Popular Books Research Articles

The Regional Recitations of al-Jazūlī’s Dalāʾil al-Ḫayrāt as Reflected in Its Manuscript Tradition

Abstract Muḥammad al-Jazūlī’s Dalāʾil al-Ḫayrāt is one of the most popular and widespread Islamic prayer books in the Sunni Islamic world; consequently, most library collections around the world have many copies of this manuscript. Despite its prolific written form, it is its recitation that should probably be considered the most prominent expression of the text. This paper undertakes a careful analysis of the vocalization and orthoepic signs added to three vocalized copies of 18th-century Dalāʾil al-Ḫayrāt manuscripts from Mali, the Maghreb, and Turkey. It reveals that they each have distinct recitation styles with their own phonological and morphological features, distinct from the rules applied in Classical Arabic prose text. Moreover, it is shown that these recitation styles clearly draw upon the rules of local Quranic reading traditions, while not entirely assimilating to them, thus giving a distinct local orthoepic flavour to the manner in which this text was recited.

Religious Subcultures and Reading Culture

Abstract For religious subcultures, the reading of religious books was of great importance, even for Roman Catholics, renowned for their ritual-mindedness and the prevailing limitations in terms of religious reading for laypeople. This article aims to reveal the extent to which the status and role of a subculture affected the printing history and reception of religious books. The Post-Reformation Low Countries – split into the South, where the Catholics were a dominant culture, and the Dutch Republic in the North, where they were a subculture – provides an excellent case study. A very popular meditation book serves as the source for the study, namely Sondaechs Schoole (Sunday school) (1623).

Invasive species increase biodiversity and, therefore, services: An argument of equivocations

AbstractSome critics of invasion biology have argued the invasion of ecosystems by nonindigenous species can create more valuable ecosystems. They consider invaded communities as more valuable because they potentially produce more ecosystem services. To establish that the introduction of nonindigenous species creates more valuable ecosystems, they defend that value is provisioned by ecosystem services. These services are derived from ecosystem productivity, the production and cycling of resources. Ecosystem productivity is a result of biodiversity, which is understood as local species richness. Invasive species increase local species richness and, therefore, increase the conservation value of local ecosystems. These views are disseminating to the public via a series of popular science books. Conservationists must respond to these views, and I outline a method of rejecting such arguments against controlling invasive species. Ecological systems are valuable for more than local productivity and biodiversity is not accurately described by a local species count.

Success stories cause false beliefs about success

AbstractMany popular books and articles that purport to explain how people, companies, or ideas succeed highlight a few successes chosen to fit a particular narrative. We investigate what effect these highly selected “success narratives” have on readers’ beliefs and decisions. We conducted a large, randomized, pre-registered experiment, showing participants successful firms with founders that all either dropped out of or graduated college, and asked them to make incentive-compatible bets on a new firm. Despite acknowledging biases in the examples, participants’ decisions were very strongly influenced by them. People shown dropout founders were 55 percentage points more likely to bet on a dropout-founded company than people who were shown graduate founders. Most reported medium to high confidence in their bets, and many wrote causal explanations justifying their decision. In light of recent concerns about false information, our findings demonstrate how true but biased information can strongly alter beliefs and decisions.

Oil media: Changing portraits of petroleum in visual culture between theUS, Kuwait, and Switzerland

This article examines three cases of mid-20th-century oil media—oil-related imagery, iconographies, and media—in visual culture: a series of popular science books entitled The Story of Oil published in the US, an oil-themed set of Kuwaiti postage stamps (1959), and an art exhibition in Zurich (1956) titled Welt des Erdöls: Junge Maler sehen eine Industrie (World of Petroleum: Young Artists See an Industry). While depicting crude oil in its natural habitat was a common photographic theme in the early 20th-century United States, the material discussed shows that, by the mid-20th century, crude oil no longer had the same visual presence. The iconography of oil in the three case studies came to rely increasingly on images of oil infrastructure and on context-specific depictions of living within petro-modernity or petro-culture, meaning lifestyles fueled by cheap fossil energy. However, it is not just the changes in visual representations of petroleum that matter; any debate about the visibility and invisibility of petroleum has to take into account the very media through which petroleum has become visually communicated—that is, the precise forms of oil's mediatization. The aesthetic negotiation of petroleum through media-based visual representations has been crucial for the dematerialization of fossil matter in its conversion to fossil energy, as well as the decoupling of sites of extraction from sites of production and consumption in the public imagination. As petro-culture has morphed into national or even global culture (rather than representing just one possible energy source among many), oil media has paved the way for our intimate relationship with fossil energy-dependent lifestyles, which is one of the biggest drivers of climate change.

Acquiring business knowledge through Business English reading materials: pre-experience students’ perspective

AbstractThe paper investigates how the type of business content found in the reading materials offered by a popular Business English course book as well as the degree of the content’s relevance and usefulness, are perceived by pre-service students learning Business English as part of their university curriculum. Twelve groups of first year undergraduate students at the University of Economics in Katowice, with no prior experience of learning either Business English or the principles of business, were asked to compare pairs of texts related to three business topics: international marketing, management styles, and stock market investment. One of the texts in each pair was selected from the Student Book of the third edition of a widely used Business English course book (upper-intermediate or intermediate level), and the other, on the same topic, extracted from online repositories of business-related articles. The results of the student survey indicate that first year students, while appreciating the course book ‘real-life examples’ of successful companies, express strong preference for the Internet-based texts which provide them with the opportunity to acquire ‘basic knowledge’ related to specific business issues. The findings also appear to confirm the rationale behind integrating the two approaches: LSP (languages for specific purposes) and CBI (content-based instruction) in the tertiary education context, as well as the importance of properly selected professional content in fostering learners’ motivation and engagement.

Balai Pustaka and the Politics of Knowledge

During the colonial period of Indonesia the Dutch government was an important source of knowledge which was disseminated through the production of books, such as textbooks and other printed material. In response to the establishment of many new commercial printers and publishers, the colonial government, in 1917, set up its own publishing company, Balai Pustaka, which also published attractive and popular books. This new publishing house intentionally and unintentionally served several goals at a time that was characterized by the rise of young Indonesian intellectuals who were part of new political movements formed in the first decades of the 20th century.

PHARMACEUTICAL STUDY OF MUTTA TAILA

Sahasrayoga is a popular book on the Keraleeya tradition of Ayurvedic treatment. Sahasrayogam means one thousand formulations and on a rough estimate, it appears that the number of formulations varies from 700 to 1200 in various versions. It also appears that the number of formulations has been added periodically to the original text based on their practical experiences, which increased the total number of formulations. Mutta Taila is an Ayurvedic medicated oil mentioned in classical text Sahasrayoga in which the ingredients are egg yolks, Kumari and Nimba Taila. It is also mentioned in Siddha medicine in the name of Anda Taila by Abdulla Sahib’s Anubhava Vaidhya Navaneedham. This preparation is used in the treatment of Sanniroga (Delirium), fever with sluggishness, convulsions, and paralysis in children. It is also indicated in cerebral palsy. In the present study, a step is made to do the pharmaceutical preparation of Mutta Taila. An attempt has been made to do the pharmaceutical study of Mutta Taila. Mutta Taila was prepared as per the traditional method and evaluated for its organoleptic characteristics. The final product of Mutta Taila was having the desired consistency and quality. The yield of Mutta Taila was less with more quantity of egg yolks. The importance of adding Nimba Taila in the process of Mutta Taila preparation was discussed. In the present study, the detailed pharmaceutical process of Mutta Taila preparation and observations with changes observed in physical parameters has been discussed.

An assessment of current wolfCanis lupusdomestication hypotheses based on wolf ecology and behaviour

AbstractThe dog was the first domesticated animal. Its derivation from grey wolvesCanis lupusis important to the study of mammalian domestication, and wolf domestication is an active area of investigation. Recent popular books have promoted a hypothesis that wolves domesticated themselves as opposed to the earliest hypothesis that featured pup collection, adoption, and artificial selection. Continuing research has produced a greater understanding of wolf ecology and behaviour, including new insights into the wolf’s interaction with humans. Several characteristics make the wolf conducive to domestication: its sociality, catholic diet, excellent individual and cultural memory, inbreeding tolerance, varied personalities, and adaptable lifestyle. The wolf’s fear of humans is the main impediment and that alone is a factor strongly disfavouring the self‐selection hypothesis. However, collecting young pups from dens and raising them would foster their socialising with humans as pack members. Neither hypothesis explains how wolves undergoing domestication were separated reproductively from their wild relatives, an important condition for domestication. We combine information from the literature with information from our own research on wild wolves, archaeology, and canid morphology. We explain how pup collection and deliberate or incidental selection and encouragement to breed with similarly raised wolves could keep incipient dogs separated reproductively from wild relatives. The key is humans regularly feeding the wolves and keeping only those able to live harmoniously with humans. Well‐fed, human‐dependent wolves would remain near their food supply and in the company of humans, thus increasing their bonds to humans andvice versa. Outbreeding with wild wolves would thus be avoided. Generation after generation of these human‐fed, raised, and selected wolves would become increasingly dependent on humans and shaped by them. The pup‐adoption hypothesis presented here is more in keeping with basic wolf ecology and behaviour than the self‐domestication hypothesis.

Authenticity and Credibility in Science Communication Design: A Rhetorical Approach

Abstract The communication of scientific knowledge is traditionally oriented towards objective truth and facts, and builds on the authority of science. This article argues that, besides or even opposite to these aims, creating authenticity has become a major factor of successful science communication. Conveying a “personal touch,” or giving the audience a feeling of “being real,” are crucial promoters of credibility. Significant methods of gaining trust and sympathy on the level of textual as well as visual presentation are disclosed by exploring a bestselling popular scientific book, and with references to ancient rhetorical texts.

NATIONALLY MARKED COLLECTIVE LINGUISTIC PERSONALITY OF THE CHARACTER (ON THE MATERIAL OF V. SHKLYAR’ S NOVEL «KHARAKTERNYK»)

The article analyzes nationally marked collective linguistic personality in V. Shkliar`s novel «Kharakternyk»; identifies the relationship between linguistic personality and the worldview of the community where it was formed; analyzes different scientific approaches to the interpretation of the concept of linguistic personality and modern tendencies in its study. There is no doubt that the importance of analyzing the linguistic personality of the characters in popular books is difficult to overestimate because if one or another book gained popularity among a great number of people, then it is interesting to the reader because he identifies himself with the main character of this book, his perception of the world, the language, the linguistic behavior. It should be noted that modern Ukrainian authors had to fight for their popularity, but now we can observe the increasing public interest in the works of Ukrainian writers. In our opinion, V. Shklyar is one of the most popular and most controversial writers in Ukraine and it was the main reason why we chose his novel to analyze. In our opinion, one of the best examples of how to create a bright character, to show his inner world without resorting to broad authorical characteristics, is V. Shklyar`s novel «Kharakternyk». The aim of this paper is to investigate the main features of the nationally marked collective linguistic personality of the characters in the novel of V. Shklyar «Kharakternyk». Achieving the aim of this scientific article involves solving the following tasks: 1) to analyze the historical formation of the concept «linguistic personality» and to get acquainted with modern tendencies in the study of linguistic personality nowadays; 2) to identify the main factors influencing the formation of linguistic personality; 3) to analyze the main features and national markers of the collective linguistic personality in the novel of V. Shklyar «Kharakternyk». The object of our scientific article is the linguistic personality of the characters of the modern novel. The subject of this work is the collective linguistic personality in the V. Shkliar`s novel «Kharakternyk». The concept of linguistic personality was analyzed by such linguists as V.Sheludko, T. Dolshykova, L, Macko, T. Mayboroda and other scientists. Today the linguistic personality of Ukrainian writers is of interest to linguists which indicates the anthropological perspective of linguistic research in Ukraine, but the

Edward Coke, William West, and the Law of Libel

ABSTRACT This note uncovers a new source for Edward Coke’s seminal account of the law of libel in his 1605 report De libellis famosis: the second part of William West’s Symboleography (1594). West adapted much of his popular English law book, including his definition of libel, from the work of the German civilian Hermann Vulteius. Coke in turn borrowed wholesale from West. That borrowing not only underscores the sixteenth-century roots of Coke’s law of libel but also suggests the difficulty of disentangling common law practice from civil law precept in late sixteenth- and early seventeenth-century England.

Quantum Legacies: Dispatches from an Uncertain World

Quantum Legacies: Dispatches from an Uncertain World

Validitas Buku Etnobotani Tumbuhan Nauclea subdita (Korth) Steud. di Kawasan Hutan Bukit Tamiang Kabupaten Tanah Laut

Validation is an action taken to review the initial product, and then provides input for further improvement. This study aims to determine the validity of popular scientific books developed about the plant ethnobotany Nauclea subdita (Korth) Steud. in the Tamiang hill forest area of Tanah Laut Regency as teaching material in the form of popular scientific books. This research uses the development research method with the model of education design research (EDR) through formative evaluation of the tessmer test. The validation test was conducted by 2 expert validators. The results showed the popular scientific book Nauclea subdita (Korth) Steud. developed is classified as very valid, based on the results of expert validation which shows very valid criteria with a value of 90.63%.

Analisis Kepraktisan Buku Ilmiah Populer Keanekaragaman Jenis Ikan Berbasis Penelitian Sebagai Bahan Pengayaan Mata Kuliah Zoologi Vertebrata Konsep Ikan

Popular scientific book is one of the teaching materials which is used in the learning process. adn connect information with community. Popular scientific book is very useful for students. It helps to enhance students’ insight and knowledge about the material which is being studied by the students. Especially, the material which are based on local potential. The existence of popular scientific books with local potential support students. Therefore, by knowing the objects in their environment, students will understand more deeply about the study of material because the objects of study presented and can be seen on a daily basis. The purpose of this study to analyze the practicality of BIP on the diversity of fish species as an enrichment material for the Vertebrate Zoology Course in Fish Concept. The research method is descriptive quantitative, to find information on the practicality of teaching materials which is scrutinized based on the research results, using the Research and Development. The subjects of practicality data are 7 students and 10 students for student responses. The results of this research shows that the teaching materials compiled based on the results of the study were obtained for readability in the very good category and student responses stated that popular scientific books were practical to use.

What do we read to our children? Messages concerning ethnic diversity in popular children\u2019s books in the Netherlands

Children’s books can create opportunities for children to see themselves as well as others in different settings and stories, but cultural details and specificity within these stories can play an important role in the messages that children take away. Therefore, the present study aims to provide insight in the messages concerning ethnic diversity and various cultures in a subset of popular books that Dutch young children are likely to be exposed to. Books aimed at young children that were sold or borrowed most often or were awarded between 2009 and 2018 in the Netherlands are examined through the combined lens of critical race theory and critical multicultural analysis. Specifically, books including a protagonist or secondary character of color were selected. The study provides insight in the degree of cultural specificity and cultural authenticity, as well as prevailing power relations between characters and ideologies that are portrayed within the books. Results indicate that while cultural stereotypes and ideologies including White supremacy and eurocentrism are found only in a few books, cultural details are generally lacking and colorblindness is common in books aimed at young children. The study therefore underlines the particular need for books that are culturally specific and include authentic cultural details, to improve the reflection of various cultures and experiences of characters of color.

ETHNOBOTANY STUDY OF Albizia procera IN TAMIANG HILL FOREST OF TANAH LAUT REGENCY AS A POPULAR SCIENTIFIC BOOK

Birik wood (Albizia procera) grows wild in the Tamiang hill forest and is often used by the local community. This study aims to describe the ethnobotany of the Albizia procera plant in the Tamiang hill forest area, Tanah Laut Regency and describe the validity and practicality of the contents of the popular scientific book on the Albizia procera plant. The research method used was descriptive research for ethnobotany studies and continued with the formative evaluation of the Tessmer test for the feasibility of the developed popular sciencetific book. The results showed that the Albizia procera plant had tree species, had white round stems, sympodial branches, double pinnate compound leaves, unlimited compound flowers, dry true fruit with pod and taproot type. Albizia procera plant is used as stomachache medicine, also used for road shade and livestock feed. The Albizia procera plant is believed by local people if it is burned it will cause the goat hair to fall out. Albizia procera plants are widely used as firewood, building materials and food materials. People in the hill forest area of Tamiang call the Albizia procera plant "birik wood" because of its speckled stems. The results of the development of teaching materials in the form of Popular Scientific Books on expert tests by 2 validators had very valid results, and the practicality of the content by 3 students had very good results. This popular scientific book is to support the Ethnobotany subject.

ETHNOBOTANY STUDY OF CEMPELAHU (Cordia dichotoma G. Forst) IN TAMIANG HILL FOREST OF TANAH LAUT REGENCY AS A POPULAR SCIENTIFIC BOOK

Cempelahu plant (Cordia dichotoma. G. Forst) has distribution and benefits in the Bukit Tamiang-forest area. This study aims to describe the ethnobotany of cempelahu plant in the Bukit Tamiang-forest area, Tanah Laut Regency, to describe the validity and practicality of the contents of the popular scientific book Cordia dichotoma. G. Forst. The research method used is descriptive quantitative research followed by formative evaluation of the Tessmer test for the feasibility of BIP which was developed through the stages of Self evaluations, Expert review and one to one test. The results showed that Cordia dichotoma G. Forst plant has a tap root habit, simpodial stems are round, alternate ovate leaves, compound flowers are bordered, and the fruit is compound type of buni fruit. This plant is used as a medicine for ulcers and can disguise scars. Cordia dichotoma plant. G. Forst has the regional name "cempelahu" taken from the Banjar Campah language which means itching. The results of the development of teaching materials in the form of Popular Scientific Books on the expert review by 2 validators have very valid validation results and the results of the practicality of the contents on the individual test (one to one) by 3 students have very good results.

Considerations of Consciousness and Emotive Memory

The role of chemistry is generally overlooked in theories of consciousness; most neuroscientists focus exclusively on electrodynamic signaling. We argue that chemodynamic signaling modes must also be considered. As an aide to continuing this discourse, we clarify key terms, namely: Feelings, Emotions, Code and Neural net. In particular, we distinguish between “memory” as applied to the binary formatted “information” employed by computers, which lack any affective quality, and “emotive memory”, the recall of subjective “cognitive information” experienced by neural nets. Most concepts of consciousness focused on the electrodynamic activation, witness the many popular books and movies, as well as scientific papers based on this premise. However, the discovery of neurotransmitters (NTs) and development of psychoactive drugs indicates that consciousness is also enabled by chemodynamic processes, which particularly impact affective states. A graphic timeline is presented which highlights the historical milestones in the neuroscientific clarification of signaling modes pertinent to consciousness. We opine that a combined chemodynamic and electrodynamic description of emotive memory will clarify the causative processes from which the experiential consciousness of the neural net emerges. Consider that without chemically encoded emotive memory, a conscious creature could not long survive; its consciousness would be moot.

A qualitative exploration of the acceptability of a cognitive behavioural therapy self-help book for people with psychosis in Nicaragua

ABSTRACT Background: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) self-help interventions have become a popular tool in High-Income Countries (HIC) to support people living with psychosis. There is limited research of this in Low–and Middle-Income Country (LMIC) contexts. We report findings of a qualitative investigation of a self-help book for psychosis in Nicaragua in Central America. Methods: Ten service users who self-identified as having psychosis were recruited from a mental health non-governmental organisation (NGO). Participants were given a Spanish version of a popular self-help book developed in the UK. They had four weeks to familiarise themselves with the book. Following this, we asked participants about their experiences of the book via an open ended questionnaire and a focus group discussion. Results: We conducted an inductive content analysis on the data. Evaluations of the book were positive. The book was considered easy to understand. The exercises were useful for coping with symptoms, as well as for recognising and managing relapse. Case studies were perceived useful in terms of reducing stigma and promoting self-acceptance. Conclusion: The data highlight potential acceptability of CBT self-help books in the Nicaraguan context. We make recommendations for further research and evaluation to build on this signal of acceptability.