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Festifavelisation: mega-events, slums and strategic city-staging – the example of Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea — 2013 — WHE118302DA0F

Mega-events such as the FIFA World Cup and Olympics drive profound urban transformations, particularly in socio-spatially fragmented cities of the Global South. In Rio de Janeiro, these events sparked processes of 'festivalisation,' where favelas—informal settlements—were strategically altered through measures like invisibilisation (hiding), pacification (security operations), beautification (aesthetic upgrades), and touristic staging (marketing for visitors). The study critically evaluates these interventions, revealing how they reshape urban landscapes while raising questions about social equity and sustainability. Using a case-study approach centered on Rio's 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics preparations, the research combines urban policy analysis with spatial and socio-political perspectives to expose the complexities of event-driven urban development.

Fine-Scale Breeding Habitat Preferences of Southern Elephant Seals (Mirounga leonina) on Península Valdés

Península Valdés — 2013 — WHEBB418DC6C1

Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) on Península Valdés exhibit consistent and repeatable breeding habitat preferences, forming harems in bays sheltered by cliffs with gentle slopes (<4°) and unconsolidated substrates. Non-reproductive groups, meanwhile, occupy shelf points. This study, spanning a decade of population stability (2001–2007, 2010), analyzed ten topographic variables along 12 km of coastline during peak breeding seasons to reveal these fine-scale patterns. The findings contribute to understanding large-scale distribution trends in southern elephant seal colonies, offering insights into their ecological requirements and spatial organization.

First Breeding Record of the White Tern, Gygis alba , in México

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2013 — WHE84A97CDAD7

Researchers document the first confirmed breeding record of the White Tern (Gygis alba) in México, specifically on Socorro Island within the UNESCO-listed Revillagigedo Archipelago. This rare observation, made during summer 2012, involved two adults tending to a single nestling, providing critical evidence that contradicts earlier erroneous reports of breeding activity in the region. The study highlights the species' status as a vagrant in the archipelago while offering insights into its parental behavior, contributing valuable data to ornithological records for México.

First Record of Mimobdella japonica (Hirudinida: Arhynchobdellida: Salifidae) from Okinawajima Island, Ryukyu Islands, Japan, with a Description of the Specimens from the Ryukyu Islands

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2013 — WHEB043E01940

Researchers report the first documented occurrence of the predatory leech Mimobdella japonica on Okinawajima Island, part of Japan's Ryukyu Islands. Genetic analysis (COI sequences) revealed no differences between specimens from Okinawajima and Amami-oshima, suggesting M. japonica may be an introduced species in at least one of these locations. The study provides detailed morphological descriptions of the leeches, including external and internal features, to aid in future identifications.

First Report of Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Nematoda: Angiostrongylidae) Infections in Invasive Rodents from Five Islands of the Ogasawara Archipelago, Japan

Ogasawara Islands — 2013 — WHE7D1BE145EB

A new endemic focus of Angiostrongylus cantonensis, a parasitic nematode linked to human neuro-angiostrongyliasis, has been identified in the Hahajima group of islands within Japan's Ogasawara Archipelago. The study, conducted between 2010 and 2011, detected A. cantonensis infections in 46 invasive rats (Rattus norvegicus) across five islands—Anejima, Meijima, Imoutojima, Hirajima, and Mukohjima. Molecular analysis confirmed the parasite's presence, revealing a single lineage shared with samples from Okinawa, Hawaii, and Brazil. While human cases remain unreported in the Ogasawara Islands, this discovery underscores potential public health risks due to the widespread distribution of the parasite in this UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

First Report of Calonectria Leaf Spot on Ohelo in Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — 2013 — WHECA1887471B

This is the first documented report of Calonectria leaf spot disease affecting Vaccinium reticulatum, commonly known as ohelo, a native Hawaiian shrub. The study identified Calonectria pseudocolhounii as the causative pathogen through morphological and molecular analysis, including β-tubulin gene sequencing. Symptoms included severe leaf spots, stem lesions, and defoliation in greenhouse-grown ohelo plants in Hilo, Hawaii, but no natural outbreaks were observed in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or along Saddle Road. Koch's postulates were fulfilled by successfully re-isolating the fungus from artificially inoculated ohelo seedlings, confirming its pathogenicity. Ohelo berries are culturally significant and serve as a food source for the endangered nene goose.

Fish and Crustaceans from a Roman Amphora in Northern Italy

City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto — 2013 — WHE8171571F73

A Roman amphora from Vicenza, northern Italy, revealed the presence of small fish and crustacean fragments, suggesting these species originated from the northern Adriatic shore. The findings indicate a mix of freshwater and marine species, hinting at the region's diverse aquatic ecosystems during the Roman Empire. Microscopic analysis was necessary due to the poor preservation state of the remains, which were part of a roadway foundation likely used for rainwater drainage. This discovery sheds light on ancient trade routes and the ecological landscape of the Adriatic coast.

Fishes of the Salonga National Park (Congo basin, central Africa): a list of species collected in the Luilaka, Salonga, and Yenge Rivers (Equateur Province, Democratic Republic of Congo)

Salonga National Park — 2013 — WHE6E290357DB

A comprehensive list of 152 fish species, including nine potentially new taxa, has been documented from the Luilaka, Salonga, and Yenge Rivers around Salonga National Park, Africa's largest protected area. This study addresses a significant gap in knowledge regarding the ichthyofauna of the Congo basin, particularly in the central region where taxonomic and distributional data are scarce. The findings provide a foundational dataset for future research, though the authors acknowledge its likely incompleteness due to limited sampling efforts.

Five Small Bronze Hoards from Sardis and Their Implications for Coin Circulation in the Fifth Century c.e.

Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe — 2013 — WHEE4D22B1F5E

Excavations at Sardis, Turkey, have uncovered five small bronze coin hoards from the fifth century C.E., challenging previous assumptions about the demonetization of fourth- and early fifth-century coins. These hoards suggest that fifth-century coinage was a dynamic mix of fourth-century coins, blanks, and official issues, all circulated as legal tender. The study uses comparative analysis of eastern Mediterranean hoards to support this finding, cautioning archaeologists against relying solely on coinage for dating strata due to the complex nature of fifth-century coin assemblages.

Flood disaster vulnerability in informal settlements in Bursa, Turkey

Bursa and Cumalıkızık: the Birth of the Ottoman Empire — 2013 — WHE3CAC58AB4F

Informal settlements in Bursa, Turkey, face significant flood disaster vulnerability due to inadequate disaster risk reduction measures. A study analyzing interviews with households affected by floods in 2010 revealed that these communities lack access to effective mitigation strategies and bear disproportionate economic burdens post-disaster. Key factors increasing flood damage included poor infrastructure and limited preparedness, while interviewees reported minimal post-flood adaptive measures. The research underscores the urgent need for integrated disaster risk reduction policies tailored to low-income communities, emphasizing collaboration between authorities and vulnerable populations to enhance resilience.

Flood-mediated use of habitat by large and midsized mammals in the Brazilian Pantanal

Pantanal Conservation Area — 2013 — WHE55DCF5FD77

A study of the Brazilian Pantanal revealed that large and midsized mammals exhibit heterogeneous habitat use influenced by seasonal flooding, with 26 species documented across marshes, dry forests, and riparian forests. Jaguars, collared peccaries, and red-brocket deer were consistently present in all habitats, while eleven species were habitat-specific. The research, conducted over a year using camera-traps, sightings, tracks, fecal samples, and interviews at both protected and private sites, found that precipitation and river levels significantly affected mammal activity in dry forests and isolated marshes. Notably, 62% of the recorded species occurred outside protected areas, underscoring the need for conservation efforts to safeguard unprotected dry forests and threatened species.

Flying a drone in a museum: An augmented-reality cultural serious game in Provence

Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments — 2013 — WHE016410E931

An augmented-reality serious game, 'Vol sans effraction,' revolutionizes public engagement with the Arles Roman Forum by leveraging drone technology and image-detection algorithms. The game challenges traditional perceptions of museums as dusty or elitist, using a small drone to virtually 'shoot' clichés placed in the Forum's courtyard while the pilot stands outside. Short videos triggered by this interaction feature young speakers debunking stereotypes, offering an innovative way for the Arlaten Museum to connect with audiences during its renovation. This approach demonstrates how digital technology can bridge gaps between heritage sites and the public, preserving access to UNESCO-listed monuments even when physical entry is restricted.

Foods Eaten by the Sichuan Snub‐ N osed Monkey ( R hinopithecus roxellana) in Shennongjia National Nature Reserve, China, in Relation to Nutritional Chemistry

Hubei Shennongjia — 2013 — WHE9DECB969C4

Lichens serve as a crucial, year-round food source for the Sichuan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) in Shennongjia National Nature Reserve, China, providing high water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and fat while avoiding feeding deterrents like fiber, condensed tannins, or total phenolics. This first nutritional chemistry analysis of their diet reveals that lichens supplement seasonal plant foods—such as foliage, flowers, buds, and seeds—which are rich in protein, WSC, and fat. Monkeys selectively consume mature leaves with higher WSC and lower fiber, while fruits and seeds offer optimal fat content. The study suggests that R. roxellana strategically balances nutrition from lichens and seasonal plant parts to meet dietary needs, even in habitats with limited food availability.

Forecasting the impact of storm waves and sea-level rise on Midway Atoll and Laysan Island within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument—a comparison of passive versus dynamic inundation models

Papahānaumokuākea — 2013 — WHEB479F22F9B

Classic atolls with islands on shallow rims are more vulnerable to the combined effects of sea-level rise and storm waves, leading to earlier and more severe inundation than predicted by passive models. This study compared dynamic inundation models—accounting for wave-induced set-up and run-up—to passive 'bathtub' models using Midway Atoll (shallow rim) and Laysan Island (deep rim). Findings revealed that sea-level rise increases wave heights and wavelengths, amplifying run-up despite reduced set-up. Dynamic modeling showed substantial inundation at lower sea-level rise thresholds than passive models, suggesting infrastructure and ecosystems on shallow-rim atolls face heightened risks sooner in the 21st century.

Forest transition and biogeographic meaning of the current laurel forest landscape in Canary Islands, Spain

Garajonay National Park — 2013 — WHEFD2ED3FC71

Historical socioeconomic changes and recent conservation efforts have significantly altered the dynamics of Canarian laurel forests, challenging traditional perceptions of their natural state. This study reveals that human activity has profoundly shaped these forests, which were previously thought to be relatively untouched. By analyzing the structure, composition, and dynamics of the laurel forest in protected areas like Anaga and Teno Rural Parks (Tenerife) and Garajonay National Park (La Gomera), researchers demonstrate a 'forest transition'—where the abandonment of economic activities triggers vigorous natural regeneration. The findings underscore human influence as a key driver of current forest dynamics, while also highlighting the role of natural disturbances in shaping these ecosystems.

Forumi romak Butrint 2012

Butrint — 2013 — WHE76F678361D

A 2013 study on the Roman Forum of Butrint revealed significant insights into the site's architectural and urban development during the Roman period. The research, led by Çondi Dhimitër and David Hernandez, analyzed the forum's layout, structures, and inscriptions to reconstruct its historical context. Using archaeological surveying, documentation, and comparative analysis with other Roman forums, the study highlighted Butrint's unique blend of Greek and Roman influences, particularly in its public spaces and administrative buildings. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of Butrint's role as a crossroads of cultural exchange in ancient Illyria.

Four new Arthoniomycetes from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda – supported by molecular data

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — 2013 — WHE914D1CE3B8

Four new species of Arthoniomycetes lichens—Arthonia physcidiicola, Chiodecton sorediatum, Herpothallon kigeziense, and Reichlingia syncesioides—have been discovered in the montane rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. These findings expand the known diversity of lichens in the region, with Reichlingia being newly reported to Africa after being emended to include three fertile species. The study employed molecular data from combined mtSSU, nLSU, and RPB2 genes to construct a phylogenetic tree, placing the new species within Arthoniomycetes. Additionally, two new combinations—Reichlingia virginea and Reichlingia zwackhii—were established, bridging taxonomic gaps in lichen classification.

Frigatebirds on Aldabra Atoll: population census, recommended monitoring protocol and sustainable tourism guidelines

Aldabra Atoll — 2013 — WHEAC4FF4B817

Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Seychelles, hosts the largest breeding population of frigatebirds in the Indian Ocean. A 2011-2012 survey revealed approximately 4,400 pairs of Greater Frigatebirds and 6,600 pairs of Lesser Frigatebirds, suggesting a potential 10% increase since previous surveys in 1976/77 and 2000. However, significant annual variation was observed, as 2012 populations were notably lower than those in 2011. The study also documented the re-emergence of a frigatebird colony on Picard Island, which had not been reported since the early 20th century. Researchers recommend enhanced monitoring protocols and revised tourist regulations to ensure sustainable conservation efforts.

From a colonial reinvention to postcolonial heritage and a global commodity: performing and re-enacting Angkor Wat and the Royal Khmer Ballet

Angkor — 2013 — WHEC7EAABC6AB

Cultural heritage, particularly in postcolonial contexts, is often shaped by nationalistic narratives and global commodification, with UNESCO World Heritage status exacerbating these dynamics. This study highlights the contested histories of Angkor Wat and the Royal Khmer Ballet, demonstrating how French colonial reinvention and postcolonial essentialization have transformed these elements into global commodities. By analyzing their transcultural trajectories, the research reveals the complexities of heritage construction, using comparisons to the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) for broader context. The findings underscore the need to critically examine the formation histories of heritage sites to avoid perpetuating cultural stereotypes and essentialist narratives.

From Africa to Ifrīqiya: Settlement and Society in Early Medieval North Africa (650–800)

Archaeological Site of Volubilis — 2013 — WHE645C20393C

Contrary to the long-held assumption that the Arab conquests (7th–8th centuries) were catastrophic for North African society, archaeological evidence reveals a more nuanced picture. Most Byzantine urban centers, including Volubilis, persisted as significant hubs rather than being abandoned. Rural landscapes remained active, with estates, farms, and fortified villages indicating sustained economic activity. Case studies of Tocra, Sbeïtla, and Volubilis—analyzing fortifications, religious structures (churches and mosques), housing, and production—challenge the notion of abrupt societal collapse. The study suggests that Arab rule in North Africa was more complex than previously thought, with urban continuity and rural resilience shaping early medieval Ifrīqiya.