Central Figure Research Articles

An Ambivalent Turn: The Changing Image of the Talmud Among Twentieth-Century German-Jewish Intellectuals

Abstract This essay explores the attitudes of five prominent German-speaking intellectuals, active in the early twentieth century, to the Talmud: Martin Buber, Max Brod, Shmuel Hugo Bergmann, Franz Rosenzweig, and Gershom Scholem. All were central and influential figures in the turn to irrationalism that characterized this period whose discovery of Kabbalah and Hasidism is well documented. However, this essay explores their interest in the Talmud and how it was related to their take on the trend toward irrationalism. These five intellectuals renounced the critical view of the Talmud that was prevalent during the Jewish Enlightenment (Haskalah), and were inspired by the pivotal role of the Talmud in pre-modern and present East-European Jewry. Nevertheless, their turn was ambivalent, as they kept some of the Enlightened images of the Talmud, and were influenced by Buber’s disdain of the Halachic part of Judaism.

Edwin Chadwick: A Pioneer of Public Health Reform and His Role in Sanitary Awakening.

Edwin Chadwick (1800-1890) was a central figure in the 19th-century public health reform movement in Britain. His work was instrumental in the sanitary awakening, a movement that revolutionized public health through the systematic improvement of urban sanitation and hygiene. As a lawyer by training, Chadwick was deeply influenced by Jeremy Bentham's welfare maximization theory, which emphasized the greatest good for the greatest number. His most significant contribution was his 1842 publication, "The Report on the Sanitary Condition of the Labouring Population," in which he documented the deplorable conditions faced by the working class and the link between poor sanitation and disease. Chadwick's advocacy led to the passage of the Public Health Act of 1848, which established local health boards and marked the beginning of modern public health systems. His focus on clean water, efficient sewage systems, and waste management not only reduced the spread of diseases like cholera and typhoid but also set the stage for future public health initiatives globally. The sanitary awakening, largely driven by Chadwick's efforts, highlighted the critical connection between environment and health, a principle that continues to underpin public health practices today. Chadwick's legacy lives on in the ongoing efforts to improve urban living conditions and prevent disease through public health infrastructure.

Relational landscapes: environmental discourse and identity of the Sengwer community in Kenya

This article explores the intersection between landscape, worldview, African spiritualities and human-environment relations among the Sengwer ethnic community in Kenya. Documenting a range of indigenous knowledge expressions, the article examines narratives of landscape within the broader spectrum of environmental discourses and identity claims. It shows that among the Sengwer, cosmology and lifeworld are deeply intertwined, which recognises a multiplicity of sentient beings, only some of which are perceptible. The central figure bridging the seen and unseen worlds is the thunder deity Iilat, who shapes the moral code for the community. The Sengwer landscape not only provides them with food, medicine, water, honey, and shelter but also embodies their identity, history, memory, cultural and religious significance. Overall, the Sengwer identity is conceptualised as based on a relational knowledge that is a socially constructed process centring around the spiritual attachment to the landscape. This article therefore argues that the consideration of indigenous religious and spiritual knowledge sheds critical theoretical and practical light on African ecologies and human-environment relations. (This article is published in the thematic collection ‘African ecologies: the value and politics of indigenous knowledges’ edited by Adriaan van Klinken, Simon Manda, Damaris Parsitau and Abel Ugba .)

Beyond Borders: The Accelerating Momentum of Domestic Violence Research Worldwide

This paper covers publication trends, co-author networks, and research keyword co-occurrences on academic research related to domestic violence between 2000 and 2023. Throughout these years, first, the number of published articles dealing with this topic was very limited, from just four articles in the year 2000 to 37 in 2013. Still, after an imposing surge in publications registered after 2013, particularly between 2020 and 2023, the numbers increased from 217 to 653, establishing a significantly increased impact on the reviewed issue at a global level. This network identifies some central figures in the research community, such as Gene Feder, Louise M. Howard, and Nicky Stanley among others. It underlines the existence of collaboration clusters around issues such as gender, domestic violence, mental health, and social work, hence emphasizing the very essence of interdisciplinary research. Through keyword co-occurrence analysis, the word cloud shows some central themes to include intimate partner violence and the effect of COVID-19 on different population focuses, including strong qualitative research methods. The second word cloud, that of author affiliation, demonstrates the concentration of research output by leading institutions, with a high volume emanating from the UK, but also global collaboration - significant contributions from universities in Australia being one of them. Domestic violence is a complicated issue that affects individuals and communities of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, educational backgrounds, and more. These terminological complications in defining domestic violence can result in confusion during the practice of identification, assessment, and intervention. This study follows a holistic approach to bibliometrics in reviewing scholarly literature on domestic violence by drawing on data from Lens.org along with the visualization tools of VOSviewer. Improvement in understanding the domestic violence research landscape, major contributors, collaboration patterns, and the gap in research is what this study attempts to address. A total of 92,443 documents in their study were filtered to 2,362 scholarly works that included research articles published from 1999 up to 2023. The findings indicate the important factors of institutions and countries, the necessity of interdisciplinary-wise collaboration, and emerging hotspots of research. A bibliometric approach emphasizes that for effective intervention and prevention, there is a need for systematic reviews and synthesis of the available literature to provide informed evidence-based policy and practice in the context of domestic violence.

Trends and Collaborations in Livestock Extension Research: A Bibliometric Analysis (2015-2024)

This study employs bibliometric analysis to investigate trends in livestock extension research from January 2015 to June 2024, utilizing data sourced from the dimension.ai database. The analysis encompasses a comprehensive review of publication trends, research categories, influential journals, collaborative networks among authors, and the impact of seminal studies. The findings reveal a notable increase of 51.55 per cent in scholarly interest and publications over the years, indicating growing attention towards enhancing livestock productivity, sustainability, and socio-economic outcomes. Key research domains such as agricultural, veterinary, and food sciences emerge as predominant areas of focus, with significant contributions observed in interdisciplinary fields like environmental sciences and human geography. Network analyses using tools like VOSviewer highlight robust collaborative relationships among researchers, identifying central figures and clusters that drive collaborative research efforts in livestock extension. The study also identified “Climate change vulnerability, adaptation and risk perceptions at farm level in Punjab, Pakistan” published in 2016, with nearly 294 citations as top-cited article and other affiliations, emphasizing their pivotal roles in advancing knowledge and practices within the field. Overall, this bibliometric analysis provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of livestock extension research, demonstrating how such analytical approaches contribute to understanding research trends, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and guiding future research directions in agricultural sciences.

“Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death”

Abstract This essay chronicles my personal journey of uncovering a truth that contradicted my long-held assumptions, resulting in a profound professional reckoning. It began with my discovery of a treasure trove of 350 glass plate negatives, masterpieces captured between 1920 and 1940, which led me to write a biography of the photographer, Benedict Stolz, a German Benedictine monk. A central figure in this biography was Hermann Keller, Stolz’s childhood friend and, in his day, a renowned theologian, philosopher, and Hebraist. I portrayed Keller as a Nazi war criminal and associate of SS leader Reinhard Heydrich, based on numerous secondary sources. However, shortly before publication, an interview with a nun who had known Keller challenged this narrative, attributing the “erroneous charges” against him to the mistakes of one historian that were subsequently echoed by others. After years of doubting her claims, I was confronted with evidence proving Keller’s innocence, prompting a critical reflection on how historians, including myself, can unwittingly propagate inaccuracies.

THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF A DUAL RELIGIOUS IDENTITY : CONFUCIAN CHRISTIAN IN JULIA CHINGS SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

This essay explores the spiritual journey of Julia Ching (1934-2001), a prominent sinologist who sought to reconcile her Catholic faith with Confucian philosophy. Raised in a Catholic tradition, Ching faced crises of faith that led her to abandon her nun identidy and engage deeply with Eastern spiritual practices. This essay examines the fundamental theological and philosophical differences between Confucianism and Christianity, highlighting the inherent contradictions in attempting to maintain a dual religious identity. While Confucianism emphasizes moral philosophy and social harmony without a central divine figure, Christianity is rooted in the worship of one God and adherence to the teachings of Jesus Christ. This essay argues that the exclusive doctrines of Christianity and the ritual practices of Confucianism are ultimately incompatible, making it impossible to fully integrate these two traditions into a single religious identity. Julia Chings experience thus illustrates the complexities and challenges of navigating multiple spiritual allegiances.

Bibliometric Analysis on Precision Agriculture Technology

This study employs a bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer to visualize the authorship network within the domain of precision agriculture, identifying key researchers and their collaborative relationships. By mapping the connections based on publications from a specified time period, the analysis highlights the central figures like Erickson, B, who play pivotal roles in the network and reveals the interlinkages among various contributors. The study provides insights into the structural dynamics of research collaborations and elucidates the influence patterns among the scholars. Despite the inherent limitations such as database selection bias and the static nature of the bibliometric snapshot, the results offer valuable implications for enhancing research collaboration, academic planning, and strategic positioning within the scholarly community. This approach not only aids in recognizing influential entities and emerging talents but also assists institutions and funders in making informed decisions that could drive impactful research in precision agriculture.

Conspiratorial narratives as cultural repertoires and methodological tools.

This article builds on data and field work notes from two ethnographic studies conducted in two cities: Istanbul and Trabzon, Turkey. It examines the socio-political dynamics behind the prevalence and impact of conspiratorial narratives. We explore the emergence, circulation, and effects of these narratives and how they shape political orientations and mobilisation. We raise methodological questions about these narratives and propose researchers closely scrutinise them rather than dismissing them as illogical or incoherent. Our research reveals three novel relational and methodological insights derived from conspiratorial narratives. First, these narratives serve as sense-making tools during times of uncertainty. They provide accessible explanations for abrupt changes, and they rely and draw upon 'cultural repertoires'. Second, by challenging the mainstream narratives, they shape subjectivities; empowering narrators to act as agents. Third, how conspiratorial narratives circulate has implications for the dynamics of state-public relationships, often following the neoliberal logic, they portray political leaders as central figures in navigating complex decision-making processes. Our case studies demonstrate that actors, even in less powerful positions, may not necessarily antagonise the state. We underscore the methodological significance of these narratives for researchers, to examine actors' agency, group dynamics, and responses to everyday injustices.

The Role of Religious Counselors in Fostering Kampong Moderation in Subulussalam City

This research explores the role of Islamic religious instructors in fostering religious moderation in the villages of Subulussalam City, particularly in Suka Makmur and Penanggalan villages. The aim is to understand how religious extension workers promote harmonious socio-religious harmony in diverse communities. Using a qualitative approach and a multi-site study design, the research involved semi-structured interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis to collect data from religious extension workers, community leaders, and community members. The results show that the role of religious educators as motivators, agents of change, central figures, and facilitators is crucial in maintaining and enhancing inter-religious harmony and cooperation. Activities such as joint construction of houses of worship, joint religious celebrations, and gotong royong show the community's high level of religious moderation. These findings suggest that the religious moderation model implemented in Suka Makmur and Penanggalan villages can be used as a reference for similar programs in other areas, strengthening the role of religious educators in promoting socio-religious harmony.

Poetry, Patronage, and the Art of the Land-grab: A Newly Discovered Letter to Thomas Wyatt

Abstract Between early summer 1540 and the new year of 1541, Alexander Nowell composed the only surviving Latin letter from England to Sir Thomas Wyatt. On behalf of the Dean and Chapter of Norwich Cathedral, he asks Wyatt, Sir Francis Bryan, and Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, to help the new foundation resist the expropriation of its properties. The letter fills in several biographical lacunae for this prominent trio of courtiers. It provides primary evidence of Wyatt’s membership and sponsorship of English humanist networks. It offers the first sure evidence of Wyatt’s contact with Surrey, corroborating the evidence of Surrey’s poetry. It reveals the association of Wyatt, Surrey, and Bryan with evangelical figures: Nowell, later Dean of St Paul’s, was already a central figure in Oxford reform. And it presents an intricate example of the chains of patronage that reached, in the wake of the dissolution, across the universities, the new fleet of cathedral foundations, and the heights of the Henrician court.

Vernacular Catholicism in Ireland: The Keening Woman

The relationship between popular vernacular Catholicism and the more official liturgical variety has varied over centuries. Following the subjugation of Ireland by the late 17th century, and the institution of anti-Catholic proscriptions, the number of priests available became more restricted. Religious observation subsequently centered on holy days and local sacred sites including healing wells, many of them dedicated to saints. Always central figures in death rituals, women who mourned the dead—“keening women”—were so called because they lamented the dead through a combination of voice and song. We will show how the songs relate to a deep liminal spirituality that existed semi-independently of official Church norms, and how the voice served to establish their position. In the Catholic revival of the late nineteenth century, such forms were ousted by European modes of worship, but persisted at the margins, allowing us insight into their previous vigor.

Sufism Studies from a Gender Perspective: The Role and Experience of Rabiah Al-Adawiyah in the Sufi Tradition

Abstract: This study explores the role and experiences of Rabiah al-Adawiyah in the Sufi tradition with a focus on gender perspectives. Rabiah, as one of the central figures in the history of Sufism, is known for her significant contribution to the development of Sufism teachings, especially in the concept of divine love (mahabbah) and spiritual asceticism. This study uses a qualitative approach with a type of literature study to explore the poetry of a prominent Sufi woman, Rabiah al-Adawiyah, to understand how they responded to and shaped their views on spirituality in a context that is often dominated by male narratives. The research findings demonstrate that Rabiah not only enriched Sufi theology with a feminine perspective but also challenged gender stereotypes in Islamic spirituality. Rabiah al-Adawiyah emerges not only as an inspirational Sufi figure but also as a crucial symbol of women's spiritual potential within the Sufi tradition. Her contributions have left a profound spiritual legacy and continue to inspire contemporary discussions on equality and inclusivity in Islamic religious practice.

Discovery of pararealgar and semi-amorphous pararealgar in Rembrandt's The Night Watch: analytical study and historical contextualization

This article reports on the discovery of pararealgar and semi-amorphous pararealgar in Rembrandt's masterpiece The Night Watch. A large-scale research project named Operation Night Watch was started in 2019. A variety of non-invasive analytical imaging techniques, together with paint sample research, has provided new information about Rembrandt's pigments, materials, and techniques as well as the current condition of the painting. Macroscopic X-ray fluorescence, macroscopic X-ray powder diffraction and reflectance imaging spectroscopy identified the presence of arsenic sulfide pigments and degradation products of these pigments in the doublet sleeves and embroidered buff coat worn by Lieutenant Willem van Ruytenburch (central figure to the right of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq). Examination by light microscopy of two paint samples taken from this area shows a mixture of large sharp-edged tabular yellow and orange to red pigment particles, and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis identified these particles as containing arsenic and sulfur. Using micro-Raman spectroscopy, the yellow particles were identified as pararealgar, and the orange to red particles as semi-amorphous pararealgar. Synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction allowed visualization of the presence of multiple degradation products associated with arsenic sulfides throughout the paint layer. The discovery of pararealgar and semi-amorphous pararealgar is a new addition to Rembrandt's pigment palette. To contextualize our findings and to hypothesize why, how, and where Rembrandt obtained the pigments, we studied related historical sources. A comprehensive review of historical sources gives insight into the types of artificial arsenic sulfides that were available and suggests that a broader range of arsenic pigments could have been available in Amsterdam in the seventeenth century than previously thought. This is supported by the use of a very similar mixture of pigments by Willem Kalf (1619–1693), a contemporary artist based in Amsterdam. Together with the condition of the particles in the paint cross sections, this brings us to the conclusion that Rembrandt intentionally used pararealgar and semi-amorphous pararealgar, together with lead–tin yellow and vermilion, to create an orange paint.

The Strength of Figures and Characteristics of Political Party Leaders in the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Head Election in Indonesia

This paper projects that the figures and characteristics of leaders are needed in the power of political parties, especially in contesting simultaneous regional elections in Indonesia. In the 2014 and 2019 elections, Jokowi and Prabowo Subianto, respectively, were two central figures in each party. Analysis of survey data for eight Indonesian elections shows that party leadership and identity are the most important determinants of party votes in legislative and presidential elections. Political parties must correctly place a central figure in their respective parties. The central figure serves as a booster, navigator, and inspiration for party cadres. In addition, figures can also be public reference material to choose one political party, when it is difficult for people to distinguish ideology between one party and another. Nevertheless, the system, traditions, and regeneration process must run as it should. Because only systems, traditions, and regeneration will be the foundation of the future. Political parties as a large organization are certainly not enough to rely on only one individual. There must be a regeneration of leadership within the party. So, if the central figure is no longer in the party, the party can still survive to maintain its existence in society.

Jacob, Laban, and the World of the Near Eastern Nomads

The following study looks at a well-known story from the Book of Genesis. Jacob is a central figure in the narratives describing the traditions of early Israel. The relevant text (Gen 29–31) tells the progenitor’s enrichment and growth from a solitary figure into an extensive clan. Our paper draws on the conceptual framework of the social dynamics of ancient Near Eastern nomadism to analyse some of the narrative’s features. Keywords: nomadism, patriarchal traditions, Jacob, the Book of Genesis, archaeology of the nomads

백제 무왕과 선화공주의 실체적 접근

In the Iksan area, archaeological ruins such as the royal palace, Mireuksa Temple, Jeseoksa Temple, Ssangneung Royal Tombs, and fortress walls, which are components of the ancient city wall, remain in better condition than those in the Gongju and Buyeo areas. In addition, there are documentary records that support the fact that the capital was relocated in the late Baekje period, proving that Iksan was also the royal capital of Baekje. However, because the direct record of the relocation of Iksan is omitted in 『Samguk Sagi』, many theories, such as “the transfer of the capital,” “another capital,” and etc., are being raised about the historical nature of Iksan in the late Baekje period. As part of the work to supplement the theory of the transfer of capital to Iksan during the reign of King Mu of Baekje, I seek to access the reality of King Mu (Seodong) and Princess Seonhwa who appear in the Seodong folktale through a new review of archaeological and literary data. In other words, uncovering the substantial truth about the two people is the most basic task to properly understand the historical character of Iksan during the reign of King Mu in the late Baekje. As a result of analyzing the tombs and literary materials excavated in the Iksan area, it was possible to examine the deeply rooted traditional historical awareness of Mahan. In addition, it was assumed that King Mu was an outstanding political figure representing the Mahan faction, not the Baekje royal family, who grew up in the Iksan region. The Mahan faction in the Iksan region, where the perception of Mahan had been deeply rooted, became King Mu's political base and was seen as a force supporting the relocation of the Iksan capital. As a result of comparative analysis of the birth stories of King Mu of Baekje and Emperor Gojo (Liu Bang) of the Han Dynasty, it was found that both of them ascended the throne from the same status as ordinary commoners, and thus, through “the theory of the divine right of kings”, such as that the king is the son of a dragon, the consciousness of blood-related succession to the throne, a general principle in ancient society, was overcome. It guarantees the identity of Mu's succession to the throne, and its value can be found comparable to that of the founding legend. The stone pillar-shaped tombstone discovered in Sowangnung tomb has the same characteristics as Tongcheonju (通天柱), and was seen as a symbolic mark of the nature of the origin of the deceased, which originated from the Buyeo succession consciousness that greatly increased after Baekje transferred the capital to Sabi. Therefore, it was assumed that the buried in Sowangneung's tomb was a person with the same status as a princess of the Baekje royal family. It is presumed that the Baekje royal family, which fell into chaos after the death of King Seong at the end of Baekje, sought political solidarity with the Mahan faction centered on Iksan for the stability and revival of the kingdom. It is thought that this could have been achieved through the marriage of a princess from the Baekje royal family to Seodong, a central political figure in the Mahan region of Iksan. The result is believed to have been the relocation of the capital to Iksan, as can be seen from the royal palace and other capital remains, which are the requirements of an ancient capital remaining in Iksan.

Dynamics of Conflict Management Research in the Public and Private Sectors: A Bibliometric Analysis

This bibliometric analysis explores the evolving landscape of conflict management research across various dimensions, including thematic clusters, research trends, emerging opportunities, and author collaborations. Utilizing VOSviewer for visual mapping, the study identifies key themes such as leadership styles, resolution processes, and personal traits like gender and professional roles that dominate the discourse. A longitudinal analysis from 2002 to 2010 highlights a pivotal shift from foundational conflict management concepts towards addressing broader societal impacts and understanding the economic ramifications of conflict. Opportunities for future research were pinpointed in underexplored areas such as ethnic conflicts, the costs associated with conflict, and the roles of power in achieving peace. The author collaboration network, though sparse, reveals central figures that could drive further interdisciplinary studies. This study not only maps the current state of conflict management research but also sets the stage for future explorations that could bridge theoretical gaps and enhance practical applications.

Form and Matter of Regular Geometrical Bodies in Luca Pacioli’s Summa (1494) and Compendium de divina proportione (1498)

Abstract Luca Pacioli (ca. 1447–1517) is widely considered a central figure in the Italian Renaissance, particularly in the history of practical mathematics. The perspectival representations of geometrical bodies that Leonardo da Vinci drew for Pacioli’s Compendium de divina proportione are, in turn, often singled out to illustrate the relationships between the visual arts and mathematics in the late fifteenth century. Yet despite increasing scholarly attention, the philosophical framework of Pacioli’s works deserves to be further explored. This paper discusses how Pacioli ably developed his arguments on regular geometrical bodies by relying on a predominantly Aristotelian philosophical framework. In this way, Pacioli established correlations among the quantitative, material, and formal properties of regular geometrical bodies, concluding with the visualisation of their (geometrically defined) form at the level of the intellect.

Keluarga Golongan Bangsawan (Kamokole’a) Rumbia Moronene 1948-2012

This study aims to describe (1) The origin and history of the Moronene nobility. (2) The characteristics of the Moronene Rumbia nobility. (3) The role of the family in maintaining social status. In this study, the method used is the historical method, which consists of five stages of research, namely: (a) Topic Selection, (b) Source Heuristics, (c) Source Criticism, (d) Source Interpretation, and (e) Historiography. The results of this study indicate that: (1) The origin of the Moronene nobility can be seen in Kada, an oral literature in the form of a long epic containing origins or events. One of the central figures in Kada is "Dendengi," titled "Tongki Mpu'u Wonua Tamanao Moronene." Dendengi is believed to be the first leader (Apua) of the Moronene tribe who gave birth to a leader or king in Wonua I Bombana Wita I Moronene. (2.) The characteristics of the Moronene nobility can be seen from the way they speak, dress, behavior, manners of entertaining guests, naming, social stratification, and death ceremonies; (3) The role of the noble family in maintaining their social status, including through marriage and education. To continue the throne, a prospective King/Mokole must marry another Moronene noble so that the blood of nobility is purer; meanwhile, through education, on average, descendants of the Mokole Munara receive an education.