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Chemical Composition and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of the Essential Oil of Achillea ligustica Growing Wild in Lipari (Aeolian Islands, Sicily)

Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) — 2013 — WHEDA00246B1B

A study of the essential oil from Achillea ligustica in Lipari, Aeolian Islands, reveals its chemical composition and strong free radical scavenging activity. The dominant compound, (Z)-chrysanthenyl acetate, accounts for nearly 30% of the oil, followed by viridiflorol, bornyl acetate, and 1,8-cineole. Unlike previous studies on this species, the Aeolian population shows distinct variations in composition. The oil's antioxidant potential was quantified using DPPH and ABTS assays, highlighting its therapeutic promise. This research contributes to understanding the biogeochemical diversity of Mediterranean flora while underscoring the plant's bioactive properties.

Chemical Cues Released by an Alien Invasive Aquatic Gastropod Drive Its Invasion Success

iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Maputo National Park — 2013 — WHE1A8B33F708

Chemical cues released by the invasive gastropod Tarebia granifera trigger avoidance responses in native South African gastropods, facilitating its invasion success. The study employed in situ behavioral experiments using video cameras and demarcated arenas to quantify displacement and movement orientation of three native species—Assiminea cf. capensis, Melanoides tuberculata, and Coriandria durbanensis—when exposed to chemical cues from T. granifera. All native gastropods exhibited significant negative taxis, moving away from the invasive species' cues, while T. granifera showed random responses to conspecifics. This suggests that chemical signaling disrupts native species' behavior, creating ecological opportunities for the invader in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

Chemostratigraphy (CaCO3, TOC, δ13Corg) of Sinemurian (Lower Jurassic) black shales from the Wessex Basin, Dorset and palaeoenvironmental implications

Dorset and East Devon Coast — 2013 — WHE25C8C57092

A study of the Dorset and East Devon Coast, specifically focusing on the Sinemurian (Lower Jurassic) black shales from the Wessex Basin, reveals significant stratigraphic variations in carbonate, organic carbon, and organic-carbon isotopes. These variations, particularly in total organic carbon (TOC), indicate periods of deoxygenation likely driven by basin stratification due to freshwater influx, which enhanced organic matter preservation. The organic-carbon isotope curve (δ13Corg) shows positive excursions that do not correlate with TOC stratigraphy, suggesting long-term changes in seawater isotopic composition, potentially linked to marine organic-carbon burial on the margins of the proto-Atlantic. While detailed correlation with sea-level curves is challenging, significant transgressive pulses in the turneri and late raricostatum Zones align with positive δ13Corg excursions.

Chlorophyll a and nutrient distribution around seamounts and islands of the tropical south-western Atlantic

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves — 2013 — WHE0F43230703

Research around the seamounts and islands of north-eastern Brazil, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Fernando de Noronha, reveals that topography interacts with oceanic flows to create highly patchy distributions of chlorophyll a and inorganic nutrients. The study, conducted during large-scale surveys in 1997 and 1998, found significant variability in nutrient concentrations—ranging from undetectable levels to peaks of 17.52 µm L⁻¹ for silicon, 10.02 µm L⁻¹ for nitrate, and 3.91 µg L⁻¹ for chlorophyll a. Notably, 1998 showed more uniform nutrient distributions with lower chlorophyll a and higher phosphate concentrations compared to 1997. The findings also highlight an inverse linear relationship between nutrients (nitrite and nitrate) with temperature and salinity, alongside an exponential decay relationship with chlorophyll a, suggesting complex thermohaline interactions shaping marine productivity in these tropical regions.

Chronology of the Rock Paintings in the Serra da Capivara National Park (Brazil)

Serra da Capivara National Park — 2013 — WHEC91EA7DAEE

Rock paintings in the semi-arid caatinga of Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil, reveal one of the world's most extensive prehistoric art traditions. Radiometric dating techniques applied to 249 paintings across 105 sites demonstrate a continuous artistic tradition spanning at least 10,000 years, with some works dating back over 12,000 years—among the oldest in the Americas. This challenges previous assumptions about the chronology and cultural significance of Brazilian rock art. Researchers analyzed sediment accumulation patterns and stylistic evolution to establish a robust chronological framework, revealing layers of artistic expression from hunter-gatherer societies that thrived during the late Pleistocene and Holocene. The findings underscore the park's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving evidence of one of humanity's earliest and most enduring creative traditions.

Chytridiomycosis and Seasonal Mortality of Tropical Stream‐Associated Frogs 15 Years after Introduction of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis

Wet Tropics of Queensland — 2013 — WHE0BC1646B71

Chytridiomycosis continues to significantly impact the survival of tropical stream-associated frogs, even 15 years after the introduction of the pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. A study on the threatened common mist frog (Litoria rheocola) in Queensland's Wet Tropics revealed that infection prevalence was the best predictor for apparent survival probability, with seasonal variations ranging from 0% to 65%. Survival probabilities were lowest during winter months (approximately 70%), while annual survival rates were very low (12-15%). Despite this, high recruitment rates (71-91%) led to fluctuating population growth. The research used an intensive capture-mark-recapture study across seasons and years, highlighting the ongoing threat of chytridiomycosis to amphibian populations, which may also render them vulnerable to other threatening processes affecting recruitment success.

City Indians in Spain’s American Empire: Urban Indigenous Society in Colonial Mesoamerica and Andean South America, 1530-1810

City of Cuzco — 2013 — WHEF4E95B0506

Urban indigenous societies in colonial Latin America were not merely marginalized but actively shaped and sustained colonial cities through agency, resilience, and adaptation. Contrary to the long-held view that urbanization led to the decline of indigenous communities, this anthology demonstrates their pivotal role in maintaining social structures, navigating complex ethnic relations, and preserving cultural practices despite Spanish dominance. The study employs a comparative ethnohistorical approach, analyzing case studies from Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, and beyond, to illustrate how indigenous groups—such as the Ayarmaca-Pumamarca in Cuzco or Nahua communities in Tenochtitlan—redefined ethnic identities, maintained rural connections, and challenged colonial authority through institutions like cabildos. Mobility, property rights, and social cohesion emerged as key strategies for survival and influence, revealing urban Indians as integral, though overlooked, contributors to the colonial world.

Clam culture in the Venice lagoon: stock assessment of Manila clam (Venerupis philippinarum) populations at a nursery site and management proposals to increase clam farming sustainability

Venice and its Lagoon — 2013 — WHE6D40099272

A critical assessment of Manila clam (Venerupis philippinarum) stocks in the Venice lagoon, Europe's primary production site for this species, reveals significant potential for recruitment and highlights the need for sustainable management practices. The study, conducted near the Porto Marghera industrial zone—a key natural settlement area—used ordinary kriging to evaluate clam abundance, biomass, and sediment texture across 46 sampling stations over approximately 1085 hectares. Findings indicate that while wild stocks remain a vital resource for mollusc culture, their conservation status is precarious due to unsustainable exploitation. Proposed measures include establishing biological protection areas and implementing shared, rational management of nursery sites, which could enhance the sustainability of clam farming in the lagoon.

Clarification of Zamia acuminata and a new Zamia species from Coclé Province, Panama

Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park — 2013 — WHE7D172BEF52

A new Zamia species, Zamia nana, is described from Coclé Province, Panama, resolving long-standing confusion surrounding Zamia acuminata. Research clarifies that Z. acuminata is a Costa Rican endemic restricted to the western Talamanca mountain range, distinct from plants previously misidentified in El Valle de Antón, Panama. The study leverages recently collected material and re-examination of the holotype to correct historical misidentifications and erroneous locality data. This taxonomic clarification enhances understanding of Zamia diversity in Central America.

Claustra Alpium Iuliarum - protecting late Roman Italy

Frontiers of the Roman Empire — 2013 — WHEB76CF4504D

The Claustra Alpium Iuliarum, a late Roman linear defense system, was strategically positioned to protect Italy from northeastern incursions. Unlike the Empire's outer borders, this structure was built within its territory along the Julian Alps, spanning from Croatia's northern Adriatic to Slovenia's Soča valley. It featured walls, towers, and fortresses, safeguarding a crucial via publica between Aquileia and Emona with multiple defense lines. The study integrates literary sources, numismatic evidence, and archaeological excavations, addressing chronological challenges in the construction of this late Roman defense structure.

Climate Change Adaptation Practices in Nature-Based Tourism in Maun in the Okavango Delta Area, Botswana: How Prepared are the Tourism Businesses?

Okavango Delta — 2013 — WHE53C6924F19

Tourism businesses in Maun, Botswana, within the Okavango Delta, have not widely adopted climate change adaptation strategies despite perceiving potential negative environmental impacts. While operators anticipate changes linked to climate, most report no immediate adverse effects on their operations. This lack of preparedness poses a significant threat to nature-based tourism, which is a cornerstone of Botswana's economy and the second-largest economic sector in the country. The study, based on semistructured interviews with tourism business operators, highlights a disconnect between perceived climate risks and actual adaptation practices.

Climate Change Risk Management for Ports

Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena — 2013 — WHE589C26A93D

Ports, located on coasts and rivers, face significant climate change risks including sea level rise and extreme weather events. A collaborative study between the International Financial Corporation and Terminal Marítimo Muelles el Bosque (MEB) in Cartagena, Colombia, identified key risks and opportunities for ports. The research highlights that climate change not only threatens port infrastructure but also impacts trade, shipping, and surrounding communities. It proposes economic and sustainable adaptation strategies while outlining challenges to implementing these measures. This study provides valuable insights into managing climate risks at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Cartagena's Port, Fortresses, and Group of Monuments.

Coastal changes from open coast to present lagoon system in Histria region (Danube delta)

Danube Delta — 2013 — WHE991B32B671

Significant coastal transformation in the Danube Delta's Histria region, once an ancient Milesian colony, reveals that the city's decline coincided with its detachment from the open coast due to shoreline progradation. The study, using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) scanning and stratigraphic records, documents intense neotectonic movements causing recent drowning of areas like the Sinoe lagoon and Histria and Nuntasi Lakes. These processes, inferred from discontinuous chronology and discordant stratigraphy, highlight the role of seismic activity in reshaping the coastal landscape over millennia.

Coastal Dynamics of the Danube Delta

Danube Delta — 2013 — WHE90CCC2C3D1

Severe coastal erosion in the Danube Delta, driven by natural trends and human interventions, has been systematically quantified through advanced modeling. The study reveals that episodic water level changes can cause significant shoreline retreats, while a conceptual model for spit formation at river mouths was developed using the Sahalin spit as a case study. Researchers employed a multi-step approach: simulating wave climate with SWAN and wind data, calculating sediment transport using UNIBEST CL+, analyzing sediment budgets, and modeling water level changes and spit dynamics with Delft-3D. The findings underscore the need for sustainable mitigation strategies, such as artificial beach nourishment, to combat retreating shorelines.

Collective accommodation establishments in Corfu, Cyprus, and Malta: a comparative study of online prices

Old Town of Corfu — 2013 — WHE20D12BF25A

A comparative analysis of online prices for collective accommodation establishments on the Mediterranean islands of Corfu, Cyprus, and Malta reveals distinct pricing strategies influenced by tourism competition. The study, conducted using a representative sample from three competitive destinations heavily reliant on tourism, identified significant price variations across these sites. Hypotheses were tested to understand how factors such as incentives, product diversification, and pricing competitiveness impact tourist choices. Findings suggest that destinations offering more diverse tourism portfolios and competitive pricing tend to attract higher demand, providing actionable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders aiming to optimize their market position in a globalized tourism landscape.

Colonial Heritage in Paramaribo, Suriname: Legislation and Senses of Ownership, a Dilemma in Preservation?

Historic Inner City of Paramaribo — 2013 — WHE0E305699A3

Effective preservation of colonial heritage, such as the historic inner city of Paramaribo, Suriname, hinges on resolving complex ownership dilemmas and legal challenges. This study reveals that successful monument preservation policies are intricately linked to legal property rights, legislation enforcement, and stakeholder cooperation—especially in multicultural contexts where colonial structures may be perceived as alien. Despite international recognition of heritage value, Paramaribo's case demonstrates persistent tensions between national policy goals and local realities, including economic priorities and political will. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, analyzing Suriname's legislative framework and field data to assess its effectiveness, highlighting critical gaps in enforcement and stakeholder engagement that hinder preservation efforts.

Columnar Sarcophagi from Aphrodisias: Elite Emulation in the Greek East

Aphrodisias — 2013 — WHE3131C3E295

Aphrodisias reveals that its columnar sarcophagi were not merely decorative but served as symbols of elite emulation within the Roman Greek East. Unlike those from Rome or Athens, these sarcophagi feature unique architectural elements such as columnar facades and arcaded entablatures, accompanied by human figures in intercolumniations. The study establishes a chronology for these artifacts and identifies their commissioners primarily among Aphrodisias' social elite. By analyzing funerary inscriptions and archaeological context, the research contextualizes the iconography within the broader cultural landscape of Asia Minor, offering insights into the social dynamics and artistic expressions of the time.

Community assembly processes shape an altitudinal gradient of forest biodiversity

Shiretoko — 2013 — WHE31A0DD4CF0

A study at Shiretoko National Park, Japan, reveals that community assembly processes significantly shape altitudinal gradients of forest biodiversity. The research found that deterministic processes dominate in high-altitude, low-productivity stands due to niche partitioning among small individuals within less stratified environments. Conversely, stochasticity influences community structure in structurally developed, low-altitude stands, likely due to competition for light resources. While the altitudinal gradient of β-diversity was less pronounced in oribatid mites compared to plants, local-scale environmental heterogeneity still favored deterministic assembly processes. The study highlights that biogeographical patterns of biodiversity are not independent of community processes and are instead shaped by stochastic and deterministic factors that vary within a landscape.

Community dynamics of a montane Fagus engleriana–Cyclobalanopsis multiervis mixed forest in Shennongjia, Hubei, China

Hubei Shennongjia — 2013 — WHE3AEBA4924B

A montane evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved mixed forest in Shennongjia, Hubei, China, demonstrates remarkable resilience to external disturbances. The Fagus engleriana–Cyclobalanopsis multiervis mixed forest, a dominant community in the region, maintained stable species richness and structure over nine years despite an ice storm in 2008. While total species count fluctuated slightly (from 81 to 84), dominant species such as Cyclobalanopsis multiervis, Fagus engleriana, Rhododendron hypoglaucum, and Lithocarpus henryi remained constant. Stem number and basal area followed a similar trend, increasing initially before declining, suggesting dynamic equilibrium. The study analyzed three datasets (2001, 2006, and 2010) from a permanent plot, revealing that mortality and recruitment rates varied significantly but did not alter the community's overall stability.

Community involvement at Great Wall World Heritage sites, Beijing, China

The Great Wall — 2013 — WHE230A2F1B02

Local communities adjacent to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Great Wall in Beijing, China, primarily benefit from heritage tourism without significant involvement in decision-making or management. A study comparing two sites revealed that while communities receive economic and social benefits, their participation in planning remains minimal. Researchers developed a two-dimensional framework assessing community involvement based on decision-making and benefit acquisition, highlighting disparities between these dimensions. The findings suggest opportunities for improvement in engaging local communities more effectively in heritage tourism governance.