Ancient Method Research Articles

An Old Babylonian Algorithm and Its Modern Applications

In this paper, an ancient Babylonian algorithm for calculating the square root of 2 is unveiled, and the potential link between this primitive technique and an ancient Chinese method is explored. The iteration process is a symmetrical property, whereby the approximate root converges to the exact one through harmonious interactions between two approximate roots. Subsequently, the algorithm is extended in an ingenious manner to solve algebraic equations. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the modified algorithm, a transcendental equation that arises in MEMS systems is considered. Furthermore, the established algorithm is adeptly adapted to handle differential equations and fractal-fractional differential equations. Two illustrative examples are presented for consideration: the first is a nonlinear first-order differential equation, and the second is the renowned Duffing equation. The results demonstrate that this age-old Babylonian approach offers a novel and highly effective method for addressing contemporary problems with remarkable ease, presenting a promising solution to a diverse range of modern challenges.

STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING IMAGERY IN UPPER ELEMENTARY CLASSICAL POETRY

Exploring the teaching strategies of classical poetry imagery in the upper primary language section is an important way to implement the requirements of the language curriculum standards, improve students’ aesthetics, and the need to inherit the excellent traditional culture. the language curriculum standards, improve students’ aesthetics, and the need to inherit the excellent traditional culture. The imagery of ancient poems in the upper primary language is broadly divided into natural imagery, mythological imagery and life imagery. The imagery of ancient poems in the upper primary language is broadly divided into natural imagery, mythological imagery and life imagery, which is characterised by vivid imagery, subjective emotion, connotation and emotion. The imagery of ancient poems in the upper primary language is broadly divided into natural imagery, mythological imagery and life imagery, which is characterised by vivid imagery, subjective emotion, connotative polysemy and successive inheritance. Through the questionnaire survey on the teachers and students of the Through the questionnaire survey on the teachers and students of the teachers and students of the upper primary school teachers and students of ancient poetry imagery teaching actual situation to carry out investigations and analysis, the upper Through the questionnaire survey on the teachers and students of the upper primary school teachers and students of ancient poetry imagery teaching actual situation to carry out investigations and analysis, the upper school imagery teaching in the teaching of perception bias, the preparation of the content of the shallow superficial, a single teaching method, the students learning motivation is insufficient the students learning motivation is insufficient, targeting these problems, the need to change the concept of ancient poetry imagery teaching, optimise the preparation of ancient poetry imagery teaching, and optimise the preparation of ancient poetry imagery teaching. optimise the preparation of ancient poetry imagery teaching, innovative ancient poetry imagery teaching methods.

Non-invasive characterization of the manufacturing process of a Nuragic bronze statuette: a Neutron Imaging study

The Nuragic civilization (Sardinia, Italy, XVIII–VIII Cen. B.C) developed a flourishing bronze metallurgy. The production of Nuragic bronze figurines from Sardinia represents a rich historical archive that provides key information about the iconography, the metal production and casting techniques, and on the development of metallurgy in the Mediterranean basin. Since the question about their manufacturing method remains without definitive answer, the understanding of the Sardinian bronze metallurgy is essential to determine which manufacturing techniques were employed to produce complex bronze artefacts. In the frame of a wider research project relating to Nuragic bronzes, four artefacts, three anthropomorphic statuettes (a warrior, a priestess, and an offering figure), and one miniature of a basket, were made available by Museo Nazionale Preistorico “L. Pigorini” (Roma, IT). In this work we present the results of the analyses conducted on a bronze figurine depicting an iconic type of Nuragic figure: the Priestess. The analysis was performed using White Beam Neutron Tomography (NT) and Bragg Edge Neutron Transmission (BENT) at the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) (Villigen, CH). Neutron techniques are nowadays the only available approach for revealing, non-destructively and with good spatial resolution, the morphological and microstructural properties within the whole volume of solid cast metallic artefacts such as this bronze statuette. This work presents the result of a non-invasive analytical investigation on an archaeological bronze artefact, providing outstanding results: from a quantitative analysis of the composition to an in-depth morphological and microstructural analysis capable of unveiling details on the ancient casting methods of the statuette.

Ancient Painting Inpainting with Regional Attention-Style Transfer and Global Context Perception

Ancient paintings, as a vital component of cultural heritage, encapsulate a profound depth of cultural significance. Over time, they often suffer from different degradation conditions, leading to damage. Existing ancient painting inpainting methods struggle with semantic discontinuities, blurred textures, and details in missing areas. To address these issues, this paper proposes a generative adversarial network (GAN)-based ancient painting inpainting method named RG-GAN. Firstly, to address the inconsistency between the styles of missing and non-missing areas, this paper proposes a Regional Attention-Style Transfer Module (RASTM) to achieve complex style transfer while maintaining the authenticity of the content. Meanwhile, a multi-scale fusion generator (MFG) is proposed to use the multi-scale residual downsampling module to reduce the size of the feature map and effectively extract and integrate the features of different scales. Secondly, a multi-scale fusion mechanism leverages the Multi-scale Cross-layer Perception Module (MCPM) to enhance feature representation of filled areas to solve the semantic incoherence of the missing region of the image. Finally, the Global Context Perception Discriminator (GCPD) is proposed for the deficiencies in capturing detailed information, which enhances the information interaction across dimensions and improves the discriminator’s ability to identify specific spatial areas and extract critical detail information. Experiments on the ancient painting and ancient Huaniao++ datasets demonstrate that our method achieves the highest PSNR values of 34.62 and 23.46 and the lowest LPIPS values of 0.0507 and 0.0938, respectively.

Fever Detection Using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs)

This research paper is a novel fever detection methodology using the image classification technique with Python-based convolutional neural networks. We have developed a non-invasive and efficient method to identify fever by analysing images of the tongue, based on traditional Chinese medicine. Later on, we built a model which gave 92.2% on the test set with labelled data of images of the tongues. This model obtains better performance from more advanced pre-processing techniques, such as normalization and data augmentation. This study indicates that an integration between ancient diagnostic methods and the latest machine learning algorithms may open new horizons in fever diagnosis during medical practices. Finally, the use of this technology in mobile health applications will promote early treatment, reduce complications, and avoid the need for more complicated interventions.

Utilizing Indigenous Flora in East Africa for Breast Cancer Treatment: An Overview

Background: Breast cancer is a significant global health challenge, contributing substantially to cancer- related deaths. Conventional treatment methods, including hormone therapy, chemotherapy, surgical interventions, and radiation, have long been utilized. However, these traditional treatments are often associated with serious side effects and drug resistance, limiting their efficacy. Aim: This review aims to explore the potential of medicinal plants used in breast cancer management in East Africa, focusing on their bioactive compounds and anticancer properties. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to examine the effectiveness of medicinal plants in treating breast cancer across Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Relevant studies published between 2003 and 2023 were identified using keywords related to breast cancer and medicinal plants. The search was performed across multiple databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and Science Direct. Results: Numerous natural compounds found in East African medicinal plants including Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass,) Tabebuia avellanedae, Prunus africana (African Cherry), Euclea divinorum, Berberis holstii, Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha, Curcuma longa (Turmeric), Garcinia mangostana (Mangosteen, Vitis vinifera (Grapevine), Eugenia jambolana (Java Plum), Moringa oleifera (Drumstick Tree), Camellia sinensis (Tea), Glycine max (Soybean), Catharanthus roseus, Madagascar Periwinkle), Rhus vulgaris (Wild Currant) exhibit significant anticancer properties. These compounds have demonstrated the ability to reduce breast cancer aggressiveness, inhibit cancer cell proliferation, and modulate cancer-related pathways. Current research focuses on these natural and dietary compounds to develop more effective strategies for treating breast cancer. Conclusion: The findings suggested that East African medicinal plants hold promise as complementary treatments for breast cancer, offering potential benefits such as affordability, cultural appropriateness, and sustainability. Further research into these plants and their bioactive compounds could revolutionize breast cancer treatment, improving survival rates and addressing the rising incidence of breast cancer-related fatalities. Other: The review underscores the importance of continued research, conservation, and the integration of ancient healing methods to fully harness the potential of East African flora in breast cancer management.

Dyeing with Natural Colorants

This paper explores the use of dyeing with natural dyes in research, as well as a tool for retaining normality of life in crisis situations. Nowadays craftsmanship skills, and especially traditional crafts can double as a research object and a research tool. Dyeing fabrics with natural dyes is a traditional crafts skill which entails a high potential for creativity, and which is still practised in Latvia today. In the past, this skill often became a creative way for retaining the quality of daily life during wars and other crisis situations. Nowadays natural dyeing is not only a means of creative self-expression through traditional crafts, but the process also helps to study the value of colours, through understanding the complexity or simplicity of obtaining a particular colour, as well as the resulting colour palette, etc. The author of this paper has used her dyeing skills in researching various ethnographic sources from the 18th – 20th centuries. Dyeing experiments help to adequately assess descriptions of fabric colours in written sources from various historical periods, and to interpret historical guides about ancient dyeing techniques and methods.

TWO-STEP CONTROLLED FERMENTATION USING NISIN Z-PRODUCING LACTOCOCCUS LACTIS SSP. LACTIS AND SELECTED STRAINS OF THE GENUS LACTIPLANTIBACILLUS SPP.

Spontaneous fermentation of Brassica vegetables is an ancient method that improves the foods' sensory properties, safety, and shelf life. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in studying controlled fermentation with lactic acid bacteria selected based on their technological properties. This study reported the inhibitory activity of a Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis of marine origin and the evolution of a two-step controlled fermentation using the cited strain and two selected Lactiplantibacillus strains. Lc. lactis ssp. lactis was studied by phenotypic and genotypic methods. The inhibitory activity was assayed against common contaminants and pathogens. The strain behaviour in Chinese cabbage and white cabbage fermentation was studied by monitoring the cell count and inhibitory activity against Listeria innocua ATCC 33090. The two-step controlled fermentation of Chinese and white cabbage was conducted using, in the first step, the Lactococcus strain and, in the second step, the two Lactiplantibacillus strains. The evolution of the processes was monitored by cell counts and pH measurements. PCR amplification confirmed the presence of nisin Z gen in the Lc. lactis ssp. lactis strain. The bacteriocin exerted inhibitory activity against Gram-positive related species but not against Gram-negative ones. The results obtained in the controlled fermentation suggested that the combination of the selected strains is compatible and may improve the fermented matrices' safety.

Ancient Painting Inpainting Based on Multi-Layer Feature Enhancement and Frequency Perception

Image inpainting aims to restore the damaged information in images, enhancing their readability and usability. Ancient paintings, as a vital component of traditional art, convey profound cultural and artistic value, yet often suffer from various forms of damage over time. Existing ancient painting inpainting methods are insufficient in extracting deep semantic information, resulting in the loss of high-frequency detail features of the reconstructed image and inconsistency between global and local semantic information. To address these issues, this paper proposes a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN)-based ancient painting inpainting method using multi-layer feature enhancement and frequency perception, named MFGAN. Firstly, we design a Residual Pyramid Encoder (RPE), which fully extracts the deep semantic features of ancient painting images and strengthens the processing of image details by effectively combining the deep feature extraction module and channel attention. Secondly, we propose a Frequency-Aware Mechanism (FAM) to obtain the high-frequency perceptual features by using the frequency attention module, which captures the high-frequency details and texture features of the ancient paintings by increasing the skip connections between the low-frequency and the high-frequency features, and provides more frequency perception information. Thirdly, a Dual Discriminator (DD) is designed to ensure the consistency of semantic information between global and local region images, while reducing the discontinuity and blurring differences at the boundary during image inpainting. Finally, extensive experiments on the proposed ancient painting and Huaniao datasets show that our proposed method outperforms competitive image inpainting methods and exhibits robust generalization capabilities.

Root Check: Real-time Plant Health Monitoring and Irrigation Control

Ensuring the stability and profitability of aquatic plants is a critical concern in modern agriculture. This research seeks to develop an intelligent communication system for monitoring plant health. Despite the advanced data visualization and forecasting capabilities of existing technologies, many farmers are not fully utilizing them. Our innovative technology analyzes key factors like temperature and humidity to make informed decisions about water pumping from the generator. System reduces the complexity of managing plant health, converting sensor data into meaningful visuals in platforms like Adafruit Cloud and IoT interfaces. Additionally, the system sends emails to notify farmers about the real time status of the farm. (Saving water and avoiding regular maintenance). Combining ancient farming methods with modern innovations is the goal of the Trans Agriculture technique.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Transmissible Diseases

Herbal medicine, as an ancient traditional medical method, predates the establishment of contemporary healthcare systems within human culture. Globally, several groups develop their own indigenous forms of medicine and corresponding methodologies for treating and enhancing overall well-being. The research presents a comprehensive ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the treatment of transmissible diseases in Katsina State. A random selection technique was employed in conjunction with an open-ended interview guide over the period spanning from October 2022 to June 2023. The demographic information of the respondents was ascertained using Excel 2016. Quantitatively, the documented plants were subjected to analysis based on their Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC). This study identified 26 medicinal plants used in the administration and treatment of various transmissible diseases in the northern Nigerian state of Katsina. Moringa oleifera (28%) is the most frequently reported plant, followed by Olea Europaea (24%) and Azadirachta indica (20%). Leaves were the most frequently used part of the plants (69%), common method of preparation is decoction (65%). As their popularity and recognition expanded throughout the world, plants with medical potential remain the sole hope for the future. According to the current study, people of Katsina citizens had a solid awareness of the medicinal plant. Even with the progress of contemporary medicine, the people in the area still depend on using traditional plants for medical purposes.

Intelligent constellation detection using pattern recognition

The study of constellations and the mechanism for its identification has always been an captivating area in astronomy, from ancient methods like star charts, to modern techniques of computer vision. Along with continuous discoveries of new celestial objects on a regular basis, the study of constellations are getting equal attention in astronomical data analysis. In this paper, we present an intelligent constellation detection algorithm that identifies the constellation using star patterns in the given image and produces meta-data for it to the end user. That is, for a given a deep sky image, the system effectively detects the stars, produces the orientation and labels the stars and constellations patterns, maintains the database of the images and the detected objects. The system provides a comprehensive user interface for data input and to display the results obtained. The system demonstrated 90% success rate in correctly identifying sources and mapping the constellations. The system also serves as a valuable platform for astronomers studying deep sky images enabling the identification of anomalies in the images such as unidentified objects not cataloged or previously unidentified in constellation images.

Ancient methods & modern memes: using Socratic circles and TikTok within classes to democratise your teaching

Democratic education remains a contentious and much strived for goal within teaching practice. What is most often lacking are the precise tools and techniques that might be combined to make this democratic goal a reality within schools. Considerations of democratic approaches to education within the literature are frequently theoretical, but practically quite limited. Moving from a highly theoretical space to a practical approach ready to be applied within a modern classroom, this paper will explore a confluence of teaching approaches that might make democratic education possible. The techniques, tools and platforms provided for consideration by teachers and lecturers here are grouped around three core themes: accessibility; relevance and efficiency to generate and allow a space that is democratic in nature. The tools for accessibility are: Instructional Video; Assistive technologies; and Generative Artificial Intelligence. Whilst for relevance: YouTube and TikTok are explored. In regards to efficiency: Flipped Learning, Retrieval practice and Method of Loci are discussed. And when honing in on the democratic nature of classroom spaces Socratic circles and a broadly Socratic approach are key. By combining these techniques this paper will propose a highly practical, modern method for producing a democratic classroom, with notes on how teachers might be able to carve out space and thinking to defend their choices and the logic behind combining these techniques to address modern students' needs and requirements.

Y-STR analysis of highly degraded DNA from skeletal remains over 70years old.

The goal of the following study is to clarify whether the skeletal remains over 70years old from missing persons and their alleged relatives shared identical Y-STR loci. Nowadays, advances in ancient DNA extraction techniques and approaches of using multiple different Y-STRs have significantly increased the possibility of obtaining DNA profiles from highly degraded skeletal remains. Given the ages and conditions of the skeletal remains, ancient DNA extraction methods can be used to maximize the probability of DNA recovery. Considering that information about distant relatives is more relevant for long-term missing persons and alleged family members are male, Y-STR loci analysis is considered the most appropriate and informative approach for determining paternal lineage relationship. In this study, Y-STR genotypes obtained from these alleged relatives were identical to each other and to the alleles of missing persons' consensus profiles at more than 22 loci examined, whilst not being found in Y-STR population database from Y-Chromosome STR Haplotype Reference Database. Therefore, Missing Person No.7 and Missing Person No.18 have a patrilineal relationship with reference samples from Family1 and Family2, respectively. In addition, the fact that Y-STR haplotypes obtained from skeletal remains of missing persons and reference samples are not found in the Han Chinese people from East Asian demonstrates its rarity and further supports a paternal lineage relationship amongst them.

The Movement Design of Dolls in the Western Region in the Exhibition Art Life and Stage

Stage art is a combination of stage music, stage art, literature and other art forms, and it is a form of artistic expression that resonates with the audience by conveying certain ideas. With the widespread use of digital economy in many fields of life and the transformation of society, the border between stage art and life is gradually blurred, and the art form has become multi-dimensional and diversified, and everyone is in the art, enjoying the charm of art itself. Where, the design of the movement of dolls on stage has a more important role, this paper on the exhibition of art life and stage art, and combined with the actual case study to illustrate the effectiveness of this paper on the design of the movement of dolls. The experimental results show that the western region ancient style puppet action design method in this paper has a significant effect on improving the performance ability of the art stage, and brings a variety of inspiration to the puppet action design.

Scientific connotation of temperature control in processing of Chinese medicinal materials based on theory of quality evaluation through morphological identification

Processing of Chinese medicinal materials is an important part in the Chinese medicine heritage, and the temperature control in the processing has a direct impact on the quality and efficacy of traditional Chinese medicines. However, the processing of Chinese medicinal materials has the problems of subjective temperature judgement, determination of the end point based on experience, unclear processing mechanism, unstable quality of products, and inconsistent processing standards. The temperature control in the processing is reflected in the appearance and internal quality of Chinese medicinal materials. The theory of quality evaluation through morphological identification is developed based on the comprehensive evaluation of the shape, color, taste, and components, which is associated with the temperature control in the processing. To solve the problems above, this paper puts forward the following solutions. The first is literature mining. By review of the ancient medical works and pharmaceutical experience, the temperature control in processing and the evolution of processing methods can be revealed. Second, according to the ancient method, the processing principle can be explored, on the basis of which the processing technology can be innovated. Third, the standard operating procedure(SOP) should be established to quantify the fire temperature, providing a theoretical basis for the formulation of Chinese medicinal material processing standards. Moreover, it provides a basis for improving the quality of processed products and increasing the safety and effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicines.

Sourdough starter culture microbiomes influence physical and chemical properties of wheat bread.

Sourdough fermentation is an ancient leavening method that uses wild yeasts to produce carbon dioxide, contributing to bread rise, and bacteria which produce organic acids. Sourdough starter cultures are known to be diverse in terms of the microorganisms they comprise and while specific genera and species of microorganisms have been identified from starters and associated with specific attributes, overarching relationships between sourdough starter culture microbiomes and bread quality are not well understood. The objective of this study was to characterize differences in the physical and chemical properties of breads produced with sourdough starter cultures with unique microbiomes. Sourdough starter cultures (n=20) of known microbial populations were used to produce wheat-based dough and bread, which were analyzed for chemical and physical properties then compared to their microbial populations in order to identify relationships between microbial profiles and dough/bread qualities. All samples were also compared to bread produced only with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast). Significant differences among pH, titratable acidity, loaf volume, crumb firmness, crust color, free amino acids, and organic acids were observed when comparing sourdough breads to the yeast-only control (p≤0.05). Furthermore, bacterial diversity of sourdough starter cultures was correlated with lactic acid and free amino acid in the dough and loaf volume and crumb firmness of baked breads. No significant correlations were found between fungal diversity and measured outcomes. These data demonstrate the importance of considering sourdough starter microbiomes as an ingredient in baked goods and they contribute to quality and safety outcomes in bread production. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Sourdough starter cultures have diverse and dynamic populations of bacteria and yeasts, which contribute to the production of bread products. These populations can influence the physical and chemical properties of sourdough fermentation and final breads. Understanding of the relationship between sourdough starter microbiomes and bread quality parameters can lead to targeted development of sourdough bread products with specific physical and chemical properties.

From generosity to gratitude: Exploring Islamic views on body donation, human dissection, and honoring the gift of life

AbstractHuman dissection is an ancient pedagogical method that is still relevant in modern anatomy curricula. The body procurement process for dissection purposes has undergone significant evolution from the medieval era until now, whereby body donation has become the main source for human bodies in medical education. The appreciation ceremony for body donors is an excellent way to promote a body donation program, whereby both dissection and appreciation ceremonies are effective in inculcating professional behaviors and altruism among medical students. Despite the benefits of dissection and such ceremonies, conflicting ideas about the acceptability of these methods exist among Muslim scholars and students. Hence, this article provides a theological Islamic interpretation of human dissection, body donation, and appreciation ceremonies from four sources of Islamic law—the Qur'an, Hadith, Idjmaa, and Qiyas—to justify Muslims' involvement in the aforementioned. It is important to note that the fundamentals of Islam are submission to the will of the one and only God, Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala (SWT) and recognition of Prophet Muhamad (peace be upon him) as the last messenger of God. Therefore, the actions of a Muslim are strongly based on faith and virtue.

Matruj baby massage oil: an herbal skincare massage oil for healthy growth of baby

Background: Baby massage is an ancient tradition of providing nurturing touch as a way of communicating and bonding with baby. The present research was based on preparation and evaluation of herbal baby massage oil which is FDA approved product named as ‘Matruj Baby Massage oil’. Methods: The Matruj baby massage oil was prepared by ancient ayurvedic method and further evaluated by different parameters. Results: The Matruj baby massage oil was appeared as transparent with intense orange colour and having pleasant odour. It doesn’t cause any irritation on baby’s skin surface. Its pH value is close to healthy baby skin surface. Acid value was found to be 2.24%. Viscosity, saponification value, specific gravity observed 0.01652 Pa.s, 135.76, 1.08662 kg/m3 respectively. Conclusions: Matruj baby massage oil is herbal based product which increases the strength, nourishes body, improves skin texture and accelerates the healthy growth and development of baby. Increased weight gain, reduced pain, enhanced attentiveness, and enhanced immune function.

Immediate Effect of Dry Cupping along side Breathing Exercises on Chest Wall Mobility in a Patient with COPD: A Case Report

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the most prevalent respiratory disorders, caused by the obstruction of the respiratory pathway. It is a progressive disease that worsens with time, but it is treatable. Physiotherapists are widely acknowledged to have a significant role in the care of patients suffering from respiratory disease. They employ a number of tactics targeted at reducing the labour of breathing, enhancing ventilation, promoting function, and providing dyspnoea alleviation. Chest physical therapy may include postural corrections to promote ventilation, secretory retention control, breathing and whole-body exercises to increase strength and function, and the use of adjuncts to improve lung function. Cupping therapy is one of the ancient healing methods. It is used on the skin by creating a negative pressure inside the cup through various devices. Many studies have shown that cupping therapy has promising preventive and therapeutic effects in a variety of pathological conditions, such as high fever due to upper respiratory tract infection, pulmonary dysfunctions in asthmatic children, type 2 diabetes mellitus, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and cardiac arrhythmias, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Here, the authors reported a case of a 74-year-old male patient demonstrating the positive effect of cupping therapy, particularly dry dynamic cupping, along with physical exercise to improve chest expansion or thoracic expansion and improve well-being in a patient suffering from COPD.