Abstract:Comics, particularly manga, have been accused of being culturally odorless, in that they do not depict a specific ethnic culture authentically nor phenotypically. Hence, many quarters do not consider them as serious discourse due to the lack of historical-social accuracy. But is this because they wish to avoid ethnic and cultural stereotypes? What if ethnicity is squarely portrayed in recognizable form? This paper examines the authenticity of the portrayal of Chinese ethnicity in selected manga which have central ethnic Chinese characters, namely Paripi Koumei/Ya Boy Kongming, VTuber Confucius, and Pet shop of Horrors. The characteristics that render Chinese ethnicity recognizable are highlighted and discussed in the context of racial stereotyping, using the method of thematic analysis. Bourdieu’s framework of symbolic violence is utilized to explain the dominance of visual representation of Chinese ethnicity. In the present day, media consumers` tastes have grown in sophistication, as the availability of digital platforms enable people to meet and deconstruct harmful and stereotypical metanarratives which perpetuate racist ideas.
Abstract:Transport systems are crucial for connectivity and economic growth but face challenges like traffic congestion, pollution, high maintenance costs, and disruptions. A 2-simple graphoidal cover helps simplify these systems by dividing them into smaller components for efficient rerouting, though it can be computationally demanding in dense networks. Bicyclic graphs improve resilience by providing redundancy and fault tolerance, ensuring smooth flow during disruptions. When combined, these tools enhance efficiency, scalability, and distributed management, supporting seamless expansion of transportation networks. This paper examines the decomposition of three types of bicyclic graphs using 2-simple graphoidal covers.
Abstract:During the Second Vatican Council, there was an informal group of bishops called Jesus-Church-Poor, also known as the group of the Church of the Poor or the Church of the Poor group. Its participants sought answers to the question of the role of the poor and poverty in the Church and the role of the Church in a world where two thirds of the population live in poverty-as calculated at the time. The bishops and experts referred to the Holy Scripture in shaping their understanding and proposed solutions to the issue. This paper, based on unique and unpublished source materials from the archives of Bishop Charles-Marie Himmer, analyses the biblical argumentation present in the work of this group, based on texts by Paul Gauthier, Marie-Joseph Le Guillou and Donatien Mollat, and Alfred B. Trusso. On their basis, the characteristic features of biblical argumentation are determined in order to then build an operational research model useful in further research.
Abstract:The present work uses first-principles methods to investigate the structural, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of the perovskite MoMnO3. This research utilizes density functional theory (DFT) within the Wien2k code. The structure of MoMnO3 has a trigonal symmetry, with typical lattice parameters of a0 = b0 = 5.456 Å and c0= 14.867 Å. The electronic results show that MoMnO3 is a semiconductor with a majority spin energy gap of approximately 0.333 eV and a minority spin energy gap of around 1.987 eV, allowing good light absorption. While, the valence band is mainly composed of the 3d manganese orbitals, while the 4d molybdenum orbitals dominate the conduction band. The analysis of the high absorption coefficient shows that this optical absorption is important in the visible and near-infrared range. MoMnO3 has a non-negligible power factor at room temperature. These results clearly show that this perovskite has specific and interesting physical properties that offer numerous advantages for applications in fields such as electronics, energetics, optoelectronics and spintronics.
Abstract:This study investigates the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve cyber threat classification using clustering techniques. Leveraging the NF-UNSW-NB15-v2 dataset, the research addresses challenges such as data imbalance and overlapping attack patterns. The methodology integrates dimensionality reduction via Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and clustering using KMeans, focusing on features like transport layer ports, DNS query types, and network throughput. The experiments highlight the clustering algorithm's ability to identify inherent patterns within attack categories, though difficulties persist in distinguishing closely related attack types. Despite the imbalanced dataset, clustering by attack type revealed significant insights, enhancing the nuanced analysis of cyber threats. Evaluation metrics, including the silhouette score, emphasize areas for refinement. The findings demonstrate the potential of AI-driven clustering to complement existing cybersecurity frameworks, offering a pathway for more effective intrusion detection systems. This research underscores the importance of combining clustering with additional techniques to improve classification accuracy, advancing the capability of AI in addressing evolving cybersecurity threats.
Abstract:Serine hydroxymethyltransferase2 (SHMT2, GenBank: AAH32584.1) is a key metabolic enzyme that biosynthesizes glycine from serine. This reaction represents a major source of methyl groups for the one-carbon pools required for nucleotide biosynthesis and DNA methylation. SHMT2 overexpression is a biomarker observed in various cancers, including breast cancer, melanoma, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and prostate cancer, and is associated with tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Using the information that the polybasic amino acid motif of STIM1(stromal interaction molecule 1 precursor) is able to bind with its partner proteins via two acidic amino acids (Asp-Asp; DD), we recognized that SHMT2 also contains the short acidic binding motif [429DD430] in its C-terminus. Thus, we pursued the protein-protein interaction and its biological significance with co-immunoprecipitation and confocal co-localization experiments. Moreover, we demonstrated that the protein-protein interaction between STIM1 and SHMT2 contributes to Ca2+ ion release from ER for the cell malignance with the image tool. Here, our findings provide the evidence why SHMT2 overexpression enhances cytoplasmic Ca2+ ion concentration by releasing Ca2+ ion from SOCE (store-operated Ca2+ entry). Furthermore, SHMT2 helps to release cytoplasmic Ca2+ from SOCE after SHMT2 overexpression in the transformed cells. Therefore, our observations suggest a novel mechanism of STIM1 regulation through protein-protein interaction with SHMT2 to promote the cell transformation and clarify one of its roles as STIM1 modulation through SHMT2 [429DD430] binding to STIM1 [671RKKFPLKIFKKPLKK685].
Abstract:This paper deals with the geospatial suitability analysis of organic farming in the Garhwal Himalaya, India, using the AHP method in association with Geographic Information Systems. Organic farming is very important for the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices in mountainous regions where topographical as well as environmental factors play an important role in land suitability. It makes use of multiple criteria: Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), Topographic Ruggedness Index (TRI), Topographic Positioning Index (TPI), slope, flow direction, flow accumulation, aspect, hillshade, curvature, and tan slope. A pairwise comparison matrix was formulated using AHP to assign weights for these parameters based on their relative importance in determining land suitability for organic farming. With the integration of such weighted factors by the GIS tools, it has given scope for developing a detailed suitability map over the land areas, which identified very-low, low, moderate, high, and very-high suitability areas for organic farming. Therefore, the results show that the spatial variability of the suitability of land is a large factor in the Garhwal Himalaya, developed by the complicated interaction between topographic and hydrological factors. High scoring districts include Chamoli and Rudraprayag, while low scores were reported in regions located in Tehri Garhwal and Pauri Garhwal, mainly due to steeper slopes and rough topography. The research output is really important for policymakers and local farmers in order to expand organic farming in ecologically sustainable areas. The methodology adopted offers a replicable framework for land suitability assessment in the other mountainous regions of the world, and it contributes to the larger discourse on sustainable agricultural development.
Abstract:Communicative language teaching and especially in English, is difficult and can be effective whenever educators and learners rate their feelings in addition to linguistic and didactic aspects. This study aims at identifying and examining didactic and linguistic approaches to EFL educators skilled growth so as to encourage their learners` performances. The use of both quantitative and qualitative methods has enabled the administration of questionnaire sheets to 56 EFL teachers, 52 collected (sample size: 46), 133 learners of English, 112 collected (sample size: 87) additionally to the interviews conducted with 17 didactic and linguistic experts, sample size: 17. The results obtained have shown that certain coursebooks provide sufficient grammar activities that scarcely favour communication. This justifies the fact that at the beginning of such a training, learners are not sufficiently equipped with linguistic abilities and mental readiness for completely developed English language communication. It is suggested that EFL teachers ought to create favorable stipulations in the target language instruction and involve learners in communication carefully and gradually to develop intellectual stress as well as didactic and linguistic responsibilities, in the teaching and learning process.
Abstract:Background: While there is ample evidence on the effects of Nordic hamstring training (NHT) on physical fitness in youth athletes, less is known about the effectiveness of different volumes of this type of training. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the effects of 8 weeks of low-volume Nordic hamstring training (LNHT) performed during the warm-up, on sprints (5, 10, and 20-m) and change of direction (CoD) with (15-m CoD Ball) and without (15-m without Ball) the ball in young male soccer players in highly trained male youth soccer players. Methods: Twenty-eight male youth soccer players, aged 13 to 14 years, were randomly assigned to LNHT (n= 14) or a control group (CON, n= 14). The eight-week NMT included low Nordic exercises with 3 sets of 4 repetitions. The CG performed a soccer-specific warm-up. Training was performed during the warm-up with similar training volumes between groups. Pre-, and post-training, tests were conducted to assess sprint (5, 10, and 20-m) and change of direction (CoD) with (15-m CoD Ball) and without (15-m without Ball) the ball. Results: Findings showed significant group-by-time interactions for all 5 (F1,26=.77, P =.38, Pη2 =.029), 10 (F1,26=2.7, P =.11, Pη2 =.095) and 20-m sprint (F1,26=14.9, P =.001, Pη2 =.364) and CoD with (F1,26=12.9, P =.001, Pη2 =.332) and without the ball (F1,26=24.1, P =.001, Pη2 =.481) tests. There were significant pre-post changes for all tested variables (all P<0.005) in favor of LNHT but not CG. Conclusions: In conclusion, LNHT was a mean tool for improving CoD speed and sprint performance. Due to the importance of CoD and short accelerations for overall competitive performance in soccer, our results suggest that young players should perform LNHT as part of their warm-up soccer training if the goal is to improve sprint and CoD performance.
Abstract:Taiwan`s Mazu culture originated from the belief of Chinese immigrants in Mazu, the goddess of the sea. Passed down through religious traditions and inspired by this culture, Mazu pilgrimage celebrations are held in various regions. Among these, the Mazu procession in March has become the most iconic ceremony, with Dajia Zhenlan Temple serving as a benchmark. The grand Mazu procession held every March has grown into one of the world's three major religious events, recognized for its well-planned route and vast number of participants. In 2009, it was designated a World Intangible Cultural Heritage by the United Nations. This annual nine days and eight nights cross-county and cross-city procession not only generates significant tourism and economic benefits but also symbolizes the maritime cultural heritage passed down through generations of immigrants. In this context, Zhenlan Temple has carefully considered the future development of multi-religious processions. Dajia Zhenlan Temple hosts the Mazu procession every year. Effectively mobilizing organizational forces, planning the procession route, and managing the event as a whole have become very challenging tasks. Especially after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, the Dajia Mazu procession was successfully held with the support of government regulations, achieving a careful balance. This success was not only due to the faith and trust of the management team and pilgrims in Mazu, but also to the effective implementation of event management, which ensured the smooth completion of the entire procession. This study employs fieldwork methods and quantitative data, along with semi-structured interviews with relevant scholars, to explore how temples can effectively manage pilgrimage activities during the COVID-19 crisis. Additionally, by analyzing statistical samples from questionnaires, we examine the perspectives, backgrounds, and motivations of both devotees participating in the Dajia Mazu pilgrimage and tourists visiting the event. The aim is to understand the reasons and interactive relationships between devotees and tourists during the pandemic. Through this research, we also explore the core values of participants in the annual Mazu pilgrimage organized by Zhenlan Temple.