Reflection Point Research Articles

Introduction: League of Nations and United Nations interventions in post-imperial crises and conflicts

The introduction places the essays in this special issue in the context of recent studies by social scientists and historians on foreign interventions, international conflict management, and global governance. It defines the key terms used in the case studies and discusses the various dimensions of what constitutes “success” in foreign interventions carried out by international organizations in post-imperial/post-colonial contexts. The introduction then assesses the seven case studies examined in the five essays in this special issue. These span the period from the early 1920s to the late 1970s, cover parts of Europe, the Middle East, central Africa, and Asia, and range from financial reconstruction and fundamental education programmes to refugee resettlement, peacekeeping, and military intervention. Despite the large variety of historical contexts and forms of intervention, the introduction identifies several common challenges that League of Nations and United Nations officials faced as they sought to influence the outcome of a domestic crisis or conflict. These challenges include not only practical issues such as lack of local knowledge or budgetary constraints, but also the persistence of patronizing attitudes, secrecy, competition with other external interveners, and, crucially, a mismatch between the interests of the international interveners and the populations affected. The introduction then assesses the main strategies the League of Nations and United Nations interveners used to overcome these challenges. It demonstrates that they frequently overstepped their mandates, ventured into legal grey zones, adopted covert strategies of intervention, or avoided meaningful action while settling on safer and allegedly apolitical and “impartial” humanitarian aid. The final section discusses the mixed historical record of foreign interventions and international conflict management and the severe risks both of failure and of inaction. It concludes by offering some tentative historical “lessons” or reflection points that may stimulate current debates among social scientists and practitioners working in international organizations.

Anniversary fever? History and the culture of NHS celebration.

Delivered a day after Britain's National Health Service (NHS) reached its 75th year since its opening on the Appointed Day of 5 July 1948, the Pimlott Lecture for 2023 explored the culture of NHS anniversary-making. What can the marking of these anniversaries tell us about changing attitudes towards the service, and indeed, the British state? Here, examining evidence from the media, government archives, and Mass Observation, we argue that NHS anniversaries have long functioned as points of reflection but that their role as moments of national celebration and even communion has come to the fore only recently and culminated in the apparent 'anniversary fever' of 2018. We will explore the reasons behind the growing public fervour, what it can tell us, and the lessons offered by our work on this (still) best-loved of British institutions for historians working on highly politicized objects in 'fevered' times.

Beyond numbers: A call for data on gerontological and public health practices in Central America

This brief communication presents a perspective on the dearth of data on older populations and public health indicators in Central American countries. It offers a few brief points for reflection on the importance of generating and disseminating data of secondary origin and of national and regional scope to meet the needs of older people and improve existing geriatric-gerontological programs and services in the region more effectively.

Study of stratigraphic traps of the Southeastern part of Yevlakh-Agjabedi depression by seismic data

This study explores the identification and characterization of non-anticlinal traps within the southeastern part of the Yevlakh-Agjabedi Depression using advanced seismic exploration techniques. With an emphasis on the application of seismic data, particularly the Common Reflection Point (CRP) and 3D seismic methods, the research focuses on detecting stratigraphic traps formed by lateral and vertical variations in rock properties such as lithology, porosity, and facies. Primary and secondary stratigraphic traps are examined, with examples including stratigraphic traps formed by sedimentation and diagenesis processes. Building upon advancements in seismic exploration, this study applies state-of-the-art techniques to delineate and understand stratigraphic traps within the south-eastern part of the Yevlakh-Agjabedi Depression. By leveraging the CRP and 3D seismic methods, this research aims to overcome traditional limitations and provide a comprehensive analysis of these subtle geological structures. The integration of seismic data with well-logging and drilling data enhances the precision and reliability of trap identification, offering insights that are crucial for effective resource exploration and management. The study concludes that the application of advanced seismic exploration techniques, such as the Common Reflection Point (CRP) and 3D seismic imaging, has significantly improved the detection and characterization of stratigraphic traps in the geologically complex Yevlakh-Agjabedi Depression. By integrating seismic data with well-logging and drilling information, researchers have overcome challenges such as seismic noise and complex trap geometries, leading to more accurate mapping of these non-anticlinal traps. This integration has not only enhanced the identification of subtle variations in lithology and facies but also revealed the substantial hydrocarbon potential of the region. The findings emphasize the critical role of advanced geophysical methods and interdisciplinary approaches in optimizing exploration strategies and resource development in geologically similar settings. Future research should focus on refining seismic interpretation techniques and exploring deeper reservoirs to fully unlock the potential of stratigraphic traps for sustainable resource extraction.

Discourse theory and the turn to practice

Abstract This introductory article to the special issue on Discourse Theory and the Turn to Practice, takes the questions and tensions identified through the intensive study of populism as starting point for reflections on Discourse Theory as a framework for the study of political practice more broadly. Its aims are partly organizational and partly agenda-setting. Organizationally, it draws together major discussions and developments in Discourse Theory over the last ten years or so, especially those produced through an engagement with populism. Building on this, it points toward new frontiers for the development of Discourse Theory, organized around three dimensions of what could be called a ‘turn to practice’: (i) beyond ontology, (ii) beyond language, and (iii) beyond populism and (antagonistic) politics. After discussing how each of them play out in the study of populism, the article reflects on what taking seriously such a ‘turn to practice’ would mean for DT.

The marionette theatre: Decentering the all too human architect

This paper presents a philosophical reflection on a first-year design studio, conducted as an experimental deviation from traditional ‘all too human’ models of architectural education. The pedagogical approach ventures into broader ethical concerns surrounding the nonhuman and the art of building. In the studio, familiar human standpoints were decentered through the art of storytelling, drawing insight from discourses in posthuman education and nonhuman narratology which were interweaved into the design and performance of a marionette theatre. Throughout the term, the theme and its methodological and representational challenges were carried out in three main acts: the marionette, the theatre and the performance—with an intermission assignment posed as a point of critical reflection. At differing scales, each phase prompted different considerations related to nonhuman characters, the audience, performer and performance. Instead of assessing the studio’s outcomes within a positivistic framework, this paper presents portraits of student materializations from the semester. In this way, the results are framed heuristically, echoing the storytelling approach of the studio itself. Finally, a critical postscript reflects on a hypothetical direction for future studios.

On the Makhanda Education Summit

The Makhanda Education Summit, a convening of the basic sector in Makhanda, was called by Professor Sizwe Mabizela following more than a decade of deliberate, intentional and collaborative intervention in schools in Makhanda focused on improving learner performance. The Summit sought to be an inclusive space for members of the education sector in the city of Makhanda, and in doing prioritized ensuring that its delegates included representatives from early childhood development centres, primary schools, high schools and non-profit organisations that work in the education sector.In doing so, the Summit has been situated within the context of the city’s education sector as a crucial co-created reflection point by the community on the development of the education sector following its gradual upliftment through engaged partnership. In addition, it served as a strategic space to collectively identify key goals to shape the future of education in Makhanda and map out the shared pathway towards building a city of education excellence.Explored through the lens of Social Movement Theory, the presenters assess how the Summit’s hyper-local approach to bringing together school leaders and educators after impactful engagement over several years enabled the development of an organic community-driven social movement to emerge. The Summit demonstrated the necessity and endless potential of collaboration for common good, and the essential role of higher education institutions in driving community development. The paper will provide an overview of the decade's journey towards convening the Summit, reflect on the strategic approaches taken to mobilise buy-in and build a common purpose within the city’s stakeholder network, and share some of the key outputs that will undoubtedly inform the work of the invested stakeholders for the years to come.

On the Makhanda Education Summit

The Makhanda Education Summit, a convening of the basic sector in Makhanda, was called by Professor Sizwe Mabizela following more than a decade of deliberate, intentional and collaborative intervention in schools in Makhanda focused on improving learner performance. The Summit sought to be an inclusive space for members of the education sector in the city of Makhanda, and in doing prioritized ensuring that its delegates included representatives from early childhood development centres, primary schools, high schools and non-profit organisations that work in the education sector.In doing so, the Summit has been situated within the context of the city’s education sector as a crucial co-created reflection point by the community on the development of the education sector following its gradual upliftment through engaged partnership. In addition, it served as a strategic space to collectively identify key goals to shape the future of education in Makhanda and map out the shared pathway towards building a city of education excellence.Explored through the lens of Social Movement Theory, the presenters assess how the Summit’s hyper-local approach to bringing together school leaders and educators after impactful engagement over several years enabled the development of an organic community-driven social movement to emerge. The Summit demonstrated the necessity and endless potential of collaboration for common good, and the essential role of higher education institutions in driving community development. The paper will provide an overview of the decade's journey towards convening the Summit, reflect on the strategic approaches taken to mobilise buy-in and build a common purpose within the city’s stakeholder network, and share some of the key outputs that will undoubtedly inform the work of the invested stakeholders for the years to come.

Velocity model building via combining seismic slope tomography and supervised deep learning

AbstractSeismic slope tomography is an effective method to build macro velocity model. In order to improve the accuracy and resolution of the slope tomography, we proposed a novel approach that combines slope tomography with supervised deep learning. First, the slope tomography is used to obtain the macro velocity model and the positions of reflection points. Subsequently, the slope tomographic model, positions of reflection points and the corresponding observed traveltimes are used as inputs simultaneously for a neural network, whereas the actual velocity models are used as the labels. Through training the neural network with sufficient samples, the mapping from the inputs to the real velocity model is established. The neural network learns the background velocity of the real model from the smooth tomographic model, the velocity details from the traveltimes and the formation interface information from the positions of reflection points. Consequently, a high‐accuracy and high‐resolution velocity model is obtained on the basis of the slope tomographic model. Both tests on synthetic seismic data and applications to field seismic data demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Sea Surface Height Measurements Using UAV Altimeters with Nadir LiDAR or Low-Cost GNSS Reflectometry

Although UAV height is precisely determined using GNSS, the vertical distance between the UAV and the sea surface should be subtracted to obtain the sea surface height (SSH). This distance can be measured using nadir-looking LiDAR or GNSS reflectometry (GNSS-R); thus, these two methods are examined in this study through three two-minute UAV experimental flights. The measurements of the flight-averaged SSHs made with both approaches were in good agreement with the reference SSH determined from a GNSS buoy, with differences of 0.03 m (LiDAR) and 0.05 m (GNSS-R), although the standard deviation (SD) for GNSS-R (1.72 m) was significantly larger than that for LiDAR (0.20 m). Each 4 Hz GNSS-R measurement was subject to errors caused by surface waves, though over 16 GNSS reflection points within a 70 m diameter footprint were used; these errors were, however, removed in the temporal mean. Extending the footprint diameter to 230 m with stronger data quality controls resulted in a smaller error (0.02 m) and SD (0.79 m). Meanwhile, LiDAR measured the flat-surface SSH at the nadir only, which inherently filtered out slant reflections, resulting in a lower SD. However, this filter reduces data acquisition rates, especially when the UAV attitude tilts.

Applying single-cell and single-nucleus genomics to studies of cellular heterogeneity and cell fate transitions in the nervous system.

Single-cell and single-nucleus genomic approaches can provide unbiased and multimodal insights. Here, we discuss what constitutes a molecular cell atlas and how to leverage single-cell omics data to generate hypotheses and gain insights into cell transitions in development and disease of the nervous system. We share points of reflection on what to consider during study design and implementation as well as limitations and pitfalls.

REHABILITATING MAURICE HALBWACHS: MEMORY AS A GENERATIONAL COMMUNICATIVE STRATEGY

At the beginning of the 21st century the Russian Federation witnessed a number of academic events, academic forums and books, which dealt with questions of generation, collective memory and generation as a community of remembrance. This article sees some of these events as a starting point for sketchy refl ections on the possible applications and limitations of the term ‘generation’ in historical research. The authors pose the following questions: How does the generation problem in social reality and in historical scholarship relate to phases of crisis and transition in social development? Is there a connection between generation and memory? Which methodological approaches can be used to eff ectively trace this connection? Such problems have been widely explored in studies at the turn of 20th-21st centuries, drawing on material from recent sociological surveys. Therefore, the answers to them may be particularly valuable for those who study the memory of the generations of the dramatic 1990s. Answering these questions and following some of the panellists of the 2000s and 2010s, the authors conclude that an eff ective investigation of the relation between generation and memory inevitably leads to a revision of Jan Assmann’s views and a rehabilitation of Maurice Halbwachs’ starting points. The article does not interpret a generation essentialistically, but constructivistically: not as an ‘objective’ quantity, as a set of people who belong to a certain age group or historical epoch, but as a subjective social construction. Each generation, as a perceived community of collective illusions and idealisations lived by its members, stands opposite others and exists only in connection with others. The main thesis of the article is that generation can be a useful concept to shed light on the dynamics of images of the past, as these images are an important part of communicative eff orts to form a generational community. If we understand generation as a cultural construct and a communicative event, we can even claim that communication about the past is the most important prerequisite for maintaining the integrity of a generational group.

Would-be Settlement from Upper Silesia in Northern Bulgaria in 1882

The aim of the article is to present the fate of the would-be settlement of Poles from the Koźle county to the district of Svishtov in northern Bulgaria in 1882, based on the Ministry of Finance’s materials found in in the Central State Archives in Sofia. As a result of the information provided by the missionary Grzegorz Piegza operating in the area of Svishtov, about 150 families from Upper Silesia expressed their willingness to move to the Balkans and live among the Catholic communities functioning there. It seemed that they could take advantage of the settlement action organized by the Bulgarian authorities from 1880, which assumed the distribution of land to the newcomers. However, these petitions met with a refusal by the authorities in Sofia, who wanted to bring only Bulgarians living outside the Balkans. Petitions sent from Upper Silesia to the Bulgarian authorities in 1882 are a source of information not only on the causes of migrations from this part of Prussia, but also provide knowledge about the identity of Silesians at the end of the 19th century. The analysis also served as a starting point for reflection on Bulgarian migration policy of this period.

Height Measurement for Meter-Wave MIMO Radar Based on Sparse Array Under Multipath Interference

For meter-wave multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar, the multipath of target echoes may cause severe errors in height measurement, especially in the case of complex terrain where terrain fluctuation, ground inclination, and multiple reflection points exist. Inspired by a sparse array with greater degrees of freedom and low mutual coupling, a height measurement method based on a sparse array is proposed. First, a practical signal model of MIMO radar based on a sparse array is established. Then, the modified multiple signal classification (MUSIC) and maximum likelihood (ML) estimation algorithms based on two classical sparse arrays (coprime array and nested array) are proposed. To reduce the complexity of the algorithm, a real-valued processing algorithm for generalized MUSIC (GMUSIC) and maximum likelihood is proposed, and a reduced dimension matrix is introduced into the real-valued processing algorithm to further reduce computation complexity. Finally, sufficient simulation results are provided to illustrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed technique. The simulation results show that the height measurement accuracy can be efficiently improved by using our proposed technique for both simple and complex terrain.

Reflections on Thomas Ogden’s contiguous-autistic position: thoughts on the end of the analytic process

ABSTRACT In this writing, I will attempt to outline some reflections that arise from reading works by Thomas Ogden found in the text ‘The Primitive Edge of Experience’ from 1989. In particular, among the numerous points of reflection, I will try to focus on two aspects: rethinking the conclusion of analysis between separation and separateness, revisiting some aspects of Quinodoz’s (1991) and a brief re-examination of the dimension of temporality in the concluding process, trying to combine theoretical insights with clinical material from the fifth year to the ninth year of an analysis, conducted four times a week, with a woman. Although these are excerpts from sessions far from the conclusion of the analytic process, it seemed to me that I could find, in some passages, significant psychic movements that refer to some fantasies about the conclusion of the analysis, which can finally enter the field of thoughts shared between analyst and patient, despite the emergence of experiences characteristic of the contiguous-autistic position, in which part of the patient’s mind seems to remain.

The Learning Wave

Today’s learners are immersed in engaging virtual activities such as video games, social media, and streaming services. These platforms set high expectations for user engagement, providing experiences that are user-centred and intrinsically motivating. Online learning must now compete with these digital environments for learners' attention, necessitating a transformation in its approach to increase retention and satisfaction. The Learning Wave is a novel Learning Experience Design framework that addresses this challenge by two key psychological theories: Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Flow Theory. SDT, developed by Deci and Ryan (2000), posits that intrinsic motivation is driven by three psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Flow Theory, introduced by Csikszentmihalyi (1990), is a highly functional state helping learners boost their academic performance through immersion in the activity and provides incentives for personal growth (Rodriguez-Ardura & Meseguer-Artola 2016). By applying these theories, The Learning Wave generates learning experiences that positively impact learning behaviour through enhanced engagement and motivation. The framework applies strategies from digital and serious games, combining them with storytelling techniques and instructional design models to create a modern pedagogical approach to the design of online courses. At its core, The Learning Wave utilises a three-phase pattern: learn, reflect, and challenge. This structure enables learners to progressively build understanding, review and reflect on their learning, and apply their knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios. The framework employs Semantic Waves (Maton, 2013) as a construction methodology, ensuring a thoughtful progression of the learner from basic understanding to advanced application of concepts, and facilitating the creation of Flow states by gradually increasing complexity to match learner skill development. Complementing the learner experience is the use of storytelling. By incorporating narrative elements, the learning experience is enriched with contextual depth, diverse perspectives, and emotional engagement, factors known to enhance retention and application of knowledge (Landrum et al., 2019). This approach also supports the relatedness aspect of SDT, fostering a sense of connection to the learning material. As a visual tool, The Learning Wave allows instructional designers to map out the entire learning experience, illustrating how learners progress through different phases. It incorporates a series of learning moments, points of reflection, and challenge events, charting the learner's journey from novice to competent problem-solver. The framework's flexibility accommodates both high-level designs and intricate, complex experiences. The Learning Wave has been incorporated as the foundational pedagogy in the development of twelve postgraduate microcredentials at Western Sydney University, with qualitative and quantitative feedback showing learners are motivated and more confident with the knowledge and skills they are developing. Further analytics, articles, case studies, and publications are forthcoming. This poster presentation demonstrates how The Learning Wave framework transforms online learning. It showcases the 3-stage pattern, alignment with storytelling techniques, and process of gaining strategic knowledge through information deconstruction and reconstruction. It highlights how this approach, grounded in educational theories and modern engagement techniques, can enhance learner motivation, improve knowledge retention, and lead to more effective online educational experiences in our digital world.

Boundary value problem of calculating ray characteristics of ocean waves reflected from coastline

A direct variational method for solving the problem of reflection of ocean waves ray paths from the coastline with given positions of the source and the point of registration is considered. It is shown that the original boundary value problem can be reduced to the direct search of stationary points of the functional. Information about the objective function in the area of solutions of the ray problem allows us to construct a systematic procedure for finding minima and saddle points. A feature of the proposed approach is the optimization of the ray reflection point along a given coastline.

Acoustic flow resonances in installed rectangular jets

Zonal Large Eddy Simulations (LES) of complex installed rectangular jet flows are performed for subsonic jet conditions of the Central Institute for Aviation Motors (CIAM) experiment, where a strong tone was reported. For far-field noise modelling, the zonal LES solutions are coupled with the permeable formulation of the Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FW-H) method. The obtained noise spectra predictions are compared with the acoustic measurements in the CIAM facility. To reduce statistical noise of the relatively short LES time series, contributions due to several dominant low frequency tones and the remaining broadband signal are computed separately, using a tailored Fourier transform technique for each signal type. For cross-validation, noise spectra measurements of an equivalent isolated round jet in the CIAM facility are compared with the empirical sJet model calibrated on the NASA Small Hot Jet Acoustic Rig (SHJAR) jet noise database. While the two datasets agree reasonably well for mid to high frequencies, larger discrepancies are observed for low frequencies, which are attributed to acoustic reflections in the non-anechoic CIAM facility. The differences in noise levels between the CIAM dataset and the sJet model representing the NASA jet noise data are used to determine the experimental uncertainty of the CIAM noise measurements for each frequency and observer angle. For the installed rectangular jet, it is shown that far-field noise spectra predictions of the zonal LES-FW-H method for both the fundamental tone, its sixth harmonic corresponding to the jet Strouhal number of around 1, and the broadband component are broadly within the experimental error bar for most observer angles. Some discrepancies between predictions of the zonal LES method and the CIAM measurements for the main low frequency tone for the 30° and 90°, where the experimental uncertainty at low frequencies is largest are also noted. After validating the acoustic solutions, spectral and conditional averaging analysis methods are applied to elucidate mechanisms of the acoustic-flow resonance in the installed rectangular jet flow. The numerical dispersion relation is obtained to analyse phase velocities of the upstream and downstream travelling pressure waves in the stream-wise direction. The conditional analysis of pressure fluctuations inside the jet reveals the emergence of internal reflection points corresponding to a rapid change of the acoustic wave phase as well as the saddle points interpreted as localised zones of vorticity shed from the side-wall edges. To independently investigate the effect of trailing edges and corner points of the jet embodiment geometry on closing the acoustic-flow resonance cycle, several modifications of the baseline rectangular nozzle are considered, such as introducing chevron-like lobes and cuts on the trailing edges of the side walls as well as smoothing the sharp corner points of the wall edges. Following the series of additional zonal LES runs with the modified installed nozzle geometries, an optimized tone-less modification of the original installed nozzle was obtained, in broad agreement with the conditional analysis results. The obtained tone-less modification of the installed rectangular jet is further analyzed to provide insights into its similarity and differences from the aeroacoustics of the reference isolated round jet in the same CIAM facility.

Disengagement From Games: Characterizing the Experience and Process of Exiting Play Sessions

The games research community has developed substantial knowledge on designing engaging experiences that draw players in. Surprisingly, less is known about player disengagement, with existing work predominantly addressing disengagement from the perspective of problematic play, and research exploring player disengagement from a constructive designer perspective is lacking. In this paper, we address this gap and argue that disengagement from games should be constructively designed, allowing players to exit play sessions in a self-determined way. Following a two-phase research approach that combines an interview study ( n =16) with a follow-up online survey ( n =111), we systematically analyze player perspectives on exiting play sessions. Our work expands the existing notion of disengagement through a characterization of exit experiences, a lens on disengagement as a process, and points for reflection for the design of games that seek to address player disengagement in a constructive way.

Томографический измеритель концентрации метана на приземных трассах

Using a prototype of a remote lidar created in the laboratory for measuring methane concentration, a study of the distribution of methane along a route ~ 2.25 km long was carried out in order to localize gas emissions and control leaks in unfavorable areas. The lidar prototype, operating at a wavelength of 1653 nm, included a powerful Raman amplifier and made it possible to measure the distance to the reflection point with an accuracy of no worse than 50 meters. The lidar scanned the track, starting from short distances and ending with measurements along the entire measured track. The route included a near zone with modern multi-storey buildings without gas infrastructure, a middle zone with multi-storey buildings and gas infrastructure, as well as an extended forest area ending with a busy highway with heavy traffic. That is, it was possible to assess the contribution of each zone to the background methane concentration along the route. Observations were carried out during the winter-spring period and were carried out at different times of the day under weather conditions that were recorded. Processing of the results showed a significantly different contribution of each zone to the average concentration on the route. The contribution of the middle zone with multi-storey buildings equipped with gas infrastructure turned out to be especially large, which suggests a possible gas leak from the gas distribution system in this area. On average, the background concentration of methane on this route repeated the value measured in 2023 during the same seasonal period in 2023.