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Odontometric sex discrimination in the herculaneum sample (79 AD, Naples, Italy), with application to juveniles

Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata — 2011 — WHEE59F76B2E5

Researchers successfully developed discriminant function formulae using dental dimensions to estimate the sex of subadult individuals from Herculaneum, victims of Vesuvius' eruption in 79 AD. The study found that canines exhibit the greatest sex dimorphism, achieving up to 100% accuracy in adult sex determination based on specific measurements. Applied to 30 subadults, this method correctly assigned sex in 22 cases, matching osteological assessments with 73.33% accuracy. The findings suggest that odontometric analysis holds promise for sex estimation in juvenile archaeological samples, addressing a significant limitation in forensic and archaeological research.

Old Town, New Contexts

Historic Centre of Warsaw — 2011 — WHE79A450B169

A landmark approach to historic preservation emerged from Poland's postwar reconstruction, led by Jan Zachwatowicz, General Conservator from 1945 to 1957. His strategy prioritized the conservation of buildings in their existing state, a principle that guided the rebuilding of devastated old towns like Warsaw, Gniezno, and Poznan. However, exceptions were made for buildings deemed significant to Poland's national identity, particularly after Poland regained independence post-World War I. This chapter explores Zachwatowicz's influential lecture at the first postwar congress of Polish art historians in 1945, which formalized these principles, balancing preservation with national significance.

Olomouc - Possibilities of Geovisualization of the Historical City

Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc — 2011 — WHE58D881FA93

Researchers have identified four effective geovisualization methods for depicting spatial-temporal changes in historical urban areas, with a focus on Olomouc's UNESCO-listed Holy Trinity Column. These methods—comparing historical and recent images, overlaying historical maps over orthophotos, enhanced 3D visualization of historical maps, and photorealistic 3D models across different eras—were evaluated for their potential in tourism, urban planning, and public education. The study confirmed the accuracy of 17th-century fortress plans using cartometric methods and implemented these visualizations in Google Earth with multimedia features to enhance perception. This approach offers valuable insights for preserving and promoting Olomouc's historical heritage while aiding reconstruction efforts.

On- and off-shelf diving effort of juvenile elephant seals from Península Valdés determined by light loggers

Península Valdés — 2011 — WHE4CBD7D8F2D

Juvenile elephant seals from Península Valdés exhibit significantly different diving behaviors on and off the shallow Patagonian Shelf. On-shelf, where water depths are limited to less than 100 meters, juveniles show lower diving effort compared to off-shelf waters, which reach depths of approximately 1,000 meters. This suggests that the productive Patagonian Shelf, often occupied by older seals, may displace juveniles to deeper waters, forcing them to increase their diving effort. The study used light-temperature loggers on 10 juvenile seals to measure dive durations and compare aerobic dive limits between shelf environments.

Origins of Groundwater Inferred from Isotopic Patterns of the Badain Jaran Desert, Northwestern China

Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes — 2011 — WHE68E0BFC1FF

Groundwater in the Badain Jaran Desert (BJD) originates from ancient climatic conditions with higher humidity and lower temperatures, distinct from modern precipitation. Isotopic analysis of δ D, δ 18 O, and d-excess reveals strong evaporation effects and no hydraulic connection to distant regions except Outer Mongolia. The study found that BJD groundwater has abnormally negative d-excess values (-17.5‰), differing significantly from local precipitation (5.7‰) and nearby water bodies, indicating limited modern recharge. Research involved comparing isotopic patterns across the BJD, Heihe River Basin, and surrounding areas to reconstruct past climatic conditions.

Osteological and molecular identification of brucellosis in ancient Butrint, Albania

Butrint — 2011 — WHEFB66DECA7E

A groundbreaking study confirms the presence of brucellosis, a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella bacteria, in human remains from ancient Butrint, Albania. Researchers identified severe vertebral lesions in two adolescent males dating to the 10th–13th centuries AD and ruled out tuberculosis through genetic screening. Positive amplification of Brucella DNA markers—IS6501 insertion element and Bcsp31 gene—in affected bones provided definitive evidence. This discovery suggests brucellosis was endemic in the region during the Middle Ages, offering new insights into past disease dynamics and human-animal interactions at a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Outdoor Landscape Design Proposal for a Resort using the Baekje Traditional Garden as a Theme

Baekje Historic Areas — 2011 — WHE387B6B367E

A novel approach to outdoor landscape design for resorts, rooted in the Baekje Traditional Garden's historical significance and cultural influence on ancient Japan, has been proposed. This study pioneers the spatial reimagining of Baekje garden aesthetics within the Lotte Buyeo Resort, a site integral to the Baekje Historical Reappearance Complex. The research introduces a dual methodology for representation: structural adaptation, focusing on key elements like Imrugak and Wolsunjung spaces, and component borrowing, emphasizing plant planning and architectural features that evoke iconic Baekje landscapes such as the Gilt Bronze Incense Burner's Taoist hermit world. Unlike previous studies that merely analyzed or evaluated traditional garden representations, this work bridges conceptual and practical design, offering a dynamic experience for resort visitors while maintaining historical authenticity. However, its findings are tempered by the ongoing nature of archaeological research on Baekje gardens, which may necessitate future refinements to ensure both cultural fidelity and experiential diversity.

Outward versus inward orientation of island capitals: the case of Valletta

City of Valletta — 2011 — WHE898FA1E3F7

Valletta, Malta's capital, embodies the dual pressures of maintaining its international relevance while serving as a symbol of Maltese national identity. A study analyzing Renzo Piano's City Gate reconfiguration project reveals that public debates reflect competing outward and inward orientations—balancing tourism-driven sophistication with historical commemoration. By examining expert commentaries and public viewpoints, researchers found that divergent attitudes stem from differing priorities: preserving the past versus embracing the present/future. This case study of an island capital highlights the tension between global engagement and local significance in urban development.

Oxalis simplicifolia (Oxalidaceae), an unusual new unifoliolate species from the Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia)

Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands — 2011 — WHE53EB767886

A new species of Oxalis, Oxalis simplicifolia, has been discovered on Ua Huka Island in the Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia). This unique plant differs from its closest relative, Oxalis gagneorum, through distinct morphological traits such as simple, unifoliolate glabrous leaves, minutely glandular-puberulent calyx lobes, shorter corolla lobes, erect capsules, and smaller seeds. The discovery underscores the Marquesas Islands' rich biodiversity but highlights a critical threat to this species due to human impact, feral animals, and invasive weeds. Consequently, Oxalis simplicifolia is proposed for inclusion in the IUCN Red List as critically endangered (CR), emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect this rare plant.

Pacifigorgia marviva(Anthozoa: Octocorallia) a new species from Coiba National Park, Pacific Panama

Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection — 2011 — WHE03E55F9264

A new species of shallow-water gorgonian coral, Pacifigorgia marviva, has been discovered in Coiba National Park, Pacific Panama. This species is characterized by its white to cream, small, erect colonies with 1–4 fronds, short or absent stems, and sparsely distributed polyp mounds. Morphological analysis and scanning electron microscopy revealed unique sclerite structures, including long spindles and thin anthocodial rods. The discovery increases the diversity of Pacifigorgia species to 35, with 20 found in Panama, representing 57% of the genus in the eastern Pacific. This finding highlights the rich biodiversity of Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection.

Paisaje Cultural de Aranjuez y Patrimonio Mundial : Seducción, Declaración y Compromiso

Aranjuez Cultural Landscape — 2011 — WHE5DDCE77014

Aranjuez Cultural Landscape, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, stands as a testament to the intersection of natural beauty and human ingenuity. This study reveals that its recognition was not merely an acknowledgment of its aesthetic appeal but also a commitment to preserving its cultural significance through structured management, conservation, and protection frameworks. The research meticulously analyzes the nomination process and the definition of cultural landscapes, providing insights into how such sites are safeguarded for future generations. By examining the lines established for the management of Aranjuez, this work offers a model for other cultural landscapes seeking World Heritage status, emphasizing the importance of balancing development with heritage preservation.

Palatability and efficacy of rodent baits for eradicating house mice (Mus musculus) from Gough Island, Tristan da Cunha

Gough and Inaccessible Islands — 2011 — WHE576734E4C8

House mice on Gough Island exhibit high palatability for rodent baits, with Pestoff® 20M and 20R showing the greatest consumption. The study found that brodifacoum, an anticoagulant toxin, is effective against these mice, with an estimated oral LD50 of 0.44 mg kg–1 and a median time to death of 5.5 days, comparable to other populations. However, some mice showed resistance at higher doses, emphasizing the need for multiple bait applications in eradication efforts to ensure mortality. The research tested three non-toxic and two toxic bait formulations under controlled conditions, providing critical data for designing successful mouse eradication strategies on Gough Island.

Paleokarst features and reservoir distribution in the Huanglong Formation of eastern Sichuan

Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2011 — WHE78E1977F8B

Karstic breccias serve as the most direct indicator of paleokarst features, with their development significantly influenced by fluid sources, fluid nature, and isotopic fractionation. The study reveals that dolomite in the C2hl2 formation provides the optimal lithology for reservoir development, particularly in the upper and lower dissolution intervals. Reservoir formation is primarily controlled by structure, paleoclimate, and lithology, with the best positions being karst highlands, remnant hills, and sloping fields on karst slopes. The research utilized a combination of surface geology, drilling data, and isotopic analysis (carbon, oxygen, strontium) to analyze vertical zoning, plane distribution, and the degree of karstification.

Paleolithic Art in Peril: Policy and Science Collide at Altamira Cave

Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain — 2011 — WHEB3785BDBAC

Despite growing evidence of human-induced damage to cave paintings, the Altamira Cave in northern Spain remains at risk if visitor access is permitted. The study highlights a conflict between policy and science, emphasizing that even controlled visits can accelerate degradation of these UNESCO World Heritage-listed Paleolithic artworks. Researchers used a combination of field observations, microclimate monitoring, and analysis of damage patterns to demonstrate the vulnerability of the cave's delicate carbon-based pigments to organic acids from skin contact, CO2 emissions, and microbial activity. The findings underscore the need for stricter conservation measures to protect this irreplaceable cultural heritage.

Palynological study of Lake Kotokel’ bottom sediments (Lake Baikal region)

Lake Baikal — 2011 — WHEB9CF613D6D

A palynological study of Lake Kotokel’ sediments reveals that the region experienced rapid climatic shifts during Termination I (~15.5–11 ka), with five distinct intervals marked by drastic landscape and vegetation reorganization, likely due to moisture sensitivity at the forest-steppe ecotone boundary. The research used pollen and AMS¹⁴C analyses from a 9-meter sediment core, achieving an average time resolution of ~120 years. Findings indicate that while the early Holocene (~11 ka) saw less continental climate conditions, subsequent periods exhibited increased continentality, with declining winter temperatures and precipitation but rising summer temperatures. This detailed record aligns with broader Northern Hemispheric trends and provides a refined model for intra- and interregional environmental change correlations over the last 15–15.5 kyr.

Panorama da araneofauna de fragmentos florestais em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil

Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia — 2011 — WHEA48B1C8B30

A study of spider fauna in seven urban fragments of the Atlantic Forest within Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, revealed significant differences in species composition among three key fragments: the Botanical Garden of Salvador, Joventino Silva Park, and a forest area near the 4th Guard Company. The research identified 3,201 adult spiders from 39 families, 143 genera, and 170 species or morphospecies, collected between 2000 and 2009. While the fragments exhibited low species richness, the findings underscore the importance of urban green spaces in maintaining biodiversity. Standardized surveys are recommended to further assess the conservation value of these areas.

Parasitismo humano por carrapatos na Mata Atlântica, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea — 2011 — WHE948E8CE252

A comprehensive epidemiological investigation spanning from 1997 to 2007 identified 6,072 cases of human tick parasitism (ixodidosis) in Rio de Janeiro's Atlantic Forest, involving seven tick species. The study highlighted the significant role of these ticks—Amblyomma aureolatum, A. cajennense, A. dubitatum, A. ovale, A. varium, Ixodes loricatus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus—in transmitting pathogens, including those causing recurrent or newly introduced infectious diseases in Brazil. Researchers analyzed statistical indicators such as prevalence, abundance, dominance, and risk factors (sex, age, social activity) to assess the phenomenon's impact on local communities near protected areas like the Pedra Branca State Park and Tijuca Forest National Park. The findings underscore the need for public health interventions in regions where human encroachment intersects with tick habitats.

Park Gazettement and Integrated Conservation and Development as Factors in Community Conflict at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — 2011 — WHE5D73BF5EEC

At Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, the loss of commercial income following park gazettement emerged as the primary driver of conflict between local villagers and park authorities. Despite improvements in local attitudes toward the park due to Integrated Conservation and Development (ICD) benefits, prohibitions on commercial activities—rather than subsistence resource use—fueled violent conflicts, particularly when law enforcement targeted these income sources. The study analyzed 48 conflict incidents from 1986 to 2000, categorizing them by period, area, instigator, and type, revealing that targeting ICD benefits toward those affected by commercial restrictions could mitigate conflict and strengthen conservation efforts.

Past and present human impacts on the biodiversity of Socotra Island (Yemen): implications for future conservation

Socotra Archipelago — 2011 — WHE629677DC0C

Socotra Island, renowned for its unique biodiversity and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, faces mounting threats from rapid development that disrupt conservation efforts. This study highlights the escalating pressures on Socotra's ecosystems, including habitat fragmentation, pollution, invasive species, unsustainable resource use, and illegal trade in biota, which pose significant risks to its biodiversity. By providing a comprehensive review of historical human impacts alongside recent threats, the research underscores the critical role of traditional knowledge in safeguarding Socotran ecosystems. The analysis draws parallels with known extinction processes on other islands, offering insights that are crucial for informing future conservation strategies.

Patrimônio cultural, histórico e artístico como atrativo turístico: um estudo sobre o Santuário de Congonhas - MG

Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas — 2011 — WHEB9671D5F04

The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Brazil's most significant Baroque art complexes, serves as a powerful driver for local tourism. This study reveals that its cultural, historical, and artistic heritage—particularly the works of Aleijadinho—enhances visitor engagement and economic benefits for the region. Congonhas, rooted in Minas Gerais' 18th-century gold cycle, attracts tourists through its rich artistic legacy, recognized by IPHAN in 1939 and UNESCO in 1985. The research analyzes tourism dynamics via interviews with professionals and visitor surveys, demonstrating how heritage preservation and promotion can sustain local development.