First-hand Knowledge Research Articles

Statistics Show Value in Old‐School Crop Condition Reports

Statistics Show Value in Old‐School Crop Condition Reports

Review: Another Aesthetics Is Possible: Arts of Rebellion in the Fourth World War, by Jennifer Ponce de León

Review: <i>Another Aesthetics Is Possible: Arts of Rebellion in the Fourth World War</i>, by Jennifer Ponce de León

Treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts using polidocanol: Is it useful?

According to recent research, percutaneous sclerotherapy for the treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts provides a secure substitute for surgery. We share our first-hand knowledge of this approach. Ten patients who received polidocanol injections repeatedly were examined. Polidocanol was injected in doses of 2 mg per kilogram of body weight. Clinical and radiological evaluations were done up to healing. After a mean of 4.7(1-11) injections, all cysts had healed. 1 individual had a small amount of local inflammation. Our findings demonstrate the high efficacy of percutaneous sclerotherapy with polidocanol in the treatment of ABCs, as well as its low frequency of adverse effects. Our results support the information provided in earlier publications. Since surgery is associated with significant morbidity in ABCs of the pelvis and sacrum, we think the approach will be especially helpful in these cases.

Benefits of Internationalization to Students Cosmopolitan Competency

Higher education institutions across the world are responding to globalization through internationalization. However, there is limited research that focuses on the benefits of both internationalization-at-home and cross-border internationalization to students’ cosmopolitan competency from the perspective of students. Therefore, this qualitative case study explored the benefits of internationalization to students from the perspectives of both domestic and international undergraduate and graduate students at two U.S universities. Purposeful and snowball sampling strategies were adopted to identify sixteen students. Data were garnered via interviews, institutions’ websites, and documents. Constant comparative method was employed to analyze the data. Findings from this study revealed that students acquired bilingual or multilingual abilities, firsthand cultural knowledge, global knowledge, cultural nuances critical to showing respect to people from different cultures and geographical backgrounds, friendship and networking, personal growth, high tendency to develop empathy through university internationalization, and opportunity to taste food from different parts of the world. The study recommends that, institutions of higher education should provide opportunities such as foreign language courses, Rosetta Stones, language laboratories, foreign language conversation hour sessions, English as a Second Language (ESL) or Intensive English Language program for students. Also, administrators and faculty are encouraged to provide a platform for study abroad returnees to share their experiences with their colleagues. Higher education institutions should continue to recruit more international students to enrich students’ experiences and global learning.

The Autobiography of Benvenuto Cellini. A Model of Resilient Vocation

Benvenuto Cellini is one of the great sculptors of the 16th century. Already in his time, his works were admired in Rome, Paris and his native Florence. Beyond his works, his popularity has remained unchanged over the last four centuries thanks to his autobiography. This autobiography is an essential work for gaining first-hand knowledge of the sculptor's work, but also, and especially, of the anthropological vision of culture at the time. This article attempts to show this vision and at the same time to highlight how the reading of this autobiography is an example of how following one's vocation is a fundamental help in overcoming difficulties.

PROFILING ON CULTURAL PRESERVATION OF THE BLAAN TRIBE OF KIBLAWAN, DAVAO DEL SUR, PHILIPPINES

The Philippines is culturally rich in diversity and ethnicity among indigenous peoples (IPs), embracing more than a hundred divergent ethno-linguistic groups with known specific identity, language, socio-political systems, and practices. It has always been the tangible and intangible beliefs and culture of Indigenous peoples, and the physical aspects of the environment, as well as the weather, is controlled by the spirits. The Blaan tribe is one of the authentic indigenous tribes in the Philippines and is known to possess a great cultural heritage. The profiling of the preserved cultural heritage was done through in-depth focus group discussion, audio recording, and the gathering of important cultural documents. The belief system, indigenous knowledge systems and practices, dispute settlements, traditional land resource use and management, tribal birth and healing practices, rites and ceremonies, entertainments, traditional clothing and games. In this study, the Blaan tribe from Sitio Atmurok, Bulol Salo, was able to manifest the preservation of their cultural practices and indigenous traditions. The study used a qualitative descriptive research design and a purposive sampling strategy, with data collected from elderly and representative respondents through structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). During the interview, there was also a recording. The descriptive research approach was used for this study because it allowed the researcher to get first-hand knowledge of the Blaan tribe’s experiences and how they influenced their culture and religious growth. The researcher was able to give a broad overview of the B’laan Tribe’s traditional beliefs and practices in Sitio Atmurok, Bulol Salo, Kiblawan, Davao Del Sur, Philippines. Despite the introduction of various religions into the tribes, general customs, notably belief systems, have been preserved. This research would be recommended to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples so that they may witness the beauty of general customs, especially belief systems that have survived despite the absorption of other faiths into the tribes. KEYWORDS: Blaan, Indigenous, Cultures, Tradition, Authentic

Psychopompos: Thoth, Plato’s Phaedrus, and the Context of Egyptian Mythic Rhetoric

In Phaedrus, Plato invokes a mythic exemplum concerning the Egyptian deity Thoth. Though often interpreted as an overt critique of writing, this argument posits Thoth is offered analogically to contrast Plato’s rhetorical epistemology with that of the ancient Egyptians. To do so, this argument addresses why a mythic Egyptian figure might be so significant to Plato in the 4th Century B.C. Greece, whose culture already had multiple gods and cultural heroes to whom the invention of writing is attributed, when the episode in Phaedrus is axiomatically described as a critique of writing. Because Plato may have had some degree of firsthand knowledge of Egyptian traditions it explores those traditions personified in the figure of Thoth, which should be examined as an analogical device advised by Egyptian rhetorical epistemology. A closer examination of the comparative rhetorical epistemological perspective not only illuminates Thoth’s appearance in Phaedrus but also the Egyptian rhetorical-epistemic tradition. Thoth’s role as epistemic mediator between humans and truth, in the broadest terms, was to act as psychopomp who moves both between humanity and the arrival at knowledge that prefigures rhetorical action.

Oil in Ghana: The Work of the General Transport, Petroleum and Chemical Workers' Union (GTPCWU)

Utilising elements of Coordination and Context-Appropriate Power Theory (CCAP) as a framework, this article assesses the efforts of the General Transport, Petroleum and Chemical Workers’ Union (GTPCWU) in Ghana to defend the rights of workers in the oil industry. Whether the GTPCWU has been able to effectively employ structural, institutional and conditional forms of power is examined within the CCAP framework. The analysis is informed by first-hand knowledge of trade union policies and practices, as one of the authors is a GTPCWU official. The research also draws on interviews and email communications with other Ghanaian trade unionists and an academic specialising in labour issues. The findings indicate that the structured labour regime, in which the GTPCWU is embedded, makes it hard for the union to employ structural, institutional and conditional forms of power fruitfully. Nevertheless, agency on the part of union officials and members is significant. This is evidenced by the success of individual union actions, indicating that the GTPCWU possesses a degree of structural power. Utilising institutional power effectively is difficult for the union, as enforcement of labour legislation is weak, and lengthy legal processes ensue when cases do reach court. It is also burdensome for the GTPCWU to exercise conditional power, based on obtaining support from non-union individuals and groups, since its members are widely perceived to have well-paid employment in the formal sector. The GTPCWU’s need for assistance in supporting its members through the transition away from fossil-based systems of energy production is outlined. Capacity-building initiatives, including the construction of a training and conference facility, and recruitment campaigns, focusing on attracting more women and youth members, are discussed. KEYWORDS: Ghana; trade unions; oil industry; Coordination and Context-Appropriate Power Theory (CCAP); structural, institutional and conditional forms of power

The Canadian Excavations at Anemurium in Cilicia. By James Russell, with contributions from C.W.J. Eliot, Hector Williams, Sheila Campbell, Nigel Kennell, and Thomas Boyd (Archéologie et Histoire Romaine 45). Toulouse, Éditions Mergoil 2021. Pp. 155. €36.97. ISBN 978-2-35518-117-7 (paper).

<i>The Canadian Excavations at Anemurium in Cilicia</i>. By James Russell, with contributions from C.W.J. Eliot, Hector Williams, Sheila Campbell, Nigel Kennell, and Thomas Boyd (Archéologie et Histoire Romaine 45). Toulouse, Éditions Mergoil 2021. Pp. 155. €36.97. ISBN 978-2-35518-117-7 (paper).

Foreshadowing Vesey: the Camden slave conspiracy of 1816

ABSTRACT The Vesey conspiracy was the largest in North America, yet historians have failed to establish the wider contexts for how white authorities responded to the plot. This article points to a conspiracy in Camden, South Carolina, in 1816 to argue that many of the responses to Vesey derived from participants' knowledge of Camden. In particular, those representing Charleston in the state legislature gained first-hand knowledge of the plot and several later became key actors in the Vesey trials. The Camden conspiracy in 1816 thus established the wider socio-political context for the unfolding of the Vesey trials in 1822.

Some New Evidence Documenting the Involvement of Da’esh in Syria with the Illicit Trade in Antiquities

ABSTRACT We present here some new evidence documenting the involvement of Da’esh with the looting and illicit trade of antiquities in northeastern Syria. We have interviewed four people who have first-hand knowledge of its activities and acquired some images of looted objects and Da’esh administrative documents. We examine this new evidence in the context of previously reported accounts of Da’esh involvement with the antiquities trade. We also report looting at some previously unknown archaeological sites, describe extensive looting when northeastern Syria was controlled by the Free Syrian Army, and critically examine the reliability of prices reported inside Syria.

Understanding why collective action resulted in greater advances for tobacco control as compared to alcohol control during the Philippines’ Sin Tax Reform: a qualitative study

Background and aimsIn 2012, the Philippines passed a law popularly known as the ‘Sin Tax Reform’. This law increased excise tax on both tobacco and alcohol. While a victory for...

The strength of strong ties: wasta and migration strategies among the Mappila Muslims of northern Kerala, India

ABSTRACT The scholarship on cross-border labour migration in India is characterised by the notoriety of the labour intermediaries. However, such a focus often eclipses the mutually beneficial social exchanges found among the migrants, would-be migrants, and their larger social circle. Against this backdrop, this paper focuses on the migration strategies of a leading migrant community in India- the Mappila Muslims of Kerala. Our findings suggest that, although there is a thriving migration brokerage industry in Kerala, Mappilas secure the crucial labour market information, facilitate their cross-border movement, and obtain the much-coveted Gulf job using close interpersonal connections. With their familiarity and first-hand knowledge of the market practices of the Persian Gulf, the Mappila migrants have internalised and strategically invested in the Arab cultural practice of wasta (securing favours via social connections). The paper also argues how the wasta-based connections of Mappilas help us broaden our understanding of social networks as understood in the Granovettarian tradition.

Exploring the Mediating Role of Situation Awareness and Crisis Emotions Between Social Media Use and COVID-19 Protective Behaviors: Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundIn an outbreak of an infectious disease especially, online media would usually be an important channel for people to get first-hand knowledge and evaluate risks of the specific emergency. Although there has been increasing attention to the effect of social media use during epidemics and outbreaks, relatively little is known about the underlying mechanism by which social media plays a role in people's cognitive, affective and preventive responses.ObjectiveWith an objective to advance current knowledge surrounding social media effects on people's cognition, affection and health protective behaviors during epidemics, we aim to examine the associations between social media exposure to COVID-19 risks related information and preventive behavior of the public, and also the role that situation awareness and crisis emotions including anxiety and fear played.MethodsAn online cross-sectional survey was conducted in China a total of 632 participants were recruited. Measures included exposure to COVID-19 information through social media, situation awareness, anxiety, fear and protective behaviors that participants have taken. We have performed the descriptive statistical analysis, correlation and mediation analysis to test the research hypotheses.ResultsFindings indicated that situation awareness was positively associated with social media use (B = 0.54, p < 0.001), anxiety (B = 0.95, p < 0.001) and fear (B = 0.87, p < 0.001), and preventive behavior (B = 0.68, p < 0.001). Social media use would also have an indirect effect on anxiety (indirect effect = 0.40; 95% CI = [0.34, 0.46]) and fear (indirect effect = 0.35; 95% CI = [0.29, 0.42]) through situation awareness. The serial mediation effect of situation awareness and fear in the correlation between social media use and preventive behavior has been testified (indirect effect = 0.04, 95% CI = [0.01, 0.08]).ConclusionsSocial media use might influence the adoption of preventive behaviors through triggering situation awareness and fear. Therefore, health communication regarding COVID-19 prevention should target people with less internet access and low eHealth literacy. Understanding the positive role of negative crisis emotions during outbreaks could also help communicators and policymakers develop appropriate strategies to make people proactive to avoid the remaining health hazard.

Evaluation and Comparison of Pear Flower Aroma Characteristics of Seven Cultivars

Due to its ornamental and medicinal value, pear flower has been historically loved and used in China. However, the current understanding of their odor-active compounds and aroma profiles is rather limited. This work aimed to evaluate and compare the overall aroma profile of pear flowers; the volatiles in flowers of seven pear cultivars (Anli, Bayuesu, Golden, Brown peel, KorlaXiangli, Lyubaoshi, Xizilü) were analyzed using solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS). A total of 93 volatile compounds were identified and quantified within the amount of volatiles in the range of 62.7–691.8 μg kg−1 (FW) and showed high and significant variability in different cultivars. Anli and Brown peel flowers showed a relatively higher volatile abundance, while KorlaXiangli flowers were significantly lower than other cultivars. Although the composition of volatiles depended on the existence of different chemical classes, the odor activity values (OAVs) and odor descriptions showed some aldehydes were part of their main peculiarities and were considered as the basic active odorants that presented strong intensity of citrus and floral odor. Moreover, multivariate analysis showed the pear flower of different cultivars could be arranged in different clusters by the identified odorants. This study provides first-hand knowledge regarding pear flower aroma profiles, and that the cultivar differences were critical for the overall pattern.

Analysis of Medical Device Reports Involving Ventilator-Related Incidents in a Clinical Setting

Continuous ventilators are a critical resource for the treatment and management of respiratory diseases, particularly in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare technology management professionals (HTMs) are instrumental toward protecting the safety of patients by ensuring that ventilators and ventilator accessories (ventilator-related medical devices) remain functional during their lifetime. This article discusses a retrospective analysis on the failure modes described in ventilator-related medical device reports that were submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration Medical Product Safety Network (MedSun). In addition, the article also examines MedSun case studies, obtained from medical device reports, to provide HTMs with a comprehensive analysis of the lifecycle of a safety signal and how their input is essential to improve the safety and effectiveness of medical devices. Postmarket medical device surveillance in a constantly changing medical device ecosystem benefits from the first-hand knowledge that HTMs contribute to the cross-functional collaboration between the clinical community, medical device manufacturers, and the US Food and Drug Administration.

Stephen Foster and the Slavery Question

Stephen Foster and the Slavery Question

Texas panhandle beef production tour, a high-impact compressed course in animal science.

Many animal science students have little exposure to working livestock production systems prior to college. As such, they can lack insight into day-to-day challenges and rationale behind decision making in these systems, opening the door for the adoption of misconceptions frequently promoted in the popular press. In addition, students identify a lack of first-hand knowledge and experience in the industry as a challenge to their educational success. Field trips stimulate interest and motivation, provide context for learning, and influence long-term career goals, but are underutilized in higher education. The potential impact of such experiences prompted the creation of the Texas Panhandle Beef Production Tour, a 2-credit hour compressed course. Students on this tour visited beef production sites in the Texas Panhandle ranging from cow-calf operations, to feedlots and packing plants. To cement learning through reflection, students responded to a series of questions before, during, and after visiting these sites to probe preconceptions, observations, and outcomes of the experience. We performed a retroactive qualitative evaluation of these reflections (n = 22) to determine cogent themes. Emergent themes included surprise at the intensive systems of data collection and management and the level of technology used at each site. Cattle were calmer and more comfortable than expected at the feedlots and packing plants. Students expressed new appreciation and understanding of course material and a desire to share their insights with others after completing the tour. Finally, participants gained a broader view of industry opportunities and returned with renewed motivation to pursue additional hands-on opportunities. Participation in this course provided valuable insight into the livestock production industry and motivated students to explore new career options and address their own preconceptions of the industry through independent inquiry. The creation of similar courses may be useful to address misconceptions, create personal connections with course material, and broaden career interests in animal science students.

PEDAGOGY OF THE OPPRESSED: PAULO FREIRE’S PEDAGOGIC CRITIQUE OF POETRY-1 SYLLABUS AT MATERS LEVEL (ENGLISH) AT UNIVERSITY OF SWABI, PAKISTAN

This paper aims to evaluate the students’ feedback of Poetry course. This course includes a total of thirty-four poems of prominent poets ranging from the 14th century till18th century. The course contents are annexed as A. This study will evaluate the pedagogical appropriateness of the overall course and with a zero lecture in the course to critically evaluate the pedagogical appropriateness of the following four poems in particular. The study also aims at the evaluation of the course design to see whether management of course curriculum has an impact on the course overall success. The study applied the theory of ‘Pedagogic Critique’ presented and explicated in the work of Paulo Freire titled as ‘Pedagogy of the Oppressed (Paulo Freire, 2000)’. Freire explains that power dynamics behind everything determines the way how any educational course and setting get underway and proceeded. Books, according to him, are never rated beyond their scope until they are associated with their expected readers and audience (Patton, 2017). The study finds out a mixture of complicated feedback from the students who appeared in their MA English course. The study was devised through a questionnaire indexed at the end of the paper. Their feedback was analysed and the conclusion was made. Most of the students through a resultant questionnaire were unable to reply exactly to the course they read and some of the students could not appropriately connect their initial aptitude to the courses they read and what they had initially antipiated. The study also finds out that some of the students selected their course vaguely without having any firsthand knowledge about they would later on study. Prologue to the Canterbury Tales were considered to be most complicated course since it has a little complicated archaic diction, whereas Spencer’s Faerie Queene was considered through a feedback to be outmoted and less universally applied to modern teaching practicum and literary pragmatics. Most pragmatic and creative work that was recommended and liked by both the teachers and studetns was ‘Paradise Lost’. The study eventually conludes that the potery-1 course should stand modied and there is a lot of room for research on this aspect. The course needs an overhauling to better engineer it for the students’ comprehension and understability. Keywords: Pedagogy; poetry; syllabus; Pakistan

Testing, characterization and numerical prediction (uni-axial tension and bend test) of Double-side TIG welded SS321 plate for pressure vessel application

This study reports the welding of SS321 nuclear grade stainless steel employed for pressure vessel industries using the novel Double-side tungsten inert gas (DS-TIG) welding. The optimization technique (Taguchi-based Grey relational analysis (GRA)) used in this research will give firsthand knowledge to the industry concerning the process variables to produce quality weldments using the DS-TIG welding method. The optimized combination of input variables was noted to produce a butt joint with SS321 plate having 6 mm thickness: Arc length (Al) 3 mm, Arc current (I) 220 Amps, and Traverse speed (S) 120 mm/min. The Analysis of variance (ANOVA) table was created to estimate the significance of the input process variables in the weldments. The impact of process variables on the Depth of penetration: DoP and Bead width: BW in relation to the heat input was evaluated. The microstructural features and mechanical integrity of the DS-TIG weldment made with the optimized combination of input process variables were analyzed utilizing Optical microscopy, Electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD), Tensile, Hardness, Impact, and Bend tests. A Finite element (FE) model of uni-axial tension and bend test was developed to predict the tension strength (base and weld metal) and stress distribution during bend test of DS-TIG specimen. A good agreement between the experimental and predicted results was noticed (error less than 5%) in terms of stress vs. strain plot (uni-axial tension) and load vs. displacement plot (bend test).