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This day in history: May 16 Notification - Mao's Official Justification for the Cultural Revolution
The release of the May 16 Notification marks a significant moment in history, offering insights into Mao Zedong's rationale behind the Cultural Revolution in China. This event matters to the public as it provides a glimpse into a tumultuous period that profoundly shaped the country's political, social, and cultural landscape. As journalists consider coverage of this historical document, there are several compelling story angles to explore, appealing to a broad audience: The historical context and significance of the May 16 Notification in the context of the Cultural Revolution Analysis of Mao Zedong's motivations and objectives for launching the Cultural Revolution Personal narratives and experiences of individuals impacted by the Cultural Revolution The legacy and ongoing repercussions of the Cultural Revolution on contemporary Chinese society Reactions and interpretations of the May 16 Notification from historians and scholars Comparisons between Mao's vision for the Cultural Revolution and its actual outcomes As we reflect on the release of the May 16 Notification, journalists have an opportunity to delve into these complex narratives, shedding light on a pivotal chapter in China's history and its enduring ramifications. Connect with an Expert about China and the May 16 Notification : Wang Feng Professor of Sociology · UC Irvine Xuefei Ren Associate Professor · Michigan State University Linjie Chou Zanadu Founder of Global Foundation for Culture and Peace · Linjie Chou Zanadu Carrie Liu Currier Associate Professor and Department Chair · Texas Christian University To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo Credit: shark ovski
Aston University scientist to help make crop monitoring easier and cheaper
Photonics expert Dr Sergey Sergeyev to help make crop monitoring easier and cheaper with remote sensing The technology can be placed on drones and flown over crop fields to provide real-time information about crop health Remote sensing is an essential tool to provide real-time information about crops to estimate yields. An Aston University photonics expert has received a Royal Society Industry Fellowship grant to help make crop monitoring easier and cheaper with remote sensing technology. Dr Sergey Sergeyev of Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AIPT) has received £174,000 to improve polarimetric LIDAR, a technology that uses light to remotely observe plants. LiDAR, an acronym for Light Detection and Ranging, involves light sent from a transmitter which is reflected from objects. Devices with this technology can be placed on drones and flown over crop fields to provide real-time information about crop health to help farmers forecast the success of their crops. Polarimetric synthetic-aperture radars (SARs) and polarimetric LiDARs are the most advanced, cost-effective sensors for crop monitoring. They are often used onboard aircraft and satellites and have been in use for three decades. However, current polarimetric LIDAR systems have low spatial resolution, a slow measurement speed and use expensive components that limit their cost effectiveness. Dr Sergeyev will be working in collaboration with Salford-based digital and AI farming company Fotenix to meet farmers' need for a cost-effective solution to check if their plants are adequately watered and disease-free. The team will aim to advance recently patented AIPT technology of the polarimetric LIDAR, making it affordable for farmers in the UK and worldwide. The project, called POLIDAR, will run from 2024 to 2025. Dr Sergeyev said: “Aston University’s patented technique will be modified by using a laser emitting four time-delayed pulse trains with different states of polarisation. By comparing the input states of polarisation and states of polarisation of light reflected from plants, it will reveal information about the distance to plants and plants' leaf texture, such as water stress and pathogen infection. Unlike state-of-the-art solutions we suggest an all-fibre design with a minimum number of bulk components that reduces the footprint, cost and weight. Dr Sergeyev added: “My project's motivation is driven by the global and UK agenda on increased food production, requiring novel remote sensing approaches towards ICT farming. “As declared at the World Summit on Food Security in 2017, the growth in the world's population requires increased and more efficient agricultural production. “Remote sensing is an essential tool to systematically address the challenging task of enhanced agricultural efficiency by providing real-time information about crop traits for yield estimation.” The announcement coincides with UNESCO Day of Light which marks the role light plays in science, culture and art, education and sustainable development. It is held on 16 May every year, the anniversary of the first successful operation of a laser. ENDS World Summit on Food Security in 2017 The future of food and agriculture: Trends and challenges (fao.org) https://www.fao.org/3/i6583e/i6583e.pdf UNESCO Day of Light The International Day of Light is a global initiative that provides an annual focal point for the continued appreciation of light and the role it plays in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, and energy. The broad theme of light will allow many different sectors of society worldwide to participate in activities that demonstrates how science, technology, art and culture can help achieve the goals of UNESCO – education, equality, and peace. The International Day of Light is held on May 16th every year, the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by physicist and engineer, Theodore Maiman. The laser is a perfect example of how a scientific discovery can yield revolutionary benefits to society in communications, healthcare and many other fields. About Aston University For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally. Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world. Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020. Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world. For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7825 342091 or email: n.jones6@aston.ac.uk
The Fatima Apparitions - Historical and Spiritual Significance
The Fatima apparitions hold profound importance for millions worldwide, representing a convergence of faith, spirituality, and historical events. This event matters to the public as it embodies themes of devotion, miracles, and the enduring power of belief. The story of Fatima offers numerous compelling angles for journalists to explore, appealing to a broad audience: The historical context and significance of the Fatima apparitions Personal testimonies and accounts of those who witnessed the events The impact of Fatima on religious practices and devotion Continuing pilgrimage and commemorative events at the Fatima shrine Interpretations and debates surrounding the messages conveyed at Fatima Cultural and societal influences of the Fatima apparitions on art, literature, and popular culture As we reflect on the Fatima apparitions, journalists have an opportunity to delve into these multifaceted narratives, uncovering the enduring legacy and spiritual resonance of this remarkable event. Connect with an Expert about the Fatima Apparitions: Timothy Matovina Chair, Department of Theology · University of Notre Dame Massimo Faggioli, PhD Professor of Theology and Religious Studies | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences · Villanova University Francis Beckwith, Ph.D. Professor of Philosophy & Church-State Studies, Affiliate Professor of Political Science · Baylor University Brett C. Hoover Associate Professor of Practical/Pastoral Theology & Graduate Director · Loyola Marymount University To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo Credit: Mateus Campos Felipe
Today is Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) - Our history #experts are here to help with your stories
Victory in Europe Day marks a monumental moment in human history, signifying the end of World War II in Europe and the dawn of a new era of peace and reconstruction. This event matters to the public as it commemorates the sacrifices made by millions and celebrates the triumph of freedom over tyranny. VE Day offers a plethora of compelling story angles that resonate with a broad audience: The human stories behind the victory: tales of courage, resilience, and sacrifice The significance of VE Day in shaping post-war geopolitics and international relations Commemorative events and ceremonies honoring veterans and their legacies Reflections on the lessons learned from World War II and their relevance today The cultural impact of VE Day on art, literature, and popular culture Continuing efforts for reconciliation and remembrance across generations As we mark Victory in Europe Day, journalists have an opportunity to delve into these rich narratives, shedding light on the enduring legacy of the Greatest Generation and the ongoing quest for peace and freedom worldwide. Connect with an Expert about WWII and Victory in Europe Day (VE Day): Colin Rafferty Associate Professor · University of Mary Washington Patrick Jung, Ph.D. Professor · Milwaukee School of Engineering Marc Gallicchio, PhD Professor and Mary M. Birle Chair in History | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences · Villanova University Kara Dixon Vuic LCpl. Benjamin W. Schmidt Professor of War, Conflict, and Society in 20th-Century America · Texas Christian University Stephen Sloan, B.B.A., M.A., PhD. Director of Institute for Oral History, Associate Professor of History · Baylor University To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo Credit: Galt Museum & Archives
Sunday is Cinco de Mayo. Do you know the history behind the day?
Celebrated annually on May 5th, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While often associated with festive gatherings and cultural celebrations, Cinco de Mayo also holds significant relevance beyond its historical origins, offering various story angles that appeal to a broad audience. Cultural significance and heritage preservation: Explore the historical context of Cinco de Mayo and its importance in Mexican culture, highlighting the traditions, food, music, and art associated with the holiday. Immigration and identity: Examine how Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in different parts of the world, particularly in the United States, and its role in shaping the Mexican-American identity and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Political implications and national pride: Investigate the political undertones of Cinco de Mayo, considering its significance in Mexican nationalism and its portrayal in international relations. Economic impact and tourism: Analyze the economic implications of Cinco de Mayo festivities, including the boost in tourism, sales of Mexican-themed products, and the commercialization of cultural heritage. Education and historical awareness: Discuss the educational value of Cinco de Mayo in schools and communities, examining how it promotes historical awareness, tolerance, and multiculturalism. Social justice and activism: Explore how Cinco de Mayo intersects with social justice movements, addressing issues such as immigration reform, cultural appropriation, and representation in media and politics. By covering these angles, journalists can provide their audiences with a deeper understanding of Cinco de Mayo beyond its surface-level festivities, fostering meaningful dialogue and engagement with the holiday's historical, cultural, and societal significance. Connect with an Expert about Cinco de Mayo: Margarita R. Ochoa Associate Professor and Associate Chair of History · Loyola Marymount University Timothy Matovina Chair, Department of Theology · University of Notre Dame Rodrigo Vargas Professor, Ecosystem Ecology and Environmental Change · University of Delaware Heather Chiero, PhD Associate Professor of History, Anthropology and Philosophy · Augusta University To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo Credit: Daniel Lloyd Blunk-Fernández
A monumental anniversary approaches as we commemorate the 1931 opening of the Empire State Building, an architectural marvel that has stood as an emblem of innovation and human achievement for nearly a century. Beyond its towering presence on the New York City skyline, this anniversary is a poignant moment to reflect on the enduring legacy of this iconic structure and its resonance with the public, encapsulating themes of perseverance, ingenuity, and urban development. Here are several compelling story angles that journalists may find ripe for exploration: Historical significance and architectural marvel: Delve into the fascinating backstory of the Empire State Building, exploring the engineering feats and human endeavor that brought this skyscraper to life. Evolving skyline and urban identity: Examine how the Empire State Building has shaped the cultural and visual landscape of New York City, and its enduring significance in an ever-changing metropolis. Sustainable initiatives and environmental impact: Explore the building's initiatives toward sustainability and energy efficiency, offering insights into its role as a model for sustainable urban development. Economic impact and tourism: Investigate the economic impact of the Empire State Building on local communities, tourism, and its enduring appeal as a global tourist destination. Cultural resonance and popular culture: Uncover the building's rich cultural legacy, from its appearances in film, literature, and art, to its symbolic significance in popular imagination. Preservation efforts and historical conservation: Shed light on ongoing efforts to preserve and maintain the architectural integrity and historical significance of this iconic landmark for future generations. Connect with an Expert about Architecture and the Empire State Building: Dana Cupkova Associate Professor · Carnegie Mellon University Richard Campanella Associate Dean for Research, Senior Professor of Practice - Architecture and Geography · Tulane University Eric Corey Freed Founding Principal · OrganicARCHITECT Peter Christensen Arthur Satz Professor of the Humanities and Professor of Art History · University of Rochester Dennis Shelden Director, Center for Architecture Science and Ecology (CASE) · Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo Credit: Ben Dumond
Assigned a Piece for May Day? Our Experts are Here to Help with Your Questions and Coverage
May Day, celebrated on May 1st each year, holds significance as a global day of action for anti-capitalist, anarchist, and other left-wing activists. Originating from the historic struggles of the labor movement, May Day symbolizes solidarity, workers' rights, and social justice. Understanding the importance of this event requires recognizing its relevance to contemporary societal issues and its potential to spark discussions on a wide range of topics that resonate with the public. Key sub-topics that may interest journalists and the public include: Labor Rights and Worker Advocacy: Exploring the current state of labor rights worldwide, including issues such as fair wages, workplace safety, and the challenges faced by marginalized workers. Social Justice Movements: Examining the role of May Day in amplifying the voices of social justice movements advocating for equality, diversity, and inclusion across various sectors of society. Economic Inequality: Analyzing the growing disparities in wealth and income distribution globally and how May Day serves as a platform to address systemic economic injustices. Political Activism and Protest Culture: Investigating the tradition of political activism and protest culture associated with May Day, including its historical roots and contemporary expressions. Global Solidarity: Highlighting instances of international solidarity and collaboration among activists, unions, and grassroots organizations during May Day events worldwide. The Future of Work: Discussing the evolving nature of work in the digital age, automation's impact on employment, and the need for policies to ensure a just transition for workers. May Day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles for social and economic justice, offering journalists and the public an opportunity to engage with pressing issues, amplify marginalized voices, and envision a more equitable future. Connect with an Expert about May Day: Steven E. Harris Associate Professor · University of Mary Washington Dr Elisabeth Schimpfössl Senior Lecturer · Aston University Edward Lopez Professor · Western Carolina University David Smilde Charles A. and Leo M. Favrot Professor of Human Relations and and Senior Associate Fellow at CIPR · Tulane University To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo Credit: Sinitta Leunen
Success Is Sweet: Ferrero's Crown Jewel, Nutella, Turns 60
Six decades ago, on April 20, 1964, the first jar of Nutella left Gruppo Ferrero's factory in the Italian town of Alba. In its gooey wake, the chocolate-hazelnut treat would spread across continental Europe, and then the world, like a healthy schmear on toast. Today, Nutella is the crown jewel of Ferrero's confectionary empire, propping up a business that generates roughly 17 billion euros in revenue each year. Annually, a whopping 365,000-plus tons of the stuff are sold across 160 countries, and nearly one quarter of all hazelnuts harvested are devoted to its production. Luca Cottini, PhD, is an associate professor of Italian in Villanova University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and an expert on modern Italian culture, history and society. He also is the author of a book on Michele Ferrero, the mastermind behind Nutella and its meteoric rise: Il fabbricante di cioccolato. To mark the iconic Italian brand's 60th anniversary, Dr. Cottini shared some thoughts on its Willy Wonka-like creator, early (accidental) origins and recipe for international success. Here's a taste: Q: According to Business Insider, a jar of Nutella is sold every 2.5 seconds—just about the time it takes to finish this sentence. How did we get so "nuts" for Nutella, anyway? Dr. Cottini: Well, much of the success of Nutella relates to its novelty, to the idea of spreadable chocolate. At one point, to think that spreading chocolate would be popular was as crazy as to predict that spreadable coffee would be a hit. The idea developed because, in the mid-to-late 1940s, Michele Ferrero's father Pietro was to combine the scarcity of cocoa in his area with hazelnuts, which was the ingredient most available in Alba. It seemed like condemnation that they should have only hazelnuts. Well, he combined them with cocoa to produce this mix—it's called "gianduja" in Italian—and he sold it. But when the Ferreros sold it in southern Italy, they had a problem: The chocolate was melting with the summer heat; and a lot of the workers in Naples, to not waste it, started to spread it on slices of bread. And it's interesting. The Ferreros have a completely non-moralistic approach to failure. You sell chocolate; it melts. This is somewhat embarrassing. But their approach was instead to see this situation as the beginning of a new idea, of a new concept. Q: Is Nutella's story unique in this respect? DC: Several Italian innovators have similar stories to the Ferreros', especially during the 1930s. [Salvatore] Ferragamo, for instance, developed the wedge shoe because there was a shortage of steel, with an embargo imposed on Italy. So, he used Sardinian cork as a replacement, and that generated the wedge shoe. [Guccio] Gucci, during a leather shortage, started using hemp and decorating the hemp with a double "G," and that became the trademark of the company. [Alfonso] Bialetti, who produced the modern coffeepot, used the only metal that was allowed during Fascism, which was aluminum, since the Partito Nazionale Fascista would not import iron or prime metals. But Bialetti took this poor, hybrid ore and made it something that could become valuable. And so, he invented the moka coffeepot in 1933, which is one of the symbols of Italian design. That’s one of the keys of the Italian model of entrepreneurship: producing objects that are not just trendy for one season, but eventually become evergreen or classic. Q: What inspired the name "Nutella?" DC: It was the product of 18 years of research. For all intents and purposes, "Nutella" first came out in 1946. It was called "SuperCrema" and, before that, "Cremalba." But in 1962, there was a law in Italy that prevented companies in the food industry from using prefixes like "super" or "extra." So, that led Ferrero—by then, under the leadership of Michele Ferrero—to figure out a new alternative to SuperCrema. At the same time, the company was expanding into Germany and France, and they needed a brand name that could be pronounced easily. So, Ferrero joined the "ella" sound from mozzarella, stella, caramella—Italian words that people could recognize—with the word "nut," like the English "nut," which gave their product an international feel. It's really a "glocal" [global and local] name. It was conceived as a very rooted enterprise with a global horizon. Q: In 1964, were Ferrero's global ambitions practical? DC: It was honestly a bit of a gamble. In 1957, the European Economic Community was established, which is the beginning of the European Union. And that same year, Michele Ferrero organized in Rome the first conference of his company, which was by then somewhat national, to plan exportation in Europe. In the Italy of the 1950s and 1960s, this was very pioneering. Michele Ferrero was actually one of the first businesspeople to export products to Germany in the 1950s, at a time when there was a lot of resentment against Italians because of everything that happened during the Second World War. So, he entered this incredibly difficult market, and still today, Ferrero and Nutella are strong. Q: What do you think accounts for Nutella's continued popularity, 60 years after its introduction? DC: Michele Ferrero thought of his products as speaking products. It's something very common to the automobile industry in Italy. This is characteristic of Ferrari and Lamborghini; they produce cars that are appealing not just because they're "super cars," but because they say something. Nutella is a food that says something. When someone puts it on the table, it compels people to jump in and share their own stories—of trying it with a friend, of having it on a hike or of taking part in "Nutella Day." Today, if you're in the market for a chocolate-hazelnut spread, you might find products that are even better than Nutella. Actually, surely better. But they will never replicate the appeal and the grasp that Nutella has. Because Nutella has that aura of storytelling and mythmaking other products simply don't have.
Covering 4/20? Our experts can help you see through the smoke | Media Advisory
As 4/20 approaches, the spotlight once again turns to the evolving landscape of marijuana legalization and its broader societal impacts. This annual observance not only marks a cultural moment for cannabis enthusiasts but also prompts discussions about the legal, economic, and public health implications of marijuana use in the United States. Here are key story angles for journalists to explore: Legalization efforts and state-by-state updates: Tracking the progress of marijuana legalization initiatives across the country and analyzing the legal frameworks governing recreational and medicinal cannabis use. Economic opportunities and challenges: Investigating the economic impact of the cannabis industry, including job creation, tax revenue generation, and business opportunities, as well as regulatory hurdles and market fluctuations. Social justice and equity in cannabis legalization: Examining efforts to address historical inequities in drug enforcement and incarceration through policies such as expungement, social equity programs, and community reinvestment. Public health and safety considerations: Assessing the health effects of marijuana use, the regulation of cannabis products, and efforts to mitigate potential risks such as underage consumption and impaired driving. Cannabis culture and mainstream acceptance: Exploring the evolving perceptions of marijuana in society, including trends in consumption habits, cannabis tourism, and its portrayal in media and popular culture. International perspectives on marijuana policy: Comparing approaches to marijuana legalization and regulation in other countries and evaluating lessons learned for U.S. policymakers and stakeholders. Connect with an Expert about Marijuana in America: For journalists with questions or looking to cover the streaming wars? here is a select list of experts. To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Robert Mikos Professor of Law · Vanderbilt University Michael Ostrowsky Professor of Sociology · Southern Utah University Jennifer Whitehill Associate Professor of Health Policy and Management · University of Massachusetts Amherst Daniele Piomelli Distinguished Professor · UC Irvine Almut Winterstein Distinguished Professor · University of Florida Photo Credit: Dylan Mullins
Podcast: Equality must become the norm, not just a box ticking exercise
Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) must become “everybody’s business” EDI can reduce pay gaps and open up opportunities for SMEs Aston University now celebrating Athena Swan Gold award for gender equality. Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) needs to become “the norm” in organisations to escape “disappointing” government criticism that it is a waste of time. That’s the guidance coming from the latest episode of ‘Aston means business’, a podcast from Aston University presented by journalist Steve Dyson. Professor Shivani Sharma, the new deputy dean of people, culture and inclusion at the University’s College of Business and Social Sciences, explained that EDI cultures must become “everybody’s business” to address the existing gender and ethnicity pay gaps. Responding to recent government criticisms of EDI schemes, Professor Sharma said: “Not enough investment has gone into these roles because, if we look at the history, it tells us that just relying on everybody to do the right thing doesn’t work.” Also interviewed in the podcast was Omar Rashid, a director of The HR Dept, a human resources franchise for Birmingham Central & Wolverhampton. Mr Rashid, who specialises in diversity and recruitment, said that government criticism of EDI initiatives was “disappointing”. But he acknowledged: “I understand where they’re coming from because, if it’s seen as a scheme, as something we’ve got to do, and it’s not done properly, then maybe it is a waste of time and a waste of money. It has to be seen as the norm.” He said people need to realise they live in a multicultural world, with a diverse workforce, supply chain and customers, and that if implemented properly the benefits of EDI are there. Mr Rashid, who is also president of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce in Birmingham, specialises in diversity and recruitment. He added: “There is opportunity there through different skills. “Each individual, whether it’s race, religion, will bring their own perspectives, their own unique skills, even people with a disability. It shouldn’t be seen as a barrier.” He said examples of a “tick box mentality” were where businesses might adopt Black History Month but do nothing for the other 11 months of the year, or provide a prayer room during Ramadan but not at any other time. He added: “When it’s tick box, it’s not worth it because you’ll have a business or someone who will do something for a short period of time. They half-heartedly did something without the conviction. Diversity shouldn’t be just a little bit here and there.” Professor Sharma went on to say that ‘world days’ such as International Women’s Day can act as a catalyst to focus attention on an issue. But she added: “It’s really important that why you’re doing that is clear, and that the strategy of raising awareness, to remove barriers to women, equitable inclusion in the workplace or in society, continues throughout the year.” She said that Aston University had recently gained an Athena Swan Gold award for promoting gender equality in higher education, but that the “scale” of the problem meant there was still lots more to achieve. She explained that proportions of women entering as students into higher education was really positive, as were degree completion rates. But she pointed to the fact that around 80 per cent of university vice chancellors identified as men, with low representations of ethnic minority women among professors. Professor Sharma added: “It will take a sustained effort to undo that over time.” She also praised the Inclusive Aston networking initiative at Aston University, with senior leaders mentoring colleagues of minority ethnic heritage. Mr Rashid said SMEs needed to look at the opportunities that a diverse workforce and culture can bring to their business. He added: “One SME business engaged with someone from an Asian background, wanted to tap into India, and guess what? He has the connections and they were able to open a branch in India.” Catch up on all of the previous ‘Aston means business’ podcast episodes here.