Theoretical Reference Point Research Articles

Analysis of Organizational Culture in Improving the Performance of Educators and Educational Staff at Tanggamus Islamic Education College

This study aims to implement an organizational culture to support the achievement of set goals. Specifically, the study aims to analyze how implementing organizational culture enhances performance, as well as identify the factors that support and hinder this process. The research approach used in this study is descriptive qualitative. Collecting data from field studies is a crucial part of every research project. Data for the study was gathered through interviews, documentation, and observation. Educators and education staff may benefit from examining corporate culture, according to the study's findings. To be responsible, one must be free and independent, and one must also comprehend the duties of one another. Leadership: The organization's objectives and standards are laid out in a clear and concise manner. Incentives like pay raises and promotions are part of the reward system. How much horizontal or vertical communication there is depends on the communication system. The results of this study point to the importance of leadership in raising the efficiency and effectiveness of school staff and teachers. As a theoretical framework or point of reference, the results of this study can be used by universities to improve the performance of education workers and instructors. Furthermore, the researcher found that to establish a higher education institution operating in the Islamic field, universities must overcome both supportive and inhibiting factors. They also need the assistance of competent teaching and education personnel to implement quality enhancements, thereby creating a superior higher education institution.

Effects of alpine meadow degradation on the soil physical and chemical properties in Maqu, China

While alpine meadow degradation presents a significant ecological challenge, research on the complex patterns of soil property changes induced by degradation has been somewhat limited. In this study, we investigated the Maqu alpine meadow, meticulously categorizing it into different grassland types exhibiting varying degrees of degradation based on factors such as vegetation coverage and community, soil characteristics, and landscape features. These classifications included typical grassland, degraded grassland, desertified grassland, and sandy land. In August 2018, we established three quadrats at each sample point and collected soil samples at five depths (surface (0–2 cm), 2–5 cm, 5–10 cm, 10–20 cm, and 20–40 cm) to analyze soil particle size distribution (PSD) and nutrients content. The results revealed a discernible trend: alpine meadow degradation led to selective loss of nutrient-rich soil fine particles, resulting in significant alterations in soil PSD and nutrients, particularly pronounced in grasslands with low degrees of degradation. Moreover, within a specific range of degradation degree, the clay content in the shallow soil of alpine meadow increased with the degradation degree, but it declined when the degradation degree exceeded a certain threshold. Degradation also disrupted the intricate relationship between soil nutrients, with notable variations in their coupling. This difference was also reflected in the influence of soil physical and chemical properties on soil nutrients, with the explanatory power of each environmental indicator on soil nutrients decreasing significantly with increasing degradation. This study systematically analyzed the variation in soil physical and chemical properties throughout the degradation process, revealing the mechanism of soil nutrient imbalance and decline caused by the degradation process. It provides crucial theoretical foundations and reference points for the preservation and rejuvenation of alpine meadows, enriching the methodology for assessing the impact of grassland degradation.

Developing A Piano Teaching Model for Music Majors in Chinese Higher Education and Improving Student's Piano Playing Skills

China's economic and social development, cultural industry progress, and improved living standards have led to a diversified society for piano professionals and applied talents. This study aimed to analyze the piano teaching mode in higher schools. Explore the existing piano teaching modes at home and abroad, and analyze the characteristics, advantages, and shortcomings of different teaching modes and evaluate the new piano teaching mode and verify its effect of improving students' piano playing application ability. The current study clarified the related implications under the initial dimensions for a follow-up particular analysis by examining the syllabi of piano teaching models from five universities' music programs using the Research & Development (R&D) theoretical framework. The study examines and contrasts relevant research on domestic piano instruction models through a survey of the literature. This stage seeks to categorize and condense the findings of previous research, comprehend the theoretical underpinnings and real-world application of applied talent training models both domestically and internationally, and offer a theoretical framework and point of reference for this investigation. This study employs various research tools, including literature analysis, structured questionnaires, observation forms, and checklists, to collect comprehensive data to address the research questions. It explored that teaching methods: at present, China's higher education piano teaching methods are diverse, emphasis on skills training, ignoring the cultivation of music literacy. In the process of teaching, teachers tend to focus on demonstration, and students have fewer opportunities to practice, which leads to the lack of students' innovative ability. The Curriculum: China's higher education piano teaching is based on professional courses, and a small number of elective courses in the curriculum to assist. As a result, the content of the curriculum is relatively single and lacks the cultivation of students' comprehensive ability. The Evaluation system: China's higher education piano teaching is mainly based on performance examination, which overly emphasizes technical indicators and neglects musical expression and creativity. In addition, the evaluation standard is too uniform, making it difficult to meet students' individual needs.

A FORMAÇÃO INTELECTUAL DO PROFESSOR: CONSIDERAÇÕES SOBRE A EXPERIÊNCIA DE UM GRUPO DE PESQUISA

Gramsci's writings have had an impact on various fields of knowledge, mainly the education. Using the concepts of intellectuals and the State in an extended perspective, it is possible to understand the ways in which consensus is formed through the school apparatus. Based on Gramsci as a theoretical and practical reference point, this essay aims to expose the ways in which the activities of the GForP - Grupo de Estudo e Pesquisa em Formação de Professores (UFMS/CPTL) has been developed. In order to do this, the study started with an analysis of excerpts from Gramsci's writings and then moved on to discuss the dispute over the intellectual formation of teachers, especially in the way it is materialized within the GForP.

Globale Kompetenzen und Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung. Eine bibliometrische Analyse zur Verortung der globalen Kompetenzen der OECD im wissenschaftlichen Diskurs

AbstractThe Programme for International Study Assessment (PISA) regularly assesses a set of interdisciplinary competences in addition to the traditional core domains. With the 2018 assessment of ‘global competences’, the OECD (2019) aims to support evidence-based decisions on the improvement of the curricula and teaching in order to prepare young people to become active and global citizens who contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In assessing this domain, the OECD is entering a field of research characterised by dynamic debates and heterogeneous research strands. The aim of this paper is to visualise the theoretical foundations on which the analytical PISA 2018 Global Competence Framework (OECD 2019) is based, allowing a transparent discussion of the different theoretical reference points. The bibliometric analyses reveal that discourses related to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) are hardly taken into account in the analytical framework. The paper subsequently formulates impetus from the ESD research field with the aim of linking discourses in the future.

Study on the dissociation properties and spectra of iodobenzene under external electric field

In accordance with density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) method, the characteristics of iodobenzene (C6H5I) under the impact of various external electric field (EEF) (0 V · nm−1∼10.28 V · nm−1) are calculated, using B3LYP/LanL2DZ group. As evident from the computational results, an escalation in EEF corresponds to a decrease in total energy, an increase in dipole moment, elongation of the 6C-12I bond, contraction of the 2C-7H bond, and a reduction in the energy gap. With an increase in EEF, there is an observed enhancement in the intensity of infrared spectral characteristic peaks associated with the stretching and bending vibrations of the 6C-12I bond; The Raman spectral characteristic peak corresponding to the 6C-12I bond experiences a redshift. When EEF increases, the single point energy decreases first and then increases. The barrier almost disappears when EEF reaches 16.46 V · nm−1. Furthermore, as EEF attains higher magnitudes, the excitation energy of the first nine excited states experiences a reduction and the oscillator strength changes. Examining the impact of EEF on the characteristics and spectra not only offers a theoretical foundation for understanding the dissociation of iodobenzene but also provides valuable insights for the development of detection methods for other organic pollutants.

Role of mitochondria in the regulation of ferroptosis and disease.

Ferroptosis is a distinctive form of iron-dependent cell death characterized by significant ultrastructural changes in mitochondria. Given the crucial involvement of mitochondria in various cellular processes such as reactive oxygen species production, energy metabolism, redox status, and iron metabolism, mounting evidence suggests a vital role of mitochondria in the regulation and execution of ferroptosis. Furthermore, there exists a strong correlation between ferroptosis and various diseases. In this review, we aim to summarize the mechanisms underlying the induction and defense of ferroptosis, emphasizing the influence of mitochondria on this intricate process. Additionally, we provide an overview of the role of ferroptosis in disease, particularly cancer, and elucidate the mechanisms by which drugs targeting mitochondria impact ferroptosis. By presenting a theoretical foundation and reference point, this review aims to contribute to both basic cell biology research and the investigation of clinically relevant diseases.

Theoretically Rich Design Thinking: Blended Approaches for Educational Technology Workshops

This paper is a reflective account that outlines the design of two Continual Professional Development (CPD) workshop sessions based on a blend of theory for design thinking about aspects of curriculum, pedagogy and technology. The theoretical approach blended aspects of design-based research, speculative design, Activity Theory and subtractive change to address issues, barriers and explore opportunities in each workshop example that is presented. The first of these workshops brought university engineering lecturers together to explore the opportunities and barriers for integrating ‘co-creation’ as a pedagogical strategy to subject teaching alongside a new interface into their curriculum. The results show how design thinking exposes limitations and challenges that prevent the realisation of pedagogically rich interventions. The second workshop brought together post-compulsory vocational lecturers to a teacher education workshop and used the same theoretical reference points to inform and antagonise the implications that Large Language Models, such as Chat GPT, present to subject knowledge, curriculum design and modes of assessment. Here these theoretically rich forms are proposed for planning use in learning design and for reshaping curricula, where academics and other professionals supporting teaching and learning may want to introduce new technologies and integrate innovative pedagogical methods or confront new challenges to their work. They may also be used as continual professional development sessions in highly participatory, practical and creative ways that allow for lucid experimentation and to imbue professionals with agency and trust.

Mechanism of Nozzle Position Affecting Coalbed Methane Mining in High-Pressure Air Blasting

The use of clean energy is an important part of promoting sustainable energy development. As a clean energy source, coalbed methane, during the mining process, the position of the nozzle can influence coalbed methane extraction efficiency by affecting the cracking effect of coal. To investigate the impact of nozzles on the effect of coal fracture, a test of simulated coal by high-pressure air blasting was executed using nozzles 100 mm, 200 mm, and 250 mm from the orifice. Based on the test results and theories of fracture damage mechanics, two damage fracture models were established for the nozzles located in the middle-upper and middle-lower of the blasthole, respectively. The fracturing process and increased permeability mechanism of the coal were revealed by these two models. The results show that: when the nozzle is 100 mm from the orifice, the high-pressure air impacts the blasthole wall first, similar to a uniform expansion. Multiple longitudinal cracks are formed penetrating the coal. The permeability of the coal seam is greatly improved. When the nozzle is 200 mm and 250 mm from the orifice, the high-pressure air first impacts the bottom of the blasthole. The bottom hole angle and apex hole angle first form horizontal cracks while longitudinal cracks only appear at the same depth as the blasthole. The nozzle is 250 mm from the orifice to form a compaction zone at the bottom of the blasthole. The crack density is small and the tangential depth is shallow, which is not conducive to coalbed methane mining. The results of the research offer a theoretical framework and point of reference for the use of high-pressure air blasting technology in the extraction of coalbed methane (CBM).

Factors contributing to learning satisfaction with blended learning teaching mode among higher education students in China.

Blended learning has increasingly grown in importance as a method of classroom instruction in Chinese higher education classrooms in the context of fast-evolving network information technology, higher standards of educational informatization, and growing attention to the reform of teaching modes in higher education. The efficiency of blended learning can be increased by better understanding the students' learning satisfaction and its key influencing factors. Based on the theories of constructivism and phenomenology, the study constructs an index system of student satisfaction with blended learning in higher education, and conducts a questionnaire survey on 650 students with blended learning experience in 6 universities in Sichuan Province, China, obtaining 598 valid questionnaires after reviewing the collected questionnaires for missing values. This study uses descriptive statistical analysis (DSA), one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression (MLR) to analyze the effects of each factor in the index system on satisfaction. Results indicate that the overall level of student satisfaction with blended learning in universities is moderately high, with students' self-satisfaction being the lowest, and that substantial disparities exist in the evaluation of satisfaction with blended learning on various online resources, online teaching forms, and offline teaching methods. This study applies multiple linear regression (MLR) to conclude that students' learning attitudes, curriculum design, and teachers' teaching methods are the most important factors influencing satisfaction with blended learning in universities. Results indicate that a blended learning system be built from the three dimensions of students, teachers, and curriculum, offering a theoretical foundation and point of reference for the ongoing reform of blended learning in higher education. The study is of great significance in optimizing teaching quality and deepening the reform of blended learning.

K-Means Module Division Method of FDM3D Printer-Based Function–Behavior–Structure Mapping

Product performance, function, cost, and the level of module generalization are all significantly influenced by product modular design, but different goods require different division indicators and techniques. The purpose of this study is to provide a set of appropriate modular division techniques for FDM 3D printers. This research offers an ecologically friendly module division index and uses module clustering as the module division principle in accordance with the current industrial development trend and the fundamental requirements of FDM 3D printer consumers in the current market. The K-means algorithm is used to use the Jaccard similarity coefficient as the metric of similarity of the DSM clustering process to realize the module division of the FDM 3D printer after studying the function–behavior–structure mapping model of the 3D printer. Additionally, the elbow method–cluster error variance and average contour coefficient evaluation systems were built, respectively, in order to verify the viability of the FDM 3D printer module division method and obtain the best module division results. By analyzing these two systems, it was discovered that when the FDM 3D printer was divided into three modules, the in-cluster error variance diagram obviously had an inflection point, and the average profile coefficient and other modular approaches that need to be adjusted to their respective goods can use this division method as a theoretical foundation and point of reference.

From Imperial to Soviet Power: Interpretation of Zabolotsky’s Creative Quest in the Ararat Collection

This article examines the role of Zhukovsky, a nineteenth-century ballad author, in Zabolotsky’s creative consciousness. Among the biographical facts and writings of the twentieth-century poet that reveal his constant interest in the canonic figure of his predecessor, the author pays special attention to Zhukovsky’s Ballad (1927) that has a metaliterary title. Zabolotsky included this work which looks like a riddle in the composition of Ararat, his handwritten book, and therefore is considered by the author of the article in the context of this collection. The paper aims to overcome the semantic opacity of Zhukovsky’s Ballad and to determine its place and functions in the structure of the Ararat poetic cycle. Methodologically, the analysis is based on historical poetics, which implies, on the one hand, the identification of a genre basis relevant to both Zhukovsky and Zabolotsky, and on the other hand – the transformations that the ballad underwent in the context of a “new worldview and new art”. Another theoretical reference point is B. M. Gasparov’s Poetics of the Tale of Igor’s Campaign dedicated to the interpretation of the opaque text and based on the analysis of its linguistic and genre-stylistic features. The main sources in this research are the manuscript of Zhukovsky’s Ballad as well as the cover of Ararat with drawings by the writer, and the other poems of the collection. The main result lies in the reconstruction of the cyclical plot implying the unity of all the poems of the collection through the prism of their motifs and imagery, which, in turn, revisits the biblical story of the Flood. The author analyses intertextual connections within the book and specifies their functions. In the first part of Ararat, Zhukovsky’s Ballad which completed the collection was the most conflictual work within a triad of texts dedicated to the end of the old tsarist and imperial way of life. Based on the clarified symmetrical composition of the cycle, in its second half, the author discovers the poem Movement mirroring Zhukovsky’s Ballad. Instead of the tsar in the ballad, there appears a cabman sitting “as if on the throne” as a representative of the new “proletarian” authorities. In the place of a drowned man who lived in the “round village,” the reader now sees a “poor horse” as the driving force of modernity. Thus, Zabolotsky captures the change of the social and everyday life paradigms, bringing the heroes of a new era to the fore.

THE STRUCTURE OF VISUAL OBJECT PERCEPTION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTANCE IN THE LIGHT OF THE CONSTRUAL LEVEL THEORY BY N. LIBERMAN AND Y. TROPE: A POTENTIAL APPLICATION IN AVIATION PSYCHOLOGY

Introduction: The aim of the study is to determine the relation between the form of visual presentation of an object and the psychological distance included in the four dimensions (spatial, temporal, social, hypotheticality). The construal level theory by Nira Liberman and Yaacov Trope is used as a theoretical point of reference. Methods: 400 people participated in the experiment. All distance dimensions were subjected to the same procedure: estimating the percentage value of the extent to which the objects presented in sixty slides (plus a second similarly constructed variant) were related to a specific context determined by the magnitude of psychological distance, in each dimension separately (for example, whether the object came from a shop in Poland or Ireland – small vs. large spatial distance). Six formal features of the visual presentation of an object were manipulated: size, exposed part, level of detail, color, background, technique. Results: On the basis of the results obtained, it can be concluded that photographs generate less psychological distance than pictures, only in some conditions, determined by the quality of dimensions and stimuli, objects represented in color are associated with greater distance than black-and-white ones; size, exposed part, level of detail and background shape, in most conditions determined by the dimensions of distance and the quality of stimuli, influence the psychological distance significantly, albeit in different ways (different directions of influence). Discussion: The hypothesis concerning the mechanism linking the formal features of an object (presented in a visual form) to psychological distance can be illustrated by using the context of the basic distance – the spatial distance at the two poles of which any object can be located, "looked at" from two perspectives –short and long distance, and then extracting those properties which depended on the magnitude of the spatial distance. Conclusions: 1) Photographs are associated with less psychological distance compared to pictures. 2) Objects presented in color generate a greater distance than those in black and white (in many conditions defined by the dimension of distance and the quality of the stimuli). 3) Size, exposed part, level of detail and background influence the distance in most conditions, but the direction of the influence is not constant – it depends on the specificity of these conditions (on the dimension of distance and the quality of stimuli). 4) The principle of perception of visual objects and psychological distance finds a valuable application in aviation psychology, as a basis for research on general issues of visual situational awareness of a pilot.

Review and future perspectives on the integration characteristics for equine lentivirus in the host genome.

Despite over 40 years of research on the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vaccine, we still lack a considerable progress. Equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) is a lentivirus in the Retroviridae family, akin to HIV-1 in genome structure and antigenicity. EIA is an important infectious disease in equids, characterized by anemia, persistent infection, and repeated fevers. The EIAV attenuated vaccine in China is the only lentiviral vaccine used on a large scale. Elucidating the mechanism of waning and induction of protective immunity from this attenuated vaccine strain will provide a critical theoretical basis and reference point for vaccine research, particularly in the development of lentivirus vaccines, with far-reaching scientific value and social significance. In this paper, we summarize the information related to EIAV integration site selection, particularly for the Chinese EIAV attenuated vaccine strains on the equine genome. This may improve our mechanistic understanding of EIAV virulence reduction at the host genome level. The obtained data may help elucidate the biological characteristics of EIAV, particularly the Chinese attenuated EIAV vaccine strain, and provide valuable information regarding retroviral infections, particularly lentiviral infection and associated therapeutic vectors.

Research on Wind Environment and Morphological Effects of High-Rise Buildings in Macau: An Example from the New Reclamation Area around Areia Preta.

The Macau peninsula is close to the tropical ocean, with a high population density and a large number of high-rise buildings, which require a windy environment with good ventilation and heat dissipation. Based on residential samples and the degree of agglomeration, the high-rise residential area in Areia Preta was selected as the focus of this study. Meanwhile, summer typhoons pose serious safety risks to high-rise buildings. Therefore, it is necessary to study the connection between spatial form and the wind environment. First of all, this research is based on relevant concepts and the wind environment evaluation system of high-rise buildings and conducts research on high-rise residential areas in Areia Preta. PHOENICS software is used to simulate the prevailing monsoon in winter and summer, as well as a typhoon in an extreme wind environment, and summarize the wind environment's characteristics. Secondly, by comparing the parameter calculation and simulation results, the possible relationship between the causes of each wind field is studied. Finally, conclusions are drawn about the urban form and wind environment of the site, and corresponding control strategies are proposed to reduce the shielding effect between buildings and typhoon damage. It can be used as a theoretical basis and reference point for urban construction and high-rise building planning and layout.

Text Linguistics and Translation: An Empirical Perspective on English-Chinese Translation in the United Nations

Abstract Document translation in the context of the Unite Nations, which involves a colossal system of documentation with a huge variety of subject-matters, should be considered as a specialised translating activity. A relevant theoretical framework is needed to explore and contribute to the actual practices on the ground, much remaining to be done in this respect, though. The present study attempts to explore the possibility of precise understanding of source text and its accurate rendering into target language, by focusing on some aspects of the text linguistics as the theoretical reference points, and based on the empirical evidences in the English to Chinese translation of the UN documents. It tries to explore how much the role of text or discourse analysis can play in the study, and hopefully in the contributions to the quality improvement, of such a specialised activity as UN document translation.

Research trends in humanitarian logistics and sustainable development: A bibliometric analysis

Sustainable development (SD) has become a prevalent topic in the logistics discipline. Hence, the attention of researchers to humanitarian logistics (HL) in SD has been increasing. Therefore, the study applied a literature review in a bibliometric methodology, and feasibly reached a total of 112 publications published in world-class journals from the chosen databases. The findings show an increasing trend in the number of studies in this area, and that most of the studies were published in the last three years. Humanitarian Organizations (HOs) have a responsibility to save victims and decrease the distress of persons for SD during difficult times through fast, fair, and safe HL, which is possible through an effective HL operation. This study offers the first bibliometric investigation in the field that could serve as a theoretical reference point for future investigations and as a managerial tool, recognizing the urgent need for a careful understanding of how sustainability can be integrated into HL.

Combined Effects of Temperature and Salinity on Antioxidants in the Immune System of the Pearl Oyster Pinctada fucata

A water environment can impact many physiological processes of aquatic animals. The antioxidant response of immune system of the pearl oyster to temperature and salinity is of great significance to health. This study analyzed the physiological changes and immune responses under different temperature and salinity levels (temperature: 20, 25, and 30 °C; salinity: 23, 28, and 33‰) in the short term (7 d) in the hepatopancreas and other tissues of 405 pearl oysters. The combined effects of temperature and salinity on antioxidants in the immune system of the pearl oyster were evaluated via response surface methodology and Box–Benhnken design (BBD) under laboratory conditions. The secondary effects of salinity on the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significant, and CAT and SOD showed an inverted U-shaped trend with the increase in salinity. Temperature significantly impacted GSH-PX, CAT, glutathione (GSH), and SOD in primary and secondary effects, and the maximum values of CAT, GSH, and SOD were observed. The phenoloxidase (POX) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities increased with the increasing temperatures. The interaction of temperature and salinity was significant on CAT and SOD, but was not significant on GSH-PX. The interaction between salinity and temperature on AKP was significant, which was contrary to the results of AKP in the hemolymph. The expression levels of antioxidant genes varied between tissues, and the expression levels of different genes in the same tissue were different. Appropriate immunity and antioxidant index models were established under the combined temperature and salinity conditions. The optimal combination of temperature and salinity was 24.95 °C and 28.11‰, respectively, and the desirability was 0.803. This study provides theoretical reference points for the pearl oyster to respond to temperature and salinity changes and can be used to establish an index model for shellfish aquaculture.

From offline to online violence: new challenges for the contemporary society

ABSTRACT So far, the focus on violence has been it as a concept and its evolution within contemporary societies. For instance, several studies consider violence to be influenced by singular cultural issues and perceptions, with the primary point being the presence of an authoritative presence capable of acting violently. Others instead focus on the degrees and typologies of violence and question the role of modernity in the execution of acts of violence by individuals, who are often both victims and perpetrators. In this article, we draw upon a theoretical reflection concerning the role of violence as a sociological concept. We highlight the transformations it has undergone considering the technological developments and its presence in online spaces. The aim is to stress the mutual shaping relationship between the online and offline realms regarding violence against women (although the subject could also involve other communities like the LGBTQI+, migrants, people with disabilities, etc.). Via our theoretical point of reference and examples, we highlight how the perception of the seriousness of violence is nuanced depending on the environment in which it occurs. Similarly, we argue that its acceptability or condemnation becomes the result of culturally metabolised principles and rules that characterise certain societies.

Ch'ixinakax utxiwa: A Reflection on the Practices and Discourses of Decolonization by Silvia Rivera Cusicanqui (review)

Reviewed by: Ch'ixinakax utxiwa: A Reflection on the Practices and Discourses of Decolonization by Silvia Rivera Cusicanqui R. Aída Hernández Castillo (bio) Ch'ixinakax utxiwa: A Reflection on the Practices and Discourses of Decolonization by Silvia Rivera Cusicanqui Polity Press, 2020 CH'IXINAKAX UTXIWA is the translation of a collection of essays that were first published in Spanish by the Argentinian publishing house Retazos & Tinta Limón in 2010. In these scant eighty-nine pages the author managed to unleash a political storm, as she transformed this book into a theoretical and methodological point of reference for decolonial studies in Latin America. More than ten years would go by before her work could be translated into English and her critiques against what she called the "colonial character of decolonial studies in the United States" could circulate through the Anglosphere's academia (59). Heir to the Latin American tradition of essay writing, the book does not have the formal structure of an academic text, as it combines political denunciation with epistemic and philosophical reflections. Thus, the work goes from sociohistorical analysis to the description of methodological routes and calls for political praxis. We could say we are faced with a "Ch'ixi" book, that is, a "motley text," to recover the concept the author proposes to refer to the Aymara understanding of a thing that is and is not at the same time, or the logic of "the included middle" (xx). Her literary style, not lacking in a touch of irony and sarcasm, is brilliantly transmitted in the English translation by Molly Geidel. The three essays that make up the book employ diverse perspectives to approach the need of a political economy of knowledge that articulates the decolonizing discourse through political practice. Those of us familiar with the activist and political history of Silvia Rivera Cusicanqui understand the ethical coherence to which she summons us through her writings. In this sense, the introductory essay of Verónica Gago leads us into a comprehensive historical journey through the life and works of this author whom she characterizes as "one of the most lucid, inventive and galvanizing intellectuals in our continent" (vii). In the first essay, entitled "Another Bicentennial," the author centers her analysis on the Tupaq Katari rebellion of 1781 as an ethnohistorical window to reflect about memory and the "unsaid," two recurring themes that run through her work since the creation of the Taller de Historia Oral Andina [End Page 135] (THOA) in the 1980s. In this chapter Rivera Cusicanqui presents her political concern for the place of memory in peoples' struggles. She proposes that the memory of this rebellion was present in the 2000 and 2005 cycle of uprisings by inhabitants of El Alto, in Bolivia. In the second chapter, "Sociology of Image: A View from Colonial Andean History" Rivera Cusicanqui utilizes the analysis of the First New Chronicle and Good Government by Waman Puma de Ayala, (1612—15) a thousand-page letter directed to the King of Spain, in order to develop her epistemic and methodological proposal of uncovering the "unsaid." Starting from the premise that words, under colonial contexts, tend to hide more than reveal the truths of the colonized, the author takes us through a detailed analysis of the iconography that illustrates the letters of Puma de Ayala. The third chapter, which gives the book its name, unleashed the debate around the limitations and appropriations of the decolonial studies produced in the English-speaking academy. The text comes very close to a political manifesto, where the author reveals the colonial contradictions that are concealed both by academic discourse in the United States and the official multiculturalist rhetoric in Bolivia. She denounces the adoption of postmodern and postcolonial "gestures" by the intellectual elites at the same time they reproduce epistemic hierarchies, denying the Latin American theoretical genealogies within their debates and appropriating and decontextualizing those whom they may get to cite. Calling these authors by their name, Silvia Rivera denounces that "Walter Mignolo and company have built a small empire within an empire, strategically appropriating the contributions of subaltern studies school of India and the Latin American variants of critical reflection on colonization and decolonization...