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Timing and Interstellar Scattering of 35 Distant Pulsars Discovered in the Palfa Survey

Jodrell Bank Observatory — 2013 — WHEB7F3EDECEE

A study of 35 distant, slow pulsars discovered through the Arecibo PALFA survey reveals that their properties closely mirror those of known pulsar populations, despite their distance. The research, conducted using timing observations from Arecibo and Jodrell Bank observatories, identified significant interstellar scattering in some regions, notably Cygnus, exceeding predictions. Additionally, XMM-Newton and Chandra observations of the youngest and most energetic pulsar, J1856+0245, linked it to the GeV–TeV pulsar wind nebula HESS J1857+026. The findings highlight the utility of multi-frequency data in probing interstellar phenomena and pulsar behavior.

Timing of a large volcanic flank movement at Piton de la Fournaise Volcano using noise-based seismic monitoring and ground deformation measurements

Pitons, cirques and remparts of Reunion Island — 2013 — WHE4E69118CE0

A significant volcanic flank movement at Piton de la Fournaise (PdF) Volcano, La Réunion Island, was detected using noise-based seismic monitoring and ground deformation measurements. The study revealed that a large velocity reduction in seismic signals began just days before the major 2007 April 2 eruption, coinciding with widespread flank movement triggered by magma injection. This finding underscores the potential of combining seismic velocity changes with geodetic observations to monitor hazardous slope instabilities, providing critical insights for volcanic hazard assessment.

Titelbild: Bautechnik 3/2013

Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District with Chilehaus — 2013 — WHE6EEEF175E2

A critical analysis of the Hochwasserschutzanlage Niederhafen, a key flood protection facility and tourist promenade in Hamburg's Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District, reveals its dual role as both an engineering marvel and a landmark integrating urban development. The study highlights its strategic location, connecting historical harbor structures to the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken while aligning with the visual axis of the emerging Elbphilharmonie. This positioning demands high architectural and urban planning standards, balancing functional flood protection with aesthetic and cultural significance. The research employs a combination of structural analysis, urban planning assessment, and photographic documentation (courtesy of Ingenieurbüro Grassl GmbH) to underscore its importance as both a technical achievement and an integral part of Hamburg's UNESCO-listed heritage.

Tiwanaku (Titikaka Lake, Bolivia) and Alberite Dolmen (Southern Spain) ritual “ears”

Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture — 2013 — WHE9C25B4BFBD

A striking similarity between ritual 'ears' from Tiwanaku (Bolivia) and Alberite Dolmen (Spain) suggests transatlantic cultural exchange 7,000 years ago. These stone carvings, possibly used for amplifying voice during shamanic rituals, imply bidirectional communication between ancient Andean and Iberian societies. The study also highlights phonological and semantic parallels between Basque language and Andean languages, supporting the existence of early transatlantic linguistic connections. While the exact functionality remains debated, the findings challenge conventional narratives about prehistoric cultural isolation.

To converge or not to converge in environmental space: testing for similar environments between analogous succulent plants of North America and Africa

Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape — 2013 — WHEB978AEE0C2

Despite the widely accepted notion of convergent evolution between North American cacti and African succulent plants, this study reveals significant environmental differences that challenge this assumption. Analyzing five hotspots—two in Mexico and three in South Africa—the research employed niche modeling tools, randomization tests, and multivariate analyses to compare climatic conditions. Results showed more climate differences than similarities, with notable variations in rainfall and temperature regimes, suggesting that edaphic factors may also play a role. While some pairwise comparisons (e.g., Cuatrociénegas-Richtersveld) exhibited environmental similarity, the broader analysis indicated that these sites, though drylands with moderate drought and mild temperatures, are not as environmentally convergent as previously thought. This study underscores the importance of rigorous environmental assessments in studies of convergence.

Topography of Thebes, and General View of Egypt

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis — 2013 — WHEBC1477605E

Sir John Gardner Wilkinson's 'Topography of Thebes, and General View of Egypt' (2013) stands as a foundational work in British Egyptology, offering the first comprehensive English-language study of Ancient Thebes since the French 'Description de l'Égypte.' Published in 1835, it combined meticulous archaeological documentation with vivid illustrations, capturing both the physical landscape and daily life of ancient Egypt. Wilkinson's pioneering approach, which integrated fieldwork, sketching, and historical analysis, laid groundwork for future studies on Egyptian topography and culture. The work was later expanded into 'Modern Egypt and Thebes' (1843) and served as a basis for his influential 'Manners and Customs of the Ancient Egyptians' (1837). Its enduring legacy lies in its dual contribution to both scholarly research and public interest, bridging the gap between ancient heritage and contemporary understanding.

Torres urbanas de la ciudad de Segovia. Un análisis de la silueta comparada

Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct — 2013 — WHE41E0706746

A comparative analysis of Segovia's urban skyline reveals the enduring and evolving elements that define its historic silhouette. The study, led by Anton van den Wyngaerde's 16th-century engravings, compares historical depictions from various artists (e.g., Louis Meunier, Day-Haghe) with modern images to track changes in the city's architecture over centuries. Key structures like the Cathedral, Aqueduct, and Alcázar stand out, but the research also highlights lesser-known urban towers—church steeples and noble residences—that contribute significantly to Segovia's visual identity. By proposing a novel perspective from atop these towers, the study offers a unique lens to observe cross-visual relationships and the transformations of this walled city.

Total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant properties of three Ceropegia species from Western Ghats of India

Western Ghats — 2013 — WHEC6773C3BC4

A comprehensive analysis of three Ceropegia species from the Western Ghats reveals significant antioxidant properties, with total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) varying widely among extracts. The study identifies gallic acid, vanillin, cathechol, and ferulic acid as major phenolic compounds, all demonstrating strong DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and metal chelating ability. These findings correlate significantly with TPC and TFC, underscoring the potential of these species for natural antioxidant applications. This research represents the first detailed investigation into the phenolic profile and antioxidant properties of Ceropegia spp., providing valuable insights for both scientific and practical purposes.

Tourism and Infant-Directed Aggression in Tibetan Macaques (Macaca thibetana) at Mt. Huangshan, China

Mount Huangshan — 2013 — WHE71015C56D8

Research at Mount Huangshan, China, reveals that increased tourist numbers slightly reduce aggression toward Tibetan macaque infants, though infant-directed aggression (IDA) remains more prevalent in provisioning zones where tourists surround monkeys. Alpha and beta males exhibited higher levels of IDA, including biting, chasing, grabbing, and pushing, while adult females primarily targeted their own infants during punishment or weaning. Juveniles showed minimal IDA, mostly through open-mouth threats. The study suggests closing off sections of the tourist viewing platform to limit male-to-infant aggression and strictly enforcing feeding prohibitions to reduce altercations among high-ranking males.

Tourism Development at Zhangjiajie, China: Korean Tourists and their Impacts

Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2013 — WHEF7D7F68756

Korean tourists have become the dominant visitor group at Wulingyuan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in China, contributing to its rapid tourism growth. This shift was driven by market forces initially, but later sustained by government support, creating a model for inbound tourism that combines private demand with public sector intervention. The study, based on surveys of local practitioners, identifies the interplay between pull factors (market-driven attractions) and push/essential forces (government-led initiatives) as key drivers of this tourism boom. This dual mechanism offers insights not only for China but also for other regions seeking to balance market dynamics with strategic public support in tourism development.

Towards a minor global architecture at Lamu, Kenya

Lamu Old Town — 2013 — WHE5DC1258F25

Lamu Old Town exemplifies a 'minor global architecture' where local strategies subvert dominant global narratives. This study reveals how Lamu's historic spatial protocols—rooted in coastal geomorphology and land-sea entanglements—are deployed to resist the construction of a new deep-water port, reflecting long-standing practices of negotiation between local, national, and global interests. The research analyzes these strategies through a longue durée perspective, highlighting Lamu's unique role as both a site of major global infrastructure (port, free economic zone) and minor architectural resistance. This duality challenges conventional accounts of globalization that prioritize global cities and celebrity architects.

Towards a New Aural Pedagogy for Architecture

Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau — 2013 — WHE152FC27258

A new aural pedagogy for architecture is proposed to address the limitations of contemporary architectural education, which remains ocular-centric and functionalist. The study argues that current teaching methods, rooted in the Bauhaus tradition but still dominant today, prioritize sight and machine-like solutions, often disconnecting students from sensory and embodied experiences. Drawing on Peter Zumthor's emphasis on sensuous design, this approach advocates for a multi-sensory, non-functional teaching model that fosters deeper bodily awareness and creativity. The research critiques the prevailing studio culture while offering an alternative that aligns with contemporary cultural shifts in architectural pedagogy.

Towards sustainable Latin American agglomerations

Historic Quarter of the City of Colonia del Sacramento — 2013 — WHECA707A9348

A decade-and-a-half study across ten Latin American cities and metropolitan regions reveals that urban gardening and periurban farming, rooted in traditional healing practices and ethno-botanical knowledge, significantly contribute to the social, cultural, economic, and environmental sustainability of these agglomerations. The research, based on 1,254 inquiries—70% of which were urban gardeners and periurban farmers—highlighted that native species and indigenous prescriptions dominate these practices, except in regions like Cuba and Argentina where native ethnic groups have been eradicated, or Uruguay, with stronger European influence. Qualitative data, including video records of traditional healers and gardeners, along with photographed plant species, underscored the importance of these practices as legacies for future generations, offering a paradoxical solution to global challenges while benefiting both society and the environment.

Towards understanding youth travel experiences in cultural heritage destinations: an integrated framework of youth cultural tourists' behaviour

Archaeological Site of Delphi — 2013 — WHE91D9A8002E

Youth cultural tourists are not monolithic; their travel experiences at heritage sites like Delphi are shaped by diverse motivations, leading to distinct behavioral patterns. This study identifies two primary types of youth cultural tourists: general and specific, distinguished by factors such as individual background, ethnic origin, family/social context, education, and marketing influences. Through semi-structured interviews, the research reveals that while youth constitute a significant segment of visitors, their engagement with cultural heritage is nuanced and varies significantly. The findings underscore the need for targeted approaches in understanding and catering to youth travel behavior, offering valuable insights for both academic research and practical applications in tourism management.

Trabalho de Campo Integrado em Geografia: uma Experiência no Parque Nacional Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2013 — WHEDE9B600043

An integrated fieldwork approach in the UNESCO-listed Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, Brazil, demonstrates the effectiveness of cross-disciplinary teaching in bridging theory and practice while addressing complex socio-environmental interactions. The study, involving students from multiple geography disciplines—Geomorphology, Biogeography, Cultural Geography, Agrarian Geography, and Thematic Cartography—highlighted how fieldwork fosters holistic analysis by integrating physical, cultural, and agrarian aspects of the park's landscape. Conducted in two phases (classroom preparation and on-site data collection), this methodology not only enhanced students' understanding but also provided a framework for analyzing interrelated environmental and social dynamics within protected areas.

Trabasa – Traditional Architecture Recorded by Means of Building Archaeology in Saudi Arabia: Workshop in Jeddah

Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah — 2013 — WHE03EF82C837

A collaborative workshop between King Abdulaziz University and the Vienna University of Technology introduced advanced building archaeology techniques to document Saudi Arabia's traditional architecture, particularly in Jeddah's historic district, Al Balad. The initiative, part of a broader effort by the National Built Heritage Forum, aimed to train students and professionals in surveying methods critical for preserving endangered architectural heritage. By combining local expertise with international methodologies, the workshop produced detailed records that highlight the importance of systematic documentation in safeguarding cultural landmarks. This approach sets a precedent for future research and conservation efforts in Saudi Arabia.

Trace metal and carbon isotopic variations in cave dripwater and stalagmite geochemistry from northern Borneo

Gunung Mulu National Park — 2013 — WHE19CCA588ED

A study of stalagmite geochemistry in Gunung Mulu National Park, northern Borneo, reveals that while trace metal ratios (Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca) and carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) show strong centennial-scale variations over the last 27,000 years, they are not reliable indicators of hydroclimate conditions in this tropical rainforest karst site. The research found that dripwater geochemistry exhibits minimal correlation with rainfall variability, suggesting a weak relationship between hydroclimate and geochemical proxies here. However, stalagmite δ13C records a consistent shift from C4 (savannah) to C3 (rainforest) vegetation during the transition from the Last Glacial Maximum to the Holocene, aligning with regional paleoenvironmental changes. The study utilized biweekly dripwater sampling and multi-year stalagmite geochemical analysis to explore these relationships.

Tracing the relevance of Borobudur for socio- economic development through tourism

Borobudur Temple Compounds — 2013 — WHE27BEF14EB2

Borobudur Temple Compounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Central Java, Indonesia, plays a significant role in socio-economic development through tourism. The study highlights that while Borobudur serves as a cultural and religious symbol for Buddhists, its relevance is limited for the predominantly Muslim local community. Despite this dissonance, Borobudur remains a key attraction in Indonesia's tourism promotion, contributing to economic benefits. The research approach involved analyzing the temple complex's historical significance, restoration process (1973-1983), and its current role as a tourist destination. The study also explores the temple's architectural features, such as bas-reliefs depicting Buddhist stories, and its use in religious ceremonies like Vesak. Overall, Borobudur's multifaceted relevance—cultural, historical, political, and economic—underscores its importance in both local and national contexts.

Traim tasol … Cultural heritage management in Papua New Guinea

Kuk Early Agricultural Site — 2013 — WHE6DA906A888

Cultural heritage management in Papua New Guinea is characterized by diverse practices, from community-based ethnoarchaeological projects to large-scale World Heritage nominations. A key insight is the successful integration of archaeological research with local oral traditions and ethnoscience, as demonstrated in a project among the Kalam people of the Simbai Valley. This approach highlights the importance of linking fieldwork with documented cultural knowledge, offering a model for sustainable heritage management. The study also examines challenges associated with the World Heritage nomination process at the Kuk Early Agricultural Site, providing critical observations on the sector's evolving commercial landscape. Conducted over 20 years, this research underscores the need for nuanced, context-specific strategies in managing Papua New Guinea's rich cultural and archaeological heritage.

Transboundary protected areas management: experiences from W-Arly-Pendjari parks in West Africa

W-Arly-Pendjari Complex — 2013 — WHE7D38F565C1

Transboundary collaboration in the W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) Complex has proven effective in enhancing biodiversity conservation across West African nations. Funded initiatives, including those by the European Union and Global Environment Facility (GEF), have facilitated harmonized management strategies, regional patrol systems, and biodiversity surveys, significantly reducing threats to protected areas. A key achievement is the establishment of a regional coordination system that unites stakeholders from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, alongside innovative small grant programs supporting rural livelihoods linked to conservation efforts. This model demonstrates how transboundary approaches can strengthen long-term biodiversity protection, offering a replicable framework for global conservation funding.