Dark Places Research Articles

Transformative journey experiences to heritage sites: a dark tourism spectrum

ABSTRACT Dark heritage sites can evolve from being merely sites of tragedy to places that offer transformative experiences for travelers. This qualitative study explores travelers’ transformative experiences of Christian pilgrimages after an 8-day Holy Land tour and of Jewish travelers after a 7-day Holocaust sites tour in Poland. Both tours represent different points on the dark tourism spectrum. We explored experiences tapping four domains in which travelers ascribe place meaning to these dark places: personal, spiritual, communal, and global (i.e. broad humanity). The travelers’ experiences in these four domains are mapped onto a matrix of cognitive vs. emotional and self-centered vs. other-centered experiences. In addition, place meaning in each of the four domains was found to be reflected differently in each of the transformation stages in the two examined journeys on the dark tourism spectrum. Each domain triggered different transformational processes in both of these journeys. Tourism planners are encouraged to design transformative journeys to dark heritage sites in light of the dynamics of the four place-meaning domains.

Pristineness, heritage, and the dissociative power of place imaginaries: Marketing ‘dark places’ in global value chains

To qualify products as premium, branding and marketing initiatives often employ imaginaries about the product’s origin to invoke positive associations. Yet, little is known about the dissociative aspects of how these place imaginaries create value. In this paper I examine comparatively how in both one aesthetic and one relatively standardized agri-food market – wine and farmed salmon from Chile – imaginaries of pristine and traditional places are becoming central referents for product quality. I demonstrate how, in the context of rising sustainability demands in global value chains, the value of these place imaginaries lies not only in their power to create positive associations in the end market. Instead, they also help powerful actors to dissociate from locally contentious politics surrounding harmful social and environmental practices. The paper contributes to research on firms’ dissociative practices by disentangling the ideational and relational work through which value chain actors dissociate in qualification processes and draws implications for material changes in production systems in view of their environmental and social sustainability.

Luminance and chromaticity discrimination sensitivities right after an abrupt decrease in background luminance

AbstractWhen we enter a dark place, such as a tunnel, from a bright exterior, our visual sensitivities take some time to adapt to lower light levels. However, there have been few reports on how quickly luminance and chromaticity discrimination sensitivities recover in this situation. This study aims to quantify the time course of discrimination sensitivity for luminance and chromaticity directions after an abrupt decrease in background luminance. In each trial, the background luminance was decreased from 100 to 1 cd/m2. Subsequently, one target and three reference stimuli of different colors were presented under four stimulus‐onset asynchrony (SOA) conditions. The participants discriminated the target stimulus from reference stimuli. The results showed that discrimination sensitivity was the lowest right after the background luminance changed and gradually improved with SOAs. The sensitivity decreases differed across color directions, with the greatest decrease in luminance, a moderate decrease in S−(L + M), and a negligible change in L−M. However, statistically significant differences were observed only between luminance and L−M, suggesting that the sensitivity decrease after the abrupt decrease in background luminance did not significantly differ between the chromaticity directions. We speculate that these results stem from the interaction between chromatic perception and luminance adaptation, and possibly from rod intrusions.

Methods and value of storytelling for stakeholders in post-disaster tourism scenarios

PurposeThe tourism sector continues to be an engine for economic growth for communities (Jenkins, 1980), and in post-disaster scenarios, destination can be overwhelmed with challenges, particularly for the local community. However, it is essential to seek the most effective path of recovery for individuals and communities. Gaps in contemporary post-disaster literature remain, as the focus often centres on infrastructure and economic developments (Cox and Perry, 2011). This paper aims to address such gaps by offering new ideas around the value of recovery focusing more on the victims, their stories and the role of tourism.Design/methodology/approachAs a theoretical paper, the applied method is described as a convenient approach to data collection and analysis. The methodological reasoning is down to the selection and examination of sources used to establish new theoretical understandings. The study applies a pragmatic research approach to embrace the spectrum of views that are present within the constructivist and positivist. The pragmatic philosophical approach supports multi-disciplinary studies and ensures a more holistic consideration of social conditions is embraced.FindingsThis paper offers new knowledge and ideas for post-disaster recovery scenarios. It presents a model that incorporates a range of (traditional, digital and immersive) methods and platforms in which stories can be shared and presented. It argues that allowing victims to share stories in different formats could support rehabilitation while also providing stronger, powerful narratives for tourists, leading to more effective tourism experiences.Originality/valueDisasters leave individuals and communities in devastation and with potentially lifelong trauma. In rehabilitation of victims is a vital ingredient to the recovery of a destination and its social fabric. This research offers new ideas around the use of digital technologies to generate stories of value that not only support victims of disasters but also offer visitors the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of challenges and difficulties of dark places, often seen as a key part of the visitor experience and motive to places of tragedy.

Supplemental Material for The Mind Wanders to Dark Places: Mind-Wandering Catalyzes Rumination in the Context of Negative Affect and Impulsivity

Supplemental Material for The Mind Wanders to Dark Places: Mind-Wandering Catalyzes Rumination in the Context of Negative Affect and Impulsivity

Design and development of an efficient real-time moving object tracking system in a wireless-controlled automated vehicle

This study aimed to apply a microprocessor on a wireless automated vehicle to achieve real-time tracking of moving objects. The targets captured by the camera on the vehicle were first separated from their background through background subtraction. Next, morphological processing was performed to remove unnecessary information. An enhanced seeded region growing method was used to achieve image segmentation by labeling and segmenting the targets effectively, thus enhancing the accuracy and resolving the problem of object concealment. The corresponding red, green, and blue colors of each target were calculated through a color space, which was then converted into an enhanced luminance/chroma blue/chroma red (YUV) color space for color histogram modeling and storage, so as to increase the system’s tracking speed. The enhanced YUV colors also achieved accurate tracking in dark places. After inputting the next image, an enhanced agglomerative hierarchical clustering method was used to agglomerate and connect pixels with the same YUV for tracking. A proportional-integral-derivative controller controlled the motors on the camera lens and the vehicle so that the target could be tracked properly in real-time. The experimental results revealed that our proposed tracking method performed better than conventional tracking methods.

A Light in Dark Places: Later Prehistoric Mortuary Activity in Caves in Scotland and Northern England

A Light in Dark Places: Later Prehistoric Mortuary Activity in Caves in Scotland and Northern England

From a dark place to a blue space: open water swimming transformed our lives

This study focused upon two individuals who used open water swimming (OWS) as a therapeutic means of recovery from a significant period of acute mental ill-health, in which both had attempted suicide. A case study approach was utilised to explore the participant’s backstories, mental ill-health, and subsequent recovery. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in the field where each individual typically participates in OWS. In addition, the field researcher kept reflexive notes on his interaction with each swimmer. Both case study profiles−with very different causal factors that led to attempted suicide - are detailed and parallels drawn between the individuals’ experiences of mental health recovery and the role of OWS within this. Whilst findings are not generalisable, they provide important insight into the potential therapeutic role of OWS in alleviating the impact of acute mental ill-health in relation to suicide and how OWS facilitated a more positive future for individuals. The study also explores how and why such enhancements to mental health might occur.

Night Time Car Accident Prevention with AI Vision

Abstract: Night vision object detection with computer vision performs a vital function in diverse fields, when its dark, regular computer vision has trouble seeing things clearly. But because of new technology, we can now detect objects better in the dark. Our approach uses advanced learning methods and special sensors to help us see in darkness. By improving images, picking out important details, and using strong computer programs, we can spot objects accurately. After lots of testing, we've found our system works really well, with few mistakes and it's fast too. It's useful in surveillance, self-driving cars, security, and rescue missions, making dark places safer. So, basically, our system is like giving night vision to computers. It's like putting on special glasses that help you see in the dark. With this technology, we can keep an eye on things even when it's hard to see, whether it's for keeping people safe or making sure our cars can drive themselves without crashing.

Chromatographic and Thermal Characteristics, and Hydrolytic and Oxidative Stability of Commercial Pomegranate Seed Oil.

The current investigations were aimed at the determination of the hydrolytic and oxidative stability of commercial pomegranate seed oils provided by four different producers, and to assess the oils' primary quality parameters. During storage, many changes occur in oils that can significantly affect their quality. The oils were tested for acid and peroxide values, fatty acid profile, and their distribution between the sn-1,3 and sn-2 positions of triacylglycerols. The oxidative stability was also determined, and melting curves were plotted for the oils. The analyzed oils were stored for one month in a dark place at refrigerator temperature. Based on the obtained results, it was found that the acid values for most oils did not exceed the permissible level determined by the Codex Alimentarius. However, in all oils, the peroxide value exceeded the permissible level set by the standard EN ISO 3960:2017-03 and the Codex Alimentarius after the one-month storage period. The examined pomegranate seed oils were found to be valuable sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially punicic acid, which was the most abundant fatty acid present in these oils. In all analyzed oils, linoleic acid predominated in the sn-2 position of the triacylglycerols. Pomegranate seed oils did not exhibit good oxidative stability, as the oxidation induction times for all tested oils were very short. The storage period significantly affected the content of the primary oxidation products and oxidative stability of the oils.

Physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity evaluation of new indigo extract from Baphicacanthus cusia (Nees) Bremek prepared by chemical conversion method

The effect of acidolysis time, hydrochloric acid concentration, ozonization time and pH on the yield of indigo were investigated by single factor experiment using dried leaves of Baphicacanthus cusia (Nees) Bremek (DLB) as raw material. On this basis, the technological condition for preparing new indigo extract (NIE) by directional chemical conversion method was optimized by orthogonal experiment. Then, the physiochemical properties of NIE were analyzed by combustion assay, nitric acid assay, thin layer chromatography identification assay, moisture detection and water-soluble pigment observation assay. Moreover, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technology was utilized to compare chemical composition difference between the NIE and traditional indigo naturalis (TIN). Finally, NIE emulsion was prepared by ultrasound assisted high pressure homogenization method and its stability, antibacterial activity as well as antibacterial mechanism were evaluated. The experimental results showed that optimum process for preparing NIE were hydrochloric acid concentration of 2 %, ozonization time of 3 min, pH of 7 and acidolysis time of 1 h; Under this condition, the content and yield of indigo in the NIE were significantly improved, which could reach up to 42.6 ± 0.28 % and 2.26 ± 0.04 %, separately. NIE possessed similar physiochemical properties with TIN described in Chinese pharmacopoeia 2020, and had more diverse active ingredients than TIN. The prepared NIE emulsion demonstrated excellent stability, whether at dark or bright place, and no matter at low temperature (4 ℃) or room temperature (25 ℃), the particle size, PDI, pH and indigo content of which displayed little variation. In addition, the NIE emulsion owned good inhibitory activity against S. aureus, and its MIC and MBC values were 40 and 80 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, NIE emulsion exhibited antibacterial effect by influencing cell membrane integrity, Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activity on the cell membrane and intracellular Ca2+ levels of S. aureus. All of above results will lay the foundation for the green and sustainable utilization of Baphicacanthus cusia (Nees) Bremek.

Drones in Human Aid and Disaster Relief using Thermal Imaging Technology

Disaster Rescue is a very dangerous job to carry out the process without risking more lives in the process as the environment plays a major role. To find the people, requires the system to identify the movement and recognize the human by using the Thermal imaging system in the place of low-temperature areas such as forests, flood areas, Dark places, and so on. Not just thermal but also RGB cameras, stereo cameras and Infrared cameras are used to gain the surrounding situational inference, and by using the intelligent system to identify humans by their body shape from a distance and using the CV pipeline the movement can be identified and confirmed for victims condition in the disaster area. By mounting the optical systems in the Drone, the process makes it safe for the people, and a quick rescue response can be implemented. Using the heavy payload carrying Drone to supply emergency kit and food supplies to the Victims on time. It as well can also act as an emergency communication Network establishment with the GPS to gain the location of a specific point of Disaster regions.

V.A. Favorsky’s Theory of the Book and the Problem of Artistic Interpretation of Literary Content

The article is devoted to the actual problems of the theory of the book, created and largely practically implemented by V.A. Favorsky and his associates in the 1930s —1950s. This theory was based on the principle of perception of the book as a synthetic art, which is confirmed by the tradition of handwritten books, relevant to the era of printing. The main contradiction faced by those who largely follow the work of V.A. Favorsky remains the correlation of the aesthetic concept of the book with its literary content. There are many dark places in V.A. Favorsky’s theory connected with this problem. Different approaches to this problem, characteristic of such a complex, synthetic work as a book, are analyzed, including issues related to the psychology of creativity, with a deep study of literary material when working on a book. The ambiguous experience of V.A. Favorsky, associated with immersion in the material of the book, with the study of the cultural context of the work, is considered. The article also highlights the important problem for V.A. Favorsky of the perception of a literary text in connection with the ideology and historical context of various epochs.The theoretical legacy of V.A. Favorsky does not lose relevance in our time, when the art of books is in need of pioneering approaches related to electronic publications of various types, including on the basis of the principle of “relay race of arts”, developed by the director and art theorist S.V. Obraztsov. Taking into account the current state of book publishing and its prospects, an updated appeal to the legacy of V.A. is proposed. Favorsky, which would solve the task of creating books at a high artistic level, taking into account the educational and informative functions of the book, without contradictions with the literary content of the work.

Evaluation of antioxidant and antibacterial properties of dehydrocostus lactoneisolated from Echinops kebericho root.

Echinops kebericho, an endemic plant to Ethiopia, traditionally used to treat infectious as well as noninfectious diseases. The primary objective of this study was isolating dehydrocostus lactone (DHCL) from E. kebericho and evaluating antibacterial activities on selected human pathogenic bacteria. Extraction method used in this study was maceration. Based on the bioassay information methanol extract of the root of E. kebericho was subjected to column chromatography on silica gel by increasing solvent gradients to isolate DHCL. Optimized amount isolation of DHCL was done by dissolving methanol crude extract by hexane followed by recrystallization at room temperature in the dark place. Different concentrations of the extract were subjected by disc diffusion method against tested bacterial species and antioxidant activity test. The phytochemical analysis of E. kebericho revealed a high presence of terpenoids, which are diverse natural compounds known for their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This suggests that terpenoids contribute significantly to the pharmacological effects of E. kebericho. In antibacterial testing, Escherichia coli was the most sensitive bacterium among all extracts and concentrations. The methanol extract displayed higher antioxidant activity compared to ethyl acetate and hexane extracts, indicating a higher concentration of antioxidant compounds. Notably, the isolated compound DHCL showed promising activity against tested pathogens and significant antioxidant activity. The higher activity of DHCL compared to the crude extracts suggests its responsibility for the observed effects, indicating that the isolation and purification process may have concentrated its beneficial properties. These findings highlight the potential of E. kebericho and DHCL as sources of bioactive compounds for therapeutic applications. All tested extracts and pure compound showed higher inhibition than positive controls in both bioassay. DHCL the principal bioactive component in the root extract of the plant and it displayed potent antibacterial and antioxidant activity.

A portable Raspberry Pi-based camera set-up to record behaviours of frogs and other small animals under artificial or natural shelters in remote locations.

We describe a Raspberry Pi-based camera system that is portable, robust and weatherproof, with a close-up focus (2.5 cm). We show that this camera system can be used in remote locations with high rainfall and humidity. The camera has an Infrared LED light to film in dark places and can continuously record up to 21 days (504 h). We also describe how to make concrete artificial shelters to mount the camera in. One of the great strengths of this shelter/camera set-up is that the animals choose to take up residence and can then be filmed for extended periods with no disturbance. Furthermore, we give examples of how shelters and cameras could be used to film a range of behaviours in not only many small cryptic amphibian species but also other small vertebrates and invertebrates globally.

Co-designing safe and sustainable darkness for northern urban places

The technological development, quantitative increase and qualitative design of urban lighting have succeeded in improving the safety and comfort of urban spaces. In this context, dark and dimly lit places appear as undesirable, even dangerous. However, the disadvantages of overlighting are increasingly being identified. On the other hand, darkness has well-being effects and aesthetic values in urban environments. The Safe and Sustainable Darkness project studies the frameworks for dimmer urban lighting: how to find room for lower lighting levels and darker places, respecting the diverse use of spaces and the values and experiences of city residents. In the article, we present participatory process for design and implementation of safe and sustainable urban darkness. The expertise and understanding of two different groups is of interest. Interviews of various professionals in the city organization reveal how illuminated and un-illuminated places are perceived from an administrative perspective. Inhabitants and users of urban space share their insight of the meanings, potential and context of the existing and future dark places. By combining the research material from interviews, crowdsourcing, workshops and evaluated pilot installation, we propose a co-design methodology to create enjoyable dimly lit and un-illuminated urban spaces.

Shedding Light on the Dark Corners of the Law, by Walking Hand in Hand with Professor Sacco, Master of Italian Comparative Law

Making use as a guideline of a self-authored manuscript—dated February 2000—where the “Maestro” reveals himself, this essay explores the academic life and the scholarly achievements of Rodolfo Sacco, the Italian master of comparative law, who just recently passed away. His intellectual endeavor is described throughout the lenses of a common thread that underlies his entire scholarly output: it his ability to illuminate the dark places of law, finding it where no one had sought it before. This is the essence of his original contribution to the understanding of the legal landscape’s dynamics and it is the core of his cultural legacy, not only to comparative lawyers, but also to the community of the jurists at large.

God as a House Spirit in Joseph Brodsky’s Poem “God Does Not Live in Village Corners...”

The article proposes an interpretation of the well-known, but rarely analyzed elegy by I. Brodsky, “In the village, God does not live in corners...” (1964). While traditional analyses of Brodsky’s text focus on its “dark places,” “difficulties,” and “inconsistencies,” and note its “eclecticism of worldview,” the authors suggest a different perspective — the need to view the text as the realization of a verbal metaphor, which allows us to abandon notions of “secret writing” and “encryption” in the text. This approach removes critics’ claims regarding the “chaotic” and “overloaded” nature of the verse, and instead demonstrates the coherence and clarity of the lyrical subject’s reflections. According to Brodsky, in villages, God lives in the hearts of ordinary people, participating in all the most mundane events of life (construction, plowing, cooking, weddings, etc.), sharing their joy, helping them in times of trouble, and comforting them in grief. Brodsky creates a unique image not of the canonized biblical God, but of a “folk” house spirit, a host God, a friendly and companionable God who accompanies the Russian person in all their endeavors. It is argued that the poem “In the village, God does not live in corners...” was not an attempt at “seeking God,” but rather an awareness of a “sense of community” with the common people and an understanding of important “foundations of life” for the young poet.

Practical tips by peer support in chronic vestibular hypofunction: an exploratory survey.

Patients with chronic vestibular hypofunction typically suffer from dizziness, imbalance and oscillopsia (blurred vision); symptoms that pose challenges to everyday life. Currently, advice on how to deal with such challenges is mainly provided by health care professionals (i.e., ENT-surgeons, neurologists, physiotherapists and psychologists). However, fellow patients with a similar condition and a true appreciation of the lived experiences, are likely to provide valuable support and advice as well. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to collect tips and advice from patients with chronic vestibular hypofunction. An exploratory survey was designed to collect tips from fellow chronic vestibular hypofunction patients on how to cope with disease-related challenges in everyday life. The survey was distributed both online and in person. The list of tips was coded and analyzed thematically and deductively, by using the international classification of functioning, disability, and health (ICF) model. In total, 425 tips were obtained from the 179 participants. Most tips were coded under "environmental factors" (46%) and "activities and participation" (39%). The remaining tips were categorized as "body functions" (15%). No tips were about "body structures." The participants coped with their daily struggles by investing in assistive products and technology, like adapted bikes, special footwear, walking frames. They described the importance of ensuring minimal light intensity for visibility (i.e., installing light sources in dark places). During activities, participants gave the advice to avoid bumpy roads and obstacles, and highlighted the necessity of adequate visual fixation to maintain balance. To ensure optimal activity, participants emphasized the importance of managing energy and taking sufficient rest. This study gives insight into how patients with chronic vestibular hypofunction cope with everyday struggles due to their symptoms. These tips can expand advice given by healthcare professionals. Knowing that fellow patients experience similar struggles and learned to deal with their struggles in adequate ways, might offer support and help patients focus on possibilities rather than on disabilities. Further research should investigate the effect of sharing tips to see whether improvement in (mental) health can be achieved in patients with chronic vestibular hypofunction.

The effect of dry and wet aging of horse meat on color

The color of horse meat may depend on several factors, including storage conditions, animal type and age, as well as meat processing methods. Studies aimed at comparing the color of dry aging and wet aging of horse meat have not been the subject of much scientific research. The purpose of the study is to study the effect of dry and wet aging of horse meat on color. The object of research is a boneless dorsal cut of horse meat. Meat samples were isolated 24 hours after slaughter and stored (2 ± 5 °C) in a dark place. Eight samples of horse meat were cut from a boneless dorsal cut, and then randomly distributed according to the periods and aging method. Two control samples - 1 day, three samples of dry aging – 14, 21, 28 days. Wet aging of horse meat was carried out in vacuum packed form in a refrigerated product storage chamber at a temperature of 2±1 °C and relative humidity of no more than 90% for 28 days. Instrumental color measurements were carried out on the L*, a* and b* scales using a Minolta colorimeter (Minolta CR-400, Osaka, Japan) installed with a D65 illuminator, viewing angle 2°. The differences in the indicator of Lightness L* in meat of dry and wet aging for 14 days were 1,785, at 21 days - 3,784 and 28 days - 10,754, in terms of Redness, a* 11,626 - at 14 days, 13.0841 and 15.1253 were 21 and 28 days, respectively. The difference in Blue, b* was 8.6054, 13.3676, 12.3517 for 14.21 and 28 days. The obtained color differences, ΔE* 17,1346, 21,192, 26,64 indicate that the method of aging of horse meat has a significant effect on its color.