Historical Origins Research Articles

The art of Naqd: communicating critique in Arabic thought for teacher training in Arabia

ABSTRACT This article explores Naqd, critique in Arabic thought, emphasizing its significance for teacher training in the Arab Gulf countries. Naqd, a practice grounded in Arabic intellectual tradition, has almost slipped into obscurity due to the overwhelming influence of the Westernization of higher education. The article responds by re-examining Naqd’s historical and conceptual origins and relevance to contemporary pedagogy. It addresses the urgent need to re-integrate Naqd into teacher education programs to offset the prevalence of Western approaches. It explores key concepts such as Tamhis, Tamyeez, and Taqyeem and Taqweem. By tracing Naqd’s development from pre-Islamic oral traditions to its role in Islamic scholarship and jurisprudence, the article proposes a pedagogical and conceptual framework to revitalize Arabic epistemes and foster a culturally responsive approach. The aim is to restore the balance by integrating Naqd’s dialectical lexicon with culturally and epistemologically relevant practices into teacher education programs in the GCC academia.

A review of the Bovis Calculus’s intervention mechanism and clinical application in ischemic stroke

BackgroundBovis Calculus (BC), also named Niuhuang in Chinese, is utilized as a resuscitation drug in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the treatment of neurological disorders. Ischemic stroke (IS) is a significant global public health issue that currently lacks safe and effective therapeutic drugs. Ongoing efforts are focused on identifying effective treatment strategies from Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine. Noticeably, BC has been used in TCM for thousands of years to prevent or treat IS-related diseases.MethodsThe historical origins of BC in the treatment of IS were investigated through the examination of ancient Chinese medical texts. Furthermore, the chemical components of BC were analyzed, and its mechanisms of action against IS were summarized using literature sourced from databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Information on Chinese medicine preparations and clinical reports was also integrated to provide an overview of modern applications and safety considerations.ResultsBC mainly includes chemical components such as bile pigments, bile acids, cholesterol, proteins amino acids, and trace elements. Additionally, the efficacy of BC in treating cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CI/RI) is certain, particularly due to the components of bile pigments, bile acids, and amino acids that can interfere with the enzymatic cascade reaction of CI/RI through multiple components, targets, and pathways. The active components of BC exert neuroprotective effects by reducing microcirculation disturbance, excitatory amino acid toxicity, and oxidative stress injury in the acute stage; inhibiting inflammatory injury, apoptosis, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption in the subacute stage; and promoting angiogenesis and neurogenesis in the restoration stage. Furthermore, as a crude drug, BC appears in many Chinese patent medicine (CPM) preparations for the treatment of IS, and clinical and preclinical studies have proved its safety.ConclusionThe use of BC in the treatment of IS has a long history, proven efficacy, and widespread application. Future efforts should focus on elucidating its mechanisms of action and exploring its applications.

The Historical Origins and Evolution of Rehabilitative Punishment

The Historical Origins and Evolution of Rehabilitative Punishment

Key attributes of nitrocellulose-based energetic materials and recent developments.

Nitrocellulose (NC)-based propellants have played a pivotal role in the development of energetic materials for both military and civilian applications. This review offers a comprehensive exploration of NC-based propellants, tracing their evolution from their historical origins as smokeless gunpowder to modern advancements. It discusses the chemical composition and classifications of NC propellants, along with continuous efforts to refine smokeless powder formulations through studies on smoke formation, residues, and additives. Modern techniques such as PCR-based detection and dynamic light scattering have enabled precise analysis of NC properties, including variations in the degree of substitution and molar mass, which allow for tailoring the chemical structure to meet specific performance needs. Special attention is given to the combustion dynamics of NC-based propellants, with an emphasis on reaction zones, performance characteristics, and optimization strategies that enhance their overall efficacy. The review also highlights the significant impact of nitrogen content, additives, and processing methods on the performance, stability, and safety of NC-infused propellants. While higher nitrogen content improves energetic output, it also increases surface cracking and gas production, necessitating the use of stabilizers and additives like Bu-NENA, copper compounds, and MgH2 to enhance flexibility, thermal stability, and reduce sensitivity to mechanical and thermal stimuli. Aging and environmental factors further influence burn rate variation, underscoring the need for tailored formulations. In terms of environmental sustainability, this review addresses safety considerations in handling and disposing of NC-based materials, focusing on innovations such as alkaline hydrolysis and NC recovery to mitigate environmental risks. Stabilizers and eco-friendly additives effectively prevent chemical degradation, reduce shock sensitivity, and enhance thermal stability. The review concludes with future research directions aimed at further improving the stability and safety of NC-based propellants, ensuring their continued relevance in modern applications.

양말의 기원과 역사에 관한 연구 - 고대를 중심으로

This study explores the origins and history of socks in ancient times to provide foundational materials for clothing education and enhance humanistic understanding. Through a literature review, the research defines socks, examines their origins, and explores their use in ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The results are as follows. First, socks are defined as “clothing made of yarn or fabric worn on bare feet” and are categorized by length into “socks,” “stockings,” and “tights.” They serve both physical and aesthetic purposes and were introduced to Korea in the 1780s as Western-style socks (洋襪). The earliest known literary record of socks dates back to the 8th century BCE in Greece, with the term ‘piloi’. However, it is presumed that the region of Cyprus was the first to wear socks, as evidenced by a shoe-shaped vase from the 14th century BCE Mycenaean period. Second, although there is no direct evidence of sock-wearing in Mesopotamia and Egypt, it is speculated that 7th-century BCE Assyrian soldiers’ ‘shin guards’ resembled modern-day knee-high stockings. Additionally, the “Anaxirides” worn by the Saka Tigrahauda tribe, who paid tribute to Persia, are believed to have been trousers with shoes, most likely the origin of tights. In Egypt, socks are depicted in wall paintings from around the 1450s BCE, and their use in the Cyprus region slightly earlier (14th century BCE) is believed to be related to the rugged terrain of the region. Third, in the 8th century BCE Greece, ‘piloi’ was placed inside shoes, and by the 5th century BCE, the distinction between socks and shoes became clearer. The Romans had a culture of wrapping their feet in leather or cloth, with the oldest known sock artifacts dating back to the 2nd century CE, including Roman 'udones' and ‘Coptic socks’ from Egypt. Furthermore, nalbinding sock artifacts from the 3rd to 7th centuries CE showcase various techniques and colors. In conclusion, the historical origins and evolution of socks reflect the unique characteristics of different eras, cultures, geographies, and social values, underscoring the cultural significance of socks. Further research is recommended to explore the development of socks from the Middle Ages to the modern era.

Public Policy in Legalist Thought and Its Application and Impact in Contemporary China

The Legalism is one of the most influential and representative political philosophies of ancient China, and it has continued to have an enduring influence on public policy making and the governance model of contemporary China. This article will explore the sustained influence of Legalism on governance in contemporary China by exploring the core principles of Legalism as well as its main ideas on public policy and governance. The main core principles and ideas of Legalism are: the rule of law, strict adherence to the law, and the strategic use of state power. This study aims to highlight the continuity of ancient philosophical thought in shaping the current political landscape, while also demonstrating and emphasising the importance of understanding these historical origins in order to understand Chinese governance patterns.

The Substantial Difference Between USA and EU Welfare

This comparative study explores the substantial differences in nonprofit organizations (NPOs) between the United States and Europe, examining their historical origins, operational frameworks, and roles within distinct welfare models. By analyzing the socio-economic contexts of liberal, corporatist-conservative, and social-democratic welfare systems, the research highlights how cultural, political, and economic factors shape the development and functioning of NPOs in different regions. The study reveals contrasting approaches to nonprofit sustainability, tax policies, and social service provision, with the U.S. model emphasizing market-driven efficiency and individual responsibility, while European models prioritize universal access, solidarity, and collaborative welfare provision. Through a comprehensive examination of organizational structures, funding mechanisms, and societal contributions, the research illuminates the unique characteristics of nonprofit sectors in these regions and proposes future research directions for measuring their economic and social impact.

FEATURES OF CONCERTMASTER TRAINING IN CHINESE UNIVERSITIES: THE PROBLEM STATEMENT

The article reveals the features of the current state of concertmaster training in Chinese universities. The article analyses the cultural and historical origins of the problems of teaching concertmaster skills, examines the dynamics of attitudes to the designated type of activity, the formation of the “concertmaster class” discipline in universities of various types (conservatory, academy, pedagogical university). The evolution of the content of concertmaster training is revealed in terms of changing requirements for this activity. The circle of the most acute problems of theoretical training and stage practice of a pianist accompanying a solo or collective vocal performance is outlined. In conclusion, the prospects of pedagogy of music education in the field of concertmaster training in Chinese universities are outlined.

Genocide and the Plague of Fantasies in La Llorona and Sueño en otro idioma

This paper examines how two contemporary Latin American films—Jayro Bustamante’s La Llorona and Ernesto Contreras’s Sueño en otro idioma—engage with physical and cultural genocide through distinct deployments of fantasy elements that reflect the evolution of horror and magic-realist genres in Latin American cinema. The films repurpose fantastical elements through horror and mythopoetic narrative in order to confront the legacies of colonial trauma. Building on Slavoj Žižek’s concept of the plague of fantasies, the paper examines how La Llorona mobilizes the Mesoamerican folk figure of La Llorona to connect contemporary genocide in Guatemala with its historical necropolitical origins, while Sueño en otro idioma examines cultural genocide through the extinction of an indigenous language in Mexico. Both films demonstrate how fantasy can function in destabilizing ways in postcolonial contexts, offering distorted glimpses of horrors that resist direct representation. Through close analysis of these works, the paper reveals how contemporary Latin American cinema deploys fantasy elements, including magic realist conventions, to provide a fundamental challenge to colonial epistemologies, by exposing the phantasmatic underpinnings of colonial violence and its contemporary reverberations.

Study on the Heritage and Development of the Forbidden City's Ceramic Culture through the Lens of Intercultural Communication

This paper conducts an in-depth study on the inheritance and development of the Forbidden City's ceramic culture from the perspective of cross-cultural communication. By combing through the historical origins, artistic characteristics, and cultural connotations of the Forbidden City's ceramics, this paper reveals its significant position in the transmission of Chinese culture. Furthermore, the article analyzes how the Forbidden City's ceramic culture transcends geographical and cultural boundaries to achieve international dissemination and exchange under the backdrop of globalization. Based on this, the paper discusses the opportunities and challenges faced by the Forbidden City's ceramic culture in its inheritance and development process and proposes corresponding strategies and suggestions. The research aims to promote the international dissemination of the Forbidden City's ceramic culture, to drive its innovation and development in contemporary society, and to provide reference for the protection and transmission of world cultural heritage.

EXPLORING THE INNOVATION AND INTEGRATION OF ZHAOQING’S HERBAL CULTURE IN BIRD-AND-FLOWER PAINTING ART

This research on "Chinese Herbal Medicine and Bird-and-Flower Painting Creation in Zhaoqing" provides an in-depth analysis of the cultural background of Chinese herbal medicines in Zhaoqing region and their integration with bird-and-flower painting art. The paper first explores the historical origins and modern legislative protection of Zhaoqing's Chinese herbal medicines, highlighting their core value in Lingnan traditional Chinese medicine culture. Subsequently, the paper analyzes the traditional foundation and innovative pathways of Zhaoqing's bird-and-flower paintings, with particular attention to how Chinese herbal medicines inject new cultural elements and artistic vitality into bird-and-flower paintings. Through detailed interpretation of masterpieces throughout history, the paper reveals the unique charm and profound implications of Zhaoqing's medicinal materials in artistic expression. Finally, the paper emphasizes the significant role of Zhaoqing's Chinese herbal medicine bird-and-flower painting creation in educational popularization, cultural inheritance, social influence, and cultural confidence building. This paper argues that Zhaoqing's Chinese herbal medicine bird-and-flower painting creation represents not only a paradigm of artistic innovation but also a crucial medium for inheriting and promoting traditional Chinese medicine culture. KEYWORDS: Chinese Herbal Medicine Culture, Bird-And-Flower Painting Art, Cultural Inheritance, Artistic Innovation

Институт примирения с потерпевшим по делам частного и частно-публичного обвинения в уголовно-процессуальном праве Республики Таджикистан и Российской Федерации: историко-правовой анализ (дореволюционный, советский и постсоветский периоды)

The article is devoted to a historical and legal analysis of the criminal procedural institution of exemption from criminal liability in connection with reconciliation with the victim in cases of public prosecution in Russia and the Republic of Tajikistan. The author analyzes the historical origins of this institution, coming to the conclusion that it represents a qualitatively new legal phenomenon.

Unravelling imaginaries of the digital divide among indigenous communities in Taman Negara Malaysia

The digital divide is frequently conceptualized as a disparity between those who possess access to contemporary technologies and those who lack such access. This divide is often defined by factors such as physical access, technological proficiency, and disparate outcomes. However, this perspective frequently neglects its historical origins in the "development" discourse, which has been shaped by global and local telecommunication policies. The recent initiatives to enhance digital access in "remote" regions, such as Malaysia, prompt a reassessment of regional discourses on digital inequality. This study examines the ways in which indigenous groups, particularly the Batek and Semokberi communities in Taman Negara National Park (spanning Pahang, Kelantan, and Terengganu in Malaysia), experience and interpret information and communication technologies (ICTs). For these communities, the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) is a relatively recent phenomenon. This paper employs the concept of spatial imaginaries to examine how digital access shapes perceptions of social categories like "connected" and "disconnected." The findings reveal that the digital divide is not merely a matter of access; rather, it is actively constructed through institutional and community narratives about how connectivity reshapes spatial and temporal experiences, influencing broader discussions on digital inclusion.

Neocolonial Realities of Western Aid in Africa during 21st Century

This article explores the neocolonial dynamics of Western aid to Africa in the 21st century, analyzing its historical origins, contemporary mechanisms, and socio-economic impacts. Despite the formal end of colonial rule, African nations remain entrenched in dependency systems that mirror colonial exploitation. Structural adjustment programs compelled by international financial institutions have exacerbated economic subjugation, undermined sovereignty, and facilitated resource extraction to benefit Western corporations. Western aid often imposes cultural norms and values, weakening indigenous knowledge systems and traditions. Through detailed analyses and case studies of nations such as Congo, Angola, Mozambique, Sudan, and Nigeria, the study identifies recurring patterns of elite capture and systemic corruption that divert aid benefits away from the broader population. In Congo, for instance, resource exploitation has driven persistent conflict and poverty. Angola and Mozambique have faced similar dynamics, with foreign interference fueling civil unrest and resource-driven inequalities. In Sudan, neocolonial pressures have exacerbated internal conflicts and hindered political stability. Nigeria, despite its vast oil wealth, illustrates the paradox of resource abundance coexisting with widespread poverty and infrastructure decay, highlighting the structural deficiencies imposed by neocolonial frameworks. Findings reveal that Western aid mechanisms perpetuate underdevelopment, stifling sustainable growth and local agency while maintaining a dependency cycle. The article decolonized approach to aid, centered on equitable partnerships, African-led development strategies, and transformative practices that prioritize local needs and self-reliance. By addressing these systemic challenges, Africa progress toward sovereignty, inclusivity, and sustainable development beyond the shadow of neocolonialism.

Canton commercial maritime heritage: historical and cultural origins of customs buildings in Guangdong region and their revitalization values from a linear perspective

ABSTRACT As historical buildings with political and economic attributes, the cultural formation of customs buildings reveals its complexity and multi-dimensionality within the geopolitical context. However, there is a paucity of literature exploring the driving forces and manifestations of political and economic factors in the cultural formation of Guangdong customs buildings. This article examines the social logic behind the development of modern Guangdong customs buildings and their underlying cultural relationships from a linear perspective, while also uncovering their potential heritage value through heritage data analysis. Findings: 1) a close connection between the cultural foundation of cities and their economic development, with the concentrated customs buildings heritage in the Guangzhou area providing impetus for urban development in the Pearl River Delta; 2) on a macro level, the development of Guangdong customs buildings is primarily guided by functional transformation; 3) on a micro level, Guangdong customs buildings exhibit a development trajectory characterized by institutional transformation and the emphasis on strategic positioning; 4) Canton customs, Chao customs, Qiong customs, and North customs demonstrate high potential in heritage economics and value exploitation. Broadly speaking, the formation of their architectural culture is the result of the interplay between macro-political backgrounds and micro-geographical factors.

Promises of natural products as clinical applications for cancer.

Cancer represents a substantial threat to human health and mortality, necessitating the development of novel pharmacological agents with innovative mechanisms of action. Consequently, extensive research has been directed toward discovering new anticancer compounds derived from natural sources, including plants, microbes, and marine organisms. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of natural anticancer agents that are either currently undergoing clinical trials or have been integrated into clinical practice. A comprehensive understanding of the historical origins of natural anticancer agents, alongside traditional targets for tumor treatment and the distinct characteristics of cancer, can significantly facilitate researchers in the discovery and development of innovative anticancer drugs for clinical use. Furthermore, the exploration of microbial and marine sources is currently a prominent area of focus in the clinical application and advancement of new anticancer therapies. Detailed classification and elucidation of the functions and antitumor properties of these natural products are essential. It is imperative to comprehensively summarize and comprehend the natural anticancer drugs that have been and continue to be utilized in clinical settings.

White Emotion and White Scopophilia: The Myth of Docile and Brute Blacks

This article investigates the resilience of the docility and brutality myths attributed to African Americans as demonstrated by three fairly recent film renditions. The focus is on the historical origins and the continued relevance of these tropes through white scopophilia and cognitive dissonance. The myths are analyzed in terms of their role in justifying racial hierarchies and reinforcing white supremacy within historical and contemporary contexts. Through a critical examination of historical texts by Lerone Bennett Jr. and portrayals in films such as Django Unchained and Twelve Years a Slave, the study demonstrates how these stereotypes are alternately emphasized or diminished to maintain white dominance. It argues that white America constructs African American identities with a strategic oscillation between docility and brutality to sustain control and alleviate white guilt. This manipulation is facilitated by psychological mechanisms that allow white individuals to hold contradictory beliefs about race without recognizing their inconsistencies. By detailing the dynamic usage of these myths, the article highlights how they are not static, but are strategically deployed to reaffirm white moral and authoritative supremacy as needed. The conclusion calls for a critical reassessment of racial representations in media and historical narratives to disrupt these enduring racial myths.

Obesity Treatment from the Unique Perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine

This paper aims to develop the value and significance of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of obesity in the context of the globalization of contemporary obesity, and to explore the causes and treatment methods of obesity. By examining the historical origins of traditional Chinese medicine principles, in conjunction with the teachings of the Emperor's Neijing, as well as the concepts of yin and yang, and qi and blood theory, this paper conducts an analysis on the traditional Chinese medicine perspective on obesity. Specifically, it explores the perception of imbalance in energy and organ function. This paper emphasizes the holistic nature of the human body and argues that treating obesity should not only focus on weight loss, but also on regulating internal organ function and balancing qi, blood, Yin, and Yang to improve overall health. At the same time, the effect of TCM dietary advice on weight loss was studied, and the role of herbal medicine and acupuncture in the treatment of obesity was explained, so as to provide new ideas and methods for the comprehensive treatment of obesity.

Comparative Analysis of Chinese and Islamic Political Thought: A Comprehensive Overview

This article compares Chinese political philosophy and Islamic political thought, examining their historical roots, key principles, and contemporary relevance. Chinese political philosophy, primarily shaped by Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism, emphasizes moral governance, social harmony, and the cultivation of virtue among rulers. In contrast, Islamic political thought, deeply rooted in the Quran, Hadith, and Sharia, focuses on justice, divine law, and the moral responsibility of rulers to ensure the well-being of the ummah (community). Despite their distinct cultural and historical origins, both traditions share concerns regarding the moral nature of leadership, the balance of authority and freedom, and the importance of justice in governance. It highlights the underexplored potential of Confucianism in shaping China's current political model and the challenges of integrating Sharia into contemporary state systems in the Muslim world. Additionally, it discusses how these philosophical traditions could contribute to global governance, offering alternative frameworks that challenge the dominance of Western liberal democratic ideals. The article aims to foster a deeper understanding of their relevance in the modern political landscape by investigating the similarities and differences between these two intellectual traditions.

Kerncurriculum Erziehungswissenschaft: ein Blick zurück und nach vorn. Interview mit Rudolf Tippelt, geführt von Michael Schemmann

In light of the adoption of the 2024 Core Curriculum for Educational Studies, it is essential to revisit its historical origins. The initial version was ratified in 2004 by the board of The German Educational Research Association (GERA) at that time. In an interview with Michael Schemmann, Rudolf Tippelt, a key participant in the process, reflects on the contextual factors, underlying motives, and the debates that shaped its development.