Early Days Research Articles

Nostalgia and Stories of Early Arrival

This article will discuss how Turkish people in the suburb of Broadmeadows in Melbourne, Australia, construct nostalgia for their earlier days as migrants. Further, it will highlight the didactic and ethical role this nostalgia plays within the Turkish community. Turkish migrants began to manifest nostalgia for the earlier days in Australia after the dream of returning to the homeland began to wane. This nostalgia presents an image of the ideal Turk to the younger generations in Australia and therefore helps to preserve the Turkish identity. This nostalgia also enables Turks to distance themselves from negative images of the contemporary homeland, allowing them to present themselves as authentic Turks; it also helps Turkish Australians to cope with their economic marginality in Australia. Nostalgia for the early days in Australia therefore has many purposes for Turkish Australians today.

Transnational networks of human resources and knowledge in East Asia: a case study of Taiwan merchant Wang Xuenong (1870–1915) and his trading company

Abstract Taiwan is an island and trade has always been the locomotive of its economic development. From the 1620s to the 1960s, cane sugar was Taiwan's most representative export commodity. Yet little attention has been paid to the business strategies of sugar traders and the changes in their thinking. How did the Takow (Kaohsiung) merchants who first went to Japan and Hong Kong to conduct cross-border trade in person learn about international trade and build a network of human resources that crossed borders, especially after the 1870s? And how did they face the great changes of an era in which tradition and modernity were intertwined, so that, following the regime transfer in the 1890s from the Qing Dynasty to the Japanese empire, they were able to expand their business territory and become major sugar merchants in southern Taiwan? This article examines the career of Wang Xuenong—a well-known sugar merchant in Taiwan during the Meiji period (1868–1912). It attempts to explain, from the perspective of cross-cultural knowledge transfer and human resource strategies, why and how sugar merchants such as Wang, who had gone to Japan in the early years of the Meiji Restoration for purposes of cross-border trade, introduced a trading company system that incorporated a mixture of East Asian and Western elements. It further investigates how they expanded their business from the sugar trade into a wider commercial domain that included mechanical rice milling and steamship transport. Finally, it looks at how their actions affected a transformation of Taiwan's commercial culture from the late Qing Dynasty to the early days of Japanese rule, and the historical significance of these changes in Taiwan's transitions towards industrialisation and modernisation.

The Smallpox Chiefs: Bioterrorism and the Exercise of Power in the Pacific Northwest

Abstract Although there has been much writing and speculation on the deliberate use of smallpox as a tool of genocide, this article documents the use of the bluff threat of spreading smallpox as a tool of power and manipulation in the early days of European trade and settlement in the Pacific Northwest. By documenting ten cases when a bluff threat was used, the article argues that it was a common strategy of Europeans when they felt threatened or thwarted. Because it was compatible with existing Indigenous beliefs about the spread of disease, it was highly credible and was occasionally used by Indigenous people to manipulate others. While Europeans in this era did not actually have the power to control smallpox, the fact that outbreaks of the disease often occurred following a threat to spread it gave credence to the threat and to today’s widespread belief that some or all of the epidemics were deliberate genocide. Recognizing bluff threat bioterrorism as a tool in the newcomer’s arsenal is essential to understanding how the heavily outnumbered and out-gunned newcomers were so often able to manipulate Indigenous people and then establish the settlements that eventually evolved into full scale colonial occupations of Indigenous territory.

Evolution of Colombia’s market for manufactured products of the wood industry

A detailed exploration of the development of Colombia's market for manufactured products of the wood industry since its early days, with an analytical focus on the period 1970-2021, is presented. The examination of early days draws upon historical information, wood industry-specific statistics derived from Colombia’s Annual Manufacturing Survey and industrial census, and data from the National Accounts of Colombia (NAC), which offers insightful understanding of the market dynamics up to the end of the 1960s. For 1970 to 2021 comprehensive consolidated data derived from the Supply and Use Tables of the NAC and other sources provides the base for an in-depth examining of the market aspects such as quantities of supply (national production), demand, and the components of demand – including domestic consumption, exports, and imports. The exploration reveals a significant shift in the manufactured products of the wood industry market’s dynamics, transitioning from a primarily domestic consuming and export-driven one to a market increasingly reliant on imports to satisfy domestic consumption. Critical factors contributing to this shift are identified, highlighting Colombian forest resource depletion and inadequate nation’s wood industry development. The paper synthesizes historical data to articulate the interplay between economic policies and market outcomes, culminating in a discernible need for strategic industry modernization. Furthermore, it offers comprehensive and detailed information, facilitating a thorough understanding of all market aspects without necessitating consultation of additional sources.

AN ANALYSIS OF THE MYTHICAL PATTERNS IN ULYSSES FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF ARCHETYPE THEORY

As one of the important creative themes of modern literature, mythology is constantly reiterated in the writings of modern writers. Through retelling, we can travel through the time tunnel and feel the poetic wisdom of our ancestors. The inherent characteristic of myth is symbolism, and at the same time, it has strong metaphor and inclusiveness, which has opened up an almost infinite space of meaning for modern writers. Mythology provides rich prototype resources for the plot structure framework of narrative works, and expresses the writer's unique creative perspective and aesthetic awareness. James Joyce was an outstanding modern novelist in the West in the 20th century, and he created unique mythological novels. Ulysses adopts the mythological prototype structure and uses the theme of the ancient hero Odysseus returning home, echoing the deep meaning of modern people's search for a spiritual home. This paper uses the theory of myth-prototype criticism and combines the theory of collective unconsciousness to explore the creation mode of Ulysses from the perspective of mythic archetype criticism, to explain how ancient myths and modern writers have a spiritual fit, and to further feel the uniqueness of Joyce's novels. Some artistic charm and the practical significance brought by Ulysses. Our era needs the spirit of exploration and courage left over from the early days of human society, and the connotation of archetypal criticism has positive ideological value to this day.

(105) Arab Patient and Partner Satisfaction Following Malleable Penile Prosthesis Implantation in North Africa and the Middle East

Abstract Introduction Due to the sensitivity of the topic of penile implants for the treatment of refractory erectile dysfunction (ED) in the Middle East and North Africa region, a scarce body of related research is available. Objective We aimed at investigating the levels of patient and partner satisfaction after malleable penile prosthesis implantation among the Arab population and its dynamics during and after the first 6 months of surgery. Methods This was a prospective 6-month follow-up study of 120 patients undergoing malleable penile prosthesis implantation at our unit by a single surgeon. Three telephone encounters were conducted for each couple at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperative (PO). We utilized our validated Arabic version of the Modified Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (AM-EDITS). During the 1st first encounter, we inquired about the general patient perioperative experience, starting from preoperative counseling till the first month after surgery. The 2nd and 3rd encounters focused on patient and partner satisfaction after implant utilization. Results The average ages of the men and their partners were 54.7±8.4 and 32.9±4.6 years, respectively. Levels of anxiety decreased in over 82% of the men in our study upon receiving proper preoperative counseling. Almost all of the patients were happy (96%) with their early PO days with over 50% of them exceeding their expectations. After 3 months, 82.5% of the men were satisfied, describing their erections to be 80% close to natural. Of the 92.5% satisfied partners at 3 months, nearly 80% were highly satisfied. Over 93% of them reported feeling sexually desirable by their husbands. As opposed to the significant rise in men’s overall satisfaction and AM-EDITS index by 11.6% and 5.2 ± 0.8% (P < 0.001), respectively after 6 months PO, partners demonstrated a 12.4% and 5.9 ± 0.8 decline (P < 0.001), respectively, compared to the 3 months follow up. Conclusions Malleable penile implants still represent a good quality-of-life treatment option for middle to low-income countries. Time has a positive effect on Arab men’s PO satisfaction as opposed to their partners’. The explanation behind these findings should be investigated in further studies. A proper understanding of the dynamics of patient and partner satisfaction over time may be useful for proper perioperative counseling of both parties to ensure their sustainable satisfaction. Disclosure No.

History of pain around the lumbopelvic region during perinatal period: a prospective cohort study.

Many women experience pain around the low back and pelvic girdle during/after pregnancy. These pains have different risk factors and require independent management strategies. Therefore, an epidemiological database is required to understand when each type of pain occurs, and how serious it could be. Thus, the history of pain in the lumbopelvic region throughout the perinatal period was investigated. The information of 170 women recruited at the obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Japan was collected at 12, 24, 30, and 36weeks of pregnancy, in the early days after childbirth, and one month after childbirth. The presence and severity of sacroiliac joint pain, pubic pain, groin pain, and low back pain were assessed using a numerical rating scale. Descriptive statistics were used to determine changes in the prevalence of pain. In addition, the change in the severity of each type of pain was observed through descriptive statistics, by including only those who had pain. The sacroiliac joint pain showed a twofold increase from 12 to 24weeks, while the pubic pain suddenly increased after 24weeks. The severity of pubic and groin pain increased sharply during pregnancy. Regarding low back pain, the change in the severity was lesser than the other pains. The sacroiliac joint pain was the highest among the four pains during pregnancy. Each type of pain had a different incidence rate and a different time of onset and aggravation. These results help women and health professionals to manage, and prevent these harmful symptoms.

Summary of the clinical characteristics of tuberculous otitis media

Objective:The purpose of this study was to analyze and summarize the clinical characteristics and diagnostic methods of tuberculous otitis media（TOM）, to enrich clinical experience in diagnosis and treatment of tuberculous otitis media, so as to reduce missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis, and facilitate timely and effective therapy for better prognosis. Methods:This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with tuberculous otitis media who were hospitalized in the Ear ward of our hospital and received surgical treatment from 2008 to 2022. The data of patients' clinical characteristics, radiological examination, intraoperative findings and therapeutic strategies were recorded and summarized. Results:A total of 23 cases （26 ears） of tuberculous otitis media were included in this retrospective study. The most common clinical symptoms were otorrhea（thin odorless fluid）（100%） and conductive hearing loss（100%）, with a high incidence of facial paralysis（23.1%）. It was not sensitive to traditional antibiotic treatment, eg. Levofloxacin （50% effective rate only）, and relapsed soon after drug withdrawal. It was revealed that all the surgical views had gray and white tough granulation tissue hyperplasia（100%）, and 23.1% with caseous necrosis. The purpose of surgery was to clear the lesion, reduce the recurrence rate of suppurative infection, and repair the function （hearing reconstruction or facial nerve decompression） as appropriate. The paraffin pathology of granulation tissue were reported as typical granulomatous inflammation and caseous necrosis with positive acid-fast staining, which was consistent with tuberculosis. Conclusion:It was easily confused by the clinical manifestations of tuberculous otitis media and common chronic suppurative otitis media. When met with the following conditions, we should pay highly attention to suspect tuberculous otitis media: The severity of local manifestations did not match with the length of the disease; with poor tympanic membrane at the early stage with no obvious cholesteatomas, with facial paralysis or hearing loss early onset; insensitive to traditional antibiotic treatment; with extensive granulation appeared in the tympanum and or mastoid cavity, with or without caseous necrosis or dead bone in the early days. The diagnosis should be confirmed based on the acid-fast staining of the histopathological section to detect positive acid-fast bacilli. Meanwhile, multiple laboratory examination methods（such as T-spot and PCR） should be integrated synchronously to help support the diagnosis.

Crossroads on the Silk Road: accounts of a U.S.-American faculty member’s culture shock and adaptation in Uzbekistan

ABSTRACT The knowledge of and experience with culture shock and intercultural communication come under analysis in this autoethnography of a U.S.-American faculty member’s Fulbright teaching experience in Uzbekistan. As a relatively new country couched under the blanket of Russian and Chinese influence, Uzbekistan strives to shift its economy, language, and geopolitical connections toward the West. Cultural knowledge about Uzbekistan is likewise still hidden behind the Uzbek and Russian languages, leaving English speakers from the West with few resources to engage in predeparture uncertainty reduction. This manuscript chronicles the early days of a sojourn of a faculty member who had cognitive knowledge of intercultural communication concepts but had no immersion experiences in which to test her abilities to adapt. Anxiety uncertainty management theory offers some insight into the culture shock and adaptation experienced by this faculty member. The study benefits teachers who may enter this or similar cultures, teachers who instruct with an interpreter, and anyone seeking cultural information about Uzbekistan.

인공지능(AI) 기반 온라인 분쟁해결(ODR) 제도의 성공적 안착을 위한 제언

‘ODR’ stands for ‘Online Dispute Resolution’ and refers to a method of resolving disputes online. However, the meaning of ‘online’ here focuses more on access and connection through information and communication technology (ICT) from the perspective of network connection in terms of dispute resolution. ODR is a dispute resolution method using information and communication technology that emerged in the mid-1990s when the Internet began to become generalized and commercialized. In the early days when ODR began to be used, it was mainly recognized as a tool to resolve disputes that occurred online, such as defamation that occurred during online e-commerce or online communication.
 However, with the development of information and communication technology, the scope of ODR has gradually expanded to include disputes that occur not only online but also offline. Currently, the types of disputes that can be resolved through ODR are not limited to commercial transactions, but also encompass various types such as domestic, administrative, and housing disputes. Meanwhile, AI (Artificial Intelligence) increases the efficiency and transparency of ODR, saves cost and time, and helps people from various fields and cultures collaborate easily.
 ODR using AI is currently being researched and developed in various fields, and is expected to have more possibilities and advantages in the future. However, ODR using AI also has some ethical issues and challenges. In this paper, we reviewed specific measures for the successful establishment of an ODR system using AI.

Understanding COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Meghalaya, India: Multiple correspondence and agglomerative hierarchical cluster analyses.

Meghalaya, a state in the northeastern region of India, had a markedly low vaccine uptake compared to the other states in the country when COVID-19 vaccines were being rolled out in 2021. This study aimed to characterize the distinct vaccine-hesitant subpopulations in healthcare and community settings in Meghalaya state in the early days of the vaccination program. We used data from a cross-sectional survey that was administered to 200 healthcare workers (HCWs) and 200 community members, who were a priori identified as 'vaccine-eligible' and 'vaccine-hesitant,' in Shillong city, Meghalaya, in May 2021. The questionnaire collected information on participants' sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19 history, and presence of medical comorbidities. Participants were also asked to provide a dichotomous answer to a set of 19 questions, probing the reasons for their hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines. A multiple correspondence analysis, followed by an agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis, was performed to identify the distinct clusters of vaccine-hesitant participants. We identified seven clusters: indecisive HCWs (n = 71), HCWs skeptical of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines (n = 128), highly educated male tribal/clan leaders concerned about infertility and future pregnancies (n = 14), less educated adults influenced by leaders and family (n = 47), older adults worried about vaccine safety (n = 76), middle-aged adults without young children (n = 56), and highly educated ethnic/religious minorities with misinformation (n = 8). Across all the clusters, perceived logistical challenges associated with receiving the vaccine was identified as a common factor contributing to vaccine hesitancy. Our study findings provide valuable insights for local and state health authorities to effectively target distinct subgroups of vaccine-hesitant populations with tailored health messaging, and also call for a comprehensive approach to address the common drivers of vaccine hesitancy in communities with low vaccination rates.

Campus Voting During the COVID-19 Pandemic

How did the pandemic impact turnout of young voters living in university communities? Leveraging the mandatory vacating of Florida college students living on campuses and drawing on administrative data from Florida’s voter file, we argue that on-campus registered young voters who had to leave their university housing in the days prior to Florida’s 2020 Presidential Preference Primary (PPP) were less likely to turn out compared to adjacent off-campus young voters because they lost the opportunity to cast early in-person and Election Day ballots. Using a difference-in-differences (DiD) design, we find that on-campus students, in part because they had early and Election Day voting available to them on campus in the 2020 general election, were more likely than comparable off-campus student-aged registered voters to cast ballots in the November election. Our study has important implications for academic debates concerning the turnout effects of convenience voting reforms and the ability of voters to cast ballots prior to Election Day.

Where are the pandemic drones? On the ‘failure’ of automated aerial solutionism

In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, excitement broke out around the potential for drones to generate aerial solutions to devilish pandemic problems. But despite the hype, pandemic drones largely failed to take to the sky and far from the scale initially imagined. This article pursues the failure of the pandemic drone to materialise, showing how it nevertheless functioned as a locus of experimentation for remote logics and processes. As such, we shift focus away from what the pandemic drone is to if and where it – or its logics – can be found. To learn from the pandemic drone, we turn to three trajectories of failure: failure as experiment, failure as imaginary and failure as glitch. With particular attention to specific case studies, we show how failure enables drone logics and processes to migrate across various socio-technical forms, sites and applications of automated decision-making responses to the pandemic.

UNFCCC: A Feminist Perspective

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was the only multilateral environmental agreement to emerge from the Earth Summit in 1992 which did not include any references to gender. Recognition of gender within the UNFCCC has been exceedingly slow and largely tokenistic with a focus on ensuring ‘gender balance’ within UNFCCC meetings and processes. This article explores the emergence of gender language within the UNFCCC by reflecting upon: where we have come from; where we are now; and where we are going with respect with gender. While there was very little progress in the early days of the UNFCCC, this article shows that from 2001 onwards there have been a series of small gains, which will be explained and critique. Much work remains to be done with this paper suggesting some concrete steps such as hosting a Gender COP, ensuring financing for National Climate Change Gender Focal Points and embedding gender meaningfully within existing climate finance processes. In recommending future actions, the paper draws on insights from the Pacific and Australian experience.

Time-shifted expression of acetoclastic and methylotrophic methanogenesis by a single Methanosarcina genomospecies predominates the methanogen dynamics in Philippine rice field soil

BackgroundThe final step in the anaerobic decomposition of biopolymers is methanogenesis. Rice field soils are a major anthropogenic source of methane, with straw commonly used as a fertilizer in rice farming. Here, we aimed to decipher the structural and functional responses of the methanogenic community to rice straw addition during an extended anoxic incubation (120 days) of Philippine paddy soil. The research combined process measurements, quantitative real-time PCR and RT-PCR of particular biomarkers (16S rRNA, mcrA), and meta-omics (environmental genomics and transcriptomics).ResultsThe analysis methods collectively revealed two major bacterial and methanogenic activity phases: early (days 7 to 21) and late (days 28 to 60) community responses, separated by a significant transient decline in microbial gene and transcript abundances and CH4 production rate. The two methanogenic activity phases corresponded to the greatest rRNA and mRNA abundances of the Methanosarcinaceae but differed in the methanogenic pathways expressed. While three genetically distinct Methanosarcina populations contributed to acetoclastic methanogenesis during the early activity phase, the late activity phase was defined by methylotrophic methanogenesis performed by a single Methanosarcina genomospecies. Closely related to Methanosarcina sp. MSH10X1, mapping of environmental transcripts onto metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) and population-specific reference genomes revealed this genomospecies as the key player in acetoclastic and methylotrophic methanogenesis. The anaerobic food web was driven by a complex bacterial community, with Geobacteraceae and Peptococcaceae being putative candidates for a functional interplay with Methanosarcina. Members of the Methanocellaceae were the key players in hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis, while the acetoclastic activity of Methanotrichaceae members was detectable only during the very late community response.ConclusionsThe predominant but time-shifted expression of acetoclastic and methylotrophic methanogenesis by a single Methanosarcina genomospecies represents a novel finding that expands our hitherto knowledge of the methanogenic pathways being highly expressed in paddy soils.7k5euw-hvBknz_jds4sXXfVideo

Examining Parental Stress and Autism in the Early Days of the Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Study

In this convergent parallel mixed-methods study, we investigated the early impact of the COVID-19 stay-at-home mandate in Illinois on 16 caregivers of children with autism. Our goal was to understand contributors to caregivers’ stress by integrating qualitative and quantitative data. Through a joint display, we explored the intricate relationship between caregivers’ perceptions of their child’s needs, the loss of essential services, and stress levels. The caregivers’ reported needs, wishes, barriers, and coping strategies informed and corroborated final quantitative results on stress levels. Significant associations were found between stress levels and caregivers’ agreement with statements on child supervision, service loss, and perceived level of their child’s independence. These findings underscore the importance for robust support systems that enhance family resilience and validate prior research during exceptional circumstances. They offer insights for policymakers and service providers seeking to improve the well-being of families raising children with autism, particularly in times of crisis.

Constructing Hybrid Semiconductor Thin‐Films for Advanced Photovoltaics

AbstractThis comprehensive review explores recent advancements in creating hybrid semiconductor perovskite thin films, driving progress in photovoltaic technology. It covers aspects like material design, fabrication techniques, and device structures, all aimed at addressing challenges and guiding the way to efficient and sustainable solar energy conversion. The review reveals the intricate interplay between energy conversion, device processing, and stability enhancement, providing context to the evolving field of photovoltaics. While hybrid metal halide perovskites exhibit innovation, challenges in stability and reproducibility persist. A collective push for progress drives scientific efforts, involving the optimization of absorber layers, innovative deposition methods, and strategic interlayer integration. The synthesis of research and insights traces the evolution of perovskite technology, from the early days of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) to a symphony of innovation. With determination and creativity, hybrid semiconductor perovskite thin films emerge as key players in shaping the future of solar energy conversion.

Quarries as Places of Significance in the Lower Paleolithic Holy Triad of Elephants, Water, and Stone

AbstractHuman dependency on stone has its origins in Lower Paleolithic times, and some of the most primordial elements in human-stone relationships are rooted in those early days. In this paper, we focus our attention on extensive Paleolithic stone quarries discovered and studied in the Galilee, Israel. We propose a triadic model that connects stone outcrops, elephants, and water bodies to shed light on what made stone quarries places of significance, beginning in the Lower Paleolithic, and continuing throughout the ages.

Therapeutic Potential of Carica papaya Linn.: A Comprehensive Review of Its Pharmacological Properties and Health Benefits, with Emphasis on Dengue Fever Healing

For thousands of years, people have used various plant products, foods, spices, and herbs to treat and prevent illnesses. Sri Lankans have been using traditional and folk medicine to satisfy their basic health needs from the earliest days. Carica papaya Linn. (Caricaceae) is a commercially grown exotic plant in Sri Lanka. The entire plant, including the fruits both ripened and green, leaves, roots, peel, seed, and pulp, was used as medicine in traditional medicinal systems. Plant parts of Carica papaya Linn. were frequently used by ancient Sri Lankans to treat diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cancer, dengue fever, skin infections, renal disorders, and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. Dengue fever is the most prevalent and significant arthropod-borne viral disease in humans, and it is extensively spread throughout Sri Lanka. Carica papaya Linn. extracts have been used to treat dengue patients to recover from its complications, which include thrombocytopenia, hemolysis, and leukopenia. Studies reveal that the papaya leaf extract can neutralize plasma with the dengue virus, reduce platelet aggregation, and increase the production of the enzyme ALOX12, which promotes platelet production. Moreover, the extract also upregulates the platelet-activating factor receptor (PTAFR) gene and inhibits serine proteases NS2B and NS3 involved in dengue virus replication. In this review, we have discussed extensively the ethnomedicinal and pharmacological properties of Carica papaya while highlighting its remarkable potency in healing dengue.

Endogenous IL-27 during toxoplasmosis limits early monocyte responses and their inflammatory activation by pathological T cells.

The molecule IL-27 is critical in limiting the immune response to the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. In the absence of IL-27, a lethal, overactive immune response develops during infection. However, when exactly in the course of infection this molecule is needed was unclear. By selectively inhibiting IL-27 during this parasitic infection, we discovered that IL-27 was only needed during, but not prior to, infection. Additionally, IL-27 is only needed in the active areas in which the parasite is replicating. Finally, our work found that a previously unstudied cell type, monocytes, was regulated by IL-27, which contributes further to our understanding of the regulatory networks established by this molecule.