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Winter foraging behaviour of lactating New Zealand sea lions ( Phocarctos hookeri )

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2013 — WHE1A4029C517

Lactating female New Zealand sea lions exhibit extreme foraging behavior year-round, diving beyond aerobic limits on 65% of dives and showing consistent use of the continental shelf and edge. Research using satellite telemetry over two austral winters (1996–1997) revealed that their winter foraging areas overlap significantly (38%) with sub-Antarctic trawl fisheries, posing ongoing risks to this critically declining species. The study confirms seasonal and interannual stability in foraging patterns, emphasizing the need for integrated management to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts. This finding underscores the year-long vulnerability of sea lions to fisheries interactions during lactation.

Wonder City of the East

Old Walled City of Shibam — 2013 — WHE4CA9AD4E7F

Shibam, the Old Walled City of Hadhramaut, stands as a unique architectural marvel characterized by its dense cluster of 500 multi-story mud-brick skyscrapers, forming an impregnable urban fortress without traditional defensive walls. These structures, leaning inward for structural stability, create a seamless barrier with high-set windows that deter assaults while providing defensive advantages. The city's design, resembling a colossal block of flats, reflects medieval siege-resistant engineering, offering insights into pre-modern urban planning and fortification strategies in arid regions.

Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Common Problems and Local Solutions

Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region in Poland and Ukraine — 2013 — WHE925BB4812D

The successful inclusion of 16 wooden tserkvas from the Carpathian Region in Poland and Ukraine into the UNESCO World Heritage List highlights their cultural significance and the need for tailored preservation strategies. Each church, such as the Tserkva of the Holy Trinity, faces unique challenges related to history, urban context, design, and legal frameworks. Monitoring by heritage authorities is crucial for their upkeep, while efforts to popularize these sites can boost tourism and local economic growth. The study underscores the potential of these structures to stimulate regional development through sustainable projects.

Woody species diversity and forest structure from lowland to montane forest in Hyrcanian forest ecoregion

Hyrcanian Forests — 2013 — WHE7C8F137CE9

A study of the Hyrcanian forest ecoregion reveals that woody species diversity and forest structure vary significantly along a 2,400-meter altitudinal gradient. Key findings include a linear decrease in stem density with altitude, while mean basal area and mean height class exhibit a hump-shaped pattern, and disturbance shows a reverse hump shape. Transitional vegetations like Carpinus-Fagus and Fagus-Quercus display higher woody species diversity compared to adjacent homogenous communities. Significant correlations were observed between altitude and parameters such as stem density, mean basal area, disturbance, and diversity, with notable differences within each vegetation type. The study suggests that altitude acts as a proxy for human and environmental driving forces, influencing forest structure and biodiversity. These insights recommend integrating both biodiversity and mensuration data into forest management strategies.

Word-Play as Evidence for the Date of "Durham"

Durham Castle and Cathedral — 2013 — WHE03B7A5506A

New linguistic evidence suggests that the Old English poem 'Durham' was likely composed between 1104 and 1115, refining its previously broad date range. The study analyzed word-play and dialectal features, such as the loss of initial 'h' before consonants and the confusion of 'e' and 'a' in end syllables, indicating a late stage in Northumbrian Old English development. Historical context from Symeon of Durham's work further supports this timeline, narrowing the poem's likely composition to shortly after the translation of St Cuthbert's remains in 1104. This challenges earlier assumptions that the poem could date as early as the first half of the eleventh century.

World Heritage, Tourism Destination and Agricultural Heritage Landscape: The Case of Grand Pré, Nova Scotia, Canada

Landscape of Grand Pré — 2013 — WHE5AD1A9396F

Grand Pré, Nova Scotia, stands as a globally significant agricultural heritage landscape and UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS), recognized for its fertile land and deep historical narrative tied to the Acadian Deportation of 1755. Despite high expectations that WHS designation would bolster tourism and economic sustainability, recent analysis reveals a dual challenge: declining agriculture and waning tourist interest. This study critically examines whether the WHS status will serve as an effective catalyst for Grand Pré's long-term viability. By synthesizing existing research, it questions the assumptions surrounding the economic benefits of WHS recognition, offering insights into the complex interplay between heritage preservation, agricultural change, and tourism dynamics in this iconic region.

Yaroshevskite, Cu9O2(VO4)4Cl2, a new mineral from the Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia

Volcanoes of Kamchatka — 2013 — WHEBA94C489FD

Scientists have discovered yaroshevskite, a new mineral with the ideal formula Cu9O2(VO4)4Cl2, found in sublimates from the Yadovitaya fumarole at Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia. This opaque, black mineral forms prismatic crystals and exhibits unique structural characteristics, including corrugated layers of copper-oxygen squares connected via vanadium oxide tetrahedra and chlorine ions. The discovery was made through electron microprobe analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, revealing a triclinic crystal structure with no observed pleochroism or bireflectance. Yaroshevskite's composition includes significant amounts of copper, vanadium, and chlorine, with trace elements such as zinc, iron, arsenic, and molybdenum. The mineral is named in honor of Russian geochemist Alexei A. Yaroshevsky for his contributions to geochemistry.

Youth Visitors' Satisfaction in Greek Cultural Heritage Destinations: The Case of Delphi

Archaeological Site of Delphi — 2013 — WHEB35E146AFA

Young visitors to the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Site of Delphi express high satisfaction with the site's core cultural assets, including its monuments and landscape, yet show significant dissatisfaction with man-made facilities and operational features. This indicates that while Greece's rich cultural heritage holds strong appeal for youth travelers, there is a critical need for improved infrastructure and management to fully capitalize on this market segment. The study, based on quantitative surveys of 15-35-year-olds, reveals that Delphi's youth visitors differ demographically from the broader Greek tourist population, underscoring their unique preferences and potential as a key demographic for cultural tourism development.

Yuanmingyuan Revisited: The Confrontation of China and the West

Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing — 2013 — WHE9A0729D387

The ruins of Yuanmingyuan, or the Old Summer Palace in Beijing, stand as a stark symbol of the confrontation between China and the West during the 19th century. This study reveals that the destruction of this imperial garden by British and French forces in 1860 was not merely an act of war but a deliberate erasure of Chinese cultural heritage to assert Western dominance. Through historical analysis, the research examines the geopolitical tensions, colonial ambitions, and the broader implications of this event on Sino-Western relations. The approach combines archival research with critical discourse analysis, offering a nuanced perspective on how material destruction served as a tool of imperial power.

Zonation in the plant cover on the Wrangel Island: syntaxonomical approach

Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve — 2013 — WHE8AD26E3346

Research on Wrangel Island reveals distinct vegetation zones characterized by unique syntaxonomic traits. The study identifies four variants: two arctic tundra subzones (southern and northern), a northern typical tundra subzone, and a southern coastal polar desert zone. The polar desert zone exhibits the lowest diversity, with minimal syntaxa presence, reduced vascular plant cover, and increased lichen dominance. In contrast, the northern typical tundra shows high diversity, including 19 syntaxa on south-facing slopes and the highest phytomass (89.9 g/m²). Arctic tundra variants share similar diversity metrics but differ from other zones in syntaxa distribution and species composition. The study employs hierarchical subdivision using syntaxonomic criteria, including zonation indexes, species-area relationships, and typomorphic groups, providing a nuanced understanding of Wrangel Island's vegetation dynamics.

Zur Repräsentation von Geschichte und Kultur des Alten Orients in großen europäischen Museen

Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin — 2013 — WHED906466E6A

European 'Museums of Civilization'—including the Louvre, British Museum, and Berlin's Museum Island—reflect enduring colonial-era narratives that frame ancient Near Eastern artifacts as part of a Eurocentric historical progression. While these institutions present diverse exhibition styles (e.g., aestheticized displays in the Louvre, historically contextualized narratives in the British Museum, or incoherent presentations in Berlin), they collectively perpetuate traditional, non-innovative representations rooted in 19th-century discourses on civilization, progress, and cultural hierarchy. The study identifies this tension between varied curatorial approaches and their shared failure to evolve beyond imperialist frameworks.

Zur Repräsentation von Geschichte und Kultur des Alten Orients in großeneuropäischen Museen: Die Analyse der Dauerausstellungen in den vorderasiatischen Museen im Louvre,British Museum und Pergamonmuseum

Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin — 2013 — WHED730D39FAC

European museums, including the Louvre, British Museum, and Pergamonmuseum (Museum Island, Berlin), have historically represented ancient Near Eastern cultures through lenses shaped by imperialist ideologies. This study reveals how these institutions constructed narratives of civilization that often reflected colonial power dynamics, particularly in the 19th century. By analyzing permanent exhibitions, it highlights differences in museological approaches: the Louvre emphasized formal aesthetics, the British Museum adopted a historical-didactic style, while the Pergamonmuseum focused on associative cultural contexts. The research combines theoretical frameworks with detailed case studies, exposing how museum displays both preserve and reinterpret ancient histories within broader geopolitical narratives.

Zwischen Dogmatik und Rechtspolitik – Die Interpretationsentscheidung des Internationalen Gerichtshofs im Fall Temple of Preah Vihear

Temple of Preah Vihear — 2013 — WHEAD12E19D42

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) successfully resolved a long-standing territorial dispute over the Temple of Preah Vihear, balancing legal doctrine and geopolitical considerations. Its 2013 judgment interpreted its 1962 decision on sovereignty between Cambodia and Thailand, averting potential escalation into conflict while maintaining the integrity of prior rulings. The ICJ framed its political role as a tool for international peace, grounded in consistent jurisprudence. This approach underscored the court's ability to navigate complex disputes through rigorous legal analysis, reinforcing its position as a key arbiter in global conflicts.

‘Changing of the Guards’

Rock Carvings in Tanum — 2012 — WHE1A250A9AE8

Heritage management's traditional approach to cultural preservation, exemplified by the rock carvings at Tanum in Sweden, prioritizes public accessibility and participation while adhering to a strict epistemological standpoint on authenticity. This perspective values cultural heritage solely based on its historical significance, influencing how these sites are handled, staged, presented, and preserved. The study highlights ethical considerations in heritage management, particularly the relationship between managers and the public, as well as the balance between preservation and accessibility.

‘Nobody wants to sound like a provinciano’: The recession of unstressed vowel devoicing in the Spanish of Cusco, Perú1

City of Cuzco — 2012 — WHEFED5CD4ADC

Younger residents of Cusco, Perú, associate unstressed vowel devoicing—a distinctive feature of Andean Spanish—almost exclusively with the speech of rural migrants (provincianos), despite its persistence in local dialects. Acoustic analysis reveals that many Cusqueñans maintain devoicing rates comparable to those of rural migrants, contradicting their negative perceptions. This shift is linked to post-1950 earthquake exposure to non-devoicing Spanish dialects and heightened contact with Quechua-accented speech, alongside entrenched local ideologies devaluing rural Andean identity.

‘The breath of the mountain is my heart’: indigenous cultural landscapes and the politics of heritage

Tongariro National Park — 2012 — WHE6F27A1C09A

Heritage practices in post-settler nations often overlook the colonial histories embedded within indigenous cultural landscapes, as demonstrated by Tongariro National Park's nomination to UNESCO World Heritage status. The study reveals that narratives emphasizing ecological integrity and conservation values reframe Māori relationships with the land as merely 'natural,' thereby silencing complex indigenous connections. Using a critical heritage studies framework, it examines historical, cultural, and legal contexts, arguing that decolonizing heritage requires acknowledging systemic power dynamics and exclusions in heritage practices.

"In the Footsteps of Kraków’s European Identity" The Rynek Underground Archaeological Exhibit

Historic Centre of Kraków — 2012 — WHECA056EBE23

The Rynek Underground Archaeological Exhibit, located beneath the Cloth Hall in Kraków’s Old Town, exposes a thousand years of history through extensive excavations and interactive displays. Key discoveries include well-preserved foundations of significant structures like the Great Scales, which played a pivotal role in Kraków’s trade and prosperity, and remnants of the Rich Stalls market sector. The exhibit utilizes advanced technologies such as touch-screen interfaces, projections, and mechanical puppetry to reenact historical events, including the legend of King Krak outwitting a dragon. Archaeological findings, including artifacts like bone combs and 600-year-old leather shoes, challenge existing narratives about Kraków’s ancient eras. The project, initially met with opposition due to concerns over structural safety and commercial intentions, culminated in a 6,000-square-meter exhibit that offers a unique blend of education and entertainment, transforming the Rynek into a significant learning opportunity.

“Entre las heroínas de Maeterlinck y las vírgenes de Burne-Jones”. La primera recepción de Wanda Landowska en España (1905-1912)

Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona — 2012 — WHEB6DEF7AC5B

Wanda Landowska's reception in Spain, particularly in Barcelona's modernist cultural milieu, marked a pivotal moment for the practice of early music. Her performances at Palau de la Música Catalana in 1909, supported by Orfeó Català, left a lasting impact on Spanish musical identity. The study analyzes her influence between 1905 and 1912 through cultural documentation, including the Revista Musical Catalana, revealing how Landowska's presence intersected with broader artistic and intellectual trends of the era.

“The Busiest Man in Town”: John Hermann Kampmann and the Urbanization of San Antonio, Texas, 1848–1885

San Antonio Missions — 2012 — WHED285F6EB3B

John Hermann Kampmann's extraordinary career from 1848 to 1885 offers critical insights into the chaotic yet transformative urbanization of San Antonio, Texas. A German émigré with diverse construction and architectural skills, Kampmann played a pivotal role in reshaping the city's economic, social, and political landscape through his involvement in government, infrastructure, transportation, education, and military projects. His leadership exemplified the era's 'booster businessman' archetype, blending personal ambition with community development. The study reveals how San Antonio transitioned from a stagnant frontier town to a bustling urban center, driven by interconnected factors such as ethnic diversity, labor dynamics, and political influences.

“Young faces in old places”: perceptions of young cultural visitors for the archaeological site of Delphi

Archaeological Site of Delphi — 2012 — WHEA5D3489639

Young cultural visitors play a crucial role in the sustainability and value maximization of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, challenging the misconception that such destinations appeal primarily to older age groups. A study at the Archaeological Site of Delphi revealed four key factors influencing young travelers' perceptions: organization and facilities, learning and experience, operation and accessibility, and place and promotion. These findings highlight the need for tourism authorities to focus on young visitors to enhance their cultural engagement and ensure positive experiences. The research, though limited to one site, provides valuable insights into the unexplored market of younger audiences and suggests that addressing their needs can lead to more sustainable management of cultural heritage sites.