhibited the lowest survival but highest growth potential when established, whereas Dillenia triquetra showed the highest survival but minimal growth. Wendlandia bicuspidata uniquely responded positively to herbivory by resprouting. These findings suggest that both light availability and herbivory play crucial roles in shaping pioneer species distribution through fine-scale niche partitioning, with implications for reforestation strategies.

Digital surface model based on aerial image stereo pairs for 3D building

Medina of Fez — 2014 — WHE2B47817FA2

A digital surface model (DSM) of Fez's historic Medina was successfully constructed using high-accuracy aerial image stereo pairs and matching methods. This approach enabled detailed 3D city modeling, revealing critical insights into building volumes, land use zoning, and urban density—key factors for the rehabilitation and conservation of this complex, labyrinthine cityscape. The DSM, derived from 2007 aerial photographs with 1/4000 accuracy, provides a robust tool for sustainable urban planning in Fez, one of Morocco's most significant tourism destinations and architectural challenges.

Discontinuity of Human Presence at Atapuerca during the Early Middle Pleistocene: A Matter of Ecological Competition?

Archaeological Site of Atapuerca — 2014 — WHEF5F614234A

A new study suggests that the absence of human presence at Atapuerca during the early Middle Pleistocene (0.7–0.5 Ma) may be due to increased ecological competition rather than a true discontinuity in settlement. By comparing environmental conditions and resource availability between two key levels—TD8 (0.7–0.6 Ma, with no human evidence) and TD6-2 (a previously occupied period)—researchers found that survival opportunities for humans were significantly lower at TD8 due to heightened competition among secondary consumers. This challenges the long-standing debate on whether early European human settlement was continuous or fragmented, proposing ecological pressures as a plausible explanation.

Discovered just before extinction? The first endemic ant from the Balearic Islands (Lasius balearicus sp. nov.) is endangered by climate change

Cultural Landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana — 2014 — WHEEBFB6A8FE2

Researchers have identified the first endemic ant species, Lasius balearicus, in the Balearic Islands, specifically within the Serra de Tramuntana region of Mallorca. This discovery highlights a rare instance of biodiversity in Europe, with the species' distribution confined to mountaintops between 800 and 1400 meters above sea level. Molecular analysis suggests that L. balearicus diverged from its closest relatives approximately 1.51 million years ago, exhibiting distinct morphological traits. Climate-based distribution modeling predicts a dramatic reduction in suitable habitats under various future emission scenarios, indicating severe endangerment due to climate change. The species' low genetic diversity and geographical isolation further emphasize its vulnerability, prompting a strong recommendation for inclusion in the IUCN Red List as 'Endangered'. This study underscores the urgent need for conservation action to prevent real-time biodiversity loss.

Discovery of mafic impact melt in the center of the Vredefort dome: Archetype for continental residua of early Earth cratering?

Vredefort Dome — 2014 — WHE75033C91FD

Researchers have uncovered mafic impact melt within the central uplift of the 2.02 billion-year-old Vredefort Dome, challenging long-held assumptions about the preservation of such materials on Earth's ancient crust. The discovery, identified as decimeter-scale dikes and lenses of variably foliated gabbronorite amid Archean gneiss, provides critical evidence for significant impact-induced melting in early planetary crust modification. Zircon analyses revealed a dominant population of 2.02 Ga unshocked igneous zircon with temperatures ranging from 800-900 °C, mirroring those found in the Sudbury impact melt sheet. The study suggests that these melts originated from the once superjacent Witwatersrand basin lithologies and offers new benchmarks for identifying remnants of large cratering events on Earth's cratons.

Discovery of substantial Oxalis (Oxalidaceae) diversity and endemism in an arid biodiversity hotspot

Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape — 2014 — WHE48074E55D0

Contrary to long-held assumptions, the arid Richtersveld region of South Africa is not depauperate in Oxalis diversity but instead harbors substantial endemism and species richness. Recent exploration revealed at least ten undescribed Oxalis species, nine of which are endemic to the Richtersveld, with seven exhibiting extremely limited distributions. This discovery challenges previous perceptions and suggests that the region may serve as a center of endemism for the genus in southern Africa, surpassing even the relatively well-studied central Namaqualand Oxalis flora. The study provides morphological descriptions, diagnostic characters, and an identification key for 20 confirmed species, including new taxa, while emphasizing the need for further systematic attention to this understudied lineage.

Discrete Element Modeling of Stone Masonry Walls With Varying Core Conditions: Prince of Wales Fort Case Study

Fortifications of Vauban — 2014 — WHE0C5C4959B5

Stone masonry walls with rubble cores can transition from stability to instability as cohesion between stones decreases, according to discrete element modeling (DEM) using the non-smooth contact dynamics method. This study highlights that grouting the core could serve as an effective conservation strategy for deteriorating fortifications like the Prince of Wales Fort in Churchill, Manitoba. The research employed DEM simulations to analyze the failure mechanisms of the fort's walls, which have suffered significant degradation due to harsh weather conditions. By altering the cohesion parameters in the model, the study demonstrated how the structural integrity of the rubble core could be compromised, offering insights into preventative conservation methods for similar historic sites.