Historians Research Articles

Child Fatalities in Tractor-Related Accidents in Rural Iceland, 1918–2024: A Historical Analysis

Children on farms face high risks of work- and non-work-related fatalities, with tractors being a significant contributor. This study examines children’s involvement in fatal tractor-related accidents within agriculture in Iceland from 1918 to 2024, explores adult reflections on childhood tractor-driving experiences, and analyses Members of Parliament’s arguments against setting a minimum age for off-road tractor driving. The data are based on parliamentary debates on tractor-related legislation, fatal tractor-related accidents documented in newspaper archives and supplementary sources, and narrative interviews with former summer children who stayed at farms during their childhoods. Over half of the 81 registered accidents involved children—primarily boys—with 75% occurring between 1958 and 1988, when no minimum age for off-road tractor driving existed. The fatality incidence rate for children was more than four times higher than for adults. Arguments against minimum age requirements for off-road driving included the need for child labour, children’s superior driving skills, and the denial that children were more often victims than adults. Since 1988, no child has died while driving a tractor. A human-centred approach focusing on the working conditions, driver capacity, and adherence to safety procedures and legal frameworks is needed to prevent future accidents.

Analyzing the impact of anti-corruption reforms on wealth and power distribution in Roman Iberia: a historical and statistical perspective

Using historical analysis and statistical data, this study examines the impact of anti-corruption reforms on the distribution of wealth and power in Iberian Rome. Corruption in the Roman Republic posed serious challenges to just governance, and this led to reform initiatives to restore public trust and reduce the influence of corruption. This research examines the historical context of corruption and emphasizes its negative effects on wealth distribution and social equality. Important reforms implemented in the early imperial period, especially under Augustus, aimed to address these issues and temporarily improve economic conditions, especially in urban centers such as Taraco and Córdoba. However, the effectiveness of these reforms varied considerably across regions, with rural areas typically benefiting less due to the influence of elite interests. Statistical analyzes show that there is a complex relationship between anti-corruption measures and wealth concentration, such that despite initial successes, many regions have returned to pre-reform levels of inequality over time. The findings emphasize the need for continued political commitment and systemic change to ensure the sustainability of anti-corruption initiatives. By examining the Roman experience, this study provides valuable insights for contemporary anti-corruption efforts and emphasizes the importance of paying attention to power dynamics and strengthening social participation to promote equity and long-term transparency in governance.

Emerging Technologies for Precision Supply Chain Management

The global business landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the convergence of rapid technological advancements and an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. This research explores the strategic implications of this convergence for precision supply chain management. By examining the interplay between emerging technologies like AI, automation, and blockchain, and geopolitical factors such as trade policies and regional instability, this study offers insights into how businesses can navigate this dynamic landscape. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating historical analysis, in-depth case studies, and speculative scenarios to illuminate the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating advanced technologies within a globalized LSCM (Logistics and Supply Chain Management) context. The findings underscore the transformative potential of technology in enhancing efficiency and optimization, while also highlighting the critical role of geopolitical considerations in shaping LSCM strategies. The research concludes with actionable recommendations for businesses, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach that balances technological innovation with geopolitical awareness to achieve precision, resilience, and sustainable growth in an ever-evolving global marketplace.

Decoding Xi Jinping's Idiosyncratic Foreign Policy: Analyzing the Interplay of Centralized Decision-Making, Soft Power Dynamics, and Regional Security Implications

Comparative historical analysis will trace the foreign policy orientation of Xi Jinping: the orientation that, by the nature of things, must be different from that of his predecessors, Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin. Xi's ideological motivations and strategic objectives will be analyzed qualitatively using a systematic review of scholarly articles and policy documents. It describes the shift from a narrative of peaceful rise to a more assertive foreign policy that aims to change the international order according to the vision of realizing national rejuvenation in China. The focus is on two critical components of Xi's policy: the soft power, on the one hand, and military modernization, on the other. Together, they reflect his dual playing of economic cooperation and territorial aspirations. This paper also explores how evolving domestic politics and the increasing competition between the United States and China shape the impact of China's soft power campaigns and its broader security strategies in the region. Findings indicate that under Xi, centralized decision-making and assertive diplomacy are redefining China's role in global governance and transforming international relations in the fast-changing multipolar world. These policies are compared with those of previous leaders to bring forth valuable insights into the dynamic change experienced by the foreign policy of China and its consequences on the international political configurations. Key Words: Idiosyncrasy, Xi Jinping, Soft power, Military modernization, Decision making

Историко-правовой анализ защиты авторских прав в Великобритании

Introduction. The history of origin and development of copyright, mechanisms of its protection is closely related to the change of paradigms, transformation of society, and emergence of qualitatively new social relations in it. The identification of general historical regularities as well as significant differences allows not only to characterise more clearly the problems arising in connection with copyright protection, but also, based on the events of the past, to identify trends in the further development of this institution. The author was given a multi–faceted task of this study – the systematization of knowledge about the subject of research with the identification of features and historical patterns associated with the emergence of the copyright institute in the UK. Essential to substantiate the existence of copyright in modern realities is the need to clarify the conceptual ideas and traditions of literary and artistic property in the law making of European states of the XIX – historical context, identifying the peculiarities of each stage, from the first royal privileges to modern approaches to copyright protection in Great Britain. Methods. The solution of the problems faced by the researcher was possible taking into account the use of methods of analysis, synthesis, analogy in combination with comparative-legal, formal-legal, systemic methods, as well as problem-theoretical and historical-legal methods of research. Results. The obtained results of the conducted historical and legal analysis supplement the knowledge on the theory and history of foreign state and law, clarify the peculiarities of the nature of copyright in its historical context. Conclusion. Identification and establishment of historical and legal connections, general historical regularities of origin, formation and further development of the institute of copyright in Great Britain (its protection) will allow to outline a number of issues arising in copyright in the modern world and to determine the trends of further development of this institute.

No gold‐diggers here: Women investors in colonial Australian mining

AbstractWe draw upon an extensive database of investors in colonial Australian mining, during the 1850s–80s, to provide the first historical analysis of the nature of women's share investing in Australia. Women were a minority of investors by number and value of holdings and faced a series of obstacles, yet their presence grew throughout the period. Most women invested independently neither drawing on male relatives nor other women. Many opted for only a single investment in this high‐risk industry, but a small minority built significant portfolios. We reveal that women managed these risks differently from men, taking account of their attitudes towards company characteristics, investor location, portfolio diversification, and the cyclical trends in mining.

Advanced data-driven FBG sensor-based pavement monitoring system using multi-sensor data fusion and an unsupervised learning approach

Pavement health monitoring and assessment using sensor technology provides valuable insights into the condition of roads and helps in effective maintenance and management. This paper presents an advanced fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor-based pavement monitoring system that leverages multi-sensor data fusion techniques and an unsupervised learning approach for enhanced structural health assessment. The study commences with the fusion of data from various FBG sensors based on specific considerations and employing a novel function to improve the accuracy of pavement condition assessment. A dedicated data management system is introduced to address the challenges associated with continuous monitoring. This system automates data organization, pre-processing, and storage, facilitating historical trend analysis and post-processing. Then, the research introduces a novel unsupervised learning approach utilizing the density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) algorithm. This algorithm identifies abnormal patterns in the FBG sensor data, which may indicate structural anomalies or unexpected events, aiding the operator by automatically flagging abnormal data. By incorporating principle component analysis (PCA)-based feature fusion, the system reduces the dimensionality of the data, which enhances the efficiency of the clustering process. Various anomalies were detected in the data collected for four months from the test track. The cause and relevance of these anomalies were assessed to facilitate informed decision-making. This approach enables the operator to achieve early detection of potential structural issues and distinguish abnormal damage data from other anomalous data, thereby contributing to the overall success of the pavement monitoring system. In conclusion, the integration of advanced FBG sensor technology with multi-sensor data fusion and unsupervised learning techniques results in a sophisticated and robust pavement monitoring system. The presented approach enhances accuracy by detecting anomalies at any strain level, computational time using multi-sensor data fusion, and reliability of structural health assessment through anomaly evaluation. It also provides a framework for proactive decision-making, ultimately improving the longevity and structural integrity of critical infrastructure.

Causes of Failure Among Family Owned Businesses

The study investigated the causes of failure among family owned businesses in South-East, Nigeria. Specific objectives were to; evaluate major family business enterprises that have failed in South-eastern states, Nigeria; investigate the causes of failure of these family owned business enterprisesidentified in South-eastern states in Nigeria; explore strategies that will help prevent such failures in other family owned business enterprises in Nigeria. The study adopted a qualitative approach in analyzing the causes. Historical analysis of ten indigenous family owned business situated in South-eastern, Nigeria that have gone into extinction, were thoroughly carried out to identify factors that contributed to their extinction. It was found out that; death of founder(s), financial constraint, poor management, market complexity and competitions are the main contributors to family business failures and extinctions in Southeastern, Nigeria. Thus, it was recommended family business owners should be liberal, open-minded, flexible and inclusive in making business decisions that will propel their enterprises to greater height. More so, competent hands, professional business consultants and advisors should be incorporated in managing the business. This will ensure the success and fecundity of the business. Though, the study encountered a slight challenge as regards to the availability of resources, because relevant information that would have enriched the result, were not documented or uploaded on the internet. However, the findings of the study contributed immensely to the body knowledge of family successes, growths and failures in Nigeria.

Evolution of agricultural carbon emission research in China: a historical analysis and emerging trends

Agricultural activities constitute the second-largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Proactively mitigating agricultural carbon emissions is crucial for safeguarding the ecological en-vironment, improving agricultural productivity, and fostering long-term ecological sustainability. This paper employs bibliometric analysis to examine the research status, hot topics, and devel-opment trends of agricultural carbon emissions in China over the past 2 decades. Based on Citespace software, the study primarily conducts visual analysis on 660 academic articles on ag-ricultural carbon emissions collected from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) between 2001 and May 2023, including publications indexed in Peking University Chinese Core Journals (PKU Core), Chinese Social Sciences Citation Index and Chinese Science Citation Database. The analysis covers publication quantity, author cooperation, institution cooperation, keyword co-occurrence, keyword clustering, keyword burst, keyword timeline, and keyword timezone. Research results indicate: (1) From the annual publication volume changes perspective, research on China’s agricultural carbon emissions demonstrates a rapid upward trend in the new era, with increasing research interest. (2) The core net-work of research authors has been established, primarily concentrated in agricultural and forestry universities, and the core network of institutions in this field is gradually forming. However, collaboration networks between authors and research institutions are relatively dispersed, necessitating strengthened collaboration among institutions. (3) Current research on agricultural carbon emissions predominantly focuses on the challenges of reducing agricultural carbon emissions in China under the “dual carbon” goals, measures, and pathways to achieve agricultural carbon emission reductions; performance evaluation of agricultural carbon emissions, factors affecting these emissions, and their reduction potential; as well as the relationship between agricultural carbon emissions and agricultural economic growth. Future research should delve deeper into the precise accounting of agricultural carbon emissions under the “dual carbon” goals, their underlying mechanisms, and issues related to precise and differentiated agricultural carbon reduction strategies. (4) The development trajectory of domestic agricultural carbon emissions research shows a period of germination from 2001 to 2009, a development stage from 2010 to 2015, and a deepening stage from 2016 to 2023, with a notable increase in publications in 2021, signifying a new upward phase in research output.

Saenal School in South Korea: Its Historical Significance

Aim. The importance of this study lies in the fact that in contemporary South Korean society, a model of multicultural education is unquestionably required for the offspring of Goryeoin (Koreans), who were dispersed across Russia, Ukraine, and Central Asia before settling in their homeland of Korea because they urgently need to restore their healthy identity. Method. The basic methods of investigation are historical analysis based on hermeneutical phenomenology, general classification, and psychological and pedagogical approaches aimed at providing a sound multicultural education for Goryeoin children as well as other ethnic students. Results and conclusion. The curriculum and fruitfulness of Saena lSchool have been established to be one of the most effective multicultural educations in South Korea under the leadership of the school's principal, Pastor Cheon-Young Lee, who has excellent insight into the reasons for the emergence of Goryo people in South Korea. This study will show that his view of Korean history, which could persuade almost anyone, was the driving force behind his overcoming the numerous tough situations currently confronting the Korean educational environment, garnering love and respect from many Koreans, and bringing about remarkable innovation in education.

Hybrid Wars as a New Phenomenon in the Global World

The article examines the phenomenon of hybrid warfare, which has become a particularly prominent phenomenon at the beginning of the 21st century. It briefly describes the practice of using hybrid methods of conflict in previous eras, as well as considers the chronology of hybrid conflicts and the evolution of related concepts in detail. The study describes specific examples of successful operations during conflicts with signs of hybrid war. As one example of successful hybrid confrontation with the collective West, it gives a historical analysis of Iran's policy in protecting national interests. At the current stage of deployment of hybrid operations, the foreign policy of the Russian Federation is also under study. Both defensive and offensive aspects of this policy are being examined. Successful and unsuccessful foreign policy tools for hybrid counteraction that have already led to increases or decreases in the country's authority on the global stage are considered. In the final part of the paper, a hypothesis is presented regarding the increasing vulnerability of countries to non-military methods of conflict and their growing prevalence. Therefore, the author believes that this highlights the importance of the issues discussed in the article and the significance of the problem under study.

Professional self-determination in the conditions of studying for a master's degree

Introduction. The article is devoted to one of the most urgent problems of modern education – the professional self-determination of undergraduates in the process of university education. The article provides a historical and pedagogical analysis of the state and development of the problem of professional self-determination in Russia from the 20s of the last century to the present. In the context of the formation of a new system of higher pedagogical education in Russia, the authors attempt to consider the professional self-determination of future masters as the need for their effective professional training. Materials and Methods. As research methods, the method of analysis and systematization of psychological and pedagogical theoretical and experimental and scientific and methodological studies of domestic scientists on the problem of professional development of a future specialist in the conditions of modern domestic higher education system was used. When describing the specifics of the professional training of undergraduates, the emphasis is placed on the use of methods of systematization and generalization of psychological and pedagogical research and regulatory documents. Results. Considering the professional self-determination of future specialists as the need for their professional training, based on the analysis of philosophical and psychological and pedagogical research, the authors clarified and specified the key categories of research: "self-determination", "professional self-determination", "readiness for self-determination". The article reveals the features of modern learning youth at different levels of professional self-determination. The types of self-determination (professional, social, personal, family, life, religious, etc.) are identified. Such important aspects of vocational training as: changes in the content of vocational training of a university student, the influence of socio-cultural factors on the professional training of future specialists, the formation of competencies and competence, the psychological component of vocational training in the educational environment of the university are revealed. Discussion and Conclusions. The problem of professional self-determination of undergraduates at the present stage of development of society and the creation of a new system of Russian pedagogical education in the context of globalization and digitalization is significantly updated and requires the search for new forms and methods of professional training of specialists.

Vidal v Elster: US Supreme Court confirms constitutionality of Lanham Act prohibition on registration of trade marks comprising names of living people without their consent

Abstract In Vidal v Elster, the US Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of a Lanham Act prohibition against the registration of trade marks comprising the name of living people withut their consent. Although all Justices agreed on the result, their reasoning differed, with the majority opinion highlighting the increasing importance of historical analysis in trademark cases.

Переосмысление места человека в социокультурном контексте в концепте режиссуры Владимира Тюлькина

The article investigates the evolution of documentary cinematography of Kazakhstan during the period of independence through the prism of films by Vladimir Tyulkin. The work analyzes how the reflection of the country’s socio-cultural changes expresses itself through the documentary films, revealing the connection between the director’s personal interpretation and historical transformations.The use of Eduard Dubrovskiy’s methodology such as “problem statement”, “hero reflecting the essence of the problem”, “primary dramatic situation” and “method of embodiment” allows us to identify the main dramaturgical categories in Tyulkin’s films, as well as to explore how the director builds a dialog with the audience, unfolding social and historical narratives. The documentary films chosen for art historical analysis are: Lord of the Flies (1991), It’s not about Dogs (2010), and 13 Kilometers (2018). These films have not yet received a sufficiently deep and comprehensive analysis in academic literature. They show various aspects of Kazakhstan’s reality, including political changes, social challenges and personal stories of ordinary people influenced by big historical processes. The analysis focuses on the visual and narrative strategies that the filmmaker uses to create a powerful emotional impact and a deep understanding of the events context.The novelty of the study lies in the exploration of these three works that reveal the author’s concept of directing, aimed to the psychological review of a human being and his interaction with the surrounding world. It opens new horizons for understanding the interaction of cinema with the socio-cultural context.

Racism in psychiatry and the case of presentism

Acknowledging the impact of imperialist and colonialist attitudes on the development of psychiatry allows for the recovery of the work of practitioners whose contribution may have been overlooked, as well as recognising racist attitudes in predominant thinking. These combined approaches aid in the construction of a more complete critical history.

Constitutional and legal foundations of territorial integrity in federal states: historical and legal analysis

The article explores the constitutional and legal foundations of the territorial integrity of the federal states, focusing on historical and contemporary examples. The authors examine cases of successful and unsuccessful secession, as well as legal mechanisms used to prevent separatism. We take Spain, the USA, Canada, India, and Germany, as the examples to analyze the role of constitutional provisions in maintaining state unity. A key aspect of the study is the distribution of competencies between federal structures and federation subjects, which ensures a balance of interests and prevents internal conflicts. A great attention is paid to the principle of subsidiarity and the role of federation subjects in governance, contributing to the preservation of territorial integrity. The authors emphasize the importance of integration mechanisms and constitutional guarantees in maintaining the stability of the federal states. The article establishes that the territorial integrity of federal states is ensured through a set of constitutional and legal norms that regulate the relations between federal authorities and the subjects of the federation. These norms include a clear distribution of competencies, where federal authorities are responsible for national issues such as defense and foreign relations, while the subjects of the federation have powers in local governance. The principle of subsidiarity involves the participation of the federation’s subjects in state governance, ensuring a balance of interests and preventing internal conflicts. Additionally, the supreme legal authority of the federal constitution, mechanisms of federal intervention in case of threats to integrity, and the unity of the economic space all contribute to the stability and unity of the federal state, effectively countering separatist movements. It is determined that the participation of federation subjects in the process of constitutional amendments guarantees their representation and protection of interests, preventing unilateral changes in the state structure. The state language plays an important role, promoting national unity and preventing ethnic conflicts, which is critical for multinational federations. Furthermore, the representation of federation subjects in the national parliament ensures their influence on key decision-making, promoting more balanced policies and strengthening ties between the central government and the regions.

COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT IN THE DIGITAL AGE: THE CASE FOR REFORM TO KAZAKHSTAN’S COPYRIGHT LAWS

Background: The rapid digitalisation of copyrighted materials and the creation of new digital products pose significant challenges to copyright law in the era of globalisation. Digitisation has revolutionised access to information by converting it into a digital format, thus making it easier for anyone who surfs the internet to reproduce and share data. However, new technologies have also resulted in illegal activities such as online copyright infringement. That being the case, the development of digital technologies requires new relevant approaches and provisions from the national copyright law of Kazakhstan to handle copyright infringement on the internet. It could be argued that the current legislation cannot handle legal issues related to copyright, especially the responsibility of internet service providers (ISPs) for the violation of the copyright. This article aims to identify shortcomings in the legal regulation of ISPs in the Republic of Kazakhstan and to offer recommendations for improving legislation in this area. The novelty of the paper lies in Kazakhstan’s legislation, lacking regulation on the legal status of ISPs and their role in protecting copyright on the internet. By comparing Kazakh legislative developments with practices in the US, UK, and Ukraine, the paper provides insights into potential reforms for better handling digital copyright infringement. Methods: This paper applies several research methods, including systemic, comparative legal, and historical legal analysis. The primary focus is on examining the legislation and case law of the US, UK and Ukraine regarding copyright issues to enhance Kazakhstan’s existing legislative framework. Results and conclusions: This article argues that national acts of Kazakhstan on copyright were obsolete before the advancement of digital technologies and therefore, need to be updated to keep pace with modern technologies.

Counterinsurgency, forest governance, and the dynamics of change in the forests of South Asia: Transition in Bangladesh's forests

Since the end of the Cold War, attention has increasingly focused globally on the nexus of conflict, natural resources, and governance, particularly in forested regions. This paper presents a comprehensive historical and comparative analysis of forest and biodiversity loss in Bangladesh over the last 50 years, attending to the impacts of counterinsurgency in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) and governance changes in the plains. Drawing on Peter Vandergeest and Nancy Peluso's seminal concept of “political forests,” the study critically analyzes how counterinsurgency, state-led development, and green militarization in the CHT, alongside neoliberal development, commercialization, and land grabbing in the plains, have reshaped forest governance and territorial control in the country. The analysis reveals that counterinsurgencies in the CHT, driven by domestic priorities and strategic interests, expanded colonial-style territorial control over forests, thereby exacerbating biodiversity loss. In the plains, neoliberal governance has promoted forest degradation through commercial exploitation and state-sanctioned land grabbing, with economic growth being pursued at the cost of environmental sustainability. This paper presents a critique of both militarized and neoliberal approaches to conservation, demonstrating how these models prioritize political and economic agendas over ecological integrity and local community needs. In conclusion, the study advocates a paradigmatic shift toward inclusive, community-centered forest governance that empowers local populations and emphasizes environmental stewardship, challenging dominant state-centric and market-driven approaches to forest management.

The institution of popular veto: experience of selected foreign countries

This article examines the legislation of foreign countries regarding mechanisms of direct democracy, particularly the institution of popular veto. A historical analysis of the development of this instrument in European law has been conducted. The methodological basis of the publication consists of scientific methods based on the requirements of objective and comprehensive analysis of socio-political and legal phenomena, which include direct democracy in foreign countries. The research methodology is founded on general theoretical principles and approaches to determining the initial parameters of the formation and development of popular veto as a form of direct democracy. To achieve scientific objectivity in the results, the author used a full range of general scientific and special research methods widely applied in the modern science of constitutional law. It has been established that although modern forms of direct democracy emerged relatively recently, the concept of popular veto has roots in ancient civilizations as a means of limiting the abuse of power. Initially, the right of veto was exercised not directly by citizens, but by authorized persons on behalf of the people, who could reject laws that contradicted fundamental norms. It is argued that although popular veto was first enshrined in French constitutional law, Switzerland is considered its birthplace, where this institution received genuine development and was first implemented in practice in 1831. The evolution of popular veto is closely linked to the development of Swiss statehood; however, the immediate impetus for its implementation was granting citizens direct voting rights and the right to participate in referendums. Initially, popular veto was applied at the level of individual cantons, and in 1874 it was enshrined in the Swiss Constitution at the national level. According to the constitutional procedure, a specified number of voters can officially express disagreement with an adopted law within a set period, after which it must be submitted to a nationwide referendum for approval or repeal.

Towards a Study of the Architectural Decoration of Public Buildings in Parion During the Early Roman Empire

Parion was one of the principal centers of the Roman province of Asia, and the remains of several public buildings adorned with intricate architectural decorations have been uncovered and partially explored. Among these structures are a theater, an odeon, and thermae, all dating to the Roman Empire. In addition to these edifices, other public buildings in the central part of Roman-era Parion remain undiscovered, raising im-portant questions about the organization of public space and the architectural character of the city’s core during the Early Empire. One of the most promising areas for further exploration is the “Agora” sector, bordered to the south by the odeon and to the north by the theater and thermae. This article offers an architectural and histori-cal analysis of the Corinthian order details found in this sector. The architectural elements discussed were un-covered during archaeological excavations conducted between 2015 and 2022 (Figs. 1-6). Although the availa-ble materials are insufficient to definitively identify the specific structures to which these decorative elements belonged, their forms, ornamentation, dimensions, and modules exhibit notable similarities to the architectural details of the southern façade of Hadrian’s Gate in Ephesus. This resemblance suggests a commonality in their architectural compositions and, by extension, the types of structures they adorned. Consequently, it is plausible to infer that these architectural elements were part of a portico associated with a building complex in the Agora. The design of this complex (or at least part of it) likely reflects Hadrian’s extensive building program in the Ro-man province of Asia.