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El Paleolítico inferior en la Meseta Norte, España: Sierra de Atapuerca, La Maya, El Basalito, San Quirce y Ambrona: Estudio tecnológico y experimental

Archaeological Site of Atapuerca — 2010 — WHE4D6FA3C042

A detailed analysis of lithic collections from northern Spain's Atapuerca sites reveals significant variability in early human technical processes over long periods, challenging traditional understandings of Paleolithic behavior. The study examines raw material collection and stone quality influences on tool production, using experimental archaeology to provide new perspectives on ancient assemblages. By focusing on a small geographic area—including Sierra de Atapuerca, La Maya, El Basalito, San Quirce, and Ambrona—the research demonstrates how local conditions shaped human adaptation during the first and second phases of European occupation. This work contributes to a deeper understanding of behavioral variability in early southern European populations.

El sistema constructivo plataforma (plataform frame) en Sewell

Sewell Mining Town — 2010 — WHE47E431D557

Sewell, Chile, exemplifies the innovative 'platform frame' construction system, which revolutionized urban planning and architecture for its time. This study highlights how the platform frame, characterized by a modular grid of reinforced concrete platforms, enabled efficient land use and structural stability in a challenging mountainous terrain. Researchers analyzed Sewell's architectural design, revealing its adaptability to steep slopes and seismic conditions, while also assessing its historical significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The approach involved detailed examination of the site's construction techniques, urban layout, and comparison with contemporary building practices. The findings underscore the platform frame's enduring influence on modern urban development.

El turismo como factor estratégico de desarrollo rural: el Camino de Santiago francés

Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Camino Francés and Routes of Northern Spain — 2010 — WHE9F9E76852F

Tourism, particularly pilgrimage tourism along the Camino de Santiago Francés, has been identified as a significant driver for rural socio-economic development. This study demonstrates that the Camino Francés, spanning 14 municipalities in Galicia (Spain), revitalized local economies between 1991 and 2005 by attracting visitors who boosted commercial activity, market share, and demographic stability. Key indicators—such as population movement, commercial licenses, and tourism indices—showed positive trends linked to pilgrimage-related tourism. The research suggests that leveraging cultural heritage can mitigate rural decline, offering a model for sustainable development in similar regions.

Elite Emulation and Patronage Relationships in the Middle Bronze: The Egyptianized Dynasty of Byblos

Byblos — 2010 — WHE6E4E98E063

Rulers of Byblos in the Middle Bronze Age adopted Egyptianized language, administrative titles, and religious traits as elite emulation practices to differentiate themselves from local peers and gain prestige through patronage bonds with Egypt. These relationships, rooted in early Old Kingdom interactions, were sustained by the exchange of high-value goods. The study argues that such cultural borrowing was a strategic move to align with Egypt's esteemed elite, reinforcing Byblos' status in the northern Levant and Euphrates region.

En torno a la singularidad de Sewell

Sewell Mining Town — 2010 — WHE0FDA0A699D

Sewell, a unique residential-industrial settlement nestled in the mountains, stands out for its innovative urban design and high-density living. This study highlights Sewell's singularity, achieved through a harmonious integration of multi-storied buildings that seamlessly blend housing and industry on terraced hillside terrain. The settlement's distinctive image, characterized by its compact layout and functional harmony, underscores its potential significance as a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage List recognition. The research approach involves an analysis of Sewell's urban planning and architectural features, emphasizing its historical and cultural value.

Endobiotic cornulitids in Upper Ordovician tabulate corals and stromatoporoids from Anticosti Island, Quebec

Anticosti — 2010 — WHE100DE199AC

A new species of endobiotic cornulitid, Cornulites celatus n. sp., has been discovered within Upper Ordovician tabulate corals and stromatoporoids from Anticosti Island, Quebec. This finding extends the known stratigraphic range of cornulitids in commensal relationships with these organisms back to the Upper Ordovician, previously thought to begin in the Silurian period. The study also reveals a more limited paleoenvironmental distribution for C. celatus compared to its principal coral host, Propora conferta, suggesting environmental specificity in their association. Growth interference patterns indicate a commensal relationship between the endobiotic cornulitid and its hosts, including Paleofavositessp., Acidolites arctatus, A. compactus, and Ecclimadictyonsp. The diagnosis of Cornulites is emended to include forms with a distinctive two-layered shell wall, characterized by an outer layer of prismatic calcite.

Energy Efficiency Code in Brazil: Experiences in the First Public Building Labeled in Brasilia

Brasilia — 2010 — WHEBE9B60AF80

A pioneering energy efficiency code for commercial, public, and service buildings was introduced in Brazil in 2009, marking the first labeled building in Brasilia. This study reveals that prescriptive criteria and energy performance simulations yielded consistent results, though it also highlighted the need for enhanced simulation capabilities to address cases where prescriptive methods fall short. The research, conducted by the Laboratory of Environmental Comfort and Energy Efficiency (LACAM) at the University of Brasília, underscores the importance of rapid implementation and expertise development to facilitate the widespread adoption of energy efficiency standards in Brazil.

Energy tourism or spiritual tourism case study: Takht-e Soleiman, Iran

Takht-e Soleyman — 2010 — WHE92ECF527A2

A significant portion of tourists visiting Takht-e Soleyman, a UNESCO-listed sacred site in Iran, reported experiencing vital energy during their visits. This finding stems from a 2008 survey involving 140 participants, where 111 confirmed sensing energy at the site, known for its spiritual significance since the Sassanid era (226-650 AD). The study highlights that these 'energy tourists' seek healing and environmental protection, suggesting potential benefits for global peace and sustainability. The research used questionnaires to gather detailed accounts of tourist experiences, emphasizing the site's role in fostering a peaceful and environmentally conscious approach to tourism.

Energy, Forest, and Indoor Air Pollution Models for Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone, Nepal

Sagarmatha National Park — 2010 — WHEF8EC64C89E

A critical decline of 38% in forest biomass within Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone (SNPBZ), Nepal, from 1992 to 2008 has been attributed to rising fuelwood demand driven by tourism growth. This trend threatens the preservation of current forest conditions unless 75% of fuelwood is replaced with alternative energy sources. The study employed a participatory modeling framework to simulate management scenarios, revealing that reducing fuelwood use by 75% and dung use by 80% could lower indoor carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations to WHO-recommended limits. This research underscores the urgent need for adaptive management strategies to mitigate environmental degradation and health risks in this remote mountain region.

Enhanced riverine carbon flux from carbonate catchment to the ocean: A comparative hydrogeochemical study on Ishigaki and Iriomote islands, southwestern Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2010 — WHE9AA1083E7E

Rivers on Ishigaki Island, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan's Ryukyu Archipelago, exhibit exceptionally high alkalinity due to enhanced carbonate dissolution driven by soil-originated CO₂. This results in a significant riverine carbon flux with implications for climate regulation and ocean acidification buffering. A comparative hydrogeochemical study on Ishigaki Island (carbonate-dominated) and Iriomote Island (aluminosilicate-dominated) revealed that Ishigaki's rivers have alkalinity levels surpassing global averages, such as those of the Saint Lawrence and Mississippi rivers. This high inorganic carbon input alters the ratio of carbon to nutrients in river water, potentially making coastal seas a source of atmospheric CO₂. The study highlights the critical role of geological characteristics in shaping riverine carbon dynamics and their broader environmental impacts.

Ensemble Habitat Mapping of Invasive Plant Species

Grand Canyon National Park — 2010 — WHED8E97150FA

Ensemble habitat mapping proves more robust than individual models for predicting the spread of invasive plant species, offering significant advantages for risk analysis. The study tested five distinct species distribution models—logistic regression, boosted regression trees, random forest, multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), and Maxent—alongside ensemble modeling across multiple U.S. national parks, including the Grand Canyon. Ensemble models consistently ranked in the top three for both field validation and test data, demonstrating their superior accuracy and reliability. This approach combines the strengths of individual models while mitigating their weaknesses, providing a more dependable tool for assessing the environmental suitability of invasive species. The research leverages field data from park staffs, integrated with satellite-derived topographic, climatic, and vegetation predictors, to enhance predictive power and inform conservation strategies.

Environment and Economy of the Early Medieval Settlement in Žatec

Žatec and the Landscape of Saaz Hops — 2010 — WHE9C20180C63

Research at Žatec, Czech Republic, reveals an early agricultural shift to a three-field system by the 11th century, predating the broader High Medieval transformation typically associated with the 13th century. Archaeological and archaeobotanical analyses of urban layers, macroremains, pollen, and charcoal samples—collected primarily from sunken settlement features and fortifications—demonstrate a transition from dominant naked wheat cultivation in the 9th–10th centuries to increased rye and winter crop weeds by the 11th century. Pollen data also indicate extensive deforestation and a shift toward synanthropic taxa, while charcoal analysis shows a prevalence of pine and oak, with rising fir, beech, spruce, and yew likely linked to ironworking expansion. This study provides critical evidence for the timing and environmental context of medieval agricultural intensification in Central Europe.

Environmental risk mapping of canine leishmaniasis in France

The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape — 2010 — WHE3FBADADBBA

A spatial analysis of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) in France reveals two distinct eco-epidemiological patterns, each associated with specific environmental conditions and sandfly vectors. The first pattern is found in the Cévennes region of the southern Massif Central, characterized by moderate altitudes (200–1000 m), cooler winter temperatures (1.9°C average), high annual rainfall (1042 mm), and dense forest cover—conditions favorable for Phlebotomus ariasi. The second pattern occurs on the Mediterranean coastal plain, marked by warmer temperatures, lower rainfall, and less forest cover, aligning with the preferences of Phlebotomus perniciosus. Using niche modeling (Maxent) based on climate, land cover, and population density data, researchers generated France's first risk map for CanL, illustrating how environmental factors shape disease distribution. This ecological approach deepens understanding of CanL dynamics, offering insights into its maintenance and emergence in southern France.

Ergonomic Design Issues in Some Craft Sectors of Jaipur

Jaipur City, Rajasthan — 2010 — WHEF3C05A8C0B

A significant finding from this study is that work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in Jaipur's craft sectors—blue pottery, handloom, and gota patti—are driven by complex risk factors that extend beyond physical design issues. While tools and workstations play a role, the research reveals that non-physical factors such as work/rest cycles, process design, physical exercise, and training are equally critical in mitigating these risks. The study employed a rigorous, multi-method approach including Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), OVAKO for postural analysis, and the Occupational Repetitive Action Index (OCRA) and Strain Index (SI) to quantify repetitiveness and strain. These methods collectively underscored the hazardous nature of current working conditions in these sectors, emphasizing the need for holistic interventions that address both physical and non-physical design elements.

Estado do Conhecimento da Fauna de Invertebrados Não-Marinhos da Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis, RJ)

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2010 — WHE5C87BAC526

A comprehensive inventory of non-marine invertebrate fauna on Ilha Grande, a UNESCO-listed site within the Paraty and Ilha Grande World Heritage Area, reveals significant gaps in biodiversity knowledge. The study identifies 465 taxa, predominantly arthropods (72.9%) and mollusks (22.15%), with most records at the genus level (60%). Notably, data collection has intensified since 1999, primarily around Vila Dois Rios, highlighting the need for broader taxonomic and geographic surveys to address critical knowledge gaps. This research underscores the importance of systematic biodiversity inventories in informing conservation efforts within this ecologically significant Atlantic Forest remnant.

Estimating past and future dinosaur skeletal abundances in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada

Dinosaur Provincial Park — 2010 — WHE65528B03CB

Dinosaur Provincial Park (DPP), Alberta, Canada, has lost 60% of its original volume to erosion, taking with it an estimated 1.5 million dinosaur skeletons—including 6,310 hadrosaurs, 1,640 ceratopsians, 1,030 ankylosaurs, and 1,600 theropods. Using digital elevation modeling to calculate exposed rock volumes and fossil densities across 5-meter slabs, researchers estimated that the remaining 40% of DPP could yield similar quantities—6,700 hadrosaurs, 1,700 ceratopsians, 1,010 ankylosaurs, and 1,720 theropods. This method, validated with a raisin-bread analogy, provides minimum estimates, as it excludes bone beds and isolated bones. The study highlights the significant fossil potential of DPP while underscoring the impact of erosion on paleontological discoveries.

Estimating the spawning escapement of pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha using the area-under-the-curve method in the Rusha River of the Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido Island

Shiretoko — 2010 — WHE2F69F6AC5D

Researchers estimated the spawning escapement of pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) in the Rusha River, Shiretoko Peninsula, using the area-under-the-curve (AUC) method combined with visual counts. The study found that while the estimated escapement was reasonable, the actual number of spawning grounds was significantly lower than expected based on escapement numbers and available spawning areas. This highlights a potential mismatch between salmon population dynamics and habitat utilization in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The AUC method proved effective for assessing spawning escapement, providing valuable insights into the ecological role of pink salmon in transporting marine-derived nutrients to terrestrial ecosystems.

Estudo dos anéis de crescimento de Schizolobium parahyba (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) após episódio de mortalidade em Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2010 — WHE473E9218F7

A significant episode of tree mortality in Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, was linked to climatic anomalies between 1997 and 2001, rather than natural succession or population senescence. The study analyzed growth rings of Schizolobium parahyba, a native species of the Atlantic Forest, revealing that trees died at varying ages and that ring width correlated strongly with local rainfall patterns. This suggests that extreme weather conditions, rather than age-related decline, were the primary cause of mortality. The research used dendrochronological methods to assess tree ages and environmental factors, providing insights into the resilience and vulnerability of this species in the face of climate change.

Ethnobotanical study of wild edible plants of Kara and Kwego semi-pastoralist people in Lower Omo River Valley, Debub Omo Zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia

Lower Valley of the Omo — 2010 — WHE8BC2438D25

A study of the Lower Omo River Valley, Ethiopia, identified 38 wild edible plant species used by Kara and Kwego semi-pastoralist communities as dietary supplements or famine foods. The plants, primarily trees (50%) and shrubs (29%), were consumed for their fruits (59%), leaves (33%), roots (8%), and seeds (3%). No significant differences in species richness, growth forms, or plant parts used were found between the two groups. Most plants were gathered during specific seasons, with 41% serving as substitutes for cultivated vegetables when scarcity struck. The research highlights the cultural significance of wild edible plants in food security strategies, while also noting gaps in nutritional and toxicological data that warrant further investigation.

Evaluación espacial y temporal de la diversidad de los ascomicetes dulceacuícolas del canal turístico Santa Cruz, Xochimilco, México

Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco — 2010 — WHE4FF1397838

A study of the Santa Cruz canal, a key tourist site in Xochimilco, Mexico, revealed that freshwater ascomycete diversity is highest in less urbanized areas with more vegetation, such as nursery zones, and lowest near heavily trafficked docks. Seasonal variations also play a significant role, with rainfall periods showing reduced fungal diversity likely due to environmental disturbances. Researchers used wooden blocks submerged for eight weeks across four stations with varying urbanization levels, measuring physicochemical parameters and bacterial load to assess diversity using Shannon and Sørensen indices. The findings highlight the impact of urbanization and seasonal changes on aquatic fungal ecosystems in this UNESCO-listed heritage site.