The discovery of 12-min X-ray pulsations from 1WGA J1958.2+3232

During a systematic search for periodic signals in a sample of ROSAT PSPC (0.1–2.4 keV) light curves, we have discovered ∼12-min large-amplitude X-ray pulsations in 1WGA J1958.2+3232, an X-ray source which lies close to the Galactic plane. The energy spectrum is well fitted by a power law with a photon index of 0.8, corresponding to an X-ray flux level of ∼ 10⁻¹² erg cm⁻² s⁻¹. The source is probably a long-period, low-luminosity X-ray pulsar, similar to X Per, or an intermediate polar.     

Exosat medium energy observations of Cyg X-2

We report on a series of observations of Cyg X-2 obtained with EXOSAT in September 1983 at five phases in a single orbital cycle (P=9.8 days, see Cowleyet al. 1979). Here we present spectral data obtained with the Argon counters of the Medium Energy experiment (ME) (see Turneret al. 1981), together with the search of Quasi Periodic Oscillations (QPOs) in high time resolution data.Paper presented at the IAU Colloquium No. 93 on Cataclysmic Variables. Recent Multi-Frequency Observations and Theoretical Developments, held at Dr. Remeis-Sternwarte Bamberg, F.R.G., 16–19 June, 1986.     

Radial velocities in the open cluster Trumpler 14

Spatially-homogenous and anisotropic Bianchi type-II and III cosmological models are obtained in Barber's second self-creation theory of gravitation both in vacuum and in the presence of perfect fluid with pressure equal to energy density. Some properties of the models are discussed.     

Landslide susceptibility zonation in the Rio Mendoza Valley, Argentina

A qualitative landslide susceptibility zonation map (scale 1:100,000) of a sector of the Río Mendoza Valley was prepared by overlapping thematic maps of conditioning factors. The main parameters affecting the distribution of landslides in the area were ranked according to slope instability. Geomorphological surveys and field observations enabled identification of 300 historical or prehistoric landslides. A landslide inventory was developed classifying the processes involved in slope instability, and analysing the degree of activity. The two most influential factors in decreasing slope stability were lithology and slope angle.     

Assessing the economic value of vernacular architecture of mountain regions using contingent valuation

Human pressure on mountain resources poses certain threats to their natural and man-made environment. Although there are many parameters involved, one of the driving forces behind this situation is the emphasis given so far only to the market value of mountain goods and services, ignoring the true social and environmental costs of using mountain resources. Towards this direction, the use of non-market valuation techniques could prove to be beneficial. Bearing in mind the above remarks, the paper presents an application of the Contingent Valuation Method, which aims at estimating the monetary value of a mountain settlement’s vernacular architecture, namely Metsovo. For this purpose, the survey focuses on Metsovo visitors’ willingness to pay a single annual voluntary contribution to an institution that would be founded in order to undertake all necessary actions required to preserve the town’s traditional character. The results are very promising and indicate that vernacular architecture holds a significant economic value that could justify the implementation of appropriate policies towards the protection of vernacular settlements in mountain areas.