Ancient Research Articles

Transcultural Perspectives in Nursing: Understanding the Role of Healers and the Evil Eye in Modern Healthcare.

The belief in the evil eye is defined as the power to cause harm through 'negative energy' obtained through a glance. The practice of "medicine of the evil eye or sa mexina de s'ogu" by the "feminas e ominis de mexina" (healers) is so deeply rooted in the Sardinian culture that it influences health practices. Transcultural nursing, conceptualised by Madeleine Leininger, emphasises the importance of providing health care that takes into account patients' cultural beliefs, practices and values. This study aims to explore, from the perspective of Madeleine Leininger's transcultural nursing theory, the perception of the "feminas e ominis de mexina" practising "sa mexina de s'ogu", in order to promote and raise awareness among health professionals of the importance of patients' beliefs and cultures. A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted. Data were collected using semi-structured face-to-face interviews. The interviews were transcribed, read thoroughly, and analysed. Fourteen healers were interviewed. Six main themes were extracted: (1) figure of the healer in its social context; (2) dynamics and methodology related to rituals; (3) effects of the Evil Eye; (4) ritual demand; (5) effectiveness of the ritual; and (6) comparison between the ancient and modern world. These findings suggest that healers act as central pillars in the connection between traditional medicine and religious practices. In response to the results obtained, it is essential to train healthcare personnel in transcultural nursing in order to provide care that is respectful and in harmony with the individual's beliefs, promoting their comfort and well-being, and their health outcomes.

Burial of a Golden Horde Nomad from the Kovalevka Kurgan Cemetery

Introduction. The article introduces into scientific circulation the archaeological and anthropological materials from the Golden Horde burial of the Kovalevka Kurgan Cemetery. Kurgan No. 35 dating back to the early Iron Age was studied in the course of the fieldwork carried out by the Volgograd State University expedition in the Oktyabrsky district of the Volgograd region in 2021. The Kurgan is located in the southern part of the cemetery on the upper terrace of the right bank of the river Aksai Esaulovsky in an arable field. Methods and materials. Two burials were examined because of the archaeological excavations. The main burial No. 2 dates back to the late Sarmatian period, while the intake burial No. 1 dates back to the middle age period. Analysis and results. New anthropological materials were obtained in the course of the excavations, which complement our understanding of the nomadic population from the Lower Volga region. The bone remains belonged to a male individual of mesomorphic build of about 164.5 cm tall with a long and narrow skull. A set of pathological conditions were recorded on his bones, appearing because of an active lifestyle and professional activity. The outcomes of the archaeological study of the Kurgan No. 35 from the Kovalevka Kurgan cemetery as of 2021 can be used in the museum and local history work, as well as in studies of the Lower Volga regional ancient history. Authors’ contributions. In this study, V.I. Moiseev and V.Yu. Moiseeva prepared a descriptive part of the archaeological material, carried out the funeral rites and grave goods analyses, and prepared conclusions based on the results of the research. E.V. Pererva conducted a study of anthropological material and defined the craniological, osteological, and pathological features of the individual from burial 1 of the Kurgan No. 35.

Making of Contemporary Indian Philosophy and Dilemmas of Demanded Change: A Critical Study of Swaraj in Light of Neo-Vedanta

One of the legacies of Western philosophical thought has been its evolution through movements and slogans such as modernism, postmodernism, existentialism and analyticism. These popular intellectual standpoints have contributed to making Western culture more dialogical and progressive. However, in contrast, exploration of socio-philosophical movements within the Indian philosophical tradition, except for ancient times, remains relatively uncharted territory. Acknowledging this variance, the present article investigates the evolution of contemporary Indian philosophy during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It examines the core unifying principle that bound together eminent figures such as Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, K. C. Bhattacharyya and numerous others of their category, all classified as Neo-Vedantists. Precisely, the philosophy or movement under scrutiny is Swaraj, illuminated through the lens of Neo-Vedanta, presenting a distinctive perspective on human values and change.

Cellulose and its derivatives as biodegradable materials

From ancient times to the present day, human beings have carried out many studies to make their lives easier. As a result of these studies, they aimed to discover something new. With the industrial revolution, petrochemical materials began to be produced. The fact that these materials have gone through various chemical stages has become a threat to human health. In addition, the fact that petroleum-derived materials remain in nature for centuries without degrading, and the parallel increase in environmental problems has led humanity to search for different resources. In this work, general information is given about the types of derivatives obtained from cellulose, which is the most common in nature.

Специфика добровольческой деятельности в условиях современной России

The article presents the features of the formation of modern Russian volunteer activity, which in the last decade has become a large-scale systemic social phenomenon in the history of our country. The active life position of Russians is realized in the desire to be useful to society through real participation in specific projects of the vol-unteer movement. The approaches, reasons and potential for the development and functioning of volunteer movements are considered. It is noted that in the formation of volunteering as a social system there is, on the one hand, reliance on traditional experience, on the other hand – the desire to use the potential of modern technology and management functioning. The demand for the volunteer movement is beyond doubt, however, in the modern situation, its organization and functionality require the participation of government agencies in order to structure, finance and provide a legal basis for many activities carried out by volunteers. Various areas in which there is a greater need for volunteer support are being considered, ranging from helping the elderly to providing all kinds of support in situations of natural disasters, such as fires or floods. Modern Russian volun-teering is based on mutual assistance, spirituality and a sense of collectivism that has been inherent in our people since ancient times.

Cultural Comparisons: A Comparison of Tea Drinking Traditions in Java and Sichuan

Tea is a type of drink that has been around since ancient times. In fact, in some regions, tea has become an integral part of culture and an inseparable part of people's social life, and also contains philosophical values. In each region, tea has its own characteristics. This is based on the variety and type of tea leaves themselves as well as the way they are served which are different in each region. The diversity of types of tea and forms of presentation certainly cannot be separated from differences in the environment where the tea leaves grow, as well as the origin of the tea in a particular region. These two factors refer to the practice of drinking tea and the different ways of serving tea in each region. China will immediately come to mind when you hear the word tea, because its tea culture is still strong today. On the one hand, Indonesia still adheres to its tea drinking culture. Tea has its own position in the traditions and practices of several cultures in China and Indonesia, especially in the Sichuan region and the island of Java. The aim of this research is to explore some of the differences that exist in tea drinking traditions in Java and Sichuan. We will also explore various cultural aspects that influence the practice of drinking tea, such as how tea is served, the type of tea used, related customs, and the symbolic meaning attached to the tea drinking ritual itself. So that in the end, readers will be able to appreciate the cultural diversity that exists in this world and encourage the exchange of knowledge and experience in tea drinking practices in both regions. The research method that is used is qualitative method of library research, namely collecting data by searching for sources and reconstructing information from various sources such as books, journals and existing research. The findings from this research are differences in the presentation and way of enjoying tea in Java and Sichuan.

Comparative phytochemical analysis, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of rhizome and leaves of Curcuma caesia Roxb. and Curcuma longa L.

Turmeric is a well-known medicinal herb used for traditional and medicinal purposes since ancient times. It is also an important ingredient in the cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries. Two common species, Curcuma longa L. (yellow turmeric) and Curcuma caesia Roxb. (black turmeric), are noted for their medicinal potential. However, commercially, yellow turmeric is more extensively explored than black turmeric. In the present study, a comparative phytochemical analysis was conducted, along with in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity assessment of the rhizome and leaves of both yellow and black turmeric. GC-MS and FTIR analysis revealed a wide range of phytocompounds with known medicinal properties in both yellow and black turmeric rhizome. The presence of biologically significant phytocompounds such as methyl stearate, glycidyl oleate, curcumenol and eucalyptol in higher proportion in the rhizome of C. caseia compared to yellow turmeric supports further exploration of the commercial and medicinal potential of C. caseia. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory analyses indicated that the rhizome of C. caseia possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities comparable to those of C. longa. This study also reports the presence of bioactive metabolites in the leaves of both black and yellow turmeric, along with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in the leaves comparable to their respective rhizomes. These findings suggest that turmeric leaves could be as significant as turmeric rhizomes for medicinal and industrial applications.

Solar eclipse maps – historical and contemporary methodologies

ABSTRACT The first part of this paper examines the history of solar eclipse maps of the world from the seventeenth century to present. It compares the path of centrality (totality or annularity) on a few antique maps with the corresponding path given by modern astronomy programs. The research examines the connections between cartography, astronomy, ancient history, chronology, and archaeology. Since the uncertainties of Delta-T are accountable for the accuracy of eclipse maps, special attention has been devoted to ancient key eclipses. Through the identification of the earliest solar eclipse traditions in the Near East, it recommends new chronological anchors to help astronomers, mapmakers, and editors of historical atlases. It suggests the acceptance of four eclipses of the Long Chronology between June 2353 B.C. and February 1659 B.C. for the rate of Earth’s rotation. Optimal combined selection of ancient historical eclipse records and traditions is presented, to obtain the best-fitting curve of Delta-T (clock-time error) that is the key for the accuracy of solar eclipse maps. Several early historical solar eclipses are identified with high probability.

Virtual Platform for Museum: A Case Study with Oman Across Ages Museum

Abstract: The Virtual Platform for Oman across Ages Museum (VPOAAM) is a project initiated in 2015 in Manah, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, aiming to highlight the unique qualities of the Sultanate of Oman and its features, ancient history, and Renaissance. The project, designed in the shape of mountains, was initiated by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq the Great. The project is situated on a 300,000 square meter land area with a building area of 66,591 square meters, designed in the shape of mountains. The late Sultan Qaboos bin Said laid the foundation stone for the project, which inspires architectural innovation and showcases the Sultanate of Oman's qualitative transition from its historical splendors to its bright present. Visitors can explore the museum's art and historical collection online, with interactive virtual tours allowing them to interact and learn about art pieces and exhibits. The museum also contains a wide range of multimedia, including images, videos, written texts, and audio information, allowing visitors to interact with antiques and artistic exhibits. These are a glance of the museum we taken as case study to develop the platform with the approval and kind support from the competent authority of the museum. After successful completion of the research project; the output will be the same museum in a virtual platform. This research conducted with a number of items among thousands of physical items in the museum. And the result shows a significant remark to continue and complete the virtual museum platform for the stated museum.

Ivory in Light of Cuneiform Sources

Ivory is one the precious and sought materials in most of the ancient Near Eastern civilizations in Mesopotamia, the Levant and ancient Egypt, and man has excelled in using ivory since ancient times, to produce carved and polished pieces of great artistic value, and ivory carvings are of great importance as one of the materials that show us the amount of Luxury in the Assyrian royal court, as they are included in the inlay of furniture, thrones, chairs and tables, as well as decorative boxes, scales, combs and others, and the Assyrian kings paid great attention to this material and became one of the faces of art in the modern Assyrian era.

The Religious Sacred in the Novels of Khudair Falih Al-Zaidi

The religious sanctity constitutes a spiritual and moral value in the life of the religious person from ancient times until our present era, regardless of religions and backgrounds. For the individual, it is considered a powerful energy that is distinguished by its presence from other ordinary things, as it constitutes the religious identity of that society. Khudair Falih Al-Zaidi is one of the writers whose literary and fictional productions were not devoid of mention, criticism, and treatment of it, and who extended his sensory and emotional perceptions from it and emanated from the core of the environment or, let us say, the society to which he belongs. Since every society has sacred things of a religious nature that are appreciated and respected, especially whether in themselves, such as (God Almighty, the holiness of the heavenly books, the prophets, and the family of the Prophet) or those whose holiness is believed. In a society as diverse in culture and religions as the writer’s Iraqi environment, and thus its diverse sanctities of beliefs, rites, and rituals.

Ivory in Light of Cuneiform Sources

Ivory is one the precious and sought materials in most of the ancient Near Eastern civilizations in Mesopotamia, the Levant and ancient Egypt, and man has excelled in using ivory since ancient times, to produce carved and polished pieces of great artistic value, and ivory carvings are of great importance as one of the materials that show us the amount of Luxury in the Assyrian royal court, as they are included in the inlay of furniture, thrones, chairs and tables, as well as decorative boxes, scales, combs and others, and the Assyrian kings paid great attention to this material and became one of the faces of art in the modern Assyrian era.

Changes in BDNF Concentration in Men after Foam Roller Massage.

Massage is one of the oldest forms of therapy practiced since ancient times. Nowadays, it is used in sports practice, recovery from injury, or supportive therapy for various conditions. The practice of massage uses a variety of instruments that facilitate massaging while relieving the stress on the masseur. One of them is a foam roller. Although roller massage is widely used, there are still no scientific studies describing the biological mechanisms of its effects on the body. The purpose of our study was to analyze the effect of roller massage on BDNF levels in men undergoing self-massage 4x/week/7 weeks. The control group consisted of men who did not perform self-massage. Before the test and after the first, third, fifth, and seventh weeks of self-massage, the study participants' blood was drawn, the serum BDNF was determined, and the results were subjected to analysis of variance by ANOVA test. After the first week of self-massage, an increase in BDNF concentration was observed in the self-massage group compared to the control group (p = 0.023). Similarly, changes were observed in week five (p = 0.044) and week seven (p = 0.046). In the massaged group, BDNF concentrations were significantly higher after the first week of self-massage compared to baseline. In the third week of the study, BDNF decreased to a value comparable to the baseline study, then increased significantly in the fifth and seventh weeks compared to the value recorded in the third week (p = 0.049 and p = 0.029). It was significantly higher in week seven compared to week five (p = 0.03). Higher concentrations of BDNF in subjects undergoing roller self-massage may be one of the biological mechanisms justifying the therapeutic effects of massage in both sports and clinical practice. Studies analyzing the stimulation of BDNF synthesis through various massage techniques should be performed on a larger group of healthy individuals, patients after trauma of multiple origins, and sick people with indications for therapeutic massage.

The Idea of ‘Loosening the Bond Between Ground and Structure’ in Antiquity and Archaeological Evidence on Antiseismic Foundations

Antiseismic structures in antiquity are often overlooked or disputed by those working in the field, even though they are not mentioned in written sources. At the very least, it should be recognized that some of the traditional structures and building techniques of ancient cultures in Anatolia and surrounding regions were antiseismic before today’s concrete structures. In fact, these techniques were sometimes applied over a wide geographical area and sometimes in a narrower region, as if under the control of a central government, administration or idea, and continue to be used for a long time. Archaeological studies reveal that some construction methods were widely used to support structures affected by dynamic loads. Such methods were applied and developed by engineers, architects and artisans who were fully aware of the effects of earthquakes on structures. Therefore, antiseismic structures must have emerged due to awareness of earthquake hazards. Wood in foundations and walls in Anatolia in the Bronze Ages, sand in Mesopotamia and Egypt, sand, ash, coal and lime in Greek architecture, and opus caementicum in Rome were applied in and under the foundation in more durable or long-lasting building construction techniques. Undoubtedly, wood and wood foundations have been known and used since the Bronze Age. Unfortunately, with the emergence of new materials and technologies, the traditional architectural understanding of Anatolia was almost wholly removed from construction practice. As in modern constructions, in archaeological studies, attention is paid to the structures’ above- ground units, while the underground foundation sections are overlooked. Data about the use of wood in the groundwork is sometimes discovered by chance. This article demonstrates that the idea of loosening the bond between structure and ground was known in ancient times. Although the technical solutions used in the past match the principles of base insulation, it is arguable whether they are genuinely antiseismic as they are today.

Multispectral investigation of natural resins.

Resins have been used as remedies since ancient times and various embalming resins have been identified in recent years. In Europe, Mumia vera aegyptiaca, a resinous substance from ancient Egyptian mummies, was even sold in pharmacies as a tonic until the early 20th century. It is difficult to examine the composition of these archeological samples in detail as the well-established analytical techniques, that is, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry or liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, are destructive and therefore do not allow the analysis of valuable archeological samples. Hence, there is an urgent need for alternative, nondestructive methods for the identification of resin residues. This study aims to explore and compare the use of five spectroscopic methods as an alternative to established analytical procedures. For that, 15 resin samples of known origin and three samples from an Egyptian market were studied. While laser induced-breakdown spectroscopy and terahertz time-domain spectroscopy provide only limited information for resin classification, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy can be used to classify the resin samples more accurately. Furthermore, photoluminescence/photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy shows a promising potential in combination with its general advantages, such as cost-efficiency, nondestructive nature, and fast data acquisition.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Dibatie district, Metekel zone, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, western Ethiopia

BackgroundHerbal medicine has been used for the treatment of human and livestock ailments since ancient times. Numerous rural and urban communities in Ethiopia practice traditional medicine and transfer the knowledge verbally from generation to generation. Thus, this study was conducted to document the traditional medicinal plants and associated indigenous knowledge in Dibatie district, Metekel zone, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, western Ethiopia.MethodsThree hundred seventy-four (374) informants from 11 kebeles (the smallest administrative units) were selected and participated in the data delivery. The ethnobotanical data collection was carried out using semi-structured interviews, preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, field observation, market surveys, and focus group discussions, including voucher specimen collections. The ethnobotanical data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage), ranking, comparison, and quantitative ethnobotanical techniques such as informant consensus factor, fidelity level index, Jaccard’s coefficient of similarity, and use value index.ResultsA total of 170 plant species were recorded to treat 79 human and 29 livestock ailments. Fabaceae (with 20 species) and Asteraceae (with 18 species) were the most dominant medicinal plant families in the area. Most remedial plants were herbs (61 species, 35.88%), followed by shrubs (39 species, 22.94%). The majority (135 species, 79.41%) of medicinal plants were harvested from wild sources and mainly possessed multiple remedy parts (41.17%) that are usually prescribed in fresh form (60.13%). The most commonly reported human ailment was snake venom, while blackleg was mostly reported among livestock diseases. The herbal medicines were mostly administered orally (52.20%), followed by dermal (17.62%) application. Embelia schimperi Vatke, Glinus lotoides L., Haplosciadium abyssinicum Hochst., Mucuna melanocarpa Hochst. ex A. Rich., and Phragmanthera macrosolen (Steud. ex A. Rich.) M.G.Gilbert had the highest fidelity level values (100%) against the corresponding ailments.ConclusionThe study area is rich in a diversity of potential medicinal plants and associated indigenous knowledge. Thus, appropriate conservation actions and careful utilization are essential to counteract the rise of anthropogenic threats and to ensure the continuity of plants with the related indigenous knowledge. Additionally, the medicinal plants should be validated through experimentation to integrate local knowledge with modern medications.

Isotope values reveal “canopy effect” in deer territoriality and maize consumption for dogs from archaeological sites in Kentucky dating to the Middle Woodland through Late Fort Ancient time periods

This research analyzes stable carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen isotope values in tooth collagen and enamel to investigate foraging and territorial behavior in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann) and maize (Zea mays Linneaus) consumption in dogs (Canis familiaris Linneaus). The study analyzed 22 deer teeth from 13 archaeological sites in Kentucky covering a span of approximately 1,500 years of human occupation. The article presents evidence of foraging and territorial behavior in white-tailed deer, identified through the “canopy effect” observed in deer stable carbon isotope values in remains spanning from the Middle Woodland (200 BCE – CE 500) to Late Fort Ancient (CE 1400 – 1680) time periods in Kentucky. Additionally, teeth samples from nine dog and one wolf (Canis lupus Linneaus) were analyzed and indicate significant consumption of maize in seven of the dog samples. These specimens came from seven archaeological sites in Kentucky dating from the Early through Late Fort Ancient (CE 1400 – 1680) time periods. The study also contributes to the growing database of isotope studies in the Eastern Woodlands by presenting carbon and nitrogen isotope values on deer bone collagen from nine deer bone samples from three of the same archaeological sites dating to the Middle Woodland to Early Late Woodland.

Venom: A Promising Avenue for Antimicrobial Therapeutics.

Venom in medicine is well documented in the chronicles of ancient Greece and the Roman Empire and persisted into the Renaissance and even into the modern era. Venoms were not always associated with detrimental consequences. Since ancient times, the curative capacity of venom has been recognized, portraying venom as a metaphor for pharmacy and medicine. Venom proteins and peptides' antimicrobial potential has not undergone systematic exploration despite the huge literature on natural antimicrobials. In light of the escalating challenge of antimicrobial resistance and the diminishing effectiveness of antibiotics, there is a pressing need for innovative antimicrobials capable of effectively addressing illnesses caused by multidrug-resistant microorganisms. This review adds to our understanding of the effectiveness of different venom components against a host of pathogenic microorganisms. The aim is to illuminate the various antimicrobials present in venom and venom peptides, thereby emphasizing the unexplored medicinal potential for antimicrobial properties. We have presented a concise summary of the molecular examination of the venom peptides' functioning processes, as well as the current clinical and preclinical progress of venom antimicrobial peptides.

Theoretical and Methodological foundations for Creating a Historical Exhibition in the Museums of Kazakhstan

This article addresses significant issues in museum work, a key aspect of implementing Kazakhstan’s cultural policy. The study and promotion of history in museums are conducted through expositions and exhibitions. One of the primary tasks of modern museums is to emphasize the importance of tangible culture in the era of digital communication as a crucial resource for national competitiveness and global recognition. As cultural institutions implementing state strategic policies, museums present Kazakhstan’s historical and cultural values to the world through National Exhibitions of the country in particular, and of Turkic culture in general. This academic article discusses the conceptual framework for creating a historical exhibition covering periods from ancient times to the Kazakh Khanate, using unique exhibits from the National Museum’s collection. The methodology for creating a world-class national exhibition is based on civilizational principles. The authors aim to to present a comprehensive image of Kazakh history through museum exhibitions, reflecting the cultural code of the steppe civilization.The authors view museums as cultural, educational, scientific institutions that play a crucial role in popularizing and preserving national values. They provide scientifically grounded concepts for national exhibitions by addressing theoretical and methodological issues and methods of exhibition creation.

Evolution of understanding the anatomy of the respiratory system

This article highlights the history of the development of the anatomy of the respiratory system. The preparation of this publication utilized articles from journals included in the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI) and Pub- Med. The depth of the publication search spanned 20 years. The article summarizes knowledge about the development of ideas about the anatomy of the respiratory system. The first mentions of the respiratory organs—lungs, bronchi, trachea—date back to Ancient times. Scientists and physicians of that era attempted to determine the structure of the lungs. Not all medical schools associated breathing with the lungs. During the Renaissance, empirical knowledge in this field continued to accumulate. Autopsies allowed for more detailed descriptions of the chest structure, lungs, trachea, and bronchial system. The invention of the microscope in the 17th century enabled the study of lung structure down to the alveoli and capillaries. Various types of epithelial cells of the respiratory tract, nasal cavity sinuses, and more were described. In modern times, technologies have made it possible to obtain the first microphotographs showing the ultrastructure of the pulmonary capillary and the blood-gas barrier. The history of the development of the understanding of the anatomy of the respiratory system can be considered when studying specific topics within university courses such as "Human Anatomy," "History of Medicine," and "History of Biology."