Role In History Research Articles

The London money market and non-British bank lending during the first globalisation: evidence from Brazil

AbstractThis study examines the relationship between the London money market (LMM) and the credit provision of non-British overseas banks in peripheral economies during the first wave of globalisation. Using monthly data between 1889 and 1913, we find a positive relationship between the amount of credit authorised by the German Brasilianische Bank für Deutschland in Brazil and the spread between the London market and floating rate. Our results suggest that increased demand for foreign bills and/or decreased borrowing costs in the LMM leads to an increase in credit supply. We use the impact of annual tax payments on the spread between the market and floating rate as an instrumental variable (IV) to show that this relationship is causal. Although there is a significant amount of literature on London’s historic role as a global financial centre and a growing number of studies on foreign banking history, little quantitative evidence is available about the connection between the two. This study bridges this gap.

The United States in the World Today: How Sociologists Think About It and Why It Matters

The study of policy alone often means domestic policy, of interest to generalist sociologists interested in how political ideas are turned into domestic legislation, executive action, and/or court litigation. Foreign policy, as the financial, commercial, diplomatic and military relations of a state with foreign states, remains a niche subfield. But foreign relations should be conceived of as the broader set of entanglements between societies, encompassing transnational movements, expert networks, and fields. Then, sociological theories of foreign relations can interest generalist sociologists. In this review, we illustrate how this broad view of foreign relations applies to the study of the United States in the world today (USitWT) by first surveying how sociologists of the world society and world system have focused on transnational relations and the place of the United States in their dynamics, and how they have engaged with the question of power. We then demonstrate how field theorists’ study of transnational fields can allow sociologists to reconceptualize the historical role of the USitWT by highlighting continuities between European colonial governmentalities and current US transnational practices. This field perspective can allow sociologists to understand the USitWT as transnational, postcolonial, or neo-colonial governmentality, depending on the sociological and historical depth and range of its relation with different parts of the world.

Applicability and uses of the online environment in restorative mediation: towards a digital restorative justice?

ABSTRACT While the historical role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in restorative justice has been marginal, the paradigm has shifted notably since 2020, prompted by the exigencies of the pandemic. This transformation was especially visible in victim-offender mediation (VOM) programs, particularly during the critical phases of the health crisis across Europe. Despite the persistence of some restorative services in utilizing ICT tools, the scholarly discourse on this evolving landscape remains notably scant. Addressing this gap, this research adopts a qualitative approach, delving into the experiences of 26 facilitators in Spain (N = 26). Through in-depth semi-structured interviews and subsequent inductive coding and thematic content analysis, the study seeks to unravel the nuanced dynamics of employing ICTs in restorative justice and restorative mediation contexts. Specifically, the research explores their impact on communication processes, spatial dynamics, process quality, and participant security. The findings not only underscore practical implications for current practices but also open avenues for contemplating the transformative potential of digital tools in shaping the future trajectory of restorative justice. This study aims to propose valuable insights into what works, what doesn’t, and how restorative justice services could optimize their functioning within the broader criminal justice system through judicious use of ICTs.

Effectiveness of Billion Trees Tsunami Afforestation Projects in restoration of forests in Pakistan

AbstractThe history of forest cover dynamics in Pakistan reveals an unsatisfactory environmental situation. In the past 5 decades, particularly during the period between 1990 and 2010, the country lost an average of 41,100 hectares of green cover with a deforestation rate of 1.6% per year. The factors behind that this high deforestation rate is numerous including socio-economic transformation after the major political change during the 1970s in the mountainous areas of Pakistan, demographic changes, accessibility improvements, and land use changes. Several social forestry campaigns have been launched over time to cope with this socioecological and environmental issue. However, most of them have not been very effective due to certain shortcomings. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the most recent and history’s biggest forest restoration program initiated by the government of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province called the Billion Trees Tsunami Afforestation Project (BTTAP). This project was announced in 2013 when a new political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, came into power. The study is focused on one of the main forest hubs of the country in the Hindukush Mountains spanning five districts. Forest cover in this study area decreased from 20 to 2% between 1990 and 2010. After the launch of the BTTAP, the forest cover increased considerably from 2 to 35% by the year 2021. This growth was achieved through planting new trees, banning forest cutting, practicing surveillance, and enhancing community participation. If the project continues and the protection measures are not suspended, it can play a historical role in forest restoration.

Laughing and unlaughing at religion-related fake news in Estonia

Abstract Contemporary contacts and interactions with religion are often mediated by mass and social media. These sources vary in their reliability and some are known for their use of humor as a communicative strategy. In this article we analyze how humorous religion-related news triggers reactions to and discussions about the intertwined issues of humor, religion, history and ethnic identity. First, we look at how people perceive religion as an institution, contextualizing the results against the backdrop of the historical and present-day role of religion in the (ethnically, politically, and culturally) divided Estonian society. Second and more broadly, we analyze the (mis)use of strong religious symbols. We aim to understand why serious reactions to initially humorous fake news come about, and why humorous stimuli are sometimes met with discontent or even disgust. This contributes to understanding the intersection of humor and religion in divided societies. The results point out that the religious controversies triggered by humor are related to societal and political issues rather than ideas about religion and belief. We suggest that fast and broad dissemination via online media might be one of the reasons why the humorous and serious are closely interwoven in discussions on religious issues.

Challenges and progress in applying space technology in support of the sustainable development goals

The global community, with coordination from the United Nations, is energized to pursue the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a list of 17 important aspirations that summarize the key challenges of our era. The SDGs apply to every nation and represent an international effort to eliminate extreme poverty, ensure access to safe drinking water, strengthen food security, and produce clean and reliable energy, among other pursuits. Space technology is already being used around the world to advance progress toward the SDGs and monitor their related Indicators. This paper explores how six technologies related to space—satellite Earth observation, satellite communication, satellite navigation and positioning, human spaceflight and microgravity research, space technology transfer, and basic scientific research—are being used to realize the vision that the SDGs represent. The paper also discusses the obstacles that limit the application of these technologies for the SDGs and provides an overview of potential paths to overcome these barriers. The paper finally studies the historical and potential roles that four distinct types of entities involved in global sustainable development—governments, non- and inter-governmental organizations, entrepreneurial companies, and universities— have played or may play in the application of space technologies towards the SDGs.

On tradition, criticism, and green marketing

Reviewer Frederik Appel Olsen takes issue with the approach we present in The Virtues of Green Marketing: A Constructive Take on Corporate Rhetoric (Palgrave Macmillan). In this response, we point out three aspects where Appel Olsen paints a misleading picture of our book. They concern a) the role of history in contemporary thinking, b) the role of Aristotle in our argumentation, and c) the legitimate place of rhetorical criticism. Thus, our response treats fundamental questions for the field of rhetoric.

The Historic, Present and Future Role of Regulation in Securing the Standards of ‘Public Value’ Media

AbstractThis article examines the evolution of public service broadcasting (PSB) regulation in the UK, contrasting two opposing perspectives on its role and addressing its contemporary challenges. Analysing the historical context and recent regulatory changes, the article argues that PSB remains vital to the UK's media landscape, providing high quality content and serving the public good. However, it identifies technological advancements and political interference as significant threats to its continued success. The article critically evaluates the draft Media Bill's potential to address these challenges and enhance PSB's competitiveness. Additionally, it raises concerns about potential bias within the regulatory body, Ofcom, urging greater transparency and fairness in its oversight of the media market. The article emphasises the need for a robust regulatory framework to ensure the continued viability of PSB and foster a vibrant and diverse media ecosystem.

The Significance of Nepal’s Geopolitical Location; Reality Checking

This research paper investigates Nepal's geostrategic importance by analyzing its role as a significant nexus in South Asia. In ancient times, Nepal occupied a crucial geostrategic position as it served as a pivotal crossroads connecting South Asia, Tibet, and China, facilitating the exchange of commodities, ideas, and culture. The central argument posits that Nepal's geographic location endows it with substantial strategic significance, both politically and economically, enabling it to influence regional dynamics. Employing a mixed methodology, the research delves into various facets of Nepal's geostrategic relevance through historical assessments, geopolitical analyses, and case studies of hydro-politic potentiality. The approach commences by examining Nepal's historical role as a buffer state amid regional powers, leading to a longstanding history of diplomatic struggles to safeguard its sovereignty. Furthermore, the paper explores how Nepal's geographical position shapes its security dynamics, particularly in the context of the escalating China-India rivalry in contemporary times, employing geopolitical frameworks to illuminate this aspect. To shed light on Nepal's involvement in facilitating global trade and connectivity, the methodology also includes case studies of infrastructure initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and regional connectivity projects. In conclusion, the paper asserts that Nepal's geostrategic significance is a product of its historical development and proactive international relations, closely intertwined with its geographic positioning. It underscores Nepal's potential to serve as a conduit for regional cooperation and economic integration while emphasizing the need for astute navigation to preserve its independence in a challenging geopolitical landscape.

Sacred Rubble and Humble Shelters: German Church Building after the Second World War

Abstract This article centres on the cultural politics behind the feverish construction of new houses of worship in West Germany, as well as the restoration of damaged cathedrals and churches, in the first two decades after 1945. At issue is how and why ecclesiastical architecture took on heightened cultural significance at the time, attracting a star-studded group of international architects. After the war, church-building resumed its leading historical role from before the Industrial Revolution as the avant-garde of innovative international architecture, although its comeback has been largely overlooked by architectural and cultural historians alike. While these changes reflected broader international trends, the German situation took on special significance in light of the Nazi legacy of defeat, destruction and dislocation, as well as the pressing need to fabricate new churches for survivors and the millions of expellees arriving in western Germany. Discussions of ecclesiastical architecture therefore touched on broader issues of German history, identity and Christian renewal, and the very form of these houses of worship reflected a unique blend of avant-garde architecture and Christian theology in the aftermath of war.

Siraitia grosvenorii As a Homologue of Food and Medicine: A Review of Biological Activity, Mechanisms of Action, Synthetic Biology, and Applications in Future Food.

Siraitia grosvenorii (SG), also known as Luo Han Guo or Monk fruit, boasts a significant history in food and medicine. This review delves into SG's historical role and varied applications in traditional Chinese culture, examining its phytochemical composition and the health benefits of its bioactive compounds. It further explores SG's biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties and elucidates the mechanisms behind these effects. The review also highlights recent synthetic biology advances in enhancing the production of SG's bioactive compounds, presenting new opportunities for broadening their availability. Ultimately, this review emphasizes SG's value in food and medicine, showcasing its historical and cultural importance, phytochemistry, biological functions, action mechanisms, and the role of synthetic biology in its sustainable use.

ظاھرۃ الوضع في الحدیث: دراسۃ تاریخیۃ

In Islamic Studies, the status of Hadith comes next to the Holy Quran. The teachings of Quran are interpreted in the light of Hadith. Moreover, all commandments and queries of Shariah have come through Hadith. In the beginning of Islam, the Muslims considered the Hadith as the most important source of knowledge. In this regard, Muhaddiseen offered such services and wrote such books as ever exemplified in the history of the world. It is fact that the concoction of Hadith started in the Nabvi Era and continued till the period of followers (Tabeen). There were multi-dimensional motives behind this evil like lust, atheism, religious biasness, sectarian indifferences, fame and obedience of kings and rulers etc. Muhadditheen face this evil’s challenge with zeal and zest in every era of the Islamic history. They framed the best principles to overcome the situation for the safeguard the Hadith. In this regard, the Muhadditheen of the Sub-continent played an unforgettable and historical role. So that I have discussed the concocted the Hadith in this article. The article is so informative and enlightening that the reader feels it useful in this field.  Particularly, the Sub-continent has always played a vital role in this regard, for the most authentic books of Hadith have come from this part of the world.

Against mastery: Epistemic decolonizing in the margins of the Business School

In this provocation, I argue that epistemic decolonizing is an opposition to the Master promulgator of knowledge, the Western/Eurocentric epistemic subject position. This epistemic refusal of mastery can only happen in the margins of the Business School, and as such, it is always an unfinished project whose incompleteness should be celebrated. To develop my argument, I proceed in three steps. First, I conceptualize the Business School as a postcolony, that is, a realm of extended epistemic domination rooted in the institution’s colonial historical role. Second, I suggest an alternative understanding of the margins not only rooted in spatiality, location, or identity but as a specific minoritarian epistemic position against mastery within the postcolony. These margins are not stable and immutable but relational, constantly being made, re-made, transformed, and negotiated. They are the location for an affirmative, generative and imaginative ongoing sabotage of epistemic domination. Finally, I offer that epistemic decolonizing as a minoritarian engagement, is unavoidably incomplete, unfinished, and unfinishable as knowledge always already exists and is always already weaved from a multiplicity of entangled historical, cultural, political, and disciplinary threads.

Investigation of the Structural Strength of Expansive Soil in a Seasonally Frozen Region

The existence of structural strength in undisturbed soil results in its distinct characteristics compared to remolded soil. Under the influence of freeze–thaw cycles, this difference may easily cause geotechnical disasters in cold regions. This study aimed to analyze and discuss the expression degree and influencing factors of the structural strength of expansive soil. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test, high-pressure consolidation test, and microscopic test were performed on expansive soil retrieved from a seasonally frozen region. Moreover, sensitivity parameters, including stress sensitivity (St.qu, St.σk) and strain sensitivity (St.ɛu, St.Cc), were applied to explore the expression degree and influencing factors of structural strength in a seasonally frozen region. The results reveal that the undisturbed samples have better structural connection and particle arrangement than the remolded samples. However, the primary fractures have a certain degrading effect on the strength of the undisturbed soil as influenced by a seasonally frozen region. With the increase in water content and the decrease in density, the expression degree of the structural strength in terms of compressive strength and the ability to resist deformation enhances under the unconfined condition. By contrast, the expression degree increases in strength and decreases in ability under the confined condition. Furthermore, the effect mechanisms of the basic property, particle composition, structural linkage, lateral confinement, and historical role on the structural expression were analyzed.

Plains Indian German silver from Oklahoma: the Smithsonian’s Davis collection

German silver jewelry has a historic and ongoing role in the social and ritual life of Indian people on the Southern Plains. A remarkably well-documented collection of German silverwork assembled in central Oklahoma in 1966 reveals much about the economics and social context of the craft at that time. The collection, now at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, includes the work of seven smiths from five tribes, together with information on production and circulation. In addition to biographies of the craftsmen, the documentation positions the objects within social processes involving craftworkers, commercial outlets, the Peyote religion, Native consumers, and an elusive non-Native market.

Art and female agency in late Byzantium: three methodological case studies.

This essay employs the anthropological notion of female social agency to analyse a selection of case studies in the art history of the late Byzantine Empire. They concern three women – Nicoletta Grioni, Isabelle de Lusignan, and Maria d'Enghien-Brienne – who lived between the mid- to late fourteenth century and the first half of the fifteenth. All three were part of a Greek-Latin Mediterranean socio-cultural context. While their stories are not fully represented in textual primary sources, the present essay examines a selection of heterogeneous visual and cultural materials that help to reinstate their role in history and overcome the male-logocentric nature of the written evidence related to them.

Unveiling Empowerment: Navigating Historical Roles and Contemporary Challenges for Muslim Women Leaders

Based on the insights gathered from the literature review, this historical study embarks on a multifaceted exploration with several pivotal objectives. At its core, it seeks to illuminate the intricate relationship between Islamic teachings, the historical roles of Muslim women in leadership, and their contemporary challenges within the political landscape of Pakistan. Through a thorough examination of these aspects, the research aims to provide valuable insights and actionable recommendations that can shape policy formulation, procedural refinement, and organizational culture. The primary goal is to promote gender diversity and empower Muslim women in leadership roles, particularly in Pakistan. A central objective of this study is to deeply explore Islamic teachings and principles and their implications for women's active participation and contributions to society, especially in leadership positions. By meticulously analyzing relevant literature and historical examples from Islamic history, the research intends to uncover the theological and cultural foundations that historically influenced the status of Muslim women in leadership. Moreover, it seeks to evaluate how these teachings have empowered Muslim women in leadership roles, fostering a nuanced understanding of the interplay between religion and women's leadership.

The interaction of history and modern thought in the creation of Iran's architecture by investigating the approaches of past-oriented architecture

The relationship between tradition and modernity significantly influences society, culture, and architectural discourse. This philosophy offers a framework for exploring the impact of traditional architecture on contemporary Iranian architecture from different perspectives and approaches. Various viewpoints exist on whether historical architecture can be a defining characteristic of contemporary architectural discourse. Through an in-depth review of analysis-centred architectural literature, a unique method was chosen for analysing contemporary architecture and gaining insight into its creation. The main goal of this study is to establish a productive relationship between past-oriented architecture, innovative architectural concepts, and contemporary thought. This article examines three critical viewpoints, tradition as imitation, transmission, and transformation, alongside analysing their influential components on architectural form to gain insight into productively connecting with historical achievements and show that the role of history is to add new values to architecture-conscious needs that have changed during history. Ultimately, the challenge lies in finding a suitable path among diverse perspectives and reinterpretations and establishing a productive relationship with history and contemporary thought.

Clinical studies that initiated the use of spinal opioids for the treatment of pain: A new approach to historical review.

Opioids administered into the spinal space by intrathecal or epidural routes can provide potent and prolonged selective analgesia. Compared to the systemic administration of opioids, spinal administration can bring about analgesia with fewer central and systemic adverse effects. For the past 40 years, spinal opioid analgesia has achieved great popularity in various fields of pain treatment. The aim of this work is to identify clinical studies that initiated the use of spinal opioids for the treatment of pain. To determine the historical role of each of the review's studies we used the combination of two factors: the study priority in terms of the time of its publication and the degree of its acknowl-edgement in the form of citation impact. The date of publication was regarded as the primary factor, but only if the count of citations indicated a sufficient acknowledgement by the other authors. The citation impact was assessed as the initial citation count - for period of five years after the year of article publication - and the total count. The selection of studies most important for the introduction of spinal opioids to clinical practice was based on two factors - the study priority in terms of the time of its publication and the degree of acknowledgement in the form of citation impact. The date of publication was regarded as the primary factor, but only if the citation count was indicative of sufficient acknowledgement by other authors. Analysis of the related data shows that the clinical studies initiating the use of spinal opioids for the treatment of pain belong to two groups of authors - Wang et al. and Behar et al. Both studies were published in 1979 and described delivery of morphine into the spinal space, although the techniques of administration were different: Wang et al. injected morphine intrathecally, Behar et al. administered morphine epidurally. The response to these studies was overwhelming -- close to a dozen reports on this topic were published in 1979 and more than a hundred - in 1980-1981. The total citation response to the Wang et al. article reached 699, and that to Behar et al. - 518. Two earlier records (1900-1901) of the use of intrathecal morphine, by Nicolae Racoviceanu-Pitesti and Otojiro Kitagawa, found no following in medical literature for more than three quarters of a century.

Industrial Growth and Socio-Economic Impact: An Analysis of Armi's Manufacturing History in the Mongiana Industrial Village of Serre Calabria

The Mongiana Arms Factory in Calabria (Italy), built in 1852, constitutes a significant example of 19th century armoury. Designed by Domenico Fortunato Savino, active from 1852 to the mid-1860s, the factory produced 2000-3000 weapons annually for the bourbon army, with a peak of 7000-8000 in periods of maximum production. He introduced the «Mongiana» spring-loaded rifle, replacing the French model of 1842. After the unification of Italy, it lost relevance, being downgraded to a transformation workshop, and later closed. Today, part of the Ecomuseum of the Ironworks and Foundries of Calabria, the building has been under restoration since 2013. The Museum of the Royal Bourbon Ironworks, the result of a careful recovery process, allows for an in-depth exploration of the historical, economic, and technological role of the factory in the panorama of the steel industry of the time.