bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
invisibilización de los hombres transexuales en Ciudad de México como producto de la heteronorma
Authors: Tunal Santiago Gerardo , Aguilar García Ricardo Enrique
Published: December 2024

Partiendo de las teorías de los imaginarios sociales de Baczko, la teoría de género de Butler, así como la sociología del cuerpo de Le Breton como unidades de análisis y tomando como marco histórico la publicación de la Ley para el Reconocimiento y la Atención de las Personas LGBTTTI de la Ciudad de México, se investigó cómo la heteronormatividad provoca la invisibilización de los hombres transexuales en la Ciudad de México (CDMX). Dicha hipótesis se probó a partir de un estudio de caso exploratorio basado en informantes clave a los que se les aplicó una entrevista semiestructurada. Los resultados arrojaron que la hegemonía y el dominio de la heteronorma castiga a las identidades de género disidentes no reconociendo su existencia o disciplinándolas a través del monopolio de la violencia de una estructura social heterosexual hegemónica.
Corruption and environmental deterioration in Mexico
Authors: Nieto Nubia
Published: December 2024

The presence of corruption in Mexico is a constant phenomenon that affects different areas from human rights, business opportunities, access to public health care, education, social inequality and social mobility, freedom of expression until environment and natural resources. In this sense, this text aims to shine a light on the Mexican corruption and its impact on the abuses against natural resources and environmental degradation: bribes, illegal permits, threats to journalists and environmental advocates, collusion, smuggling, cronyism, systemic influence peddling are some of the most common crimes. The present text is guided by the assumption that the environmental degradation in Mexico is accelerated due to corruption. Thus, this article is divided in two parties. The first one considers the main arguments about the correlation between corruption and environment degradation. The second one presents the consequences of Mexican political corruption and its influence in environment deteriorating. Finally, some comments are offered to wrap up the discussion, which shows the challenges to reduce the impacts of corruption into degradation of the environment.
MODERNIDAD (es), IDENTIDADES Y DEMOCRACIA EN AMÉRICA LATINA, UN DEBATE ABIERTO
Authors: Brito alvarado Xavier , Rodríguez-Caguana Adriana
Published: December 2024

Los debates culturales y políticos de la modernidad e identidades en América Latina son diversos y controversiales. Sobre estos conceptos se tejen una serie de supuestos epistémicos que, en muchas ocasiones, se han desvalorizado, perdiendo la esfera del debate, que han sido asumidos por nuevos pensamientos categorizados como novedosos, pero que se enmarcan en presupuestos teóricos ya debatidos. Este trabajo es una invitación para reflexionar a la modernidad, identidades, sujetos y ciudadanías en América Latina desde un enfoque crítico, pero, ante todo, intenta recobrar la validez del ensayo como herramienta para el debate social, que se ha marginado a favor de otras formas de generación de conocimiento, de esta forma el ensayo es pensado como un puente de diálogo entre la teoría y el posicionamiento de los autores, de ahí la metodología utilizada es la búsqueda bibliográfica especializada.
Występowanie aplikanta adwokackiego w postępowaniach przed organami podatkowymi i kontroli skarbowej
Authors: Bernat Rafał
Published: December 2024

The attorney-at-law can act independently as the attorney in tax proceedings and the tax audit or to grant the apprentice advocate the substitution. Indicating the scope of activities is a purpose of the article which the apprentice can make representing the taxpayer. Currently this matter separately isn’t settled and in the tax literature an interest in this subject isn’t being expressed. Analytical and linguistic-logical research methods were applied. The author made interpretation of legal texts by applying the linguistic, purpose, system interpretation but also referring to results of interpretation court and carried out by the revenue office. As a result of conducted examinations it is stated, the apprentice is authorized to make all action on behalf of the side in recalled proceedings with the shutdown of the ones assigned to professional attorneys (attorney-at-law, legal adviser, tax adviser) or of activities performed exclusively by the side. As the de lege lata postulate should be recognized, that applicable regulations in the sufficient way enable apprentice advocates to act as substitute on behalf of the taxpayer or controlled. Therefore, it is worthwhile so that attorneys-at-law more often refer cases of this type to apprentices and very apprentices displayed employing in purchasing both the technical knowledge and fiscal audit practical about tax and concerning matters.
Fundusz kompensacyjny na rynku telekomunikacyjnym i pocztowym
Authors:   Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu: Wydział Prawa i Administracji, Chołodecki Mateusz ,   Uniwersytet Warszawski
Published: December 2024

Przedmiotem niniejszego artykułu jest analiza prawna instrumentu w postaci funduszu kompensacyjnego uregulowanego w krajowym prawie pocztowym i telekomunikacyjnym. Analiza ta poprzedzona została przedstawieniem zakresu usługi powszechnej na obu omawianych rynkach ze wskazaniem ich źródeł w prawie UE. Przyczynkiem do badań przeprowadzonych w niniejszym artykule jest fakt, że w ostatnich latach usługa powszechna na krajowym rynku telekomunikacyjnym i pocztowym nie jest finansowana przez fundusze kompensacyjne ergo świadczenie usługi powszechnej jest na obu rynkach dochodowe (rentowne). Autor wskazuje na brak konsekwencji prawodawcy krajowego w uregulowaniu sposobu finasowania usługi powszechnej na obu referencyjnych rynkach.
Fakultatywna odpowiedzialność karnoadministracyjna w świetle nowelizacji prawa telekomunikacyjnego z 10 maja 2018 r.
Authors:   Wyższa Szkoła Kadr Menedżerskich w Koninie, Czyżak Mariusz
Published: December 2024

W artykule przedstawiono zmiany dotyczące fakultatywnej odpowiedzialności karnoadministracyjnej za naruszenie obowiązków informacyjno-sprawozdawczych oraz niewypełnianie obowiązków uzyskania zgody abonenta lub użytkownika końcowego, wprowadzone nowelizacją prawa telekomunikacyjnego z 10 maja 2018 r.
Métaphore et rhétorique de guerre en contexte de COVID-19 : représentations des préposé·es aux bénéficiaires dans les discours du gouvernement québécois
Authors: Mezdour Amina , Leclerc Typhaine , Comeau Marie
Published: December 2024

Des « héros » et des « anges gardiens ». Au cours des premières semaines de la pandémie de COVID‑19 au Québec, ces termes ont été largement utilisés par les autorités gouvernementales pour qualifier le personnel de la santé . Face à la nouveauté et aux risques encore inconnus du virus, le discours officiel à l’égard des « anges gardiens » et des « héros » s’inscrit alors dans une rhétorique martiale afin de reconnaître les efforts du personnel de la santé et l’encourager à oeuvrer en première ligne. Sur le terrain, les travailleur·euses de la santé ne vivent toutefois pas l’urgence sanitaire de la même manière. Les personnes occupant les emplois au bas de la hiérarchie du réseau de la santé, comme les préposé·es aux bénéficiaires (PAB), sont plus exposées aux risques du virus, notamment en raison de manque d’équipement de protection. Un tel contexte nous mène à nous questionner sur la place accordée aux préposé·es aux bénéficiaires par les instances gouvernementales dans leurs discours élogieux à l’égard des « anges gardiens » et des « héros ». Notre étude vise à mettre en lumière l’articulation entre ces métaphores et la rhétorique guerrière mobilisée par les autorités gouvernementales. Nous avons réalisé une analyse qualitative thématique des conférences de presse quotidiennes du gouvernement et de l’Institut national de santé publique du Québec pendant les quatre premières semaines de la pandémie. Nos résultats indiquent que les métaphores d’« ange gardien » et de « héros » sont des constructions politiques qui se structurent autour d’une rhétorique martiale stratégiquement déployée par le gouvernement du Québec pour communiquer l’urgence de la crise sanitaire, laquelle contribue à reproduire les inégalités de classe et de genre au sein du personnel de soin. S’inscrivant dans un contexte social où les inégalités existaient bien avant la pandémie du COVID‑19, l’urgence sanitaire a exacerbé les inégalités professionnelles, alors que les personnes occupant les postes au bas de l’échelle hiérarchique, comme les PAB, ont été les plus affectées.
Catégorisation des pratiques de jeux free‑to-play par une analyse des classes latentes
Authors: Costes Jean-Michel
Published: December 2024

Le développement d’Internet et des technologies numériques a conduit à l’expansion du jeu en ligne et de son modèle dominant : les jeux gratuits (free-to-play, F2P). Une large majorité de personnes jouent à ces jeux de manière récréative, mais la pratique de ces jeux peut avoir des effets néfastes pour certains individus vulnérables ou leurs proches.

Cette étude fait l’hypothèse que la population des joueurs free-to-play n’est pas un groupe homogène et vise à identifier, à travers une analyse de classes latentes, des sous-groupes de joueurs en fonction de leurs habitudes de jeu et à comparer le risque de problèmes générés par le jeu dans les différents sous-groupes.

Un échantillon de 5 062 personnes, représentatif des internautes français âgés de 18 à 65 ans, a été recruté. Les participants ont répondu à une enquête en ligne autoadministrée, comportant une série de questions sur leurs caractéristiques sociodémographiques, leurs habitudes de jeu et les problèmes liés à ces pratiques (IGDS9-SF).

L’analyse suggère l’existence de quatre classes de joueurs de jeux F2P : des joueurs avec une pratique peu intensive (classe I, 44,5 % de l’échantillon) ; des joueurs qui jouent peu intensivement, mais avec une plus grande probabilité de pratiquer des jeux d’argent (classe II, 6,5 %) ; des joueurs avec des pratiques de jeu plus intensives (classe III, 33,8 %) et des joueurs intensifs également plus enclins à dépenser de l’argent au cours du jeu et à pratiquer des jeux d’argent (classe IV, 15,2 %).

Les résultats indiquent que ces classes ont des profils sociodémographiques différents et que la prévalence de problèmes liés au jeu est plus élevée pour les classes II et III par rapport à la classe I, et pour la classe IV par rapport à toutes les autres classes. La dépense d’argent au cours du jeu associée à une pratique concomitante de jeux d’argent serait un marqueur fort d’une pratique problématique de jeu free-to-play.
Les mécaniques de jeux de hasard et d’argent dans les jeux mobiles gratuits pour les enfants : d’un modèle économique au conditionnement à l’addiction
Authors: Bonenfant Maude , Dumont Alexandra
Published: December 2024

Si de nombreux jeux vidéo sont vendus moyennant un certain montant, le modèle d’affaire des jeux gratuits (free-to-play) s’est rapidement imposé au cours de la dernière décennie. Or ce modèle, qui est basé sur la collecte de données personnelles, les microtransactions et le profilage publicitaire, implique des ventes d’items et un temps de connexion le plus étendu possible afin d’accroître les profits. Pour ce faire, différentes stratégies sont utilisées, dont des stratégies dites « persuasives » qui influencent les joueurs et joueuses à demeurer connectés, à dépenser et à revenir fréquemment sur le jeu gratuit. Parmi ces stratégies, les mécaniques de jeux de hasard et d’argent (JHA) sont reconnues pour leur force persuasive et leur pouvoir addictif. Elles sont pourtant de plus en plus présentes au sein des jeux mobiles pour les adultes, mais également ceux pour les enfants. Afin de documenter le phénomène, 249 jeux mobiles gratuits pour enfants ont été analysés pour évaluer la prévalence des mécaniques persuasives et de JHA, leurs formes d’actualisation et leurs types d’intégration dans l’expérience vidéoludique des enfants. Nos résultats démontrent une « gamblification » des jeux mobiles gratuits pour enfants et un conditionnement des comportements qui passe par une normalisation des mécaniques persuasives et de JHA auprès de ce jeune public. La convergence des jeux vidéo avec les JHA se confirme à nouveau avec une focalisation sur des jeux pour un très jeune public. L’article se conclut en prenant acte de ce sérieux enjeu de santé publique en lien avec le bien-être des enfants.
Jeux de hasard en ligne : perception du risque par des joueurs hors ligne
Authors: Cardinal Éloïse , Légaré Andrée-Anne , Bergeron Alex-Anne , Monson Eva
Published: December 2024

Contexte et objectifs : Une transition numérique a été observée depuis plusieurs années dans le domaine des jeux de hasard et d’argent (JHA). Toutefois, peu d’études se sont intéressées à la perception des joueurs hors ligne sur les jeux en ligne (JEL). Cet article a pour but d’explorer, à l’aide d’entretiens individuels, les perceptions de joueurs de JHA ayant été catégorisés comme non-joueurs en ligne sur les JEL. Le projet pourrait aider à mieux adapter les stratégies de prévention pour les joueurs.

Méthode : Cette étude exploratoire qualitative présente les analyses secondaires de 28 entrevues semi-dirigées réalisées auprès de joueurs hors ligne dans le cadre d’une étude menée au printemps 2020. Une analyse thématique effectuée sur le logiciel NVivo a permis d’identifier les perceptions de ces joueurs en lien avec les JEL.

Résultats : L’analyse thématique a permis de faire ressortir deux thèmes principaux reliés à la perception de risque dans le JEL : 1) la faible légitimité du JEL reliée au délai de réception de gains, l’origine du contrôle du jeu et les soupçons de fraudes ; et 2) la perte de contrôle avec les JEL, reliée à son fonctionnement et à son environnement.

Conclusion et futures directions : Ces données permettent d’enrichir les connaissances sur les a priori de ces joueurs sur les JEL, leur perception négative et leur compréhension des risques associés aux JEL. Elles permettent de formuler des hypothèses sur les raisons de la non-participation aux JEL et soulignent l’importance de s’intéresser aux différents profils de joueurs pour développer des stratégies de prévention adaptées.
Resistir desde abajo: camas incómodas y violencias ortopédicas en la creación artística contemporánea
Authors: Panea José Luis
Published: December 2024

Resumen 
Gran parte de la creación artística contemporánea apela al cuerpo y al espacio para hacer consciente al público de su rol activo en la experiencia estética. Un rol, no obstante, a menudo incómodo, perceptible en obras que, por ejemplo, comprometen al espectador o espectadora haciéndole tomar decisiones inesperadas, o que despliegan ambientes poco acogedores, complicando incluso el movimiento alrededor de ellas. En este artículo nos preguntamos cómo este habitar frustrado en el contexto del espacio expositivo establece paralelismos con el espacio resultante del proceso mismo de habitar: el entorno doméstico. Nos centramos en artistas que tratan dicho espacio pero como un lugar paradójicamente incómodo, de ahí su inoperancia. En concreto, acudimos a la cama por ser el umbral mínimo de lo doméstico –al proporcionar descanso, reposo y cobijo– , pero cuya incómoda apelación nos permitirá trascender sus límites, apuntando a temas como el derecho a la vivienda, la privacidad, el descanso o la violencia ortopédica en nuestras actuales y disciplinadas sociedades del rendimiento. 
Palabras clave: resistencia; incomodidad; cama; arte contemporáneo; inoperancia. 
Abstract 
A large part of contemporary artistic creation appeals to the body and space to make the public aware of their active role in the aesthetic experience. A role that, nonetheless, is often uncomfortable, perceptible in works that engage the spectator by making him or her make unexpected decisions, or that display unwelcoming, precarious environments that even complicate movement around them. In this article we ask how this frustrated inhabiting around the exhibition space establishes parallels with the space resulting from the very process of inhabiting: the domestic environment. We focus on artists who treat this space as a paradoxically uncomfortable place, hence the loss of its operability. We will turn to the bed as the minimum threshold of the domestic –the one that primarily provides rest or shelter– and whose uncomfortable appeal will allow us to transcend its limits, raising issues such as the right to housing, privacy, rest and orthopaedic violence in our current disciplined societies of efficiency. 
Keywords: resistance; discomfort, bed; contemporary art; inoperosity.
Perder la mirada. Ensimismamiento y ensoñación como prácticas (artísticas) de resistencia
Authors: Castellano San Jacinto Tania
Published: December 2024

Resumen 
El ensimismamiento y la ensoñación son formas de mirada perdida que, aun tratándose de gestos o comportamientos anodinos, se podrían definir como (audio-)visualmente evasivos. Susceptibles de considerarse estrategias corporalmente desobedientes, burlarían, en cambio, consciente o inconscientemente, las formas de explotación capitalista de los sentidos. Este artículo analiza ambos casos de mirada perdida poniéndolos en relación con prácticas artísticas desmaterializadas o deudoras del ready-made de Francis Alÿs, Roman Ondák y Ceal Floyer. Todas ellas tratan de insertar otras miradas en el devenir cotidiano a través de la experiencia artística, tratando de disolver el límite entre ambas dimensiones.
Palabras clave: Ensimismamiento; ensoñación; mirada; interrupción; gesto. 
Abstract 
Self-absorption and daydreaming are forms of a lost gaze that, even if they are considered trivial gestures or behaviours, could be defined as (audio-)visually evasive. Susceptible to being considered bodily disobedient strategies, they would, consciously or unconsciously, evade capitalist forms of sensory exploitation. This article analyses both cases of a lost gaze by relating them to dematerialized artistic practices or those indebted to the ready-made by Francis Alÿs, Roman Ondák, and Ceal Floyer. All of these try to insert other gazes into the everyday through artistic experience, attempting to dissolve the boundary between both dimensions. 
Keywords: Self-absorption; daydreaming; gaze; interruption; gesture.
Imágenes de la inclinación y la caída: contra la vida capital
Authors: Rivera Hutinel Marcela
Published: December 2024

ResumenTomando en parte su impulso del trabajo de Adriana Cavarero, particularmente de su libro Inclinaciones, el presente artículo se propone ampliar los alcances de su crítica de la rectitud, recorriendo –desde la clave de las poéticas de la inoperancia– algunas reflexiones contemporáneas que convergen con Cavarero respecto de la urgencia y los alcances de la crítica de la verticalidad como esquema postural dominante para pensar «lo humano». Textos como «El cuerpo que no aguanta más», de D. Lapoujade, «Desde mi cama, revuelta. Reflexiones tullidas para una revolución en horizontal», de D. Méndez de la Brena, o Metafísica de la pereza, de J.E. Valls Boix, entre otros, tienen como denominador común la puesta en escena de cuerpos que caen, que se tumban, que se inclinan hacia el otro, y que desde esas fluctuaciones contravienen a la fuerza verticalizante del imaginario capacitista y patriarcal del cuerpo que todo lo puede.
Palabras clave: inclinación; caída; paradigma vertical; vida capital; pensar inclinado
AbstractDrawing partly on the work of Adriana Cavarero, particularly her book Inclinations, this article aims to expand the scope of her critique of uprightness by exploring –through the lens of the poetics of inoperativity– several contemporary reflections that converge with Cavarero’s views on the urgency and reach of critiquing verticality as the dominant postural scheme for thinking about «the human». Texts such as «The Body That Can’t Take It Anymore» by D. Lapoujade, «From My Bed, In Revolt: Crippled Reflections for a Horizontal Revolution» by D. Méndez de la Brena, or Metaphysics of Laziness by J.E. Valls Boix, among others, share a common denominator: they stage bodies that fall, lie down, or incline toward the other, and from these fluctuations, they counteract the verticalizing force of the ableist and patriarchal imaginary of the body that can do anything.
Keywords: inclination; fall; vertical paradigm; capital life; inclined thinking
Evaluating LDH and BUDB gene knockouts in Klebsiella pneumoniae for improved 1,3-propanediol production
Authors: Sembiring Febri , Herman Griselda , Suwanto Antonius
Published: December 2024

Metabolic engineering has become a powerful tool to enhance 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) production. In this study, we knocked out genes involved in by-product formation in Klebsiella pneumoniae TWO to improve 1,3-PDO yield. We constructed ΔLDH and ΔBUDB mutants by knocking out ldh and budB, respectively. Flask experiments using 20 g/l glycerol under microaerobic conditions showed that the ΔBUDB mutant produced 8.71 g/l of 1,3-PDO with a yield of 0.51 mol/mol glycerol, outperforming the ΔLDH mutant, which produced 6.93 g/l 1,3-PDO with a yield of 0.41 mol/mol glycerol. Notably, the mutants exhibited different by-product profiles, particularly in formic acid and ethanol levels. An optimized medium supplemented with 0.0025 g/l cyanocobalamin further improved 1,3-PDO yield in the ΔbudB mutant to 0.60 mol/mol glycerol. Further supplementation with a vitamin solution increased 1,3-PDO level to 10.08 g/l, yielding 0.62 mol/mol glycerol and reducing residual glycerol to 0.08 g/l. This approach resulted in a 29% increase in 1,3-PDO production compared to the wild-type strain. Our findings highlight the single knockout of the budB gene, combined with cyanocobalamin and a vitamin solution, significantly enhances the yield and level of 1,3-PDO with a low by-product profile, leaving no residual glycerol, offering a promising strategy for industrial bioprocessing.
Mutualistic synergy between Eudrilus eugeniae gut microbiota and Beta vulgaris root endophytes in organic matter decay
Authors: Reddy Pushpa , Suma T. K. , Hossain Amlan , Sarkar Sudarsan
Published: December 2024

Earthworms, integral to agricultural ecosystems, profoundly influence soil fertility and plant growth. With rising concerns about the ecological impacts of chemical farming, the search for sustainable alternatives has intensified. This study explores the mutualistic interaction between the gut microbiome of Eudrilus eugeniae and the endophytic root bacteria of Beta vulgaris, focusing on their role in the degradation of organic matter. Bacterial colonies were identified through a two-step isolation process, with strains Lysinibacillus fusiformis, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus paramycoides showing enhanced cellulase and pectinase activity. Quantitative enzymatic assays revealed that co-cultivation of these bacteria resulted in a significant increase in reducing sugar concentrations—112 mg/ml for pectinase and 10 mg/ml for cellulase. These findings underscore the symbiotic enhancement of enzymatic degradation, highlighting its potential role in sustainable agriculture and soil microbiome management. Such microbial interactions may offer biotechnological applications for improving soil health and organic matter decomposition.
Aberrant FGF signaling promotes granule neuron precursor expansion in SHH subgroup infantile medulloblastoma
Authors: Yabut Odessa R , Gomez Hector , Arela Jessica , Castillo Jesse Garcia , Ngo Thomas , Pleasure Samuel J
Published: December 2024

Mutations in Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway genes, e.g.,
Suppressor of Fused
(SUFU), drive granule neuron precursors (GNP) to form medulloblastomas (MB
SHH
). However, how different molecular lesions in the Shh pathway drive transformation is frequently unclear, and
SUFU
mutations in the cerebellum seem distinct. In this study, we show that fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) signaling is integral for many infantile MB
SHH
cases and that
FGF5
expression is uniquely upregulated in infantile MB
SHH
tumors. Similarly, mice lacking SUFU (Sufu-cKO) ectopically express
Fgf5
specifically along the secondary fissure where GNPs harbor preneoplastic lesions and show that FGFR signaling is also ectopically activated in this region. Treatment with an FGFR antagonist rescues the severe GNP hyperplasia and restores cerebellar architecture. Thus, direct inhibition of FGF signaling may be a promising and novel therapeutic candidate for infantile MB
SHH
.
Effects of residue substitutions on the cellular abundance of proteins
Authors: Schulze Thea K , Lindorff-Larsen Kresten
Published: December 2024

Multiplexed assays of variant effects (MAVEs) make it possible to measure the functional impact of all possible single amino acid residue substitutions in a protein in a single experiment. Combination of variant effect data from several such experiments provides the opportunity to conduct large-scale analyses of variant effect scores measured across proteins, but can be complicated by variations in the phenotypes that are probed across experiments. Thus, using variant effect datasets obtained with similar MAVE techniques can help reveal general rules governing the effects of amino acid variation for a single molecular phenotype. In this work, we accordingly combined data from six individual variant abundance by massively parallel sequencing (VAMP-seq) experiments and analysed a total of 31,614 variant effect scores reporting solely on the impact of single amino acid residue substitutions on the cellular abundance of proteins. Using our combined variant effect dataset, we derived and analysed a collection of amino acid substitution matrices describing the average impact on cellular abundance of all residue substitution types in different structural environments. We found that the substitution matrices predict the cellular abundance of protein variants with surprisingly high accuracy when given structural information only in the form of whether a residue is buried or exposed. We thus propose our substitution matrix-based predictions as strong baselines for future abundance model development.
Attention modulates human visual responses to objects by tuning sharpening
Authors: Doostani Narges , Hossein-Zadeh Gholam-Ali , Cichy Radoslaw M , Vaziri-Pashkam Maryam
Published: December 2024

Visual stimuli compete with each other for cortical processing and attention biases this competition in favor of the attended stimulus. How does the relationship between the stimuli affect the strength of this attentional bias? Here, we used functional MRI to explore the effect of target-distractor similarity in neural representation on attentional modulation in the human visual cortex using univariate and multivariate pattern analyses. Using stimuli from four object categories (human bodies, cats, cars, and houses), we investigated attentional effects in the primary visual area V1, the object-selective regions LO and pFs, the body-selective region EBA, and the scene-selective region PPA. We demonstrated that the strength of the attentional bias toward the target is not fixed but decreases with increasing target-distractor similarity. Simulations provided evidence that this result pattern is explained by tuning sharpening rather than an increase in gain. Our findings provide a mechanistic explanation for the behavioral effects of target-distractor similarity on attentional biases and suggest tuning sharpening as the underlying mechanism in object-based attention.
Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) activity is modulated by light and gates rapid phase shifts of the circadian clock
Authors: Brenna Andrea , Borsa Micaela , Saro Gabriella , Ripperger Jürgen A , Glauser Dominique A , Yang Zhihong , Adamantidis Antoine , Albrecht Urs
Published: December 2024

The circadian clock enables organisms to synchronize biochemical and physiological processes over a 24-hour period. Natural changes in lighting conditions, as well as artificial disruptions like jet lag or shift work, can advance or delay the clock phase to align physiology with the environment. Within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, circadian timekeeping and resetting rely on both membrane depolarization and intracellular second-messenger signaling. Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) facilitate calcium influx in both processes, activating intracellular signaling pathways that trigger
Period
(
Per
) gene expression. However, the precise mechanism by which these processes are concertedly gated remains unknown.Our study demonstrates that cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) activity is modulated by light and regulates phase shifts of the circadian clock. We observed that knocking down Cdk5 in the SCN of mice affects phase delays but not phase advances. This is linked to uncontrolled calcium influx into SCN neurons and an unregulated protein kinase A (PKA) – calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase (CaMK) – cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway. Consequently, genes such as
Per1
are not induced by light in the SCN of Cdk5 knock-down mice. Our experiments identified Cdk5 as a crucial light-modulated kinase that influences rapid clock phase adaptation. This finding elucidates how light responsiveness and clock phase coordination adapt activity onset to seasonal changes, jet lag, and shift work.
Hydrogen gas inhalation prior to high-intensity training reduces attenuation of nitric oxide bioavailability in male rugby players
Authors: Zhao Yuqi , Li Chaoqun , Zhou Shi , Xu Zhiguang , Huang Xin , Wen Li
Published: December 2024

Background

Inhalation of hydrogen gas (H2) as an antioxidant supplement may alleviate exercise-induced oxidative damage and protect post-exercise hydrogen peroxide signaling, which may help mediate beneficial exercise adaptation. The aims of this study were to determine the effects of H2 inhalation on plasma nitric oxide (NO) level and its synthesis precursor in professional athletes.

Methods

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover trial was conducted with professional male rugby players for 3 weeks. Participants underwent 1 week of H2 supplementation and 1 week of placebo treatment prior to daily sessions of high-intensity exercise training, separated by 1 week of low-intensity training as a washout.

Results

Two-way (supplementation and time) repeated-measures analyses of variance showed that NO, L-arginine, and tetrahydrobiopterin levels in the H2 inhalation group were significantly higher than those in the placebo group after exercise (D6) and remained higher after 24 h of rest (D7). Levels of hydroxydeoxyguanosine and interleukin 6 were lower in the H2 inhalation week than in the placebo week on D6 and D7. In addition, total antioxidant levels were significantly higher with H2 inhalation than with placebo.

Significance

These results suggest that H2 inhalation helps to maintain NO signaling after exercise and to alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress induced by high-intensity exercise training in professional athletes.
Comparative effectiveness and safety of Angio-Seal and StarClose vascular closure devices: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lai Kun , Chen Jingquan , Tan Qiang , Luo Lan
Published: December 2024

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Angio-Seal and StarClose vascular closure devices (VCDs) in achieving hemostasis after interventional surgery.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing Angio-Seal and StarClose were identified through systematic searches. Data on vascular closure success rate, complication rates, hematoma formation, pseudoaneurysm, arterial occlusion, and surgical intervention were extracted and pooled using a random effects model.

Results

Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, total 5,466 patients. The meta-analysis revealed a slight, statistically significant difference in the success rate of vascular closure in favor of Angio-Seal (risk ratio (RR) 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.00–1.09], p = 0.03). No significant difference was found in the overall complication rate, hematoma formation, pseudoaneurysm, arterial occlusion, or surgical intervention.

Conclusions

Angio-Seal demonstrated a slightly higher success rate in vessel closure compared to StarClose. Both devices had a comparable safety profile with no significant differences in major complications.
Commercial Plant Nurseries in Kerala, India: A Critical Analysis of Key Success Drivers
Authors: Elias Aleena , N Shamna , Paul Manju Mary , V K Jasna
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the factors that are pivotal to the success of commercial plant nurseries in Kerala, with a focus on keydimensions impacting agribusiness performance. The study had been conducted among the plant nursery entrepreneurs in three districts of Kerala i.e. Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, and Wayanad. Among the five primary dimensions analyzed for the study, social responsibility emerged as the most significant contributor to success, followed by employment and customer-related dimensions. The findings indicated that most respondents demonstrated moderate to high levels of success, i.e.,61.1%, with fewer falling into the low-performance category.
Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified eight core factors shaping nursery success, which include influence and competence, social capital, financial acumen, achievement motivation, community and asset, self-driven leadership, self independence, and creativity and the total variance explained by PCA is 68%. It was observed that older entrepreneurstended to have limited use of mass media tools, such as the internet and mobile technology, and exhibited lower managerial capacity which undermined their ability to handle operational and employee-related challenges.
In summary, social responsibility dimension played a critical role in the success of agribusiness ventures, complemented by strategies focused on employment and customer engagement. The study highlights the importance of entrepreneurial traits and factors such as influence and competence factor, social capital factor, financial acumen factor in the success of commercial plant nurseries, which calls for framing more policies oriented towards formulating& imparting softskill development training programs to nursery entrepreneursinimproving the leadership skills and managerial ability.
Neocolonial Realities of Western Aid in Africa during 21st Century
Authors: Mireille Rwemalika , Alain Twagirimana Bindi Bienvenue , Adejare Animashaun Samuel
Published: December 2024

This article explores the neocolonial dynamics of Western aid to Africa in the 21st century, analyzing its historical origins, contemporary mechanisms, and socio-economic impacts. Despite the formal end of colonial rule, African nations remain entrenched in dependency systems that mirror colonial exploitation. Structural adjustment programs compelled by international financial institutions have exacerbated economic subjugation, undermined sovereignty, and facilitated resource extraction to benefit Western corporations. Western aid often imposes cultural norms and values, weakening indigenous knowledge systems and traditions. Through detailed analyses and case studies of nations such as Congo, Angola, Mozambique, Sudan, and Nigeria, the study identifies recurring patterns of elite capture and systemic corruption that divert aid benefits away from the broader population. In Congo, for instance, resource exploitation has driven persistent conflict and poverty. Angola and Mozambique have faced similar dynamics, with foreign interference fueling civil unrest and resource-driven inequalities. In Sudan, neocolonial pressures have exacerbated internal conflicts and hindered political stability. Nigeria, despite its vast oil wealth, illustrates the paradox of resource abundance coexisting with widespread poverty and infrastructure decay, highlighting the structural deficiencies imposed by neocolonial frameworks. Findings reveal that Western aid mechanisms perpetuate underdevelopment, stifling sustainable growth and local agency while maintaining a dependency cycle. The article decolonized approach to aid, centered on equitable partnerships, African-led development strategies, and transformative practices that prioritize local needs and self-reliance. By addressing these systemic challenges, Africa progress toward sovereignty, inclusivity, and sustainable development beyond the shadow of neocolonialism.
Classroom Vulnerability and Delivery of Learning Activities of Teachers in Public Elementary Schools
Authors: Villanueva Liezle E. , Baguio Josephine B.
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to examine the classroom vulnerability and the delivery of learning activities by teachers in public elementary schools within the Carmen District, Division of Davao del Norte. The research employed a non-experimental quantitative design, utilizing a correlational method. A total of 138 public elementary school teachers were selected as respondents using universal sampling. Data analysis involved calculating the mean, Pearson r, and regression analysis. The findings revealed that the level of classroom vulnerability in terms of learning activities was high and was oftentimes manifested. Conversely, the delivery of learning activities by teachers was moderate, with occurrences described as sometimes manifested. Furthermore, the study found a significant relationship between classroom vulnerability and the delivery of learning activities, indicating that the two variables were interconnected. The study also concluded that the domains of classroom vulnerability significantly influenced the delivery of learning activities. Based on these findings, it is recommended that efforts be made to mitigate classroom vulnerability while enhancing the delivery of learning activities. A proactive and holistic approach may be essential, emphasizing teacher training and professional development. Educators may benefit from continuous access to learning opportunities to improve their skills in managing diverse classrooms, integrating technology, and utilizing innovative teaching methods. These measures may help ensure more effective and adaptable learning environments for students.
The Cellular Toxicity of Panax ginseng Plant Extract against Certain Pathogenic Fungi and Human Lymphocytes
Authors: Hussein Anmar Sael
Published: December 2024

This work focused on the mycological examination of clinical specimens and an anti-fungal and immunomodulatory role of Panax Ginseng alcoholic extract. Out of 110 samples, 67 tested positive for the fungus (61%) whereas 43 samples were negative for the fungus (39%). From among positive cases, 65.55% of the samples showed fungal growth while the remaining 34.45% of samples did not. Of all the species isolated 58.3% were Candida species, 25% Aspergillus and 12.5% Trichophyton. Adult females (55.6%) became infected more than adult male (44.4%) a large proportion of patient 30.6% had oral cavity as the most frequent site of infection. Highest infection rate was observed in 15–24 years and the lowest in individuals with >45 years of age. All isolated compounds exhibited a relatively potent antifungal activity against Candida, Aspergillus, Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Penicillium species and the pattern of the growth inhibition for Panax Ginseng extract was more pronounced at higher concentrations (140–200 mg/mL). The concentration required to inhibit the growth of the bacterial species was an 80–90 mg/mL range. It also produced immune responses by increasing the lymphocyte count by a positive dose dependent manner. P. Ginseng seems to prove its efficiency as an antifungal and immunomodulatory agent based on studies presented above. Additional investigations are still needed to establish its effectiveness in using this treatment in Mycosis.
Academic Achievement and Challenges of Students in Learning Christian Living Education 8 in a Philippine Catholic High School
Authors: Fernando Daniel S. , Villaruz Leizle , Bual Joel M.
Published: December 2024

This paper determined the academic achievement of students in Christian Living Education (CLE) 8 in terms of gospels, acts of the apostles, epistles, and sacraments in a Philippine Catholic High school. Likewise, it identified the challenges in learning CLE 8 relative to teachers, students, learners' environment, facilities and resources, and subject. Also, it investigated the difference in their academic achievement when grouped according to sex and religion. Using a quantitative research design, this study was responded to by 127 stratified sampled students through a validated and reliability-tested researcher-made multiple-choice test-type questionnaire and checklist. In data analysis, frequency count, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Mann-Whitney U test were employed. Generally, the student’s academic achievement is satisfactory. In terms of demographics, sex and religion were rated as satisfactory. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference in their academic achievement when grouped according to demographics. The top issues faced by the students in learning the subject are the use of traditional strategies by the teachers, difficulty in understanding the lesson, lack of encouragement for library use, and the perceived insufficient time in the subject. Hence, the study emphasizes the value of continuously improving teaching strategies, methods, pedagogy, and assessments to achieve optimal academic achievement in Christian Living Education 8. Also, the findings imply the need to address the challenges and continuously improve the learning of Christian living education.
Communication Skills Challenges Experienced by First-year University Students: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gerald Chishiba, , Joseph Mukuka
Published: December 2024

This article isbased on a comprehensive analysis of 20 peer-reviewed research papers published between 2013 and 2023. The study offers a thorough summary of typical communication obstacles faced by first-year students. The purpose of this systematic review paper is to highlight the vital role that communication plays in academic performance and social integration among university students. The review synthesizes findings of research carried out on the communication difficulties particularly experienced by first-year university students. Some scholars contend that effective communication skills are essential in order for university students to successfully complete challenging academic assignments, form bonds with others, and participate actively in their academic and social activities. Among the main obstacles noted are nervousness related to public speaking, problems with academic writing, difficulties taking notes and actively listening, and difficulties participating in group projects. These obstacles have been demonstrated to seriously impair students' social integration, academic performance, and participation in class activities, all of which can have a negative impact on their retention and general well-being. It has further been observed that students who struggle with academic writing and public speaking anxiety are less able to participate fully in class discussions and create high-quality written work, both of which are fundamental for academic exploits. Additionally, difficulties in taking notes and actively listening hinder students' ability to fully comprehend lectures.
This systematic review also indicates a number of variables that contribute to these difficulties, including a lack of exposure to academic communication skills at the university level, cultural and linguistic barriers, and poor high school preparation. In addition, the paper emphasizes the need for early intervention and assistance to, first-year students, in order to help them overcome the perceived communication obstacles. The article concludes by providing helpful suggestions to improve communication skills, such as include seminars on communication skills in the curriculum, peer mentorship programs, and extra support services like writing centers and academic advice. The review's conclusions highlight how important it is for universities to emphasize communication skills in their first-year experience programs in order to foster social integration, student engagement, and academic achievement.
Andrological Potential of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Stevia rebaudiana in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Eidangbe George O.
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effects of an aqueous leaf extract of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) on male Wistar rats administered alloxan. Thirty (30) male Wistar rats, comprising six normoglycemic (NC) and twenty-four (24) alloxan-induced diabetic (D) specimens. The diabetic rats were divided into four groups (n = 6): DC, diabetic rats receiving distilled water; DGL, diabetic rats receiving glibenclamide; DSR100, diabetic rats receiving 100 mg/kg bw S. rebaudiana; and DSR200, diabetic rats receiving 200 mg/kg bw S. rebaudiana. Treatment was administered daily via gavage for a duration of 15 days. At the conclusion of the treatment session, the animals were subjected to overnight fasting prior to being euthanized via cervical dislocation, following which blood was collected for serum extraction. Body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were evaluated. Furthermore, sperm parameters, serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone levels were assessed. The data indicated a significant (P = .05) reduction in body weight in the DC group compared to the NC group. Significant (P = .05) enhancement in body weight was observed in DSR100 and DSR200 relative to DC. Significant (P = .05) elevations in serum FBG and MDA, accompanied by equivalent reductions in TAC, were noted in DC relative to NC. The total abnormal sperm count and percentage of sperm abnormalities were significantly (P = .05) elevated in DC compared to NC. Nonetheless, FBG, MAD, total abnormal sperm count, and percentage of sperm abnormalities exhibited significant (P = .05) reduction in the DSR100 and DSR200 groups compared to the DC group. The findings of this investigation substantiate the assertion that S. rebaudiana exhibits andrological action in rats.
Knowledge of Farmers Regarding PDKV Liquid Micro Grades
Authors: M. F. Vaishnavi. , S. P. Lambe , D. L. Manisha
Published: December 2024

The research study was conducted in Balapur and Akot talukas of Akola district of Maharashtra state. Twelve villages were selected on the basis of maximum number of farmers using PDKV liquid micro grades. From these villages, those respondents were selected who had been using PDKV liquid micro grades from last two year. Thus, 120 farmers constituted the sample for the study. The data were collected on knowledge of farmers regarding PDKV liquid micro grades.
The findings of the study revealed that, 56.67% of respondents belonged to high level of knowledge, while 41.67% of respondents belonged to medium level of knowledge and only 1.66% respondents having low level of knowledge regarding PDKV liquid micro grades. under study. Based on the findings, it has been established that, those respondents who has adopted it and use in their own field have knowledge about importance, its use for particular crop and method of application of PDKV liquid micro grades. Thus, there is necessary efforts should be made to popularize this product among the general farmers by the concern agencies.