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Cultures and ancient civilizations have developed the art of construction by creating simple but effective cliff dwellings to grand structures like pagodas and Byzantine domes to work alongside the environment around them. The term for this is Vernacular Architecture, how cultures manifest traditions through buildings adapted to the environment with unique craftsmanship. However, modern architecture prioritizes minimizing cost per square foot as land prices rise, minimizing time spent to create new designs by using the same building plans, and modern trends and fads. Especially in developing countries where “globalization” often translates to “Westernization”, this causes trading out of local architectural practices and climate techniques for internationally used materials and high-tech designs. Think of the five-over-one type apartments that have popped up all over the place or the sprawling suburbs that have taken over since the 1930s. Although these new buildings meet the modern ideals of convenience and low effort/planning, “they have multiple consequences, including reduced thermal comfort, overdependence on electric controls, loss of traditions, increased urban heat, depletion of natural resources and increased emissions”. However, maybe we can bridge the gap between modern structures and ancient techniques to come to a happy, more sustainable medium. This article explores modern issues, ancient techniques, how they work, and ways to implement them into sustainable modern designs.

Secondary metabolites are often among the major players in plants' function, stability, support, bioactivities, defense mechanisms, and therapeutic applications. One of the major components of these metabolites is volatile oils. Essential oils are considered one of the most important ways in which plants express themselves through aroma. The oils are also one of the reasons for therapy, mood-upliftment, life processes, plants and dependent organisms' survival, joy, happiness, aesthetic beauty, and attractions in several realms, as well as for various interactive species, including insects, animals, and humans. In addition, essential oils participate in modern industries and worldwide healthcare systems. Aromatic plants and their extracted and distilled volatile oils have been used in different systems of traditional medicine and in all ancient civilizations. They are also still used as part of modern healthcare systems and in folkloric therapeutic and prophylactic applications. Therefore, the chemistry, bio-based diversity, geographic sources, biological activities, and clinical applications of volatile oils have gained the momentum and continued attention of researchers, culminating in several thousand publications each year. This review provides updated information on the biological activities and current applications of essential oils in medicine and other healthcare uses. The underlined biomechanistic details of the volatile oils' biological effects are also encompassed. The collected data unambiguously supported the biological importance of this class of secondary metabolites, especially in cancer, inflammation, and microbial infection management. The information contained in the data also highlighted the therapeutic importance of these molecules in various aspects of medicine. [Display omitted] • The sources and biogenesis of essential oils (EOs) were discussed. • The review provides updated information on the biological activities and applications of EOs. • Detailed biomechanistic of the EOs' biological effects were encompassed. • The data supported the importance of EOs in cancer, inflammation, and infection management. • The review highlighted the therapeutic importance of volatile oils in medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to examine non‐Western international relations theory (IRT) and explore, at the theoretical level, the potential for epistemological autonomy from the confines of Western‐centered epistemology prevalent in existing IRT. As a consequence, the non‐Western world, subjected to colonialist expansion and modernization and often regarded as merely the leaves, has been relegated to a passive role within the international system, becoming a disengaged object of little interest. However, what has existed cannot be entirely erased. While it is undeniable that international politics was predominantly developed based on a Western‐centric epistemology, other ancient civilizations had diverse international systems and orders that molded their identities as regional international societies. Consequently, the study provides a crucial backdrop for theoretical endeavors aimed at integrating the voices and experiences of the Global South into IRT, which has traditionally been dominated by Western perspectives. This study seeks to explore the potential for transcending Western intellectual hegemony by critiquing the limitations of a singular worldview and expanding and transforming the English School Theory (EST). It seeks to investigate the possibility of moving beyond Western‐centricity in international relations theory by conducting a historical comparison of civilizations across countries and the associated disciplines within civilizations as a field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea, a culturally significant beverage, originated around 2700 B.C. in ancient Chinese civilization, with a profound understanding of its therapeutic properties. Herbal medicines from diverse plant sources have been esteemed for their phytochemical content. Today, tea's appeal spans the globe, with various processing techniques creating distinct tea varieties. This review article comprehensively explores tea and herbal teas, encompassing their origins, types, trade history, health benefits, chemical composition, and market and future dynamics. This review examines tea's evolution from ancient China to its global significance and analyzes the impact of tea trade routes on cultural exchanges and trade dynamics. The review covers conventional teas (black, green, and oolong), blended teas, and herbal teas. It primarily focuses on herbal beverages' chemical composition and active components derived from diverse plants and botanicals, highlighting their traditional uses and health‐promoting applications. The review provides valuable insights into the dynamic herbal tea market, growth, consumer preferences, industry trends, and future aspects of the herbal beverage. Additionally, it explores the proper classification and preparation of herbal drinks for maximum benefits, shedding light on tea manufacturing and preparation processes. This review is a valuable resource for tea enthusiasts, health‐conscious individuals, and industry stakeholders, offering profound insights into teas and their multifaceted allure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese civilization, which stands as a shining star in human civilizations, is distinct in its nature and development path. Although it suffered numerous turns of devastation in its 5,000 years of history, it has resiliently remained uninterrupted in its growth and radiance. Characterized by continuity, innovation, unity, inclusiveness, and longstanding commitment to peace, it also exhibits strong cohesion, vitality, flexibility, and adaptability. These characteristics emerged in the Paleolithic Period, indicating that the Chinese civilization did not emerge overnight. Its roots run deep with a long history, sprouting in the Paleolithic Period, breaking ground in the late Neolithic period, and gradually growing into the towering trees it is today. How did the ancient people in China evolve into today's Chinese nation? How did the ancient culture of prehistoric times develop into the current Chinese civilization? What are the connections between the history buried underground and the society we see today? Obviously, there is no clear answer to these questions. There are still many gaps in prehistoric China that need to be filled, and the process of and reasons for the evolution of ethnic groups and cultures still need to be further interpreted. The author tries to trace the roots of the Chinese nation and its civilization back to the Paleolithic Period, using archaeological materials to connect the survival and reproduction process of ancestors and delve into studying the ancient roots of the Huaxia people and Chinese civilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

James Burnett, Lord Monboddo's (1714–1799) contribution to Scottish Enlightenment thinking on race is regularly held to be twofold. As a Lord of Session, he supposedly defended slavery on Aristotelian grounds, infamously voting against Joseph Knight's freedom in Knight v. Wedderburn (1778). In his philosophical writings, Monboddo is known for his arguments in favour of the humanity of orangutangs, which scholars have claimed informed both his own views on slavery and also wider apologetics for the trade. At the same time, Monboddo is frequently cited as providing a fulsome defence of the achievements of black Africans against Hume's footnote in 'Of Natural Characters' (added in 1753). The full significance of Monboddo's counterexample to Hume's claims, the civilization of black ancient Egypt, has not been adequately understood. In this article I undertake a deep dive into Monboddo's views on race, slavery, and the black origins of civilization present in his largely ignored six-volume Antient Metaphysics (1779–1799). The arguments that emerge show that Monboddo was not quite the apologist for enslaving black Africans as he is sometimes presented as being, but also that his thought was far from the enlightened Scottish mainstream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gobustan, a prehistoric site 60 km south of Baku, has an impressive collection of rock carvings from different prehistoric eras. Near the site, a national museum presents the prehistoric findings in a narrative that connects them with modern-day Azerbaijan, calling the hunter–gatherer tribes that lived in Gobustan 'our ancient Azerbaijani ancestors'. While many nation-building projects dig deep into the past, reconstruct it, claim ancient civilizations as their own and sometimes even invent historical narratives that never happened, the Gobustan Museum and the narrative it implies (that prehistoric people living in 15,000 BCE were Azerbaijanis) seems like 'overkill', an exaggerated effort to connect the past and the present. The data from the museum points to a larger story: the construction of national identity and collective memory in post-Soviet Azerbaijan. This paper presents some of the author's anthropological field research findings in the museum and explains why the narrative of 'ancientness' is so essential in post-Soviet Azerbaijan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the enduring influence of Ancient Egyptian civilization in contemporary Arabic poetry, focusing on the ways poets incorporate elements of Egypt's ancient past into their literary works to preserve its memory for future generations. The subject, scope, and importance of this study lie in the exploration of the engagement with Ancient Egypt in various aspects, such as celebrating architectural marvels and acknowledging the wisdom and achievements of the civilization that once thrived along the Nile. The purpose of this research is to underscore the significance of the past in shaping present-day literary and cultural expressions, as well as the role of art in the construction of collective identity. The methodological framework involves a close analysis of selected poetic works, paying particular attention to the interplay between different cultural and historical influences, and demonstrating the vitality and adaptability of the Arab poetic tradition. In addition, this study highlights the implications of Ancient Egyptian civilization in contemporary Arabic poetry beyond the realm of literature, emphasizing the necessity of reevaluating the relationship between past and present and fostering a sense of continuity and connection with a shared history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] A new high-quality chironomid-based temperature record was obtained from Shuanghu Lake in arid NW China. Combined with hydroclimatic and historical datasets, we demonstrated the direct effect (water shortages) and indirect effect (geopolitical conflicts) of climate change on the shift of the Silk Road route from the Tarim Basin to the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains during ∼420–850 CE. Although climate change has convincingly been linked to the evolution of human civilization on different temporal scales, its role in influencing the spatial patterns of ancient civilizations has rarely been investigated. The northward shift of the ancient Silk Road (SR) route from the Tarim Basin (TB) to the Junggar Basin during ∼420–850 CE provides the opportunity to investigate the relationship between climate change and the spatial evolution of human societies. Here, we use a new high-resolution chironomid-based temperature reconstruction from arid China, combined with hydroclimatic and historical datasets, to assess the possible effects of climate fluctuations on the shift of the ancient SR route. We found that a cooling/drying climate in the TB triggered the SR route shift during ∼420–600 CE. However, a warming/wetting climate during ∼600–850 CE did not inhibit this shift, but instead promoted it, because of the favorable climate-induced geopolitical conflicts between the Tubo Kingdom and the Tang Dynasty in the TB. Our findings reveal two distinct ways in which climate change drove the spatial evolution of human civilization, and they demonstrate the flexibility of societal responses to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review considers the state of historical studies of ancient Israel in light of the publication of two recent books on the subject. While this recent scholarship nuances and advances our understanding of the history of the southern Levant, it also reveals ongoing methodological tensions due to the field's long-running commitments to post-Enlightenment, European (especially German) approaches to the historical analysis of biblical texts. Simultaneously, these two histories point towards some productive ways in which we might move forward in the study of the history of ancient Israel. These productive potentials include reevaluating our historical methods across specialties and approaches and seeking alternative approaches to history writing that make space for fragmentation, multiplicity, and irresolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment, development and abandonment and/or destruction of ancient civilizations were catalytically controlled by geomorphic features such as lakes and rivers and the climate. This paper examined the possible influence of tectonism and climate on six habitations of the ancient Vaigai River Basin civilization in South India, using multiple proxies such as grain size, geochronology and geochemistry of the sedimentary archives. The tectonic setting of the basin changed between the active margin and passive margin; the discriminant diagrams suggested varying provenance and changing climatic conditions over the mid‐ and‐late Holocene. Tectonic activism and quiescence, base‐level change in the channel morphology led to the burial/marooning of the first habitation surface. Overall, arid conditions were punctuated with catastrophic flooding and peak discharge (flood) destroyed the second, third and fourth habitation sites. These flooding events were characterized by moderate weathering (CIA) and high values of Al, Fe and Rb/Sr and low Ca/Mg in the sediment records. The abandonment/destruction of the fifth habitation also occurred during an arid interval (droughts), possibly caused by weak monsoon. Along with the interactions between tectono‐climatic and fluvial geomorphic factors, the new results provided avenues to (a) check and recognize the archives for 8.2 and 4.2 ka‐like events in this part of the world, and (b) the utility of integrated analyses to constrain on the civilizational histories of the mankind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicate glasses have played a major role as structural and functional materials in human civilization since ancient Egypt. Despite their widespread use and importance in modern society, silica glasses with complex geometries are only fabricated in automated processes using 3D printing. Here, the volumetric printing of silica‐based glasses with tunable multimaterial and microstructural control is reported. Volumetric printing enables complex shaping of photo‐reactive resins in a few seconds using illumination techniques analogous to those employed for medical imaging. Particle‐filled and phase‐separating resins are used as photo‐reactive feedstock that is quickly printed in 3D and subsequently converted into silica glasses through conventional heat treatment. Using rheology and imaging techniques, it is shown that the design of the resin is crucial to print complex geometries with high shape fidelity. The capabilities of the printing platform are demonstrated by fabricating a silica‐based filtration device combining dense and porous glass with tunable compositions in a unique 3D structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Soziologische Revue is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

While some Inka structures and motifs align with astronomical and horizon markers, a significant portion of their constructions exhibit different patterns. We examined the potential correlation between the orientation patterns of the Inka walls and Andean geomorphology, aiming to uncover the extent to which the physical landscape guided these ancient architectural design methodologies. Using geospatial technology and specially developed peak detection and recognition software, we extensively and meticulously analyzed over 40,000 m of surveyed Inka walls and 20,000 mountain peaks across 11 distinct geographical areas. The analysis revealed a significant correlation between key wall orientations and the parallel peak alignment of the Andean Mountain Range. This suggests a purposeful encoding of landscape orientations into Inka architecture. These findings propose a novel perspective on the intricate relationship between Inka culture and the Andean highlands' topography. Furthermore, this research introduces a distinctive methodological approach to exploring the impact of natural landscapes on architectural planning, establishing a foundation for comparative studies among other ancient civilizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Iberoamericana (Liverpool University Press) is the property of Liverpool University Press / Journals and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The heavy military attack and colonial domination during the successive Japanese invasion wars hit the Chinese traditional culture and people the hardest and wreaked havoc on cultural relics, causing a catastrophic and irremediable loss to society. The topic of restitution of looted Chinese cultural relics during these wars arose owing to the long-pending historical issues between China and Japan. However, this issue has never attracted significant attention from the international community. Applying empirical analysis and drawing on the case study, this paper primarily focuses on two typical representative cases of the recovery of looted Chinese cultural relics from Japan, which triggered three significant issues to be addressed: the legal analysis of two recovery cases through litigation and non-litigation relief; proving the legality concerning different ownership rights of the Chinese government and individuals seeking to recover state-owned and privately-owned cultural relics; exploring the legal grounds for recovering state-owned and privately-owned cultural relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the reception and incorporation of classical heritage in the historiographical construction of ancient Vascon and Aquitanian history. The book, edited by Antonio Duplá-Ansuategui and Jonatan Pérez Mostazo, is divided into nine chapters and examines the diversity of reception and mythification of historical events. It addresses the Basque resistance to Romanization, ancient Vascon identity, theories about their origin, and Pere Bosch Gimpera's research on the Aquitanians, Iacetans, Cantabrians, and Celtiberians. It also mentions Florencio de Basaldúa's discourse and the reception of ancient Vasconia in H.P. Lovecraft's novel and in digital representations on social networks. The book dismantles simplistic theories and shows the diversity of receptions of ancient Vascon and Aquitanian history. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Investigaciones Historicas is the property of Universidad de Valladolid, Facultad de Filosofia y Letras and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article discusses a modeled incense burner lid from Quiriguá, Guatemala, which is part of the collection at the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. The lid, registered as MUNAE 8687, is believed to belong to the Late Classic period and shares similarities with ceramic pieces found in Copán, Honduras. It features a distinctive headdress and a pectoral with snake heads, associated with the influence of Copán. The article also discusses the discovery of canals in an area historically part of Iztatlán or Tlaxoxiuhco, a barrio of Tlatelolco, which served various purposes such as irrigation, drainage, and navigation. The archaeologists found residential areas and a burial of a newborn in a seated position, showing continuity in burial customs after the Spanish Conquest. A visual reference, the Mapa de la fundación de Tetepilco, is included in the article. [Extracted from the article]

Neoclassical fashion defined its diaphanous look by seeking to revive the style of the ancient Roman civilization, and the marble statues of ancient Greece; further influenced by the excavation of Pompeii in 1738 and its archeological developments in 1748. The attitudes towards voluminous and pompous fashions had changed, however the acceptance of the new modern and much more revealing silhouette did not occur without challenges. For neoclassical fashion to be accepted it needed a foundation to make it plausible, and it needed a pioneer to wear and deem it 'appropriate'. This study builds a comprehensive analysis of some of the relationships France, England and other European countries built with their colonies in terms of textile manufacturing, imports and exports, and most importantly cultural appropriation. This study seeks to analyze how those colonies gave them new fashion perspectives, to develop the neoclassical fashions, we recognize from that period. In addition, this study will analyze the powerful influence of Josephine Bonaparte and other important female figures from neoclassical France, in perpetuating and expanding the use of these fabrics and styles; most importantly Josephine's Caribbean background and her possible preference for lighter fabrics due to her birth on the island of Martinique, and how that influenced her sophisticated and cosmopolitan approach to fashion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

American archaeologist Harriet Boyd Hawes was at the forefront of the discovery of the ancient Minoan civilization on Crete. Newspapers and periodicals on both sides of the Atlantic were fascinated with her excavation at Gournia, which they found particularly newsworthy because she was a woman. Boyd was not a passive recipient of the media's portrayal, however, but actively developed her public persona. Press coverage from 1900 to 1910 reveals a preoccupation with framing Boyd through three dominant themes: her gender, the archaeologist as a romantic figure, and Boyd's American nationality. This article demonstrates how Boyd fashioned her identity within and against popular media stereotypes, illuminating her adept subversion of the heroic (male) archaeologist model. Through her artful counternarratives, Boyd downplayed her role as an exceptional woman and emphasized fieldwork as a collective, scientific endeavor, underscoring the significance of Gournia as a Minoan town (not a palace). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Education / Revue Canadienne de l'Éducation is the property of Canadian Society for the Study of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The interest in the Turin Papyrus, which records the names of the kings of ancient Egypt, began with its study by Champollion at the Turin museum in 1924. It was followed by the efforts of other scholars, who recognized its importance as the first papyrus to accurately record the timeline of Egyptian kings since the beginning of the coronation of kings in prehistory, proving that Egypt's civilization was the most ancient worldwide with its system, governance, and administration, in commemoration of the major events that it experienced, and in following up on the lineage and sequence of its kings. However, this importance quickly faded, and the content of the papyrus about those first periods, dating back to 36.620 years before the rule of King "Narmer" BC, was ignored. This is evidenced by most studies on the beginnings of the ancient Egyptian civilization that began with the attempts to unite Egypt, especially in 3000 BC, where the rule of the main king of unity began. This motivated me to explore this theme in an effort to determine the importance of this papyrus and the truth about the beginning of the rule of kings in ancient Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of stone in architecture has been an enduring and timeless tradition throughout history, withstanding the test of time from ancient civilizations to today's architecture. The durability, versatility and aesthetic appeal of stone make it an exceptional material for creating striking architectural designs. Stone has been used for centuries, as an integral part of architecture since ancient times and its importance still holds true in contemporary architecture being a popular building material today. In this context, this study examines the key features of stone that make it such a vital material for architectural design by exploring the advantages and disadvantages of using stone for architecture. The paper examines the role of stone in architecture and explores how contemporary projects have utilized stone in innovative and creative ways also delves into the significance and beauty of stone architecture, highlighting its history, durability and aesthetic appeal. The research methodology includes the analysis of case studies of contemporary projects crafted from stone, examining the design process, materials and techniques used. The case studies analyzed in this paper demonstrate the versatility of stone in contemporary architecture. The projects showcase how stone can be used in innovative ways, including the creation of sculptural forms, the incorporation of technology and the utilization of sustainable materials. The paper argues that stone's timeless qualities, durability and versatility make it an ideal material for contemporary architecture, particularly in achieving sustainability and aesthetic appeal. The study concludes that the use of stone in architecture remains crucial in creating robust, sustainable and attractive structures that stand the test of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesoamerica is culturally rich in diverse aspects, such as nature, sociology, and archeology. Several neurosurgical techniques were described during the Pre-Hispanic era. In Mexico, various cultures, such as the Aztec, Mixtec, Zapotec, Mayan, Tlatilcan, and Tarahumara, developed surgical procedures using different tools to perform cranial and probably brain interventions. Trepanations, trephines, and craniectomies are different concepts utilized to describe skull operations, which were conducted to treat traumatic, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric diseases, and as a prominent form of ritual practice. More than 40 skulls have been rescued and studied in this region. In addition to written medical sources, archeological vestiges allow a more profound comprehension of Pre-Columbian brain surgery. The purpose of this study is to present the existing evidence of cranial surgery in Pre-Hispanic Mexican civilizations and their worldwide counterparts, procedures that have contributed to the global neurosurgical armamentarium, and have significantly impacted the medical practice's evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The history of coin and medal minting methods spans millennia, reflecting the advancement of technology and the changing needs of societies. This technical analysis explores the evolution of coin and medal minting techniques, from ancient civilizations to modern industrial processes. By examining the key innovations and methodologies employed throughout history, this study sheds light on the fascinating journey of numismatic craftsmanship. The study begins by delving into the earliest forms of coin and medal production, highlighting the techniques used by ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Chinese. It explores the manual methods of hand-striking coins and casting medals, shedding light on the intricacies of engraving and die-making. As we progress through history, this analysis identifies pivotal developments. The transition from manual labor to mechanized minting processes revolutionized the precision and efficiency of coin production. Furthermore, this analysis investigates the emergence of modern coin and medal minting techniques, including the use of computer-aided design (CAD), digital engraving, and advanced metallurgical processes. These innovations have allowed for greater intricacy in design, increased durability, and enhanced security features, meeting the demands of contemporary economies and collectors. Additionally, the study addresses the environmental and ethical concerns associated with coin and medal production, including the use of sustainable materials and responsible sourcing. The evolution of minting methods also includes the development of eco-friendly practices to minimize the environmental impact of coin and medal production. Ultimately, this technical analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of coin and medal minting methods, demonstrating the intricate balance between tradition and innovation. By understanding this evolution, we gain insights into the cultural, technological, and economic shifts that have shaped the world of numismatics, offering valuable perspectives for collectors, historians, and scholars alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The security of information has been a significant part of human civilization since the ancient era. In the information society, the protection of information becomes increasingly crucial for humankind, and new technologies are progressing in an unending stream. Cryptography is one of the greatest methods intended for protecting the transmission of messages and the security of data. For instance, digital commerce, electronic telecommunications such as mobile phone networks, sending personal emails, commercial transactions, paying television, the security of bank cards, cryptocurrency, etc affect many areas of our everyday lives. Cryptography enables secrecy and protection for secret information by concealing it. It is made through a mathematical method. In this study, we built a new mathematical technique for cryptography in which we applied the Laplace transform (L-Transform) for the Mittag-Leffler function (or E-function) to plain text for encryption and the correspondent inverse L-Transform related to the E-function for decryption. Eventually, we use the Monobit test and correlation test for measuring the security level of encryption and the Python programming language for easily attaining cipher text, the original message, and computations of statistical tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the classicisms of the influential Jamaican writer, Claude McKay. Taking as paradigmatic an allusion to the myth of Laocoön in Banjo , it analyses McKay's troubling of the classical notion of translatio imperii et studii throughout his work. Consistently rejecting imperium , McKay nevertheless embraced classical studium as a potential source of racial uplift and new creative expression. He resists both hegemonic Euro-American classicisms which appropriated Greco-Roman antiquity to authorize their imperial projects and simplistic Afrocentric classicisms which relocated imperial fantasies in Egypt and Ethiopia. However, McKay still admired the cultural legacies of Greco-Roman and African ancient civilizations. Freely and selectively enlisting these various, often-contradictory, classical traditions, McKay's vagabond classicisms attacked empire, in all its forms, while reaffirming the aesthetic and social potential of decolonized and heterogeneous antiquities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the geographical area historically known as "Persia" has never been properly a "fertile land", water shortage did not represent a problem for the diverse and multiple populations that inhabited the Iranian Plateau throughout millennia. The ancient Persian civilization could flourish thanks to sophisticated water knowledge and water management strategies that allowed it to become the dominating culture of the vast Persian Empire, which by the year 500 BC, extended from the borders of India to the western coasts of Minor Asia and the Caucasus. Even after the fall of the empire, the successive populations could live in arid areas thanks to an ancient system of water provision and management called "Qanat". Qanats not only provided water from an underneath water spring to desert lands and remote areas of the region; they also reflected a specific "water cultural system" based on sharing and managing water as a common good. The paper will discuss how water shortage in present day Iran is, on the one hand, related to a progressive abandonment of the Qanats system, substituted by the use of modern irrigation systems, the privatization of water and the progressive abandonment of the common. On the other hand, this abandonment is related with dramatic cultural change and weakening of community identity, impacting the sustainability of human life in the Iranian Plateau's arid areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of management scholarship in Africa and the increasing role of history in management and organization (MO) education across the globe necessitate examination of historical events that inform MO in Africa. In this paper, I trace the historical trajectory of MO education from the traditional era, wherein ancient civilizations, empires, and kingdoms rife with commerce, education, and epistemologies were displaced, during the modern era, by colonialism and European domination, which contributed to the adoption and focus on Western education (management practice and knowledge systems). In the post-modern era, I propose reconfiguration of MO education based on greater societal embeddedness and a circular structure--integration of formal, nonformal, and informal education--consistent with the traditional principles and values of Africa on business conduct and education. I contend that the knowledge arising fromthe reconfiguration ismore likely to be relevant and meaningful to themultiple constituents of Africa. It will also enable MO scholarship in the future to help rebalance the extant epistemic tilt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the historical significance of the cross as a symbol of power and domination in ancient civilizations, particularly by the Romans. Topics discussed include the cultural impact of crucifixion in ancient civilizations, the symbolic transformation initiated by Jesus, and the theological reinterpretation of suffering as a virtue.

Ancient languages preserve the cultures and histories of the past. However, their study is fraught with difficulties, and experts must tackle a range of challenging text-based tasks, from deciphering lost languages to restoring damaged inscriptions, to determining the authorship of works of literature. Technological aids have long supported the study of ancient texts, but in recent years advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning have enabled analyses on a scale and in a detail that are reshaping the field of humanities, similarly to how microscopes and telescopes have contributed to the realm of science. This article aims to provide a comprehensive survey of published research using machine learning for the study of ancient texts written in any language, script, and medium, spanning over three and a half millennia of civilizations around the ancient world. To analyze the relevant literature, we introduce a taxonomy of tasks inspired by the steps involved in the study of ancient documents: digitization, restoration, attribution, linguistic analysis, textual criticism, translation, and decipherment. This work offers three major contributions: first, mapping the interdisciplinary field carved out by the synergy between the humanities and machine learning; second, highlighting how active collaboration between specialists from both fields is key to producing impactful and compelling scholarship; third, highlighting promising directions for future work in this field. Thus, this work promotes and supports the continued collaborative impetus between the humanities and machine learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature on the fall of civilizations spans from the archaeology of early state societies to the history of the 20th century. Explanations for the fall of civilizations abound, from general extrinsic causes (drought, warfare) to general intrinsic causes (intergroup competition, socioeconomic inequality, collapse of trade networks) and combinations of these, to case-specific explanations for the specific demise of early state societies. Here, we focus on ancient civilizations, which archaeologists typically define by a set of characteristics including hierarchical organization, standardization of specialized knowledge, occupation and technologies, and hierarchical exchange networks and settlements. We take a general approach, with a model suggesting that state societies arise and dissolve through the same processes of innovation. Drawing on the field of cumulative cultural evolution, we demonstrate a model that replicates the essence of a civilization's rise and fall, in which agents at various scales—individuals, households, specialist communities, polities—copy each other in an unbiased manner but with varying degrees of institutional memory, invention rate, and propensity to copy locally versus globally. The results, which produce an increasingly extreme hierarchy of success among agents, suggest that civilizations become increasingly vulnerable to even small increases in propensity to copy locally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Logos: A Journal, of Religion, Philosophy Comparative Cultural Studies & Art (08687692) is the property of Logos and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)