Search

Xuan paper is one of the most famous handmade papers in China and is an important paper for conservation. However, the evenness of Xuan paper has not yet received much attention. In this study, the distribution of the in-plane grammage and mechanical properties of Xuan paper are measured. It is found that the distribution of the in-plane grammage and mechanical properties of Xuan paper is uneven. In the handmade direction, the grammage and mechanical properties of Xuan paper are overall largest in the lower area, followed by the upper and middle areas. The sheet forming process of Xuan paper has an important effect on the distribution of in-plane grammage, mechanical properties, and fiber orientation of Xuan paper. The folded state has a negative effect on the mechanical properties of the folded area of Xuan paper. This study will help raise awareness of the unevenness in physical properties of Xuan paper, which is important in both conservation and research applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This project interrogates the United States’ national fixation on the answer to the question: Who are you? In this article, it is posed that identity documentation practices arising out of the Chinese Exclusion Act era cast identity as an empirical and immutable phenomenon, specifically in response to the racialization of American-born Chinese settlers as duplicitous, through the mechanisms that information is collected, the actual information itself, and the cross-references or connections created between cases. Through tracing this lineage, racialized identification data is identified and theorized as part of hegemonic data regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Walter Benjamin's criticisms of dwelling and the modern interior are well known. The middle classes retreated from the alienation of nineteenth-century city life into domestic seclusion, surrounding themselves with soft furnishings in a search for comfort. In Living Rooms (2022), Sam Johnson-Schlee uses objects typically found in the living room or lounge as his starting point for the development of Benjamin's ideas. Recognising the labour invested in domestic commodities would allow us to realise our dreams of connecting with others and escaping the confines of capitalism like roots breaking out of a plant pot. The personal observations used to support the arguments reflect the experience of Generation Rent. They inform an attempt to relate IKEA's 1996 'Chuck out that chintz!' advert to crucial changes in the British housing market. The emphasis on labour largely sidelines household labour and its gendering, with the exception of the activities of 'cleanfluencer' Mrs. Hinch. The link between domestic commodities and our longing for intimacy is effectively depicted using a combination of historical research, cultural references and family stories. Plants and flowers are used throughout to illustrate specific arguments and to serve as a symbol of a different, and better, life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Tyranny and Revolution: Rousseau to Heidegger" by Waller R. Newell explores the concept of freedom and revolution in the political philosophy of German thinkers from Rousseau to Heidegger. The book examines how these philosophers viewed freedom and revolution as interconnected, with revolution often seen as a means to restore or simulate the lost freedom of humanity. The author also discusses the influence of classical Greek political thought on these philosophers and their critiques of modernity. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the philosophical tradition and its implications for understanding freedom and revolution. [Extracted from the article]

To exclusively report the clinical category of mechanical secondary acquired lacrimal duct obstruction (SALDO) secondary to the caruncle and plica hypertrophy. Prospective interventional case series involving 10 consecutive eyes with megalocaruncle and plica hypertrophy were enrolled in the study. All patients presented with epiphora secondary to a demonstratable mechanical obstruction of the puncta. All patients underwent high magnification slit-lamp photography and Fourier-domain ocular coherence tomography scans (FD-OCT) of the tear meniscus height (TMH) pre- and post-operatively at 1-month and 3-months. Caruncle and plica size, position, and their relationship to the puncta were noted. All patients underwent partial carunculectomy. Primary outcome measures were demonstrable resolution of the mechanical obstruction of the puncta and the reduction in the tear meniscus height. The secondary outcome measure was the subjective improvement of the epiphora. The mean age of the patients was 67 years (range: 63–72 years). The average TMH was 843.1 (range: 345–2049) microns pre-operatively and 195.1(91–379) microns at 1-month follow-up. All patients reported significant subjective improvement in epiphora at 6-months follow-up. One patient had bilateral granuloma at the surgical site at two weeks and was managed by simple excision and topical tapering steroids. Histopathology revealed hyperplastic epithelium with goblet cells with chronic inflammatory cells in the sub-epithelial region and the stroma. The role of the caruncle in the causation of mechanical SALDO needs to be carefully assessed in patients beyond the sixth decade. Excellent objective and subjective outcomes can be achieved by a partial carunculectomy and plica semilunaris excision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To discuss the clinical spectrum and management strategies in patients with post-traumatic canalicular fistula (PTCF). Retrospective, interventional case series of consecutive patients diagnosed with PTCF over a 6-year study period between June 2016 and June 2022. The demographics, mode of injury, location, and communication of the canalicular fistula were noted. The outcomes of several management modalities including dacryocystorhinostomy, lacrimal gland therapies, and conservative approaches were assessed. Eleven cases with PTCF over the study period were included. The mean age at presentation was 23.5 years (range: 6–71 years), with male: female ratio of 8:3. The median time interval between trauma to presentation at the Dacryology clinic was 3 years (range: 1 week to 12 years). Seven had iatrogenic trauma and four had the canalicular fistula following primary trauma. Management modalities pursued include conservative approach for minimal symptoms, and dacryocystorhinostomy, dacryocystectomy, and lacrimal gland botulinum toxin injection. The mean follow-up period was 30 months (range: 3-months−6 years). PTCF is a complex lacrimal condition and the management of the PTCF needs a tailored approach guided by its nature and location and patient symptomatology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This note is based on hitherto untapped visual resources (photographs, presentation albums, and scrapbook) on post-World War I Russian refugees in Istanbul that belong to the Anna Mitchell Papers, which were gifted to the Hoover Institution Library and Archives at Stanford University in 1967. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review, several chemical quality markers of Atlantic salmon, a widely farmed and consumed fish, are identified and discussed. Lipids, especially omega-3 fatty acids are of special importance as they relate to nutritional benefits. Pigmentation, resulting from the carotenoid deposition and retention in the muscles is one of the main factors that drive the market value of the fish. Both these quality markers are heavily influenced by the diet, and a variety of other important factors. Perhaps less obviously, contaminants and pollutants play a role in determining the overall quality of Atlantic salmon. Monitoring these quality parameters is performed via various analysis methods, many of which are considered industry standard due to many decades of producing reliable and accurate results. However, recent advances in spectroscopic techniques present faster, non-invasive techniques that have considerable potential in fisheries science. The following text outlines influences on the chemical quality markers in Atlantic salmon and compares various analysis techniques that can be used for quantification and monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Erdoğan: a graphic biography: the rise of Turkey's modern autocrat" is a graphic novel written by Can Dündar and illustrated by Anwar. The book focuses on the rise of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, covering his upbringing, entry into politics, and his complicated relationship with Necmettin Erbakan. The biography portrays Erdoğan as a Machiavellian figure who uses democracy as a means to obtain power, with no true commitment to democratic principles. While the book presents strong arguments, some claims cannot be definitively proven. Overall, it is an impressive and important work that deserves a wide audience. [Extracted from the article]

"Breaks in the Air: The Birth of Rap Radio in New York City" by John Klaess is a significant contribution to the history of New York hip-hop culture. The book explores the early days of rap radio in New York, when stations like WBLS played a crucial role in shaping the sound and culture of hip-hop. Klaess uses interviews and cassette recordings to provide insights into the inseparable relationship between rap, radio, and diverse listening communities. The book also examines the impact of deregulation on the commercial radio industry and the role of radio in advancing Black social progress. Overall, "Breaks in the Air" offers a valuable perspective on the history of rap radio in New York City. [Extracted from the article]

This document is a letter to the editor addressing a typographical error in the formulas for the double Pareto-lognormal distribution and the normal-Laplace distribution. The authors clarify that the formulas themselves are correct, but there was an error in the expression of the Mills ratio in the correction by Amini and Rabbani. The authors provide the correct formulas for both distributions and offer further explanation upon request. The authors are affiliated with Juraj Dobrila University of Pula in Croatia. [Extracted from the article]

"The Real World of College: What Higher Education Is and What It Can Be" by Wendy Fischman and Howard Gardner is a book that examines the state of higher education in the United States. The authors conducted 2,000 interviews over five years at ten colleges to gain insight into current expectations and experiences of higher education. The book explores different justifications for engaging in higher education, such as inertia, transaction, exploration, and transformation. While the book defends traditional humanist scholarship, it could have made a stronger case for the liberal arts. However, it lacks awareness of sociological problems associated with the university and does not consider the broader issues affecting higher education. Overall, the book provides a harmless addition to the library of defenses of liberal education. [Extracted from the article]

"The Inglorious Years: The Collapse of the Industrial Order and the Rise of Digital Society" by Daniel Cohen explores the changes in technology and their impact on society. Cohen examines the shifts in the 1960s as an example of how liberalizing ideas can lead to backlash, using various viewpoints including Marxist and Freudian perspectives. The book highlights moments in history that indicate impending change, such as films and philosophers of the time. Cohen also discusses demographic and economic changes that underlie the transformations of the 1960s and raises concerns about potential future backlash to progress. The book prompts readers to consider the challenges and possibilities of the future based on past patterns. [Extracted from the article]

We have achieved a successful synthesis of a label-free, flexible, portable, and colour-indicating biosensor using cholesteric nanostructure liquid crystals (LCs), commonly referred to as cholesteric LCs (CLCs), on paper fibres. This innovative approach holds significant promise for rapid screening in precision medicine and other applications. We incorporated optically active nematic LCs in various configurations within CLCs, allowing them to rotate along different axes. When exposed to light, these LCs reflected light at specific wavelengths. By employing polarised optical microscopy and a charged couple device (CCD), we conducted titration experiments with bovine serum albumin (BSA) on the paper substrate and quantified protein concentrations based on the observed colour shifts. Utilising internal Python pixel analysis software, we evaluated the red, green, and blue colour components, which served as biomarkers for different BSA concentrations. Our results demonstrated a linear correlation between BSA concentration and colour variations. This CLC-based paper-substrate biosensor exhibits the potential to efficiently screen a large number of samples, thereby enhancing the diagnostic accuracy in clinical settings. Combining the colour-indicating and quantifiable attributes of CLCs with the affordability and portability of paper substrates, we have developed a versatile biosensor. Its ease of use, rapid response, and high sensitivity make it a promising tool for future disease detection endeavours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate two research questions using a recent statewide transition from paper to computer-based testing: first, the extent to which test mode effects found in prior studies can be eliminated; and second, the degree to which online and paper assessments offer different information about underlying student ability. We first find very small mode effects for a more recent transition in Massachusetts. Second, we investigate the predictive evidence of validity for paper and online tests for predictions of future test scores and grades. We generally find minimal differences for the extent to which scores on paper tests can differentially predict future online versus paper test scores. Finally, online and paper test scores are similarly predictive of future grade point average. We conclude that the online test penalty can vary substantially by test and that extreme care should be taken when administering online tests to some students and paper tests to others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates retracted articles indexed in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) Brazil, using bibliometric techniques to identify the characteristics of these retractions and relevant citation trends. All records of retracted articles from the first record in October 2004 to April 2022 were included. Sixty-seven retractions and 870 citations pre- and post-retraction were analyzed. Results indicate a change of scenario that began in 2015, with recurrences of retracted articles allegedly produced by paper mills. The prevalence of retractions derived from professional misconduct in health research and the frequency of post-retraction citations in health sciences raise concerns in the chain of stakeholders, public health, and scientific development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

My comments concern the significant errors in the crystallographic part of the commented paper. The diffraction patterns are erroneously analysed and the final chemical composition is different than those supposed in the paper. There are also some manipulations with data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predatory publishing is the unethical and dishonest behavior of publishers who take advantage of researchers by charging them too much money and not providing good editing and peer-review services. Scholars, publishers and policymakers are seeking solutions to combat predatory publishing, which has become a major academic problem. This research paper provides a bibliometric analysis of the citation patterns and trends in the predatory publishing literature. The study analyzed the 100 top-cited papers on predatory publishing and provided insight into the types of documents, journals, authors, and countries that contributed to this field. The average citation per paper in the top 100 selected publications was 53.67. Open-access publications received a significantly higher average citation per paper than subscription-based papers. "Article" was the major type of document published, followed by "Notes," "Reviews" and "Editorials." Nature and Learned Publishing were the journals that contained the highest number of top-cited articles. J. Beall and D. Moher authored the highest number of papers, while A. Grudniewicz had the highest average citation per paper. USA and Canada were the top countries in these top-cited publications. This study will be beneficial to the all the stakeholders who may be interested in this area of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following is a discussion of papers by Kozlowski and Lentz that explore the presence of mortality in the analytic relationship. The author reflects on challenges to the dyad, the vulnerability of the analyst, and how the individual and analytic pair may confront their existential reality separately or together. The author includes the idea of "death origin stories" to emphasize that mortality has a presence throughout the life of the individual; she suggests how psychoanalytic theory and technique may be enhanced by including an explanation of the earliest penetration of death into consciousness and whether this lens may enhance our sensitivity to mortality and our ability to manage loss and endings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comments provided in this document are a response to a study conducted by Professor Jean-Pierre Pascal on the inertia forces in roller test rigs. The comments address concerns raised by Professor Pascal regarding a statement made in a previous paper. The comments highlight the limitations of using roller test rigs for longitudinal wheelset motion and emphasize the need for three-dimensional models to accurately capture the effects of inertia forces on contact forces. The document also points out several fundamental problems with the planar example used in Professor Pascal's paper. Overall, the comments suggest that further research is needed to fully understand the impact of longitudinal velocity on motion trajectories and contact forces. [Extracted from the article]

Rachel Kozlowitz and Kirsten Lentz have challenged psychoanalysis to consider more deeply the impact on analysands when the therapist becomes mortally ill and/or dies, and to make the necessary personal exploration (Kozlowski) and structural and theoretical adjustments in the field (Lentz) required to accommodate this possibility. In this discussion, Blaustein contextualizes their thoughtful arguments in our culture's general aversion to talking about death. Drawing on the work of Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Blaustein also builds upon the authors' shared recognition that when serious illness or mortality enter the treatment room, the analytic frame must be reimagined and expanded to make room for the positive and loving aspects of the analytic relationship – which may have been latent and unexplored to date – to become manifest and shared consciously between the dyad as a way to help offset the profound feelings of isolation, self-doubt and betrayal often reported by patients whose analysts have died without preparation or warning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed checkout data from hardback and paperback volumes in the BYU library to determine if there was a difference in circulation rates. Based on usage from 2000 through 2020, hardback volumes are no more likely to circulate than paperbacks over that 20 year range, regardless of when the book was added to the collection or its subject (i.e. humanities, sciences, or social sciences). Also, the average number of circulations for these volumes was low enough that damage to a paperback book was unlikely. Given the lower price of paperbacks, academic library budgets may be better served buying paperbacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the book "Teuflische Allmacht: Über die verleugneten christlichen Wurzeln des modernen Antisemitismus und Antizionismus" by Tilman Tarach, the author argues that there is a tendency to overlook the Christian roots of antisemitism and anti-Zionism. Tarach traces the history of antisemitism back to early Christian pogroms and emphasizes the influence of Christianity on Nazi ideology. He also highlights the role of the Catholic and Protestant churches in perpetuating antisemitic beliefs. The book demonstrates that antisemitism has deep historical roots and remains connected to Christianity. [Extracted from the article]

"The 7 Deadly Myths: Antisemitism from the Time of Christ to Kanye West" by Alex Ryvchin explores the historical and contemporary manifestations of antisemitism. The book examines various myths surrounding the discrimination and persecution of Jews, including the blood libel, the belief that Jews are Christ-killers, and the myth of Jewish global domination. Ryvchin also addresses the concepts of Jewish chosenness, Jewish wealth, dual loyalties, and the perception of Jews as oppressors. The author concludes by emphasizing the importance of exposing and combating antisemitism to create a more inclusive and tolerant society. [Extracted from the article]

"All the President's Men" is a film analyzed by Christian Keathley and Robert B. Ray in their book. The authors argue that the film focuses on the experience of disorientation and uncertainty rather than the outcome of the investigation. The film, which follows the reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein as they investigate the Watergate scandal, recreates the feeling of being lost in a maze of clues and information. The book provides a close reading of the film's narrative structure, mise-en-scène, and cinematography, and argues for its status as an American classic. The authors also discuss the blend of art movie, classical studio-era, and New Hollywood elements in the film, as well as the deliberate choice to obscure and omit relevant story information. The book offers valuable insights for students of close reading methods and scholars of Hollywood history and style. [Extracted from the article]

"Decolonizing Geography: An Introduction" by Sarah A. Radcliffe explores the decolonization of Anglophone geographical curricula. The book emphasizes the importance of approaching fieldwork with humility, respecting local knowledge, and avoiding the imposition of Western paradigms. It calls for action to avoid blinders, respect counternarratives, question official histories, acknowledge privilege, employ collaborative research, and entertain alternative epistemologies. The book also highlights the significance of indigenous environmental knowledge in physical geography and addresses the lack of diversity in the discipline. Overall, "Decolonizing Geography" offers a comprehensive exploration of decolonial approaches in geography and provides practical examples and suggestions for further research. [Extracted from the article]

"Rap Music and the Youth in Malawi: Reppin' the Flames" by Ken Lipenga Jr. is a book that explores the influence of hip-hop on youth culture in Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world. The author discusses the spread of hip-hop in African countries, focusing on the popularity of MCing or rapping. The book also examines the use of language in Malawian rap, including the use of local languages and English. It delves into how rappers address specific topics in their music, such as politics, alcohol, and community. The book concludes on a hopeful note, suggesting that hip-hop's popularity in Malawi will continue to grow. [Extracted from the article]

"Social Geographies: An Introduction" by The Newcastle Social Geographies Collective is a new textbook that aims to create a market for a newer course on social geography. The book envisions a world where courses on human geography or cultural geography are oriented towards society-level dynamics and critical perspectives that explore power geometries and struggles across different spatial contexts. The book is organized into three sections and covers a wide range of topics, but its brevity allows for non-linear reading and remixing. While the quality of contributions may vary, the book is praised for its accessibility, lack of jargon, and engaging writing style. [Extracted from the article]

"France before 1789: The Unraveling of an Absolutist Regime" by Jon Elster is a book that examines the period leading up to the French Revolution. The author explores different interpretations of the revolution and focuses on the psychology of social groups and the political actors of the time. Elster's extensive knowledge of French history and his use of various thinkers and philosophers contribute to his analysis. While some historians may question the inevitability of the revolution, Elster presents it as a result of changing circumstances and the reaction of the third estate. The book also highlights the need for further research on the subject. [Extracted from the article]

"Life after Death Today in the United States, Japan, and China" is a book written by Gordon Mathews, Yang Yang, and Miu Ying Kwong. The authors conducted research on the afterlife in these three countries, using intensive interviews as their primary research method. The book explores the complex and varied beliefs and practices related to life after death, and how these beliefs reflect people's lives before death. The authors also discuss the factors that shape people's beliefs, such as Christianity in the United States, Buddhist ancestor veneration in Japan, and the shift away from state atheism in China. Despite cultural differences, the authors found similarities among the three cultures, including the influence of religious or spiritual orientation on belief in the afterlife, and the increasing significance of individual choice. While some assumptions in the book may be questioned, it offers an interesting and informative read for those interested in anthropology, sociology, philosophy, and religious studies. [Extracted from the article]

Mathematical modeling is a high-leverage topic; it is critical to students' participation in STEM education and supports civic engagement. Until recently, research on modeling at the elementary level has been underemphasized, particularly research on supports and challenges for teachers who engage in designing authentic modeling tasks. In this study, we employed qualitative case study methods to investigate how elementary teachers designed and implemented authentic mathematical modeling tasks, with an explicit focus on how their tasks evidenced different dimensions of authenticity. We analyzed three cases of teams of elementary teachers as they developed modeling tasks connected to school and community contexts. The three cases were: 1) a student-driven modeling task related to paper and plastic waste in a school cafeteria, 2) a modeling task based on authentic situations at a community-run resource center, and 3) a modeling task focused on designing and monitoring a school community-building art project. Our cases illustrate that elementary teachers can successfully design and implement modeling activities that utilize different entry points and evidence multiple dimensions of authenticity. Furthermore, we found that the specific dimensions of authenticity may vary depending on the design supports and curriculum challenges within each context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Settler Colonial City: Racism and Inequity in Postwar Minneapolis" by David Hugill examines the history of racism, inequity, and settler-colonial structures in Minneapolis, particularly focusing on the post-World War II era. The book explores the impact of urban change, racialized policing, and American imperialism on marginalized communities, with a particular emphasis on Indigenous peoples. Hugill highlights the structural barriers faced by marginalized groups and the need to dismantle white supremacist and settler-colonial structures. While the book primarily focuses on the violent aspects of settler-colonial urban policy, it also touches on the need to examine more subtle elements such as access to education, healthcare, and legal services. Overall, the book provides a critical perspective on the history of Minneapolis and challenges the perception of the city as progressive and inclusive. [Extracted from the article]

Anthocyanins, a significant subclass of polyphenols, are prevalent across various plant species. Known for their vibrant colors, which make them desirable as natural pigments, anthocyanins have also garnered attention for their diverse biological activities, leading to their widespread use in food processing and supplement development. However, their structural instability poses a challenge, as it directly impacts their bioavailability and, consequently, their nutritional efficacy. This review paper delves into the chemical structure and food sources of anthocyanins and examines strategies to enhance their stability and bioavailability, particularly through improved understanding of their digestion and absorption in the human body. Additionally, it explores the broad spectrum of anthocyanins’ biological activities, including their antioxidant, hypoglycemic, anticancer, cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects, analyzing these properties from a mechanistic perspective. Factors such as pH, temperature, light exposure, solvent interactions, and metal ions are known to negatively affect anthocyanin stability. Thus, future research should prioritize processing techniques that can preserve their structure more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper employs digital ethnographic methods to explore the Facebook fan group for the popular podcast My Favorite Murder. We argue that the My Favorite Murder podcast and Facebook group, while providing a potentially unique feminist online space for its members in its early days, quickly devolved into a toxic space rife with conflict and ultimately destroyed by white-centred feminism and white supremacy. We explore failed gatekeeping practices in relation to other Facebook podcast fan groups that have met a similar demise. Finally, we question whether truly inclusive anti-racist feminist spaces can exist in capitalistic models of media production and consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an increasing need for accessible methods to monitor soil health. Our primary objective was to evaluate an accessible, do-it-yourself method for measuring the maximum water holding capacity – we call this the funnel, filter paper, and drainage (MWHCFFPD) method. First, we compared MWHCFFPD to the water desorption method via pressure cells (WHCPC), routinely used for generating soil water retention curves, using 10 soils from a wide range of textures (4–55% clay). Second, we tested the sensitivity of the MWHCFFPD to methodological variations likely encountered by citizen scientists. The two methods were quite comparable in precision, with mean coefficient of variances of 3.5% and 4.4% for the FFPD and water desorption method, respectively. The MWHCFFPD and WHCPC methods were comparable, with MWHCFFPD best correlating to WHCPC at −2.45 kPa (R2 = 0.98). The MWHCFFPD method is somewhat sensitive to some methodological modifications, most notably variation in water source, but with standardized protocols could be scientifically robust. Overall, MWHCFFPD can be used as a simple and affordable test of sieved soil structure and organic matter, and thus has potential to expand soil health monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is a summary of the 10th International Conference on Inverse Problems in Engineering (ICIPE 22), which took place in May 2022 in Francavilla al Mare, Italy. The conference brought together applied mathematicians and engineers from various disciplines to collaborate and discuss the use of inverse analysis tools in fields such as manufacturing, medical imaging, and space applications. The event also honored Professor James V. Beck, who made significant contributions to parameter estimation and inverse heat transfer problems. The conference featured keynote addresses, lectures, and a tribute to Prof. Beck. The article expresses gratitude to the organizers, sponsors, reviewers, and the editor-in-chief of the Heat Transfer Engineering Journal. The 11th ICIPE conference will be held in Brazil in 2024. [Extracted from the article]

"Black Women and the Changing Television Landscape" by Lisa M. Anderson is a book that examines the portrayal of Black women on television throughout history. Anderson, an associate professor of women and gender studies, builds on her previous work to explore the complex and evolving representations of Black women in media. Using a semiotic approach and drawing on the work of Black feminist scholars, Anderson analyzes specific television shows and personalities from the 1950s to the present. The book goes beyond simplistic judgments and aims to understand the historical and cultural contexts in which these representations exist, as well as the agency of Black women in shaping them. It is a valuable resource for scholars in cultural, media, and television studies. [Extracted from the article]

"Households on the Mimbres Horizon: Excavations at La Gila Encantada, Southwestern New Mexico" by Barbara J. Roth is a significant publication for Mimbres Mogollon research, providing insights into the development of households and their spatial and artifactual patterns at early Mimbres Mogollon habitation sites. The author's research at the La Gila Encantada site, uncluttered by overlying pueblo remains, allows for a clearer understanding of site layout, habitation, and contextual relationships of features and artifacts. The volume includes seven chapters, with contributions from specialists, covering topics such as excavation methods, ceramic data, stone artifacts, jewelry, and plant and animal remains. This book is valuable for researchers studying Mogollon archaeology and early village and household developments in the region. [Extracted from the article]

The book "Art, Science, and the Politics of Knowledge" by Hannah Star Rogers explores the intersection of art, science, and technology studies (ASTS). The author examines specific episodes in the history of science where science has generated aesthetic objects and instances where artists have attempted to insert themselves into scientific endeavors. However, the reviewer criticizes the book for its narrow focus and lack of historical depth, suggesting that it offers a frivolous perspective on the distinction between art and science. The reviewer finds the book's use of lofty language and references to be wearisome and lacking in substance. [Extracted from the article]

"Courting: An Intimate History of Love and the Law" by Alecia Simmonds is a comprehensive and well-researched book that explores the complex relationship between love, intimacy, and the legal system in Australia from 1788 to 1939. The author uses a rich collection of court cases involving breach of promise to reveal the social and emotional dynamics of the time. The book highlights the patriarchal nature of society, where women often bore the consequences of broken promises, and examines the diverse range of individuals involved in these cases. Simmonds also raises questions about the role of the law in addressing contemporary issues of love and relationships. [Extracted from the article]

"Writing Australian History On-Screen: Television and Film Period Dramas 'Down Under' edited by Jo Parnell and Julie Anne Taddeo is a collection of essays that explore Australian history through period productions from the 1960s to the 2010s. The essays examine key moments and mythologies of Australian history, highlighting their relevance to contemporary Australia. The collection also explores the ethical, political, and social impact of production context on the representations of periods, characters, events, and archetypes. The book offers valuable insights for students of history and sociology, providing extensions and revisions of familiar tropes, movements, and mythologies." [Extracted from the article]

"Life So Full of Promise: Further Biographies of Australia's Lost Generation" by Ross McMullin is a sequel to his acclaimed book "Farewell Dear People." The book focuses on the lives of three young Australians who were part of the 'lost generation' of World War I. Captain Brian Pockley, Norman Callaway, and Murdoch Mackay are profiled in the book, highlighting their pre-war potential, their war experiences, and the impact of their deaths on their families and communities. McMullin's writing is sympathetic and well-researched, providing insight into the emotional connections between the soldiers and their loved ones. The book raises questions about the worth of the war and the loss of talented young men. [Extracted from the article]

"Failed Ambitions: Kew Cottages and Changing Ideas of Intellectual Disabilities" by Lee-Ann Monk and David Henderson is a comprehensive history of Kew Cottages, an institutional site for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Australia. The book explores the evolution of ideas and treatments surrounding intellectual disabilities from the late nineteenth century to the present day. The authors provide insights into the experiences of inmates, staff, and families, as well as the emergence of community activism and the shift towards community care. While the lack of patient records presents challenges, the book incorporates oral histories and archival documents to offer diverse perspectives on institutional life. Overall, "Failed Ambitions" is a valuable resource for understanding the history of intellectual disabilities in Australia. [Extracted from the article]

"Revealing Secrets: An Unofficial History of Australian Signals Intelligence and the Advent of Cyber" by John Blaxland and Clare Birgin is a book that explores the history of Australian signals intelligence and surveillance technology. The authors aim to shed light on the role of signals intelligence in Australian history, which has often been hidden due to its secretive nature. The book covers various topics, including the origins of cryptology, the development of radio signals, and the contributions of signals intelligence during World War I and II. However, the post-1945 chapters are based on publicly available material, indicating a lack of cooperation from the Australian Signals Directorate. The book also addresses themes such as technological advancements, Australia's relationship with the US and UK, and the growing demand for accountability in intelligence agencies. [Extracted from the article]

In this study, we investigated the diverse range of materials used for sizing in Iranian paper manuscripts during the Timurid (fifteenth century) to Safavid (sixteenth century) and Qajar (nineteenth century) periods. Our approach combined historical analysis with scientific examination of reconstructed sizings. We reconstructed 15 sizing materials based on identified Persian historical recipes and analysed their physical, optical, and spectral characteristics. Additionally, we assessed their behaviour against the mould fungus Aspergillus flavus. The results revealed distinctive properties for each sizing material, shedding light on their potential applications in paper preservation. Furthermore, our investigation demonstrated variations in hygroscopicity, thickness, grammage, and ash content post-sizing. The sizing materials also exhibited different effects on paper reflectance properties. Additionally, our study revealed insights into the impact of sizing on burnished papers, indicating that the mechanical process of burnishing did not significantly alter the chemical composition or spectral properties of the paper, with only minor changes in brightness observed in specific cases. All tested sizing materials supported varying levels of mould growth, indicating potential implications for paper conservation. Our findings provide valuable insights into the historical practices of Iranian paper sizing and offer practical considerations for the preservation of paper manuscripts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term 'nature sports' can be understood in different ways, depending on how the words 'sport' and 'nature' are explained. Since 'nature' is usually understood as 'ungroomed', 'nature sports' may be interpreted either as non-competitive practices in ungroomed nature (as discussed by Krein), with examples such as backcountry skiing, climbing or surfing; or as competitive sports in ungroomed nature. This paper argues that those ultra sports that take place in ungroomed nature, such as ultra swimming and ultra running, are better candidates for being called 'nature sports' than those non-competitive ones suggested by Krein; and that this is also more in line with the contemporary common use of the term 'sport'. This paper discusses these 'ultra/nature' sports, mainly from the point of view of their relationship to nature, the values that they offer to athletes, and their specific temporality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xylanase finds extensive applications in diverse biotechnological fields such as biofuel production, pulp and paper industry, baking and brewing industry, food and feed industry, and deinking of waste paper. Here, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-phosphate aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) was applied for the purification of an alkaline active and thermotolerant xylanase from a marine source, Cladophora hutchinsiae (C. hutchinsiae). In the purification process, the effects of some experimental factors such as PEG concentration and PEG molar mass, potassium phosphate(K2HP04) concentration, and pH on xylanase distribution were systematically investigated. Relative enzymatic activity and purification factor obtained were 93.21% and 7.18, respectively. A single protein band of 28 kDa was observed on SDS-PAGE. The optimum temperature and pH of xylanase with beechwood xylan were 30 °C and 9.0, respectively. The Lineweaver-Burk graph was utilized to determine the Km (4.5 ± 0.8 mg/mL), Vmax (0.04 ± 0.01 U) and kcat (0.001 s−1) values of the enzyme. It was observed that the purified xylanase maintained 70% of its activity at 4 °C and was found stable at pH 4.0 by retaining almost all of its activity. Enzymatic activity was slightly enhanced with Na+, K+, Ca2+ and acetone. The highest increase in the reducing sugar amount was 53.6 ± 3.8, for orange juice at 50 U/mL enzyme concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the concept of cosmopolitan nationalism and its intersection with education policy. It challenges the binary view of nationalism and cosmopolitanism, arguing that education has been influenced by globalization and the pressure to internationalize curricula. The concept of cosmopolitan nationalism recognizes the conflicting pressures within national education structures that promote both internationalization and local relevance. The article calls for theoretical and empirical contributions to further explore and understand the role of cosmopolitan nationalism in education policy and its impact on global and local imperatives. [Extracted from the article]