Abstract: The aim of this article is to explore particular dynamics of a handful of past articles and book chapters that managed to illuminate contexts within sport that ultimately transcend it in certain ways. John Hughson published five articles/chapters on the Bad Blue Boys ultras that followed a club called Sydney Croatia in Australia’s now defunct National Soccer League. The present author wrote several articles about the MCF (Melbourne Croatia Fans), the ultras of the sister club of Sydney Croatia known as Melbourne Knights (originally Melbourne Croatia). We observe here two groups of young Croatian-Australian men, part of the Diaspora of Croatians that left the country, mostly in the communist era and afterwards, that aim to construct workable hybrid identities for themselves in an Anglo-majority nation on the other side of the globe. They fight on two fronts--against an Anglo, corporate-style administration that effectively bans their clubs for reasons of ethnicity from the new national-league; and against the Serbian youth that often live in the adjacent or nearby suburbs and follow Serbian-origin clubs.

Abstract: The central question of the article is whether the now globally widespread risk of miscommunication about authoritarianism and totalitarianism contributes to the creation of distorted and misleading memories. This 'widespread' information increasingly comes into conflict with 'historical science', which is faced with the difficulty of maintaining a desirable distance from the object of study, especially considering that totalitarianisms and authoritarianisms have undergone transformations over time, while retaining certain ideological cores that oppose liberal democracy. The communication of fascism has undergone continuous evolution, adapting to social, political and cultural transformations. Today, the most insidious risk is that its ideology is spread in the form of distorted, minimised or even romanticised narratives, especially through youth and subcultural channels. The trivialisation of violence, in the Italian Fascist case, the mythologisation of its symbols and historical distortion are powerful tools that allow authoritarian ideologies to infiltrate and sediment themselves in broader social contexts. The communication of fascism, when manipulated or presented under the guise of an ambiguous 'freedom of expression', thus becomes a fertile ground for the spread of intolerance, racism and discrimination. This phenomenon, which also involves cultural forms such as music and language, represents an urgent challenge to our historical memory.

Abstract: Rural culture is the essence of rural tourism[1]. As a critical material carrier for the inheritance and preservation of rural culture, public cultural spaces have emerged in recent years as a new driving force for the development of rural cultural tourism. Against the backdrop of China’s rural cultural tourism development, this study explores the construction of rural public cultural spaces centered on traditional culture, aiming to investigate new mechanisms for their development in the new era. To this end, the study takes Moganshan, China as a case study and employs a literature review, ArcGIS spatial analysis, and questionnaire surveys. By integrating historical literature, spatial distribution data of cultural heritage, and analyses of various groups’ perspectives on constructing rural public cultural spaces, it systematically examines three critical issues in current practices: an insufficient exploration of indigenous traditional culture[2], unreasonable planning and utilization[3], and an imperfect mechanism for public participation[4]. The findings indicate that rural areas in China possess abundant and distinctive conventional cultures, which are vividly reflected in cultural heritage distributed across different regions. Moreover, in the new era, diverse groups have shown great attention to rural culture—not only endorsing the construction of public cultural spaces centered on traditional rural history and culture but also asserting that innovative public cultural spaces can promote the development of rural cultural tourism. Based on these outcomes, the study proposes three new models for constructing rural public cultural spaces: recreational cultural space, cultural heritage space, and cultural creative space, thereby offering fresh perspectives for advancing rural cultural tourism.

Abstract: The protracted Anglophone crisis (2016–present) has severely disrupted education in Northwest Cameroon, disproportionately affecting children with disabilities who face compounded barriers to literacy due to conflict, infrastructural collapse, and societal stigma. This study, conducted between January 2023 and June 2024, examines the role of Digital Assistive Technologies (DATs) in fostering inclusive literacy for these marginalized learners, focusing on Bamenda, Kumbo, Ndop, and Jakiri.Using a human rights-based approach, we employed a mixed-methods design, integrating semi-structured interviews with 42 stakeholders (children, caregivers, teachers, and NGO staff), ethnographic observations in improvised learning spaces, and surveys from 150 households. The study specifically evaluated the usability, accessibility, and impact of DATs, including localized audiobooks in Lamnso and Meta, speech-to-text transcription software, tactile learning applications for visually impaired learners, and offline-capable mobile learning tools tailored for low-connectivity environments.Findings reveal that 78% of caregivers in Bui and Mezam Divisions reported heightened learner engagement due to DATs, which not only improved literacy but also restored agency and dignity among children with disabilities. However, erratic electricity supply, limited educator training, and entrenched cultural stigma toward assistive technologies particularly in rural areas such as Batibo and Fundong hinder widespread adoption.This research enhances the urgency of integrating DAT-focused teacher training into national curricula, expanding rural digital infrastructure, and implementing culturally responsive sensitization programs to counter misconceptions about disability. By situating its analysis within the realities of the Anglophone crisis, this study bridges critical gaps at the intersection of conflict, disability, and technology, offering actionable pathways to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 and the UNCRPD in fragile contexts.

Abstract: In the Spanish Empire, the term mestizo/mestiza denoted overwhelmingly people of so-called “mixed” European and indigenous ancestry, but there existed also some regional adaptations with differing genealogies such as the mestizos de sangley in the Philippines. The article traces some developments of the application and racialization of the term mestizo shortly after the end of the Spanish Empire in the Philippines under US-rule. It will look at photographs which were taken in by Dean Worcester, Secretary of the Interior and his staff in order to apply and develop theories of the biologist racism which in the early twentieth century which was en vogue all over the globe. Worcester and his crew took the photographs during their expeditions and fieldwork and used them to illustrate their hypotheses about racialized taxonomies, adapting and further developing Spanish colonial ideas. I will contrast them with a photograph from a local studio in Mindanao. The photographs stem from the photographic collection of the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum in Cologne, Germany.

Abstract: Purpose. To explore the history of the use and interpretation of the concept of Open Access prior to the launch of the Open Access movement in 1991. Methodology. To achieve this goal, an in-depth search for publications containing the terms "open access to knowledge", "open access to research", "open access to science", "open access", "open access", etc. was carried out using the analytical and search tools NGram Viewer, Google Books, Google Scholar and The General Index. Findings. The results of a Google Books search of publications showed that the term "open access", including its translations into major European languages, in the sense of access to knowledge, including religious knowledge, was not used in the literature of European languages before the 17th century. It is shown that in English-speaking literature one of the first to use the expression "free and open accefs in the Scripture" was Beverley (1683), and the expression "Free and Open Accesf to all thofe Truths" was used by Oldisworth (1711). The latter expression is very close to the essence of the concept of "open access to scientific knowledge" in its modern understanding. It is shown that the term "open access to knowledge" was first used by the English educator William Ellis (1868). Originality. This is the first study on the prehistory of the Open Access movement to scientific knowledge.

Abstract: The paper titled ”Historical and Legal Study on the Methodology of Legal and Judicial Acts Viewed through the Lens of Educational Values” addresses the integration of concepts of law, education, and methodology, exploring how these fields have mutually influenced each other throughout history. This work will focus on the importance of educational values in the legal and judicial process, as well as on how these values can shape and enhance the acts and decisions encountered in the realm of justice.The methodology applied in the development of this paper involves a qualitative analysis of the aforementioned concepts through observation and content analysis, specifically examining the notions of ”legal act”, “judicial act”, and “education”, with the aim of identifying the origins of these concepts and the context in which they emerged and were applied.Likewise, our research has pursued the effects of the connections between law and education, emphasizing the importance of educational values in forming a fair and equitable legal system. By promoting an education that emphasizes human rights, equality, and justice, we can contribute to the evolution and development of the society we all aspire to achieve.

Abstract: The question of the origin of the phrase "publish or perish" was first raised by Eugene Garfield (1925 - 2017) in 1996. The date of the first publication using the phrase is now set at 1928, when the work of the sociologist Clarence Marsh Case (1874-1946) was published, although Isaiah Bowman (1878 – 1950) in 1934 and Robert Speight (1867 – 1949) in 1935 were convinced that the phrase was used by the American geographer William Morris Davis (1850 – 1934) in 1904. We found a German-language work by the Swiss historian Werner Kaegi (1901 - 1979), published in 1973, which noted that the phrase in question was used by the Swiss historian of art and culture Carl Jacob Christoph Burckhardt (1818 - 1897). Taking into account the years of this scholar's life, we moved the upper limit of the phrase's use from the beginning of the 20th century to the end of the 19th century, and also shifted the area of its origin from America to Europe. We shifted the meaning of the phrase "publish or perish" from its positive meaning (unpublished knowledge perishes) to a negative one, when a scientist's career progression depends on the number of publications. It is shown that the change in the meaning of this phrase from a wish for scientists to publish their new results to a dictum elevated to the rank of university policy is associated with the President of Harvard University (1933 - 1953) James Bryant Conant (1893 - 1978). It is proposed to include the approximate date of origin of the "publish or perish" phenomenon in the table of major historical milestones in the progress of open research publishing proposed by J.P. Tennant et al. in 2016. In conclusion, the reflection on the "publish or perish" phenomenon has allowed us to construct a cyclical scheme of the birth and death of knowledge, from oral knowledge to digital and open access knowledge.

Abstract: This research explores the role of women and their contributions to preserving traditional weav-ing in the Najran region of the Arabian Peninsula. Arabian societies were historically known for a variety of crafts such as trade, blacksmithing, weaving, sewing, and tanning, many of which were passed down through generations. These crafts often remained within families, with knowledge carefully guarded to avoid competition from outsiders. Najran is a region rich in cultural diversity, where women actively participate in most cultural activities and public cele-brations. They play a vital role in preserving customs and traditions, as evidenced by their efforts in passing down traditional skills, arts, and knowledge to future generations. This has helped to strengthen the cultural identity of Najran specifically and the broader Arabian region. The research also highlights how traditional weaving contributed to the formation of women’s cooperatives and economic empowerment in Najran’s past. It offers evidence of the exceptional craftsmanship and expertise women brought to this art form and recognizes notable women who excelled in it. The study sheds light on the importance of women’s role in safeguarding traditional weaving, which in turn enhances our understanding of women’s broader contributions to the protection and promotion of cultural heritage at a local level.

Abstract:

The Anglophone crisis in Cameroon, which escalated into widespread conflict in 2016, is emblematic of the country's enduring structural maladies, underpinned by historical, political, socio-economic, and cultural dynamics. At its core, the crisis is a product of historical injustices ; specifically the colonial legacy of divide-and-rule tactics and the subsequent marginalization of the Anglophone population in post-independence governance structures. The failure of successive governments to address the unique needs and grievances of the Anglophone regions has precipitated a deepening sense of alienation. Politically, the centralization of power and the imposition of a unilingual Francophone identity have exacerbated Anglophone demands for autonomy. Socio-economically, systemic inequities in resource distribution and development have fueled resentment, creating a sharp divide between the Anglophone and Francophone regions. Culturally, the marginalization of Anglophone identity and values has compounded the alienation felt by these communities. This essay critically engages with the literature on the conflict, drawing on a multi-disciplinary framework that integrates historical analysis, political theory, and socio-economic critique. It evaluates proposed solutions, examining their practical viability within Cameroon’s complex political context. Ultimately, the essay seeks to offer nuanced, actionable recommendations for conflict resolution, emphasizing the need for structural reforms, equitable governance, and genuine dialogue between all stakeholders.

Abstract:

This study analyzes the award-winning documentary film SEARCHING FOR RODAKIS, directed by Kerem Soyyilmaz, produced in 2023. The aim is the historic comprehension and analysis of this filmic narrative in the field of social-semiotic literacy and its utilization in historical studies for approaching issues of conflict in modern History, otherness, collective experience and trauma, collective memory. The research material is the documentary "Searching for Rodakis" (Produced by: Denmark, Turkey 2023, Screenplay/Director: Kerem Soyyilmaz, Duration: 57'), received the awards: Adana Golden Boll FF 2023 Turkey | Best Documentary, Thessaloniki International Doc. Festival 2023 Greece, Greek Film Festival Los Angeles 2023 USA, Istanbul Documentary Days 2023 Turkey. The historic context: the year of production, 2023, coincides with the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Lausanne, where Turkey's current borders were set and the "population exchange" legally sealed, i.e. the violent expulsion of 400,000 Muslims, citizens of Greece, many of whom spoke only Greek, and 200,000 Orthodox citizens of Turkey, who in the majority spoke Turkish. At the same time, the Treaty (1923) ratified and finalized the expulsion of approximately one million Orthodox who were forced to leave the Ottoman Empire as well as 120,000 Muslims who had fled Greece since the beginning of the Balkan Wars (1912-1913). About two million people emigrated, lost their citizenship and property, in the context of "national homogeneity" that connotes an ethnic cleansing, with the official states ignoring the criticisms of lawyers and academics who spoke of violations of constitutional rights. Mohammedan Greeks, estimated at around 190,000 as early as 1914, based on ecclesiastical statistics in the Pontus region, did not receive attention from the provisions of the Treaty of Lausanne even though linguistically and culturally (origin, customs, culture and traditions) they did not differ in any way from the orthodox Greeks. In Turkey there was general indifference to the thousands of desperate people who arrived, with the exception of a few academics and the Lausanne Exchange Foundation. The filmic scenario: as a Greek tombstone of unknown origin is discovered underneath the floorboards in an old village house in Turkey, an almost forgotten story from the country’s creation unravels; the forced population exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1923. The engraved Greek letters tell of a woman, Chrysoula Rodaki, who died in 1887. Thus the search for her descendants begins: it leads director Kerem Soyyilmaz to local archives, where his own family's role in history is laid bare; to abandoned ghost towns and through the memories of older villagers – all while Soyyilmaz meets massive support for his quest from Greeks on the other side of the border. The stone becomes a portal to the past – and for a while, the trauma becomes redeemed when the previous owners of the village house return. Searching for Rodakis is a movie that reconnects people, culture, and the stories that were discarded in order to build a strong, nationalist state – told through the director's personal experiences. The release also marks the 100-year anniversary of the forced population exchange. Image 1, Poster- https://www.filmy.gr/movies-database/searching-for-rodakis/ The research questions as they arise from the cinematographic material itself, are: How the historical memory of traumatic events of the previous century such as the exchange of populations according the Treaty of Lausanne is recorded in the cinematographic narrative? What are the historical sources? To what extent did the origin, ethnicity, geographical location of the narrators as participants influence the preservation of historical memory and the historical research? What are the criteria of the approach of the creator, what are the criteria of the participants? Methodologically, we apply the historic and the socio-semiotic analysis in the field of the public and digital history. The results: the types of historical sources found in filmic public discourse are the oral narration of testimonies, of experiences and of memories, the director’s historical research in state archives, the material culture objects and the director’s digital research. Thus, historic thematic categories occur, such as a) the specific persons and actions by country in Turkey/Greece, by action as on-site and online research, by type of historical source, as oral testimonies, as research in archives, as objects of material culture. B) Sub-themes such as childhood, localities and kinship also emerge. Discussion: these cinematic recording of biographical, oral narratives as historical and sociological material helps us to understand the political ideologies of the specific period 1919-1923. The multimodal film material is analyzed as testimonies of oral and digital history and it is utilized to approach the historical reality of the "otherness", seeking the dialogue in cross-border history in order to identify differences, but above all the historic and cultural similarities vs the sterile stereotypes. The historic era and the historic geography as Greek and as Turkish national history concern us for research and teaching purposes a hundred years after the Treaty of Lausanne (1923) which set the official borders of the countries.

Abstract:

While Kepler is regarded as a major figure in standard historical accounts of the scientific revolution of early modern Europe, he is typically seen as having one foot in the new scientific culture and one in the old. In some of his work Kepler appears, along with Galileo, to be on a trajectory towards Newton’s celestial mechanics. Besides his advocacy of Copernicus’s heliocentrism, he appeals to physical causes in his explanations of the movements of celestial bodies. But other work expresses a neo-Platonic “metaphysics” or “mysticism”, as most obvious in his self-alignment with the ancient tradition of the “music of the spheres”. Here I problematize this distinction. Kepler’s purported neo-Platonic “metaphysics”, I argue, had been tied to Platonic and neo-Platonic features of the methodology of a tradition of mathematical astronomy that would remain largely untouched by his shift to heliocentrism and that would be essential to his actual scientific practice. Importantly, certain inherited geometric practices—one’s later formalized as “projective geometry”—would carry those “harmonic” structures expressed in the thesis of the music of the spheres.

Abstract:

The mid-20th century heralded a critical epistemological rupture, foregrounding the contestation of Eurocentric paradigms and the emergence of decolonial frameworks in African intellectual discourse. This article interrogates the formative contributions of early Pan-African thought, spanning the 1910s to the 1950s, which constituted the intellectual scaffolding for epistemological decoloniality. Through an incisive critique of colonial knowledge systems, Pan-African thinkers transitioned from passive engagement to an assertive reclamation of epistemic agency. Central to this ideological shift was the reconfiguration of educational paradigms. Visionaries such as Edward Blyden and James Africanus Horton repudiated the erasure of African historical and cultural legacies within colonial pedagogical structures, advocating instead for educational models anchored in African epistemologies. Their endeavors sought to cultivate intellectual self-determination and socio-cultural justice. Simultaneously, scholars like W.E.B. Du Bois and Cheikh Anta Diop interrogated Eurocentric historiographical distortions, rigorously documenting Africa's pre-colonial civilizations to subvert hegemonic narratives and restore historical subjectivity. The intellectual ferment of the Négritude movement further amplified these critiques by valorizing African identity, aesthetics, and heritage, while the deliberative platforms provided by Pan-African congresses facilitated transcontinental solidarity and strategic epistemic resistance. Collectively, early Pan-African thought catalyzed a profound challenge to Eurocentric epistemic dominance, inaugurating a transformative trajectory toward Africa-centered paradigms of knowledge production and equitable global intellectual engagement.

Abstract:

This article examines the evolution of educational policies in Bangladesh through a comprehensive review of key education commissions, including the Qudrat-e-Khuda Commission (1972), the Kazi Zafar Ahmed Report (1978), the Mafizuddin Commission (1988), and the Kabir Chowdhury Commission (2009). Each commission introduced reforms aimed at shaping a secular, nationalistic, and well-rounded education system. The study highlights the major changes in the structure of primary, secondary, and higher education, with a special focus on women's education, vocational training, and technological advancement. It also traces the growing emphasis on moral, social, and digital literacy to prepare students for global challenges. Through content and comparative analysis, this article provides a historical perspective on how these educational reforms have contributed to both individual and national development in Bangladesh. The evolution of educational reforms in Bangladesh, particularly through the lens of various national education commissions established between 1972 and 2009, reveals a multifaceted approach to addressing the challenges faced by the educational sector in the country. Each commission has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape, reflecting the socio-economic and political context of its time. The 1972 Education Commission, for instance, focused on establishing a national education system that would be inclusive and reflective of the newly independent nation’s ideals. This commission laid the groundwork for subsequent reforms aimed at promoting universal primary education and reducing disparities in access. Following this, the 1982 Commission emphasized quality and relevance in education, advocating for a curriculum that aligned with the needs of the country’s economy and society. It introduced vocational training as a means to bridge the gap between education and employment, highlighting the importance of skill development in achieving economic growth. The 1996 Commission shifted focus toward decentralization and community participation, encouraging local involvement in school management and decision-making processes. This approach aimed to enhance accountability and responsiveness to the unique needs of different communities. In the early 2000s, the 2000 Education Commission further advanced the agenda of inclusive education, with a strong emphasis on gender equity and the need to support marginalized groups. It recognized the role of technology in modern education and recommended integrating ICT into the curriculum to prepare students for a globalized world. Finally, the 2009 Commission built upon previous recommendations and emphasized the necessity for ongoing reforms to adapt to changing global trends, including the need for a lifelong learning framework. Overall, the comparative analysis of these commissions highlights a continuous evolution of educational policies in Bangladesh, marked by an increasing recognition of the importance of quality, inclusivity, and relevance in education. It underscores the dynamic interplay between education and national development, as each commission responded to the pressing needs of its time while laying the groundwork for future reforms. This comprehensive examination of educational reforms serves as a crucial foundation for understanding the ongoing challenges and opportunities within the Bangladeshi education system today.

Abstract: At a time when George Gallup described public opinion polls as “just out of their swaddling clothes”, Geoffrey Pyke’s 1939 attempt to gauge what ordinary Germans thought about the Nazis – and the prospect of war with Britain, France and Russia – was unprecedented. Without the support or backing of officials in Whitehall, Pyke concocted an ambitious yet breathtakingly simple scheme to dissuade Germany’s leaders that they lacked the popular support required for war. Pyke set out to recruit German-speaking ‘conversationalists’ who would be willing to visit Germany and record the views of ordinary Germans whilst posing as tourists. Paying close attention to the technical innovations pioneered by Gallup’s American Institute of Public Opinion, Pyke carefully crafted the wording and sequence of the questions his pollsters would ask; and gave considerable thought to the range of respondents required to ensure their views would accurately reflect those of the population as a whole. Recognising that evidencing his survey’s validity would be critical to its utility in the subsequent influence operations he had in mind, Pyke even arranged for five of his ‘conversationalists’ to operate independently in the same city for several days (and unbeknownst to one another) to demonstrate the consistency of their findings. Meanwhile, the suitability of potential pollsters was rigorously assessed by a recent German refugee (Rolfe Rünkel) – who ensured that successful applicants could accurately recall not only the questions (which they were required to slip into the conversations they struck up with ordinary Germans), but also the answers to these questions (which could only to be written down afterwards, and in private). Instructed by Pyke to conform to the popular and affectionate German caricature of the eccentric and comfort-obsessed English tourist abroad, Pyke’s amateur pollsters had an unforeseen advantage over their professional counterparts. The necessity of concealing their true identities and intentions gave them licence to contrive a level of rapport that substantially attenuated any recourse to response bias or the vagaries of self-censorship. Indeed, when sharing their views and opinions with these amiable foreigners, it is clear that Pyke’s instructions had a disarming effect on a good many of the Germans they approached – making them much more willing to share what they actually thought. Although Pyke’s 10 amateur pollsters managed to complete 232 interviews in 14 cities during their first 2 weeks in Germany, the success of the scheme was overtaken by events when – on 21^st August 1939 – they witnessed first-hand the dramatic shift in public opinion that took place when news leaked of the impending Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. Forced to abandon any further survey work, they were lucky to escape home before the outbreak of war 10 days later. Drawing on the detailed accounts provided by David Lampe (1959) and Henry Hemming (2014) – and on archive material held by the University of Cambridge – this presentation assesses the success of Pyke’s unique experiment in covert sentiment analysis and what this might tell us about: the prospects for peace in 1939; and how we might strengthen contemporary approaches to influence operations.

Abstract: Historical maps possess significant theoretical and practical value in fields such as historical geography and urban planning, making them essential tools for studying urban spatial structure. This study explores the evolution of Xi'an's urban spatial structure from the Five Dynasties (909 CE) to the late PRC period (1949 CE), using historical maps and Historical GIS (HGIS) methodologies. By integrating Space Syntax and Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) with data from The Historical Atlas of Xi'an, this research identifies key trends in the city's spatial transformation. Two distinct phases of development were observed: the simpler, centralized structure during the Five Dynasties, Northern Song, and Yuan periods, and a more complex, decentralized structure during the Ming, Qing, and PRC periods. These changes were influenced by a dynamic interplay of political, economic, cultural, and environmental factors, as well as the city's need to adapt to external military threats and internal socio-economic shifts. The study emphasizes the value of HGIS in analyzing urban historical geography and the potential it offers for both understanding past urban dynamics and informing contemporary urban planning and cultural heritage preservation efforts. The findings demonstrate how Xi'an's spatial evolution reflects broader trends in Chinese history and provides insights for future sustainable development.

Abstract: The aim of this article is three-fold: firstly, it is to highlight how the different Bantustans with the focus to Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda, and Ciskei also know as the (TBVC) States secured extra territories. However, these Bantustans remained unrecognized in the international community because of their financial dependence to the apartheid regime. Secondly, the successes and failures of this process are fundamental in understanding the territorial monopolies of the Bantustans and thirdly we will interrogate how the Bantustan residents who were against the process mobilized other residents to reject the proposal and attempts of territorial expansion. Furthermore, this article contributes to the broader Bantustan’s historiography on the intended economic spin-offs with these endeavors. We contend that the above have received little scholarly attention. The methodology of this article draws from an historical approach and utilizes a range of different archival documentary sources, most importantly material housed in South Africa’s national archives and British Commonwealth archives. In conclusion, we argue in this article that these developments of territorial expansion had little benefits for the Bantustans and the extended territories adjacent to them.

Abstract: In the early decades of the 19th century, the deaf population in the eastern US and Canada was distributed across a vast area. After the 1817 founding of the American School for the Deaf (ASD) in Hartford, CT and the subsequent establishment of schools for the deaf in New York City (NYSD), Philadelphia, and many other US states, hundreds of deaf students called these schools home for several years. After leaving school, the early American Deaf community faced a challenge: How would the community maintain its social and linguistic ties across a vast geographical area once community members had dispersed to their hometowns? In this paper we analyze the attendance registries of two large gatherings of deaf individuals in Hartford in the years 1850 and 1854. These were among the largest and earliest known gatherings of deaf adults. The demographic data included in these registries open a window onto the evolving American Deaf community of the mid-19th century. Our analyses of the attendees’ school affiliations, ages, and marital status show that the signing community that had taken root among students at schools in Hartford and New York persisted among the adult graduates of those schools in towns across the northeastern US. We compare the places of residence of ASD and NYSD alumni in 1850 and 1854 to their hometowns when they first enrolled at school. Our comparisons suggest the mid-19th-century signing community had become more urban; it was centered to a greater extent in populous cities such as New York, Boston, and Hartford than had been true when the attendees had enrolled in school. We consider how the geography of deafness in the 19th century might inform our understanding of the sources of regional variation in ASL. We also consider how early cross-regional interactions may have inhibited such regional variation.

Abstract: How many different writers authored the huge number of texts attributed to Galen of Pergamum (129~216 AD), medical doctor and philosopher, a giant in the history of medicine? To find out which texts were his and which ones were written by others is known as the “Galenic Question”. We propose a “solution” to it through a multidisciplinary approach based: (a) on historical research and (b) on a mathematical analysis of the Greek texts. The historical approach has considered historical independent sources and anachronisms. The mathematical approach has been based on a mathematical theory concerning deep–language variables, rarely consciously controlled by any author, therefore capable of giving indications on similarity of texts, with little or no bias. The multidisciplinary approach has convinced us that at least three authors wrote the texts attributed to Galen. The first two very likely were real historical persons: (a) a certain Galen living between the end of the I century BC and the second half of the I century AD; (b) the historical Galen of Pergamum (II–III centuries AD) and (c) several unknown authors hiding under the name Galen, but surely living after Galen of Pergamum’s death.

Abstract: War dominated the royal policies in late Medieval Europe, yet recent historiography has shifted focus to the conflict resolution strategies employed by nonsovereign powers. This essay delves into the escalation of confrontations at sea, distinguishing between legal acts of privateering and criminal acts of piracy. It further compares the conflict mitigation policies of the town ports of Northern Iberia and the duchy of Brittany, highlighting the role of an international arbitration court, the Guild of the Contractation. The analysis concludes that attempts to diminish maritime violence through shortlived bilateral peace agreements were largely unsuccessful, with the more stringent policies of monarchical states taking precedence. Despite this, trade and maritime transport remained crucial for the inhabitants of both regions, who endeavored to surmount the perils of the sea by fostering networks of trust, bolstered by shared institutions for risk management. Nevertheless, these efforts were ultimately eclipsed by the royal policies aimed at extending state jurisdiction over the seas, through the criminalization of certain sea activities, thereby reinforcing the state's control over maritime commerce. The essay underscores the complex interplay between local interests and royal ambitions, illustrating how the latter often subsumed the former in the quest for greater control over maritime resources and trade routes.