Historical Interest Research Articles

Gray matter volume and asymmetry in Broca's and Wernicke's area homologs in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) using a probabilistic region of interest approach.

Broca's and Wernicke's areas are comprised of Brodmann areas 44, 45 and 22 in the human brain. Because of their roles in higher cognitive and linguistic function, there has been historical and contemporary interest in comparative studies on the morphology and cytoarchitectonic organization in Broca's and Wernicke's between primate species. One challenge to comparative morphological studies between human and nonhuman primates for Broca's and Wernicke's areas is the absence in homologous sulci used to define these regions. To address this limitation, we created probabilistic atlas maps of BA44, BA45 and BA22 based on previously reported cytoarchitectonic maps of these regions in chimpanzees. We then applied the maps to segmented gray matter volume to estimate gray matter within each region and hemisphere. Females were found to have significantly higher gray matter volumes for BA44 and BA45 compared males. Significant negative associations were found between age and gray matter volume for BA44 and BA45 but not BA22. Population-level asymmetries were found for BA44, BA45 and BA22 but there are some limitations in the interpretation of these findings. Lastly, using quantitative genetic analyses, we found significant heritability in the average gray matter volume for BA44 and BA45 but not BA22. The sex and age effects found in chimpanzees are consistent with previous studies in humans.

Patrimônio industrial, identidade e memória: o caso do Vale do Ruhr

Abstract This article aims to describe and analyze the process of preservation and repurposing of industrial heritage in the Ruhr Valley based on field research conducted in the region between October 2023 and July 2024. To achieve this, we will begin by contextualizing the industrialization and deindustrialization process that has been occurring over the last century and a half in the Ruhr Valley. We will demonstrate its connections with the urbanization of the area and the construction of a local collective identity grounded on the memory of the mining and industrial past. Then, we will explore the political and economic processes that led to the formation of the Ruhr Industrial Heritage Route, a collection of industrial sites of historical interest now protected and repurposed.

Tango: An Introduction To Tango-related Topics

The aim of this article is to present tango not as a choreographic arrangement (although this will inevitably be discussed), but as a social phenomenon with a very interesting history, created in specific historical and cultural circumstances, constituting an extremely popular cinematic and literary motif and, no less importantly, an area of linguistic research. Hence the more general or descriptive nature of the article, in which, in addition to the necessary information, numerous questions, doubts and research paths appear. At the same time, we would like to emphasize the international and intercultural nature of tango, visible primarily in music and dance, but also in all the other threads presented in this article, which makes this dance a subject of broadly understood cultural studies.

The Impact of Central Bank Reference Rates on Market Interest Rates in Poland

This study aims to determine the influence of the National Bank of Poland’s (NBP) reference interest rate on the 3M and 6M WIBOR levels. The research hypothesis posits that the base interest rates are a primary determinant of WIBOR levels. The article employs Granger causality tests and an ARDL model to identify which macroeconomic variable most significantly affects the WIBOR 3M and 6M rates. ARDL model results unequivocally suggest that the WIBOR level is primarily influenced by the NBP’s reference interest rate, showing a positive and statistically significant impact. Conversely, Granger causality tests indicate that historical reference interest rate cannot be used to forecast the 3M and 6M WIBOR levels. This could be attributed to the possibility that expectations regarding future interest rates might influence the WIBOR level rather than historical data.

Impact of Heterogeneous Data on Financial Market Volatility: A Generalized Additive Model Approach

Financial market volatility is driven by a complex interplay of factors, many of which exhibit nonlinear relationships with market behavior. Traditional linear models often struggle to adequately capture these intricate dynamics, particularly when analyzing heterogeneous data sources such as stock prices, interest rates, and macroeconomic indicators. In this paper, a nonlinear regression approach is proposed, specifically using generalized additive models, to better understand the impact of such diverse data on market volatility. By incorporating data from multiple sources, including historical stock prices and interest rates, significant nonlinear relationships between stock returns and interest rates with market volatility are revealed in this paper. The smooth terms for log returns show that volatility increases sharply during periods of negative returns, particularly during market downturns, which is consistent with the widely observed phenomenon of volatility clustering. By accounting for these nonlinear relationships, the model provides valuable insights into how varying economic conditions impact market stability, informing risk management strategies and policymaking.

Collective epistemic vices in Blaise Pascal's Provinciales

AbstractLes Provinciales (1656–1657) by Blaise Pascal is best known today for its scathing attack on the Jesuits. Most contemporary accounts treat the work either as a gem of polemical epistolography or of theological and historical interest as a depiction of the debates between the Jansenists and the Jesuits in seventeenth‐century France. In general, Pascal's epistemology is either ignored in Anglophone epistemology or explored in relation to Descartes or other more “substantial” epistemologists. This article argues that such marginalization of Les Provinciales—and Pascal—is a mistake. I contend that Pascal's work offers a fruitful case study in collective epistemic vices. Contrary to the common view that Les Provinciales is merely a series of Jansenist ad hominem attacks, I argue that Pascal's true aim was to expose the epistemic corruption of the Jesuits to a broader audience. In the first section, I offer a few remarks on contemporary vice epistemology and briefly defend the theoretical framework that I rely on. In the second section, I turn to the letters themselves. I first show how Pascal was acutely sensitive to the sociality of knowledge production, then discuss Les Provinciales as a case study of collective epistemic vices.

Il fondo Adelaide Ristori al Museo Biblioteca dell’Attore di Genova

The Adelaide Ristori Archive has been kept at the Museo Biblioteca dell’Attore in Genoa since 1967, after the donation of Irma Castren Capranica del Grillo. In the same year this archival collection was officially acknowledged as cultural heritage for its great historical interest and therefore subjected to a bond of protection. This essay begins with a brief history of the previous archival organization attempts, none of which was completed nor conducted following scientific and consistent basis. Donatella Mezzani, who supervised the archival interventions (including its reorganization and filing, currently available online), supported by the Archival and Bibliographic Superintendence of Liguria, goes on to describe the methodology and criteria adopted. The archival series in which the documentary heritage is currently structured are then briefly outlined, indicating the consistency, dating and state of conservation of the material supports. Some particularly interesting papers are also mentioned and related to the biography and professional path of the great Italian actress. The Adelaide Ristori Archive is extremely rich in terms of volume and completeness of information: Besides, it is a valuable source for different research perspectives and has both some of the specific characteristics of business records and the hybrid and individual ones of family and personal archives. It is undoubtedly a privileged ‘witness’ of Adelaide Ristori’s life, of her family and her entourage: a unique parable, always divided between life and art.

Project Severe Weather Archive of the Philippines(SWAP) Part 1: Establishing a Baseline Climatology for Severe Weather across the Philippine Archipelago

Because of the rudimentary reporting methods and general lack of documentation, the creation of a severe weather database within the Philippines has been difficult yet relevant target for climatology purposes and historical interest. Previous online severe weather documentation i.e. of tornadoes, waterspouts, and hail events, has also often been few, inconsistent, inactive, or is now completely decommissioned. Several countries or continents support severe weather information through either government-sponsored or independent organizations. For this work, Project SWAP stands as a collaborative exercise, with clear data attribution and open avenues for augmentation, and the creation of a common data model to store the phenomenon’s information will assist in maintaining and updating the aforementioned online archive in the Philippines. This paper presents the methods necessary for creating the SWAP database, provide broader climatological analysis of spatio-temporal patterns in severe weather occurrence within the Philippine context, and outline potential use cases for the data. We also highlight the project’s current limitations as is to any other existing and far larger database, and emphasize the need for understanding these events’ and their mesoscale environments, inline to the current severe weather climatologies across the globe.

PARTICIPATORY APPROACH FOR THE EVALUATION OF THE TYPE OF PROTECTION OF MARITIME HERITAGE IN URBAN REGENERATION PROJECTS OF WATERFRONTS - CASE OF THE PORT OF ALGIERS

Coastlines are closely linked to the development of civilizations, as essential places for anchoring commercial and military activities, and for innovation in the forms and techniques of appropriation of the sea, which has produced throughout history a stratification of maritime heritage in the coastal area, today threatened with degradation and disappearance mainly due to natural and climatic conditions and the accelerated urbanization of the coastline, at a time when this heritage can constitute a powerful lever for revitalizing the waterfronts. The historic port of Algiers, the subject of this research, bears witness to a great historical and typological wealth in terms of maritime heritage. Being an integral part of the major regeneration project of the Bay of Algiers, major socio-cultural and economic issues are linked to the choice of the degree of protection of the site's buildings. The objective of this research is to propose a participatory and sustainable approach for the classification of maritime legacies according to their type of protection in the urban regeneration process of the waterfront of the Bay of Algiers, in order to identify development strategies that respect both the spirit of the place and allow the social and economic development of the urban space. To achieve the objective, the Delphi method. This made it possible to structure the evaluation tool and weight the criteria. The established tool is composed of 24 criteria classified according to 5 aspects; architectural quality, historical interest, social role, economic impact and state of conservation. The approach chosen in this study has the advantage of being global, transferable and adaptable to similar decision-making contexts.

LOST TREASURES RESURFACE: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES’ PRINTING PLATES

The Society of Antiquaries of London’s collection of one hundred and seventy historical printing plates, dating from the early eighteenth to mid-nineteenth centuries, has long been a hidden gem. This paper presents the results of a research project initiated in 2022, focusing on the provenance, manufacture and bibliographical use of these plates. It explores the evolution of printing practices and the role of coppersmith stamps, shedding light on production methods and industry connections. The project involved digitising the plates for improved accessibility and preservation and cataloguing efforts to establish standardised guidelines for similar collections. Furthermore, the study uncovers the Society’s historical interest in maintaining and utilising these plates, providing valuable insights into past printing practices and collection management. This research enriches our understanding of the Antiquaries’ holdings through meticulous investigation and documentation and underscores the significance of exploring overlooked aspects of historical collections. It also calls for future research endeavours and collaborations to explore connections within the Society’s collections further and expand our knowledge of printing history. Overall, this study emphasises the importance of preserving and studying printing technology as valuable artefacts that contribute to our understanding of the past.

A Historical and Linguistic Overview of the Maltese Language

The Maltese language, a unique member of the Semitic language family, is shaped by strong influences from Malta’s conquerors. What distinguishes the Maltese language from others is Malta’s resilience; despite the various visitors to the island, the language has endured, absorbing influences from each of its visitors and inhabitants in turn. The aim of this paper is to explore the history of Malta and its language, delving into their origin, and how Malta’s visitors, together with Romance languages of Europe, left an impact on the intertwined entity of Malta and its language. This paper analyzes historical sources that show Malta’s rich history and events that have shaped it into the country it is today, tracing the development of Maltese over time. Moreover, it delves into the linguistic aspects of Maltese that include phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. A qualitative analysis is applied in the research. The Maltese language is analyzed in regard to Semitic and Romance languages, showing the uniqueness of Maltese and how it is unlike any other language in Europe. This allows the conclusion that Maltese should be studied in more detail, uncovering its roots and linguistic characteristics, as well as evidence of Malta’s turbulent, yet interesting history.

The 1912 notebook of Fr. Julian Malumbres, O.P. on the properties of the churches the Dominicans administered in Cagayan until 1898

This paper is a transcribed thirty-one-paged notebook of a compilation of three reports: (1) the property survey of the Spaniard Don Senen Palao, (2) notes of Fr. Julian Malumbres, OP and (3) letters of three surviving friars that left the Philippines after the Philippine Revolution of 1898. An English translation is provided and annotations are used as cross-references into contemporary works and later researches to further enrich and simplify the referencing of the information provided. The data on the ecclesiastical properties are tabulated for easier reading. A brief description of them and attached maps (scaled and unscaled) related to the towns are mentioned, as well as supplemental photographs to show a glimpse of the totality of the narrative of the notebook of Fr. Malumbres. This also opens the opportunities to revisit Cagayan due to the historical, architectural, and archaeological interest the notebook holds to further understand the scope of the Dominican properties in the province until 1898.

An analysis of stakeholders’ aspiration needs for grand challenges

PurposeThis study aims to understand stakeholders’ aspiration needs and analyse their role in shaping the articulation and formulation of Grand Challenges (GCs).Design/methodology/approachUsing a comprehensive single case study approach, this paper investigates a GC at a local scale: the preservation and development of the Gergovia Plateau, a well-known French site of natural and historical interest. It analyses rich qualitative data according to Gioia methodology to understand the grounded needs of stakeholders.FindingsThis research deals with the “why side” of a GC when it emerges. First, it identifies four main dimensions regarding stakeholders’ aspiration needs: economic, cultural, environmental and reputational. Second, it highlights the articulation between these four dimensions and analyse their role for a better formulation and implementation of a GC.Practical implicationsThis study helps public management practitioners to better understand the very nature of the GC they wish to address and to structure its foundations by including stakeholders’ aspirations.Originality/valueThis case is original regarding GCs literature by shedding a new light on how to deal with socio-environmental issues in a context of natural and cultural heritage.

The Zooarchaeology of an Iberian Medieval Jewish Community: The Castle of Lorca (Murcia, Spain)

ABSTRACTArchaeological excavations at the castle of Lorca (Murcia, Spain) led to the identification of part of the Jewish district of the town. This area, occupied between the 14th and 15th centuries, represents a unique example of a medieval frontier Jewish quarter defined by complex urban planning, a synagogue, and various domestic units. Archaeological work allowed the recovery of a large number of animal remains. This paper deals with the results of the zooarchaeological study of this archaeofaunal assemblage, aiming to shed light on the ways in which animals were exploited, distributed, prepared and consumed by medieval Jewish population of Lorca. The results reveal a model of animal economy centered on the exploitation of caprines (sheep/goat) and, to a lesser extent, cattle, chickens and other secondary species, although the presence of non‐kosher species such as pigs and rabbit is noteworthy. The identification of butchery marks attributed to the porging of the hindquarters of caprines, a practice typical of medieval Jewish communities, represents a marker of ethno‐religious identity of great historical interest.

Supported Influence Mapping for Mobile Robot Pathfinding in Dynamic Indoor Environments.

Pathfinding is the process of finding the lowest cost route between a pair of points in space. The aforementioned cost can be based on time, distance, the number of required turns, and other individual or complex criteria. Pathfinding in dynamic environments is a complex issue, which has a long history of academic interest. An environment is considered dynamic when its topology may change in real time, often due to human interference. Influence mapping is a solution originating from the field of video games, which was previously used to solve similar problems in virtual environments, but achieved mixed results in real-life scenarios. The purpose of this study was to find whether the algorithm could be used in real indoor environments when combined with information collected by remote sensors.

Antropología forense, conservación y nuevas tecnologías. Aplicación de fotogrametría de rango corto en restos óseos humanos en Córdoba, Argentina

The objective of this work is to contribute to the discussion of the incorporation of new technologies to improve the conservation of human remains, from the implementation of short-range photogrammetry. The study was carried out on human skulls that are under the care of the Institute of Forensic Medicine of the Province of Córdoba, Argentina. Forensic Anthropology and short-range photogrammetry together make up an interdisciplinary field of study where our objective is focused on incorporating new documentation techniques for processing sensible remains and improving the conservation. The incorporation of a digital technique in the practice of this discipline allows us to propose an approach from another perspective to specific problems in this field, allowing the generation of new explanatory possibilities for issues that continually arise during the traditional work of forensic disciplines. In this sense, in the long term, we are interested in generating an information base that in the future will be transformed into a virtual repository with 3D records of human skulls of forensic, bioanthropological, historical and archaeological interest, and in the short term, optimizing the registration and conservation tasks of human remains through their three-dimensional digitization to be able to contribute to the identification and documentation tasks of judicial investigations that enter the institution. On the other hand, we are interested in discussing some ethical concepts focused on the growing digitization of human remains and the care that must be prioritized for their correct diffusion considering that at least in our country there is legislation that protects the exhibition of human remains.

A Tuneable and Easy-to-Prepare SERS Substrate Based on Ag Nanorods: A Versatile Tool for Solution and Dry-State Analyses.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy is a powerful technique for the ultra-sensitive detection of organic analytes. In this paper, the preparation of SERS substrates based on silver nanorods (AgNRs) is proposed, exploiting a simple protocol which does not require complex procedures and/or sophisticated and expensive instrumentation. For this purpose, various syntheses of AgNRs were tested, and the best one for preparing the SERS active substrate proved to be the one which does not involve surfactants as nanoparticle stabilizers. The plasmonic properties of the selected substrate can be modified based on the concentration of the deposited nanoparticles, allowing for the experimentation of different excitation wavelengths. Positive results were obtained on reference solutions of three natural dyes of historical interest using both green exciting radiation (532 nm) and two near-infrared ones (785 and 850 nm; the latter is combined with the SSE™ technology for further fluorescence quenching). Furthermore, the substrates of AgNRs were found to be suitable for SERS measurements even in dry-state conditions, i.e., only exploiting the electromagnetic interaction between the nanostructured substrate and the dye molecules absorbed onto a wool fibre.

Finite element modeling of the influence of FRP techniques on the seismic behavior of an arch stone bridge of historical interest

In this paper, a masonry bridge is simulated in order to assess both its structural and seismic vulnerability. Therefore, the present study aimed to approximately analyze the real behavior of Mikron Bridge structure. The modeling was conducted by combining the finite element method (FEM) and discrete element method (DEM) using the ABAQUS® software. By comparing the results of numerical and experimental modal analyses, the accuracy of simulation was verified. To simulate the seismic behavior of the Mikron Bridge, the component of Erzincan earthquake occurred in 1992 was used. The results extracted from the seismic analysis show that some parts of the bridge structure are damaged but not destroyed.

Finite element modeling of the influence of FRP techniques on the seismic behavior of an arch stone bridge of historical interest

In this paper, a masonry bridge is simulated in order to assess both its structural and seismic vulnerability. Therefore, the present study aimed to approximately analyze the real behavior of Mikron Bridge structure. The modeling was conducted by combining the finite element method (FEM) and discrete element method (DEM) using the ABAQUS® software. By comparing the results of numerical and experimental modal analyses, the accuracy of simulation was verified. To simulate the seismic behavior of the Mikron Bridge, the component of Erzincan earthquake occurred in 1992 was used. The results extracted from the seismic analysis show that some parts of the bridge structure are damaged but not destroyed.

Provincializing memory studies (again): Cosmopolitan, multidirectional, transcultural, and fugitive memories

This essay argues for the need of provincializing memory studies concepts of the third phase. Memory studies and postcolonial studies share several characteristics, such as their historical emergence, interdisciplinary foundation, and interest in knowledge production. I suggest that postcolonial critique may further enrich memory studies through Dipesh Chakrabarty’s concept of provincializing Europe, because it may help memory studies to confront a tendency to universalize and naturalize some of its concepts, including cosmopolitan, multidirectional, and transcultural memory. A critical historical analysis of these concepts demonstrates that they are not so much universal, as they produce margins and exclusions. Analyzing Tracey Sankar-Charleau and Jude Charleau’s Trinidad and Tobago Carnival performance Lady Solanaceae Ligahoo, I argue that it is important to move beyond universals to also consider cultural memories’ historical specificity. Otherwise, memory studies may risk neglecting countless fugitive memories on the margins of societies, cultures, and histories.