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Shifting occupation dynamics in the Madriu–Perafita–Claror valleys (Andorra) from the early Neolithic to the Chalcolithic: The onset of high mountain cultural landscapes

Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley — 2014 — WHE17D3307C2B

A multidisciplinary study of the Madriu–Perafita–Claror Valley (Andorra) reveals that high mountain cultural landscapes began forming during the Neolithic period, driven by increasing population and sedentism. The research, combining archaeology and palaeoenvironmental data, identified over 400 archaeological structures and analyzed seven palaeoenvironmental sequences to trace human-landscape interactions from the Mesolithic to the 20th century. Findings indicate that early Neolithic groups were highly mobile, exploiting diverse altitudinal belts for grazing, hunting, fishing, gathering, and incipient agriculture. By the Middle/Late Neolithic, increased sedentism and pastoral pressure—including the first documented use of fire for grazing—led to landscape changes. Chalcolithic periods saw intensive deforestation and agriculture, marking a shift toward permanent landscape transformation.

Siam Mismapped

Temple of Preah Vihear — 2014 — WHEBC09E68566

The territorial dispute over the Temple of Preah Vihear on the Thai–Cambodian border reveals how a single map, known as the Annex 1 map, has become a powerful 'living thing' with a 'soul,' shaping emotional attachments and conflicts. This study demonstrates that the map’s symbolic significance—rooted in Jean Baudrillard’s concepts of simulacrum and hyperreality—has transformed it into an object of deep cultural and national importance. Unlike traditional cartographic tools, this map has transcended its physical form to influence perceptions of territory and identity, leading to real-world conflicts when its boundaries are questioned. The research highlights the historical process by which such maps attain hyperreal status, blurring distinctions between representation and reality.

Sighting of a North Pacific right whale in the southern Okhotsk sea, off Shiretoko, Hokkaido

Shiretoko — 2014 — WHE1757345114

A North Pacific right whale was sighted near the coast of Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido, on July 5, 2013. This marked the first confirmed observation in the southern Okhotsk Sea since Japan's research capture off Sakhalin Island in 1968. The discovery highlights the potential presence and movement patterns of this critically endangered species in previously understudied regions. Researchers analyzed visual data from the sighting, focusing on the whale's morphology and behavior to confirm its identification. This observation contributes valuable baseline data for understanding the distribution and conservation status of North Pacific right whales, which are threatened by historical whaling and ongoing habitat degradation.

Simulating Everglades National Park hydrology and phosphorus transport under existing and future scenarios using numerical modeling

Everglades National Park — 2014 — WHE3433E0362D

Modeling reveals that structural modifications to Tamiami Trail, including bridge construction, could significantly increase water levels and hydroperiods in the Northeast Shark Slough ecosystem of Everglades National Park (ENP), counteracting historical declines. While overall phosphorus concentrations in surface waters may decrease with these changes, localized increases in phosphorus loading are possible, potentially altering vegetation spectral responses and ecosystem dynamics. The study used the MIKE Marsh Model of ENP to simulate hydrology and phosphorus transport under existing and future scenarios, providing critical insights for guiding restoration efforts.

Simulation of flash floods in ungauged basins using post‐event surveys and numerical modelling

Costiera Amalfitana — 2014 — WHE40EB935363

A novel approach combining post-event surveys and numerical modeling successfully simulates flash floods in ungauged basins, offering potential for predicting future events. The study focuses on the 2010 flash flood that affected Atrani village along Italy's Amalfi Coast, where conventional measurement networks proved inadequate due to the event's small spatial and temporal scales. Researchers used a width function instantaneous unit hydrograph (WFIUH) rainfall-runoff model to derive flow hydrographs for upstream areas, which were then inputted into a two-dimensional hydraulic model. This unstructured mesh approach allowed for detailed simulation of water flow within the village's narrow alleyways, with results aligning closely with field observations. The method demonstrates promise for application in similar contexts, providing a tool for risk assessment and mitigation in vulnerable coastal regions.

Simulations of direct and reflected wave trajectories for ground-based GNSS-R experiments

Cordouan Lighthouse — 2014 — WHEDDCDF8F023

Simulations reveal that the choice of Earth's surface model significantly impacts the accuracy of GNSS-R (Global Navigation Satellite System Reflectometry) measurements, with planimetric differences averaging 9 cm for satellite elevation angles above 10° and 13.9 cm between 5° and 10°. The study also highlights substantial errors due to angular refraction from the troposphere, which can reach up to 116 m in planimetric terms when the receiver height exceeds 300 m. Conducted at two test sites—Cordouan Lighthouse in France's Gironde estuary and Lake Geneva on the Franco-Swiss border—the research underscores the critical role of digital elevation models (DEMs) in improving measurement precision, with average planimetric differences of 6.3 m without DEM integration. The simulator developed for this study provides tools to optimize GNSS-R receiver placement for monitoring water levels and other surface variations.

Simulations of direct and reflected waves trajectories for in situ GNSS-R experiments

Cordouan Lighthouse — 2014 — WHE0E231E47F7

A simulator was developed to accurately determine the reflection points of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals on Earth's surface, offering a unique method to monitor water level variations. The study found that geometric differences between reflection points, when considering Earth as a sphere or ellipsoid, averaged 44 cm for satellites with elevation angles greater than 10° and 1 m for those between 5° and 10°. Integration of Digital Elevation Models (DEM) significantly impacted reflection point accuracy, with errors reaching up to 3.80 m without DEM integration at a minimum elevation angle of 5°. Tropospheric effects also introduced substantial errors, increasing from 43 cm at a 5 m receiver height to 103 m at 300 m. These findings underscore the importance of precise Earth representation and atmospheric corrections in GNSS-R experiments.

Site Layout Design of Buddhist Temples of Single Pagoda-image Hall Pattern of Paekje Viewed through the Influential Relationship with China and Koguryo

Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom — 2014 — WHEC3CB20F7C0

A comparative analysis of Buddhist temple site layouts reveals that Paekje temples, particularly those in the Puyo area, were influenced by both China and Koguryo during their development. The study found that while Koguryo exerted stronger influence on these designs in the 6th century, Chinese architectural patterns became more dominant by the 7th century. This shift is evident in the arrangement of corridors, connected buildings, and the placement of pagodas and image halls within rectangular corridors. The research builds on recent archaeological excavations in northern China, providing new insights into the interplay between Chinese and Korean temple designs during the Three Kingdoms period.

Slavery, Indenture and Migrant Labour: Maritime Immigration from Mozambique to the Cape, c.1780–1880

Island of Mozambique — 2014 — WHEF9110D0D8A

From the late 18th to the mid-19th century, Mozambique became a pivotal hub for maritime immigration to the Cape, transitioning from slavery to indentured and migrant labor systems. The study reveals that while international efforts curbed forced immigration by 1818, the demand for labor in Brazil and the Mascarenes sustained a thriving trade, reshaping labor dynamics at the Cape. By the 1860s, pressure shifted toward ending slavery itself, leading to the emergence of contracted migrant labor—mirroring earlier coercive systems. This shift had lasting consequences on South African labor relations, illustrating how historical migration patterns continue to influence social structures.

Slaves, Convicts, Abolitionism and the Global Origins of the Post-Emancipation Indentured Labor System

Aapravasi Ghat — 2014 — WHEE4ADC01005

Recent research challenges long-held assumptions about the origins of the post-emancipation indentured labor system, revealing that it emerged 25 years earlier than previously believed and was initially centered on Chinese rather than Indian workers. The British East India Company played a pivotal role in this global migrant labor system's development during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, with its influence extending beyond the Indian Ocean region. This study sheds new light on the interconnected free and forced labor trades that shaped colonial plantation economies, drawing from international conferences and supported by funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund.

Snow cover dynamics in and around the Shangri-La County, southeast margin of the Tibetan Plateau, 1974–2012: the influence of climate change and local tourism activities

Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas — 2014 — WHEB7CD647E4D

Over the past four decades (1974–2012), snow cover in and around Shangri-La County, a core zone of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, has dramatically declined by 78%, from 4,188 km² to just 901 km². This reduction was most pronounced at mid-altitudes (4,000–5,000 meters) and more severe in the northwest than the southeast. While rising air temperatures (+0.22°C per decade) were the primary driver of this decline, local tourism activities in the southeastern Yulong Snow Mountains exacerbated snow loss compared to similar trends in the Meili Snow Mountains. The study analyzed 28 Landsat images to quantify spatial and temporal snow cover changes, revealing critical insights into the dual threats of climate change and human activity on this ecologically significant region.

Social capital in disaster risk management; a case study of social capital mobilization following the 1934 Kathmandu Valley earthquake in Nepal

Kathmandu Valley — 2014 — WHE0EE633255D

A study on the Kathmandu Valley reveals that social capital—specifically bonding, bridging, and linking types—played a crucial role in disaster recovery following the 1934 earthquake. Survivors from Lalitpur demonstrated how close-knit community ties (bonding) provided immediate support, while broader networks (bridging and linking) facilitated long-term survival and neighborhood revitalization. The research suggests that integrating pre-disaster social capital into disaster planning could enhance response capacity, offering valuable insights for community-based disaster management strategies. This qualitative study used non-structured interviews and grounded theory to analyze survivor accounts, though memories from participants under ten at the time may have limited detail.

Socio-economic aspects of the Sodwana Bay SCUBA diving industry, with a specific focus on sharks

iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Maputo National Park — 2014 — WHE76F41CB723

A significant economic value of R75.48 million (95% CI: R73.07–R78.68 million) was attributed to the SCUBA diving industry at Sodwana Bay, with shark diving accounting for only 4.8% of dives but showing high potential for growth. While coral reefs were the primary attraction, 84.2% of divers expressed interest in shark diving and would revisit more often if such opportunities increased. This study highlights the economic leverage sharks could provide for their protection against fishing within iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Data were collected from 750 survey respondents among 15,780 divers over a year-long period (July 2011–July 2012), with confidence intervals estimated using Monte Carlo simulations.

Socio-Economic Environment

New Lanark — 2014 — WHE9BF2BDDB4D

New Lanark exemplifies the transformative power of social innovation during the industrial revolution. The study highlights Robert Owen's pioneering role in converting harsh textile mill conditions into a model community with advanced facilities, medical care, and education. This case demonstrates how social innovation, driven by the goal of meeting social needs, can significantly enhance socio-economic environments. The research broadens the conventional interpretation of social innovation to include innovations that leverage other fields (e.g., science) for socio-economic benefits or those that exploit socio-economic conditions to improve other areas like home consumption. By analyzing historical examples and theoretical frameworks, the study underscores the enduring impact of such innovations on societal development.

Socio-economic indicators and predisposing factors associated with traumatic dental injuries in schoolchildren at Brasília, Brazil: a cross-sectional, population-based study

Brasilia — 2014 — WHE263A93A780

A significant prevalence of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) was found among 12-year-old schoolchildren in Brasília, Brazil, with rates notably higher in private schools (23.40%) compared to public schools (14.63%). The study, conducted as a cross-sectional, population-based survey involving 1,118 participants, identified increased overjet and inadequate lip coverage as key predisposing factors for TDIs. Contrary to expectations, sex, parental income, and educational level were not associated with the occurrence of dental trauma. This research highlights the importance of oral health interventions targeting children with specific physical characteristics, particularly those with prominent front teeth or insufficient lip coverage.

Soil-vegetation relationships on a cobbly limestone floodplain. Anticosti Island, Quebec

Anticosti — 2014 — WHE1658543C86

Research on Anticosti Island's Galiote River floodplain reveals distinct soil-vegetation relationships shaped by limestone substrates. Four dominant shrub associations—Dryadetum drummondi, Juniperetum horizontalis, Dryadetum integrifolae, and Potentilletum fruticusae—alongside six less prominent herbaceous communities, were identified. These plant communities colonize calcareous soils with high pH (>7) and base saturation (>100%), classified under Regosolic, Brunisolic, and Gleysolic orders. Pioneer plants like Dryas stabilize the substrate, facilitating succession from riverine to forested ecosystems along a topographical gradient. Four new subassociations were described, highlighting the interplay between soil conditions and vegetation dynamics in this unique limestone floodplain environment.

Some new and noteworthy bryophytes from Antarctic Beech (Nothofagus moorei) forests of north-eastern New South Wales

Gondwana Rainforests of Australia — 2014 — WHE211D49DE4A

Research in the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia has uncovered several new and noteworthy bryophytes, including rare mosses and liverworts. Among the discoveries are the epiphytic moss Rosulabryum epiphyticum, the moss Leptodontium viticulosoides, and endemic species of Macromitrium. Additionally, two species, Fissidens thorsbornei (synonym: Nanobryum thorsbornei) and the liverwort Lejeunea gracilipes, were recorded for the first time in New South Wales. These findings highlight the biodiversity of the region, particularly within Antarctic Beech (Nothofagus moorei) forests, despite bryophytes being absent from the site's statement of outstanding universal values. The study used bryophytes as fine-scale indicators to assess rainforest condition, contributing valuable insights into the ecological significance of this globally recognized heritage area.

Space-time analyses for forecasting future incident occurrence: a case study from Yosemite National Park using the presence and background learning algorithm

Yosemite National Park — 2014 — WHEE8E0DD0EFE

Researchers have developed a novel approach to predict the likelihood of wildland search and rescue (WiSAR) incidents in Yosemite National Park, leveraging machine learning and spatial statistics. Using the presence and background learning (PBL) algorithm, they generated monthly probability maps for 2011 that identified high-risk areas based on environmental variables such as distance to natural and anthropogenic features, vegetation, elevation, and slope, combined with historical incident data from 2001 to 2010. This method successfully forecasted the most probable locations and times for WiSAR incidents, providing actionable insights for resource allocation by decision-makers. The study not only addresses a critical real-world problem but also advances space-time analysis techniques, offering broader applications in epidemiology and ecological niche modeling.

Spaces of inspiration and innovation and the role of creativity: the cases of Graz and Ingolstadt

City of Graz – Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg — 2014 — WHEF6C7C9A591

Creativity serves as a vital catalyst for urban innovation, competitiveness, and quality of life. A study comparing Graz (awarded 'City of Design') and Ingolstadt—both influenced by the automotive industry—revealed that while industry can foster creativity, cities must actively embrace this mindset through policy to sustain competitive advantage. The research employed a qualitative survey using GABEK® method, which provides new insights into urban creative ecosystems. Graz's designation underscores the tangible benefits of institutionalizing creativity, contrasting with Ingolstadt's ongoing efforts to cultivate it.

Spaniards in the Nahua City of Xochimilco: Colonial Society and Cultural Change in Central Mexico, 1650–1725

Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco — 2014 — WHE32850C9C38

A pivotal transition in colonial society occurred in Xochimilco, Mexico, by 1650, marking the end of Nahua dynastic rule. Don Martín Cerón y Alvarado, a noble and governor of Xochimilco, was the last to hold the title of tlatoani, signaling the erosion of indigenous authority under Spanish colonial influence. The study analyzes his codicil and will—written in Nahuatl—to reveal cultural shifts during this period (1650–1725). By examining legal documents, it demonstrates how Spanish municipal reforms and demographic changes reshaped Xochimilco's social hierarchy, eroding indigenous governance while preserving elements of its pre-colonial identity. This research highlights the complex interplay between colonial policies and local traditions in a UNESCO-listed site renowned for its agricultural significance.