bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of estimated nominal values of static characteristics based on measurements by different methods
Authors:   Military-technical Institute of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia, Knežević Dragan , Dragović Magdalena ,   University of Belgrade, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Belgrade, Serbia, Knežević Milja ,   University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, Belgrade, Serbia, Anđelković Radovan ,   University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, Belgrade, Serbia
Published: December 2024

One of the quality requirements of thermal imaging devices used in surveillance systems and in forensics refers to the assessment of its capabilities in relation to remote detection, recognition and identification of far-off objects of interest. This paper discusses the concept of spatial frequency and compares the estimated values of the nominal static characteristics of the range based on the measurement of the characteristics of a thermal imaging camera according to standard methods (MRTD - Minimum Resolvable Temperature Difference, MDTD - Minimum Detectable Temperature Difference, TOD - Triangle Orientation Discrimination) on an arbitrarily chosen thermal imaging camera.
Pulsed picosecond Nd:YAG laser irradiation of vanadium in controllable gas ambience
Authors:   Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Ciganović Jovan , Živković Sanja ,   Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Momčilović Miloš ,   Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade
Published: December 2024

The interaction of a Nd:YAG laser, operating at 1064 nm wavelength and pulse length of 150 ps, with pure vanadium sample, in air and helium atmosphere was studied. The vanadium surface modification was carried out with a pulse energy of 15 mJ, with corresponding fluence of 20 J/cm2, and intensity 1.3×1011 W/cm2. The laser beam energy was partially absorbed and converted to thermal energy, which generated a series of effects, such as melting and vaporization, redeposition of material form gaseous phase, surface cracking, hydrodynamic effects and formation of laser induced parallel surface structures. Influence of the number of accumulated pulses was also studied. Following surface changes and phenomena were detected: (1) conical craters were formed in both atmospheres; (2) appearance of cracks and micropores in central zone (3) appearance of hydrodynamic effects and laser induced periodic surface structures on the periphery of damaged zone (4) formation of vanadium oxides in air and cleaning of surface in helium atmosphere.
Sexting: A Digital Gateway to Understanding Risk Propensity and Alexithymic Traits
Authors: Rajesh Lakshmi , Pandian Durga Rangaswamy , Manadanagopal Darshini , Priya M Nandhini , N Tharani , Nayana R Divya
Published: December 2024

Aim: The current study explores the patterns of sexting behaviour among individuals actively using online dating apps, with a focus on whether sexting can predict Alexithymic traits and risk-taking behaviours, while also delving deeper into the relationship between the different variables. Methods: This quantitative study employs convenience sampling to recruit 194 individuals, aged 18-25, who are active users of online dating apps across Chennai. The variables were quantified using standardised measures which include; Sexting Behaviours Scale (SBS), The Risky, Impulsive, & Self-destructive behaviour Questionnaire (RISQ), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale Questionnaire (TAS - 20) . The data obtained were then subject to correlation analyses using SPSS software. Results: The results of the study highlight significant relationships between sexting, alexithymia and risk taking behaviours. Findings show that individuals with high levels of alexithymia are much more likely to partake in sexting and the other array of risk taking behaviours as a form of coping mechanism. These results underscore the role of emotional dysregulation in driving risk - taking tendencies, providing us with valuable insights into the psychological factors influencing the behaviors. Conclusion: The findings of the study delve into the complex relationship between young adults’ risk taking behaviors, alexithymia and sexting behavior, with a focus on the domain of online dating. They contribute to the growing body of literature by emphasizing the psychological and behavioral implications of sexting in the digital age, thereby paving the way for developing targeted interventions to mitigate these risks.
Mechanical Properties of Annealed Soda Lime Silica Glass with Various Potassium Salt by Ion Exchange
Authors: Yaakob Nur Hidayah , Ibrahim Norfadhilah , Mohamed Julie Juliewatty , Sulaiman Muhammad Azwadi
Published: December 2024

This work studied the effect of ion exchange parameters on the glass properties. The regular soda lime silica glass was annealed at 600 ºC for 16 hours, followed by the chemical treatment process. The chemical treatment was carried out using different types of potassium salts at two different temperatures. Different ion exchange media in salt paste were prepared using KNO3, KCl, and K2SO4 and heat treated at 425 ºC and 465 ºC for 4 hours. The mechanical properties of the glass before and after ion exchange treatment were analyzed using the 3-point bending and Vickers hardness method. The results show the highest flexural strength was obtained after the annealed glass was treated with KCl for 4 hours at 425 ºC. Meanwhile, treatment with KNO3 at 425 ºC resulted in the highest Vickers hardness strength and glass fracture toughness compared to samples treated with other potassium salts. From both characterization techniques, the K2SO4 salt medium showed the lowest flexural strength, hardness, and fracture toughness values. Additionally, ion exchange treatment at 465 ºC reduced the glass's mechanical properties as higher treatment temperatures lead to surface structure stress relaxation.
Study on the Performance of Polymer Inclusion Membrane for Gold Extraction
Authors: Nor’Azmi Nor Zafirah , Shoparwe Noor Fazliani , Yusoff Abdul Hafidz
Published: December 2024

The efficiency of polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) for gold extraction, particularly using Aliquat-336 as a carrier, has been extensively studied. The membrane was fabricated by combining poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-co-HFP) with dioctyl phthalate (DOP) and varying concentrations of Aliquat-336 (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt.%). The optimal formulation, incorporating 20 wt.% Aliquat-336 (M5), demonstrated significant improvements in ion exchange capacity (IEC) extraction rates, achieving an impressing 1.697 meq/g and 95.96% extraction efficiency, respectively.
Karsai Dániel – Bíró Bence – Szenteczki Zita: Egy tökéletes nap
Authors: Turai Katalin
Published: December 2024

Turai Katalin, az ELTE TáTK adjunktusa beszélget a darabról Mayer Bernadett filmrendezővel, akinek az interjúban említett életrajzi eseményeket is feldolgozó nagyjátékfilmjét Mommy Blue címmel hamarosan bemutatják.A Fundamentum hagyományaitól némileg eltérve, ebben az írásban nem tanulmányt vagy szakkönyvet szeretnék az emberi jogok iránt érdeklődők figyelmébe ajánlani, hanem egy színdarabot: Karsai Dániel Bíró Bencével és Szenteczki Zitával közösen írt darabját, az Egy tökéletes napot, amelyet a 6Szín Teátrumban játszanak.
Életvégi döntések gyermekek esetében
Authors: Kussinszky Anikó
Published: December 2024

A Karsai Dániel által indított strasbourgi eljárás eredményeként az életvégi döntések kérdése ismét a közérdeklődés homlokterébe került. A téma alapjogi relevanciája és súlya miatt a szerkesztőség teret kívánt adni az életvégi döntések jogilag releváns kérdéseire történő tudományos reflexióknak. Az életvégi döntésekre vonatkozó szabályozás és bírói joggyakorlat számos oldalról megközelíthető. Ennek alapján kértük fel szerzőinket az itt közölt írások megírására.
Incidencia de la educación física, recreación y deporte como una herramienta didáctica para el desarrollo de valores y habilidades sociales
Authors: Escobar Vega Alexander  , Díaz Alex Mauricio
Published: December 2024

Este estudio muestra que la actividad física, el tiempo libre y las disciplinas deportivas son esenciales para reforzar los valores y fomentar el desarrollo de habilidades sociales en los alumnos de secundaria. Basado en un modelo con seis unidades didácticas transversales, se analizaron dos variables: el desarrollo transversal de habilidades sociales fundamentales (como variable independiente) y el valor del respeto (como variable dependiente). El estudio, adoptando un enfoque cuantitativo de acción, se desarrolló en tres etapas: diagnóstico, intervención y evaluación. Los resultados revelan que las estrategias didácticas orientadas al deporte y la recreación mejoran significativamente la convivencia y el ambiente escolar, promoviendo la conciencia y la autorregulación en los estudiantes. De esta manera, se concluye que la actividad física y la práctica deportiva promueven valores y habilidades sociales fundamentales, como la capacidad de prestar atención, hacer fila, escuchar, mostrar interés y resolver problemas.
GAMIFICATION MARKETING IN TOURISM
Authors:   Institut Superieur du Tourisme Cannes - France, PICCIRILLO Paola
Published: December 2024

To suit the theme of changes in travel behaviour, this article will present the new trend in tourism named “gamification marketing in tourism”. Several researchers have explored the concept of Gamification not only in tourism. McCarthy, J., & Wright, P. (2004) for instance, provided a framework for understanding how technology, including gamification, can create and shape user experiences. The works by Sebastian Deterding & al. (2011) even if they are not specific to tourism, can be considered as the first concept of gamification. They define it as "the use of game design elements in non-game contexts." This foundational work has been adapted across industries, including tourism. Gamification involves integrating game mechanics into the professional world and in non-game contexts to engage and motivate tourists. It is used to encourage behaviour by causing a feeling of satisfaction similar to that felt during a game. It is not only a question of using digital technology for tourist offers, but of ensuring that the prospect wants to consume while having the impression of playing. Gamification is found at all stages of the sale of a tourism product: before departure, during the trip and continues after the customer's return. This makes it possible to further engage the user who has the feeling of progress, as if they were reaching levels.
GUESTS’ READINESS TO EMBRACE ROBOTS IN 4- AND 5-STAR HOTELS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors:   UNISA, South Africa, May Whitney , Conradie Nicolene , van Zylc Ciné ,   UNISA, South Africa
Published: December 2024

The current geo-political events have changed the hospitality landscape and highlighted the importance of technology. The hospitality industry is continually embracing new technological innovations such as artificial intelligence and robots in customer experiences (Tussyadiah, Zach & Wang, 2020; Murphy, Höfacker & Gretzel, 2017). With these advancements in technology in hotels, adopting technology and measuring hotel guests' reactions to new technology has become an essential consideration (Moradi, Moradi & Bayat, 2018; Parasuraman, 2000; Sun et al. 2020). This paper aimed to investigate hotel guests' views on their technological readiness and tendency to embrace robots in 4- and 5-star hotels (within the reception, housekeeping, food and beverages, and additional services departments) in a South African context. A quantitative research method was applied to collect primary data by means of an online questionnaire. Social media platforms were used to collect the data. A sample of n = 224 respondents was achieved after cleaning the data. Descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were used to analyse the data. Overall, the study's results indicated that hotel guests to 4- and 5-star hotels in South Africa portray positive feelings (optimism and innovation) towards technology use in hotels. Most hotel guests do not feel any discomfort in using high-tech products or services. In terms of insecurity, sampled guests considered it safe to do financial transactions online, but still prefer to talk to a person rather than a robot. Hotel management should continuously make efforts in understanding their guests’ technological readiness when implementing new technologies that will fit the needs of the guests.

Keywords
Hospitality, technological readiness, hotel guests, robots, South Africa
Clustering of Small Businesses to Create Resilience in Tourism Destinations
Authors:   Chameleon Strategies, Thraenhart Jens
Published: December 2024

In the dynamic realm of tourism, destinations grapple with fluctuating economic conditions, natural disasters, and the fickle nature of consumer preferences. The clustering of small businesses has emerged as a strategic solution to enhance resilience and sustainability within this volatile context. This article investigates the process of clustering—where geographically proximate firms offering complementary services unite to surmount challenges like limited resources and market competition. The exploration includes an analysis of the multifaceted benefits and potential drawbacks of clustering, insights from successful case studies, and the introduction of a novel model to foster effective business collaboration within tourism clusters. A specific emphasis is placed on small businesses and social enterprises, underscoring their contribution to economic innovation and community development through sustainable tourism practices.

Despite the numerous advantages of clustering, such as increased visibility, market access, and shared innovation, the article recognizes the inherent challenges: trust-building, cooperation, competitive dynamics, and resource allocation. Showcasing learning from the Experience Mekong Collection in Southeast Asia, a curation of small responsible travel businesses and social enterprises in the six member countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam, and the Guangxi and Yunnan provinces in PR China), the discussion accentuates the strategic importance of stakeholder engagement, transparent governance structures, and capacity building.

The article argues for a model of collaboration that prioritizes trust, coordination, and shared resource utilization to transcend competitive barriers and resource limitations. In conclusion, clustering represents a beacon of resilience and sustainability for small businesses in tourism destinations, offering a pathway to collective competitiveness and enhanced customer experiences. The synthesized model and highlighted case studies provide valuable frameworks for future research and practical applications in tourism management.

Keywords: Tourism clusters, small business collaboration, destination resilience, sustainable tourism, stakeholder engagement, adaptive governance, digital integration
Spatial Construction and Grassroots Willingness to Participate in Democracy: Analytical Framework and Empirical Tests
Authors: Wang Haiyu , Ai Kunpeng , Li Changcan
Published: December 2024

In China, political participation exists as a mainstream understanding of democratic politics. There are many factors that influence citizens' willingness to participate, often pointing to some form of "space"， but few studies have explored the relevance of different forms of space to the willingness to participate in democracy. This study focuses on the grassroots space of NPC deputies' contact stations in China and utilizes data collected from 185 contact stations for empirical analysis. The study adopts the physical, interactional and digital spaces identified in established research and operationalizes their variable indicators, on the basis of which an analytical framework is constructed and hypotheses are formulated. The empirical results show that there is a significant positive correlation between the improvement of the three types of spatial conditions and the willingness to participate in grassroots democracy. It has been proved that promoting grassroots democratic participation willingness through spatial constructs has a positive performance. This study aims to make an empirical test to support the spatial examination of democratic participation and provide an understanding of the spatial construction of grassroots democracy in China.
Cultural Intermediaries and Cosmopolitans: A Netnographic Study of Chinese Travel Bloggers
Authors: Liu Yongzi , Maria Isabel Romero Ruiz
Published: December 2024

This article analyzes the symbolic power and locations of travel bloggers in the global cultural economy by linking the theories and approaches of cultural intermediaries, cosmopolitanism and tourist studies. Drawing on netnographic methodology and narrative analysis of Chinese social media accounts, this article further examines how travel bloggers convert world landscapes and self-presentations into mediascapes providing consumable content as well as life-styles for local audiences. A Chinese perspective is contributed by having the discussion connecting travel with other mobilities. We propose that the travel bloggers and their productions are the evidence of cultural traveling and transformation.
The Impact of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among UK Women: An Obesity-Adjusted Analysis
Authors: Azzam Ahmed Y. , Morsy Mahmoud M. , Ellabban Mohamed Hatem , Morsy Ahmed M. , Zahran Adham Adel , Nassar Mahmoud , Elsayed Omar S. , Elswedy Adam , Elamin Osman , Al Zomia Ahmed Saad , Abukhadijah Hana J. Abukhadijah , Alotaibi Hammam A. Alotaibi , Atallah Oday , Azab Mohammed A. , Essibayi Muhammed Amir , Dmytirw Adam A. , Morsy Mohamed D. , Altschul David J.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is known to elevate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, but the extent to which obesity and IIH-specific factors contribute to this risk is not well understood. WE aim to separate the effects of obesity from IIH-specific factors on the risk of stroke and CVD, building on previous findings that indicate a two-fold increase in cardiovascular events in women with IIH compared to BMI-matched controls.
Methods: An obesity-adjusted risk analysis was conducted using Indirect Standardization based on data from a cohort study by Adderley et al., which included 2,760 women with IIH and 27,125 matched healthy controls from The Health Improvement Network (THIN). Advanced statistical models were employed to adjust for confounding effects of obesity and determine the risk contributions of IIH to ischemic stroke and CVD, independent of obesity. Four distinct models explored the interactions between IIH, obesity, and CVD risk.
Results: The analysis showed that IIH independently contributes to increased cardiovascular risk beyond obesity alone. Risk ratios for cardiovascular outcomes were significantly higher in IIH patients compared to controls within similar obesity categories. Notably, a synergistic effect was observed in obese IIH patients, with a composite CVD risk ratio of 6.19 (95% CI: 4.58-8.36, p<0.001) compared to non-obese controls.
Conclusions: This study underscores a significant, independent cardiovascular risk from IIH beyond obesity. The findings advocate for a shift in managing IIH to include comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment and mitigation. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms and develop specific interventions for this group.
The failure of indigenous settlements in the Captaincy of Goiás
Authors: Nascimento PatríciaEmanuelle , Nazareno Elias , Baines Stephen Grant
Published: December 2024

In this article, we address an unprecedented discussion about the indigenous settlements in the Captaincy of Goiás, a Midwestern state of Brazil. It is an analysis of the failure of these colonial spaces, analyzed from a decolonial perspective which draws attention to indigenous strategies and actions as a relevant factor for such an unfolding. As the many years of coloniality have promoted a silencing of indigenous decolonial actions, there is a need to rewrite the history of contact relations in order to repair invisibilities and highlight the various forms of indigenous actions taken. The methodological-theoretical framework used here is based on the Latin American school of thought Modernity/Coloniality.
El fanzine argentino Resistencia: contra-archivo de una interseccionalidad punk
Authors: Karakilinc Hasan
Published: December 2024

El fanzine Resistencia, publicado en Buenos Aires a partir de diciembre del 1984, al año del retorno a la democracia, constituye durante más de una década la principal herramienta de difusión de una radicalidad punk, junto a los panfletos y el corpus letrístico producidos por los actores de la escena punk de Buenos Aires. Verdadero contra-archivo cultural, su pertinencia reside en su contenido crítico y sus propuestas de cambio sociopolítico enmarcados por discursos interseccionales en desarrollo. A partir del crudo nihilismo social heredado de una fase inicial en tiempos de dictadura militar, la escena se va politizando a través de los discursos nutridos por el anarquismo. Además, de una crítica a las prácticas represivas remanentes de la dictadura, Resistencia propone articular progresivamente un foco de lucha de índole interseccional, entrecruzando feminismo, antirracismo, anti-homofobia, ecologismo, anti-especismo, para ofrecer a los lectores una visión más holista de los sistemas de dominación.
Este artículo pone en evidencia a partir de un análisis del fanzine Resistencia los procesos de transformación ideológica y la materialización de discursos teñidos de interseccionalidad en un contexto marcado por la reemergencia democrática y los fantasmas de la dictadura militar.
Obowiązki operatorów pocztowych oraz instrumenty przysługujące Prezesowi UKE w zakresie wykrywania i zwalczania praktyk monopolistycznych na rynku pocztowym w świetle rozporządzenia Parlamentu Europejskiego i Rady (UE) 2018/644
Authors:   Zakład Prawa Handlowego i Gospodarczego na Wydziale Prawa i Administracji Uniwersytetu Rzeszowskiego, Małecka Elżbieta
Published: December 2024

Celem strategii jednolitego rynku cyfrowego jest zwiększenie udziału e-commerce w całkowitym PKB Unii. Za jedną z największych przeszkód dla rozwoju handlu e-commerce w całej Unii Europejskiej zostały uznane wysokie ceny i niedogodności transgranicznej dostawy przesyłek. W związku z tym od 2016 r. Komisja Europejska prowadziła prace nad opracowaniem rozporządzenia mającego na celu zwiększenie przejrzystości cenowej i wzmocnienie nadzoru regulacyjnego nad usługami transgranicznego dostarczania przesyłek, w sposób umożliwiający konsumentom i detalistom korzystanie z niższych cen dostaw i dogodnych opcji zwrotu przesyłek. Przepisy rozporządzenia Parlamentu Europejskiego i Rady (UE) 2018/644 z dnia 18 kwietnia 2018 r. w sprawie transgranicznych usług doręczania paczek (Dz. Urz. L 112 z 02.05.2018) wprowadziły m.in. zwiększone wymagania raportowania dla operatorów biorących udział w procesie doręczania przesyłek transgranicznych, które mają umożliwić krajowym organom regulacyjnym bardziej efektywne monitorowanie rynku takich przesyłek w celu lepszej identyfikacji potencjalnych trudności w jego funkcjonowaniu oraz procedurę i kryteria oceny przez krajowe organy regulacyjne stopnia przystępności cen za usługi.
La banalisation du suprémacisme blanc sur YouTube : analyse des convergences et des influences idéologiques au sein de l’extrême droite française
Authors: Boursier Tristan
Published: December 2024

Cette recherche examine la prolifération du discours d’extrême droite sur les médias sociaux, spécifiquement dans le contexte français, en analysant le contenu produit par sept vidéastes français d’extrême droite dans 55 vidéos. L’étude vise à comprendre comment les messages suprémacistes blancs sont rendus plus acceptables pour le grand public, malgré les interdictions juridiques et réglementaires des plateformes. L’analyse révèle que l’essentialisation du genre des individus crée les conditions d’une essentialisation de la race, conduisant à un renforcement mutuel entre masculinisme et suprémacisme, qui permet un cadrage plus acceptable du message suprémaciste blanc. L’étude identifie également des phénomènes tels que les emprunts idéologiques et rhétoriques inspirés de la métapolitique d’Alain de Benoist. L’article contribue à une meilleure caractérisation des aspects spécifiques de l’extrême droite en ligne dans le contexte français.
Penser l’évaluation-soutien d’apprentissage face aux enjeux contemporains par la coconstruction d’une microculture de classe comme ressource à des fins de régulation des apprentissages
Authors: Soubre Valérie
Published: December 2024

Cet article a pour objet d’étude la coconstruction d’une microculture de classe dans les situations d’évaluation-soutien d’apprentissage dans l’enseignement supérieur. Son objectif est d’investiguer plus spécialement des processus et des phénomènes pour tenter de circonscrire et de préciser ce que pourrait être aujourd’hui, dans le cadre des questionnements actuels à l’université française, l’accompagnement des étudiants dans des processus d’évaluation-soutien d’apprentissage. Les données sont issues d’observation menées en classe et d’entretiens réalisés avec les enseignants et les apprenants. Les résultats permettent de documenter ce que signifie et ce qu’implique cette conception de l’évaluation des apprentissages des étudiants en matière de ressource à des fins de régulation et d’autorégulation des apprentissages.
La productividad del fracaso
Authors: Capdevila Castells Pol
Published: December 2024

ResumenEn nuestra sociedad neoliberal e hiperproductiva, el éxito individual se ha convertido en uno de los valores más importantes y codiciados. Los gurús del éxito enseñan que incluso el error y el fracaso se deben emplear como medios para éxitos futuros. Contra esta máquina de subjetividades presuntamente perfectas, cada vez más voces críticas defienden una liberación lúdica y queer en la que el fracaso pueda recobrar sus sentidos propios. Tras el error, el tropiezo y la caída se abre todo un universo en que elementos como lo absurdo, lo inútil y lo contradictorio florecen en todo su esplendor. Hoy en día, algunas prácticas artísticas nos permiten tomar conciencia de los aspectos fundamentales del fracaso. Recorreré a diferentes artistas contemporáneos para describir los diferentes estadios de la reflexión existencial que emerge en condiciones de fracaso. Sus diferentes momentos pasan por la crisis del yo, la recuperación de la dignidad en el reintento, la reflexión sobre la formación de hábitos y normas sociales y la experiencia del estado elemental de la existencia.
Palabras clave: fracaso, Martí Anson, Tere Recarens, Jaume Pitarch, Fermín Jiménez Landa.
AbstractIn our neoliberal, hyper-productive society, individual success has become one of the most important and coveted values. The gurus of success teach that even error and failure should be used as means to future achievements. Against this machine of allegedly perfect subjectivities, more and more critical voices argue for a playful and queer liberation in which failure can regain its own meanings. By failing, stumbling, and falling, a whole universe opens up in which elements such as the absurd, the useless and the contradictory flourish in all their splendor. Today, certain artistic practices allow us to become aware of the fundamental aspects of failure. I will look at different contemporary artists in order to describe the different stages of existential reflection that emerge in conditions of failure. Their different moments pass through the crisis of the self, the recovery of dignity in reattempt, the reflection on the formation of habits and social norms, and the experience of the fundamental state of existence.
Keywords: failure; Martí Anson; Tere Recarens; Jaume Pitarch; Fermín Jiménez Landa.
La Voz Cómica. Giorgio Agamben y el problema de la comedia
Authors: Karmy Bolton Rodrigo
Published: December 2024

Resumen 
El presente ensayo propone pensar el trabajo de Agamben a partir de la cuestión de la comedia. Problema que el propio autor desarrolla, sobre todo, desde sus últimas publicaciones y en el que la dimensión inoperosa de la vida se contrapone a la concepción operosa de la misma que se proyecta en la estructura de la filosofía occidental, tal como esta es problematizada por el propio Agamben en su seminario El lenguaje y la muerte. Un seminario sobre el lugar de la negatividad, publicado en 1979. Nuestra lectura propone que Agamben vendría a problematizar el paradigma trágico presente en la tradición onto-teo-lógica a partir del paradigma cómico que encuentra en tres figuras clave: Dante, Hölderlin y Polichinela. Desde la comedia, la Voz negativa sobre la que se funda la tradición filosófica occidental queda desarticulada por la dimensión afirmativa del gesto. Tal desarticulación es lo que Agamben denominará una «otra política» (no una impolítica) que, a diferencia de la política occidental, fundada sobre el presupuesto de la Voz negativa, debería tener lugar sin presupuestos. 
Palabras clave: tragedia; comedia; máscara; locura; inoperosidad. 
Abstract 
This essay proposes to think about Agamben´s work from the question of comedy. Problem that the autor himself develops, above all, since his latest publications and in which the inoperative dimensión of life is opposed to operable conception of it that is projected in the structure of Western philosophy, as it is problematized by Agamben himself in his seminar intitled Languaje and Death. A Seminar on the place of negativity, published in 1979. Our Reading proposes that Agamben would come to problematize the tragic paradigm present in the onto-theo-logical tradition from the comic paradigm that he finds in three key figures: Dante, Hölderlin, and Polichinella. From the comedy point of view, the negative Voice on which the Western philosophical tradition is founded is disarticulated by the affirmative dimension of the gesture. Such desarticulaction is what Agamben will call «other politics» (not an impolitic one) that, unlike Western politics, founded on the presuposition of the negative voice, should take place without presuppositions. 
Keywords: tragedy; comedy; mask; crazyness; inoperativity.
Ballroom Dancing for People With Multiple Sclerosis: Perceptions of the Experience
Authors: Piacentine Linda B. , Yan Alice F. , Ng Alexander V.
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) encompasses various symptoms, including fatigue, pain, spasticity, motor dysfunction, postural instability, sexual and bladder dysfunction, and cognitive impairment. Despite the documented benefits of exercise for alleviating MS symptoms, adherence to physical activity guidelines often is low, resulting in sedentary lifestyles among people with MS. This qualitative study explores the experiences of individuals with MS who participated in a ballroom dance intervention.

METHODS:

Thirteen community-dwelling individuals with MS participated in five 1-hour focus group sessions as part of a larger ballroom dance study. The Framework Method, utilizing NVivo qualitative analysis software, was applied to verbatim transcripts.

RESULTS:

Four themes emerged. (1) Physical and psychological benefits: Ballroom dance improved perceived symptoms, including strength, endurance, coordination, and balance, as well as reduced fatigue and alleviated depression. (2) Positive social support leading to enjoyment/fun: Ballroom dance fostered positive support and served as an enjoyable activity, including for couples. (3) Improved confidence: The dance intervention instilled confidence in physical abilities and emotional well-being. (4) Physical and social facilitation of activity: Ballroom dancing facilitated activity because partners were able to assist when fatigue or balance issues occurred, and the intervention provided social acceptability.

CONCLUSIONS:

Recreational ballroom or social dance was well tolerated, and individuals with MS and researchers perceived it as beneficial as it led to positive physical and psychological changes. This partnered social dance intervention provided an emotionally and physically supportive environment, improved confidence, and facilitated activity. This study contributes to the understanding of the potential of recreational ballroom dancing to promote physical activity and well-being among people who are living with MS.
Sustainability analysis of the greenhouse tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production system
Authors: Suazo-López Francisco , Hernández-Aguilar Claudia , Ramírez-Arias José Armando , Zepeda-Bautista Rosalba , Domínguez-Hernández Martha Elena
Published: December 2024

The sustainability of the tomato production system in greenhouses in the municipal area of Texcoco, Mexico, was evaluated using a cluster analysis for the classification of farmers and the framework for the evaluation of management systems for natural resources, incorporating sustainability indicators to evaluate sustainability. The results showed three groups of farmers considering the technology used in production: low technology level (LTL), medium technology level (MTL), and high. They differed in fruit yield (230.19 tons ha-1 year-1 on average), cost-benefit rate (1.31 on average), organization, water management, and greenhouse surface and equipment. Productivity was the attribute that affected sustainability the most since yield is a complex variable due to the conjunction of natural, human, and financial resources that affect the environmental, social, and technological dimensions. Fruit yield was slightly higher than the reference value (180.32 tons ha-1 year-1) at 53.53%, 18.44% and 1.8% in the high, medium, and low technological level clusters, respectively, whereas net income and the cost-benefit rate had lower values than the reference (1034326 MEX$ and 1.62, respectively) for the LTL and MTL clusters. The information obtained helps generate a baseline and strategies to improve the sustainability of the system.
Impaired fatty acid import or catabolism in macrophages restricts intracellular growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Simwela Nelson V , Jaecklein Eleni , Sassetti Christopher M , Russell David G
Published: December 2024

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(
Mtb
) infection of macrophages reprograms cellular metabolism to promote lipid retention. While it is clearly known that intracellular
Mtb
utilize host derived lipids to maintain infection, the role of macrophage lipid processing on the bacteria’s ability to access the intracellular lipid pool remains undefined. We utilized a CRISPR-Cas9 genetic approach to assess the impact of sequential steps in fatty acid metabolism on the growth of intracellular
Mtb
. Our analyzes demonstrate that macrophages which cannot either import, store or catabolize fatty acids restrict
Mtb
growth by both common and divergent anti-microbial mechanisms, including increased glycolysis, increased oxidative stress, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, enhanced autophagy and nutrient limitation. We also show that impaired macrophage lipid droplet biogenesis is restrictive to
Mtb
replication, but increased induction of the same fails to rescue
Mtb
growth. Our work expands our understanding of how host fatty acid homeostasis impacts
Mtb
growth in the macrophage.
Contributions of associative and non-associative learning to the dynamics of defensive ethograms
Authors: Le Quan-Son Eric , Hereford Daniel , Borkar Chandrashekhar D , Aldaco Zach , Klar Julia , Resendez Alexis , Fadok Jonathan P
Published: December 2024

Defensive behavior changes based on threat intensity, proximity, and context of exposure, and learning about danger-predicting stimuli is critical for survival. However, most Pavlovian fear conditioning paradigms focus only on freezing behavior, obscuring the contributions of associative and non-associative mechanisms to dynamic defensive responses. To thoroughly investigate defensive ethograms, we subjected male and female adult C57BL/6 J mice to a Pavlovian conditioning paradigm that paired footshock with a serial compound stimulus (SCS) consisting of distinct tone and white noise (WN) stimulus periods. To investigate how associative and non-associative mechanisms affect defensive responses, we compared this paired SCS-footshock group with four control groups that were conditioned with either pseudorandom unpaired presentations of SCS and footshock, shock only, or reversed SCS presentations with inverted tone-WN order, with paired or unpaired presentations. On day 2 of conditioning, the paired group exhibited robust freezing during the tone period with switching to explosive jumping and darting behaviors during the WN period. Comparatively, the unpaired and both reverse SCS groups expressed less tone-induced freezing and rarely showed jumping or darting during WN. Following the second day of conditioning, we observed how defensive behavior changed over two extinction sessions. During extinction, the tone-induced freezing decreased in the paired group, and mice rapidly shifted from escape jumping during WN to a combination of freezing and darting. The unpaired, unpaired reverse, and shock-only groups displayed defensive tail rattling and darting during the SCS, with minimal freezing and jumping. Interestingly, the paired reverse group did not jump to WN, and tone-evoked freezing was resistant to extinction. These findings demonstrate that non-associative factors promote some defensive responsiveness, but associative factors are required for robust cue-induced freezing and high-intensity flight expression.
Homeostatic synaptic normalization optimizes learning in network models of neural population codes
Authors: Mayzel Jonathan , Schneidman Elad
Published: December 2024

Studying and understanding the code of large neural populations hinge on accurate statistical models of population activity. A novel class of models, based on learning to weigh sparse nonlinear Random Projections (RP) of the population, has demonstrated high accuracy, efficiency, and scalability. Importantly, these RP models have a clear and biologically plausible implementation as shallow neural networks. We present a new class of RP models that are learned by optimizing the randomly selected sparse projections themselves. This ‘reshaping’ of projections is akin to changing synaptic connections in just one layer of the corresponding neural circuit model. We show that Reshaped RP models are more accurate and efficient than the standard RP models in recapitulating the code of tens of cortical neurons from behaving monkeys. Incorporating more biological features and utilizing synaptic normalization in the learning process, results in accurate models that are more efficient. Remarkably, these models exhibit homeostasis in firing rates and total synaptic weights of projection neurons. We further show that these sparse homeostatic reshaped RP models outperform fully connected neural network models. Thus, our new scalable, efficient, and highly accurate population code models are not only biologically plausible but are actually optimized due to their biological features. These findings suggest a dual functional role of synaptic normalization in neural circuits: maintaining spiking and synaptic homeostasis while concurrently optimizing network performance and efficiency in encoding information and learning.
TCR transgenic clone selection guided by immune receptor analysis and single-cell RNA expression of polyclonal responders
Authors: Debeuf Nincy , Lameire Sahine , Vanheerswynghels Manon , Deckers Julie , De Wolf Caroline , Toussaint Wendy , Verbeke Rein , Verstaen Kevin , Hammad Hamida , Vanhee Stijn , Lambrecht Bart N
Published: December 2024

Since the precursor frequency of naive T cells is extremely low, investigating the early steps of antigen-specific T cell activation is challenging. To overcome this detection problem, adoptive transfer of a cohort of T cells purified from T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic donors has been extensively used but is not readily available for emerging pathogens. Constructing TCR transgenic mice from T cell hybridomas is a labor-intensive and sometimes erratic process, since the best clones are selected based on antigen-induced CD69 upregulation or IL-2 production in vitro, and TCR chains are polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-cloned into expression vectors. Here, we exploited the rapid advances in single-cell sequencing and TCR repertoire analysis to select the best clones without hybridoma selection, and generated CORSET8 mice (CORona Spike Epitope specific CD8 T cell), carrying a TCR specific for the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Implementing newly created DALI software for TCR repertoire analysis in single-cell analysis enabled the rapid selection of the ideal responder CD8 T cell clone, based on antigen reactivity, proliferation, and immunophenotype in vivo. Identified TCR sequences were inserted as synthetic DNA into an expression vector and transgenic CORSET8 donor mice were created. After immunization with Spike/CpG-motifs, mRNA vaccination or SARS-CoV-2 infection, CORSET8 T cells strongly proliferated and showed signs of T cell activation. Thus, a combination of TCR repertoire analysis and scRNA immunophenotyping allowed rapid selection of antigen-specific TCR sequences that can be used to generate TCR transgenic mice.
Distinct release properties of glutamate/GABA co-transmission serve as a frequency-dependent filtering of supramammillary inputs
Authors: Hirai Himawari , Konno Kohtarou , Yamasaki Miwako , Watanabe Masahiko , Sakaba Takeshi , Hashimotodani Yuki
Published: December 2024

Glutamate and GABA co-transmitting neurons exist in several brain regions; however, the mechanism by which these two neurotransmitters are co-released from the same synaptic terminals remains unclear. Here, we show that the supramammillary nucleus (SuM) to dentate granule cell synapses, which co-release glutamate and GABA, exhibit differences between glutamate and GABA release properties in paired-pulse ratio, Ca2+-sensitivity, presynaptic receptor modulation, and Ca2+ channel-vesicle coupling configuration. Moreover, uniquantal synaptic responses show independent glutamatergic and GABAergic responses. Morphological analysis reveals that most SuM terminals form distinct glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses in proximity, each characterized by GluN1 and GABAAα1 labeling, respectively. Notably, glutamate/GABA co-transmission exhibits distinct short-term plasticities, with frequency-dependent depression of glutamate and frequency-independent stable depression of GABA. Our findings suggest that glutamate and GABA are co-released from different synaptic vesicles within the SuM terminals, and reveal that distinct transmission modes of glutamate/GABA co-release serve as frequency-dependent filters of SuM inputs.
A/r/tografi som performativ pedagogikk i teaterproduksjon
Authors: Bruun Ellen Foyn , Rønningen Lene Helland
Published: December 2024

Denne artikkelen undersøker hvordan a/r/tografi kan anvendes som performativ pedagogikk i teaterproduksjon. Med Rita Irwins syn på a/r/tografi som dynamisk læringsform ser vi på hvordan bachelorstudenter i drama/teater kan gå inn i rollen som a/r/tografer. Empirien for undersøkelsen er fra et undervisningsforløp der studentgrupper stod i egenskapte teaterproduksjonsprosesser. Forestillingene ble skapt i samarbeid med ungdom, og rollen som dramapedagog var sentral for den kunstneriske prosessen. I analysen fant vi tre sentrale innsikter for bruken av a/r/tografi som pedagogisk verktøy: (1) betydningen av å ivareta egen kunstnerisk vilje som lydhør pedagog, (2) betydningen av å modellere erfaringskunnskap som pedagogisk strategi og (3) nytten av den a/r/tografiske forskerposisjonen. I alt ser vi at oppmerksomheten på sammenvevingen av de tre rollene som kunstner-forsker-pedagog la til rette for dypere læring og forståelse hos studentene for teaterproduksjonsprosessen og referansegruppens livsverden.
Foto: Eirik Brenne Torsethaugen
The relationship between mitochondrial DNA haplotype and its copy number on body weight and morphological traits of Wuliangshan black-bone chickens
Authors: Li Wenpeng , Yang Zhen , Yan Chao , Chen Siyu , Zhao Xingbo
Published: December 2024

Mitochondria play a pivotal role as carriers of genetic information through their circular DNA molecules. The rapid evolution of the D-loop region in mitochondria makes it an ideal molecular marker for exploring genetic differentiation among individuals within species and populations with close kinship. However, the influence of mtDNA D-loop region haplotypes and mtDNA copy numbers on phenotypic traits, particularly production traits in chickens, remains poorly understood. In this comprehensive study, we conducted D-loop region amplification and sequencing in the blood mitochondria of 232 female Wuliangshan black-bone chickens. Our investigation identified a total of 38 haplotypes, with a focus on 10 haplotypes that included more than five individuals. We meticulously analyzed the correlations between these haplotypes and a range of traits, encompassing body weight, tibial length, tibial circumference, body oblique length, chest width, and chest depth. The results unveiled significant disparities in specific tested traits across different haplotypes, indicating a tangible association between mtDNA haplotypes and traits in chickens. These findings underscore the potential impact of mitochondrial DNA variations on energy metabolism, ultimately leading to divergent chicken phenotypes. Furthermore, our examination revealed positive correlations between mtDNA copy numbers and tested traits for select haplotypes, while other haplotypes exhibited non-uniform relationships between traits and mtDNA copy numbers. In addition, phylogenetic analysis disclosed the involvement of two subspecies of red jungle chicken in the origin of Wuliangshan black-bone chickens. Consequently, our research contributes novel insights into mitochondrial genomic selection, augments comprehension of the roles played by haplotypes and mtDNA copy numbers in chicken population genetics and phylogenetic analysis, and furnishes fundamental data crucial for the preservation and provenance determination of black-bone chickens.
Length-mass relationships of pond macroinvertebrates do not hold between Southern and Northern Europe
Authors: Dekanová Vladimíra , Svitok Marek , Bento Sara , Caramelo João , Peixe e Sousa Pedro , Carreira Bruno M.
Published: December 2024

The lack of reliable data on length-mass relationships, essential to obtain accurate biomass estimates, limits our ability to easily assess secondary production by aquatic invertebrates. In the absence of published equations from similar habitat conditions, authors often borrow equations developed in geographic regions with different climate conditions, which may bias biomass estimates. A literature overview of published size-mass relationships for Portugal and Sweden highlights the need for further data within these biogeographic regions. We increased the number of equations available to Southern and Northern Europe, developing 18 new length-mass relationships for two families and 10 genera in Portugal and Sweden. All equations were published for the first time for these countries, except the genus Asellus. Our length-mass relationships were obtained from specimens collected on a one-time sampling of eight ponds in Portugal and five ponds in Sweden during late spring in 2023. Dry mass (DM) was modelled as a function of body length (BL), using the natural log-linear function with a power model (ln DM = ln a + b × ln BL). The equations obtained were compared with linear mixed models testing the fixed effects of “body length” and “country”, as well as their interaction. A comparison of the equations developed in this study showed country-specific differences for all taxa, expect the genus Caenis, indicating a low potential transferability of the equations between Southern and Northern Europe. In contrast, the comparison of the equation obtained for A. aquaticus in this study with an equation published for this taxon in Sweden showed great similarities, suggesting a high transferability. Recommending caution in the borrowing of published length-mass equations, that can differ drastically between different geographic and climatic regions, especially at larger sizes, we provide a series of guidelines and good practices in this field.