Physiognomy Research Articles

FROM BODY TO MAP & BACK. DRAWING BODY MAPS: ON SKIN, ON PAPER, ON BIT AND ON NEURONS. A CORE FOR RECENTLY ESTABLISHED ANTHROPOKINETICS

Man creates maps of land, of earth, of sky, of real or imaginary worlds, of micro- and macro-cosmos, of everything, including his own body. Maps are useful for knowledge and for practice, linking one another these two kind of relation with the mapped space. When we say “body maps” we can mean both “maps of body” (representing body) and “maps on body” (representing something else that is projected on body, even forced to be adapted for coinciding with body). Maps are not simply a double of a country or of a body. Mapping gives a different and further ontology to the represented objects by a cause-effect circle, by a dialectic relation between two extended territories (the concrete one and the mapped one). Human body has been mapped as a land to orient our own or other’s navigation. To do this we need marks, references, directional systems: polarities, oriented lines, preferential protocols. Marks may be based on existing anatomical features or on projection of conceptual/symbolic elements, transcending somatic concreteness, relatively heterogeneous to flesh. The anatomical features can regard soft or hard tissues, similarly to “ complexio ” and “ constitutio ” of ancient physiognomy. This navigation is aimed to find signs, to read text(s) that is/are written on its surfaces and in its deepness, to act on it. The body maps taxonomy can be based on supports: skin, paper or bit or to contexts/purposes: official medicine (that presents iconographic maps as 4D body imaging and not iconographic maps as DNA), alternative medicine, figurative arts, physiognomics, mantics, motion capture in cinema, erotic contexts (the ancient ars erotica and the modern scientia sexualis ) mystic cosmology and so on. A particular case of neuronal mapping is related to movements. This perspective leads us toward a precise direction, grounding the study of the human movement in a very interesting way. This study is still looking for its own center that can define its specificity, its epistemic identity. The term “anthropokinetcs” (from the Greek words anthropos and kinesis) seems to be fully capable of indicating this recently established (in Anglophonic world, but still not existing in Italy) disciplinary area. This term is obviously related to “anthroposomatics”, that indicates the field of the studies related to human body. We aim neither to erase the legitimacy of existing studies of many different sciences that are referred to moving human body nor to create a double of these studies. Instead, we would like to offer them an organic frame to organize their contents and their methods, in order to apply and to communicate them in the best way. This line of study has the purpose of understanding human action thanks to researches that are capable of integrating biomechanical approach with neuronal one (definable “neuro-mechanics”). First of all this approach originates a dialectic play be- tween these two areas (but many others must be involved, as robotics, semiotics, EEC, IIB) and shows that the Nervous System is a “black box” that, after motor learning, manages sensory-motor information as space-time derivatives and integrals. So the CNS is competent (it owns the necessary acquaintance) as an engineer, even if according to a different formalization, it is based on neuronal sources. Anyway it solves real time and with efficacy the interaction problems, managed as input-output patterns. Here we propose to follow and to empower the recent establishment of the anthropokinetics, a knowledge of human action that can be applied in many fields: ergonomics, therapy, motor techniques (in work, in sport, etc.), didactics and so on. Engineering can offer adequate and effective models for the study of the execution of human action. The connecting rod-crank mechanism and, generally, the mathematical-physical approach to moving bodies are meaningful examples. Writing the “ trait-d’union ” to link one another the biomechanical and the neuronal data means reaching the heart of the matter. When we speak about neural functionality we have to interpret this as the biological datum correlated with the abstract thinking and cultural elements. The natural location of this researches could be seen in the motor sciences academic departments.

Distribution Characteristics and Reserves Estimation of Soil Organic Carbon of Different Physiognomy in Chengdu Economic Zone

Distribution Characteristics and Reserves Estimation of Soil Organic Carbon of Different Physiognomy in Chengdu Economic Zone

La pedagogia generale oggi: le tensioni interne

The text, very brief, notes the actuality of general pedagogy and its physiognomy of a complex and traverse knowledge, critical with the different ambits of educative knowledge.

A Note on a Sclero-microphyllous Evengreen Broad-leaved ForestAssociation Olea ferruginea, Pistacia weinmannifolia in Lancang (Upper Mekong) River

采用法瑞地植物学派的样地调查法记录了澜沧江中上游河谷中一独特的硬叶小叶常绿阔叶林类型——锈鳞木樨榄、清香木群丛。该群丛由南向北分布于1300~1900m的河谷下部，对群落外貌、生活型与生长型、植物种类科属的组成、分布区类型等进行了分析。结果表明：（1） 群落结构简单，物种数平均为18种；（2） 生活型以高位芽植物居多，生长型以草本居多；（3） 群落中计有维管植物116种，隶属于39科，84属；（4） 植物科级、属级水平上均显示出了热带性质，植物区系表现出一定的古老性，反映了与古地中海硬叶小叶林的历史渊源。该植物群丛适应澜沧江干热-干暖河谷气候，分布区域狭窄，是一类值得重点保护和深入研究的植被类型。

Slope-Extraction Analysis of Typical Physiognomy in Northwest Droughty Area Based on DEM

The directly derived landform information can hardly meet the acquisition for the influence of multi-scales of DEM,the macroscopic and diversity of terrain.At the same time,the precision is uncertain using DEM to extract slope.Taking typically physiographic plain and upland of northwest droughty area for example and using 1:10000 and 1:50000 scale DEM,the slope driving results are compared and the variation rules are analyzed.The error of slope-extraction in quantity are simulated.

The Application of Remote Sensing Technology to the Route Selection of the High Voltage Transmission Lines

Satellite remote sensing technology applied in the route selection of the high voltage transmission lines has the advantage that the normal method can't compare to.In the study of the route selection engineering of the 500 kV high voltage direct current transmission lines in Ning-Meng-Shan subsection of northwest-north China,we acquired the relative information of geology,physiognomy and so on in the research district,and analyzed temporal evolution and distribution rule of sand dune and desertification along the route,according to processing multi-temporal images.The result suggests that the sand dune is characterized by semi-active dune,the move speed is very slow,and all round the district desertification shows negative increase.Especially we acquired the digital elevation model based on the contour element of the map and visually simulated dummy three-dimensional geography sight in the study area,also we obtained real three-dimensional surface sight by attaching and compounding the relative remote sensing image,which improved the visual impact.The article proposes two schemes of routing selection according to synthetically analyze landform,physiognomy,engineering geology,lithology,structure,geographical condition,the distributing of habitation and correlative factors based on the results of the processing which mentioned above.It provides the scientific ground for ultimately establishment of the scheme for routing selection on the high voltage transmission lines.

Applications of the GIS Technologies in the Physico-geographic Regionalization of Gansu Provincial Highway

Physico-geographic regionalization need synthetically analyze multi-aspect factors such as hydrology,meteorology,geology,physiognomy and natural disasters. In the age of digital earth,the traditionally qualitative method on physico-geographic regionalization cannot meet the requirement of informatization with high degree,which need the quantitative analysis based on mass spatial data.So the powerful tools are required to integratedly manage,storage,display,analyze,and simulate the geographical and spatial data.Geographical Information System(GIS) is the best solution means,which is fully used in the study of the physico-geographic Regionalization of Gansu Provincial Highway.The applications mainly include spatial data acquisition and management and as a result a spatial database is constructed.Kinds of environmental parameters are calculated based on the spatial analysis functions,which is the key of quantitative analysis.The atlas is compiled based GIS and computer technologies.It is an explicit platform to exposit the research results.A thematic GIS with independent copyright is developed based on object-oriented visual program technology of VB and ComGIS technology of MapObjects.Spatial database,atlas and thematic GIS would promote the application of the research results of the highway's physico-geographic regionalization in Gansu Province.

Physiognomy—is there a science of the face?

Physiognomy—is there a science of the face?

Structural characterization of the woody plants in restinga of Brazil

The structure of the woody component of in restinga (tropical coastal vegetation) of Brazil was surveyed in order to describe and examine the relationship between community structure, water table, and soil nutrients. The survey was undertaken between January and March 2005 in an area with a forest physiognomy, employing the point-center quarter method with 100 sampling points. Soil samples were collected for chemical and physical analysis. A total of 51 species, 36 genera, and 31 families were sampled. The H’ was 3.508 nit.ind-1 and the species with the highest VI were Manilkara salzmannii (22.63), Myrcia bergiana (20.55), Chamaecrista ensiformis (19.82),Sacoglottis mattogrossensis (17.68), and Coccoloba laevis (15.18). The distribution of species was associated with certain soil nutrients (calcium, acidity, organic matter and cation exchange capacity). The species richness in Maracaipe Reserve was high in comparison to other coastal areas in the Brazilian northeast, indicates the need for conservation of this area. We may conclude that the present study indicated that soil nutrients were of greater importance for explaining the observed variations in the physiognomy and species distribution in the restinga area. Key words: Pernambuco, physiognomies, resting, species distribution.

The Physiognomy of Responsibility

The Physiognomy of Responsibility

Literackie fizjonomie Wilna czasów Kraszewskiego z Litwą w tle. Przegląd problematyki w świetle najnowszego stanu badań

Literackie fizjonomie Wilna czasów Kraszewskiego z Litwą w tle. Przegląd problematyki w świetle najnowszego stanu badań

Influence of groundwater depth on species composition and community structure in the transition zone of Cele oasis

The paper analyzes the hypothesis that the distribution of dominant plant species and char- acteristics of plant communities are related to groundwater depth. The results showed that variations of groundwater depth impacted distributions and characteristics of dominant plant communities. However, besides groundwater depth, the community composition and species diversity were also influenced by physiognomy of the habitat. Based on the similarity coefficient, the differences between dominant plant communities were significant at different groundwater depths. Compared with other results relating to de- sert vegetation and groundwater depth, variations of community distribution were similar at the large spatial scale. However, in this extremely arid region, there were significant differences in community type and community succession when compared with other arid regions, especially in relationship to deep ground- water depth. With groundwater depth from deep to shallow, communities transformed with the sequence of Alhagi communities, Tamarix spp. communities, Populus communities, Phragmites communities, and Sophora communities. At groundwater depth of less than 6.0 m, the community type and composition changed, and the species diversity increased. Among these dominant species, Tamarix exhibited the big- gest efficiency in resource utilization according to niche breadth, which means it possessed the best adaptability to environmental conditions at the oasis margins.

37. Shakespeare and the art of physiognomy.

37. Shakespeare and the art of physiognomy.

Implications of Chinese Face Reading on the Aesthetic Sense

Chinese face reading is an ancient art that has been developed over centuries, not only in China but over the wider area of Asia owing to China's cultural dominance in Asia during its imperial rule. Similar to feng shui, Chinese face reading is based on a philosophy held by Chinese people all over the world that expresses itself in contemporary daily life and practices by coloring people's choices, likes, and dislikes. It is inevitable that the aesthetic sense is also affected by face reading principles, especially among those who are most familiar with them. An understanding of these principles and beliefs would help surgeons better understand their Asian patients' requests and perhaps allow them to better communicate appropriate suggestions accordingly.

Implications of Chinese Face Reading on the Aesthetic Sense

Implications of Chinese Face Reading on the Aesthetic Sense

Comparison between grassland communities with and without disturbances

Grassland management with fire and grazing is considered one of the main factors determining plant physiognomy and composition in grassland ecosystem. In that sense, it is thought that intermediate disturbances, neither high frequent and/or intense, nor absent, could enhance grasslands diversity by diminishing the competitive exclusion. Therefore, the present study evaluated the effect of disturbance exclusion over grassland plant communities in Plateau region of Southern Brazil. Two grasslands were sampled: one excluded of disturbances over the past 16 years, and other with fire and grazing disturbances. Six plots (1m2) were sorted inside each area. Inside each plot, plant species composition was described, while plant richness and evenness were assessed based on cover proportion of each species. The data analysis showed that the grassland without disturbances presented higher richness and evenness. Furthermore, there were differences in the species composition between the grasslands, with less tussock dominance in the disturbed grassland. In addition, plots’ compositions were more homogeneous in areas submitted to disturbances, despite of the high richness. It is concluded that dominant tussock grasses in the grassland without disturbances suppressed many forbs, leading to reducing the species richness and evenness. On the other hand, the presence of disturbances limits the tussocks growth allowing the development of other forbs species. Key words: grassland management, fire, cattle grazing, intermediate disturbance.

A PRIMARY STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LUNAR SURFACE TOPOGRAPHY AND PHYSIOGNOMY AND GEOLOGICAL INFORMATION COUPLING

According to DEM on the lunar surface based on Chang'E-1 LAM data and maps of major minerals and some elements on the lunar surface based on Clementine multi-spectral data,this paper systematically analyzed the coupling relationship between topography and physiognomy and rock distribution on the lunar surface.It is tentatively considered that two deep ruptures trending respectively southwest and southeast are distributed on the lunar surface.Under the action of an internal momentum,the tensile force and the external force,there are distributed on the lunar surface the U-landscape pattern,the plagioclase on the lunar highland,the mares basalt and the high FeO abnormal basic rocks in Aitken Basin.

Influence of land cover change on land surface temperature in the mountainous city

Based on complex physiognomy of the mountainous city,as well as its underlying surface type,this paper used TM,DEM and ETM+ data to extract the land-use cover types of Chongqing,and retrieved the land surface temperature by using single Landsat TM/ETM6 thermal infrared data to analyze complex urban landscape of 1988 and 2000.The integration of remote sensing and GIS was further applied to examine the influence of land cover change and urban growth on land surface temperatures.The article analyzes land-cover change in Chongqing during recent 10 years and its influence on land surface temperature.The results show that the combination of various land cover types extracted by effective infrared band and retrieved land surface temperature space as well as plant-covered space,could accurately reveal the relationship of plant-covered degree and retrieved land surface temperature.And then this paper demonstrates that the rise of land surface temperature in Chongqing is mainly due to urban land development.In the period 1988-2000,the land-cover of the study area changed significantly,in particular,the urban construction land area increased significantly.The land-cover change led to spatial changes of the LST distribution.Furthermore,urban development in Chongqing raised land surface radiant temperature.We studied four types of cultivated land surface temperatures related to mountains,hills,fattened land(intermontane basins) and steep slopes.The results show that the land-cover changes in the mountainous city caused the changes of NDVI,and the change of NDVI caused the land surface temperature.As NDVI decreased by 10%,the land surface temperature rose by 0.49K.Finally the essay concludes that the increase of accuracy defined by land surface emissivity could increase the accuracy of retrieved land surface temperature.The increase of categorical accuracy in land use types could demonstrate how land use change influences land surface temperature in the mountainous city,which should be emphasized in further researches.

Preliminary discussion on the theory of body physiognomy in the Huangdineijing (Huangdi's Inner Classic)

There are so many discussions on the body physiognomy in Huangdineijing (Huangdi's Inner Classic) that include not only the description of both difference of body physiognomy and its reasons, but also the discussions on physiological and pathological characteristics of different body physiognomy traits. Different physiological and pathological characteristics lead to different applicable therapeutic methods, so that Huangdineijing discusses the applicable therapeutic methods to different body physiognomy characteristics, especially elaborating on the difference between applicable acupuncture manipulation to those characteristics. Contents such as the above form the embryonic form of the theory of body physiognomy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

‘Woman, that fair Copy’: gender and painting in English writing, 1650–1700

In recent years, scholars have identified and challenged a well‐established, ‘physiognomic’ approach to portraiture. The physiognomic view, rooted in ‘a belief that the signs of a person's characte...