Historians Research Articles

Enhancing Reliability of Construction Contingency Estimation at the Scoping Phase through Historical Cost Data Analysis

Enhancing Reliability of Construction Contingency Estimation at the Scoping Phase through Historical Cost Data Analysis

Evaluating agriculture 4.0 decision support systems based on hyperbolic fuzzy-weighted zero-inconsistency combined with combinative distance-based assessment

Agriculture 4.0 plays a crucial role in shaping sustainable cities and societies by revolutionizing urban food systems. By incorporating advanced technologies like precision farming, vertical gardening, and data analytics, Agriculture 4.0 improves local food production, reduces food transportation, and optimizes resource utilization. This paper introduces an innovative approach using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) to assess Agriculture 4.0 Decision Support Systems (ADSS), contributing significantly to the selection of optimal systems that can drive sustainability in smart agriculture. The novelty of this research lies in developing a comprehensive evaluation framework that extends the hyperbolic fuzzy-weighted zero-inconsistency method for criteria weighting, combined with the combinative distance-based assessment method for benchmarking ADSS. The assessment matrix evaluates 13 ADSS across eight key criteria, including “accessibility,” “re-planning,” “expert knowledge,” “interoperability,” “scalability,” “uncertainty and dynamic factors,” “prediction and forecast,” and “historical data analysis”. Results from the hyperbolic fuzzy-weighted zero-inconsistency approach highlight “re-planning” (0.143) and “prediction and forecast” (0.140) as the most significant criteria, while “expert knowledge” ranked lowest (0.113). In the combinative distance-based assessment, the system labelled “OCCASION” achieved the highest score (3.843), positioning it as the most favourable ADSS, whereas the “MOLP-based beef supply chain” system scored lowest (−3.519). Sensitivity analysis, conducted using varying sets of weights, confirms the robustness and reliability of the proposed approach. This research provides a powerful decision-making tool that can guide stakeholders in selecting the best ADSS, ultimately promoting sustainability and resource optimization in Agriculture 4.0. The findings have important implications for farmers, agribusiness, and smart agriculture, demonstrating the potential of the methodology to enhance decision-making processes in a critical sector.

Historical geographies of grid city development: Mandalay from Burma to Myanmar

This paper critiques Mandalay city's gridded urban development within historical urban geography, providing a non-Western perspective in an increasingly global field that transcends the Eurocentric paradigm of urban form. The study combines historical and spatial analysis, literature review, and interviews to understand how Mandalay's urban grid embodies the shifting political landscapes. King Mindon's original grid, drawn from Burmese astrology and Buddhism respectively to legitimize his ruling power and reinforce social class division. British rule shifted the grid towards administrative and economic exploitation. Under socialism, adaptations to Mandalay's grid and land redistribution efforts, while seemingly equitable, primarily benefited the elite rather than marginalized squatters. Subsequently, the State Law and Order Restoration Council manipulated the grid for real estate purposes, reflecting monarchical practices. Mandalay's grid serves as a physical expression of power and governance, symbolizing the city's evolving political landscape from Burmese kingship to contemporary Myanmar under a top-down governance system. This research enriches historical geography by revealing the interplay between political history, symbolism, and urban geographic development.

Historical Analysis of Resilience in Spanish Desalination Companies: Period 1980–2024

This article analyzes the evolution and resilience of the Spanish desalination industry in response to shifting market conditions and technological challenges. Initially focused on domestic projects, Spanish companies leveraged the AGUA Program (Actions for the Management and Use of Water; the acronym does not correspond exactly in English, as it is translated from Spanish) to build expertise, which later facilitated their successful international expansion as local demand declined. The industry has adapted to diverse international regulations and local conditions, demonstrating both flexibility and competitiveness. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on integrating renewable energy into desalination processes to mitigate rising energy costs and address environmental concerns. This shift not only reduces CO2 emissions but also stabilizes operational costs, underscoring the sector’s ongoing innovation and adaptability.

Extreme Precipitation Events During the Wet Season of the South America Monsoon: A Historical Analysis over Three Major Brazilian Watersheds

Most of South America, particularly the region between the southern Amazon and southeastern Brazil, as well as a large part of the La Plata Basin, has its climate regulated by the South American Monsoon System. Extreme weather and climate events in these areas have significant socioeconomic impacts. The Madeira, São Francisco, and Paraná river basins, three major watersheds in Brazil, are especially vulnerable to wet and drought periods due to their importance as freshwater ecosystems and sources of water for consumption, energy generation, and agriculture. The scarcity of surface meteorological stations in these basins makes meteorological studies challenging, often using reanalysis and satellite data. This study aims to identify extreme weather (wet) and climate (wet and drought) events during the extended wet season (October to March) from 1980 to 2022 and evaluate the performance of two gridded datasets (CPC and ERA5) to determine which best captures the observed patterns in the Madeira, São Francisco, and Paraná river basins. Wet weather events were identified using the 95th percentile, and wet and drought periods were identified using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) on a 6-month scale. In general, CPC data showed slightly superior performance compared to ERA5 in reproducing statistical measures. For extreme day precipitation, both datasets captured the time series pattern, but CPC better reproduced extreme values and trends. The results also indicate a decrease in wet periods and an increase in drought events. Both datasets performed well, showing they can be used in the absence of station data.

Legal and Practical Implications of Digitizing the Slovakian Cadastre: Challenges and Opportunities

Background: Acquiring ownership rights to real estate in Slovakia is complex and frequently encounters hurdles. The formal procedures governing this process can be stringent, resulting in challenges when transferring ownership rights. This article critically evaluates the obstacles and potential advantages as the Slovakian Cadastre shifts towards a digital system. The authors also explore the scope of contractual freedom and governmental intervention in acquiring property rights alongside recent challenges encountered by the digitalized system under both Slovakian and European law. The study analyses the theoretical framework guiding decision-making by Slovak administrative authorities in cadastral proceedings, underscoring the critical role of formal legal procedures in ensuring legal certainty and stability. Additionally, the research underscores the importance of accurately registering changes to property rights within the digitalized real estate registration system to uphold the integrity and transparency of title records. Methods: The research follows a qualitative methodology, employing various qualitative methods, including historical description and analysis, in-depth document analysis, inductive method, comparative analysis, and case studies rooted in legal theory, administrative law and property law. It may utilise conceptual frameworks like legal certainty and stability to inform its examination. The methodology may not involve empirical data collection or statistical analysis but rather a critical examination of the existing legal framework and theoretical perspectives. Results and conclusions: Acquiring ownership rights to real estate in Slovakia is a complex process hindered by discrepancies between registered and actual property statuses, outdated maps and inaccuracies in parcel boundaries. The lack of clarity and precision significantly affects legal certainty and private property rights. In response, the Office of Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre has proposed a comprehensive amendment to the Cadastral Act, aiming to update the classification of land, regulate electronic submissions, and simplify application processes. However, the proposed amendment may restrict public access to information contained in the Cadastre, which could negatively impact the exercise of property rights and the right to freely access information.

Origins of Opportunity, Part 1: The Formation of CSWE’s Minority Research Fellowship Program, 1954–1978

ABSTRACT This paper marks the 50th anniversary of the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Minority Fellowship Program (MFP), exploring its historical development. Leveraging archival CSWE materials, it chronicles pivotal events from 1954 leading to the MFP’s inception in 1973 and its early research fellowship cohorts through 1978. This historical analysis examines the advocacy, challenges, and milestones within the CSWE and broader social movements that promoted diversity and inclusion in social work education. The MFP specifically addressed the underrepresentation of minorities by developing culturally attuned researchers and practitioners. This reflective examination enriches the social work historical record and underscores the MFP’s transformative impact in creating a profession that effectively reflects and serves our racially and ethnically diverse society.

A historical analysis of life insurance's contribution to India's economic development

A historical analysis of life insurance's contribution to India's economic development

Financing white rule: How Luxembourg became a banker for the Belgian Congo and Apartheid South Africa

Abstract In this article, I offer a historical analysis of how bankers in Luxembourg came to be important service providers to borrowers in the Belgian Congo and Apartheid South Africa. I demonstrate how a series of unique political and cultural factors linking Luxembourg and these two (neo)colonial regimes account for the financial activities that developed between the three jurisdictions. As such, I show that officials in the Belgian Congo and Apartheid South Africa were able to count on their Luxembourg-based bankers for a variety of finance-related services, including the provision of Eurocurrency loans and the formation of offshore companies. In doing so, the article contributes to a body of literature in the social sciences of finance that has grown significantly in recent years: on the imperial and neocolonial basis of the contemporary global financial system.

Future Increase in Extreme Precipitation: Historical Data Analysis and Influential Factors

With global warming driving an increase in extreme precipitation, the ensuing disasters present an unsustainable scenario for humanity. Consequently, understanding the characteristics of extreme precipitation has become paramount. Analyzing observational data from 1961 to 2020 across 29 meteorological stations in Heilongjiang Province, China, we employed kriging interpolation, the trend-free pre-whitening Mann–Kendall (TFPW–MK) method, and linear trend analysis. These methods allowed us to effectively assess the spatiotemporal features of extreme precipitation. Furthermore, Pearson’s correlation analysis explored the relationship between extreme precipitation indices (EPIs) and geographic factors, while the geodetector quantified the impacts of climate teleconnections. The results revealed the following: (1) There has been a clear trend in increasing extreme precipitation over the last few decades, particularly in the indices of wet day precipitation (PRCPTOT), very wet day precipitation (R95P), and extremely wet day precipitation (R99P), with regional mean trends of 10.4 mm/decade, 5.7 mm/decade, and 3.4 mm/decade, respectively. This spatial trend showed a decrease from south to north. (2) Significant upward trends were observed in both spring and winter for the maximum 1-day precipitation (RX1day) and the maximum 5-day precipitation (RX5day). (3) The latitude and longitude were significantly correlated with the most extreme precipitation indices, while elevation showed a weaker correlation. (4) Extreme precipitation exhibited a nonlinear response to large-scale climate teleconnections, with the combined influence of factors having a greater impact than individual factors. This research provides critical insights into the spatiotemporal dynamics of extreme precipitation, guiding the development of targeted strategies to mitigate risks and enhance resilience. It offers essential support for addressing regional climate challenges and promoting agricultural development in Heilongjiang Province.

The Role of Polyploidy in the Genetic Structure and Expansion of Lepisorus clathratus in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau and Hengduan Mountains

Polyploidy plays a crucial role in plant evolution, particularly in shaping genetic diversity and geographic distribution. This study investigates the genetic diversity and distribution of Lepisorus clathratus (C. B. Clarke) Ching, a polyploid fern species endemic to the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau and Hengduan Mountains. We sampled 586 individuals from 66 populations and identified three ploidy levels: diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid. Flow cytometry and chloroplast DNA sequencing were used to assess ploidy variation and genetic structure. Tetraploid populations dominated the Hengduan Mountains and exhibited wider geographic ranges, while diploids were largely confined to the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. Molecular variance analysis revealed significant genetic differentiation among regions, with polyploid populations demonstrating higher cross-region migration rates compared with diploids, as evidenced by the historical gene flow analysis. Ecological niche modeling suggested that polyploids expanded more successfully in post-glacial periods, likely due to their greater ecological flexibility and capacity for long-distance colonization. These findings highlight the critical role of polyploidy in shaping genetic structure and species expansion, contributing to the understanding of plant adaptation in response to historical climatic changes.

Social rights in a post-colonial welfare state: Revisiting ‘universality’ and ‘inclusivity’

Scholars have long overlooked the impact of colonialism on the development of European welfare states and their mechanisms of inclusion and exclusion. In this article we address this blind spot by examining the ‘pension gap’ of Surinamese-Dutch elderly residing in the Netherlands, many of whom receive reduced public old age pensions. We examine the historical origins of this exclusion from full benefits through a discursive historical analysis of policy documents and parliamentary debates between 1919 and 2023 as well as political claims made by activists. We find that the Dutch welfare state was built on an exclusionary interpretation of social citizenship, granting social rights only to the citizens residing in the metropole. The exclusion of colonial citizens from social rights was deemed self-evident and anchored in laws and political discourses that, although increasingly contested, remain operative today. Our findings question core assumptions in the welfare state literature, especially those regarding the ‘universality’ of social rights and the taken-for-granted boundaries drawn around deserving polities. Thus, we argue that coloniality, territoriality and racialization are indispensable concepts for scholars to engage with in the analysis of social rights stratifications in Europe.

Economic and Social Development under Rana Regimes in Nepal: A Historical Analysis

This research paper explores the economic and social development in Nepal during the Rana (1846 1951) regimes. It critically analyzes the impact of political dynamics on infrastructure, industry, and social services. The Rana regime perpetuated stagnation through autocratic rule, monopolistic control, and exploitation of state resources, resulting in negligible advancement in physical infrastructure, industry, and social services. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the obstacles to development in Nepal during the Rana Regime and the legacy they left on the nation's socio-economic landscape.

Discourse Analysis of Conflict and Resolution in History Textbooks: Representations of the Referendum in Indonesia

This study explores how Indonesian history textbooks represent conflict and its resolution with a focus on the theme of East Timor. The research applies the methodology of Historical Discourse Analysis, examining various elements of representation, including nomination, predication, argumentation, perspective, and intensification. The primary objects of study are two Indonesian history textbooks that are currently used in schools. The results show that textbook I adopts a pragmatic and binary approach, framing the Indonesian government as the protagonist that seeks to include East Timor as part of its national territory. In this narrative, the East Timorese people are portrayed as the antagonists who resist the integration process with Indonesia. This approach reflects a polarized view of the conflict, emphasizing the roles of both parties in opposition. On the other hand, Textbook II takes a more constructive and reconciliation-oriented approach. It presents a vision for future cooperation and understanding between Indonesia and East Timor, highlighting possibilities for peaceful resolution and long-term collaboration between the two countries. Despite these different approaches, this study identifies an ongoing challenge in the writing of Indonesian history textbooks, which can be termed as "schizo-history." This concept refers to the paradox faced by historians in balancing efforts to reconstruct historical events with the anxiety surrounding the potential impact of those narratives on national unity. The study argues that Indonesian historians must continue to seek alternative methodologies that can address these tensions while providing more nuanced and balanced representations of historical events. This research contributes to broader discussions on the role of history textbooks in shaping national identity and calls for further investigation into the challenges and opportunities in writing history textbooks in post-conflict contexts.

The Evolution of Cameroonian Cooperation with the Soviet Union and the Russian Federation: A Historical and Geopolitical Analysis

This paper investigates the historical and evolving relationship between Cameroon and the Soviet Union and later, the Russian Federation, focusing on political, military, economic, and cultural dimensions. Positioned strategically at the crossroads of West and Central Africa, Cameroon has balanced longstanding ties with France against a growing partnership with Russia. Since the Soviet Union’s formal recognition of Cameroon's independence in 1964, Soviet support in education, infrastructure, and ideological alignment contributed to a foundational relationship grounded in anti-colonial and socialist values. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, relations were reestablished with the Russian Federation, shifting from ideological alignment to pragmatic cooperation, particularly in defense and economic engagement. Key findings indicate that Russia cooperation with Cameroon cut across education, reciprocal visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and service passports, food trade and military defense. The study uses a qualitative methodology, incorporating primary sources such as government records, treaty documents, and public statements, alongside secondary sources including academic articles and policy analyses. This approach allows for an examination of key historical milestones, the role of security concerns, and economic priorities that have shaped Cameroonian-Russian relations over the years.

Next-generation phylogeography reveals unanticipated population history and climate and human impacts on the endangered floodplain bitterling (Acheilognathus longipinnis).

Floodplains harbor highly biodiverse ecosystems, which have been strongly affected by both past climate change and by recent human activities, resulting in a high prevalence of many endangered species in these habitats. Understanding the history of floodplain species over a wide range of timescales can contribute to effective conservation planning. We reconstructed the population formation history of the Itasenpara bitterling Acheilognathus longipinnis, an endangered floodplain fish species in Japan, over a broad timescale based on phylogenetic analysis, demographic modeling, and historical demographic analysis using mitogenome and whole-genome sequences. A genome sequence was newly assembled as a reference for the resequencing analysis. This bitterling is distributed in three plains separated by high mountain ranges and exhibits ecological characteristics well adapted to floodplain environments. Our analyses revealed an unexpected population branching pattern, gene flow, and timing of the differentiation that occurred within a few hundred thousand years, i.e., long after the mountain uplift that was assumed to be the primary geological cause of the population differentiation. The analyses also showed that all local populations experienced a severe decline during the last glacial and post-glacial periods. Our results suggest that the floodplain bitterling was able to disperse through unknown routes after mountain uplift and that its populations were strongly influenced by climatic and geographic changes in glacial-interglacial cycles and subsequent human activities, probably related to its floodplain-dependent ecology. The genomic data highlight the unanticipated distribution process of this species and the magnitude of the impact of human activities, with important implications for its conservation.

Post-9/11 Analysis of Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations (2001-2021)

In the post-9/11 era, Pakistan and Afghanistan share a closely interconnected geopolitical relationship characterized by a mutual prosperity that not only affects the well-being of their populations but also significantly influences regional and global developments. This study employs historical analysis and case studies to examine the bilateral interactions between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the political, security, and economic spheres since the events of 9/11. It finds that their relationship has long remained at a subdued level. The core thesis of this research is that border disputes, terrorism, strategic mistrust, issues with refugees and narcotics, and Indian interference are the principal barriers preventing an improvement in their bilateral ties. Strategic suspicions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have accumulated over many years. The return to power of the Afghan Taliban has once again made terrorism a major impediment in their relationship. In the short term, it remains unlikely that there will be any fundamental change in their bilateral relations.

The Role of Art in Empowering Marginalized Communities

Art has historically played a significant role in providing a voice to marginalized communities, enabling them to share their unique cultural narratives, express resilience, and advocate for social justice. This paper examines how visual, performing, and folk arts contribute to the empowerment of communities that have long been excluded from socio-political and economic development. Through historical analysis of art movements such as the Mexican Muralist Movement and the Black Arts Movement, alongside case studies like the Allsorts SLAM and “I am Liverpool,” the study underscores art’s role in fostering identity construction, well-being, and social capital. Additionally, the paper addresses the challenges in aligning art-based initiatives with the true needs of marginalized groups and proposes strategies for creating sustainable, community-centered art projects that drive long-term empowerment. Keywords: Marginalized communities, Empowerment through art, Cultural identity, Social justice.

PUBLIC POLICIES ON DRUGS: ORIGINS AND DEVELOPMENTS OF THE BRAZILIAN PUNITIVIST MODEL

This article presents a critical analysis of the evolution of drug policies in Brazil, from the colonial period to the present day. The research demonstrates how the prohibitionist model, present since the Philippine Ordinances, has consolidated itself as the only strategy for combating drugs over the centuries, undergoing few changes only in the last three decades. The historical analysis reveals a hardening of laws, especially during the Civil-Military Dictatorship, with the criminalization of drug use and the strengthening of the logic of the “War on Drugs”. With the promulgation of the 1988 Constitution, there was a paradigm shift, with the recognition of health as a fundamental right and the creation of the Unified Health System. Despite this, the prohibitionist model persisted, albeit with some nuances. The article reflects on the ineffectiveness of the prohibitionist model in reducing consumption and organized crime, defending the need for a more humanitarian approach based on scientific evidence. Finally, this work also proposed to critically analyze current public policies, unraveling the characteristics of each of them.

Freedom of Association in Peru

Abstract This research develops the analysis concerning the right or freedom of association in Peru. Its recognition in the Peruvian Constitutions from a historical analysis up to the current case-law from the Peruvian Constitutional Court. We will focus particularly on the analysis of the constitutionally protected content of the freedom and on some cases that have been of special interest in Peruvian legal debates. Freedom of association is recognized as a fundamental right in Peru, and its content and elements have been studied in depth by the Constitutional Court and by academic opinion. The analysis of this freedom in the Peruvian constitutional law has a long history, and its historical study allows us to understand its actual content.