Male Characters Research Articles

Microbial biomarkers as indicators of sperm viability in an insect.

Our understanding of microbial variation in male reproductive tissues is poorly understood, both regarding how it varies spatially across different tissues and its ability to affect male sperm and semen quality. To redress this gap, we explored the relationship between male sperm viability and male gut and reproductive tract microbiomes in the Pacific field cricket, Teleogryllus oceanicus. We selected cohorts of males within our populations with the highest and lowest natural sperm viability and characterized the bacterial microbiota present in the gut, testes, seminal vesicle, accessory glands and the spermatophore (ejaculate) using 16S ribosomal RNA gene metabarcoding. We identified bacterial taxa corresponding to sperm viability, highlighting for the first time an association between the host's microbial communities and male competitive fertilization success. We also found significant spatial variation in bacterial community structure of reproductive tissue types. Our data demonstrate the importance of considering the microbial diversity of both the host gut and reproductive tract when investigating male fertility in wildlife and potentially human clinical settings.

Artistic images as a reflection of changes in Japanese society: Dr. Kosaku Tokita in the anime "Paprika" by Satoshi Kona

The aim of the study was to trace how Japanese animation follows changes in society and reflects them through the prism of the author's vision. We have already studied this aspect using the example of a female artistic image. The subject of our current study is the artistic image of a modern man; the object was the image of a Japanese man in the anime "Paprika" by director Satoshi Kon. The novelty of the study can be defined as the introduction of new, previously unpresented material into scientific circulation. We did not find any works on the study of the male artistic image in Satoshi Kon's anime "Paprika". Compared to all the images of men in the anime "Paprika", it is the artistic image of Dr. Kosaku Tokita that turned out to be multifaceted, unusual, complex, and, along with national traditional features, in many ways innovative for Japanese anime of the early 21st century. This allows us to say that the place of the main male character in the anime "Paprika" by Satoshi Kon is certainly given to Kosaku Tokita, "mixing" the typical characteristics of traditional images and adding notes of modernity. By creating an artistic image, Satoshi Kon generalizes elements of real characters. Such an unusual artistic interpretation for Japanese anime is a confirmation of the fact that an artistic image is, first of all, a reflection of the world, society and culture. Satoshi Kon is a representative of Japanese society, which is rapidly changing, and Japanese culture is changing, its traditional images that have existed in the Japanese cultural space for centuries. The European viewer, due to the fact that the anime genre has gained wide popularity, naturally immerses himself in the environment of Japanese realities along with the fact that he is familiar with Western nuances, which are sufficiently saturated with modern Japanese animated films.

Teaching children to discriminate?

Rosina Lippi-Green’s (1997, 2012) classic quantitative study of linguistic representation in animated Disney films of the 20th century found these films to be discriminatory. Her main and most publicized finding was that characters who spoke varieties of American English tended to be morally good, while characters with a foreign accent were often evil and untrustworthy. Following a methodological discussion of Lippi-Green’s approach as it relates to our own, we investigate the degree to which her results also describe 273 characters from Disney’s successful “Revival Era,” starting with The Princess and the Frog (2009) and ending with Encanto (2021). We find, among other significant developments, that the foreign-accented characters in these more recent films are distinctively good. Also examined are other relationships between characters’ language, moral standing, gender, and age. Notably, female and younger characters tend to speak Standard American English, and they tend to be more moral than male and older characters. We end by discussing some possible causes of the main developments.

Negotiating Masculinity and Cultural Identity in Americanah: An Analysis of Hegemonic Norms in Nigerian Diaspora Literature

This article delves into the presentation of masculinity and cultural identity in diaspora literature, honing in on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Americanah. The study seeks to understand how cultural expectations and power dynamics contribute to the construction of masculinity within Nigerian diasporic communities, utilizing Connell's theory of hegemonic masculinity. Furthermore, it seeks to examine the impact of cultural fusion on the development of masculinity and cultural identity in male main characters in the chosen novel and to investigate how the intersections of race, gender, and immigrant background converge to influence the formation of masculinity in Americanah. Through a thorough examination of the male characters, the research delves into their engagements with dominant norms while striving to establish their sense of self and connection. The primary discoveries underscore the complex interplay among race, gender, and the immigrant background in moulding not only personal but also communal identities. The investigation pinpoints occurrences of defiance and rebellion against the prevailing masculine norms, while also exploring the potential for cultural amalgamation to redefine conventional ideas of masculinity. This scholarly inquiry enriches the comprehension of the intricate dynamics surrounding masculinity and cultural identification, providing valuable perspectives on the nuances of diasporic encounters and their influence on identity formation within diasporic literary works. In addition, this learned analysis creates opportunities for more inquiries into the relationships among sex, ethnicity, and individuality in contemporary literature, ultimately propelling the awareness of different plots within migrant communities.

Research brief: A quantitative content analysis to explore work value portrayals among characters in Belgian adolescents’ favorite TV series

ABSTRACT Occupational portrayals are omnipresent in adolescents’ favorite television (TV) series. Insights regarding such portrayals remain largely lacking. This study aimed to fill this gap via a content analysis of 334 characters across six TV series that are popular among adolescents. This study specifically examined portrayals of work values – qualities that an occupation should satisfy (e.g. skill utilization, earning potential) – because work values are a crucial part of adolescents’ vocational identity that guide career choices and affect well-being. By examining the content of such portrayals, scholars can better understand the potential effects of exposure to such portrayals. Therefore, we examined the extent to which various intrinsic, extrinsic, social, and prestige work values were portrayed as being upheld, violated, or mixed (RQ1). Work values were most frequently portrayed as being upheld among characters with a notable focus on portrayals of extrinsic work values (e.g. the upholding of a safe work environment). Attention was given to differences in work value portrayals according to characters’ job type (RQ2), gender (RQ3), and ethnicity (RQ4). High-skilled white-collar workers, male characters, and White characters were most positively portrayed, with work values shown as upheld in their occupations.

Gender Stereotypes Portrayed in Five Most Popular Indonesian Folktales: Literature in ELT

Folktales have been a medium through which children can transfer knowledge, language, and cultural values at an early age. The existence of folktales cannot be separated from the values prevalent in society. Numerous moral principles are sound for life. As literary works for learning, folktales should introduce gender roles. However, some local cultures and ideologies can represent the role of gender in some areas. Therefore, this study investigates the gender stereotypes in the five most popular Indonesian folktales: Roro Jonggrang, Timun Mas, The Legend of Malin Kundang, The Origin of Lake Toba, and Bawang Merah Bawang Putih. These stories were chosen because they are the most searchable folktales online and are the most used as learning materials in Indonesian school textbooks: English for Nusantara and When English Rings a Bell. Critical discourse analysis (CDA) analyzes the relationship between discourse language and other semiotic cues. The results revealed two aspects of each character's social and domestic roles. The male characters dominate the stories, where male characters are depicted as people who work, travel, and fight. In contrast, female characters are depicted as housewives who do all the housework. This showed a patriarchal culture is involved in the stories, which impacts the portrayal of men and women in society. Therefore, gender construction in these five most popular folktales is needed as they are used as learning materials to teach values to young learners.

Females increase reproductive investment when mated to less sexually attractive males in a serially monogamous fish

Reproductive investment decision is an integral part of life-history theory. Differential allocation hypothesis predicts that females should increase investment when mated to high-quality males, conversely, reproductive compensation hypothesis predicts that females should increase investment when mated to low-quality males. Empirical research dominantly focuses on polygamous species and rarely on serially monogamous species. So, the question remains: which hypothesis does serially monogamous species fit? And if it fits reproductive compensation hypothesis, do females only compensate once or continuously for multiple times when mating to low-quality males? Here, we used a serially monogamous fish, the lined seahorse (Hippocampus erectus), to investigate the reproductive investment pattern of females in relation to male quality (measured by sexual attractiveness). We found that females allocated more resources into eggs when they mated to less-sexually-attractive males, indicating the investment pattern of lined seahorse falls in with the prediction of reproductive compensation hypothesis. This finding may imply that the sex role of seahorses is reversed, and female is the side imposed on a greater sexual selection pressure. On this basis, we compared the investment difference of females in two consecutive breeding events when mated to less-sexually-attractive males. We found that females allocated less resources into eggs in the second breeding than in the first one. Females reduced their reproductive compensation in the second breeding, which may be attributed to the improvement in the quality (e.g., paternal care ability) of their mates after the first breeding, thus eliminating the need for them to invest more in the second breeding.

Chriselatium schubarti, a new genus and new species of inland sesarmid crab from Java, Indonesia (Brachyura, Thoracotremata)

Abstract A new genus and new species of sesarmid crab is described from Bogor in West Java Province, Indonesia. Chriselatium schubarti new genus, new species, is morphologically most similar to Selatium, and Lithoselatium, but differs markedly in a suite of carapace, cheliped, ambulatory leg, and male pleonal characters. While Selatium and Lithoselatium are found in mangroves and coastal habitats, Chriselatium new genus was collected in a freshwater habitat that is over 60 km from the nearest coastline.

Analysis of the Construction of Gender Roles of Male Characters in The Wedding Banquet

Analysis of the Construction of Gender Roles of Male Characters in The Wedding Banquet

Breaking the borders: Gender dynamics in STEM portrayals in Turkish Netflix series

This study discusses the intricate relationship between science, technology, engineering and mathematics field representation by the media and the science, technology, engineering and mathematics field in reality, centring on two pivotal inquiries: (i) How is gender within science, technology, engineering and mathematics portrayed in visual culture? (ii) How do gendered representations in visual culture impact science, technology, engineering and mathematics professionals? By scrutinizing two Turkish TV series featuring science, technology, engineering and mathematics characters, namely, Sıcak Kafa ( Hot Skull, 2022, by Mert Baykal) and Yakamoz S-245 ( Into the Deep, 2022, by Tolga Karaçelik and Umut Aral), we assert that recent Netflix productions in Turkey showcase science, technology, engineering and mathematics characters in a less marginalized manner compared to mainstream series content. The study explores the intersection of science, technology, engineering and mathematics portrayals with actual gender experiences in the Turkish context. Findings show science, technology, engineering and mathematics professionals, particularly women, to be rendered invisible in being confined to gender-based definitions. Despite portraying male and female science, technology, engineering and mathematics professionals as equal and non-marginalized, male characters predominate in decision-making and implementation processes within many series. Furthermore, science, technology, engineering and mathematics professionals do not identify with their own character representations in media content, as they express through interviews. The study underscores there is room to challenge patriarchal norms, fostering more equitable depictions of science, technology, engineering and mathematics professionals, including women, to dismantle gender biases and foster inclusivity within science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.

Exploring Gender Disparity in Chinese Children’s Literature: The Impact of Authorship and Narrative Elements

ABSTRACT Gender representation in children’s books may influence young children’s formation of the gender-equity concept. Previous studies show a male protagonist overrepresentation in US children’s books. This study analyzed 956 Chinese children’s books to investigate if similar patterns of gender representation exist. Research Findings: Binomial logistic regression showed significant male overrepresentation as a function of three variables of interest (author gender, character type, and genre) and interactions of all variables in Chinese children’s books, suggesting the presence of cross-cultural male-character overrepresentation. Male protagonists are more prevalent in books written by male authors. Significant interaction terms also show that preschool-aged Chinese children are more exposed to male characters in fiction, while infants/toddlers encounter male overrepresentation in nonfiction and stories with non-human central characters. In original Chinese stories, male overrepresentation is found in fiction featuring non-human protagonists and in nonfiction featuring human protagonists. Practice or Policy: To reduce gender bias in children’s literature, authors can consciously increase the number of female characters when creating children’s literature. Young girls can be encouraged to work as media creators, for example, book writers, to contribute to the parity in gender representation in books.

Patterns of Heterosexual Sex in Popular Netflix Series: A Content Analysis of Age, Race, Face Attractiveness, and Body Type

AbstractThe portrayal of diverse ages, races, face attractiveness, and body types in sexual media content might impact societal perceptions of sexuality, delineating which individuals are deemed sexually appealing and whose sexuality is normalized. Despite extensive research on demographics within pornography, the representation within mainstream media, particularly on streaming platforms like Netflix, remains underexplored. The current study addresses this gap by employing quantitative content analysis to examine the diversity of characters in sexual contexts within seven highly popular Netflix series. We coded the age, race, face attractiveness, and body type of 91 characters (45 female characters) that appeared in mixed-gender sexual encounters (i.e., sexual encounters between a woman and a man). The study reveals a predominant adherence to stereotypical demographics and conventional beauty standards. The sexual scenes presented mostly younger individuals and revealed a notable underrepresentation of individuals aged 40 +. Racial diversity among characters was more evident. Female characters were predominantly depicted as conventionally attractive and were almost exclusively portrayed with skinny body types, while male characters exhibited a wider range of physical appearances. This study highlights a gap in the media’s inclusivity efforts and suggests a need for more comprehensive representation to reflect a broader spectrum of age and beauty ideals in the portrayals of human sexuality. While our study is limited to analyzing media representations, future research should include longitudinal experimental studies to evaluate their impact on people’s sexualities.

Analysing the information content of the multimodal courtship display of a parasitoid wasp

Abstract Courtship displays are generally composed of multiple signal components that are transmitted and perceived through different sensory modalities. However, previous studies on multimodal courtship displays have focused mainly on individual signals, thus failing to provide a full explanation of why these displays evolved despite the added costs involved. Therefore, it is essential to identify the purpose of each display component and link them to prevailing hypotheses on multimodal display function. Here, we study the multimodal courtship display of males of the parasitoid wasp Leptopilina heterotoma, which consists of wing fanning and a putative antennal pheromone, by determining the information conveyed about male quality through these two modalities. We found that a high wing-fanning frequency and a large body size led to a higher mating success, whereas we found no correlation of the pheromone composition with mating success. We conclude that the wing-fanning component conveys mate-assessment information, whereas the chemical display component, found to be species specific in a previous study, functions as a species-recognition mechanism but does not reflect the quality of a male. Altogether, our study suggests that the multimodal courtship display of L. heterotoma fits the multiple message hypothesis and might thus be a useful model for further studies.

The hidden lessons in textbooks: Gender representation and stereotypes in European mathematics and language books

AbstractThis cross‐national European comparison examined gender representation and stereotypes in mathematics and language textbooks from Germany, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Romania. The results showed that female characters were numerically underrepresented. Female characters were also less often a main character or individually portrayed compared to male characters, but not proportionally to the overall lower number of female characters. Characters in occupational roles were less often female than male, whereas among characters with gender non‐conform characteristics, these were more often female than male in some textbooks. There was no sexual diversity among characters. The differences in gender representation are found within each country, but gender differences were smaller in more gender‐egalitarian countries. If textbooks are to offer the same learning benefits to both boys and girls, students should be equally represented in a diversity of roles and occupations.

The relationship between semen quality in male infertility clinic patients and bisphenol A：A Chinese cross-sectional study

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a growing concern as an endocrine-disrupting chemical due to its adverse health effects. However, the association between BPA and sperm quality in adult human males remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the daily life exposure level of BPA and analyze its correlation with sperm quality in males. Patients who sought treatment in Chinese infertility clinics between May and October 2023 were selected as study subjects. We determined participants' serum BPA content using high-performance liquid chromatography. Sperm count and motility were assessed using a computer-aided sperm analysis system, while sperm morphology was analyzed using an improved Papanicolaou stain. A total of 405 participants, averaging 33.01 ± 5.44 years old, were included. We observed low semen quality among participants in infertility clinics. Principal component analysis was performed for each semen quality index, and three principal components reflecting sperm motility, count, and morphology were extracted. The participants' mean serum BPA level was 6.96 ng/mL. Negative correlations were observed between serum BPA content and total sperm count, sperm density, forward motility rate, and non-forward motility rate. A positive correlation was found between the non-motile sperm rate and the head deformity rate. Morphological abnormalities were the predominant adverse effects observed. Despite low daily life BPA exposure, long-term low-dose exposure in the general population may damage semen quality. This study provides a scientific basis for managing health risks associated with BPA exposure.

Unfolding the complexity of epigenetics in male reproductive aging: a review of therapeutic implications.

Epigenetics studies gene expression changes influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, linked to health conditions like reproductive aging. Male reproductive aging causes sperm decline, conceiving difficulties, and increased genetic abnormalities. Recent research focuses on epigenetics' role in male reproductive aging. This review explores epigenetics and male reproductive aging, focusing on sperm quality, environmental and lifestyle factors' impact, and potential health implications for offspring. An extensive search of the literature was performed applying multiple databases, such as PubMed and Google Scholar. The search phrases employed were: epigenetics, male reproductive ageing, sperm quality, sperm quantity, environmental influences, lifestyle factors, and offspring health. This review only included articles that were published in English and had undergone a peer-review process. The literature evaluation uncovered that epigenetic alterations have a substantial influence on the process of male reproductive ageing. Research has demonstrated that variations in the quality and quantity of sperm that occur with ageing are linked to adjustments in DNA methylation and histone. Moreover, there is evidence linking epigenetic alterations in sperm to environmental and lifestyle factors, including smoking, alcohol intake, and exposure to contaminants. These alterations can have enduring impacts on the well-being of descendants, since they can shape the activation of genes and potentially elevate the likelihood of genetic disorders. In conclusion, epigenetics significantly influences male reproductive aging, with sperm quality and quantity influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. This underscores the need for comprehensive approaches to managing male reproductive health, and underscores the importance of considering epigenetics in diagnosis and treatment.

A Disinterment of Hushed Male-Gendered Experiences: A Study of Festus Iyayi’s Violence

This research delves into the often-silenced tribulations, struggles, and internal conflicts faced by men which remain concealed due to prevailing masculinity norms. The study critically examines the nuanced portrayal of male struggles within the cultural and traditional context of Nigeria, as depicted in the novel, Violence by Festus Iyayi. Through a meticulous application of gender normativity theory, within qualitative research framework, the work unveils the complex layers of male experiences that are typically muted by societal expectations. It interrogates the intricate dynamics of gender roles, shedding light on the silent battles against emotional repression and the quest for identity amidst rigid masculine archetypes, through an examination of the male characters experiences as depicted by the author. The research finds that societal, cultural and traditional expectations, and stereotypes placed on men contribute to their silent battles and affects their mental health in diverse ways, therefore, this study calls for relaxed and flexible male gender norms. This analysis not only contributes to a deeper understanding of male psychosocial challenges but also calls for a re-evaluation of gender constructs that dictate emotional expression and resilience.

Bisexual Identity in a Religious Environment in Christina Lauren’s Autoboyography

This study focuses on analyzing the representation of bisexual identity in Christina Lauren’s novel "Autoboyography." Through qualitative research, the aim is to reveal the discourse of bisexuality constructed by the acts and behaviors of other characters toward the male main characters using Stuart Hall’s theory of representation, with a particular focus on Michel Foucault’s discursive approach. Another objective of this study is to examine the critical position of Christina Lauren as the novel’s author towards the issue of bisexuality. The findings reveal that the author created characters who both oppose and support bisexuality, thereby highlighting the issue of bisexuality in the 21st century. Through their narrative, the author sheds light on the challenges faced by male individuals living as bisexuals in a religiously conservative environment. By doing so, Christina Lauren not only addresses social issues surrounding bisexuality but also illustrates the main character's struggles in accepting a bisexual identity in an environment influenced by religious beliefs.

WE ARE [TRULY] DIFFERENT: OTHERING IN INTER-ETNIC RELATION IN ROYYAN JULIAN’S SHORT STORY

Royyan Julian’s short story entitled “Di Malam Bulan Darah, Mogut Menyantap Jenazah Orang Kafir” [On the Night of the Blood Moon, Mogut Eats the Body of Infidel] (2019) captures the relationship among different ethnic groups, religions and gender in Madura. Set in Madura Island, the story uncovers more than just relation between Chinese and Madurese people and between female and male characters. This paper is focusing on inter-ethnic and inter-religion relation in the short story. This analysis used qualitative method and data collection used close-reading. Drawing theoretical inspiration from Simone de Beauvoir with a particular emphasis on the Other and Richard Jenkins’ theory on Social Identity, this study reveals how different identities bring different treatment, evaluation, and prejudice which led to othering. Through his short story, Royyan Julian discloses binary opposition related to ethnicities, religions, and gender. The hierarchy and power imbalance imposed on male and female characters in the story bring devastated impact on female character just because she has different identity from the majority of Muslims in Madura.

Ultraviolet signaling in a butterfly is preferred by females and conveys male genetic quality.

Indicator models of sexual selection posit that females choose males on the basis of traits that reveal male genetic quality and thereby enjoy increased offspring production. Here, we report that females of the butterfly Eurema hecabe receive indirect benefits from choosing males based on their ultraviolet (UV) wing coloration, a heritable and condition-dependent trait in this species. We first used a large laboratory-bred pedigree to demonstrate a per-family association between inbreeding and male UV trait value. Females exerted choice for UV-bright males within this protocol, and the average male UV trait value increased over six consecutive generations, presumably due to such selection and despite an increasing rate of pedigree-wide inbreeding. We then experimentally imposed a standard strength of inbreeding upon lines of divergent male UV trait values. Inbreeding depressed the siring performance of low UV treatment males more severely and resulted in a marginal reduction of their UV brightness, which rebounded sharply following subsequent outcrossing. These findings are consistent with the ornament-based signaling of genetic quality as a function of underlying individual-level mutational load.