Hasil untuk "History of Central Europe"

Ramiz Abbaszada

The book analyses the processes of whiteness, racialisation and nation-building in Central and Eastern Europe in relation to the global history of colonialism, offering a perspective that questions the region’s claim to racial innocence. The authors bring together a wide range of case studies to question the widespread belief that Central and Eastern Europe was excluded from global racial dynamics because of its limited direct interaction with colonialism or the transatlantic slave trade. ‘Off White’ demolishes the myth of ‘racial innocence’ that Central and Eastern Europe is outside the global history of race, arguing that this region is at very centre of practices of whiteness and racialization, from nation building processes to the socialist era, from populism to contemporary migration policies. Each

Piotr J. Wróbel

General Lucjan Żeligowski’s dilemmas regarding his national identity reflect the difficult choices faced by millions of people living in the borderlands between Russia and various East-Central European nations over the past several centuries. Born and raised in a Polish-patriotic family in 1865 in the heart of the former Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which was controlled by Tsarist Russia, he joined the Russian Army out of poverty and became almost entirely Russified. Seeking a compromise between his Polish and Russian identities, he became interested in Slavophile ideology. By the end of World War I, his Polish identity had prevailed over his Lithuanian and Russian sentiments, and he contributed to the rebirth of Poland. However, he noticed a distinction between Poles from central Poland and himself, a “Polish” or “Slavic Lithuanian”. He was very critical of Warsaw’s policies towards the regions of the former Grand Duchy of Lithuania and endeavoured to preserve their separate character. In 1939, he escaped from Poland and joined the Polish émigré authorities. In the West, he returned to Pan-Slavic ideology, hoping it would help bridge the Polish-Soviet chasm. Also, his political views shifted. In interwar Poland, he became an agrarian, but he was moving to the left, dreaming of a “People’s Poland”. This allowed him to stay connected with the Soviets during World War II and later to decide on his return to communist-controlled Poland. He had never found peace of mind and paid a steep price for his numerous identity crises. He was not alone; millions traversed similar mental paths, impacting the entire history of Eastern and East Central Europe.

Gábor Gyáni

Eva Jarošová

The paper discusses the sepulchral art produced in 1500–1650 in Bohemia, especially in Prague, analysing the iconography of secular nobles and burghers in the context of early modern funerary sculpture. It explores the changes in funerary iconography, which depended on the deceased’s social status and profession. It also pays special attention to the depiction of women and children on tombstones, which reflected not only aesthetic norms but also religious and social conventions. It shows that tomb sculpture functioned not only as a memorial artefact, but also as a medium for self-presentation and visual communication that provided legitimacy to family claims and reflected contemporary conceptions of virtue, power, and eschatology.

Jonathan Shepard

Mikhail G. Katz

Infinitesimals have seen ups and downs in their tumultuous history. In the 18th century, d'Alembert set the tone by describing infinitesimals as chimeras. Some adversaries of infinitesimals, including Moigno and Connes, picked up on the term. We highlight the work of Cauchy, Noël, Poisson and Riemann. We also chronicle reactions by Moigno, Lamarle and Cantor, and signal the start of a revival with Peano.

Lukas Krupp, Ian O'Connor, Luca Benini et al.

The semiconductor industry is pivotal to Europe's economy, especially within the industrial and automotive sectors. However, Europe faces a significant shortfall in chip design capabilities, marked by a severe skilled labor shortage and lagging contributions in the design value chain segment. This paper explores the role of European universities and academic initiatives in enhancing chip design education and research to address these deficits. We provide a comprehensive overview of current European chip design initiatives, analyze major challenges in recruitment, productivity, technology access, and design enablement, and identify strategic opportunities to strengthen chip design capabilities within academic institutions. Our analysis leads to a series of recommendations that highlight the need for coordinated efforts and strategic investments to overcome these challenges.

Kiwhan Song, Boyuan Chen, Max Simchowitz et al.

Classifier-free guidance (CFG) is a key technique for improving conditional generation in diffusion models, enabling more accurate control while enhancing sample quality. It is natural to extend this technique to video diffusion, which generates video conditioned on a variable number of context frames, collectively referred to as history. However, we find two key challenges to guiding with variable-length history: architectures that only support fixed-size conditioning, and the empirical observation that CFG-style history dropout performs poorly. To address this, we propose the Diffusion Forcing Transformer (DFoT), a video diffusion architecture and theoretically grounded training objective that jointly enable conditioning on a flexible number of history frames. We then introduce History Guidance, a family of guidance methods uniquely enabled by DFoT. We show that its simplest form, vanilla history guidance, already significantly improves video generation quality and temporal consistency. A more advanced method, history guidance across time and frequency further enhances motion dynamics, enables compositional generalization to out-of-distribution history, and can stably roll out extremely long videos. Project website: https://boyuan.space/history-guidance

Emma Antoine, L. Marquer, Bernhard Muigg et al.

Throughout history, humans have relied on wood for constructions, tool production or as an energy source. How and to what extent these human activities have impacted plant abundance and composition over a long-term perspective is, however, not well known. To address this knowledge gap, we combined 44,239 precisely dated tree-ring samples from economically and ecologically important tree species (spruce, fir, pine, oak) from historical buildings, and pollen-based plant cover estimates using the REVEALS model from 169 records for a total of 34 1° × 1° grid cells for Central Europe. Building activity and REVEALS estimates were compared for the entire study region (4-15°E, 46-51°N), and for low (<500 m asl) and mid/high elevations (≥500 m asl) in 100-year time windows over the period 1150-1850. Spruce and oak were more widely used in wooden constructions, amounting to 35 % and 32 %, respectively, compared to pine and fir. Besides wood properties and species abundance, tree diameters of harvested individuals, being similar for all four species, were found to be the most crucial criterion for timber selection throughout the last millennium. Regarding land use changes, from the 1150-1250's onwards, forest cover generally decreased due to deforestation until 1850, especially at lower elevations, resulting in a more heterogeneous landscape. The period 1650-1750 marks a distinct change in the environmental history of Central Europe; increasing agriculture and intense forest management practices were introduced to meet the high demands of an increasing population and intensifying industrialization, causing a decrease in palynological diversity, especially at low elevations. Likely the characteristic vegetation structure and composition of contemporary landscapes originated from that period. We further show that land use has impacted vegetation composition and diversity at an increasing speed leading to a general homogenization of landscapes through time, highlighting the limited environmental benefits of even-aged plantation forestry.

Robert van Leeuwen

The early history of string theory is marked by a shift from strong interaction physics to quantum gravity. The first string models and associated theoretical framework were formulated in the late 1960s and early 1970s in the context of the S-matrix program for the strong interactions. In the mid-1970s, the models were reinterpreted as a potential theory unifying the four fundamental forces. This paper provides a historical analysis of how string theory was developed out of S-matrix physics, aiming to clarify how modern string theory, as a theory detached from experimental data, grew out of an S-matrix program that was strongly dependent upon observable quantities. Surprisingly, the theoretical practice of physicists already turned away from experiment before string theory was recast as a potential unified quantum gravity theory. With the formulation of dual resonance models (the "hadronic string theory"), physicists were able to determine almost all of the models' parameters on the basis of theoretical reasoning. It was this commitment to "non-arbitrariness", i.e., a lack of free parameters in the theory, that initially drove string theorists away from experimental input, and not the practical inaccessibility of experimental data in the context of quantum gravity physics. This is an important observation when assessing the role of experimental data in string theory.

Á. Molnár, L. Demeter, Marianna Biró et al.

The prevailing paradigm about the Quaternary ecological and evolutionary history of Central European ecosystems is that they were repeatedly impoverished by regional extinctions of most species during the glacial periods, followed by massive recolonizations from southern and eastern refugia during interglacial periods. Recent literature partially contradicts this view and provides evidence to re‐evaluate this Postglacial Recolonization Hypothesis and develop an alternative one. We examined the long‐term history of the flora of the Carpathian (Pannonian) Basin by synthesising recent advances in ecological, phylogeographical, palaeoecological and palaeoclimatological research, and analysing the cold tolerance of the native flora of a test area (Hungary, the central part of the Carpathian Basin). We found that (1) many species have likely occurred there continuously since before the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM); (2) most of the present‐day native flora (1404 species, about 80%) can occur in climates as cold as or colder than the LGM (mean annual temperature ≤+3.5°C); and (3) grasslands and forests can be species‐rich under an LGM‐like cold climate. These arguments support an alternative hypothesis, which we call the Flora Continuity Hypothesis. It states that long‐term continuity of much of the flora in the Carpathian Basin is more plausible than regional extinctions during the LGM followed by massive postglacial recolonizations. The long‐term continuity of the region's flora may have fundamental implications not only for understanding local biogeography and ecology (e.g. the temporal scale of processes), but also for conservation strategies focusing on protecting ancient species‐rich ecosystems and local gene pools.

Sára Pálla, E. Kuroli, Eszter Tóth et al.

Amyloid deposits can be the cause of many chronic diseases. Primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis (PLCA) is a chronic dermatologic condition with amyloid deposits in the papillary dermis. The most common types of the keratinocyte-derived form of PLCA include macular (MA), lichen (LA), and biphasic (BA) amyloidosis. The estimated prevalence of PLCA in the Asian population is 0.98/10,000, which is higher than in the European population; thus, epidemiologic data on PLCA in the Caucasian population are limited. We performed a retrospective single-center study analyzing epidemiologic characteristics of a Central European PLCA population. Epidemiologic data regarding age, sex, skin phototype (Fitzpatrick scale I–VI), disease duration, comorbidities, history of atopy, and family history of PLCA were collected. Clinical characteristics, localization of PLCA lesions, applied therapies and treatment outcomes were also analyzed. Dermoscopic characteristics were also evaluated. A total of 41 patients diagnosed with PLCA were included, with 22 presenting with macular, 18 with lichen, and 1 with biphasic amyloidosis. The male/female ratio was 16/25, and mean age at diagnosis was 54.6 ± 15.2 years (range 27–87 years). The mean age at the onset of PLCA was 53 ± 16.1 years (range 19–79 years) in MA, 46.7 ± 18.2 years (range 14–73 years) in LA, and 26 years in BA. The interscapular region in MA and the extensor surface of the lower extremities in LA proved to be localization-related areas. In our center, a wide range of therapeutic options was applied, with the most prescribed being topical corticosteroids in all types of PLCA. We presented a retrospective, monocentric study on the epidemiology of PLCA in the Central European region. By examining the medical data of a significant number of PLCA patients, we compared our epidemiologic data with that of the Asian PLCA population. Due to the rarity of the condition, further randomized controlled trials and guidelines are needed to improve therapeutic outcomes.

A. Yerimpasheva, A. Lipovka, A. Zakirova

The study investigates how gender stereotypes and economic differences influence gender inequality in emerging economies. The research aims to examine gender imbalances in Central Asia (CA) and Central Europe (CE) which share a long socialist history. The objectives of the paper are to collect data on both CA and CE regions and examine relationships between Human Development Index, Global Innovation Index, Gender Inequality Index, and Global Gender Gap. The relevance of actions and initiatives to promote gender equality in regions is emphasized. To consider the problem from the point of view of theory, we did a literature review of sociological, economic, and educational studies on gender and the formation of gender stereotypes using the Web of Science and Scopus databases and the Mendeley and Research Gate social networks. A comparative analysis of quantitative data of secondary information was carried out based on information from the countries of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) and Central Europe (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia). The study uses a quantitative correlation method. Countries with a high gender gap are expected to have lower human development and innovation levels. Central Asian countries have more significant gender gaps and gender inequalities than Central Europe. The value of the study lies in the attempt to recreate the big picture regarding the existing gender gaps in the countries with emerging economies, covering countries of Central Asia and Central Europe. Agencies of countries with emerging economies can use the study results to analyze scenarios and forecasts to develop labor markets and elaborate policies and programs to combat gender inequality.

Evelin Kovács

Az új vidékfejlesztési gyakorlatok kialakulásának fontos alapja az ellátási láncok újra alkotása. A SFSCk (Short Food Supply Chain) arra is alkalmasak, hogy megtörjék a hosszú, összetett ipari láncok rendszerét. Az SFSC-k esetében a termelői fogyasztói kapcsolatok „lerövidülnek” és újra definiálódnak. A szakirodalmi feltárást követően arra a következtetésre jutottam, hogy a rövid ellátási láncok napjainkban egyre nagyobb figyelmet kapnak, hazánkban is egyre több működési forma jelenik meg. A helyi termékek népszerűsítését számos program segítette az utóbbi években. Azt tapasztaltam, hogy a nemzetközi szakirodalom esettanulmány jelleggel mutatja be a REL-ek működését. A tanulmány elsődleges célja az volt, hogy olyan nemzetközi példákat kutassak fel, amelyek összehasonlítási alapot képezhetnek a hazánkban működő, különös tekintettel a Hajdú-Bihar megyei szerveződéseknek. Ezt követően pedig konkrét Hajdú-Bihar megyében működő hálózatokat mutattam be, négy hálózatot sikerült azonosítanom. Végezetül pedig a REL tagok közötti kérdőíves felmérés eredményét taglaltam. Összegezve a válaszadók 80%-a hisz a REL-ek életképességében, gazdaságos működtetésében. A legtöbben az információs technológia fejlesztését jelölték meg, mint fejlesztendő működési terület. A gazdálkodók hajlandóak lennének a termékelőállítás gazdaságossága érdekében erősíteni a közvetlen értékesítést. A termelők 88%-a értékesít helyi, termelői piacokon. Ők alapvetően elégedettek a termelői piac működésével, emellett úgy vélik gazdasági szempontból kielégítő a termelői piacon történő árusítás.

Leonid I. Gurvits

Space Very Long Baseline Interferometry is a radio astronomy technique distinguished by a record-high angular resolution reaching single-digit microseconds of arc. The paper provides a brief account of the history of developments of this technique over the period 1960s-2020s.

Doreen Fraser, Maria Papageorgiou

The formulation of a measurement theory for relativistic quantum field theory (QFT) has recently been an active area of research. In contrast to the asymptotic measurement framework that was enshrined in QED, the new proposals aim to supply a measurement framework for measurements in local spacetime regions. This paper surveys episodes in the history of quantum theory that contemporary researchers have identified as precursors to their own work and discusses how they laid the groundwork for current approaches to local measurement theory for QFT.

N. Petrović, Višeslav Raos, F. Fila

ABSTRACT This article compares the politics of history and positions in the EU of six ruling populist leaders and their parties (Fidesz, PiS, SDS, GERB, ANO and OĽaNO) from Central and Eastern European (CEE) EU member states. Through the comparison of leaders’ biographies and longitudinal analysis of party electoral manifestos an overlap between two types of CEE populism and two types of mnemonic actors in the region is found. Radical right-wing populist parties (Fidesz, PiS and SDS) are more oriented towards national histories, memory wars against ex-communists and critical events for losing or gaining their national sovereignty (mnemonic warriors). Centrist populist parties (GERB, ANO and OĽaNO) largely ignore that kind of narrative and focus on anti-corruption or promises of managing the state more effectively (mnemonic abnegators). Radical right-wing populist parties are also more likely to challenge the Brussels elites by using examples from their national histories. Emphasis on national traumas, anti-communism and their leaders’ vision of politics labelled here as combat tasks politics seems to be contributing to their Euroscepticism. Combat tasks politics, i.e. seeing politics as a constant battle against political enemies, underpins the Eurosceptic narratives of Kaczyński, Orbán and Janša-former dissidents who were politically socialised while challenging militarised communist regimes.

M. Krajcarz, M. Krajcarz, M. Baca et al.

Abstract A recent study from Central Europe has changed our perception of the cat's domestication history. The authors discuss how this has led to the development of an interdisciplinary project combining palaeogenetics, zooarchaeology and radiocarbon dating, with the aim of providing insight into the domestic cat's expansion beyond the Mediterranean.

Vanja Eichberger

Comics feature many topics – Homes or their absence are among those. No famous comic focuses on home only, many bring stories or subplots revealing the artists' view. In this contribution, those views are being analysed and compared, focussing on master narratives within and interpretations of the works. A selection of comics from Belgium and France has been made limiting the research field to two of the most active/innovative markets for comics. Three of the most important comic series are being analysed, covering a time between 1929 and the 1990es: Chlorophylle, Tintin and Sibylline.

Ł. Pospieszny, P. Makarowicz, J. Lewis et al.

Abstract Broomcorn millet is one of the most important plants species in pre-history. It was first domesticated in China and subsequently spread across Eurasia becoming a significant staple crop. For a long time, the arrival of millet into Europe was assumed to have taken place in the Neolithic. However, this has recently been challenged, with new direct radiocarbon measurements on reportedly Neolithic charred millet grains in fact dating to the Middle Bronze Age. To aid in understanding the timing of millet's spread across East-Central Europe in the Bronze Age we present the results of over 120 new paired radiocarbon dates and stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) measurements on human bone collagen from individuals across 33 archaeological sites in Poland and western Ukraine. In doing so we directly assess millet's role in the Bronze Age diets. Our results show a clear increase in bone collagen δ13C values from the middle 15th century BC onwards. This increase is rapid across the whole study area, occurring almost simultaneously with respect to the precision of our radiocarbon dates. Pilot stable isotope data for contemporary animals suggests that they were not foddered with millet and hence it was probably eaten directly by humans. Interestingly, individuals consuming millet appear to be exclusive to geographically upland regions compared to lowland ones. However, not all individuals from upland zone have δ13C values consistent with millet consumption. Based on the stable isotope evidence for upland millet consumption and the well documented evidence for connections between these people and those in the northern Carpathian Basin at this time, we posit that it is through this route, across the Carpathians, that millet was introduced into the region. An increase of its economic importance in Lesser Poland was plausibly caused by a significant growth in human populations.