Ancient Practice Research Articles

Criteria for specifying rocks in facades

The choice of natural rock for cladding building facades is an ancient practice that concerns not only functionality but also architectural aesthetics. Natural rock comes in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns that can add a unique and sophisticated touch to your building. Additionally, it is durable and weather-resistant, making it ideal for external use. The use of natural rock in facades also contributes to sustainability as it is an abundant material in nature and does not require complex manufacturing processes. The methodology adopted is characterized by a qualitative approach, using bibliographic research as the investigative procedure, allowing for an in-depth analysis of the essential topics related to this theme. The overall objective of this work is to provide a contribution to construction professionals, architects, and engineers by offering information and guidance for the use and specification of natural rocks in facades. The study highlighted that understanding the specific characteristics of natural rocks is essential to ensure the longevity, aesthetics, and integrity of facades constructed with ornamental rocks. Finally, it is recommended that the specified material should meet the minimum performance required by ASTM C-615 standards. It is also important to verify if the supplying company has the capacity to meet your needs within the volume and timeframe of each specific project.

Idumi & Heritage Conservation in Kenya

Circumcision is an ancient practice worldwide. This research article seeks to demonstrate that the rite of circumcision among the Tiriki people of Western Kenya goes beyond the surgical procedure. It is a lengthy process marked by ceremonies at various stage. This initial study investigated the origin and symbolic meaning embedded in circumcision (idumi) material culture among the Tiriki. The findings established that idumi material culture originated from the Terik, and symbolism is ascribed to all material culture utilized at every stage in the idumi. The information we gathered can guide policy on heritage conservation in order to promote the rich history of Tiriki people and for cultural tourism. The research article recommends that more study needs to be carried out in order to explain why the Tiriki do not circumcise women while the Terik still do so.

From ethnopharmacology to phyto medical potential of the different parts of mangosteen (Garcinia Mangostana L.)

Garcinia has a long history of medicinal use. Indeed, they are popular in Asia and Africa for their healing properties. All parts of this plant tree are used in folk medicine for many different health affections, including skin infections, wounds, and diarrhea. In this review, we present an overview of G. mangostana, this medicinal plant, which takes an important place in the worldwide pharmacopeia. Consisting of an overview of this plant and contribution to its valorization by various evidence of its medicinal potential both in traditional and conventional medicine showing of the curative capacities of each part of the plant tree. We showed off that, on the one hand, traditional uses of the different plant parts match with laboratory test results, although experiences mostly used isolated molecules or organic extracts. On the other hand, researches also demonstrated interesting new medicinal properties of the plant comparing to the traditional medicinal uses, which are limited to ancient practices. These facts present G. mangostana is a reliable plant for making an improved traditional medicine or an edible source of bioactive molecules extracted in leaf, stem bark, fruit hull, or whole fruit to develop news drugs with low toxicity.

Urupā Tautaiao: Revitalising ancient customs and practices for the modern world

Supported by the Marsden Fund Council from Government funding, managed by Royal Society Te Apārangi, this urupā tautaiao (natural burials) research has an explicit decolonising agenda. It presents a pragmatic opportunity for Māori to re-evaluate, reconnect, and adapt ancient customs and practices for the modern world. The design practice output focus is the restoration of existing graves located in the urupā (burial ground) of the Ngāti Moko, a hapū (subtribe) of the Tapuika tribe that occupy ancestral land in central North Island of New Zealand. In preparation for the gravesite development, a series of hui a hapū (tribal meetings) were held to engage and encourage participation in the research. The tribe drew on the expertise of an ecologist landscape architect and tohunga whakairo (master carver/artist) to transform the graves into a work of art. Surrounded by conventional gravestones, and using only natural materials, the gravesite aspires to capture the beauty of nature embellished with distinctively Māori cultural motifs. Low maintenance native plants are intersected with three pou (traditional carvings) that carry pūrākau (Māori sacred narratives) of life and death.
 
 

Understanding the Function of Folk Media as Popular Culture During the Indian Liberation Fights

Folk media refers to traditional means of information and message dissemination through demonstration of native songs, dance, plays, stories, myths or symbols in a visually appealing and entertaining manner performed in front of local audience aware of the context and the background of performance art. The outreach of modern media was severely limited in pre-independence era with limited and exclusive access to print and electronic media. However, the folk media was ingrained deep into the local culture like a bestowed legacy passed from one generation to next. Local plays (Natak Mandali) were a hot-spot for deliberation and diffusion of ideologies popularising need for armed-struggle or subtle non-cooperation. Songs of valour and courage were sung and dramatised on stage in a hope that people develop resistance and defiance against the ruling monarch. Bahurupiya (Master of disguise) was one of the most ancient folk media practice prevalent during British era and is even practiced in modern times. They (Bahuripyas) were skilled in art of mimicry and imitation and this practice was used by the legendry freedom fighter Azaad. His comrade Bhagat Singh was known to mobilise people through stage and role plays where the bravery of native warriors was praised and celebrated through patriotic poetry and songs. Gandhi took a local folk symbol Charkha and established it as epitome of boycott and non- cooperation and a beacon of self-reliance in an attempt to reduce the country’s economic burden. Historical evidences suggest that such events were quite popular means to mingle with people and prepare them to revolt or disturb the ruling regime. It also helped in development of new materials of resistance through a sort of cascading effect. This study makes an attempt, through extensive literature survey and anecdotal evidence, to investigate the role of folk media during freedom struggle with particular focus on plays/drama, bhajan/kirtan and native symbols centered on the Bengal province (Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal) and how it helped in restoring the native pride and eventually preparing them to stand up and fight against the English.

The effect of Marma therapy in Student’s Elbow i.e., Olecranon Bursitis with special reference to Pain - A Single Case Study

Student's elbow, medically known as olecranon bursitis, is a common condition among students and individuals who frequently rest their elbows on hard surfaces while studying or working. This condition often leads to pain, swelling, and restricted joint movement, affecting daily activities and overall well-being. Traditional treatment approaches typically involve rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. However, complementary, and alternative therapies are gaining recognition for their potential in enhancing pain management and accelerating recovery. This study investigates the application of Marma therapy, an ancient Indian healing practice rooted in Ayurveda, in the management of student's elbow. Marma therapy involves stimulating vital energy points (Marma points) on the body to restore balance and promote healing. Marma therapy's holistic approach aligns well with the principles of integrative medicine, addressing not only the physical aspect of the condition but also the mental and emotional well-being of the individual. This study emphasizes the need for further research, including randomized controlled trials, to establish the effectiveness of Marma therapy in student's elbow. Additionally, practical guidelines for incorporating Marma therapy into conventional treatment plans are discussed. The integration of Marma therapy into clinical practice holds promise for providing students and individuals suffering from student's elbow with a holistic and personalized approach to pain management and rehabilitation. Hence in this study a clinically diagnosed OPD patient of Student’s Elbow is treated with Marma Chikista for 15 days provided considerable relief of pain.

Effect of Marma Chikitsa in the management of Udavarta Yonivyapad (Primary Dysmenorrhea)

Marma Chikitsa is very useful in present era specially in pain management. While describing Sharir Rachna different Acharya has described about Marma and vital regions of the body. Marma Sthan is a confluence on body where two or more structures Mamsa, Sira, Snayu, Asthi or Sandhi. In human body many structures have Prana (Vital Power) these are known as Marma and Pranayatana. These Marma Sthan harmonize the nervous and endocrine system and normalize different pathology in the body through vital power itself, with proper stimulations/manipulation. This technique is known as Marma Chikitsa. Marma Chikitsa is an ancient Indian practice whose purpose is stimulations / manipulation of vital energy (Prana) in the body for enhancing the healing process. Marma’s knowledge helps the clinicians to regulate the flow of Prana through the coarse and subtle bodies in order to restore the patient’s health and serenity. All authorities of Ayurveda have described Udavarta Yoni Vyapad and it’s management. Dysmenorrhea means painful menstruation which can be corelated with Udavarta Yoni Vyapad. It occurs in 50% of post pubescent females. Dysmenorrhea literally means painful menstruation but a more realistic and practical definition includes case of painful menstruation of sufficient magnitude so as to incapacitate day to day activities. Primary Dysmenorrhea refers to menstrual pain without pelvic pathology. Udavarta Yoni Vyapad is characterized by painful menstruation. According to Charak, Rajas is pushed in upward direction by the aggravated Vayu due to obstruction in its normal flow (Anulomana Gati) in Pakwashya.

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and isolation and characterization of a new bioactive compound, 3,4,9-trimethyl-7-propyldecanoic acid from Vitex negundo

Ethnopharmacological relevanceHerbal medicines derived from plant extraction are affordable, more therapeutically effective, and have fewer side effects than contemporary medications. Vitex negundo L. (V. negundo). is a medicinal shrub, which contains numerous phytoconstituents. In ancient medicinal practices, V. negundo was primarily prescribed as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug.Aim of the study: This study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics of crude extracts from V. negundo leaves, including those derived from petroleum ether (P), methanol (M), and aqueous (A) solvents. Additionally, the research seeks to identify the specific bioactive compounds responsible for these observed properties. Materials and methodsThe nitric oxide scavenging study was performed to evaluate the V. negundo crude extract's ability to function as a nitric oxide scavenger. Protein denaturation and proteinase inhibition experiments were employed to study the ability of extracts to suppress proteolysis and inhibit the enzymes that cause tissue injury. The membrane-stabilizing potency of plant extracts were examined through the process of heat-induced hemolysis. The ability of the extracts to neutralize free radicals showed a dose-dependent response, and the aqueous extract exhibited substantially higher activity in both FRAP and DPPH. The GC-MS analysis of V. negundo extracts revealed a vast array of pharmacologically active metabolites. Based on this Bioassay-guided fractionation approach, the optimal extract was selected for the potent molecule isolation and characterization. ResultsThe findings demonstrated that the aqueous extract of V. negundo exhibited markedly superior radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory capabilities compared to the other two extracts. Furthermore, a new molecule, 3,4,9-trimethyl-7-propyldecanoic acid was isolated from this extract, and its chemical structure was successfully determined. ConclusionThis study revealed that the aqueous extract of V. negundo demonstrated notably stronger in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in comparison to the methanol and petroleum ether extracts. The identified active compound, 3,4,9-trimethyl-7-propyldecanoic acid is likely responsible for the extract's free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, conducting both in vitro and in vivo studies is crucial to substantiate the potential of this active constituent for the development of an anti-inflammatory drug derived from V. negundo.

Development of Image Based Model for Basic Standing Yoga Poses that Control Type-2 Diabetes

Yoga is one of the ancient practices originated in India that helps in balancing mind and body of human. For the past few decades it has got wide spread throughout the world. Many are practicing it in the presence of yoga tutor or following some online modes. But improper practice may cause major harm to muscles and ligaments of the human body. There are different asanas proposed in the Patanjali Yoga Sutra that can cure different diseases. This paper, proposes a mathematical model for a set of yoga asanas that can help cure Type -2 Diabetes. A noninvasive analysis has been implemented using Kinect Sensor and LabVIEW software to analyze the performance of the practitioner. The joints are subjected to the flexibility of the practitioner without any overstress.

The contested role of AI ethics boards in smart societies: a step towards improvement based on board composition by sortition

The recent proliferation of AI scandals led private and public organisations to implement new ethics guidelines, introduce AI ethics boards, and list ethical principles. Nevertheless, some of these efforts remained a façade not backed by any substantive action. Such behaviour made the public question the legitimacy of the AI industry and prompted scholars to accuse the sector of ethicswashing, machinewashing, and ethics trivialisation—criticisms that spilt over to institutional AI ethics boards. To counter this widespread issue, contributions in the literature have proposed fixes that do not consider its systemic character and are based on a top-down, expert-centric governance. To fill this gap, we propose to make use of qualified informed lotteries: a two-step model that transposes the documented benefits of the ancient practice of sortition into the selection of AI ethics boards’ members and combines them with the advantages of a stakeholder-driven, participative, and deliberative bottom-up process typical of Citizens’ Assemblies. The model permits increasing the public’s legitimacy and participation in the decision-making process and its deliverables, curbing the industry’s over-influence and lobbying, and diminishing the instrumentalisation of ethics boards. We suggest that this sortition-based approach may provide a sound base for both public and private organisations in smart societies for constructing a decentralised, bottom-up, participative digital democracy.

The Impact of Music on Stress Reduction and Academic Performance of Dental Students.

Background Dental education, one of the most demanding healthcare fields, is linked to higher physical and mental illnesses in students. Stress, which arises when demands surpass an individual's ability to adapt, can lead to disruptions in cognition, mood, and behavior. Due to the intense academic pressure, dental students are susceptible to stress and other mental issues. Music therapy, an ancient practice, is now popular for stress reduction. However, its effect on academic performance is debated. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the impact of music on stress levels and academic performance of dental students. Methods The study included third-year dental students from the College of Dentistry, Komar University of Science and Technology, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. The demographic data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Results The study found that music intervention reduced the perceived stress levels of dental students in the intervention group compared to the baseline but did not reach a significant level. The final stress levels were positively correlated with baseline stress levels but did not correlate with other parameters. No association between sociodemographic variables and the Perceived Stress Scalewas found. The study also found no significant positive or negative effect of music on academic performance. Conclusion The study suggests that music may positively impact stress reduction for dental students during their academic years in dental school. It highlighted the significance of stress-reduction programs in the academic curriculum in lowering dentistry students' stress and, as a result, potentially improving their learning abilities.

Revisiting British Malaya's Era: An Intriguing Historical Legal Analysis of Land Administration and Colonial Forestry

The land and forest administration system in Malaysia faces a complexity bias due to the misinterpretation of rules and legislation, leading to increased disputes. The reliance on British law for matters like land ownership amplifies this issue, and the intricacies of static and dynamic arrangements further compound the complexity. Previously, Malay rural land rights were based on usufructuary principles, but the colonial land alienation policy redefined unalienated land, land reserved for public purposes, and reserved forests as State Land. This study seeks to comprehensively review and analyse legal rules, cases, statutes, and regulations to understand ancient land law practices and the influence of British colonial land law on land administration. Conducted in Peninsular Malaysia, the study focuses on primary documents, cases, and critical analyses from three states: Perak, Penang, and Kelantan. The findings of the study highlight the contentious nature of land rights and autonomy in utilizing natural resources in Malaysia. The country inherits both formal and informal land tenure systems rooted in customary law, making dispute resolution challenging. The principal characteristic of ancient land law is based on a hypothetical model of the ancient customary land tenure system, encompassing different eras, missions, and principles. Significantly, the study reveals a direct and strong connection between colonial land law and current land law practices in the respective states. Additionally, Malaysia's land law has been influenced by Islamic law (Syariah) to some extent and blended with other ancient customary laws before the introduction of Torren in 1897.

Decolonising the archaeology of indigenous artisanal gold mining in Eastern Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT In this paper, I will look at how I utilised archaeological ethnography as a methodology to study ancient and contemporary indigenous gold mining practices in Eastern Zimbabwe. Subsequently, I will present an archaeological field research that I undertook at Nyahokwe and Saungweme sites between 2016 and 2017 and move on to show how material culture recovered was collaboratively interpreted in conversations with contemporary indigenous gold miners. I argue that by using archaeological ethnography as a field methodology that privileges multivocality, this ultimately decolonised archaeology's underlying politics which is protected by expert hegemonic discourses. During the field study at Nyahokwe and Saungweme sites artisanal miners popularly known as makorokozas revealed their localised understanding of crucibles and hammerstones that were recovered during both archaeological excavations and surface collections. Thus, used as decolonised methodology, archaeological ethnography allowed for multiple voices to be embraced in archaeological knowledge production.

Lost in translation: the history of the Ebers Papyrus and Dr. Carl H. von Klein.

While the Ebers Papyrus is understood to be one of the oldest and most complete contemporaneous perspectives on Ancient Egyptian healing practices, nothing has yet been said about the biography of its first English-language translator, Dr. Carl H. von Klein. A German immigrant and surgeon in the American Midwest, von Klein spent twenty-some years meticulously translating and annotating the Papyrus, but ultimately his manuscript was destroyed. In this paper, we examine the societal- and personal-scale forces that thwarted his efforts to transform our understanding of the history of medicine.

UNVEILING KNOWLEDGE HORIZONS: TRACING THE TAPESTRY OF EDUCATIONAL MEDIA IN INDIA

This paper navigates the intricate evolution, profound impact, challenges, and future trajectories of educational media within India's dynamic educational landscape. Framed under the title "Unveiling Knowledge Horizons: Tracing the Tapestry of Educational Media in India," this study begins by delving into the definition and scope of educational media, highlighting its intrinsic significance in the unique Indian context. Throughout the research, the historical evolution of educational media unfolds, encompassing ancient educational practices and their transformation during the British colonial era. The exploration continues to early forms of educational media, including traditional tools and the emergence of audio-visual aids. Subsequently, the paper delves into the radio and television era, shedding light on the pivotal role of these mediums in education outreach. The digital transformation section chronicles the advent of computers, CD-ROMs, and the internet's transformative role in disseminating educational content. The analysis of modern educational media initiatives, such as SWAYAM and the ascendancy of EdTech giants like Byju's and Unacademy, underscores the paradigm shift in learning approaches. Challenges and opportunities presented by digital divides, quality assurance, and teacher training are considered, while innovative approaches like virtual and augmented reality and gamification are explored for their potential to enhance engagement.

Mathematical Modeling of Communicable Diseases with Yoga as Control Strategy

The purpose of this paper is to formulate and analyze the abstract behavior of diseases dynamics. The formulation of the problem in the paper is inspired by ethnographies from different social setting and ancient cultural practices related to human health problems. Many people have been worried for communicable diseases caused by virus due to their complexities and dearth of knowledge. They have been a major cause of morbidity and mortality among humans all over the world. Yoga Sadhak compartment (Y) is added to SIR model. A new SYIR model is developed which contains four governing differential equations to describe the transmission dynamics of these disease. These equations were analyzed. Effectiveness and efficiency of yoga pranayama is calculated. Reproduction number is estimated and sensitivity analysis of parameters used in the model is studied. A distinction is made between infection in naïve susceptible and Yoga Sadhak susceptible individuals. Using the model, association between prevalence of infection and immunity by Yoga Pranayama is analyzed. It is found that Yoga Pranayama induce immunity power in individuals which help to reduce transmission rate of diseases. The model shows that eradication depends on Yoga Pranayama coverage as well as on yoga Pranayama efficacy. This study definitely answers the questions regarding the effectiveness of Yoga Pranayama. Further studies are needed to formulate the model and establish causal relationship between parameters involved in the model.

ADVANCES AND CHALLENGES IN WHEAT GENETICS AND BREEDING FOR GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY

This exploration delves into the pivotal realm of "Advances and Challenges in Wheat Genetics and Breeding for Global Food Security." Tracing the historical perspectives of wheat genetics from ancient agricultural practices to modern breeding programs, the narrative unveils a rich tapestry of human intervention in shaping this staple crop. Recent innovations, including Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS), Genomic Selection (GS), and CRISPR-Cas9, propel wheat genetics into a new era of precision breeding, holding profound implications for global food security. Examining the contributions of wheat genetics and breeding to food security reveals a mosaic of enhanced yield, disease resistance, and climate adaptability. As the world grapples with the intricate challenges posed by a changing climate, the role of wheat in adaptation and resilience takes center stage. However, the journey forward is not devoid of complexities. Ethical considerations in genetic manipulation demand thoughtful navigation, and regional nuances underscore the need for customized approaches to breeding. This abstract encapsulates a multidimensional exploration of wheat genetics and breeding, envisioning a future where scientific advancements converge with ethical considerations to address the evolving demands of global agriculture. In this narrative, the title serves as a compass, guiding the reader through the advances that propel us toward food security and the challenges that necessitate collective wisdom and collaboration on a global scale.

Coin Assemblages in Ancient Burials: Statement of the Problem

Abstract The present work is dedicated to the analysis of possible meanings of monetary offerings in ancient burial practice. It is clear from archaeological data that the placement of money in a grave was not an essential component of the funeral ceremony; therefore, the comparative variety of versions of this ritual is not surprising: the number and value of coins in burials varies rather widely. The author examines several possible situations of monetary offering (one, two, three, or four and more coins) and suggests, with the support of both literary and archaeological data, various interpretations (“Charon’s obol,” “return ticket,” unfixed transportation fee, gifts “just in case,” and an indicator of social status, respectively). The article focuses attention on the most recent find from the Taman Peninsula – a small deposit from the necropolis of Volna I settlement.

Conventional medicines used for kidney protection in Bangladesh: a review

To describe the kidney's response to specific substances, such as dangerous compounds and pharmaceuticals, the term "nephrotoxicity" is employed. When the body is subjected to toxins or medications, nephrotoxicity is among the most prevalent side effects. Numerous medical treatments, including anti-cancer medicines, antibiotics, and some Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), can cause nephrotoxicity. This review discusses a variety of drugs that can preserve the kidneys. The nephroprotective qualities of natural substances, medicinal plants, and dietary components have been examined. Medicinal plant chemicals have a significant role in pharmaceutical research. A wide range of herbs has been shown to have nephroprotective effects. Treatment of renal calculi, prevention of diabetic nephropathy, and reduction in tubular damage were all achieved. Plant-based therapies contain phytochemicals that have nephroprotective properties. Plants with nephroprotective activities have been reported on cisplatin, gentamicin, adriamycin, and urolithiasis, caffeic acid phenethyl ester assists in nephrotoxicity and free radicals radical scavenging activity, which may be utilized to prevent and treat kidney damage. In the end, investigating traditional medicines from Bangladesh that contain kidney-protecting plants is an intriguing new avenue of inquiry that could lead to effective new therapies for renal illnesses. Maintaining kidney health and enhancing the lives of countless people is only possible with further investigation into the beneficial effects of plants on renal function. However, it is crucial to find a middle ground between ancient practices and evidence-based modern medicine, stressing the importance of making educated decisions and following expert guidance to guarantee uncompromised kidney health.

From ancient lime mortar recipes to organic laboratory replicas: Interpreting forced carbonation through 3D microstructural architecture

The characterisation of lime mortars is a relevant task for the conservation of ancient buildings and the correct design of repair materials; among the relevant properties to be studied, the pore structure stand out, which is influenced by the manufacturing processes, receipts and technical expedients and is related to the strength and durability of the mortars. Among other things, the ancient practice of fermenting organic matter in water and adding it to the lime mixture has shown great potential for improving workability and mechanical performance of the building environment. In fact, this practice ensures an internal source of forced carbonation, which in turn determines the precipitation of new mineral phases and the efficient modification of the pore structure. However, a full understanding of the contribution of organically fermented water in lime mortars requires a detailed visual inspection. In this respect, the use of high-resolution synchrotron radiation computed microtomography (SR-μ-CT) proves to be an effective tool for the validation of volumetric data and the three-dimensional representation of studied objects. Under these premises, SR-μ-CT has been used to study different mortars prepared by fermenting various organics in the mixing water. The combination of 3D imaging and traditional physical-mechanical characterisation tests supported the modelling of forced carbonation induced by organically fermented water, suggesting that the different proportions in carbohydrates, fats and proteins of selected organics influence the final pore architecture and mechanical properties of the mixtures since the first phases of carbonation. In particular, carbohydrate-rich organics promote the development of a uniform microstructure and improved mechanical strength, whereas fat-rich organics determine a different and less efficient microstructure due to the low carbonation reactions, the major contribution of larger pores and the lower connectivity between them.