Historical Structures Research Articles

Cultural Origins of Business Formation in the Context of Kinship and Trust

This paper presents a conceptual framework connecting historical kinship structures and generalized trust into modern business formation. Kinship intensity, defined as the degree of strength in family ties, is shaping the social and economic outlook of societies. Building upon the existing literature, I argue that societies with strong kinship ties often exhibit collectivist characteristics, leading to less trust towards outsiders. This hinders market efficiency and collaborative partnerships, resulting in business formation being largely confined to family-owned enterprises. Conversely, societies with loose kinship structures exhibits higher level of generalized trust that enable to promote engagements beyond family networks. This promotes establishing larger firms with strangers, more efficient markets, and greater cooperation with foreign firms. The paper suggests that kinship and trust behavior are deeply-rooted in culture and influence social and economic development. It is important for policymakers to support initiatives that foster trust beyond family ties in order to promote collaboration among diverse market participants.

Determining the usability of the ViDoc device, which integrates with smart phones, in documenting historical structures

The documentation of historical structures is considered as a crucial subject in international regulations. The accuracy and speed of documentation are among the significant factors for the qualified transmission of cultural values to future generations. In this study, the accuracy and position precision of ViDoc device, which integrates with an iPad Pro equipped with LIDAR system, have been determined. Furthermore, the advantages and disadvantages of this device have been elaborated in detail. The aim of the study is to determine whether the ViDoc device and iPad Pro can be used in documenting historical structures. The study covers the traditional method of documentation based on measurement with meter and analog devices, documentation with a total station, and documentation with the ViDoc device, using two historical fountains selected as examples. Two cultural heritage fountains located in Kastamonu province, Turkey, have been selected for documentation. Measurements of the fountains were taken using a precision meter and a laser meter in the classical method, and corner point coordinates were obtained with a total station. The measurement process was carried out in one go using a ViDoc device and a smartphone. As a result of the study, it was understood that the ViDoc device made very positive contributions to the scanning accuracy of smart devices with LIDAR sensors. When comparing the measurement values in the documentation of the structures, the accuracy precision was found to be less than 1 cm (0.7 cm), and the positioning accuracy was less than 5 cm. In the measurement conducted without using the ViDoc device, differences in position distances reached up to 79 m. This indicates that the device can be used for documentation in structures without creating disadvantages. However, it has been determined through the study that the device may not be usable for every structure. Nevertheless, the study also evaluates the device as a new alternative alongside traditional documentation, photogrammetry, and terrestrial laser scanning systems. The study is significant as it is the first to holistically determine the measurement accuracy of the device and the positioning accuracy specifically in relation to historical structures.

A Geophysical Investigation in Which 3D Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Ground-Penetrating Radar Are Used to Determine Singularities in the Foundations of the Protected Historic Tower of Murcia Cathedral (Spain)

This study presents a procedure in which 3D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) were used to determine singularities in the foundations of protected historic towers, where space is limited due to their characteristics and location in highly populated areas. This study was carried out on the Tower of the Cathedral “Santa Iglesia Catedral de Santa María” in Murcia, Spain. The novel distribution of a continuous nonlinear profile along the outer and inner perimeters of the Tower allowed us to obtain a 3D ERT model of the subsoil, even under its load-bearing walls. This nonlinear configuration of the electrodes allowed us to reach adequate investigation depths in buildings with limited interior and exterior space for data collection without disturbing the historic structure. The ERT results were compared with GPR measurements and with information from archaeological excavations conducted in 1999 and 2009. The geometry and distribution of the cavities in the entire foundation slab of the Tower were determined, verifying the proposed procedure. This methodology allows the acquisition of a detailed understanding of the singularities of the foundations of protected historic towers in urban areas with limited space, reducing time and costs and avoiding the use of destructive techniques, with the aim of implementing a more efficient and effective strategy for the protection of other tower foundations.

Balancing Equity and Innovation of Japanese Corporate Governance

This paper critically examines Japanese corporate governance, evaluating its role as a benefit or constraint in achieving equity and efficiency. It contrasts Japan's stakeholder-oriented model, characterized by long-term stability and employee-centric management, with the shareholder-focused frameworks of the United States and the United Kingdom. The analysis focuses on the unique roles of CEOs in Japan, emphasizing their responsibility toward employee welfare over short-term financial gains. It further explores Japan's historical business structures, including Zaibatsu and Keiretsu, which foster interconnected corporate networks but limit flexibility and innovation. The relationship between firms and main banks within Keiretsu is analyzed, highlighting their role in financial oversight and stability. Additionally, the study addresses Japan's "Three Sacred Treasures" of labor-management relations—lifetime employment, seniority-based wages, and enterprise unions—as integral to its governance approach. Despite its strengths, Japan’s model faces challenges, including limited board independence and slow decision-making processes. Recent reforms aimed at increasing transparency and aligning with global governance standards are discussed, suggesting a shift toward a hybrid model that blends traditional stability with market responsiveness. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolving dynamics of Japanese corporate governance, offering insights into its impact on Japan’s global economic competitiveness.

Contrasting the role of historic factors in phylogeograpic patterns in the native Johnny darter (Etheostoma nigrum) and invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) in lower michigan.

Round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) is an invasive fish present in all five Great Lakes and is becoming increasingly common in their tributaries. Johnny darter (Etheostoma nigrum) is a native species that often coexists with N. melanostomus. In this work, historic factors are addressed as a source of genomic variation in study populations of these species. To do this, patterns of variation in the mitochondrial gene NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) were characterized for both species throughout Lower Michigan. Populations of N. melanostomus and E. nigrum were sampled from 17 localities representing both eastern and western basins of Lower Michigan to test the hypothesis that populations differ between the eastern and western basins of the Great Lakes. Neogobius melanostomus populations were largely homogenous with no significant differences detected among populations or between the eastern and western basins. Additionally, N. melanostomus exhibited no evidence of overarching historical genetic structure, consistent with the recent invasion and rapid expansion of this species. Etheostoma nigrum exhibited significant differentiation among local populations; however, similarity among mtDNA haplotypes indicated that differences among populations are recent, suggesting that local forces are a more important factor in shaping patterns of variation than historical factors. Contrary to predictions, there were no significant differences detected between the eastern and western basins of the Great Lakes; however, construction of a neighbor-joining tree with F ST estimates revealed clustering of populations by basin with some anomalies. These anomalies may be the result of recent stream capture events facilitating gene flow between the two basins.

Innovations in staffing and service delivery structures and modalities in small institutions

AbstractSmall institutions are in a unique and perhaps necessary position to innovate as the field changes, resources falter, and the needs of the next generation of students and families become apparent and quite different from those supported by our historical structures and service modalities. This article examines the literature surrounding historical and innovative practices that higher education can explore to inform the future of student development practice. Additionally, the article explores new structural models and examines the efficacy of retaining the scaled down versions of the structures of large universities instead of creating new modalities that increase staff performance, provide better work/life harmony, create more efficient and effective services and functions, while increasing student engagement and connection.

Failure analysis of multi-span masonry arch bridges using combination of point cloud data and three-dimensional numerical modeling

Historical structures, including historical bridges, are part of cultural heritage, conveying the traces and characteristic features of past civilizations. To protect historical structures, it is necessary to prepare their 3D photogrammetric documentation, determine detailed geometric and material properties and perform computer-aided structural analysis using appropriate modeling techniques. The aim of this study is to present an effective, reliable and fast multidisciplinary approach for the analysis of historical masonry bridges. The aforementioned approach was illustrated with an example of the historical Halilviran masonry arch bridge and its behavior under possible loadings. Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) was used to determine the bridge geometry with high accuracy. Point cloud data obtained from TLS was simplified and a three-dimensional CAD-based solid model of the structure was created. The Halilviran Bridge case study summarized in this report was conducted to examine the technical feasibility of using la¬ser scanning technologies for obtaining as-built records for similar historic bridges. A secondary objective was to identify other applications of this technology, notably for other transportation structures, and use numerical methods to assess the seismic behavior and failure model of the bridge. The seismic behavior of the bridge was examined using a finite-element- based macromodeling technique. Nonlinear dynamic analyses were carried out subsequently to identify the most susceptible regions of the bridge. Interpretation of the results, presented in the form of contour plots illustrating tensile damage and maximum displacements, offered a comprehensive depiction of the seismic response across the entire bridge. The methodology employed in this investigation can be viewed as a robust framework for evaluating the seismic response and potential failure of historical structures.

Data informed performance assessment and structural health monitoring for existing and historical concrete structures

AbstractOur generation inherits this cultural heritage of historic material and historic reinforced concrete structures and thus bears a certain responsibility to preserve these historic buildings with the help of the new technologies of lifetime management, conservation concepts and the new digitalization as well as the emerging safety concepts of our time. The aim of this article is to analyze the new technologies of data‐based service life management in relation to the assessment of historic reinforced concrete structures and to test the applicability of these methods to these historic buildings.

Comparison of Actual Deformations of Historic Wooden Structures with Values Obtained from Static Calculations

In historic wooden structures, deformations can be influenced by factors that are negligible within the first 50 years of the building's existence. In attics where the roof covering is made of metal sheets, the air and structural elements heat up during the day and cool down rapidly at night. This phenomenon, over a long period, can cause micro-cracks and surface material degradation. For the study, historic buildings meeting the criteria for service class II according to PN-EN 1995-1-1 were selected. Measurements of deflections, humidity, and modulus of elasticity of the wood were conducted. The actual deflections of the examined structures were found to be 28% to 37% higher than those obtained from numerical calculations, indicating ongoing rheological processes in the wooden structures.

Monitoring of historical structural materials with computed tomography

AbstractComputed tomography (CT) is an excellent tool to solve certain engineering problems connected to material science (such as sulfate swelling, internal degradation due to freezing, and alkali silicate swelling) and to understand specific processes (frost peeling, acid action). Albeit borne and mostly used in the medical domain, CT is increasingly used in the examination of the internal structure of building materials, where degradation processes occur to the detriment of their mechanical performance and durability. This paper presents five engineering problems concerning concrete freezing and thawing, concrete at high temperatures, timber charring, spalling in asbestos‐cement pipes, and deterioration in prestressed concrete pipes due to the corrosion of metallic inserts. In each case, the degradation processes are monitored via CT, something that may be crucial in the renovation and preservation of historical structures.

Past Answers to Present Concerns. The Relevance of the Premodern Past for 21st Century Policy Planners: Comments on the State of the Field

ABSTRACTHow is history relevant to the present, or indeed the future? Governments around the world have used history to inform planning and decision‐making in various fields for years, but more recently it has taken on a renewed importance as governments grapple with increasingly complex challenges arising from the impacts of climatic change. Yet identifying “lessons from the past” is not straightforward. Especially in the case of big questions about historical structures and social processes, establishing precise causal relationships is complex and interpretive, making consensus difficult among specialists. A second major challenge arises over the uses of history. Historical precedent can and does play a role in some contexts in helping formulate new strategies for addressing local environmental challenges. At the national level policy‐makers and politicians often look to the past for inspiration, guidance, or justification. In both respects, the cases and examples chosen are often highly selective and tend to align with pre‐existing assumptions. This article briefly reviews these challenges within the context of climate change and associated environmental and sustainability issues, comments on recent work in the field, and suggests some ways forward for historians.

Development and Characterization of Lime-Based Mortars Modified with Graphene Nanoplatelets

Materials for the conservation of cultural heritage must meet specific demands, such as high durability, service life, and compatibility with other materials used in the original building structures. Due to their low permeability to water and water vapor and their high rigidity, the use of Portland cement (PC) mortars, despite their high mechanical resistance and durability, does not represent an appropriate solution for the repair of historic masonry and structures. Their incompatibility with the original materials used in the past, often on a lime basis, is therefore a serious deficiency for their application. On the other hand, lime-based mortars, compared to PC-based materials, are more susceptible to mechanical stress, but they possess high porosity, a high water vapor transmission rate, and moderate liquid water transport. This study aims at the development of two types of lime-based mortars, calcium lime (CL) and hydraulic lime (HL). The modification of mortars was conducted with a carbon-based nanoadditive and graphene nanoplatelets (GNs) in three dosages: 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% of the binder weight. The enhancement of CL mortars by GNs greatly increased mechanical strength and affected heat transport characteristics, while other characteristics such as porosity, water absorption, and drying rate remained almost similar. The application of GNs to HL not only enhanced the strength of mortars but also decreased their porosity, influenced pore size distribution, and other dependent characteristics. It can be concluded that the use of graphene nanoplatelets as an additive of lime-based composites can be considered a promising method to reinforce and functionalize these composite materials. The improved mechanical resistance while maintaining other properties may be favorable in view of the increasing requirements of building materials and may prolong the life span of building constructions.

The Applicability of Improvement Gap Analysis to Understand Pre‐ and Post‐Covid‐19 Foreign Tourists’ Satisfaction at a Heritage Destination

Tourist satisfaction is one of the most important factors for a destination's perpetual survival. The stakeholders seek to understand how to enhance tourist satisfaction. Prior research highlighted various methods to measure tourist satisfaction, but the use of Improvement Gap Analysis (IGA) has been found more effective in positioning the key destination satisfaction attributes in a grid form. The aim of this study is to analyze the attributes that influence the overall satisfaction of foreign tourists visiting Varanasi, which is a leading tourist destination in India. This study used IGA to distinguish and position 21 destination satisfaction attributes. Further, the statistically significant difference between average expected satisfaction and average current satisfaction is examined using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. The results provide a deeper understanding of the current satisfaction status of a heritage destination, but also provide scope for possible improvements by introducing new attributes. Furthermore, the study identifies critical areas of improvement for the following attributes: “maintenance of historical structures and monuments,” “convenient local transportation,” “sight‐seeing prices in terms of tourist satisfaction” in the context. The attributes used in the study to examine satisfaction of heritage destination can be used in similar contexts and adds knowledge to the existing body of tourism marketing literature.

Remote Sensing and Assessment of Compound Groundwater Flooding Using an End-to-End Wireless Environmental Sensor Network and Data Model at a Coastal Cultural Heritage Site in Portsmouth, NH.

The effects of climate change in the forms of rising sea levels and increased frequency of storms and storm surges are being noticed across many coastal communities around the United States. These increases are impacting the timing and frequency of tidal and rainfall influenced compound groundwater flooding events. These types of events can be exemplified by the recent and ongoing occurrence of groundwater flooding within building basements at the historic Strawbery Banke Museum (SBM) living history campus in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Fresh water and saline groundwater intrusion within basements of historic structures can be destructive to foundations, mortar, joists, fasteners, and the overlaying wood structure. Although this is the case, there appears to be a dearth of research that examines the use of wireless streaming sensor networks to monitor and assess groundwater inundation within historic buildings in near-real time. Within the current study, we designed and deployed a three-sensor latitudinal network at the SBM. This network includes the deployment and remote monitoring of water level sensors in the basements of two historic structures 120 and 240 m from the river, as well as one sensor within the river itself. Groundwater salinity levels were also monitored within the basements of the two historic buildings. Assessments and model results from the recorded sensor data provided evidence of both terrestrial rainfall and tidal influences on the flooding at SBM. Understanding the sources of compound flooding within historic buildings can allow site managers to mitigate better and adapt to the effects of current and future flooding events. Data and results of this work are available via the project's interactive webpage and through a public touchscreen kiosk interface developed for and deployed within the SBM Rowland Gallery's "Water Has a Memory" exhibit.

Snow leopard phylogeography and population structure supports two global populations with single refugial origin

AbstractSnow leopards (Panthera uncia) inhabit the mountainous regions of High Asia, which experienced serial glacial contraction and expansion during climatic cycles of the Pleistocene. The corresponding impacts of glacial vicariance may have alternately promoted or constrained genetic differentiation to shape the distribution of genetic lineages and population structure. We studied snow leopard phylogeography across High Asia by examining range-wide historical and contemporary genetic structure with mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite markers. We genotyped 182 individuals from across snow leopard range and sequenced portions of the mitogenome in a spatially stratified subset of 80 individuals to infer historical biogeographic and contemporary patterns of genetic diversity. We observed a lack of phylogeographic structure, and analyses suggested a single refugial origin for all sampled populations. Molecular data provided tentative evidence of a hypothesized glacial refugia in the Tian Shan-Pamir-Hindu Kush-Karakoram mountain ranges, and detected mixed signatures of population expansion. Concordant assessments of microsatellite data indicated two global genetic populations, though we detected geographic differences between historical and contemporary population structure and connectivity inferred from mitochondrial and microsatellite data, respectively. Using the largest sample size and geographic coverage to date, we demonstrate novel information on the phylogeographic history of snow leopards, and corroborate existing interpretations of snow leopard connectivity and genetic structure. We recommend that conservation efforts incorporate genetic data to define and protect meaningful conservation units and their underlying genetic diversity, and to maintain the snow leopard’s adaptive potential and continued resilience to environmental changes.

Adaptive reuse among Baltimore’s historic churches: effect on social health

ABSTRACT This visual essay, from Maryland in the United States, examines the transformation of Baltimore’s historic religious structures in the context of community well-being and social health. As societal values shift, these 19th-century cathedrals and churches are repurposed into modern yoga studios, housing centers, and commercial ventures, adapting to contemporary demands and fostering alternative forms of community. While some of these new uses maintain or even enhance their role as community hubs, others prioritize consumerism over communal engagement, risking the erosion of social cohesion. This paper highlights both the challenges and opportunities posed by these conversions.

Identification of Alternations in the Structure of Historical Masonry Walls Using the GPR Method Accompanied with Architectural Survey in the Former Piast Gymnasium in Brzeg

Widely used in civil engineering, GPR (ground penetrating radar) is increasingly being used to survey historic structures. However, there are still no conclusive directives on the use of GPR in the identification and diagnosis of masonry structures. The current state of the art allows only on the example of individual case studies, to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of the use of this tool. One such area, where the effective use of GPR has been experimentally confirmed, is the historic architectural survey of a heritage buildings. Due to diversity in the dielectric properties of individual construction materials, it is possible to observe on radargrams the change of electromagnetic wave patterns by materials from different phases. Traditional approach require extensive excavation efforts or core drilling, which may not always be acceptable for conservation reasons. Hence the GPR method could be interesting, non – destructive option for identification and diagnosis of historical masonry walls. The authors used the architectural survey and accompanying excavations at the former Piast Gymnasium in Brzeg to conduct a survey campaign using the GPR method. The brick walls of the building's nave have been scanned. The nave have undergone numerous alterations over hundreds of years. The GPR data has been subjected to adequate post-processing and then correlated with architectural surveys and validated on the basis of available excavations at the site. The authors highlight that GPR surveys, when combined with architectural investigations, offer a less invasive approach to examining historic structures, thereby mitigating the need for problematic excavation work.

Numerical Analysis and Safety Assessment of the Former Site of Shanghai South Downtown Library Reinforced by U-Steel During Integral Translation

ABSTRACT The utilization of overall translation techniques in buildings offers numerous advantages, including cost-effectiveness, shortened construction timelines, and environmental sustainability. These techniques are increasingly being employed for the conservation and renovation of existing historic structures. Taking the former site project of the South Downtown Library in Shanghai, which requires the overall translation due to the requirements of urban renewal, as an example, a systematic detection and identification of the damage and safety states of the overall structure were conducted. The damaged condition and overall structural safety were evaluated, and the corresponding reinforcement and repair suggestions were proposed. The former site of the library, a brick-timber mixed structure, was reinforced using U-steel through internal support and external pulling. The structure was also lifted and translated using the overall translation technique. The displacement responses of the key parts of the structure were monitored using the displacement sensors during the translation. The detailed finite element model of the former site of the Shanghai south downtown library, strengthened by U-steel, was established using the ABAQUS. The displacement responses of the structure’s key components during the jacking and translation were analyzed, and compared with the actual monitoring results. Good agreements were observed between the model predictions and test results. Utilizing the validated finite element model, parametric analyses were carried out. The effects of the rate of jacking and translation as well as the ground flatness on the displacement responses of a structure were analyzed, the mechanical and safety states of the structure reinforced with U-steel were further evaluated. This study can provide a reference for the overall translation technique and safety assessment of similar historic buildings in the urban renewal processes.

Development of fully controlled rock crushing method and its vibration impact during rockfall risk reduction at Assos ancient port: Experimental and field studies

Historical sites are vulnerable to significant damage caused by natural disasters such as earthquakes, rockfalls, floods, landslides, and fires. Protecting these invaluable regions necessitates preemptive measures against such disasters. This study delves into the rockfall risk assessment and remediation techniques for Assos, an ancient port with a history spanning over 2000 years. Initially, field surveys were conducted to identify active rockfall potential and precarious blocks within the area. Subsequently, intervention methods were devised, involving the removal of numerous hazardous blocks. A novel approach to rock crushing/breaking was developed specifically for the historical locale, comprising three distinct techniques: Fully Controlled, Splash Controlled, and Free Rock Crushing/Blasting. Additionally, two types of materials, namely Chemical Rock Breaking Powder and Cartridges Containing Pyrotechnic Class Explosives, were employed in refining the method. The subsequent phase of the research aims to evaluate the impact of recorded vibrations on historical artifacts and structures within the ancient site, with a particular focus on potential structural damage. To this end, seven rock crushing/breaking experiments were conducted, employing five different accelerometers strategically placed near the experimental site to measure vibrations in the historical structures. The findings have been analyzed in accordance with international standards, including DIN 4150/3, USBM RI-8507, and the Environmental Noise Assessment and Management Regulation. The assessment specifically scrutinized the condition of historical structures. In summary, during rock crushing operations employing chemical rock crusher powder (W=17 kg), the highest maximum particle velocity recorded at the closest distance to the operation point was 0.031 mm/s. These measurements fell comfortably below the specified damage criterion outlined in the norms. As a result, utilizing this method, over 7500 m³ of hazardous rock blocks were successfully broken and removed from the slope, while concurrently erecting rockfall protection structures. Ultimately, this comprehensive approach led to a reduction in regional rockfall risk, facilitating the safe reopening of Assos to visitors.

Looking to the future: the problematics of determining RE among early career teachers

AbstractThe landscape of RE continues to evolve, in part, due to the academisation programme in England which is disrupting long-standing historical local structures. Following the National Plan by the Commission on RE, as a contribution to the ongoing debates, this study explores the perceptions of early career teachers about the future determination of RE. To examine such views, an online survey gathered quantitative data from PGCE and Year 3 students and a questionnaire gathered qualitative data from two groups in Year 1 of the BA Honours in Primary Education course at a university in the West Midlands, England. The findings are based on 149 survey responses and 52 completed questionnaires. This article reports the results about the membership and duties of Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) and the proposed Local Advisory Network for Religion and Worldviews (LANRW) from the Year 1 groups. The open-ended questionnaire data were analysed by thematic analysis. The results reveal that a small majority of the Year 1 groups were unhappy with the current membership setup of SACREs. However, a larger majority were happy with the current duties of SACREs. More than half of the responses received for the question about the creation of LANRWs agreed with this proposal. All responses received for the question about the representativeness of LANRWs agreed that the five groups proposed would make a LANRWs representative. A majority of the responses received for the question about the proposed roles designated for LANRWs also expressed their satisfaction with the roles. Based on these, further research is recommended.