Archival Information Research Articles

The terror of the red partisans against the clergy and believers during the Civil War in the South-Western Siberia: an experience of generalization

The article summarizes the results of the analysis of a dramatic chapter in the history of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) during the civil war in the South-Western Siberia. Based on archival material and information from publications of the early 20th century, as well as the works of Siberian historians, this study examines the reasons for the persecution of clergy, the geographical distribution of the red “partisanism” activities, the connection between anarcho-syndicalism and terror. In additions, the paper estimates approximate the number of victims and the consequences of these tragic events. It was revealed that pogroms of believers and clergy, robbery and destruction of prayer facilities took place everywhere throughout South-Western Siberia. The escalation of terror was exacerbated by the influence of anarchist ideas among the commanding staff of the partisan detachments, who took an implacable and more radical attitude than the Bolsheviks to the institution of the church and the clergy.

GALADRIEL: A facility for advancing engineering science relevant to rep-rated high energy density physics and inertial fusion energy experiments.

Many current and upcoming laser facilities used to study high-energy-density (HED) physics and inertial fusion energy (IFE) support operating at high rep-rates (HRRs) of ∼0.1-10Hz, yet many diagnostics, target-fielding strategies, and data storage methods cannot support this pace of operation. Therefore, established experimental paradigms must change for the community to progress toward rep-rated operation. To this end, we introduce the General Atomics LAboratory for Developing Rep-rated Instrumentation and Experiments with Lasers, or GALADRIEL, to serve as a test bed for developing and benchmarking the engineering science advancements required for HRR experiments. GALADRIEL was constructed from the ground up around a commercial 1TW (∼25 mJ in ∼25fs at 800nm) laser with diverse experimental applications in mind. Assembly of the basic framework of GALADRIEL concluded with commissioning shots generating ∼1-4MeV electrons via laser-wakefield acceleration (LWFA) using a nitrogen gas jet. Subsequent LWFA experiments operated at 1Hz, utilized instrument feedback for optimization, and stored all data in a custom-built NoSQL database system. From this database called MORIA, or the MOngodb Repository for Information Archiving, data are retrievable via individual files or en masse by query requests defined by the user. GALADRIEL focuses on outstanding questions in engineering science, including targetry, diagnostics, data handling, environmental and materials studies, analysis and machine learning algorithm development, and feedback control systems. GALADRIEL fills a niche presently missing in the US-based user-facility community by providing a flexible experimental platform to address problems in engineering science relevant to rep-rated HED and IFE experiments.

Rmacrostrat : An R package for accessing and retrieving data from the Macrostrat geological database

The geological record is a vast archive of information that provides the only empirical data about the evolution of the Earth. In recent years, concentrated efforts have been made to compile macrostratigraphic data into the online centralized database Macrostrat. Macrostrat is a global stratigraphic database containing information regarding surface and subsurface rock units and their respective ages, lithologies, geographic extents, and various other associated metadata. However, these raw data are currently directly accessible only through the Macrostrat application programming interface, which is a barrier to potential users that are less familiar with such services. This data accessibility hurdle currently prevents full capitalization of the value offered by Macrostrat, particularly its potential to improve understanding of the geological and biological evolution of the Earth. Here, we introduce rmacrostrat, an R package that interfaces with the Macrostrat database to access and retrieve a variety of geological, paleontological, and economic data directly into the R programming environment. In this article, we provide details about how the package can be installed, its implementation, and potential use cases. For the latter, we showcase how rmacrostrat can be used to visualize regional stratigraphic columns, produce regional geologic outcrop maps, and investigate temporal trends in macrostratigraphic units. We hope that this package will make geological data more readily accessible and in turn will facilitate new research utilizing Earth system data.

A Langur from Sumatra

Abstract Researchers interested in the colonial provenance of European natural history collections find themselves currently in an ambiguous position. On one hand, there is a fast-growing amount of digital services that provide them with statistics, names and lists of objects that have been accumulated in former colonial areas and are now stored in natural history museums in the Global North. On the other hand, these digital collection services fail to provide researchers with archival information on historical collection contexts, local names and meanings of animals and plants, and the labour, knowledges, colonial infrastructure and (epistemic) violence that were necessary to move tens of millions of natural objects across the globe. By zooming in on the digital representation of a black-crested Sumatran langur collected on the island of Sumatra (Indonesia) in the 1830s, this short paper reflects on the impact of these data absences on the further development of large-scale data infrastructures in the field. Inspired by earlier problematization of the digital turn in collection-based biodiversity sciences, this paper argues for the more sustained use of archival evidence so as to rethink what it means to infrastructure ‘biodiversity heritage’ collections in a digital age.

Students and Patients’ Compliance towards Dental Software Used In Private Dental College in Chennai - A Prospective Trial

Objective: This study aimed to assess the compliance and satisfaction of third-year undergraduate dental students and patients using the Dental Information Archiving System (DIAS) in a private dental college in Chennai, focusing on ease of use, time efficiency, and overall experience. Methods: A prospective trial was conducted at Saveetha Dental College, involving 100 dental students and 100 patients. Compliance and user satisfaction were measured using a questionnaire administered at two-time points: at the initial clinical appointment and after four weeks of using DIAS. The questionnaire included multiple-choice and Likert-scale questions addressing key aspects such as ease of use, perceived value, and efficiency of the system. Results: Patients: Awareness of DIAS increased significantly from 78% to 96% between the first and second visits. Patient satisfaction with the software’s time efficiency and perceived security improved drastically, with 93% finding the time spent reasonable by the second visit (p = 0.000). Confidence in data security rose from 4% to 85% (p = 0.000). Students: Familiarity with DIAS improved from 7% to 61% (p = 0.000), and preference for DIAS over traditional methods increased from 28% to 67% (p = 0.000). The time required for DIAS usage decreased, while the application of clinical knowledge increased from 67% to 74% (p = 0.008). Conclusion: The study demonstrated that both students and patients showed significant improvements in compliance and satisfaction with the dental software over time. Increased exposure led to better understanding and trust in the system, highlighting the potential of DIAS to enhance clinical education and patient care. However, challenges related to data security, interoperability, and the need for ongoing training remain critical for wider implementation.

Penerapan Metode Scrum untuk Sistem Informasi Arsip Surat di Kantor Kecamatan Umbu Ratu Nggay Barat

The implementation of an effective and efficient information system is very important in managing letter archives in government offices. This study aims to design and implement a letter archive information system using the Scrum method at the Umbu Ratu Nggay Barat District Office. Scrum was chosen as a software development framework because of its adaptive and iterative nature, allowing the team to accommodate changing needs quickly. Through this approach, system development is carried out in several sprints, which ensures that the development process runs in a structured manner with a clear division of tasks. The results of this study indicate that the implementation of the Scrum method can increase efficiency in the letter archive management process and accelerate the response to changes in system needs. With this letter archive information system, the sub-district office can manage letter documents in a more organized, easily accessible, and secure manner. This study is expected to be the basis for further development to improve the quality of administrative services in government institutions.

ARCHIVES COMMUNICATION: MUTATIONS OF A FUNCTION

Objective: The objective of this article is to examine the evolving communication function of archives in the context of new information and communication technologies. It aims to identify the impact of digitalization on archival practices, focusing on how these changes enhance the accessibility and usability of archival materials for the public and researchers. By exploring the emerging practices of archivists and their role in facilitating effective communication, this article seeks to highlight the significance of communication in the archival profession and to provide insights into the best practices for ensuring a positive user experience in the consultation of archival documents. Theoretical Framework: This article explores the communication of archives in the digital age, focusing on communication theory, digital archive science, user-centered design, social constructivism, and information behavior. It emphasizes the importance of understanding historical and cultural contexts, user needs, and information behavior to design effective communication strategies. Method: This article uses a qualitative research approach to examine the evolving communication function of archives in the context of digital technologies. It uses literature review, case studies, interviews with archivists, user surveys, and content analysis to understand the impact of digitalization on archives and identify best practices for archivists. Results and Discussion: The literature review, case studies, interviews, user surveys, and content analysis reveal a significant shift in archival practices towards digital communication. Key themes include accessibility, user engagement, and the role of digital technologies in transforming traditional functions. Successful examples include digitization of collections, innovative outreach strategies, and collaborations between archivists and technology experts. Key themes include a user-centered approach, balancing digital and traditional practices, ongoing training, and collaboration between archivists, technology professionals, and user communities. Research Implications: This study highlights the need for further research in archival science and communication to explore digital practices, user experience, collaboration models, social media's impact, training for archivists, ethical considerations, and long-term impact on research outcomes. It emphasizes the need for in-depth studies on user experience, collaboration models, social media's role, and the impact of training on professional development and broader societal impact. Originality/Value: This article explores the evolving communication function of archives in response to digital advancements. It integrates theoretical frameworks with practical insights from case studies, interviews, and user surveys. The research emphasizes user-centered approaches, empirical evidence, and best practices for archivists. It contributes to ongoing discourse on the future of archives and raises ethical considerations, addressing challenges faced by archivists.

Magnetite Survivability and Non‐Stoichiometric Magnetite Formation in Presence of Oxyhalogen Brines on Mars

AbstractThe mixed Fe(II)/Fe(III) mineral magnetite [Fe3O4] of various stoichiometric and non‐stoichiometric compositions have been reported in Martian soils and rocks by several rover missions. Magnetite is an important paleomagnetic indicator mineral and can serve as a ‘biogeobattery’ as a consequence of its magnetic properties and the mixed valence state of iron in its structure. Here, we assess the extent of oxidative weathering of magnetite in presence of chlorate and bromate containing solutions that are likely important oxidants on Mars. Oxyhalogen species, chlorate and bromate, produced non‐stoichiometric magnetite [Fe(II)/Fe(III) < 0.5] in Mars‐relevant, near‐neutral pH fluids; no other ferric minerals were produced. The same results were observed in highly acidic fluids with or without oxyhalogens. Owing to its resistance to extensive oxidation, magnetite can serve as an important archive of geochemical, paleomagnetic, and astrobiological information in samples that will be returned by the Mars Sample Return mission.

Ship pictures on the municipal seals of medieval seaports: Ship seals show notices to mariners on tokens of municipal identity

Many late-medieval western European seaports showed a ship in the central image of their municipal seal (a ship seal). Municipal seals to identify and authorize documents ranging from important supra-regional charters to local ephemera were widely used at the time, and probably also on trade contracts and (predecessors to) maritime bills of lading. This study of 115 ship seals from 80 seaports between ad 1200 and ad 1450 reveals that the central image of all ship seals contained striking details, strongly reminiscent of semiotic pictorial signals that conveyed information. The supposed signals were assigned a probable meaning by linking them to nautical aspects of the approach to each seaport and to the state of the harbour at the time. The results strongly suggest that the signals provided information about the risks and hazards in the approach to port, the water depth, and the facilities at the port in question. Compelling evidence comes from ports issuing successive ship seals over an extended period of time: updated images with properly adjusted signals were shown on subsequent seals when significant changes in the approach or port facilities had occurred, but the signals remained the same as long as the local situation stayed unchanged. These findings provide a clear explanation for the divergent ship portraits; ship seals served a dual purpose: first, to confirm the identity of the seaport and the authority of the council in its various actions and tasks, and, second, to provide up-to-date insight into the nautical challenges when approaching the port and in the local port facilities, in a manner similar to the current ‘notices to mariners’ from hydrographic offices. The rapidly increasing number of ports using ship seals in the thirteenth century and their continued use for two centuries supports the success of this late-medieval nautical information system. The study results also provide up-to-date impressions of the 80 seaports involved and of various nautical aspects of the hazardous maritime traffic in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, about which written archival information is scarce. The results may help to put the rare yield of maritime archaeology of this period into perspective. The ship seals lost their appeal as buoys and beacons made approaches safer, harbours became deeper and better equipped, and written information (‘rutters’) became widely available.

The Fiocruz archives: sources for research on science and health during the military dictatorship (1964-1985)

The scope of this paper is to analyze the relationship between the country's political redemocratization process from the 1980s onwards and the issue of identification, preservation and access to the archives of information and security bodies that worked to combat the opponents of the authoritarian regime during the military dictatorship (1964-1985). It addresses the dictatorship's action on university and scientific institutions, to highlight the importance of the archive of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, as well as the personal files maintained by scientists and donated to Casa de Oswaldo Cruz. It features archives and collections organized and available for public consultation, which can serve as research sources for historical studies on science and health during the dictatorship.

The Strange Career of a Black Utopia Ethiopia, The Land of Promise. A Book with a Purpose, by Charles Henry Holmes (aka Clayton Adams)

This essay presents archival information about Charles H. Holmes and argues that his understudied novel, Ethiopia, The Land of Promise (1917), represents an important chapter in the history of Afrofuturism and American speculative fiction. The literary critical relevance of Ethiopia emerges forcefully from Holmes’s intertextual dialogue with other utopian and science fiction authors, such as Martin R. Delany, Sutton E. Griggs, Pauline E. Hopkins, Frances E.W. Harper, Edward Bellamy, and W.E.B. Du Bois. Holmes’s critique of Jim Crow segregation enables the articulation of a “distinctly revolutionary” project for African American futurity.

Determination of Etiology and Risk Factors in Patients Applying to Our Outpatient Clinic for Weight Loss

Archive information of 100 patients who applied to Ankara University Health Sciences University Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Training and Research Hospital Internal Diseases Polyclinic between 01 December 2016 and 01 June 2017 with a desire to lose weight was examined. Patients who were excluded from exclusion criteria and whose BMI was m2 25 kg / m2 were included in the study. Age, gender, curriculum vitae, blood pressure, anthropometric measurements and laboratory data recorded in patient files were used in the routine functioning of the Internal Diseases Polyclinic. Measurements and blood tests were done in the morning hours after at least 8 hours of fasting. The data of the study were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical package program. Size E: 178.00 (165-186), K: 161.00 (150-185) (p

RESULTS OF THE TECHNICAL INSPECTION OF A MULTI-STORY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING DAMAGED AS A RESULT OF A ROCKET IMPACT

The article presents the results of the examination of the technical condition of part of the construction structures of the building damaged as a result of a missile strike, the determination of the characteristics and classification of their defects and damage, the provision of conclusions and recommendations regarding the correction of the life cycle and further safe and reliable operation of the building. As part of the study, the object of the survey was a monolithic 22-story residential building with a basement (ATP) floor and a complex configuration in plan. The structural scheme of the complex is a monolithic reinforced concrete frame with stiffening cores. The stability and rigidity of the frame is ensured by diaphragms of stiffness in the form of reinforced concrete walls, elevator-stair nodes and rigid nodes connecting pylons and horizontal disks of monolithic reinforced concrete floor slabs. During the examination, visual and instrumental methods of research were performed. Before the field work, measures were taken to collect design and archival information about the research object. Instrumental studies to determine the actual concrete strength of reinforced concrete frame elements and to determine the diameter, protective layer and pitch of the working rods of the reinforcing frames of the load-bearing elements were carried out by non-destructive methods. The calculation model of the spatial scheme of the structure of the frame of the residential building, taking into account the damage, was made in the subsystem (PS) "COMPOSITION" of the software complex (PC) "MONOMAH CAD". The result of the survey is conclusions and recommendations, which indicate the specifics of damage and types of defects, destruction and debris in various structural elements that were discovered during the survey. The general technical condition of the residential building is classified as emergency. As for the recommendations, two options for carrying out repair and restoration works were provided. The first option is to restore the plan-elevation position of the building, the design marks of vertical and horizontal structures and the unloading of overloaded structures, to be performed with the help of an automatic hydraulic complex. The second option is the arrangement of temporary strengthening of emergency structures with the help of a metal space frame, without restoring the planned height position of the residential building.

Cabral and Revolution in Portuguese-Speaking Africa

In Amilcar Cabral: The Life of a Reluctant Nationalist, a translation and revision of his earlier Portuguese edition, Antonio Tomas addresses what he sees as a gap between the reality of the armed struggle in Guinea and the ways in which it has been discussed by all previous writers on the subject. He claims to base his critique on newly released archival information and recent publications on Cabral, Portuguese colonialism, and its anti-colonial movements in Africa.

Assessment of the quality of oral squamous cell carcinoma clinical records in oral surgery with Surgical Tool for Auditing Records (STAR) scoring

BackgroundThe Surgical Tool for Auditing Records scoring system [STAR] focuses on surgical record auditing with promising outcomes. It offers a structured approach to evaluating the quality of surgical notes.Aims and objectivesThis study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the STAR in evaluating oral surgical records and identifying areas for improvement in documentation practices.Materials and methodsThe data was obtained from the Dental Information Archival Software (DIAS) of our institution. The sample size was determined using G*Power 3.1.9.4 software. Fifty consecutive oral surgery clinical records of oral squamous cell carcinoma patients were evaluated using STAR. Each record was reviewed for adherence to documentation standards including Initial Assessment (10 points), Follow-up Entries (8 points), Consent Documentation (7 points), Anesthesia Report (7 points), Surgical Log (9 points), and Discharge Synopsis (9 points). compiling a total STAR score (50 points). The data was tabulated in Google Sheets. The descriptive statistics with inter-observer agreement and the mean score were recorded.ResultsWe observed that each of the 50 records received a score of 49/50 points on the STAR. Deductions were necessary in the Operative record section due to the lack of information regarding the sutures used.ConclusionTo summarize, this study emphasizes the effectiveness of the STAR scoring system in evaluating the quality of oral surgical records. Identifying deficiencies, particularly in documenting operative details, can improve the completeness and accuracy of patient records. It can ultimately enhance patient care and facilitate better communication among healthcare professionals.

Multivariate statistical “unmixing” of Indian and Pacific Ocean sediment provenance

AbstractThe geochemistry of marine sediment is a massive archive of (paleo)oceanographic information. Accessing that information requires “unmixing” the various influences on marine sediment geochemistry to understand individual sources and marine geochemical processes. Q‐mode factor analysis (QFA) and independent component analysis (ICA) are multivariate statistical techniques that have successfully been applied to large datasets of marine sediment element concentrations to identify the number and composition of marine sediment sources or end‐members. In this study, we apply both techniques to two datasets of marine sediment geochemistry, compare the output, and discuss the advantages of each approach. In both datasets, ICA identified a mixing trend between carbonates and dust, whereas QFA represented the end‐members as two separate factors. In the Pacific and Indian Oceans dataset, both techniques produced three factors or independent components involving rare earth elements, but two of the QFA factors explained a small, almost negligible, amount of the variability of the dataset. Also, QFA identified more aluminosilicate end‐members (dust or volcanic ash) than ICA. In the Indian Ocean Sites 738 and 752 dataset, ICA identified two processes affecting Sr and Ba concentrations as separate independent components, while QFA created a factor representing the covariation of Sr and Ba over intervals of the site's paleoceanographic history. The results of this study exemplify that QFA identifies covariances and finds discrete end‐members contributing to the bulk mass of sediment. ICA works best with non‐Gaussian element distributions and finds geochemical signals and mixing trends that constitute the characteristic structure of the multielemental data.

Lviv (Lemberg) Artefacts Of Theobald Böhm’s Flute Workshop

The analysis of artefacts from Theobald Böhm’s Second Flute Workshop is crucial for understanding 19th-century music industry developments and craftsmanship. This study aims to analyze the reception of Böhm’s reforms and their popularization among specialists and intellectuals, particularly in the capital of the Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria, part of the Austrian Empire. The main methods include analysis of archival materials, comparison of newly manufactured flutes with previous forms, and retrospective analysis. The study examines Böhm’s activities and focuses on his second workshop (1855-1858). The investigation of Lviv artefacts from Böhm’s workshop is of significant scientific and cultural interest, enhancing our understanding of flute evolution and Böhm’s contributions. The study highlights the importance of Böhm’s flute artefacts in the history of flute art, refining and complementing existing knowledge and supporting further research. The early years following Böhm’s 1847 reform reveal the shock and varied reactions of industry experts, including rejection, refutation, adaptation, or acceptance of Böhm’s inventions. The initial stages of mastering these new instruments in European provincial centers, such as Lviv, provide unique insights into the professional crisis triggered by the reform. The Lviv example illustrates distinct attitudes towards Böhm’s innovations and general trends filtered through Galician consciousness and mentality. This study utilizes previously unpublished archival information and facts, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal event in flute history.

A Retrospective Analysis of Medical Management Strategies for Trigeminal Neuralgia: An Institutional Review.

Background Neuropathic pain results from nervous system damage, and trigeminal neuralgia (TN), also called tic douloureux, is a chronic disorder affecting the trigeminal nerve. TN causes sudden, severe, recurring facial pain that can be highly disabling. Treatment usually involves medications like carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, gabapentin, or baclofen to manage nerve pain. If medications are ineffective, surgical interventions like microvascular decompression or gamma knife radiosurgery may be explored for symptom relief. Aim and objectives This study aims to assess the demographic characteristics and clinical features of patients with TN treated at a private institution. The objective was to assess key demographic factors, including age, gender, and the affected trigeminal nerve divisions, with a focus on identifying the most frequently involved nerve divisions in TN cases. Methodology This five-year retrospective study (January 2019-April 2023) in the Oral Medicine and Radiology Department analyzed 483 TN cases, including 300 patients with confirmed primary TN and complete records. Dental Information Archive System (DIAS) data covered demographics, clinical features, treatments, and outcomes. Pain levels were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). LFTs monitor the long-term effects of medications like carbamazepine. Statistical analysis employed descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and t-tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results Of 7,500 outpatients in the Oral Medicine Department, 483 were diagnosed with TN, and 300 met the diagnostic criteria for inclusion in a five-year study (January 2019-April 2023). The average age was 60 years for men and 58.5 years for women. TN primarily affected the right side in 158 patients (56%), while the left side was involved in 114 (43%) of the cases (p = 0.04) and most commonly involved the maxillary nerve (V2) in 159 patients (53%) and the mandibular nerve (V3) in 141 patients (47%), with a slight female predominance (p = 0.02). One hundred thirty-five patients (45%) used carbamazepine alone, while 84 were treated with carbamazepine and gabapentin, and 81 were treated with carbamazepine and baclofen. The combination of carbamazepine and gabapentin was the most effective, achieving pain control in 123 patients (75%) compared to 94 patients (70%) with carbamazepine alone and 119 patients (72%) with carbamazepine and baclofen (p = 0.06). VAS scores showed better pain relief with carbamazepine and gabapentin (VAS: 3.8 ± 1.0), carbamazepine alone (mean VAS: 4.5 ± 1.2) and carbamazepine with baclofen (mean VAS: 4.2 ± 1.1). In long-term management, 45 patients (15%) discontinued due to side effects, while 105 patients (35%) continued on carbamazepine alone, 90 patients (30%) on carbamazepine with gabapentin, and 60 patients (20%) on carbamazepine with baclofen (p = 0.04). LFTs were performed on 240 patients (80%), while 60 patients (20%) did not undergo LFTs. Conclusions This study underscores the treatment of TN, with anticonvulsants as the primary therapy and alternative options available for refractory cases. However, limitations like small sample size and lack of long-term follow-up affect the findings' generalizability. The results highlight the importance of treatment plans and the potential advantages of combination therapies in clinical practice.

Unveiling BIM Core: Enhancing Long-Term Usability of Digital Building Documentation with an Advanced Representation Information Repository

The long-term usability of digital building documentation is essential for the maintenance and optimization of infrastructure portfolios. It supports the preservation of building-specific knowledge and the cultural heritage hidden within. However, having to do this throughout the entire lifecycle of a building—or even indefinitely—remains a major challenge. This is especially true for organizations responsible for large collections of digital building documents and datasets, such as public administrations or archives. In this article, we first describe the challenges and requirements associated with preservation tasks and then introduce the concept of representation information within Building Information Modeling (BIM) and all types of related data and documents. This type of information is important to give meaning to the stored bit sequences for a particular community. We then design a repository for representation information and propose some 23 so-called BIM Core content elements. Finally, we focus on BIM and the construction sector and explain how the proposed repository can be used to implement the two concepts introduced in the ISO reference model Open Archival Information System (OAIS), namely the representation information and the context information, as well as the concept of significant properties, which has not yet been explicitly modeled in OAIS.

TESS Light Curves of Cataclysmic Variables. V. Improved or Corrected Orbital Periods of 53 Systems

The long and continuous high-time-resolution coverage of many stars by the Kepler and TESS space missions permit to explore periodic phenomena with a much higher precision than is possible with terrestrial observations. This includes the most basic property of binary stars, namely the orbital period. Here, I use TESS and Kepler light curves, sometimes in connection with other archival data and information taken from the literature, to improve or to correct the orbital periods of 53 cataclysmic variables with previously known periods. For 13 and 26 objects a significant or an incremental improvement, respectively, could be achieved. The periods of two systems that in the past had been only inferred indirectly were measured directly for the first time. In a remarkable 23% (12 stars) of all investigated systems previously reported orbital periods are shown to be wrong and require correction. Other interesting features seen in the light curves of some of the cataclysmic variables are briefly mentioned, but a more detailed investigation is postponed to future work.