Mid-20th Century Research Articles

Race, immunity, and lifespan: Unraveling the effect of early-life exposure to malaria risk on lifespan

We investigate a historical experience to measure the long-term effect of malaria on lifespan among infected survivors and identify a factor that mitigates malaria’s effect. Using a sample of Union Army veterans born during the mid-19th century and their lifetime records, we show that exposure to high risk of malaria at birth or in early life substantially shortened their lifespan. The legacy of exposure to malaria is robust while controlling for lifetime socioeconomic and health conditions, fixed effects, and considering selection bias. Additionally, we include the US Colored Troops sample of black veterans to analyze racial differences in the effect of malaria exposure on lifespan. Exposure to malaria did not lead to a shorter lifespan among black veterans. Evidence suggests that genetic immunity to malaria in black veterans might contribute this heterogeneity.

The effect of farming techniques on degradation of DDT in historical cotton farms

DDT was used in the mid 20th century for crop and livestock production. After use, DDT and its degradates DDE and DDD (collectively DDX) remain in the environment for decades. A few studies have reported that the rate of degradation of DDT into its metabolites is affected by various farming techniques like tillage, irrigation, and use of fertilizers. However, most of these studies did not evaluate active farms, and none of them focused on the Southeast US or historical cotton farms. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine if different farming techniques affect the decomposition of DDT in Walton County, Georgia, where farms historically grew cotton. Five Walton County farms were sampled for soil, and churches were sampled as control sites. The extensive land history of the farms was recorded, and the soil levels of p,p’-DDT, p,p’-DDE, p,p’-DDD, o,p’-DDT, and o,p’-DDE were measured using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. All farm sites had detectable levels of p,p’-DDT, p,p’-DDE, and p,p’-DDD, while few sites had detectable levels of o,p’-DDT and o,p’-DDE. Tillage was found to speed up p,p’-DDE degradation, but there was no effect on p,p’-DDT degradation. Plowing was associated with an increase in decomposition of p,p’-DDT, but p,p’-DDE and p,p’-DDD were not significantly increased. The largest difference in the degradation of DDT was based on the fertilizer type. Natural fertilizer sped up degradation of p,p’-DDT and p,p’-DDE; synthetic fertilizer increased p,p’-DDE degradation, but not p,p’-DDT degradation.

Harmonizing Innovation: A Journey through the History of Computational Music

The history of computational music traces a fascinating journey of innovation and creativity, intertwining disciplines such as computer science, mathematics, music theory, and psychology. From its inception in the mid-20th century to its current state of sophistication, computational music has evolved into a multifaceted field encompassing algorithmic composition, digital signal processing, machine learning, and interactive music systems. Pioneering works such as Roads' "The Computer Music Tutorial" and Biles' "GenJam" exemplify the early endeavors in digital sound synthesis and algorithmic composition. The roots of computational music extend back to the 1950s and 1960s with the pioneering efforts of Max Mathews, John Chowning, and Lejaren Hiller, laying the groundwork for future advancements. Technological breakthroughs in the 1970s and 1980s, including the advent of digital audio workstations and FM synthesis, further propelled the field forward. The 1990s and 2000s witnessed democratization and accessibility with the rise of affordable software tools and online collaboration platforms. Today, computational music continues to evolve with the emergence of deep learning and generative AI techniques, albeit accompanied by ethical considerations regarding copyright ownership and algorithmic bias. In conclusion, the history of computational music underscores the transformative power of technology in shaping musical expression and invites us to explore new frontiers where creativity knows no bounds.

What bycatch tells us about the diet of harbor and gray seals and overlap with commercial fishermen

Northwest Atlantic harbor (Phoca vitulina vitulina) and gray (Halichoerus grypus atlantica) seal populations are recovering from early to mid-20th century exploitation, increasing their biological interactions and bycatch in Northeastern US commercial fisheries. We evaluated the seals’ diet composition and compared their prey to commercial catches to assess trophic overlap and potential competition with commercial fisherman target catches. We obtained 148 harbor and 178 gray seal stomach samples from bycatch events that occurred between 2004 and 2018. We learned from the hard part remains that the majority of seals bycaught are young-of-the-year (≤12 months old) that consume a wide breadth of prey across three trophic groups. There was a general dichotomy in extrinsic factors associated with seal diet in which 45% trophic niche separation was explained by non-overlapping harbor and gray seal phenology and pup haul-out locations that are adjacent to active fishing areas. Prey size estimated from fish otoliths and squid beaks recovered from stomach contents showed that gray seals consumed larger prey than harbor seals and prey sizes from both seals showed limited overlap with prey sizes caught by commercial gillnet fishermen. The most important prey to both seals included large (>20 cm) and small (≤20 cm) silver hake (Merluccius bilinearis), (≤40 cm) red hake (Urophycis chuss), gulf stream flounder (Citharichthys arctifrons), medium (21–40 cm) white hake (Urophycis tenuis), and (<50 cm) Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Important prey to harbor seals that did not overlap with gray seals were Acadian redfish (Sebastes fasciatus), Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus), longfin (Doryteuthis pealeii), and shortfin squid (Illex illecebrosus). They contrasted with prey important to gray seals that did not overlap with harbor seals: yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea), sand lance (Ammodytes spp.), Urophycis spp., and fourspot flounder (Hippoglossina oblonga). Despite the potential bias associated with opportunistic bycatch sampling, this study demonstrates the importance and value of utilizing carcasses retained from bycatch events, is complimentary to newer methodologies (i.e., DNA meta-barcoding), and fills data gaps in our understanding of the role recovering harbor and gray seal populations have on Northeastern US regional food webs.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A Look Back, a Look Forward.

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a comprehensive approach to the management of patients with chronic lung disease that encompasses exercise, education, and psychosocial support. The development of PR programs began in the mid-20th century with the appreciation that exercise provided real benefit in chronic lung disease and that effective disease management involved patient education focused on medications, lifestyle changes, and lifelong regular exercise. Initially PR was primarily facility-based, but today PR is extending into the home with telemedicine, and this is encouraging a real partnership of patients and professionals supporting self-management. The evidence base supporting PR as a safe and effective modality has grown exponentially over the last 4 decades, and PR is strongly endorsed by virtually all the major professional societies. Importantly, PR has also clearly been shown to be cost-effective. Challenges remain, however. Access is still very limited for a variety of reason (logistics, financial, patient motivation) that need to be addressed. More focused and personalized exercise programs and monitoring strategies that encourage a patient's lifetime commitment to the principles of PR need to be developed and refined. The opportunity to really impact important clinical outcomes exists with PR, and this needs to be exploited.

Los Angeles' Ethnic Cinemas

The author investigates ethnic movie theatres in Los Angeles in the mid-20th century, situating them in the city’s cinema landscape. By tracing the history of the LA German-language theatre, the La Tosca Filmbühne, she highlights how the cinema attempted to create a community of Germanness through its exhibition practices. She positions the audiences’ draw to these movie theatres in the context of Alison Landsberg’s notion of prosthetic memory, regarding the films screened there as evoking images and reminiscences of the viewers’ home countries. Through extensive archival research, the author also highlights the other Angeleno ethnic cinemas – Spanish language cinemas in particular – to examine what role foreign language theatres played in the cinemagoing communities of immigrant populations.

Возрождение (середина XIII – середина XVI столетия). Грани гуманизма. Часть I

The essay is dedicated to exploring the art and culture of the Renaissance period, heralding Modern times, spanning from the mid-13th to the mid-16th century. This part of the work highlights the artistic achievements of the Middle East during the specified period, particularly in architecture, poetry (including the rise of humanism). Turning to European culture, the author specifically addresses the art of the Orthodox world (primarily focusing on church painting and, to a lesser extent, on the Ancient Russian Znamenny chant), noting its influence on the currents of the Renaissance. The author delves into the Gothic style, somewhat contrasting traditional notions of the Renaissance period (a kind of “counterculture”), across its various manifestations in visual arts, music and literature. Special attention is given to the central part of Renaissance art, tracing its evolution from the Early Renaissance (masterpieces of sculpture in Gothic cathedrals) to the Proto-Renaissance (paintings and frescoes by Italian masters, the emergence of psychologism in painting, the literary movement of Dolce stile nuovо marking the transition from the Middle Ages to Modern times, Ars Nova in musical art). The exploration of this theme will continue in the next part of the essay.

Transformation of Modern Chinese Maritime Strategy: A Study on Zheng Guanyings Maritime Defense Thought and Practice

In the mid-19th century, the Qing Dynasty faced continuous internal and external challenges, leading to a severe crisis in governance. Geographically, China is a typical maritime-continental composite country, and its extensive coastline poses a significant challenge to maritime security. However, after several invasions by foreign powers from the sea, the already weak late Qing maritime defense rapidly deteriorated. Numerous intellectuals dedicated themselves to the pursuit of strong maritime power and comprehensive maritime defense, among whom Zheng Guanying was prominent. As one of the pioneers of modernization reforms, Zheng Guanying had a deep understanding of the Qing courts maritime defense work. His long-term engagement in the self-strengthening movement enabled him to absorb various experiences in maritime defense from both domestic and foreign sources, thereby forming a complete and systematic maritime defense ideology through continuous practice. qq It possesses significant relevance even today.

Important aspects of carbohydrate metabolism disorders development in hematology/oncology patients during therapy with glucocorticosteroids: a review of the literature

Glucocorticosteroids are highly effective anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents. The drugs were introduced into therapeutic practice from the mid-20th century and are still widely used in the treatment of various diseases. They are an integral part of the treatment of patients with hematological malignancies. One of the clinically significant complications of glucocorticosteroid therapy is steroid-induced carbohydrate metabolism disorders. Diabetes mellitus is one of the main risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases, which are the main non-oncological cause of death in the population and a significant treatment complication in patients with malignant neoplasms. Early detection of the disease and improved treatment efficiency increase the survival rate of patients with various types of neoplasms. It is also important to pay attention to quality of life improving in cancer patients after treatment.The aim of this review is to analyze the pathogenesis features, as well as predictors of early detection and prevention of possible complications of persistent hyperglycemia in patients with hematological malignancies.

Electron-catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide into formaldehyde and methanol

Since the mid-19th century, there has been a steady increase in the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, leading to global warming due to the greenhouse effect. CO2 can be utilized to obtain a large number of organic compounds. The formation of these compounds depends on the methods of CO2 processing, which include biological, thermal conversion, photochemical, and plasma methods. Most of these methods involve the use of catalysts. One of the plasma methods is the electron-catalytic method using a barrier discharge. Studies on the catalytic conversion of CO2 into methanol and formaldehyde were carried out on a laboratory setup consisting of two sources of low-temperature plasma – dischargers, one of which contains a heterogeneous catalyst. Water vapor was used as the source of hydrogen. The formation of methanol and formaldehyde was investigated under different operating modes of the setup. The effect of sample aging for a day was determined. As a result, there is an increase in the concentration of methanol in the sample from 5.8% to 49.74% and formaldehyde from 4.1% to 50.01% for different operating modes of the setup. The observed results are explained by a sharp increase in the yield of oxygen-containing radicals and , which are formed by the interaction of ozone, formed from CO2 in the discharge zone, with aqueous solutions.

Imperialism and the labour aristocracy in Britain

This article examines the relationship between the development of the labour aristocracy and Lenin’s theory of imperialism, and the impact of both on the political fissure in the European labour movement in the early years of the 20th century. However, given that the labour aristocracy developed much earlier in Britain, the connection between imperialism and the split in socialism is not as clear-cut as it was in other European imperialist countries. The article analyses the composition of the labour aristocracy, accounts for its development in the mid-19th century, and considers the relevance of Lenin’s theory in the British context.

The Perspectives Of The Cities Evolution In Poland

Urban development is determined not only by geographical and demographic factors, but also by economic, social, systemic, and legal ones. The process of granting town statutes and privileges in the Middle Ages and implementation of the Magdeburg rights were crucial for the foundation of cities in Poland. Cities were distinguished from settlement units by having borough rights. The modern age was a period of decline in the political importance of cities and then their destruction, especially during the Swedish Deluge. The restoration, which began in the mid-18th century, was interrupted by the partitions of Poland. During the partitions period, Polish cities were only provincial city centres of other foreign countries, but in Lodz, for example, industry flourished. Interwar Poland is a period when new ties developed between existing urban units, but after the Second World War the borders were moved westward. The socialist system did not enable establishing strong functional links between regions, but it was a period of industrialisation and urbanisation. The administrative reform of 1975 created a unique polycentric arrangement of 49 cities as capitals of voivodeships (provinces). The political transformation after 1989 and the economic and social changes led to a crisis in small and medium-sized cities. The costly reform of 1999 exacerbated this problem by favouring metropolitan areas and the capital city of Warsaw. Currently, it is estimated that 122 small and medium-sized towns and cities in Poland are at risk of depopulation. The solution to this structural collapse could be extensive deglomeration.

The complex dynamics of therapeutic leave in Psychiatry

IntroductionTherapeutic leave, the temporary and authorized absence of a patient from a psychiatric inpatient facility, is a practice rooted in the shift of mental illness towards more humane and recovery oriented care. This shift began to gain momentum in the mid-20th century, with the deinstitutionalization movement, which sought to treat psychiatric patients in less restrictive environments and facilitate their integration into the community. Today, therapeutic leave remains relevant in general psychiatry inpatient treatment facilities, and on an international level. It’s additionally used as a way to assess the progress and the stability of the patient outside the controlled environment that is the hospital, and to provide a gradual transition back into independent living and potential stressors of the outside world. But it is administered more on tradition and perceived benefits than on solid scientific grounding, reflecting a practice guided by clinical experience rather than empirical data or guidelines.ObjectivesOur review aims to evaluate the existing body of research on therapeutic leave in general psychiatry inpatient units. We intend to identify the outcomes that have been studied, and assess the extent and nature of their impact.MethodsThis scoping review was conducted through a comprehensive search of academic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO. Search terms were carefully selected to capture relevant publications, and the results were screened for their pertinence to the review’s aims. Studies focused on forensic settings were excluded.ResultsThe literature on therapeutic leave is notably limited, and the prevalence of its utilization in clinical practice remains unclear. Scientific publications primarily address readmission rates, with two indicating an increased risk in patients granted leave during their inpatient treatment. However, one report suggested a potential reduction. Length of stay (LOS) was negatively impacted, with prolonged hospitalization in these patients shown in one report. Post-discharge emergency room visits seem unaffected. A rise in readmission rates and LOS typically suggests higher subsequent healthcare costs. However, findings from another study contradict this expectation, with reduction of costs post-initial inpatient treatment. The literature also explores the hazards linked to therapeutic leave, highlighting that a significant portion, between 30 to 80%, of inpatient suicides transpire during such leave. Additional concerns extend to non-fatal self-harm, as well as the possibility of patients causing harm to others or to property.Conclusions Our review reveals a significant research gap in therapeutic leave’s effects, with a reduced number of outcomes studied and inconclusive findings. Future studies should aim to clarify these outcomes and eventually define therapeutic leave protocols.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

DECIPHERING THE SCRIPTS AND LANGUAGES OF AFRIGHID KHOREZM A HISTORIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW.

This review explores the evolution and scholarly investigation of Khorezmian scripts and languages during the Afrighid era (4th-10th centuries), focusing on their Aramaic origins and transformations post-Arab conquest. Significant findings from the Khorezm Archaeological-Ethnographic Expedition have highlighted the minimal alterations in script style from the 3rd to the 8th century, despite cultural and religious shifts from Zoroastrianism to Islam. The research integrates contributions from both Soviet and international scholars, revealing that while the script's study began earnestly in the mid-20th century, many inscriptions from pivotal archaeological sites remain unpublished. Challenges in compiling and analyzing these texts are discussed, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive platform to publish and synthesize all findings. The paper also addresses the broader implications of script changes on the understanding of Khorezm’s cultural independence and historical linguistics, suggesting that further research could refine our knowledge of regional interactions and script evolution in ancient Central Asia.

Problems of Dating Spread on Radiocarbon Calibration Curve Plateaus: The 1620–1540 BC Example and the Dating of the Therasia Olive Shrub Samples and Thera Volcanic Eruption

AbstractDetermining calendar ages for radiocarbon dates, or ordered sequences of radiocarbon dates, that intersect with a plateau on the radiocarbon calibration curve can be problematic since, without additional prior constraints, the calendar age ranges determined will tend to spread across the plateau, yielding wide and less than useful calendar age probability densities and age ranges. Where possible, modeling analysis should seek to identify informative priors that act to restrict the otherwise poorly controlled spread of probability across plateaus. Such additional information may be available, among other sources, from the stratigraphy, the context, or the samples themselves. The recent dating of ordered sequences of radiocarbon dates on sections of branches of the same olive (Olea europaea) shrub from Therasia (southern Aegean) associated with the Minoan eruption of the Thera (Santorini) volcano (Pearson et al. 2023), which intersect with the plateau in the radiocarbon calibration curve ca. 1620–1540 BC, offers an example of the problem. A re-analysis adding some plausible informative priors offers a substantially better defined likely dating range and different conclusions. Instead of finding an inconclusive probability range “encompassing the late 17th and entire 16th century BC” followed by arguments for “indications of increased probabilities for a mid-16th century BC date for the eruption,” a re-analysis incorporating appropriate informative priors identifies the likely date range as falling between the late 17th to early 16th centuries BC.

RESEARCH OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES IN THE PRACTICE OF A DENTIST

More than 100 years ago, a link was discovered between oral infections, tooth extractions, and cardiovascular disease (infective endocarditis) [1], and by the mid-20th century the practice of routinely prescribing antibiotics to prevent endocarditis prior to invasive dental procedures appeared [2]. In the last two decades, oral infections have again been considered a cause of systemic disease, with particular attention focused on their association with periodontal disease (PO) and atherosclerotic vascular disease (AZS) [3, 4].

Women’s Rights in Le Dynasty’s “Quoc Trieu Hinh Luat”,Vietnam

Originating in the mid-15th century, the “Quoc Trieu Hinh Luat” legal law stands out for its remarkable value and achievements, featuring progressive attributes that surpass both preceding and succeeding legal laws. Throughout the extended period of Vietnamese subjugation by the North, the population endured significant influences from Chinese culture, operating within a feudal system that recognized the dominance of males over females. And Confucianism promoted a patriarchal system, a society where men have ultimate authority within the family unit and community. While the “Quoc Trieu Hinh Luat” could not entirely break free from this prevailing context, it introduced certain privileges for Vietnamese women that were absent in the contemporary Chinese setting. This article focuses on highlighted provisions safeguarding the dignity and rights of women in a society traditionally biased towards male superiority. Key aspects include right to decline marriage, the autonomy for women to enter voluntary marriages, the wife’s right to unilaterally leave her husband, and the right to divorce. Additionally, the “Quoc Trieu Hinh Luat” imposes stringent penalties for offenses against the physical and mental well-being of women. In some instances, female offenders receive relatively lenient punishments compared to their male counterparts. The primary aim of this article is to contribute to scholarly discussions on women’s rights within the socio-cultural milieu of the Le Dynasty’s “Quoc Trieu Hinh Luat”.

영산강유역 대형석실묘 출토 목관부속구의 변천과 의미

This paper presents the stages of the wooden coffin accessories of the large stone chamber tombs in the Yeongsan River Basin based on an examination and comparison of those wooden coffin accessories. In addition, through a comparison with examples from of the Baekje capital during the Ungjin period, the way in which the meaning of the wooden coffin accessories changed was observed. In the Ungjin period tombs of the Yeongsan River basin, wooden coffin accessories of different types were excavated, and it is believed that two to three coffins were generally used. The combination of wooden coffin accessories can be divided into four stages: the first stage is when headless nails were used; the second stage is when square-headed nails were used; the third stage is when circular coffin rings and round-headed nails were used; the fourth stage is when square coffin rings were added and round-headed nails continued to be used. It is estimated that the first stage is at the late of the 5th century, the second stage is early of the 6th century, the third and fourth stage is at the mid-6th century. The wooden coffin accessories excavated from Ungjin tombs in the Yeongsan River Basin differ in distribution pattern, and in the first half of the Ungjin period, such artifacts were identified in Dasi, Naju, and it is estimated that this area was related to Baekje from early on. In the late Ungjin period, the wooden coffins of the Baekje royal class tombs appear in the northern tombs of the Yeongsan River Basin and subsequently change in a similar manner. It is estimated that the groups that constructed the tombs in this region emerged through various roles, while maintaining a close relationship with the capital of Baekje. In addition, it is noteworthy that in the southwestern region of Naju in the early Sabi period, a pattern of wooden accessory combinations similar to that of the Baekje capital appeared. The use of wooden coffins was an important part of the burial ritual of ancient tombs, and it can be estimated, through the wooden coffin accessories, that almost the same burial rituals as that of the capital of Baekje were performed.

Unveiling Societal Discord: An Analysis of Contemporary American Drama through "A Streetcar Named Desire"

This research aims to explore and dissect the intricate layers of societal discord depicted in the iconic American play, "A Streetcar Named Desire." Focused on understanding the socio-cultural landscape of mid-20th century America as reflected in the characters and their interactions, the study seeks to unravel the underlying tensions, conflicts, and societal shifts that resonate with the contemporary audience. The overarching objectives of this study revolve around a comprehensive exploration of the societal elements intricately woven into the fabric of the play shedding light on their reflective nature vis-à-vis the cultural milieu of post-World War II America. This researcher adopts a qualitative approach, employing close textual analysis and critical literary theory to delve into the layers of societal discord within "A Streetcar Named Desire." Primary data will be drawn from the play's text, supplemented by scholarly articles, historical documents, and relevant secondary sources. The analysis will be guided by key themes such as gender, class, and societal expectations, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the cultural context embedded in the play. The dramatic techniques employed by Williams contribute to a nuanced portrayal of societal tension, inviting audiences to contemplate the evolving social landscape. The findings prompt discussions on the enduring relevance of the play's themes in contemporary society. Through the lens of "A Streetcar Named Desire," this research contributes to the ongoing discourse on the Intersectionality of societal norms and individual experiences, challenging viewers to reflect on the implications of societal discord on personal identity and relationships. In conclusion, Tennessee Williams skillfully weaves a narrative that transcends its temporal setting, inviting audiences to confront and contemplate the complexities of societal expectations.

Gender Socialization of the Child in the Ukrainians’ Traditional Culture (Late 19th – Mid-20th Century)

The article is dedicated to one of the important aspects of Ukrainian traditional culture, namely the gender-role education of a child, his or her gender socialization. The relevance of the topic is specified with the high interest in the peculiarities of Ukrainian folk culture, its evolution and transformation, the need to understand the determining factors of the existence of Ukrainians of previous generations, a wide range of issues related to the social influence on the human personality in the past and present. A person’s adoption of a social role, acquisition of certain psychological traits, determined by society depending on gender, is a process of gender socialization. In traditional society, in particular Ukrainian one, this process has taken place through upbringing, using ritual and magical actions, designing a successful life scenario for the child. At the same time, ritualism is combined with practices related to the child’s appearance. The processes of gender-role socialization are reflected vividly in the ethnographic material of the late 19th and mid-20th centuries concerning maternity rites, norms related to the child’s appearance and initiation practices. Children’s clothing culture has largely reflected and consolidated the established norms of upbringing, social role. The change of the child’s status has been taking place with his or her maturity, especially with the attraction to economic activities. The social division of labour into women’s and men’s has been reflected both in the rites related to new-born children, through the use of appropriate attributes, and in attraction to corresponding work. Clear observance of symbolic rites has been combined with less regulated standards of appearance, those haven’t reflected a clear gender difference of children in certain periods of life. The process of raising a child in Ukrainian traditional culture implies the modelling of clearly regulated roles of adults, the symbolic consolidation of gender and the designing of a successful social role in the future.