Historical Presence Research Articles

Arizona Mormon Youths’ Religious Socialization and 2020 Voting Choices

In Arizona, Mormonism has a historical presence as a conservative and globalized faith. Though the Mormon Church officially maintains political neutrality, it also encourages civic engagement. Through an analysis of interview data collected from 38 Mormon youth as part of the Arizona Youth Identity Project, this paper explores the enactment of political agency in reaction to complex socialization processes. Mormon youths’ voting choices in the 2020 election season were shaped by religious socialization and Mormonism as an “ethnoreligious” identity. While religious upbringing was important in political decision-making, our study found that most youth were politically unaffiliated and voted across party lines instead. Further, we analyze how intersectional identities such as gender, race, and sexual orientation contributed to this generation’s political values and voting outcomes, even creating external tensions with peers and older Mormon leadership. As Arizona Mormon youth participated in a historic election season, this study highlights the nuances of religious socialization and voting choices.

Novel evidence that elk were historically native to the Sierra Nevada, and recent range expansions into the region.

Elk (Cervus canadensis) have been considered non-native to the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California and Nevada. However, elk have steadily increased their range southward from the Cascade Range into the northern Sierra Nevada over the last century. Recent reports also reveal Rocky Mountain elk moving northwards into the southern Sierra Nevada. Dispersals of lone bull elk from 2019-2022 have occurred to the central Sierra Nevada south of Lake Tahoe. These recent range expansions of elk herds and long-distance dispersals of individual elk raised questions about the possible historical presence of elk throughout this mountain range. Herein we conducted a broad investigation into historical newspaper accounts and other early explorer and naturalist observer records, museum specimens, Late Holocene zooarchaeological records, and indirect evidence including toponomastic references and Native American ethnographic and ethnolinguistic information. Taken in total, a variety of data sources suggest elk inhabited portions of the Sierra Nevada and the adjacent northwest Great Basin from the Late Holocene through historical times. Positive records were not numerous, suggesting that historically elk were not abundant, and nearly extirpated during the California Fur Rush of the early nineteenth century.

Horizontal Reservation for Transgenders:

The constitution of India provides for reservation, which is a form of positive discrimination, created to promote equality among marginalized sections so as to protect them from social and historical injustice. It can be divided into two parts: vertical and horizontal. The Transgender persons are demanding horizontal reservation. The demand has to do with the need for mandatory provisions for a community that has been historically marginalised in society and recognising the different aspects making up their social identity. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 could not do anything regarding reservation and has disappointed the community. Transgender Community has a strong historical presence in our country. Be it the era of Ramayana or Mahabharata; Transgenders played a pivotal role in society. If we leave aside these epics, the pre- independence era (before the arrival of the British) has testimony of this community’s fairly dignified presence in our society. It was British law, which caused the deterioration of Transgenders. When we achieved independence, we kind of continued the British legacy of not treating Transgenders as an equal. We did not even recognise their existence. It took us more than six decades to recognise that Transgenders are ‘third gender’ and their existence should be accepted in the society. These six decades of non- recognition made them backward. In my opinion, the SC is right in declaring them as socially and educationally backward classes of citizens and extending all kinds of reservation in cases of admission in educational institutions and for public appointments.

Female, juvenile, and calf sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus (Linnaeus 1758) records from Ireland.

Sperm whales spatially segregate by sex and social behavior as they mature. In the North Atlantic, male whales move to higher latitudes as far as Svalbard at 80° N, while females and young whales typically remain around lower latitudes below 40-45° N. The Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands constitute important nursery grounds for female and young sperm whales. Irish waters represent a midpoint for this species' spatial segregation in the Northeast Atlantic, where the species occurs along the submarine canyon systems to the west of the country. Historically, just male whales were thought to be found in this region between 51 and 55° N, but one adult female was caught by commercial whalers in 1910, and a 5.49 m calf was found stranded in 1916. Between 1995 and 2023, 10 female sperm whales have been stranded around the coast of Ireland. Eight of these whales have been stranded since 2013, and there has been at least one stranding per year between 2019 and 2023. Four of these strandings have occurred in Donegal in the northwest of Ireland, indicating the presence of female whales along the continental shelf off this region. Two females were stranded within a day of each other and were found in similar states of decomposition in February 2022, indicating that they may have been part of the same group rather than being lone vagrant individuals. Sperm whale calves and juveniles were also sighted in Irish waters in 2001, 2004, and 2010 in the Rockall Trough, along the Porcupine Bank and Goban Spur, where between 1 and 3 individuals were observed on four occasions while one calf live stranded in 2004. These records indicate a historical presence of female and young sperm whales in this region but that an apparent increase in occurrence has taken place over the past decade.

Semantic field SEARCH in Amguema Chukchi: From morphosyntax to semantics and back

The study describes the semantic field of search in Amguema Chukchi within the frame-based approach to lexical typology. I discuss lexical items of the macroframe of seeking an object (‘search for something’): the verb qərirək and the lexical affixes ‑rerək and ‑ɣiɬik; verbs of the macroframe of searching space (‘search some place’): ojpətkok и rəritɬʔewək; and the verb enarerək, which covers both macroframes and can also describe objectless search. In addition to unveiling semantic oppositions within each macroframe, the study examines in detail the interaction of morphosyntax, etymology, and semantics of the items of the field. First, a historical explanation is provided for the properties of the verb enarerək, unique with respect to valency expression, which yields its broad semantics. The explanation is based on the historical presence of the antipassive prefix in this verb and, at the same time, on the fact that this voice alternation has been lost in the Amguema dialect. Secondly, differences in the behavior of independent lexemes and lexical affixes that compete in the macroframe of searching for an object are considered. I conclude that there is a correlation between the referentiality of the searched object and the degree of boundedness of the morpheme with the meaning ‘to search’. Noticeably, the correlation within the semantic field of search manifests itself in the form of combinability restrictions that are not obligatory for independent verbs or lexical affixes outside the field. Thirdly, for the macroframe of searching space, I trace the transmission of semantic restrictions on combinability from the source field.

A Primordial Ethnic Evaluation of Gurkhas of India

The Gurkha people also known as Nepali people, renowned for their valor and loyalty in the world, have a longstanding historical presence in India. This paper through an in-depth analysis of historical recordsexamines the multifaceted ethnicidentity aspects of the Gurkha community's existence in India, encompassing their historical evolution, socio-cultural significance, and contemporary challenges.The research further investigates the contemporary challenges faced by the Gurkha community and uses a primordial lens to evaluate the unique identity and contributions of the Gurkha people in India. The Gurkhas' primordial identity fosters unity and cooperation, transcending geographical boundaries and creating a global shared identity. The concept of primordial ethnicity is crucial for understanding ethnic dynamics and cultural heritage's role in shaping their resilience. The Gurkhas' condition is influenced by historical experiences, economic opportunities, and political recognition, offering valuable insights into primordial ethnic identity.

Mosquito prevalence, resting habitat preference, and Plasmodium infection status of anophelines in coastal Karnataka during the declining phase of malaria—an exploratory study

Malaria has a historical presence in the Dakshina Kannada (D.K.) and Udupi districts of Karnataka, India. To understand the potential involvement of anopheline fauna in malaria transmission, we conducted an exploratory entomological survey. The study is crucial given the decreasing malaria incidence in these districts in recent years. From September 2022 to August 2023, we collected indoor resting mosquitoes using a manual aspirator at 27 randomly chosen sites within three distinct resting habitats (human dwellings, cattle sheds, and construction sites) in the urban areas of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. Mosquitoes were morphologically identified, and anopheline specimens were tested for the presence of malarial parasite by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. We collected a total of 1810 mosquitoes, comprising 21 species distributed across five genera. Culex emerged as the predominant genus, constituting 84.4% of the collected specimens, while Anopheles accounted for 5.4%. Among the observed species, Culex quinquefasciatus was predominant, comprising 77.9% of the mosquito specimens collected in this study. Two malaria vectors, An. stephensi and An. subpictus complex, constituted 16.3% and 1.0% of the total anophelines collected, respectively. None of the 96 female anophelines was tested positive for Plasmodium infection. Our findings suggest that Anopheles mosquitoes prefer resting in cattle sheds over human dwellings. While our study identified two malaria vectors, they were present at low densities. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of these vector mosquitoes, it is essential to conduct long-term surveillance to monitor their prevalence and role in malaria transmission.

“Galeh Babelok” Traders in West Sumatra: The Role of Minang Women in Traditional Markets

This paper delineates the history and profile of Minang female traders operating within the “Galeh Babelok” system across three traditional markets in the province of West Sumatra, Indonesia. Traditional markets constitute an essential part of daily life, serving as hubs for meeting various socio-cultural needs. The historical presence of Minang women in these markets, particularly under the “Galeh Babelok” system, is undeniable . This study examine d the current status of Minang women traders who engage in the traditional practice of “balai ka balai” or “pakan ka pakan”. Employing a feminist anthropological approach grounded in qualitative methodology, the study presented a case analysis of Minang Women Traders in three traditional markets in West Sumatra. Data collection methods included literature review, interviews, observations, and life stories, subsequently analyzed qualitatively and descriptively. The findings underscored the enduring role of Minang traders within the “Galeh Babelok” system across traditional markets in West Sumatra. Historical documentation revealed the substantial involvement of married Minang women in the traditional market of Minangkabau. Their profile as “nan tageh” or assertive women, often characterized by dominant masculinity, is reinforced through their trading practices. Despite averaging in their 40s or older, these traders exhibited adeptness in deploying various strategies to navigate between market dynamics and familial responsibilities, ensuring the continuity of their family’s economic well-being. Keywords: Galeh Babelok, Traditional Markets, Minang Women, Adaptive Strategies, Balai ka Balai

Anatolian genetic ancestry in North Lebanese populations

Lebanon’s rich history as a cultural crossroad spanning millennia has significantly impacted the genetic composition of its population through successive waves of migration and conquests from surrounding regions. Within modern-day Lebanon, the Koura district stands out with its unique cultural foundations, primarily characterized by a notably high concentration of Greek Orthodox Christians compared to the rest of the country. This study investigates whether the prevalence of Greek Orthodoxy in Koura can be attributed to modern Greek heritage or continuous blending resulting from the ongoing influx of refugees and trade interactions with Greece and Anatolia. We analyzed both ancient and modern DNA data from various populations in the region which could have played a role in shaping the current population of Koura using our own and published data. Our findings indicate that the genetic influence stemming directly from modern Greek immigration into the area appears to be limited. While the historical presence of Greek colonies has left its mark on the region’s past, the distinctive character of Koura seems to have been primarily shaped by cultural and political factors, displaying a stronger genetic connection mostly with Anatolia, with affinity to ancient but not modern Greeks.

Recontextualising Stenhouse: Instantiations of the ‘teacher as researcher’ metaphor in Greece and Cyprus

AbstractThis paper explores the transfer, translation and recontextualisation of Laurence Stenhouse's work, as encapsulated in the ‘teacher as researcher’ metaphor, to the Greek language and in the fields of research and policy in Greece and Cyprus. We first briefly frame action research work as emerging through and within a specific space‐time (and in conversation with others in North America, Australia and Europe). We then trace its translation from English to Greek in specific key publications in books and articles (including his 1975 seminal work An introduction to curriculum research and development), which have since been central to curriculum studies as an academic field in both countries. We then construct four vignettes as cases of different uses of the metaphor in different fields. The first two refer to the institutional context of a new type of school called ‘second chance schools’ and a state policy for the professional development of teachers in Greece. The other two refer to an initial teacher education university programme and to the most recent school curriculum change in the Republic of Cyprus. We conclude by discussing certain patterns of constriction across the four vignettes in the recontextualisation of the ‘teacher as researcher’ to particular aspects of the metaphor as it morphed in two rather centralised contexts with a strong historical presence of a formal, state‐mandated curriculum and of teachers as public servants. Despite these patterns of constriction, we also note how other aspects of the metaphor provided conditions for some transformation.

Dalit Writing in English: A Dalitification of the History of Indian Writing

Abstract: This essay makes a pedagogical intervention in the theorisation of Indian writing in English (IWE). It asserts that postcolonial studies and anthologies of IWE have deliberately excluded Dalit writing, which narrates the caste discrimination experienced by the majority of the Indian population. It proves the discipline of IWE—the writing and its study—has been hegemonised by upper-caste writers and academics who disregard the historical presence and literary worth of Dalit writing. This essay proposes that Dalit writing in English (DWE) should be viewed as an independent area of study. It traces the history of Dalit writing through three waves in conjunction with Indian politics and argues that DWE achieved the "Dalitification" of English by challenging Brahmanical control over the language and introducing caste into the reading and writing of English from a Dalit perspective.

Home Education: Needs, Challenges, and the Role of Higher Education Institutions

Home education has garnered significant attention from governments worldwide. This educational approach prompts inquiries about quality, social-emotional development, potential child abuse, curriculum, academic outcomes, and parental involvement. Despite its historical presence in the United States since the 1900s, homeschooling has experienced gradual growth, influenced by regulatory efforts and family dynamics. The emergence of COVID-19 further accelerated this trend, with the number of homeschooling families in the US rising from 1,690,000 in 2016 to 2.6 million in 2020 and reaching 3 million by 2021 Globally, over 300 million families have embraced this educational model. This research employs a mixed, non-experimental, descriptive methodology and focuses on Puerto Rico. It examines demographic data, needs, and obstacles encountered by homeschooling families, categorizing them by groups, regions, teaching methods, and religious affiliations. Additionally, the study explores the role of universities as potential partners in supporting and serving homeschooling families. Furthermore, we present international research findings on academic achievement and socialization among homeschooled students, drawing from several studies and university entrance scores.

Comparative analysis of advocacy strategies in justifications for gender-neutral English

This comparative analysis of arguments for singular they and neopronoun adoption focuses on two justifications: historical presence of gender-neutral language in English and individuals’ freedom to choose affirming terms for themselves. We found significant relationships between support for singular they and historical references, as well as neopronoun support and agency references, indicating a meaningful distinction in the ways language users justify different preferences. The frequency of specific arguments illuminates how people conceptualize language, which arguments are perceived as effective, and who must be convinced, and these findings can inform our understanding of folk perspectives on where and how prestige is granted to linguistic features.

The Rhythm of Hidden Religious Heritage: Dhol Puja of India’s Hijra Community

This Context of Religious Research commentary describes why scholars should attend to the Hijras of India. The Hijras are a marginalized transgender community in India. Although having a long historical presence with sociocultural importance, this community was often stigmatized and discriminated against due to their ambiguous gender identity and expression. The commentary identifies the Dhol Puja as a traditional clandestine ritual of the Hijra community that reflects their unique identity and cultural, religious heritage. Based on prior ethnographic research and community study throughout various locales of India, this commentary provides insights into the symbolic meaning and significance of the Dhol Puja for the Hijra community. It asserts that their spiritual performance serves as a form of sacred ritual that is resisting adaptation to modern times, and which could be a revival or adaptation of an ancient tradition. Additionally, the spiritual performance continues to serve as a celebration of the unique identity and religious tradition of the Hijra community. Offering this context can cultivate greater recognition and understanding of the religious practices in promoting social inclusion of Hijra community in India.

Using citizen science to better understand Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) presence in northeast Scotland and the Northern Isles

There is no current population estimate for Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) in Scottish waters and their distribution in the northeast of Scotland and the Northern Isles is poorly documented. Using a combination of citizen science and historical sightings data, photographs of Risso’s dolphins from northeast Scotland and the Northern Isles were gathered to gain an indication of the presence of the species in this region. A review of all available sighting records from as early as 1933 (n = 1,904 records), showed a historical presence of Risso’s dolphins in the study locations, with a notable increase in sightings reports over time and with higher numbers of sightings reported from July-September. Collation of photographs (n = 1,884) taken by members of the public and researchers facilitated the establishment of two photo-identification catalogues for Northeast Scotland and Orkney (n = 112 individuals) and for Shetland (n = 47 individuals) respectively. Mother/calf pairs were recorded between April and November. Repeated recaptures of identifiable animals throughout the study area provided the first evidence of inter/intra-annual site fidelity. The combined datasets demonstrate the potential importance of inshore coastal waters in northeast Scotland, Orkney, and Shetland as critical habitat for Risso’s dolphins. Recommendations are made for ongoing monitoring studies to inform the protection of Risso’s dolphins in Scottish waters.

Unlocking the potential of Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)

The Lion's Mane mushroom, botanically known as Hericium erinaceus, stands out as a unique and esteemed member of the fungal kingdom. This extraordinary mushroom not only possesses an alluring appearance but also holds a significant historical presence in diverse cultures, especially within the context of ancient herbal medicine practices. This fungus holds promising prospects in several domains. Its potential as a natural remedy for cognitive health is gaining attention. This mushroom has neuroprotective properties and could play a role in supporting brain function, which is particularly relevant in the present aging population where neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease are a growing concern. Furthermore, Lion's Mane has been explored for its potential in addressing mood disorders. It is a rich source of bioactive compounds, including β-glucans, that can positively affect the immune system. The fungus produces bioactive compounds that can be used to treat various chronic diseases like obesity, high blood pressure, hepatic disorders, and cancer ; it also has other benefits like wound healing and improving the immune system. This review endeavours to elucidate the multifaceted potential of Lion's Mane mushroom within the domains of nutrition, health, and wellness. Through a comprehensive examination of its properties and benefits, the review explored how Lion's Mane mushrooms can be harnessed to enhance human well-being. By unlocking the secrets hidden within this remarkable fungus, the study provides insights that can empower individuals to incorporate Lion's Mane into their daily lives, fostering a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

THE DISCOURSE ABOUT THE INDIGENOUS: DISCURSIVE ANALYSIS OF POSTS AND COMMENTS ON FACEBOOK IN TIMES OF PANDEMIC IN IPIXUNA-AM

This work falls within the field of Materialist Discourse Analysis (AD) and its general objective is to analyze posts and comments made on the social network Facebook about the Kulina indigenous people of the municipality of Ipixuna-AM, during the Covid-19 pandemic, more specifically in the period in which the first cases of the disease were recorded in that municipality, in order to identify which discourses are materialized in these texts and the effects of meanings produced there on the aforementioned subjects. To this end, we consider it necessary to describe the conditions of discursive production of these texts, in addition to verifying the subject positions assumed there, with the aim of identifying which discourses appear in the significant materiality of the texts, that is, in the posts and comments published on Facebook. With a view to achieving these objectives, we present the theoretical bases of AD, based on Pêcheux (2009), Althusser (1974), Orlandi (2013) and others, concerning the concepts of language, ideology, subject, discourse, among others, such as are understood in the theory of materialist discourse. We also present the analysis procedures, a brief historical contextualization of the space and the research subjects and finally we undertake the analysis itself, which pointed out the prominent presence of a discourse in the analyzed speeches: the discourse about the indigenous from the colonizer's perspective , responsible for an official version of Brazil's history that has been told and reproduced discursively. These traditional narratives told by official History about the historical presence of indigenous people in Brazil contribute to the maintenance of this calcified imaginary about them and which came to the surface in the texts analyzed here.

Unveiling the Historical and Literary Aspects of Rajavrat: An In-Depth Overview

Rajavrat known as Lapis lazuli stone is one of the semiprecious stone in Indian alchemy placed under Upratna Varg. Lapis lazuli stone is made up of Metamorphic Rock and chemically it is mixture of minerals (Na S3-Al) Al2 (SiO4)3 with lazurite. It is royal blue in colour and used since century for ornaments, beads and making of decorative items. The ‘blue pigment’ known as ultramarine is extracted from it and used in paintings and colouring agent since middle age. It is one of the most spiritually used stone worldwide and used therapeutically in different system of medicines. In Ayurveda it is mentioned in most of the Rasagranthas and therapeutically given in various ailments mainly in diabetes, alcoholism, and urinary disorders. Its identification, different purification methods, therapeutic uses are described in various texts. An attempt has been made to compile and provide information regarding its historical presence, mineralogical identification, physico-chemical properties and therapeutic uses in different system of medicine.

A crop for a forest: Opuntia ficus-indica as a tool for the restoration of Mediterranean forests in areas at desertification risk

IntroductionThe Mediterranean is the European region with the lowest woody cover and the highest level of habitat degradation, being highly susceptible to climate change effects and desertification risk. In such worrying conditions, increasing woody cover and restoring forests is a major goal established in several international commitments. However, recruitment limitation of woody species is rather frequent both within natural regeneration processes and active restoration programs, particularly due to drought, overgrazing, and a lack of post-planting tending operations. Therefore, finding suitable tools to improve the recruitment success of native woody species is of crucial importance.MethodsWe assessed woody natural regeneration under abandoned prickly pear orchards, olive trees, and nearby open areas in three sites under high desertification risk in central Sicily (Italy). Then, we tested for differences in density, richness, diversity, height, and basal diameter of the woody recruiting species between these three habitats.Results and discussionNatural regeneration was widespread under prickly pear, with 94.6% of the sampled plots showing at least one recruit, in comparison to 61.6% of plots under olive and 22.3% in open areas. Natural regeneration density under prickly pears (114 ± 99 individuals m−2) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than under olive trees (60.4 ± 76.4) and open areas (4.6 ± 9.3). Recruits’ diversity, basal diameter, and height were also significantly higher under prickly pear, concentrating 94.4% of the individuals higher than 100 cm and all late successional species. Our results indicate a great potential for prickly pears to accelerate the natural regeneration of Mediterranean woody species in pear instead of pears under desertification. However, a site-specific evaluation must be made taking into account prickly pear’s historical presence, temporary income as a crop, management capacity and, especially, its invasive potential.

Fifty-year pollution history of microplastics and influencing factors in offshore sediments: A case study of Ningbo, China

Sediment cores are optimal mediums for investigating the historical presence of offshore microplastics (MPs). In this study, two sediment cores were collected at varying water depths, i.e., XS2 (10 m) and XS3 (20 m), from the Xiangshan offshore (XSO) in Ningbo. We focused on the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of MPs within two sediment cores and explored the response differences of MPs abundance to natural factors and human activities. The results showed that the MPs abundance in sediments has gradually increased since the late 1960s, but with interannual fluctuations. MPs abundance in XS2 and XS3 were 1133–8700 and 633–11433 items/kg dry weight, respectively. The predominant polymers were PA, PU, PET and ACR, with fragmented particles being the most prevalent shape of MPs. The MPs abundance in XS2 and XS3 had a similar response to natural factors, mainly including (i) MPs abundance significantly correlated with the sediment load of the Qiantang River (p < 0.01), indicating that sediment load might be an important factor affecting the MPs abundance and that MPs transported by rivers had characteristics of near-source sedimentation; (ii) typhoons had the effect of weakening the MPs abundance; and (iii) geological activities might be potential contributing factors to variations in MPs’ abundance in deep sediments. Correlation analyses demonstrated that MPs in XSO was the result of multiple sources, stemming from plastic production, sewage discharge, marine fisheries and shipping activities. Notably, XS3 exhibited higher sensitivity to human activities compared to XS2, owing to differences in sampling locations. This study underscores the significance of employing two sediment cores, rather than a single core, as it provides a more comprehensive insight into the overarching trends and disparities in the historical pollution of MPs. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the history of offshore MPs pollution, shedding new light on this critical environmental issue.