Classic Textbook Research Articles

What Drives Commodity Price Variation?

Abstract We investigate the importance of time-varying discount rates for commodity prices using an index based on 23 commodities for the period 1959-2024. We show that in commodities markets, unlike other financial markets, time variation in discount rates plays a much smaller role. Instead, prices forecast cash flows as well as discount rates. A high price for a commodity today, measured as a low percentage net convenience yield, forecasts both a high future convenience yield and a low expected return. For longer horizons, variation in percentage net convenience yields seems mainly driven by net convenience yield growth, making commodities much closer to the classical textbook view of price changes representing news about cash flows.

Cationic Group 13 and 14 Element Clusters.

Anionic and neutral clusters dominate the cluster chemistry of group 13 and 14 elements, many of which have become classic textbook examples of main group element clusters. However, facilitated by the development of unreactive, weakly coordinating anions, the number of known group 13 and 14 cationic cluster compounds has risen rapidly in recent years. Hence, this review aims to give an overview over this research field, which arouses increasing interest owing to the often unusual structures of the cationic clusters, as well as their application in bond activation chemistry. Challenges of the cluster formation are discussed and suitable starting materials are presented, as well as syntheses, structures and the rich follow-up chemistry of (also mixed) group 13 and 14 cluster cations.

“The Way of Family Unification” - a Test of the Philosophical Thoughts on Family Governance in the Jinsi Lu

As a classic textbook of Cheng-Zhu philosophy, the book has a wide range of historical and regional influences. Historically, scholars have mostly focused on “cultivating one’s own body”, but less on “unifying one’s family”. The way of family unification constructed in The Jinsi Lu, with the general objectives of “firstly strictness of one’s own body” and “correct ethics and righteousness”, and with the sub-divisions of “obedience to parents, friendship to brothers, and honour to husband and wife”, still has a vivid vitality in today’s world. It is still alive and well today. At a time when family problems are becoming more and more prominent, the interpretation and promotion of the “way of unifying the family” in the outstanding traditional culture can help promote the harmonious and healthy development of society.

Evaluation of Acute and Sub-acute Toxicity Analysis of Root Powder of <i>Pygmaeopremna herbacea</i> (Roxb.) Moldenke

Background: Root powder of Pygmaeopremna herbacea (Roxb.) In traditional medicine, Moldenke, the Verbenaceae family, is widely used for managing respiratory-related disorders like bronchial asthma and pneumonia. Aim: This study aimed to assess the acute and subacute toxicity of the root powder of P. herbacea. The drug powder was prepared according to the standard traditional classical textbook. Methods: Sub-acute and acute toxicity were evaluated using WHO standards in Wistar albino rats and Swiss albino mice, respectively. The animals were administered 2000 mg/kg of the test drug in the acute toxicity trial, and for up to 14 days, any toxic symptoms and death were monitored. The test drug was administered to the animals for up to 28 days at dosages of 200, 100, and 50 mg/kg/BW/p.o./day in a sub-acute toxicity trial, and their morbidity and mortality were evaluated. The study was concluded with the sacrifice of all experimental animals and the completion of the evaluation of all hematological, biochemical, and histopathological assessments. Results: The acute toxicity investigation revealed no potentially dangerous signs of mortality. Animals in the sub-acute toxicity study did not show noteworthy variations in body weight alterations, water and food consumption, or haematological, biochemical, or histopathological features among the experiment and the control groups. Conclusion: According to this study, experimental animals receiving a long-term oral dosage of 200 mg/kg/BW of root powder of P. herbacea did not experience any harmful adverse reactions, stating that the human utilisation of the test drug is safe.

Vacuum energy in the effective field theory of general relativity with a scalar field

A consistency condition of general relativity as an effective field theory in Minkowskian background uniquely fixes the value of the cosmological constant. In two-loop calculations, including the interaction of gravitons with matter fields, it has been shown that this value of the cosmological constant leads to vanishing vacuum energy, under the assumption that the energy-momentum tensor of the gravitational field is given by the pseudotensor of Landau-Lifshitz’s classic textbook. Here, we demonstrate that this result also holds when the self-interaction of a scalar field is taken into account. That is, our two-loop-order calculation suggests that, in an effective field theory of metric and scalar fields, one arrives at a consistent theory with massless gravitons if the cosmological constant is fixed from the condition of vanishing vacuum energy. Vice versa, imposing the consistency condition in Minkowskian background leads to a vanishing vacuum energy. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

A short insight into the traditional paddy and millet varieties used by Kurichya tribes in the Wayanad district of Kerala: An interview with Padma Shri Cheruvayal Raman

Abstract BACKGROUND: Kurichya tribes, inhabitants of the Kannur and Wayanad districts of North Kerala, are well known for their traditional agrarian practices. Rice and millet were an integral part of the diet of these people and were widely cultivated. They grew different varieties of these crops using traditional farming techniques. Many healthy dietary items were also prepared using these native varieties. However, over the years, due to changing socio-economic conditions, the traditional farming practices of Kurichya tribes began to fall, and many of the indigenous seed varieties they cultivated became extinct. To conserve their losing heritage, Cheruvayal Raman, a proud Kurichya farmer, started to collect and propagate the cultivation of these native seeds. He cultivates different millet and paddy varieties and is known as the “Saviour of indigenous seed varieties.” METHODS: A personal interview was conducted with Padma Shri Cheruvayal Raman to gather information about the traditional farming practices, indigenous paddy and millet varieties cultivated and used by the Kurichya tribes of Wayanad, Kerala. Detailed information on the indigenous paddy varieties was collected and compiled. An effort was made to compare these rice varieties with those mentioned in the classical textbooks of Ayurveda. RESULTS: Through insights from the interview, the manuscript highlights traditional farming practices, native seed varieties, and the millet-based healthy diet of Kurichya tribes. Raman has conserved more than 50 native paddy seed varieties with distinct characteristics. The name and characteristics of the few seeds in Cheruvayal Raman’s possession match those mentioned in Ayurvedic textbooks. CONCLUSION: Cheruvayal Raman represents one of the last generations of Kurichya tribes with knowledge about these indigenous seed varieties. Research focusing on retrieving these varieties and scientific documentation exploring their functional properties is required for conserving them from the verge of extinction.

Critical review on physiological aspects of Samana Vata

Background: Samana Vata which is located near the seat of Agni and it have role in digestion as well as in the assimilation of ingested food. Anna Grahana, Pachana, Vivechana and Munchan are the functions of Samana Vata. The physiological functions of Samana Vata can be correlated with enteric nervous system which is known as the second brain, and parasympathetic and sympathetic supply of autonomic nervous system. ENS functions by maintaining the enteric homeostasis and also act as modulator in gut barrier functions. After the food reaches stomach, several digestive juice acts on it. Gastric juice, pancreatic juice, all contains important digestive enzymes and act on food. Secretion of this enzyme is mostly under the control of intrinsic and extrinsic enteric nervous system. Aims and Objective: To critically analyse the concept of Samana Vata and find out the correlation with modern physiology. Materials and Methods: Literature review was referred from different classical text books and relevant modern textbooks, articles, data bases like google scholar, pubmed. Conclusion: Samana Vata chiefly locates in the middle part of body. It is primarily responsible for stimulation of Agni and leads to digestion, absorption, separation of essence and waste material. Function of Samana Vata, described by Acharyas can be compared with the physiological function of enteric nervous system. It can be partially correlated with enteric nervous system, sympathetic and parasympathetic supply of autonomic nervous system.

Understanding of Pranavaha Sroto Moola in the purview of modern physiology

Introduction: Pranavaha Srotas are the first Srotas to be enlisted in Charaka Samhita. These channels carry Prana all over the body to all bodily tissues. Pranavaha Srotas has its Moola in Hridaya and Mahasrotas according to Charaka Samhita while Sushuruta Samhita states that Hridaya and Rasavahini Dhamanis as Moola. Moola of Pranavaha Srotas not only denotes the anatomical aspects but also represents the functional entities. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was done on Pranavaha Srotas in Ayurveda and the physiology of respiration according to contemporary science through searching classical texts, textbooks, and online articles from peer-reviewed journals to narrate the Anatomical, Functional/physiological aspects, and Therapeutic aspects of Pranavaha Sroto Moola. Results: Pranavaha Srotas can be considered as a functional unit that consists of the heart, brain, and alimentary canal. Respiratory physiology is directly linked to the circulatory, gastro gastrointestinal systems for the exchange of gases, absorption, transportation, excretion, monitoring, and control of all activities. Conclusion: Pranavaha Srotas is the basic system that works in harmony with all the physiological attributes of the body like circulatory, alimentary, and nervous systems.

Primitives of continuous functions via continuous piecewise linear functions

In classical calculus textbooks, the existence of primitive functions of continuous functions is proved by using Riemann integrals. Recently, Patrik Lundström gave a proof via polynomials, based on the Weierstrass approximation theorem. In this note, it is shown that the proof will be easy by using continuous piecewise linear functions.

A Review on the Concept of Pottali

Introduction: Pottali word were found in classics in different contexts mainly meaning the word for bundling the various herbal drugs in a piece of cloth and to apply for sedation in various diseases. Pottali is a highly potent, concise form of medicament, which depicts maximum potency in low dosage form. The peculiarity of Pottali lies in its typical shape, form and preparatory methods. Thus, reviewing the concept of Pottali is the main objective of this article. Material and Methods: Available literature related to Pottali were searched from available printed form of various text books, journals, web-based search engines source were referred for updated research data. Results: The present article gives a review on concept of different preparatory procedures, types mentioned in various classical textbooks, dosage, and mode of administration and significance of Pottali Kalpana. Pottali Kalpana was invented with a vision for convenience in transportation, administration, dose fixation, preservation and enhancement of properties. Conclusion: More researches and documentation are required to be done for analytical and clinical evaluation of Pottali Kalpana.

Significance of Swarnaprashana in Boosting Immunity

Administration of gold in children is a unique practice mentioned in Ayurveda as “Swarnaprashana” by Acharya Kashyapa thousands of years back. He explained evidently the administration of Swarna (gold) in children for the benefits of improving Medha (intellect), Agni (digestion and metabolism), Bala (physical strength), Ayusha (longevity), Mangalkarka (Increase auspicious circumstances), Punyam (Virtue), Vrushya (Fertility) Grahabadhanashaka or Grahapaham (Protection from piritis & microorganisms) and act as a immuno-modulator. There are various formulations of gold along with herbal drugs explained by different Acharya for prolonged usage in children. The primary sources of Swarnaprashana in children are found in two classical Ayurvedic texts: Jatakarma Samskara (newborn care) and Lehana (supplementary feeding). The age and method of administration, benefits and dosage as per various classical textbooks of Ayurveda are discussed here along with the reports of related scientific studies. Ayurveda recommends only purified and processed form of gold for internal administration.

Review on Chandrakala Rasa - A Kharaliya Rasayana

Rasashastra is a branch of Ayurveda, which deals with formulations prepared with varied origin of drugs like metals, minerals, marine drugs, silicate drugs, etc. The formulations are grouped into four categories namely Kharaliya Yogas, Parpati Yogas, Kupipakwa Yogas and Pottali Yogas. Chandrakala Rasa comes under Kharaliya Rasa category of Rasaushadhis. Chandrakala Rasa is one of the Ayurvedic formulations mentioned under Mutrakricchra (Dysuria), Raktapitta (Bleeding disorders), Daha (Burning sensations), Jwara (Fever), as per different classical textbooks. It is a herbo- mineral formulation indicated in Pitta Vikara (disease caused by vitiation of Pitta dosha) such as Raktapitta (Bleeding disorders), Raktapradara (Menorrhagia), Jwara (Fever), Prameha (Diabetes), Mutrakriccha (Dysuria), etc. Various references of it are mentioned in different classical text books.

The Low soft-photon theorem again

It is shown that contrary to claims of Lebiedowicz et al. (Phys Rev D 105(1):014022, 2022) the formulated in the proper physical variables Low theorem (Low in Phys Rev 110(4):974–977, 1958) for soft photon emission does not require any modification. We also reject the criticism in Lebiedowicz et al. (2022) of the papers (Burnett and Kroll in Phys. Rev. Lett. 20:86–88,1968; Lipatov in Nucl Phys B 307:705–720, 1988). At the same time, we identify some inaccuracies in Burnett and Kroll (1968) in the presentation of the soft-photon theorem for the case of spin-one-half particles. We also point out shortcomings in consideration of the Low theorem in the classic textbooks (Berestetskii et al. in Quantum electrodynamics. Pergamon Press, Oxford, 1982; Lifshitz and Pitaevsky in Relativistic quantum theory, part 2, Fizmatlit, 2002).

Живот, посветен на науката. 100 години от рождението на проф. д.х.н. Елена Киркова

In this article we'll present the life path, the teaching and scientific work of the outstanding Bulgarian scientist in the field of inorganic chemistry Prof. Dr. Elena Kirkova. A brief review of her now classic textbooks on general and inorganic chemistry, her main achievements in the field of crystallization and co-crystallization processes, her contribution to linking education with scientific research and their application in practice is made.

Extended playing techniques as a source of unusual acoustic phenomena to explore with music students

When teaching acoustics, instructors typically consider musical instruments to introduce students to the science of sound. Common examples, such as the flute as an open pipe or the behavior of a string fixed at both ends, are often used to illustrate the acoustics of musical instruments. In addition, when teaching acoustics to advanced musicians, one could take advantage of the precise prior knowledge that students have regarding both conventional and extended playing techniques. When using extended techniques, musicians may incorporate unusual ways of producing sound with their instruments, as is often found in contemporary classical compositions. This unusual sound production might even result in a counterexample to the classical textbook case. For example, the so-called slap-tongue technique on the saxophone or clarinet produces a free (and highly damped) oscillation of the reed, which contrasts with the self-sustained oscillations of the reed if the instrument is blown as usual. Based on insights gathered during an introductory course in musical acoustics at the mdw—University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, this paper highlights how extended techniques not only challenge our understanding of musical acoustics but also serve as interesting phenomena to explore interactively with students in the lecture room.

History of the hip joint pectineofoveal fold.

Although Josias Weitbrecht described the retinacula of the hip joint in his 1742 Syndesmologia, the anatomist Cesare Amantini of Perugia specifically studied the medial retinacula he referred to as the pectineofoveal fold in a late 19th-century monograph. This particular synovial fold stretches from the lesser trochanter to the osteocartilaginous junction of the femoral head along a virtual line connecting the lesser trochanter and the fovea for the ligament of the head. Although mentioned by some anatomists and radiologists, and despite its possible involvement in specific hip joint pathologies (fractures, impingements), it is surprising that Amantini's pectineofoveal fold remains ignored by most anatomy and clinical anatomy books. This study aims to verify if Cesare Amantini effectively drew attention to this synovial fold for the first time and coined the term "pectineofoveal fold," as well as determine whether most classical textbooks (i.e., published from 1890 to 2017) acknowledge the discovery and include it in the description of the hip joint. A possible evolutionary link between this synovial fold and the ambiens and pectineus muscles exists and should be discussed.

A literary review on Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa (Medical Astrology): A unique management in Ayurveda

The holistic approach of treatment in Ayurveda includes, Yuktivyapashraya Chikitsa, Satvavajaya Chikitsa and Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa. Only the first two are in regular practice while this spiritual therapy i.e., Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa is totally ruled out in this IT world, as it is beyond the purview of reasoning. We have references of Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa in all our classical text books. Homa, Havana, Japa, Tapa, Mani, Mantra, Upavasa, Prayaschitta, Gamana are mentioned in Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa. Daiva is Atma Kruta Karma (i.e., deeds done by one’s own self). It is a philosophical Tatwa, one face for whatever is done in the past or previous Janma. In this present scenario, the chronic, serious diseases are increasing due to bad food style and wrong life style. Thus, cases of Infertility, Cancer, Alzheimer’s are also increasing. For such non-curable diseases, when planetary positions are not supportive for easy cure, using Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa can enhance the quality of life. Especially in infertility, many case study is documented after right rituals are done, couples have conceived, who had failures after trial of both Allopathy and Ayurveda therapies for infertility. So, Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa is a Indriyaateeta (not accessible to sense organs). Thus, it is kept aside by the Ayurveda fraternity and from the research in the field of science. But, it’s now the high time and right time has come to utilize this divine knowledge in guiding and helping the human kind in leading a better-quality life to be healthier and to lead a happy life.

Utility of Shadangapaniya in Various Ailments – A Review

Introduction: Ayurveda has mentioned many Kalpanas, one among them is Paniya Kalpana (medicated drinking water). It comes under Upakalapana (derivative) of Kwatha (process of medicated liquid). It is regarded as the most beneficial and potent because it is very easy to digest and readily absorbed by our bodies. Dosha (one which governs and maintains the health), Dhatu (fundamental tissues that constitute the human body), and Mala (metabolic end products) are the components of Sharira (human body), which is governed by Agni (digestive fire). In a healthy state, Sharira (human body) maintains regular physiological functioning; when it is impaired, Sharira (human body) results in various ailments. Shadangapaniya is a special formulation that controls all the aforementioned aspects. Six herbs, including Musta, Parpataka, Ushira, Chandana, Udichya, and Nagara, make up the Shadangapaniya. Materials and methods: The classic Ayurveda literature, including the Charaka Samhita, Sushrutha Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, and Bhavprakasha Niganthu books of Dravyaguna Vignana, and other Nighantus. Result and Discussion: Shadangapaniya not only acts on Jwara (fever) but also is useful in various conditions and as well as on various systems. For example, we can give in Rakthapitta (bleeding conditions), Atisara (diarrhea and dysentery), Ati sweda (excessive perspiration), and Trishna (thirst), which will be discussed with references from classical textbooks. Conclusion: Maintaining the equilibrium state of Dosha (one which governs and maintains the health), Dhatu (fundamental tissues that constitute the human body) Mala (metabolic end products), and Agni (digestive fire) is the fundamental goal of all Ayurvedic treatments for ailments. Shadanga Paniya (medicated drinking water made up of six herbs) is a distinctive and popular recipe that preserves the above-mentioned state of equilibrium.

SWARNA PRASHANA SANSKAR - OBSERVATIONAL STUDY IN PEDIATRICS AGE GROUP 0-16 YEARS

Swarna prashana is a metallic medicinal preparation widely used in the Ayurvedic pediatrics practices. Swarna prashana explained under the Kashyapa Samhita. Kashyapa Samhita is one of the most ancient classics of Ayurvedic pediatrics. The main ingredients of Swarna prashanasanskarare Swarna (gold), madhu (honey), and other medhyadravyas like shankhpushpi,vacha, etc. Swarna prashana in children can be mainly implicated in two contexts of ayurveda Lehana (supplementary feeds) and Jatakarmasanskar (newborn care). The age and method of administration, benefits and dosage as per various classical textbooks of ayurveda are discussed here. This case study proposes that the benefits of Swarna prashansanskar in various domain like physical strength, metabolism, immunity, enhancement of intelligence, digestion, complexion and fertility. Ayurveda recommends Swarna prashana should be in purified and processed form of gold for internal administration. Durations for Swarna prashanasanskar depending upon the desired effect in children. A observational case study of 30 children on swarnaprashana for 6 months done. The dose of Swarna prashanavary according to the age of children.

Literature Review on Sandigata Vata w.s.r to Osteoarthritis in Ayurveda

In the present era, sandhivata is one of the most common diseases affecting a large population. The word Sandhivata is derived from “Sandhi” and “Vata”. When the vitiated vata localizes in sandhi i.e. joint, it is termed classically as sandhigata vata. It is one, among the eighty nanatmaja vata vyadhis. It has been studied in close proximity to Osteoarthritis. Sandhivata most commonly occurs in vridhaavastha due to dhatukshaya. mostly affecting the weight bearing ones. Here, vata afflicted due to nidan sewana, localizes in kha baigunya; sandhi, manifesting pain, swelling and restriction of movement locally. Material and Methods: Review of literature using ayurvedic textbooks, especially bṛihat trai and laghu trai, scientific articles from Pubmed, Google Scholar, databases searched with key words Sandhivaata, Osteoarthritis, Vatavyadhi etc. Articles were selected based on their title and relevance. The reported informations were screened and analyzed for the study. Conclusion: Sadhivata has been addressed as vatavyadhi commonly occurring in old age due to vata vitiation and depletion of body tissues. Various classical textbooks have mentioned sodhana and shamana therapy as well as multiple pathya and apathya which are helpful for preventive and curative aspect of sandigata vata.,The findings showed that with the collective approach of different shodhana procedures, including snehana (internal oleation), svedana (sudation) basti (medicated enema) and mrudu virechana (soft purgation), upanaha, jalauka, agnikarma, avagahana and shamana treatment (pacification) with vatahara, vedanahara dravya , sandhigata vata can be efficiently cured.