This paper presents the findings of a two-week monitoring project on Gender Based Violence(GBV)in Tanzanian and explores how the media outlets frame the marginalized voices,institutional narratives,and intersectional ...This paper presents the findings of a two-week monitoring project on Gender Based Violence(GBV)in Tanzanian and explores how the media outlets frame the marginalized voices,institutional narratives,and intersectional inclusivity.Drawing qualitative approach and analysis of media coverage of GBV during the 202416 Days of Activism campaign remarkably November 25 to December 10,2024,it reveals the extent that media platforms amplify or marginalize survivor voices.Through two weeks of media monitoring across print,broadcast,and social media including sources notably Mwananchi,TBC1,Cloud FM,and advocacy-driven digital platforms and campaigns through#EndGBVNow and#16DaysOfActivism the study explores recurring themes,language use,tone,and inclusivity.Guided by critical gender theories including Judith Butler’s gender performativity and Gave Tuchman’s symbolic annihilation,the analysis reveals media’s dual role in either perpetuating or challenging patriarchal narratives.Findings indicate that traditional media often foreground prevailing institutional voices while underrepresenting marginalized groups,especially rural women and women with disabilities,portraying harmful cultural practices like FGM and child marriage as community challenges rather than universal human rights violation.Conversely,social media emerged as a transformative space for survivor-led advocacy.Hence the study calls for inclusive,ethical,and survivor-centered media reporting as well as strategic integration of digital and mainstream media to promote justice and policy reform in GBV reporting.展开更多
For over a century, nofi-fiction film has figured prominently in the public sphere as a powerful means of persuasion Among the different types, video activism is a typical one which has been exploring by many scholars...For over a century, nofi-fiction film has figured prominently in the public sphere as a powerful means of persuasion Among the different types, video activism is a typical one which has been exploring by many scholars. Thus, this article discussed media activism from different spheres. Though this people could figure the difference between video activism and ordinary social documentaries. And also those studies about the function, mechanism, strategies of the video activism provide a foothold for a further study of media activism.展开更多
A potential global power transition characterized by emerging economies of BRICS where China is the likely leading contender against the United States as the only global hegemon seems inevitable.The increasingly multi...A potential global power transition characterized by emerging economies of BRICS where China is the likely leading contender against the United States as the only global hegemon seems inevitable.The increasingly multipolar world is evidenced by the attention given to right-wing populism in Europe and USA attributed to China’s aggressive approach to international trade through its stealth entry and subsequent investments in global political-economy.China’s presence in Africa and Trump’s America first policy’s attempt to open“new business frontiers”in emerging economies of Asia and Africa in order to contain Chinese influence and threat in global hegemony are interesting happenstances that require closer scrutiny.Kenya,the biggest economy in East Africa,which is among the fastest growing regions globally,is the gateway to the East African Common Market.Historically,Kenya has a policy of non-alignment in international relations making it possible to receive FDI from both China and the US but with highly contested elections.Therefore,Kenya presents a perfect laboratory for examining the emerging power-shift in global political-economy as the country grapples with traditionally chaotic electoral power transitions and the two biggest economies in the world compete for business in Nairobi.The 2017 elections not only betrayed the international community’s commitment to Western values of human rights and democracy,but also revealed the challenges of governance in post-World War II global liberalism characterized by sophisticated media institutional spaces.展开更多
For a young,media savvy,radically globalized generation,television as a platform for news has lost momentum.Ironically,however,in a media landscape with a variety of news providers competing for audiences and trust,te...For a young,media savvy,radically globalized generation,television as a platform for news has lost momentum.Ironically,however,in a media landscape with a variety of news providers competing for audiences and trust,television news parodies like The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report attract new audiences as they seem to fill a gap.They succeed not only in entertaining and informing(even educating)a previously"deactivated",relatively young target audience,but also in initiating activism by using old and new(social)media.How can it be that a comedy show succeeds in promoting reason and gets young people to stand up for more sanity in politics and culture?In the sense that,in this case,critical(subversive)practice comes fxom within the mainstream,is television,as the platform that has been criticized for"dumbing down"audiences(cf.Postman 1985),actually becoming the solution for commitment7 In this constellation,what is the role of self-determined(intrinsic)and acquired(extrinsic)practices in relation to mobilized practices and practices determined by other factors?And how do they work differently in comparison to the subversive practices of tactical media and media activism that question the methods of biopower?This paper examines several responses to the(more and less serious)calls for action of the two shows and discusses their delicate role as entertainers,watchdogs,and activists for reason,sanity,and what is left of truth in the media.Furthermore,implications for critical media studies are considered by questioning the claims of education towards truth(of.Mitterer,1983).展开更多
The paper examines the root causes of Japan＇s rapid shift to foreign policy activism. To explain the causes, I develop the so-called ＂perverse political accountability＂ approach. Specifically, the approach claims t...The paper examines the root causes of Japan＇s rapid shift to foreign policy activism. To explain the causes, I develop the so-called ＂perverse political accountability＂ approach. Specifically, the approach claims that a growing security challenge from China and North Korea, and US policy favoring Japan＇s foreign policy activism structure. Japan＇s domestic political condition that the majority of Japanese people become more conservative and nationalistic. Such shift in the Japanese people＇s preference has been both creating and reinforcing a perverse accountability by which the leaders or parties willing to adopt hard-line foreign policies are better off electorally while the leaders or parties remaining soft-line on foreign affairs are worse off. The perverse accountability not only leads to a severe partisan imbalance between the conservative parties and the leftist parties, but also gives the most conservative party, e.g., the Liberal Democratic Party （LDP）, a greater chance of coming to office and of pursuing assertive foreign policy they favor. Thus, the perverse accountability is at the center of current Japan＇s turn to foreign policy activism. This finding contributes to an enhanced understanding for Japan＇s shift to assertive foreign policy.展开更多
This work aims to investigate the phenomenon of media activism in the social network of Facebook with organizedreligious groups. The three groups indicated keep the participation system closed and, for this, they need...This work aims to investigate the phenomenon of media activism in the social network of Facebook with organizedreligious groups. The three groups indicated keep the participation system closed and, for this, they need theapproval of the respective administrators. Three groups were chosen, they are： Amor a Nossa Senhora Aparecida eA lgreja Cat61ica, Irmaos Verdadeiros e Abadiania. For the elaboration of this research was used as method thecontent analysis of the posts of the religious groups of Facebook and, through this research, the contents werecategorized and classified according to the approach of each one. The period of analysis was between January 1,2017 andJanuary 15, 2017.展开更多
How is English Christmas panto community activism？ The structure of pantomime has not changed in a hundred years, but allows for local creativity to work within its framework to be both family entertainment and socia...How is English Christmas panto community activism？ The structure of pantomime has not changed in a hundred years, but allows for local creativity to work within its framework to be both family entertainment and social satire This basic structure is founded on a children＇s story like Puss ＇n ＇boots or Cinderella. The story and character types remain the same; but the community can add their own jokes and commentary to make the play relevant to themselves and their community. What is added by the community says a lot about who they are and what they care about. The company Price-Waterhouse-Coopers produces their pantomime as management training and team building while engaging the community. The Basel Swiss panto raises money for African Charities. The Maplewood, NJ panto raises money for the homeless and the Jaguar Charity panto in Birmingham performs to disadvantaged children and adults. The productions can be extravagant or threadbare, but share the same goal of raising cheer and goodwill to the benefit of the community. What is it, then, about panto that brings a community together in such civic mindedness？展开更多
The present paper seeks to investigate the extent to which digital activism plays a role in political activism in Morocco through the intersection between women and young activists movement and the social media. By do...The present paper seeks to investigate the extent to which digital activism plays a role in political activism in Morocco through the intersection between women and young activists movement and the social media. By doing so the author argues that while facebook and the Moroccan political arena are Male dominated public areas, young female activists have emerged as prominent leaders in both spaces. The author will more particularly explain why female and youth activists are important in the current state of Moroccan politics. Next, the author provides a discussion of the February 20th Movement, and the movement＇s utilization of Facebook. It will show that young female activists involved in the February 20th Movement have used Facebook in unique and creative ways to further the Movement.展开更多
In historically, culturally, and technically variable media constellations, various forms of media activism, media education, and learning design have been developed. As to media activism, there is a broad spectrum, i...In historically, culturally, and technically variable media constellations, various forms of media activism, media education, and learning design have been developed. As to media activism, there is a broad spectrum, including graffiti, radio activism, community media, visual activism, tactical media （Garcia ＆ Lovink, 1997）, and more recently, media interventions questioning the workings of biopower （Da Costa ＆ Philip, 2008）. On the other hand, debates on media competency and media literacy have been going on for a few decades. Although media have also been conceptualized as media of resistance or critique in informal contexts as well as in formal education, lively exchanges of concepts and ideas are comparatively seldom in respective traditions. The paper aims at exploring challenges for media education and interfaces between both fields.展开更多
This paper provides an auto-ethnographic observation of hashtag feminist activism on Weibo, setting in a context of post-feminism age in China. Two subjects, the Hot Search List and its Public Discussion Forum, were c...This paper provides an auto-ethnographic observation of hashtag feminist activism on Weibo, setting in a context of post-feminism age in China. Two subjects, the Hot Search List and its Public Discussion Forum, were chose to examine the complexity of the current situation of this hashtag activism. An auto-ethnographic methodology was used to interrogate the states quo of Chinese online feminist movement, revealing gender-centric discussions reinforcing stereotypes under the guise of equality. Misogynistic narratives, algorithmic constraints, censorship, and official opposition pose significant barriers to feminist discourse. Nonetheless, the study identifies a potential for hashtag activism within Weibo’s discourse, offering a space for resistance. By acknowledging these challenges, this paper seeks to empower Chinese feminists to challenge dominant narratives and advocate for their rights.展开更多
This review focuses on major contemporary empirical studies that examine both the physical and regulatory sides of climate risk. These studies explore how climate risk affects firms’ operating performance and leverag...This review focuses on major contemporary empirical studies that examine both the physical and regulatory sides of climate risk. These studies explore how climate risk affects firms’ operating performance and leverage, stock and bond valuation, cost of capital, and managerial behavior. We also discuss how the effect of climate risk on real estate markets depends on individuals’ beliefs about climate change. Furthermore, we summarize papers on climate risk activism and how firms can employ financial devices and technology to mitigate their climate risk. Finally, we make some recommendations for further research areas.展开更多
The separation of ownership and management of companies results in agency problems between shareholders and management to some extent.In Western countries,shareholders usually actively participate in the company’s ma...The separation of ownership and management of companies results in agency problems between shareholders and management to some extent.In Western countries,shareholders usually actively participate in the company’s management and monitor management issues in order to enhance the company’s performance.At present,China’s securities market,as well as institutional investors are undergoing a rapid development,while problems of governance among listed companies in China have been negatively affecting the development of capital markets.Institutional investors have developed to form a certain scale.Moreover,national policies,as well as the split-share structure reform,further encourage the growth of institutional investors,and their active participation in corporate governance in order to better promote the development of capital markets.A great deal of research pertains to the effects of shareholder activism on corporate performance in Western countries.However,research on shareholder activism in China is scanty.Furthermore,chances are that in some specific Chinese regions and industries circumstances are unique,in which the well-established theories cannot be effectively applied.Therefore,this paper empirically analyzes the correlation between shareholder activism and corporate performance so as to examine how effective China’s institutional investors participate in the governance of listed companies.This paper empirically tests the impact of shareholder activism on corporate performance.In this paper,an unbalanced panel data set consisting of observation is constructed.Then,in order to insure validity of results,a series of preliminary tests are conducted.Furthermore,Panel data method and robustness check are performed for empirical analysis.Finally,the result of the empirical tests shows that there is a positive correlation between Chinese institutional shareholding ratio and corporate performance of listed companies.This indicates that shareholder activism can definitely promote the corporate governance and corporate performance in China.展开更多
Mediatic sporting events are increasingly used in the geopolitical arena to gain consensus, at the same time emerging as platforms for the discussion of social issues, such as human rights and sustainability. This art...Mediatic sporting events are increasingly used in the geopolitical arena to gain consensus, at the same time emerging as platforms for the discussion of social issues, such as human rights and sustainability. This article presents an investigation into the role of mediatic sporting events and digital platforms in sparking political debate and social engagement to bring about change, including discussions on global and local interests and the performances of activist fans to promote debate on specific issues. The investigation employs a quantitative methodology. The initial inductive analysis uses a matrix of cultural key-frames of the empowerment and protest that accompany media sporting events, verifying their presence and effectiveness in different communication milieus. An analysis of the representation of protests on social media was performed through content analysis. The results of the investigation show that mediatic sporting events are to be understood as a diverse range of generators of multiple political effects: from the exercise of power to mass mobilization and media criticism.展开更多
Downregulation of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1 is a key step for inducing retinal Müller cell activation and interaction with other glial cells,which is involved in retinal ganglion cell apopt...Downregulation of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1 is a key step for inducing retinal Müller cell activation and interaction with other glial cells,which is involved in retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma.Modulation of Kir4.1 expression in Müller cells may therefore be a potential strategy for attenuating retinal ganglion cell damage in glaucoma.In this study,we identified seven predicted phosphorylation sites in Kir4.1 and constructed lentiviral expression systems expressing Kir4.1 mutated at each site to prevent phosphorylation.Following this,we treated Müller glial cells in vitro and in vivo with the m Glu R I agonist DHPG to induce Kir4.1 or Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression.We found that both Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression inhibited activation of Müller glial cells.Subsequently,we established a rat model of chronic ocular hypertension by injecting microbeads into the anterior chamber and overexpressed Kir4.1 or Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp in the eye,and observed similar results in Müller cells in vivo as those seen in vitro.Both Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression inhibited Müller cell activation,regulated the balance of Bax/Bcl-2,and reduced the m RNA and protein levels of pro-inflammatory factors,including interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α.Furthermore,we investigated the regulatory effects of Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression on the release of pro-inflammatory factors in a co-culture system of Müller glial cells and microglia.In this co-culture system,we observed elevated adenosine triphosphate concentrations in activated Müller cells,increased levels of translocator protein(a marker of microglial activation),and elevated interleukin-1βm RNA and protein levels in microglia induced by activated Müller cells.These changes could be reversed by Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression in Müller cells.Kir4.1 overexpression,but not Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression,reduced the number of proliferative and migratory microglia induced by activated Müller cells.Collectively,these results suggest that the tyrosine residue at position nine in Kir4.1 may serve as a functional modulation site in the retina in an experimental model of glaucoma.Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression attenuated Müller cell activation,reduced ATP/P2X receptor–mediated interactions between glial cells,inhibited microglial activation,and decreased the synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory factors,consequently ameliorating retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma.展开更多
BACKGROUND:Hemiplegia,a prevalent stroke-related condition,is often studied for motor dysfunction;however,spasticity remains under-researched.Abnormal muscle tone significantly hinders hemiplegic patients’walking rec...BACKGROUND:Hemiplegia,a prevalent stroke-related condition,is often studied for motor dysfunction;however,spasticity remains under-researched.Abnormal muscle tone significantly hinders hemiplegic patients’walking recovery.OBJECTIVE:To determine whether early suspension-protected training with a personal assistant machine for stroke patients enhances walking ability and prevents muscle spasms.METHODS:Thirty-two early-stage stroke patients from Shenzhen University General Hospital and the China Rehabilitation Research Center were randomly assigned to the experimental group(n=16)and the control group(n=16).Both groups underwent 4 weeks of gait training under the suspension protection system for 30 minutes daily,5 days a week.The experimental group used the personal assistant machine during training.Three-dimensional gait analysis(using the Cortex motion capture system),Brunnstrom staging,Fugl-Meyer Assessment for lower limb motor function,Fugl-Meyer balance function,and the modified Ashworth Scale were evaluated within 1 week before the intervention and after 4 weeks of intervention.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After the 4-week intervention,all outcome measures showed significant changes in each group.The experimental group had a small but significant increase in the modified Ashworth Scale score(P<0.05,d=|0.15|),while the control group had a large significant increase(P<0.05,d=|1.48|).The experimental group demonstrated greater improvements in walking speed(16.5 to 38.44 cm/s,P<0.05,d=|4.01|),step frequency(46.44 to 64.94 steps/min,P<0.05,d=|2.32|),stride length(15.50 to 29.81 cm,P<0.05,d=|3.44|),and peak hip and knee flexion(d=|1.82|to|2.17|).After treatment,the experimental group showed significantly greater improvements than the control group in walking speed(38.44 vs.26.63 cm/s,P<0.05,d=|2.75|),stride length,peak hip and knee flexion(d=|1.31|to|1.45|),step frequency(64.94 vs.59.38 steps/min,P<0.05,d=|0.85|),and a reduced support phase(bilateral:24.31%vs.28.38%,P<0.05,d=|0.88|;non-paretic:66.19%vs.70.13%,P<0.05,d=|0.94|).For early hemiplegia,personal assistant machine-assisted gait training under the suspension protection system helps establish a correct gait pattern,prevents muscle spasms,and improves motor function.展开更多
This article examines the efforts of two county instructors(jiaoyLi),Xie Jinluan and Zheng Jiancai,to bolster the security of the maritime frontier and stabilize local society in early 19th century Fujian and Taiwan.O...This article examines the efforts of two county instructors(jiaoyLi),Xie Jinluan and Zheng Jiancai,to bolster the security of the maritime frontier and stabilize local society in early 19th century Fujian and Taiwan.Occurring during the Jiaqing transition in which Chinese elites increasingly voiced concerns about problems afflicting the empire,Xie and Zheng waged an information campaign to lobby for local issues while embedded in county educational posts.Printing their treatises through their alma mater,the Aofeng Academy,Fuzhou's premier educational inst让ution that promoted a rigorous Neo-Confucian scholarly orientation,and using well-positioned Aofeng alumni to take their causes to Beijing,the instructors were able to make changes on the local level and provide Qing officials with a new source of "expert" local information that bypassed the regular bureaucracy.By producing information on themes of local governance and manipulating the elite network of the Aofeng Academy that connected Fujian to circles of power in Beijing,Xie and Zheng became models of local political action,influencing new generations of Fujianese scholars over the 19th century.展开更多
Population aging is one of the common challenges in the current world.As people age,the body’s tissues including cells,and molecules inevitably degrade,and their functions gradually decline,causing various age-relate...Population aging is one of the common challenges in the current world.As people age,the body’s tissues including cells,and molecules inevitably degrade,and their functions gradually decline,causing various age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s disease,osteoporosis,low immunity,glucose and lipid metabolism disorders,and cardiovascular diseases.With the continuous increase of the elderly population,the pressure on the medical industry is increasing.To lower the burden on the medical industry and increase the average age of the elderly,it is vital to explore effective anti-aging materials.Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma(Renshen),as a traditional and precious Chinese medicinal herb,is known as the“king of all herbs”.It is famous for its effects of“tonifying Qi,restoring pulse”(helping with the generation of Qi(the fundamental,vital energy that continuously flows within the body)and the circulation of blood)and strengthening the body,nourishing the spleen and lungs,generating fluids and nourishing blood,calming the mind and improving intelligence.Recently,its anti-aging effect has received increasing attention from modern scientific research.This study summarizes the pharmacological effects of the main active ingredients of Renshen(ginsenosides,polysaccharides,etc.)on resisting aging,including preventing neuroaging,suppressing skin aging,mitigating ovarian aging,inhibiting osteoporosis and arthritis,enhancing the immune system of the elderly,protecting the cardiovascular system,resisting aging-induced fatigue and exerting the anti-tumor effects.Through network pharmacology and molecular docking,the anti-aging active ingredients of Renshen were screened,and the key targets and pathways of anti-aging active ingredients in Renshen were determined.Using network pharmacology,totally 106 drug targets and 3,479 disease targets were screened,and 79 common targets between aging and Renshen were identified.Three core targets were identified in the PPI network,including TNF,AKT1,and IL-1β.Molecular docking was used to obtain further verification.This study emphasizes the potential of Renshen as a source of anti-aging activity,which can be developed into a novel drug for the treatment of age-related diseases.展开更多
Stroke-induced alterations in cerebral blood flow trigger neurovascular remodeling,as manifested by the blood-brain barrier dysfunction and subs equent neurovascular repair activities such as angiogenesis.This process...Stroke-induced alterations in cerebral blood flow trigger neurovascular remodeling,as manifested by the blood-brain barrier dysfunction and subs equent neurovascular repair activities such as angiogenesis.This process involves neurovascular communication that facilitates the transport of mediators among cerebrovascular endothelial cells,pericytes,glial cells,and neurons,thereby transmitting signals from donor to recipient cells to elicit a collaborative response.展开更多
The controversy over the partial demolishment of the Nangang Bottle Cap Factory for redevelopment is a prime example of the ongoing public debate about urban renewal in Taipei. The controversy crystalizes the tension ...The controversy over the partial demolishment of the Nangang Bottle Cap Factory for redevelopment is a prime example of the ongoing public debate about urban renewal in Taipei. The controversy crystalizes the tension between a growing public desire for historical preservation in Taipei to safeguard shared history and restore collective memory, and profit-driven capitalistic development. The transformation of the factory over the past decade--from disused public property to a city-operated Urban Regeneration Station for fostering art and innovation, and finally to a demolition site that is being readied for new construction--illustrates the tug of war between the exigencies of cultural/historical preservation and urban renewal in Taipei. During the process, not only did citizen activists play a maior role in raising the public＇s awareness of the unique value of the Nangang Bottle Cap Factory as one of the last major relics of Taipei＇s industrial heritage, graffiti artists also created works in the abandoned factory that dialogued about its contested future under a neoliberal capitalist regime. By tracing the origins of the controversy, I argue, through a photo documentation of the accumulated graffiti inside the factory before demolition began, that the factory ＂ruin＂ has functioned as a theater for diverse forms of guerrilla urbanism, including engaged art, urban exploration, and community organization.展开更多
文摘This paper presents the findings of a two-week monitoring project on Gender Based Violence(GBV)in Tanzanian and explores how the media outlets frame the marginalized voices,institutional narratives,and intersectional inclusivity.Drawing qualitative approach and analysis of media coverage of GBV during the 202416 Days of Activism campaign remarkably November 25 to December 10,2024,it reveals the extent that media platforms amplify or marginalize survivor voices.Through two weeks of media monitoring across print,broadcast,and social media including sources notably Mwananchi,TBC1,Cloud FM,and advocacy-driven digital platforms and campaigns through#EndGBVNow and#16DaysOfActivism the study explores recurring themes,language use,tone,and inclusivity.Guided by critical gender theories including Judith Butler’s gender performativity and Gave Tuchman’s symbolic annihilation,the analysis reveals media’s dual role in either perpetuating or challenging patriarchal narratives.Findings indicate that traditional media often foreground prevailing institutional voices while underrepresenting marginalized groups,especially rural women and women with disabilities,portraying harmful cultural practices like FGM and child marriage as community challenges rather than universal human rights violation.Conversely,social media emerged as a transformative space for survivor-led advocacy.Hence the study calls for inclusive,ethical,and survivor-centered media reporting as well as strategic integration of digital and mainstream media to promote justice and policy reform in GBV reporting.
文摘For over a century, nofi-fiction film has figured prominently in the public sphere as a powerful means of persuasion Among the different types, video activism is a typical one which has been exploring by many scholars. Thus, this article discussed media activism from different spheres. Though this people could figure the difference between video activism and ordinary social documentaries. And also those studies about the function, mechanism, strategies of the video activism provide a foothold for a further study of media activism.
文摘A potential global power transition characterized by emerging economies of BRICS where China is the likely leading contender against the United States as the only global hegemon seems inevitable.The increasingly multipolar world is evidenced by the attention given to right-wing populism in Europe and USA attributed to China’s aggressive approach to international trade through its stealth entry and subsequent investments in global political-economy.China’s presence in Africa and Trump’s America first policy’s attempt to open“new business frontiers”in emerging economies of Asia and Africa in order to contain Chinese influence and threat in global hegemony are interesting happenstances that require closer scrutiny.Kenya,the biggest economy in East Africa,which is among the fastest growing regions globally,is the gateway to the East African Common Market.Historically,Kenya has a policy of non-alignment in international relations making it possible to receive FDI from both China and the US but with highly contested elections.Therefore,Kenya presents a perfect laboratory for examining the emerging power-shift in global political-economy as the country grapples with traditionally chaotic electoral power transitions and the two biggest economies in the world compete for business in Nairobi.The 2017 elections not only betrayed the international community’s commitment to Western values of human rights and democracy,but also revealed the challenges of governance in post-World War II global liberalism characterized by sophisticated media institutional spaces.
文摘For a young,media savvy,radically globalized generation,television as a platform for news has lost momentum.Ironically,however,in a media landscape with a variety of news providers competing for audiences and trust,television news parodies like The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report attract new audiences as they seem to fill a gap.They succeed not only in entertaining and informing(even educating)a previously"deactivated",relatively young target audience,but also in initiating activism by using old and new(social)media.How can it be that a comedy show succeeds in promoting reason and gets young people to stand up for more sanity in politics and culture?In the sense that,in this case,critical(subversive)practice comes fxom within the mainstream,is television,as the platform that has been criticized for"dumbing down"audiences(cf.Postman 1985),actually becoming the solution for commitment7 In this constellation,what is the role of self-determined(intrinsic)and acquired(extrinsic)practices in relation to mobilized practices and practices determined by other factors?And how do they work differently in comparison to the subversive practices of tactical media and media activism that question the methods of biopower?This paper examines several responses to the(more and less serious)calls for action of the two shows and discusses their delicate role as entertainers,watchdogs,and activists for reason,sanity,and what is left of truth in the media.Furthermore,implications for critical media studies are considered by questioning the claims of education towards truth(of.Mitterer,1983).
文摘The paper examines the root causes of Japan＇s rapid shift to foreign policy activism. To explain the causes, I develop the so-called ＂perverse political accountability＂ approach. Specifically, the approach claims that a growing security challenge from China and North Korea, and US policy favoring Japan＇s foreign policy activism structure. Japan＇s domestic political condition that the majority of Japanese people become more conservative and nationalistic. Such shift in the Japanese people＇s preference has been both creating and reinforcing a perverse accountability by which the leaders or parties willing to adopt hard-line foreign policies are better off electorally while the leaders or parties remaining soft-line on foreign affairs are worse off. The perverse accountability not only leads to a severe partisan imbalance between the conservative parties and the leftist parties, but also gives the most conservative party, e.g., the Liberal Democratic Party （LDP）, a greater chance of coming to office and of pursuing assertive foreign policy they favor. Thus, the perverse accountability is at the center of current Japan＇s turn to foreign policy activism. This finding contributes to an enhanced understanding for Japan＇s shift to assertive foreign policy.
文摘This work aims to investigate the phenomenon of media activism in the social network of Facebook with organizedreligious groups. The three groups indicated keep the participation system closed and, for this, they need theapproval of the respective administrators. Three groups were chosen, they are： Amor a Nossa Senhora Aparecida eA lgreja Cat61ica, Irmaos Verdadeiros e Abadiania. For the elaboration of this research was used as method thecontent analysis of the posts of the religious groups of Facebook and, through this research, the contents werecategorized and classified according to the approach of each one. The period of analysis was between January 1,2017 andJanuary 15, 2017.
文摘How is English Christmas panto community activism？ The structure of pantomime has not changed in a hundred years, but allows for local creativity to work within its framework to be both family entertainment and social satire This basic structure is founded on a children＇s story like Puss ＇n ＇boots or Cinderella. The story and character types remain the same; but the community can add their own jokes and commentary to make the play relevant to themselves and their community. What is added by the community says a lot about who they are and what they care about. The company Price-Waterhouse-Coopers produces their pantomime as management training and team building while engaging the community. The Basel Swiss panto raises money for African Charities. The Maplewood, NJ panto raises money for the homeless and the Jaguar Charity panto in Birmingham performs to disadvantaged children and adults. The productions can be extravagant or threadbare, but share the same goal of raising cheer and goodwill to the benefit of the community. What is it, then, about panto that brings a community together in such civic mindedness？
文摘The present paper seeks to investigate the extent to which digital activism plays a role in political activism in Morocco through the intersection between women and young activists movement and the social media. By doing so the author argues that while facebook and the Moroccan political arena are Male dominated public areas, young female activists have emerged as prominent leaders in both spaces. The author will more particularly explain why female and youth activists are important in the current state of Moroccan politics. Next, the author provides a discussion of the February 20th Movement, and the movement＇s utilization of Facebook. It will show that young female activists involved in the February 20th Movement have used Facebook in unique and creative ways to further the Movement.
文摘In historically, culturally, and technically variable media constellations, various forms of media activism, media education, and learning design have been developed. As to media activism, there is a broad spectrum, including graffiti, radio activism, community media, visual activism, tactical media （Garcia ＆ Lovink, 1997）, and more recently, media interventions questioning the workings of biopower （Da Costa ＆ Philip, 2008）. On the other hand, debates on media competency and media literacy have been going on for a few decades. Although media have also been conceptualized as media of resistance or critique in informal contexts as well as in formal education, lively exchanges of concepts and ideas are comparatively seldom in respective traditions. The paper aims at exploring challenges for media education and interfaces between both fields.
文摘This paper provides an auto-ethnographic observation of hashtag feminist activism on Weibo, setting in a context of post-feminism age in China. Two subjects, the Hot Search List and its Public Discussion Forum, were chose to examine the complexity of the current situation of this hashtag activism. An auto-ethnographic methodology was used to interrogate the states quo of Chinese online feminist movement, revealing gender-centric discussions reinforcing stereotypes under the guise of equality. Misogynistic narratives, algorithmic constraints, censorship, and official opposition pose significant barriers to feminist discourse. Nonetheless, the study identifies a potential for hashtag activism within Weibo’s discourse, offering a space for resistance. By acknowledging these challenges, this paper seeks to empower Chinese feminists to challenge dominant narratives and advocate for their rights.
文摘This review focuses on major contemporary empirical studies that examine both the physical and regulatory sides of climate risk. These studies explore how climate risk affects firms’ operating performance and leverage, stock and bond valuation, cost of capital, and managerial behavior. We also discuss how the effect of climate risk on real estate markets depends on individuals’ beliefs about climate change. Furthermore, we summarize papers on climate risk activism and how firms can employ financial devices and technology to mitigate their climate risk. Finally, we make some recommendations for further research areas.
文摘The separation of ownership and management of companies results in agency problems between shareholders and management to some extent.In Western countries,shareholders usually actively participate in the company’s management and monitor management issues in order to enhance the company’s performance.At present,China’s securities market,as well as institutional investors are undergoing a rapid development,while problems of governance among listed companies in China have been negatively affecting the development of capital markets.Institutional investors have developed to form a certain scale.Moreover,national policies,as well as the split-share structure reform,further encourage the growth of institutional investors,and their active participation in corporate governance in order to better promote the development of capital markets.A great deal of research pertains to the effects of shareholder activism on corporate performance in Western countries.However,research on shareholder activism in China is scanty.Furthermore,chances are that in some specific Chinese regions and industries circumstances are unique,in which the well-established theories cannot be effectively applied.Therefore,this paper empirically analyzes the correlation between shareholder activism and corporate performance so as to examine how effective China’s institutional investors participate in the governance of listed companies.This paper empirically tests the impact of shareholder activism on corporate performance.In this paper,an unbalanced panel data set consisting of observation is constructed.Then,in order to insure validity of results,a series of preliminary tests are conducted.Furthermore,Panel data method and robustness check are performed for empirical analysis.Finally,the result of the empirical tests shows that there is a positive correlation between Chinese institutional shareholding ratio and corporate performance of listed companies.This indicates that shareholder activism can definitely promote the corporate governance and corporate performance in China.
文摘Mediatic sporting events are increasingly used in the geopolitical arena to gain consensus, at the same time emerging as platforms for the discussion of social issues, such as human rights and sustainability. This article presents an investigation into the role of mediatic sporting events and digital platforms in sparking political debate and social engagement to bring about change, including discussions on global and local interests and the performances of activist fans to promote debate on specific issues. The investigation employs a quantitative methodology. The initial inductive analysis uses a matrix of cultural key-frames of the empowerment and protest that accompany media sporting events, verifying their presence and effectiveness in different communication milieus. An analysis of the representation of protests on social media was performed through content analysis. The results of the investigation show that mediatic sporting events are to be understood as a diverse range of generators of multiple political effects: from the exercise of power to mass mobilization and media criticism.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.32271043(to ZW)and 82171047(to YM)the both Science and Technology Major Project of Shanghai,No.2018SHZDZX01 and ZJLabShanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology(to ZW)。
文摘Downregulation of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1 is a key step for inducing retinal Müller cell activation and interaction with other glial cells,which is involved in retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma.Modulation of Kir4.1 expression in Müller cells may therefore be a potential strategy for attenuating retinal ganglion cell damage in glaucoma.In this study,we identified seven predicted phosphorylation sites in Kir4.1 and constructed lentiviral expression systems expressing Kir4.1 mutated at each site to prevent phosphorylation.Following this,we treated Müller glial cells in vitro and in vivo with the m Glu R I agonist DHPG to induce Kir4.1 or Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression.We found that both Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression inhibited activation of Müller glial cells.Subsequently,we established a rat model of chronic ocular hypertension by injecting microbeads into the anterior chamber and overexpressed Kir4.1 or Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp in the eye,and observed similar results in Müller cells in vivo as those seen in vitro.Both Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression inhibited Müller cell activation,regulated the balance of Bax/Bcl-2,and reduced the m RNA and protein levels of pro-inflammatory factors,including interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α.Furthermore,we investigated the regulatory effects of Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression on the release of pro-inflammatory factors in a co-culture system of Müller glial cells and microglia.In this co-culture system,we observed elevated adenosine triphosphate concentrations in activated Müller cells,increased levels of translocator protein(a marker of microglial activation),and elevated interleukin-1βm RNA and protein levels in microglia induced by activated Müller cells.These changes could be reversed by Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression in Müller cells.Kir4.1 overexpression,but not Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression,reduced the number of proliferative and migratory microglia induced by activated Müller cells.Collectively,these results suggest that the tyrosine residue at position nine in Kir4.1 may serve as a functional modulation site in the retina in an experimental model of glaucoma.Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression attenuated Müller cell activation,reduced ATP/P2X receptor–mediated interactions between glial cells,inhibited microglial activation,and decreased the synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory factors,consequently ameliorating retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma.
文摘BACKGROUND:Hemiplegia,a prevalent stroke-related condition,is often studied for motor dysfunction;however,spasticity remains under-researched.Abnormal muscle tone significantly hinders hemiplegic patients’walking recovery.OBJECTIVE:To determine whether early suspension-protected training with a personal assistant machine for stroke patients enhances walking ability and prevents muscle spasms.METHODS:Thirty-two early-stage stroke patients from Shenzhen University General Hospital and the China Rehabilitation Research Center were randomly assigned to the experimental group(n=16)and the control group(n=16).Both groups underwent 4 weeks of gait training under the suspension protection system for 30 minutes daily,5 days a week.The experimental group used the personal assistant machine during training.Three-dimensional gait analysis(using the Cortex motion capture system),Brunnstrom staging,Fugl-Meyer Assessment for lower limb motor function,Fugl-Meyer balance function,and the modified Ashworth Scale were evaluated within 1 week before the intervention and after 4 weeks of intervention.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After the 4-week intervention,all outcome measures showed significant changes in each group.The experimental group had a small but significant increase in the modified Ashworth Scale score(P<0.05,d=|0.15|),while the control group had a large significant increase(P<0.05,d=|1.48|).The experimental group demonstrated greater improvements in walking speed(16.5 to 38.44 cm/s,P<0.05,d=|4.01|),step frequency(46.44 to 64.94 steps/min,P<0.05,d=|2.32|),stride length(15.50 to 29.81 cm,P<0.05,d=|3.44|),and peak hip and knee flexion(d=|1.82|to|2.17|).After treatment,the experimental group showed significantly greater improvements than the control group in walking speed(38.44 vs.26.63 cm/s,P<0.05,d=|2.75|),stride length,peak hip and knee flexion(d=|1.31|to|1.45|),step frequency(64.94 vs.59.38 steps/min,P<0.05,d=|0.85|),and a reduced support phase(bilateral:24.31%vs.28.38%,P<0.05,d=|0.88|;non-paretic:66.19%vs.70.13%,P<0.05,d=|0.94|).For early hemiplegia,personal assistant machine-assisted gait training under the suspension protection system helps establish a correct gait pattern,prevents muscle spasms,and improves motor function.
文摘This article examines the efforts of two county instructors(jiaoyLi),Xie Jinluan and Zheng Jiancai,to bolster the security of the maritime frontier and stabilize local society in early 19th century Fujian and Taiwan.Occurring during the Jiaqing transition in which Chinese elites increasingly voiced concerns about problems afflicting the empire,Xie and Zheng waged an information campaign to lobby for local issues while embedded in county educational posts.Printing their treatises through their alma mater,the Aofeng Academy,Fuzhou's premier educational inst让ution that promoted a rigorous Neo-Confucian scholarly orientation,and using well-positioned Aofeng alumni to take their causes to Beijing,the instructors were able to make changes on the local level and provide Qing officials with a new source of "expert" local information that bypassed the regular bureaucracy.By producing information on themes of local governance and manipulating the elite network of the Aofeng Academy that connected Fujian to circles of power in Beijing,Xie and Zheng became models of local political action,influencing new generations of Fujianese scholars over the 19th century.
基金supported by the Jilin Science and Technology Development Talent Special Project,Nos.20240601086RC,23JQ08(all to ZH)YDZJ202502CXJD077+1 种基金JLARS-2025-0802-09YDZJ202501ZYTS706.
文摘Population aging is one of the common challenges in the current world.As people age,the body’s tissues including cells,and molecules inevitably degrade,and their functions gradually decline,causing various age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s disease,osteoporosis,low immunity,glucose and lipid metabolism disorders,and cardiovascular diseases.With the continuous increase of the elderly population,the pressure on the medical industry is increasing.To lower the burden on the medical industry and increase the average age of the elderly,it is vital to explore effective anti-aging materials.Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma(Renshen),as a traditional and precious Chinese medicinal herb,is known as the“king of all herbs”.It is famous for its effects of“tonifying Qi,restoring pulse”(helping with the generation of Qi(the fundamental,vital energy that continuously flows within the body)and the circulation of blood)and strengthening the body,nourishing the spleen and lungs,generating fluids and nourishing blood,calming the mind and improving intelligence.Recently,its anti-aging effect has received increasing attention from modern scientific research.This study summarizes the pharmacological effects of the main active ingredients of Renshen(ginsenosides,polysaccharides,etc.)on resisting aging,including preventing neuroaging,suppressing skin aging,mitigating ovarian aging,inhibiting osteoporosis and arthritis,enhancing the immune system of the elderly,protecting the cardiovascular system,resisting aging-induced fatigue and exerting the anti-tumor effects.Through network pharmacology and molecular docking,the anti-aging active ingredients of Renshen were screened,and the key targets and pathways of anti-aging active ingredients in Renshen were determined.Using network pharmacology,totally 106 drug targets and 3,479 disease targets were screened,and 79 common targets between aging and Renshen were identified.Three core targets were identified in the PPI network,including TNF,AKT1,and IL-1β.Molecular docking was used to obtain further verification.This study emphasizes the potential of Renshen as a source of anti-aging activity,which can be developed into a novel drug for the treatment of age-related diseases.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82171344(to ZY),82471313(to CKT)the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation,China,Nos.2023B1515120035,2024A1515012035(to CKT)The Science and Technology Projects in Guangzhou Nos.2025A03J4169(to ZY)。
文摘Stroke-induced alterations in cerebral blood flow trigger neurovascular remodeling,as manifested by the blood-brain barrier dysfunction and subs equent neurovascular repair activities such as angiogenesis.This process involves neurovascular communication that facilitates the transport of mediators among cerebrovascular endothelial cells,pericytes,glial cells,and neurons,thereby transmitting signals from donor to recipient cells to elicit a collaborative response.
文摘The controversy over the partial demolishment of the Nangang Bottle Cap Factory for redevelopment is a prime example of the ongoing public debate about urban renewal in Taipei. The controversy crystalizes the tension between a growing public desire for historical preservation in Taipei to safeguard shared history and restore collective memory, and profit-driven capitalistic development. The transformation of the factory over the past decade--from disused public property to a city-operated Urban Regeneration Station for fostering art and innovation, and finally to a demolition site that is being readied for new construction--illustrates the tug of war between the exigencies of cultural/historical preservation and urban renewal in Taipei. During the process, not only did citizen activists play a maior role in raising the public＇s awareness of the unique value of the Nangang Bottle Cap Factory as one of the last major relics of Taipei＇s industrial heritage, graffiti artists also created works in the abandoned factory that dialogued about its contested future under a neoliberal capitalist regime. By tracing the origins of the controversy, I argue, through a photo documentation of the accumulated graffiti inside the factory before demolition began, that the factory ＂ruin＂ has functioned as a theater for diverse forms of guerrilla urbanism, including engaged art, urban exploration, and community organization.
