Conjoint Action Research Articles

Requesting another to taste: Passing food and the distribution of agency in the organization of bodily trajectories

This paper offers an analysis of the organizational features of passing food objects as a commonplace embodied social practice to accomplish requests to another to taste food during joint cooking activities. Situated within the cognate frameworks of Conversation Analysis and Ethnomethodology, the sequential, multimodal analysis details and explains the formal features of passing food from hand to hand and from hand to mouth as distinct practices with distinct micro-sequential organizations. The study draws on a corpus of 14 hours of video-recordings of naturally occurring joint cooking activities in which the participants speak German, Swedish, and English. Focusing on the projectable aspects of bodily trajectories, the analysis reveals how the request sequences are achieved through the participants’ early projection of how to pass the food objects and their stepwise mutual adjustments to their conjoint action trajectory. In progressively establishing who does what next and how during the food transfer, the participants orient to the relevance and distribution of interactional agency. When the normative organization of the step-by-step transfer is disregarded, an ambiguity emerges concerning what action the practice is doing, which prompts the participants to engage in significant interactional work to re-negotiate on what terms the transfer can resume. This shows how issues of interactional agency are exerted and exhibited in and through the sequential organization of social interaction. The results contribute to, and elaborate, prior findings on requests and advances our understanding for the close attention that participants to interaction pay to the detailed aspects of multimodally formatted actions and the normative expectancies that make up to their intelligibility, reflexively elaborating each other.

Ultrafast magnetization and energy flow in the laser-induced dynamics of transition metal compounds

An electronic theory of the laser-induced ultrafast magnetization dynamics in transition-metal alloys is presented. A many-body model Hamiltonian is considered that incorporates the fundamental electronic hopping, local Coulomb interaction, and spin-orbit coupling (SOC) on the same footing. Exact time propagations are performed on a tetrahedral cluster, from which the time dependencies of the local spin moments, orbital occupations, and single-particle energies of homogeneous systems and binary alloys are obtained. The consequences of inhomogeneities in the laser absorption and in the SOC strengths are investigated giving emphasis to the nature of spin-density transfers between the alloy components. A local perspective on the optically induced spin transfer is proposed in terms of which two main steps emerge: a dominantly local optical excitation followed by hopping-driven spin-density transfers among the different alloy components. The conjoint action of the spin-orbit interactions at the origin of local spin flips and spin-to-orbital angular-momentum transfer and the interatomic hoppings responsible for charge, spin, and energy flows between different sublattices is demonstrated. Transient and steady-state dynamical regimes are identified that result in delays in the onset of the local demagnetizations and in ultrafast redistributions of the spin. The central role of electron delocalization and electronic hopping in the spin-density redistribution and demagnetization of the different alloy components is demonstrated.

Ca2+ imaging of self and other in medial prefrontal cortex during social dominance interactions in a tube test

The study of social dominance interactions between animals offers a window onto the decision-making involved in establishing dominance hierarchies and an opportunity to examine changes in social behavior observed in certain neurogenetic disorders. Competitive social interactions, such as in the widely used tube test, reflect this decision-making. Previous studies have focused on the different patterns of behavior seen in the dominant and submissive animal, neural correlates of effortful behavior believed to mediate the outcome of such encounters, and interbrain correlations of neural activity. Using a rigorous mutual information criterion, we now report that neural responses recorded with endoscopic calcium imaging in the prelimbic zone of the medial prefrontal cortex show unique correlations to specific dominance-related behaviors. Interanimal analyses revealed cell/behavior correlations that are primarily with an animal's own behavior or with the other animal's behavior, or the coincident behavior of both animals (such as pushing by one and resisting by the other). The comparison of unique and coincident cells helps to disentangle cell firing that reflects an animal's own or the other's specific behavior from situations reflecting conjoint action. These correlates point to a more cognitive rather than a solely behavioral dimension of social interactions that needs to be considered in the design of neurobiological studies of social behavior. These could prove useful in studies of disorders affecting social recognition and social engagement, and the treatment of disorders of social interaction.

Influence of Pile-Soil Interaction on Dynamic Properties and Response of Offshore Wind Turbine with Monopile Foundation in Sand Site

In this study, a sophisticated 3D finite element model of NREL 5MW wind turbine (WT) superstructure is developed using Abaqus, which includes necessary functional features, such as rotor rotation, drivetrain, pitch, servo-control, etc. A multi-step validation process has been conducted in order to verify the reliability of the blade, the Rotor-Nacelle Assembly (RNA) and the entire WT model. In the time domain, a software framework of ABA-OWT is developed for the dynamic analysis of offshore wind turbine (OWT) based on the Abaqus WT structure model and FAST submodules. The framework is capable of computing wind loads, wave loads, and servo-control commands in a fully coupled way. The pile-soil interaction (PSI) is modeled by nonlinear p-y, t-z and Q-z springs and the dashpots parallel with them. A typical sandy site is considered, while several identical analyses are performed for both numerical models including fixed base and PSI. After calculating the eigenvalues of the WT structure and analyzing its dynamic response to the combined action of wind and wave, three representative wind-wave load cases are chosen for subsequent seismic response study. The important conclusions are as follows. Firstly, the PSI reduces the natural frequencies of FA1, SS1 and FA2 by about 12% and SS2 by 23.5%. Secondly, under the combined action of wind and wave, the PSI significantly increases the tower-top peak motion responses in normal operating cases, but its influence on the mudline peak internal force responses is almost negligible; For parking cases, the PSI dramatically enlarges the peaks of the tower-top motion responses and the mudline bending moment, and the effect of PSI on the structural peak responses in parking cases is greater than that in normal operating cases. Finally, under the conjoint action of wind, wave and seismic, the PSI increases the tower-top peak motion responses and reduce the mudline peak internal force responses, and because of the aeroelastic effects, the influence of PSI on the structural peak responses in normal operating cases is always the smallest. In a word, the PSI has a remarkable impact on the natural frequency, dynamic response and seismic response of offshore wind turbine (OWT) with monopile foundation, which should be considered in a reasonable way in the practical offshore wind power project.

Whey protein and xylitol complex alleviate type 2 diabetes in C57BL/6 mice by regulating the intestinal microbiota

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disorder that has become a major threat to public health. Epidemiological and experimental studies have suggested that whey protein isolate (WPI) and xylitol (XY) play an important role on T2D. This manuscript hypothesizes the supplementation of whey protein and xylitol complex (WXY) has the hypoglycemic and hyperlipidemia effect of T2D mice induced by the conjoint action of a high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ) by modulating of intestinal microbiota. The mice with diabetes displayed higher levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, total triglycerides, total cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and other serum parameters than the normal mice. Treatment with WXY for 6 weeks significantly modulated the levels of FBG and insulin, improved insulin sensitivity, pancreas impairment and liver function in T2D mice, and the effect was better than that observed with WPI and XY groups. Moreover, supplementation with WXY significantly changed the diversity and composition of the intestinal microbiota in T2D mice and restored the intestinal bacteria associated with T2D (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Lactobacillus). This may be a potential mechanism for alleviating T2D symptoms. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the relative abundances of specific genera (Turicibacter, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Lactobacillus, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, Faecalibaculum and Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002) were correlated with the levels of blood glucose and serum parameters. Therefore, WXY may be considered a promising dietary supplement for T2D treatment in the future.

A scale of absolute hardness based on the conjoint action of other properties

The hardness of an atom is an important atomic parameter. The present work offers an ansatz to compute absolute hardness (η) based on the conjoint action of three periodic properties, namely effective nuclear charge, electronegativity and radii of atoms of 103 elements of the periodic table. The present computation involves a statistical regression analysis. The new hardness values follow all the sine qua non of periodic property and include relativistic effects. Our computed data runs hand in hand with some popular existing hardness scale. Also, Hardness Equalization Principle is satisfactorily established through our computed molecular hardness.

A transactional perspective on the everyday use of technology by people with learning disabilities

ABSTRACT Research points to the potential benefit of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for people with learning disabilities. However, there has been limited exploration of the interconnected nature of people and social context when considering how people with learning disabilities use ICTs. The result has been an overemphasis on (and assumptions of) the skill limitations and individual capacity of people with learning disabilities and their use of ICTs. Using a transactional perspective based on the work of John Dewey, this study aimed to explore the interrelationship of people with learning disabilities, ICTs, and the social world. Using a post-qualitative and theory-driven approach, we employed a transactional perspective (namely the interrelated concepts of embodiment, habit, and growth) to analyse interview data from 10 adult participants with learning disabilities. Our analysis suggested that when people have access and opportunity to co-mingle with technology, the technology can become embodied (feel like a part of them). ICTs were found to become an extension of participants’ bodies, enhancing their literacy, learning, and connection with others. Introducing the concept of conjoint action, we explored how human and nonhuman bodies are enmeshed in the formation of what we typically think of as human habits. Participants developed more-than-human habits of ICT use that they drew from to coordinate with their everyday life, navigating everyday challenges. Yet, in restrictive social contexts (or those influenced by underlying assumptions of the vulnerability of people with learning disabilities), participants were less likely to embody ICTs in the rhythms of everyday life and experience benefits of ICT use. Our findings shed light on the entangled, transactional relationship of people and the social world, and present occupation as the conjoint action of human and nonhuman bodies.

Inhibiting effects of the Ni barrier layer on the growth of porous Cu3Sn in 10-μm microbumps

With the shrinkage of size, porous Cu3Sn has become a new potential threat of the reliability in Cu pillar microbump. The formation of porous Cu3Sn is caused by the decomposition of Cu6Sn5 after Sn atoms in solder depletion. Besides, the stress introduced by the phase transition from η-Cu6Sn5 to η′-Cu6Sn5 will promote the formation of porous Cu3Sn. In this paper, uniform Ф10 µm Cu/Sn and Cu/Ni (~ 0.6 μm)/Sn microbumps have been fabricated by multilayer electrodeposition and the effect of the Ni layer on the growth behavior of porous Cu3Sn was investigated by comparing IMCs’ (Intermetallic Compound) evolution in Cu/Sn and Cu/Ni/Sn bumps aged at 170 °C and 200 °C. The ~ 0.6 μm Ni barrier layer can effectively retard the Cu atoms diffusion, which can hinder IMC from overgrowth. Moreover, the results of X-ray diffraction indicate that the ability of the Ni layer can stabilize Cu6Sn5 phase and weakens the tendency of the porous Cu3Sn formation. Under the conjoint action of retarding the growth of IMC and stabilizing Cu6Sn5 phase, the Ni layer can inhibit the formation of porous Cu3Sn efficaciously.

Carob fruit extract-enriched meat, as preventive and curative treatments, improves gut microbiota and colonic barrier integrity in a late-stage T2DM model

Epidemiological and experimental studies have suggested that dietary fiber and proanthocyanidins play an important role on gut microbiota (GM), colonic integrity and body health. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent disease in which the modifications in the GM and colonic markers stand out. This manuscript hypothesizes the consumption of functional meat enriched in carob fruit extract [CFE; CFE-restructured meat (RM)] ameliorates the dysbiosis and colonic barrier integrity loss in a late-stage T2DM rat model induced by the conjoint action of a high-saturated-fat/high-cholesterol diet (Chol-diet) and a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ) plus a nicotinamide (NAD) injection. Three groups of eight rats were used: (1) D group, a T2DM control group, fed the Chol-diet; (2) ED group, a T2DM preventive strategy group fed the CFE-Chol-diet since the beginning of the study; and (3) DE group, a T2DM curative treatment group, fed the CFE-Chol-diet once the diabetic state was confirmed. The study lasted 8 weeks. Amount and variety of GM, feces short-chain-fatty acids (SCFAs), colonic morphology [crypt depth and density, goblet cells, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) indexes] and tight junctions were evaluated. A global colonic index combining 17 markers (GCindex) was calculated. ED rats displayed higher levels of GM richness, SCFAs production, crypt depth, and goblet cells than the D group. DE group showed lower Enterobacteriaceae abundance and greater TUNEL index and occludin expression in the distal colon than D counterpart. GCindex differentiated the colonic health status of the experimental groups in the order (ED > DE > D; P < 0.001) as a 17–51 range-quotation, ED, DE, and D groups displayed the values 43, 32.5, and 27, respectively. Thus, CFE-RM used as a T2DM preventive therapy could induce higher GM richness, more adequate SCFAs production, and better colonic barrier integrity. Furthermore, CFE-RM used with curative purposes induced more modest changes and mainly at the distal colonic mucosa. Further studies are needed to confirm this study’s results, to ascertain the benefits of consuming proanthocyanidins-rich fiber during different T2DM stages.

CONCEPTUAL STUDY OF INDRIYA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO VAGENDRI-YA - A REVIEW

Sense organs of human body can be undertaken as essential aspects of human life. Our world is alive with stimuli, all the objects and events that surround us. Sensation and perception are the processes that allow us to detect and understand various stimuli. We do not actually experience these stimuli directly, rather, our senses allow us to get information about aspects of our environment, and we then take that information and form a perception of world. Sensation is the processes of receiving stimulus energies from external envi-ronment and transforming those energies into neural energy. Physical energy such as light, sound, heat is detected by physical receptors cells in the sense organs-eyes, ears, skin, nose and tongue. When the recep-tor cells register a stimulus, the energy is converted to an electrochemical impulse or action potential that relays information about stimulus through the nervous system to brain. An action potential is brief wave of electric charge that sweeps down the axon of a neuron for possible transmission to another neuron. When it reaches the brain, the information travels to the appropriate area of cerebral cortex. The brain gives mean-ing to sensation through perception. Perception is the process of organizing and interpreting sensory infor-mation so that it makes sense. Every species is adapted to sense and perceive stimuli that matter to that spe-cies ability to survive in its environment. Ayurved says that Indriyas able to pertain knowledge of Vishayas - Sabda, Sparsa, Rupa, Rasa and Gandha. The production of speech is pertained by the help of Vagendri-ya. Acharya Charak said that knowledge is obtained by conjoint action of Aatma, Indriya, Mana and Vishayas.

Atomic polarizability: A periodic descriptor

Atomic polarizability is an essential theoretical construct to define and correlate many physicochemical properties. It exhibits periodicity and has a relationship with other periodic descriptors. Although a number of scales are available to compute atomic polarizability, the final scale is yet to be designed. In this venture, we have invoked a new empirical approach to compute the atomic polarizability of 103 elements of the periodic table, considering the conjoint action of other periodic descriptors, namely effective nuclear charge (Zeff) and absolute radii (r). The proposed approach is [Formula: see text], where “e” represents the electronic charge, Zeff is the effective nuclear charge, r is the absolute radius, and α is the polarizability. Our computed atomic polarizability follows all sine qua non of the periodicity. Our model significantly exhibits the relativistic effect too. A close agreement between our computed data and other available theoretical and experimental results demonstrates the efficacy of our proposed approach. Furthermore, we have established the polarizability equalization principle in terms of our computed data.

A new scale of atomic static dipole polarizability invoking other periodic descriptors

Knowledge of the nature of a chemical reactivity descriptor holds immense value to theoretical scientists. An appreciable number of works have been carried out in this realm. Polarizability (α) is one amongst such constructs. Fundamentally, it is a linear response of a systems electron cloud to an external applied electric field. The concept of polarizability is being widely adopted in the contemporary world of chemistry; however a suitable scale of measurement of atomic polarizability is still to be designed. In this work, an ansatz to compute atomic static dipole polarizability is proposed considering the conjoint action of absolute radius (r) and electronegativity (χ) for 103 elements of periodic table. We have evaluated the data invoking regression analysis. The computed data mirrors the periodicity remarkably satisfying all the sine qua non of a standard scale of polarizability. It presents an excellent quantitative correlation with ionization energy. Further, molecular polarizability (αm) is determined conceptualizing the property of additivity. A superior correlation between theoretical vis-a-vis existing molecular polarizabilities is observed.

Durability and corrosion studies in prestressed concrete made with blended cement

Corrosion of steel embedded in reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete structures is a global problem. In general, corrosion in reinforced concrete shows some symptoms of failure before any catastrophic failure while, in prestressed concrete, sudden catastrophic failure may occur without any symptoms of failure. This could be due to the conjoint action of stress and corrosion on prestressing wires embedded in concrete. This paper presents the durability and corrosion study on two different grades M40 and M60 concretes and three different brands of cement i.e. one Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and two Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) (PPCs with fly ash content of 25 percent). The prestressed concrete beams in coastal environment were subjected to alternate wetting and drying (3% NaCl solution) and test parameters were measured for one year. Based on the durability and corrosion studies done, it can be concluded that PPC is more durable than OPC in coastal/aggressive environment owing to high resistance to chloride ion penetration in PPC. However, the carbonation test carried out on the prestressed concrete beams after six years indicated that the carbonation depth in PPC is higher than OPC. Therefore, in non-coastal region additional care with respect to concrete grade and concrete cover should be taken in design consideration.

Safe space in the college classroom: contact, dignity, and a kind of publicness

ABSTRACTCurrent discourse about higher education focuses on issues like government funding, student debt, and admissions diversity; however, increasing attention is being paid to issues of speech and politics in the university. Alongside a series of events at several institutions, calls for ‘safe space’ on campus have grown familiar. Yet the appropriateness of such spaces on campus is debated. In this article the notion of safety implied in calls for ‘safe space’ is clarified, and three reasons are suggested for supporting such safety pedagogically. A public reason is proposed, which relies on a normative interpretation of publicness as conjoint action. This substantive version of ‘public’ could be considered when assessing the institution’s publicness, rather than typical elements of the university’s nominal publicness (funding, government oversight, etc.). By embracing and ensuring safe space, universities could become sites of public full participation, thus fostering a re-recognition of higher education as a public good.

Performance measurement systems as generators of cognitive conflict in ambidextrous firms

This study explores the decision-facilitating role of performance measurement systems (PMSs) in firms attempting to translate competence ambidexterity (i.e., the simultaneous pursuit of exploration and exploitation) into innovation ambidexterity outcomes (i.e., the achievement of both radical and incremental innovations). Drawing on paradox and organisational conflict literature, this study emphasises the role of cognitive conflict, generated by PMSs, in shaping the relationships between competence ambidexterity and innovation ambidexterity. Based on survey data from a sample of 90 Irish firms, our findings indicate that competence ambidexterity is associated with (a) the choice to have a balanced set of performance measures, and (b) the use of PMSs for frequent and intensive debate between top managers. Furthermore, the study reveals that these choices are interdependent, as they function as complements in generating cognitive conflict, which in turn drives the realisation of innovation ambidexterity outcomes. The results also show that cognitive conflict is not directly associated with the development of competence ambidexterity, but is instead generated through the conjoint action of a balanced PMS design and the use of PMSs for intensive debate. Overall, this study demonstrates the interdependent nature of choices concerning the design and use of PMSs, and the significant role of PMSs as generators of cognitive conflict in firms attempting to achieve ambidexterity.

Individual and dyadic rope turning as a window into social coordination

The spontaneous and intentional movement coordination between peoples is well understood. Less is known about such interactions when the coordination is subordinate to the task and when the task involves, next to vision, mechanically induced haptic and kinesthetic coupling between dyadic partners. We therefore investigated dyadic jump rope turning. Fifteen dyadic pairs conjointly turned a jump rope to which five markers were equidistantly attached, and whose movements were recorded in 3D. In addition, each participant turned one side of the rope while the other side was quasi-fixed in an individual baseline condition. The participants’ goal was to turn the rope regularly and smoothly. Individual spontaneous turning frequencies differed substantially across participants. Yet, dyadic pairs spontaneously turned the rope at a common frequency, indicative of frequency entrainment. The dyadic rope rotations were less variable despite weaker between near-hand marker coordination than the individual rope rotations, and the degree of performance improvement was most pronounced for participants who were paired with a partner who performed better in the individual condition. The direction and relative strength of the coupling between partners varied substantially across dyads, but the degree of coupling asymmetry had no substantial effect on the rope tuning quality. The absolute degree in which dyadic partners adjusted to each other, however, scaled moderately with their turning performance. Although the individual performances did not predict the dyadic performances, the difference in individual performance between dyadic partners had some predictive value for the dyadic performance. In combination, these results indicate that the partners were functionally adapting to each other in order to satisfy the task goal and suggest that the relative performance differences rather than the individual performances has predictive value for conjoint action.

Corrosion of Ti and Its Alloys Under Aggressive Conditions

Ti and its alloys, for instance Ti-6Al-4V, are generally highly corrosion resistant, due to very stable passivity in various environments. These materials are widely used in biomedical applications for permanent implants, and they have an excellent reputation for biocompatibility. Some problems related to the corrosion resistance of Ti-based implants can be encountered in practical applications, mainly due to the conjoint action of chemical and mechanical attack, i.e. fretting corrosion. This can lead to release and accumulation of Ti (and alloying elements) in tissue adjacent to titanium implants. However, it is also known that depassivation of Ti can take place under deaerated acidic conditions. Even though the typical chemistry in a "bulk" biological environment is pH-neutral (buffered to pH 7.4), under certain conditions more aggressive environments can be present. Local acidification, for instance in crevices, could take place by metal cation hydrolysis reactions, but also by possible inflammation reactions (such as following a surgery). Biological reactions can also generate H2O2, possibly accelerating dissolution of Ti based materials. This presentation will discuss the corrosion behavior of Ti and selected Ti alloys under different conditions, such as in deaerated acidic solutions, simulated biological environments (including slightly acidified and H2O2-containing solutions). Deactivation can take place in deaerated acidic solutions, especially for Al-containing Ti alloys. Electrochemical measurements and metal release studies indicate drastically increased dissolution rates in presence of H2O2. For Ti-6Al-4V alloy, selective phase etching is observed in H2O2-containing solutions.

Corrosion and Surface Modification of Ti-6Al-4V Implant Alloy Under Various Simulated Biological Environments

Ti and its alloys, for instance Ti-6Al-4V, are generally considered as highly corrosion resistant, due to the very stable passivity. These materials are widely used in biomedical applications for permanent implants, and they have an excellent reputation for biocompatibility. Some problems related to the chemical stability of Ti-based implants exist in the practical application, mainly due to the conjoint action of chemical and mechanical attack, i.e. fretting corrosion. This can lead to release and accumulation of Ti in tissue adjacent to titanium implants. However, it is also known that depassivation of Ti can take place under deaerated acidic conditions. Even though the typical chemistry in a "bulk" biological environment is pH-neutral (buffered to pH 7.4), under certain conditions, for instance in crevices, much more aggressive environments can be present. Local acidification is possible not only due to metal cation hydrolysis reactions, but in addition by possible inflammation reactions (such as following a surgery). Inflammation conditions also lead to presence of H2O2 in the surrounding. This is noteworthy in view of corrosion of Ti alloys, as H2O2 is known to complex Ti cations and hence acceleration of dissolution in possible. This presentation will discuss dissolution of the Ti-6Al-4V implant alloy under different simulated biological environments, including simulation of inflammation conditions (pH decrease, presence of H2O2). Electrochemical measurements and metal release indicate drastically increased dissolution rates under simulated inflammation conditions. In addition, selective phase etching is observed. Various surface modification treatments for improved performance are being explored, such as anodization or TiO2 nanoparticle coating. In addition to corrosion studies, bioactivity of the surfaces in view of Ca-phosphate precipitation is being investigated.

Inhibition of airway surface fluid absorption by cholinergic stimulation.

In upper airways airway surface liquid (ASL) depth and clearance rates are both increased by fluid secretion. Secretion is opposed by fluid absorption, mainly via the epithelial sodium channel, ENaC. In static systems, increased fluid depth activates ENaC and decreased depth inhibits it, suggesting that secretion indirectly activates ENaC to reduce ASL depth. We propose an alternate mechanism in which cholinergic input, which causes copious airway gland secretion, also inhibits ENaC-mediated absorption. The conjoint action accelerates clearance, and the increased transport of mucus out of the airways restores ASL depth while cleansing the airways. We were intrigued by early reports of cholinergic inhibition of absorption by airways in some species. To reinvestigate this phenomenon, we studied inward short-circuit currents (Isc) in tracheal mucosa from human, sheep, pig, ferret, and rabbit and in two types of cultured cells. Basal Isc was inhibited 20–70% by the ENaC inhibitor, benzamil. Long-lasting inhibition of ENaC-dependent Isc was also produced by basolateral carbachol in all preparations except rabbit and the H441 cell line. Atropine inhibition produced a slow recovery or prevented inhibition if added before carbachol. The mechanism for inhibition was not determined and is most likely multi-factorial. However, its physiological significance is expected to be increased mucus clearance rates in cholinergically stimulated airways.

African Orature as Ecophilosophy: Tuning in to the Voices of the Land

This article puts political theory and ethnography into an engagement with orature to advance a new model of agency, authority, and collectivity, in which politics reveals itself to be an “ecological” process involving the conjoint action of the living, the ancestors, and the land. I explore the orature of the Gurensi and Boosi people of Ghana in relation to Deleuze and Guattari’s idea of “minor literature,” which refers to a way of appropriating language as a collective utterance to call forth new political identities and sensitivities. By sensitizing us to the expressivity of the land as reciprocating ancestors, I argue that Gurensi and Boosi orature might affect a “stutter” in the majoritarian orientations of European American ecophilosophy, which has hitherto neglected African traditions of thought. It might give voice to the subjugated knowledges and earthen languages of African people that trouble the dual colonization of the aural–oral by the literary and of nonhumans by humans.