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The culture of the Lu Mansion architecture in China's Kaiping County, 1900-1949

Kaiping Diaolou and Villages — 2013 — WHE5BB8513459

Kaiping County, Guangdong Province, China, is renowned for its unique architectural landscape shaped by the overseas Chinese diaspora during 1900-1949. This study reveals that the 'lu mansion,' a hybrid of traditional and Western architectural elements, emerged as a response to socio-historical forces, particularly the return of affluent overseas Chinese seeking comfort and prestige. Unlike other local structures like 'diaolou,' lu mansions featured larger living spaces, superior ventilation, advanced drainage systems, and decorative elements, reflecting their owners' wealth and cultural aspirations. The research highlights how these mansions, rooted in the traditional Lingnan two-bay three-corridor village house form, became a symbol of social status and identity during a transformative period. By analyzing architectural evolution and its socio-cultural context, this study provides insight into the interplay between vernacular design and human conditions.

The decorative in urban Vienna: Its preservation

Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn — 2013 — WHEE18698D5BD

Vienna's urban landscape, rooted in its Roman and medieval heritage, has evolved through centuries of architectural transformations, including the construction of fortifications, the expansion of gardens, and the development of the Ringstraße. The city's decorative elements—such as pavings, lighting, railings, and symbolic ornaments—reflect a rich history of artistic creation and urban planning. A key finding is the critical role of historic preservation in maintaining Vienna's unique character, highlighted by Camillo Sitte's advocacy for retaining historic details and the cancellation of plans that would have modernized the city at the expense of its heritage. The study also examines the materials used in Viennese decorations, such as stone, lime plaster, stucco, Roman cement, brickwork, and glazed tiles, and their conservation challenges. It notes the impact of speculative tall buildings on protected areas like Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens (a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996) and the Ringstraße, which threatens the city's skyline and historic context. The research combines historical analysis with scientific examination to address issues such as façadism and aggressive modern architecture.

The earliest Buddhist shrine: excavating the birthplace of the Buddha, Lumbini (Nepal)

Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha — 2013 — WHEC18D59D16C

Archaeological excavations at Lumbini, Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have uncovered rare direct evidence of early Buddhist shrines predating Emperor Ashoka's third-century BC reconstructions. The study, sponsored by UNESCO, revealed a sequence of durable brick structures replacing earlier non-durable timber ones, aligning with predictions made over 70 years ago by British prehistorian Stuart Piggott. This provides unprecedented insights into the structure and chronology of the earliest Buddhist shrines, offering a secure framework for understanding their development.

The Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna: Transformations and Memory, by Mariëtte Verhoeven

Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna — 2013 — WHE6D9A408C7D

Ravenna's Early Christian Monuments reveal how collective memory shapes historical narratives and physical transformations. Mariëtte Verhoeven's study explores the interplay between the city's monuments, their modifications over centuries, and their portrayal in historical writings from the 9th century to modernity. Unlike previous works focusing on archaeological or political history, this research examines how Ravenna's past was selectively remembered, offering insights into the evolution of cultural memory in medieval Europe. The approach highlights the significance of physical preservation and interpretive traditions, drawing parallels with other heritage sites like Aachen, where Charlemagne's legacy persists through layered historical narratives.

The effect of air pollution on stone decay: the decay of the Drachenfels trachyte in industrial, urban, and rural environments—a case study of the Cologne, Altenberg and Xanten cathedrals

Cologne Cathedral — 2013 — WHE65423A8F0B

A study on the Cologne Cathedral reveals that air pollution, particularly sulfur oxides (SOx), is a significant factor in the decay of its Drachenfels trachyte stone, characterized by gypsum crust formation and mechanical deterioration. The research compares stone decay at Cologne, Altenberg, and Xanten cathedrals—located in industrial, urban, and rural environments respectively—using chemical analyses and scanning electron microscopy. Findings indicate that while SO2 concentrations have decreased over the past 30 years, degradation persists due to past pollutant exposure. Additionally, the study identifies higher concentrations of pollutants like lead, arsenic, and antimony linked to traffic and industry, with distinct crust types (e.g., framboidal and laminar) correlating with pollution levels.

The Five-Colored Clouds of Mount Wutai: Poems from Dunhuang

Mount Wutai — 2013 — WHEA7566490D9

A collection of Chinese Buddhist poems from the Dunhuang manuscripts, analyzed by Mary Anne Cartelli, reveals significant literary evidence for Mount Wutai's transformation into the earthly paradise of the bodhisattva Manjuśrī during the Tang dynasty. The poems, titled 'The Five-Colored Clouds of Mount Wutai,' depict the mountain as a sacred and revered site, offering insights into its cultural and religious significance in Buddhist tradition. This study provides a unique perspective on the evolution of Mount Wutai's symbolic importance, enriching our understanding of its role in Tang dynasty spirituality.

The Gardens of Taj Mahal and the Sun

Taj Mahal — 2013 — WHEBB1092FA78

A detailed analysis reveals that the Taj Mahal's gardens are meticulously aligned with sunrise and sunset azimuths during solstices, showcasing advanced Mughal architectural ingenuity. This study deciphers how the mausoleum's garden layout integrates Islamic and Indian design elements to frame celestial events, particularly on equinoxes and solstices. By examining the geometric precision of the gardens' pathways and water channels, researchers demonstrate a deliberate orientation that enhances visual symmetry during key solar moments. The findings underscore the Taj Mahal's status as a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, blending spiritual symbolism with astronomical alignment.

The herbicide glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA in the Lavaux vineyard area, western Switzerland: Proof of widespread export to surface waters. Part II: The role of infiltration and surface runoff

Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces — 2013 — WHE1557D11844

A study on the Lavaux vineyard terraces in western Switzerland found that glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA are widely exported to surface waters, primarily through surface runoff (96%) rather than soil throughflows. The research, conducted over two growing seasons (2010–2011), revealed elevated concentrations of these chemicals at depths of 60–80 cm in parcel bottoms, indicating infiltration and preferential flows driven by rainfall patterns and soil characteristics. Slope steepness and the presence of impervious weathered marls at 100 cm depth influenced throughflows, contributing to lateral transport. The findings highlight that significant rainfall events (>10 mm/day) accelerate herbicide export from the topsoil, emphasizing the role of precipitation regime and soil structure in contaminant mobility.

The Impact of Tourism Revenue on the Local Communities’ Livelihood: A Case Study of Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

Ngorongoro Conservation Area — 2013 — WHEC3C7E8C62A

Tourism revenue directed to Maasai pastoralist communities in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has shown economic benefits, yet many residents remain unaware of its potential. This study, based on surveys of 119 Maasai and 39 NCA employees, reveals that while tourism contributes to local livelihoods, its impact is limited by low awareness among community members. The research highlights the need for better communication and integration of tourism revenue into existing income sources to maximize economic development in conservation areas.

The Influence of Changing Human Aspects on Plaza Spaces in Old Sana'a City

Old City of Sana'a — 2013 — WHED32BA5E061

Plaza spaces in Old Sana'a City, once vibrant hubs of social, economic, and cultural activity, have lost their significance due to changing human aspects. The study identifies key factors such as immigration, cultural and economic opening, technological progress post-1962 revolution, and republican regime influence that contributed to the decline of these spaces. The research proposes revitalizing plazas by enhancing traditional social and cultural values and introducing sustainable activities. An inferring analytical methodology was used to analyze plaza types, functions, human roles, major changes, and potential solutions for revival.

The Islandscape of the Megalithic Temple Structures of Prehistoric Malta

Megalithic Temples of Malta — 2013 — WHE084A4C25AA

Prehistoric Malta's megalithic temples suggest a sophisticated cosmology integrating land, sea, and sky, likely central to the Temple Period society (5th–4th millennium BCE). Analysis of temple orientation, location, and material culture—including artifacts and iconography—reveals patterns indicative of an islanders' worldview that harmonized terrestrial, maritime, and celestial elements. This interpretation challenges conventional narratives by proposing a cohesive cosmological framework without relying on later historical evidence. The study employs thick description to reconstruct this lost belief system, offering new insights into the cultural and symbolic dimensions of one of the Mediterranean's most enigmatic archaeological sites.

The Late Viking-Age Royal Constructions at Jelling, central Jutland, Denmark.

Viking-Age Ring Fortresses — 2013 — WHE2113703F63

Recent extensive excavations and re-evaluation of data from the Jelling royal complex in central Jutland, Denmark, have revealed new structural elements that significantly alter our understanding of its history. These discoveries include a 12.5-hectare palisade enclosure and buildings comparable to those found at King Harald Bluetooth's Trelleborg ring fortresses. This challenges previous interpretations of the site's character and provides fresh insights into the transformation processes in 10th-century South Scandinavia, shedding light on the role of Jelling and its kings during this pivotal period.

The materiality of spiritual engagement: art and the end of Ohio Hopewell

Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks — 2013 — WHEBA49D04D42

Research reveals that the decline of Ohio Hopewell, a ceremonial system in southern Ohio (AD 1–400), was marked by a radical shift in societal perception of materiality and spiritual engagement. The study suggests that the cessation of art production, large earthwork enclosures, and elaborate offerings after AD 400 indicates a widespread rejection of ritual authority and the belief in material objects' ability to mediate with the spiritual world. This transformation reflects a loss of social efficacy in art, challenging traditional understandings of how societies sustain ceremonial practices. The analysis integrates theoretical, historical, and ethnographic data to argue that this shift represents an active cultural change rather than a passive abandonment.

The MayaArch3D project: A 3D WebGIS for analyzing ancient architecture and landscapes

Maya Site of Copan — 2013 — WHE408083A072

The MayaArch3D project successfully bridges the gap between 3D modeling and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create an innovative analytical tool for studying ancient architecture and landscapes. This 3D WebGIS, named QueryArch3D, enables researchers to interact with high-resolution 3D models of structures like those in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Copán, Honduras, while also querying spatially referenced data in real time within a virtual reality (VR) environment. Unlike traditional GIS or standalone 3D models, this platform integrates multiple data types—including computer-assisted design and reality-based models—with attribute data stored in spatial databases, offering unprecedented analytical capabilities for humanities research. Beta testing demonstrates its potential to expand research questions and methodologies, marking a significant advancement in digital humanities tools.

The Northern High Time Resolution Universe pulsar survey – I. Setup and initial discoveries

Jodrell Bank Observatory — 2013 — WHEB1B077B9E3

Scientists have discovered 15 new radio pulsars, including a rare millisecond pulsar with high eccentricity and a pulsar with a characteristic age of approximately 18,000 years, through the Northern High Time Resolution Universe (NHTRU) survey. This groundbreaking effort, conducted using the 100-meter Effelsberg radio telescope, marks the first comprehensive northern sky survey at high radio frequencies in two decades. The survey employs a novel 7-beam receiver system and advanced polyphase filterbank, enabling unprecedented sensitivity to millisecond pulsars and fast transients, particularly in dense galactic regions where previous surveys faced limitations due to dispersive smearing. By optimizing observation times based on Galactic latitude, the team has uncovered significant new astronomical data, including potential supernova remnant associations for one of the discovered pulsars.

The politics of world heritage: a case study of the Pitons Management Area, St Lucia

Pitons Management Area — 2013 — WHEE833C03DF5

The Pitons Management Area (PMA) in St. Lucia, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces persistent challenges balancing conservation and development. A study analyzing media discourse revealed that while the inscription heightened the site's profile, political factors have overshadowed opportunities for sustainable management. The research, using content analysis of two leading newspapers, found a focus on addressing problems rather than leveraging benefits from the inscription. This highlights the primacy of politics in heritage management, with development quandaries persisting since the site's designation.

The ponds of Hattuša – early groundwater management in the Hittite kingdom

Hattusha: the Hittite Capital — 2013 — WHE7A4672FAD6

Research at Hattusha, the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire (1650–1200 BC), reveals that the city's large-scale ponds were likely supplied by exfiltrating groundwater rather than through long-distance pipelines. Groundwater monitoring from 2009 to 2011 showed seasonal fluctuations in water levels, rising above former pond surfaces during winter and dropping in summer. This suggests the Hittites tapped into slope aquifers, leveraging artesian sources similar to modern willow fountains in the region. The findings challenge earlier assumptions about water supply systems, demonstrating an advanced understanding of groundwater management in ancient urban planning.

The Poush Mela in Santiniketan

Santiniketan — 2013 — WHE47F1830D1C

The Poush Mela, an annual fair held at Santiniketan (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), serves as a dynamic site of social exchange, fostering cultural and intellectual interactions. This study highlights its role in preserving and promoting the heritage of Visva-Bharati, Rabindranath Tagore's institution, by bringing together diverse communities for artistic, literary, and musical performances. The research employs qualitative methods, including historical analysis and ethnographic observations, to explore how the fair facilitates dialogue among participants, reinforcing Santiniketan's legacy as a hub of cultural innovation.

The Production and Reproduction of a Monument: The Many Lives of the SanchiStupa

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi — 2013 — WHEE70BCB7208

The Sanchi Stupa complex, once a disused ruin and target of ravage, has transformed into one of the best-preserved ancient structures, reflecting its dynamic historical journey. This study uncovers how colonial-era practices—such as imaging, replication, documentation, and archaeological conservation—shaped its preservation, culminating in the 'Marshall era.' It also explores the shifting politics of control and resacralization, highlighting tensions between secular and sacred, archaeological and devotional consecrations during Sanchi's transition from a colonial to a national monument. The research traces these processes through historical narratives, institutional documentation, and photographic records, offering insights into the complex afterlives of this UNESCO World Heritage Site in postcolonial and contemporary contexts.

The rhetoric of Lao/French fusion: beyond the representation of the Western tourist experience of cuisine in the world heritage city of Luang Prabang, Laos

Town of Luang Prabang — 2013 — WHE295BF7C549

Luang Prabang's 'Lao-French fusion cuisine' is a selective and partial representation that masks the dynamic, multifaceted nature of food traditions in the UNESCO World Heritage city. This study reveals how the rhetoric of fusion, shaped by Luang Prabang's self-presentation to Western tourists, simplifies complex culinary interactions—including local farming, market dynamics, imports from neighboring countries, and social group distinctions—to create a fixed, touristic image. The research examines contestations around cuisine representation, highlighting how this narrative excludes broader food scenarios and freezes fluid processes into static depictions.