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Scientists’ responsibilities towards evidence‐based conservation in a S mall I sland D eveloping S tate

Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve — 2014 — WHE4F1ABE8D0C

A successful evidence-based conservation strategy for the endangered coco de mer palm (Lodoicea maldivica) in Seychelles demonstrates how collaborative research and stakeholder engagement can bridge the 'implementation gap' between science and policy. The study highlights that integrating scientific findings with management practices, through a working group involving researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, led to significant conservation actions such as a stewardship scheme reducing poaching by 30-50% and legal harvesting by up to 75%. Key strategies included incentivizing local staff to protect nuts, restricting kernel trade via CITES Appendix III, and revising national legislation. The approach underscores the critical role of scientists in translating research into actionable recommendations, fostering mutual trust, and adapting traditional management practices to achieve long-term sustainability for a flagship species.

Scotland's Heritage Investments in India: Acts of Cultural Diplomacy and Identity Building

Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat — 2014 — WHE727BC1CB31

Scotland's heritage investments in India, particularly its involvement in the conservation of Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat, represent a unique form of cultural diplomacy that avoids the pitfalls of cultural colonialism. Unlike traditional international heritage preservation efforts led by non-state actors like UNESCO, Scotland's state-led projects focus on celebrating shared histories and promoting positive narratives of Scottish contributions in India. These initiatives, including the documentation of Rani-ki-Vav as part of the 'Scottish 10' project, are framed as altruistic acts that strengthen bilateral relations while shaping a specific version of national identity. The study highlights how heritage can serve as a tool for diplomatic engagement and identity promotion at a state level.

Screening Date Palm Cultivars for Resistance to Red Palm Weevil,Rhynchophorus ferrugineus(Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape — 2014 — WHEA6953F8002

A study on the Al-Ahsa Oasis reveals that the widely cultivated 'Khalas' date palm is highly susceptible to red palm weevil (RPW) infestation. Researchers found that female RPW adults were strongly attracted to 'Khalas' and other cultivars like 'Reziz', 'Sheshi', and 'Hatmi,' with no significant antibiotic resistance observed in any of the seven tested date palm cultivars. The study used olfactometer assays to measure attraction, oviposition rates, egg hatch, and larval tunneling. Since over 50% of the oasis is planted with 'Khalas'—a cultivar particularly vulnerable during its first two decades—the research warns that RPW could pose a significant threat to date palm cultivation in the region.

Sea-level fluctuations and coastal evolution in the state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil

Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea — 2014 — WHEDCC2BE2260

A groundbreaking study on the Rio de Janeiro coastline reveals a previously undocumented negative record of relative sea-level during the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene transition, challenging established models. The research, utilizing topographic surveys, excavations, coring, and 14C dating, reconstructed a Holocene sea-level curve that identified rapid sea-level rise beginning around 8500 cal yr BP, peaking at +2.5 m between 4770 and 4490 cal yr BP before gradually declining to current levels. This finding aligns with broader patterns along South America's Atlantic coast, refining the understanding of coastal evolution in Brazil.

Seasonal changes in temperature and rainfall and its relationship with the incidence of weeds and insect pests in rice (Oryza sativa L) cultivation in Sri Lanka

Ancient City of Polonnaruwa — 2014 — WHE3F6BC9AD9A

A significant increase in the difference between day and night temperatures has been observed in Polonnaruwa and Kurunegala districts, with rates of 0.066°C per year during the Yala season (March to August) and 0.0465°C per year during the Maha season (September to February). Despite this temperature rise, weed control costs have decreased in Polonnaruwa district by 0.81 US$ ha-1 season-1 for Yala and 0.42 US$ ha-1 season-1 for Maha seasons. The study also found that extreme rainfall events, which were all recorded during El Niño and La Niña (ENSO) years, correlated with higher weed control costs in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa districts, while insect pest control costs peaked during ENSO years in Kurunegala district. Although no distinct linear correlation was found between climatic variables and weed or insect pest incidences, the data suggest that both are likely to be relatively higher during ENSO years.

Seasonal migration, vertical activity, and winter temperature experience of Greenland halibut Reinhardtius hippoglossoides in West Greenland waters

Ilulissat Icefjord — 2014 — WHE2CF1EB67F0

Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) exhibit seasonal migration from Disko Bay to the deep waters of Ilulissat Icefjord, where they reside during winter months before returning. This study used electronic data storage tags to track depth, temperature, and time, revealing pronounced vertical activity with fish covering up to 100 meters in 15 minutes. Winter temperatures experienced by the halibut ranged from 0 to 4°C, with a mean range of 2.6°C in Disko Bay compared to 1.4°C in the ice fjord. The research also documented seawater temperature measurements beneath the Jakobshavn Isbræ outlet glacier for the first time, showing a positive relationship between depth and temperature in the upper 600 meters and between-year variations from 2001 to 2003. Additionally, the tagged halibut revealed that parts of the ice fjord are hundreds of meters deeper than previously thought.

Seasonal variation in the physiological and behavioral responses to tourist visitation in Magellanic penguins

Península Valdés — 2014 — WHECEB545F7AC

Magellanic penguins exhibit heightened sensitivity to human disturbance during the incubation stage, allowing closer approaches but reacting more swiftly compared to other seasonal phases. The study found that while baseline corticosterone levels remained consistent throughout the breeding season, stress-induced corticosterone was lowest during molt, suggesting that this phase may also be a vulnerable period. Behavioral responses varied significantly with both the stage of the breeding cycle and proximity to tourists, with penguins in tourist-visited areas showing greater tolerance to human presence than those in non-visited zones. These findings indicate that corticosterone release is more closely tied to survival in extreme environments rather than behavioral regulation, underscoring the need for cautious conservation practices during critical stages like incubation and molt.

Second home leisure landscapes and retirement in the Canadian Rocky Mountain community of Canmore, Alberta

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2014 — WHED7BB036A00

International second-home retirement markets differ significantly from domestic ones, leading to distinct ownership patterns, leisure behaviors, and planning needs. A study of Canmore, Alberta, a gateway to Banff National Park, used social surveys, multivariate analysis, and GIS visualization to reveal key landscape attributes and sociocultural amenities valued by both second-homeowners and the broader community. The research challenges assumptions about retirement migration in amenity-rich environments, providing insights into how group differences influence future second-home retirement planning in Rocky Mountain regions.

Second Radiocarbon Intercomparison Program for the Chauvetpont d'Arc Cave, Ardèche, France

Decorated Cave of Pont d’Arc, known as Grotte Chauvet-Pont d’Arc, Ardèche — 2014 — WHEB2482E4248

A collaborative radiocarbon dating effort involving ten international laboratories confirms that the Chauvet-Pont d'Arc Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and pivotal site for early Upper Paleolithic art, was occupied by humans around 32,000 years ago. This conclusion emerges from the Second Radiocarbon Intercomparison Program (SIP), which analyzed two charcoal samples from distinct hearth structures within the Galerie des Mégacéros. The SIP's consistent results, combined with those of a prior intercomparison program, narrow the temporal window for human activity in this section of the cave to an exceptionally brief period. This study underscores the robustness of radiocarbon dating when applied through rigorous interlaboratory collaboration and highlights the potential for such methods to refine our understanding of prehistoric human behavior.

Seiche oscillations in Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal — 2014 — WHE29F0A42835

Lake Baikal exhibits distinct seiche oscillations with periods of 277, 152, 84, 67, and 59 minutes, corresponding to uninodal, binodal, trinodal, quadrinodal longitudinal modes, and localized oscillations in the South Basin, Small Sea, and Chivyrkui Bay. A year-long study using advanced recording and processing techniques revealed seasonal variations in seiche amplitudes, with a notable 67-minute seiche consistently observed across seasons. Numerical modeling with updated bathymetric data confirmed these findings, providing insights into the spatial structure of Lake Baikal's seiches.

Seismic assessment of Japanese traditional wooden structure by dynamic interaction numerical analysis of surrounding ground

Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities) — 2014 — WHE156928EDD2

A seismic assessment of a traditional wooden building, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto,' revealed that the structure is at risk of partial damage during a scenario earthquake and potential collapse if subjected to double its amplitude. The study employed three-dimensional earthquake response analyses, incorporating dynamic interaction between the building and surrounding ground due to its location on a hill with complex geophysical features. This approach was compared against a non-interaction model for accuracy. Geotechnical investigations informed the analysis, highlighting significant differences in seismic responses when considering structure-ground coupling versus isolated structural models.

Seismic Out-of-Plane Assessment of Podesta Palace in Mantua (Italy)

Mantua and Sabbioneta — 2014 — WHE3F50FA9F52

A seismic out-of-plane assessment of Podestà Palace in Mantua, Italy, revealed significant vulnerability in its north-east façade due to the lack of connection between orthogonal walls and tie-rods. Despite Mantua being marginally affected by the 2012 Emilia earthquake, the study's nonlinear kinematic analyses, using a macro-block model, accurately replicated observed damage patterns. This validated the modeling strategies and analysis methods employed. The research further identified optimal strengthening solutions that balance monument preservation with seismic resilience.

Seismically active subcrustal magma source of the Klyuchevskoy volcano in Kamchatka, Russia

Volcanoes of Kamchatka — 2014 — WHEDA39B644E5

Klyuchevskoy volcano, located in Kamchatka’s UNESCO-listed volcanic region, harbors a unique subcrustal magma source characterized by persistent seismic activity at depths exceeding 20 km. Unlike typical crustal earthquakes, these deep tremors exhibit tectonic signatures, indicating brittle failure in mantle rock. Researchers used P-to-S converted teleseismic waves to pinpoint the crust-mantle transition (~25 km) and a deeper seismic boundary (~50 km), confirming that Klyuchevskoy’s magma originates from depths of 46 ± 7 km—a finding supported by melt inclusion analysis. This subcrustal zone, marked by vigorous magma accumulation, challenges conventional models of volcanic processes in island arc systems.

Seismicity of Algeria from 1365 to 2013: Maximum Observed Intensity Map (MOI2014)

Tipasa — 2014 — WHE90096E876A

Algeria experiences significant seismic activity due to the collision between the African and Eurasian plates, with destructive earthquakes recorded since 1365. The study 'Seismicity of Algeria from 1365 to 2013: Maximum Observed Intensity Map (MOI2014)' identifies two distinct periods in Algeria's seismic catalog: pre-1910 and post-1910, marked by the establishment of the Algerian seismic network. Notable earthquakes with maximum observed intensities (Io) of X or higher have struck regions like Algiers (1365, 1716), Oran (1790), Djidjelli (1856), and Tipasa-Chenoua (1989). The research leverages historical seismic data to map maximum observed intensity, providing insights into the region's seismic hazard. This mapping is crucial for understanding the distribution and impact of earthquakes along the Tell Atlas, a key zone within Algeria's plate boundary.

Selling to the Masses: Retailing in Russia, 1880–1930 by Marjorie L. Hilton (review)

Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow — 2014 — WHE26B7666F0A

Retailing in late imperial and early Soviet Russia exhibited modern consumerism traits, including state-retail cooperation, mass merchandising, and rationalized buying/selling practices. Marjorie L. Hilton's analysis challenges the notion that Russian retailing was inherently backward, demonstrating its integration of nationalism, Orthodox religion, and modernity. The study focuses on the Upper Trading Rows (later GUM) in Moscow as a case example, revealing how retail spaces were designed to symbolize urban life while blending past, present, and future. Hilton's work also highlights continuity between late imperial and early Soviet eras, contrasting with assumptions of abrupt change post-1905 or under Stalinism.

Sensitivity of digital elevation models: The scenario from two tropical mountain river basins of the Western Ghats, India

Western Ghats — 2014 — WHE3C61D1470A

A comparative analysis of digital elevation models (DEMs) reveals that SRTM and ASTER provide reliable topographic representations for tropical mountain river basins, with SRTM demonstrating higher vertical accuracy despite coarser resolution. The study evaluated DEMs from ASTER, SRTM, GMTED2010, and Survey of India's TOPO data across two Western Ghats basins—Muthirapuzha River Basin (MRB) and Pambar River Basin (PRB)—using topographic attributes like elevation, slope, curvature, and drainage network characteristics. While ASTER and SRTM aligned closely with TOPO, GMTED2010 showed significant deviations, rendering it less suitable for mountain-river-basin-scale studies. Vertical accuracy was found to be influenced by terrain relief and vegetation type, with SRTM outperforming others (RMSE: 23 m in MRB, 20 m in PRB) compared to ASTER (33 m, 24 m) and GMTED (59 m, 48 m).

Several distinct wet periods since 420 ka in the Namib Desert inferred from U-series dates of speleothems

Namib Sand Sea — 2014 — WHE76127C5436

A groundbreaking study reveals that the hyper-arid central Namib Desert experienced at least three distinct wet periods—spanning approximately 420–385 ka, 230–207 ka, and 120–117 ka—interrupting its predominantly dry climate. These findings, derived from U-series dating of speleothems in a cave system, challenge the perception of the Namib as a consistently arid landscape. The research aligns with wet phases observed in other northern hemisphere deserts, suggesting synchronized climatic shifts on a global scale. Notably, no speleothem growth was recorded during the Holocene, pointing to prolonged dry conditions in recent millennia.

Shahr-I Sokhta and its Masonry Walls from Structural and Seismicity Standpoint

Shahr-i Sokhta — 2014 — WHE2074230A11

Shahr-i Sokhta, also known as the Burned City, demonstrates remarkable seismic resilience in its ancient masonry walls, which have withstood significant seismic loads for over five thousand years. This study reveals that the city's engineering techniques, employed around 3200 BCE, were far more advanced than previously recognized, particularly in their structural and seismicity considerations. Using finite element software simulations, researchers analyzed a wall from Shahr-i Sokhta to assess its deformation under seismic conditions, confirming its exceptional durability. Beyond its structural innovations, the site is renowned for other significant discoveries, including the world's earliest known artificial eyeball, the first animation, and the oldest backgammon game with dice.

Shell Dimension-Live Weight Relationships, Growth and Survival of Hippopus Porcellanus in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Philippines

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park — 2014 — WHEA322546D8F

Giant clam populations of Hippopus porcellanus in the UNESCO-listed Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) have shown remarkable recovery after over two decades of protection, with nearly 90% survival rate among marked individuals. Researchers determined that all three shell dimensions—length, width, and height—are reliable predictors of live weight, providing a non-invasive method for monitoring populations. Using the von Bertalanffy growth model, the study estimated growth parameters (K = 0.29, L∞ = 29.24 cm) based on mark-recapture data from 80 clams over 2.5 years. This finding highlights the resilience of H. porcellanus under strict conservation measures and underscores the importance of long-term protection for recovering exploited marine species.

Shifting Communities: Demographic Profiles of Early Village Population Growth and Decline in the Central American Bottom

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site — 2014 — WHE38EF26845F

Research at the Washausen mound center in Illinois reveals a dynamic pattern of village growth and decline during the Mississippian period, characterized by frequent population movements through fissioning and aggregation. Using geophysical surveys and excavations conducted over 8 hectares, scientists estimated population sizes and mapped residential clusters around a central mound-and-plaza complex. Comparing these findings with earlier nearby villages and global sequences, the study demonstrates that larger communities emerged through repeated shifts in settlement patterns, rather than steady growth. This insight challenges traditional models of village development and offers new perspectives on the formation of significant regional centers like Pulcher and Cahokia.