Knowledge Of History Research Articles

I “love” my country? The relationship between national narcissism and national knowledge overclaiming

BackgroundDoes demonstrating attachment to one’s nation necessarily imply that the individual is interested in the history of that nation and has a considerable knowledge about its origins? In the present paper, we examine how two forms of national identity (i.e., national narcissism vs. secure national identification) relate to individuals’ self-declared interest in their na-tion’s history. Additionally, we investigate whether this relationship can account for their tendency to overstate their knowledge.Participants and procedureIn two studies (Ntotal = 2137) conducted on a representative samples of adult Poles, we assessed two types of national identi-ty: self-declared interest in the nation’s history and objectively measured knowledge about the nation and its history through an overclaiming task.ResultsWe found that those who narcissistically identified with their nation overclaimed their historical knowledge. Specifically, they claimed familiarity with non-existing historical events and were unable to claim familiarity with existing ones. We also found that the relationship between national narcissism and declared interest in one’s nation’s history was effectively re-duced to zero after partialing out the shared variance to overclaiming historical knowledge.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that national narcissism might be a superficial self-presentation style, which is primarily focused on oneself, not on the nation. Those who narcissistically identify themselves with their nation only proclaim their interest, but have lower objective knowledge.

Nonthermal fluctuations accelerate biomolecular motors

AbstractIntracellular transport is essential for maintaining cellular function. This process is driven by different mechanisms in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. In small prokaryotic cells, diffusion is the primary means of transport, while larger eukaryotic cells also rely on active transport by molecular motors such as kinesin and dynein. Recently, it has become evident that, in addition to diffusion based on thermal fluctuations (Brownian motion), which was conventionally considered a diffusion mechanism within living cells, nonthermal fluctuations generated by metabolic activities play a crucial role in intracellular diffusion. Similarly, while molecular motors have been proposed to exploit thermal fluctuations in the environment following the direct observation and manipulation of single molecules, they have also been reported to utilize nonthermal fluctuations in recent years. This review begins with a brief overview of the historical knowledge of diffusive intracellular transport, which has been extended from the thermal fluctuations to the nonthermal fluctuations generated by metabolic activity. It then introduces recent findings on how nonthermal fluctuations accelerate the motion of molecular motors and discusses future perspectives on the general effects of these fluctuations on molecules in living cells.

Enhanced reinforcement learning-based two-way transmit-receive directional antennas neighbor discovery in wireless ad hoc networks

The utilization of directional antennas for neighbor discovery in wireless ad hoc networks brings notable benefits, such as extended transmission range, reduced transmission interference, and enhanced antenna gain. However, when nodes use directional antennas for neighbor discovery, the communication range is limited, resulting in a lack of knowledge of potential neighbors. Hence, it is necessary to design a special antenna direction switching strategy for neighbor discovery based on directional antennas. Traditional methods of switching antenna directions are often random or follow predefined sequences, overlooking the historical knowledge of sector exploration for antenna directions. In contrast, existing machine learning approaches aim to leverage observed historical knowledge to adjust antenna directions for faster neighbor discovery. Nonetheless, the latency of neighbor discovery is still high because the node cannot fully utilize the observed historical knowledge (i.e., only using the knowledge observed by the node in transmission mode, ignoring the knowledge observed by the node in reception mode). Meanwhile, the corresponding reward and penalty mechanisms are still not detailed enough (i.e., these reward and penalty mechanisms only consider the sectors of discovered and undiscovered neighboring nodes, ignoring the scenario of sectors that have been rewarded). In this paper, the neighbor discovery process is modeled as a reinforcement learning-based learning automaton. We propose an enhanced reinforcement learning-based two-way transmit-receive directional antennas neighbor discovery algorithm, called ERTTND. The algorithm consists of a two-way transmit-receive reinforcement learning mechanism (TTRL) and an enhanced reward-and-penalty mechanism (ERAP). This algorithm leverages insights from nodes in transmission and reception modes to refine their tactical decisions. Then, through an enriched reward-and-penalty framework, nodes optimize their strategies, thus expediting neighbor discovery based on directional antennas in wireless ad hoc networks. Simulation results demonstrate that compared to existing representative algorithms, the proposed ERTTND algorithm can achieve over 30% savings in terms of average discovery delay and energy consumption.

Co reprezentují historické reprezentace?

The study is concerned with the question of literary historical representations in fiction around 1900 and towards the end of the 20th century. It compares the nature and form of the gnoseological scepticism about the possibilities and meaning of historical knowledge articulated by writers in both these periods. On the basis of a number of texts from Czech, French and British literature the author shows that the genre known as "historical metafiction", which is one medium for the expression of such scepticism, is not just a product of the later 20th century as might appear from the studies by Linda Hutcheon or Ansgar Nünning. Similar reflective texts had been written at the turn of the 19th/20th century, when in the context of the deepening crisis of historicism, writers had expressed a gnoseological scepticism similar to that of contemporary writers influenced by post-modernism. The writers in the early period employed rather different literary strategies, however, and their transformation can be defined as a shift from assertion to performance.

“Social Media Has Been Helpful in Learning About Myself and Finding My Community”: The Affordances and Constraints of ICT‐Based Queer History Content Creation

ABSTRACTThis paper reports on findings from 31 semi‐structured interviews with North American Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)‐based content creators who focus on LGBTQIA+ history. While the research broadly explored the information practices and digital preservation strategies of these content creators, this paper highlights how the participants navigated their respective ICT choices (ranging from personal blogs to Instagram accounts) and what affordances and constraints emerged from these choices. The paper highlights how such potentialities and pitfalls across varied social media and web‐based platforms informed the sociotechnical practices of queer historical knowledge production and how the participants leveraged the features of various ICTs to expand the visibility of queer‐affirming content and resources. The paper concludes by exploring these practices and their theoretical and practical implications for practitioners at the intersection of digital curation and archiving marginalized histories with an explicit emphasis on collaborative rather than extractive opportunities for collaboration between such content creators and cultural heritage institutions.

Cultural heritage and modernization: the evolution of Lifen neighborhoods in Wuhan

ABSTRACT The paper probes into the modernization and conservation of Hankou old Lifen which is a typical residential building with high historical value in Wuhan, China. This research emphasizes the range of government and community structures, using analysis on three different modernization models: Xian’an Fang, Changnian Li, and Tongxing Li. This includes qualitative analysis using a mixed method approach; on-site observation with photography to capture the spatial features as well as narratives from residents within these areas; and semi-structured interviews. The findings highlight the importance of conserving Lifen neighborhoods in view of its historical knowledge, cultural legacy and other urban development experience. In the end, maintaining and evolving them can be sustainable only through a hybrid that pairs state support with community involvement. This research provides key insights for policymakers, urban planners and conservationists working to balance heritage preservation with the contemporary needs of cities.

The potential of Batu Urip cultural heritage site for nature-based physical activities and learning assist-ed by digital media for children

Cultural heritage sites and nature-based environments offer significant potential for educational tourism and experiential physical learning, particularly for children. Batu Urip, as a Cultural Heritage Village, has extensive historical heritage and local traditions. The aim of this research is how to design the Batu Urip cultural heritage site as a historical digital media for nature-based physical activities and learning. The research method used is a descriptive method with a qualitative approach. Data sources supporting this research include interviews, field observations, and reference sources such as scientific journals and books. History digital media for nature-based physical activities and learning will increase children’s enthusiasm for learning history through this digital history applied at the education level. In addition, local history will elevated because it has been digitally modified. In addition, children’s excitement is not only in learning but also in being able to take the good values contained therein. Based on data analysis, it is shown that Batu Urip Cultural Heritage Village has an excellent opportunity to become a means of learning local history at the educational level. The digitalization design of the Batu Urip site can be developed through nature-based physical learning on historical digital knowledge, which can add enormous knowledge and insight. Children will understand better and think more creatively with the presence of high-value local History in their environment. Keywords: Batu Urip cultural, Heritage site, Nature-based outing class, Digital media

Leveraging Social Media to Enhance Historical Awareness: A Case Study of the Inspect History YouTube Channel

Limitations in educational curricula, ineffective teaching methods, and insufficient resources can hinder a nation's ability to foster historical awareness. However, advancements in information and communication technology (ICT) present opportunities to address these challenges. The rise of social media platforms, especially YouTube, has become a powerful tool in disseminating historical knowledge. This study employs a qualitative research design with a case study approach, focusing on the YouTube channel "Inspect History." Data were collected through observations of the channel's content, online interviews, and document analysis. The study specifically examines how this platform contributes to enhancing historical consciousness. The "Inspect History" YouTube channel, with 580 thousand subscribers and 257 videos as of July 20, 2022, demonstrates the effectiveness of animated videos in fostering historical awareness. Viewers reported increased engagement with and understanding of historical events through the platform's accessible content. The findings suggest that social media, particularly YouTube, can significantly enhance the public's understanding of history. The case of "Inspect History" illustrates how well-curated digital content can compensate for limitations in traditional educational settings, providing an engaging alternative for learning. This study highlights the potential of social media platforms to promote historical awareness. The success of "Inspect History" underscores the value of utilizing digital tools to overcome educational barriers and cultivate a deeper public understanding of history in the digital era.

Adriano Balbi and the definition of oceans, seas and ‘Open Mediterraneans’: The dialogue between geography and cartography with Evangelista Azzi

In the first half of the 19th century, Adriano Balbi (1782–1848) was one of the greatest geographers in Italy and Europe, having an extremely vast and constantly updated scientific output. He tried to keep up with new discoveries of ‘unknown and unexplored' territories. His work influenced geographers and cartographers, who used it as a source. Evangelista Azzi (1793–1848), a cartographer and military topographer from Parma Duchies, produced a wide corpus of school maps. His Mappamondo (1838) was conceived as an enormous wall map (2 × 4 mt), that summarised the geographical, historical and ethnographic knowledge of the time, as an encyclopaedic work. To collect data, he used contemporary geographical and cartographic works, including those of Adriano Balbi, having a close epistolary relationship with him. Balbi understood the importance of a cartographic restitution of his works and supported Azzi transferring numerous notions to him. Among these were the seas and oceans, which in the world map are named according to Balbi's works. The Mappamondo is the first map where the Balbi's definition of ‘Open Mediterraneans’ appears. The paper's primary objective is to identify the dialogue between geographers and cartographers in conveying a common narrative of the seas. Considering Azzi's cartographies as the visual synthesis of Balbi's geographical proposals, the paper explores a direct transposition of knowledge from text to map. Finally, the metaphor of water and liquid worlds lends itself well to observing the dynamism of small pre-unitary Italian actors that dialogued on global issues, going beyond state borders and moving within a common Risorgimento context.

Poetry in Islamic Historical Writing: The Dialectic of Creativity and the Politics of Truth

Benefiting from various post-positivist historical theories and approaches, this paper aims to seek some new entry points to Islamic historical traditions from the perspective of the presence and function of poetry within it. It is known that looking at history as a “representation” of the past where the real, the imaginative, the artistic, and the narrative intersect, is now considered as one of the pivotal points emphasized by new theories of historical knowledge. However, although this understanding applies to Islamic culture as it applies to others, it cannot be denied that it has been established in Western contexts that may not be suitable for analyzing the circumstances in which Islamic historical writing arose. Accordingly, it is not possible to study the presence of poetry in Islamic historical writings in terms of quantity, quality, and employment, without reconsidering the various theories of literary genres and its oversimplifications that may not apply to ancient Arabic writing systems, and thus to the Arabs’ perception of historical writing. In this perspective, we suggest that studying this presence and its functions may open the way for new hypotheses about Arab and Islamic sources, and the way the Arabs understood poetic writing while formulating their ways of belonging to history.

Examining the adaptability of soil pH to soil dynamics using different methodologies: A concise review

Soil pH is crucial to soil health, influencing nutrient availability, microbial activity, and plant growth. This review aims to assess the adaptability of soil pH under changing soil conditions by analyzing natural and human factors. Information was gathered from various sources, including peer-reviewed articles, field studies, and recent advances in soil science. The study explores how natural factors such as parent material, climate, and vegetation establish baseline soil pH, while human activities such as intensive farming and land-use changes further modify it, often leading to soil acidification or alkalinization. Traditional management methods like lime application, organic amendments, and crop rotation are reviewed for their effectiveness in stabilizing soil pH and their limitations under varying soil conditions. The review also explores modern technological innovations like precision agriculture, which uses soil sensors and variable rate technology for targeted pH management, and biological approaches, such as microbial inoculants, to enhance nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. Integrating these traditional and contemporary approaches is essential for sustainable soil pH management and long-term productivity. The findings highlight the need for a holistic approach that combines historical knowledge with emerging technologies to promote sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation.

Missing methods: a call for holistic analysis of history textbooks

The purpose of this article is to call for a holistic approach to the study of history textbooks. We engaged in an extensive analysis of textbook studies for the purpose of developing our own textbook study framework for the Thinking Historically for Canada’s Future project. We found that scholars rely on a narrow scope of research methods and that the field lacks attention to a holistic approach that broadens the researcher’s capacity to dissect positionality and perpetuation of historical knowledge(s). We demonstrate why it is beneficial for scholars to expand beyond narrow methods in the field of history textbook studies. Specifically, we illustrate that a holistic approach enables textbook researchers to further contest the often uncritical embrace of history textbooks and expand upon our understanding of the textbook as an artefact of our societies. In this article we significantly extend the yet to be taken-up call for a holistic approach to textbook studies.

The role of historical knowledge among contemporary Druze in Lebanon: applying anthropology to preserve intangible cultural heritage

The millennium-long history of the Druze continues to shape members’ sense of ethnoreligious particularism and relations with other groups in Lebanon. Their contemporary heritage narrative and processes of enculturation are associated with basic knowledge of community history in the region. Participant interviews provided insight into the role that knowledge of history and dogma plays in shaping the identity politics of the Druze community. An applied anthropological and political economy approach offers contextualization of the factors that shape contemporary Druze cultural heritage. This work seeks to identify the connections among the community’s social problems, including exogamy, apathy, poor relations with other religious groups, and a self-described knowledge gap. By exploring the role of formal and informal cultural resources among the Druze, this study offers new insights into the role of history in shaping attachment to ethnoreligious community identity.

Respect for history: an important dimension of contemporary obstetrics and gynecology.

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." This maxim underscores the importance of historical awareness in medicine, particularly for obstetricians and gynecologists (ObGyns). ObGyns significantly impact societal health through their care for pregnant women, fetuses, and newborns, uniquely positioning themto advocate for health initiatives with lasting societal benefits. Despite its importance, the history of medicine is underrepresented in medical curricula, missing opportunities to foster critical thinking and ethical decision-making. In today's climate of threatened reproductive rights, vaccine misinformation, and harmful ideologies, it is imperative for ObGyns to champion comprehensive historical education. The history of medicine, particularly in relation to societal issues- such as racism, discrimination, genocides, pandemics, and wars- provides valuable context for addressing challenges like maternal mortality, reproductive rights, vaccine hesitancy, and ethical issues. Understanding historical milestones and notable ethical breaches, such as the Tuskegee Study and the thalidomide tragedy, informs better practices and safeguards patient rights. Technological advancements in hygiene, antibiotics, vaccines, and prenatal care have revolutionized the field, yet contemporary ObGyns must remain vigilant about lessons learned from past challenges and successes. Integrating historical knowledge into medical training enhances clinical proficiency and ethical responsibility, fostering innovation and improving health outcomes. By reflecting on historical achievements and their impacts, current and future ObGyns can advance the field, ensuring comprehensive and ethically sound approaches to patient care. This paper highlights the crucial role of historical knowledge in shaping modern ObGyn practices, advocating for its integration into medical education to address contemporary health challenges and ethical considerations.

Beyond counting calls: estimating detection probability for Antarctic blue whales reveals biological trends in seasonal calling

We explore the utility of estimating the density of calls of baleen whales for better understanding acoustic trends over time. We consider as a case study stereotyped ‘song’ calls of Antarctic blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia) on their Antarctic feeding grounds over the course of a year-long, continuous recording from 2014. The recording was made in the Southern Ocean from a deep-water autonomous hydrophone moored near the seafloor in the Eastern Indian sector of the Antarctic. We estimated call density seasonally via a Monte-Carlo simulation based on the passive sonar equation, and compared our estimates to seasonal estimates of detection rate, which are commonly reported in acoustic studies of Antarctic blue whales. The resulting seasonal call densities at our Antarctic site were strongly influenced by seasonally varying noise levels, which in turn yielded seasonal differences in detection range. Incorporating the seasonal estimates of detection area into our analysis revealed a pattern of call densities in accord with historic (non-acoustic) knowledge of Antarctic blue whale seasonal distribution and migrations, a pattern that differed from seasonal detection rates. Furthermore, our methods for estimating call densities produced results that were more statistically robust for comparison across sites and time and more meaningful for interpretation of biological trends compared to detection rates alone. These advantages came at the cost of a more complex analysis that accounts for the large variability in detection range of different sounds that occur in Antarctic waters, and also accounts for the performance and biases introduced by automated algorithms to detect sounds. Despite the additional analytical complexities, broader usage of call densities, instead of detection rates, has the potential to yield a standardized, statistically robust, biologically informative, global investigation of acoustic trends in baleen whale sounds recorded on single hydrophones, especially in the remote and difficult to access Antarctic.

Combining Photogrammetry and Subsurface Geophysics to Improve Historical Knowledge of Romanesque Churches in Normandy, France: Case Study of the Notre‐Dame‐du‐Val Chapel

Combining Photogrammetry and Subsurface Geophysics to Improve Historical Knowledge of Romanesque Churches in Normandy, France: Case Study of the Notre‐Dame‐du‐Val Chapel

Race in Integrated Data Systems: Why, Wherefrom, and How

Integrated administrative data systems (IADs) are a powerful resource to implement research and analysis for social policy. While IADs may capture racial identity data from multiple administrative sources, there is no agreed upon criteria for whether and how to synthesize this information in a way that (1) produces knowledge to advance racial equity, while (2) underscoring race as a social construct. This study leverages a county-level IAD to test and analyze an event-table design to represent racial identity that, when informed with historical and community knowledge, may meet both of the aforementioned goals. We illustrate this approach applied to the development of a registry of youth experiencing homelessness, as captured by linked administrative data from vital records, homeless service agencies, schools, food support programs, and other systems. The event table design includes race identity for each person in the registry across all systems included. We develop criteria to inform the hierarchy of one source over another when there are discrepancies in race identity across systems, and when categories for this variable differ across administrative systems. We provide historical and social context behind potential discrepancies and discuss approaches to missing data. Furthermore, we highlight the value of including qualitative knowledge from agency data managers, users, and those represented in the data to inform the synthesis of information around race. Finally, we illustrate how this approach can guide research analysis and contextualize results, thus enhancing the research process and advancing racial equity with IADs.

Employing Vernacular Urbanism and Traditional Practices in Enhancing Contemporary Cities: Insights from India

Vernacular urbanism, which encompasses traditional architectural and planning practices rooted in local culture and environmental conditions, presents valuable insights for modern urban design. As modern cities face increasing challenges such as environmental sustainability, cultural homogenization and climate change, the significance of these traditional practices becomes more apparent. In this context, it is argued that understanding and integrating vernacular practices can enhance contemporary urban design by merging historical knowledge with modern needs. This paper examines the integration of vernacular urbanism— traditional architectural and urban planning practices—into contemporary city design by employing a qualitative approach through case studies across various Indian cities such as Mumbai, Kochi, Jaipur and Jaisalmer, drawing on various data sources including historical texts, architectural treatises. By examining these, the study uncovers the evolution of vernacular urban practices and their applicability to contemporary urban design challenges. The paper concludes that integrating vernacular principles into the design of contemporary cities creates a harmonious balance between heritage preservation and advancing modern developments. This approach effectively bridges the gap between historical knowledge and contemporary urban planning, resulting in more livable, sustainable urban environments.

Divisive Affect, Loyalty, and National Cohesion: Du Bois contra Wagner

Abstract The question of divisive affect and national cohesion has been placed at the center of debates in the United States over curricula dealing with race, but the problem is not a new one. Several European thinkers of the late-nineteenth through early-twentieth century theorized affect in the context of social cohesion, including Richard Wagner, Ernest Renan, and Georg Simmel. W. E. B. Du Bois, the author argues, lays bare the power dynamics of these intersecting views in his short story, “The Coming of John” in The Souls of Black Folk. Du Bois recognizes and critiques a specific strategy that he finds most clearly crystallized in Wagner, who advocates building and transmitting national allegiance by suppressing historical knowledge, fostering affective attachment to the nation, and excluding dissenters. Philologist Ernest Renan and sociologist Georg Simmel elaborate on the temporal dimensions of these mechanisms. In conversation with these theories, Du Bois illustrates in “The Coming of John” a stickiness of time—reiteration rather than reconciliation—arising from the reciprocally reinforcing functions of loyalty and ignorance of the past. While Du Bois here also employs methods for re-engaging historical time, the difficulty of moving beyond past social structures reemerges in his later works.

Preserving cultural legacy through the explicit teaching of idiomatic language: a case study of AmaXhosa proverbs and idioms

This article examines the explicit and systematic teaching of idiomatic language, with a particular emphasis on the history of the AmaXhosa people. This methodological approach is qualitative research to study and gain insight into proverbs and idioms in the context of AmaXhosa culture and history. The theoretical underpinning is based on the multidimensional nature of idioms, their relationship to historical knowledge preservation, and the dynamic interactions between language and culture. Specific proverbs are analysed, contrasting them with contemporary usage, to reveal language change. The literature review establishes idioms as unique expressions, emphasising their role in conveying historical information and cultural values. References to historical figures like Makhanda and Nongqawuse illustrate how these linguistic expressions encapsulate narratives and complexities in AmaXhosa history. Proverbs and idioms, as tools for historical storytelling, not only impart moral lessons, but also contribute to the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage. A sample of four proverbs and three idioms was carefully selected from Mesatywa’s book Izaci namaqhalo esiXhosa. This article concludes by advocating for the continued teaching and documentation of proverbs and idioms to safeguard the rich cultural legacy of the AmaXhosa people.