bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Like grains of sand: Ninetis spiders on the Arabian Peninsula (Araneae, Pholcidae)
Authors: HUBER BERNHARD A. , MENG GUANLIANG
Published: January 2025

Ninetinae is a group of small to tiny, short-legged daddy-longlegs spiders (Pholcidae) that has its highest diversity in the New World. Only two genera are known to occur in the Old World: the nominotypical genus Ninetis Simon, 1890 on the Arabian Peninsula and in Africa, and the monotypic genus Magana Huber, 2019 in Oman. Here we redescribe the type species of Ninetis, N. subtilissima Simon, 1890, and describe three new species from the Arabian Peninsula: N. amoud sp. nov. from Saudi Arabia, N. marnif sp. nov. and N. samail sp. nov. from Oman. All species descriptions are based on males and females, supported by CO1 barcodes, and accompanied by SEM photographs. While N. amoud sp. nov. is morphologically and genetically similar to N. subtilissima (and to the known African species, of which no CO1 barcodes are available), the two new Omani species are morphologically very distinct. Intraspecific genetic (K2P) distances are partly very high, in particular in N. amoud sp. nov. (up to 17%) and N. marnif sp. nov. (up to 13%). An exploratory species delimitation analysis suggests that these two nominal species might in fact represent several cryptic species each. No corresponding morphological variation was detected.
On the Neotropical spider genus Ciniflella Mello-Leitão, 1921 (Araneae: Zoropsidae, Tengellinae)
Authors: BRESCOVIT ANTONIO DOMINGOS , GRISMADO CRISTIAN J. , ALMEIDA-SILVA LINA M. , RAMIREZ MARTIN J.
Published: January 2025

We present a systematic study of the South American genus Ciniflella Mello-Leitão, 1921, endemic to southeastern Brazil and northeastern Argentina. The genus can be distinguished from other cribellate members of Zoropsidae by the cribellum with two small, widely spaced patches of spigots, and the male palpal retrolateral tibial apophysis with regularly spaced ridges. We redescribe the type species, Ciniflella lutea Mello-Leitão, 1921 and describe six new species: Ciniflella armasi sp. nov. (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), Ciniflella iguazu sp. nov. (Misiones, Argentina; Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil), Ciniflella itatiaia sp. nov. (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), Ciniflella lavras sp. nov. (Minas Gerais, Brazil), Ciniflella marambaia sp. nov. (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and Ciniflella pains sp. nov. (Minas Gerais, Brazil). We present a phylogenetic analysis of legacy molecular sequences from genomic and target markers, supporting the placement of Ciniflella in the subfamily Tengellinae.
A new species of fossil Phrynus Lamarck, 1801, from Dominican Republic amber (Amblypygi: Phrynidae)
Authors: DUNLOP JASON A. , BARTEL CHRISTIAN
Published: January 2025

A new fossil whip spider, Phrynus luisdearmasi sp. nov., is described from the Miocene (probably Burdigalian) amber of the Dominican Republic. It differs from the previous Dominican amber species, Ph. resinae (Schawaller, 1979)—which may be better considered as a species inquirenda—in possessing both a pronounced dorsal tibial spine 1 on the pedipalp and a high number of subdivisions (34) on the tibia of leg I. The high tibial tarsomere count is potentially unique within the genus. Both amber species resemble the extant Ph. marginemaculatus C.L. Koch, 1840, but preserved morphology of both fossils is also reminiscent of several other modern Hispaniolan whip spiders. We also take the opportunity to propose Phrynus poinari nom. nov. as a replacement name for another species of fossil whip spider, Phrynus mexicana Poinar & Brown, 2004, from the Mexican (Miocene) Chiapas amber. This name should have been rendered ‘mexicanus’, and is thus preoccupied by a Recent species originally described as Phrynus mexicanus Bilimek, 1867.
On the MJO Phase Speed among Different Background Moisture and Zonal Wind Base States
Authors: Shaaban Ahmed , Roundy Paul
Published: January 2025

The variability of the phase speed of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is poorly understood. The authors assess how the phase speed of the convective signal of the MJO associates with the background states over eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean. Relaxation of the coupling between tropical modes and their circulation has been previously linked to faster propagation; for example, the MJO speeds up over the eastern Pacific where its convective signal decouples from the circulation. In contrast, our results show that fast MJO events happen to exist during periods of wetter background states (>90 days) from East Africa across the Indian Ocean, whereas slow MJO is associated with dry background states. We found that fast MJO exhibits strong active and inactive phases with a structure suggesting more hierarchical convection. Results indicate that the association of the phase speed of the MJO as seen in the integrated filtered moist static energy with its tendency is stronger than the association of the phase speed as observed in the dry static energy with its tendency which is consistent with the acceleration of the MJO during wet background states. Also, our results indicate that the MJO may be faster during periods of enhanced low-level moisture because these periods have anomalously weak upper-tropospheric easterly background winds, which reduce the westward advection of the MJO by the background easterly wind, resulting in higher eastward phase speed of the MJO. The acceleration of the MJO by the background zonal wind overwhelms the deceleration associated with the moist-wave dynamics.

Significance Statement

This study shows that the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), which is the dominant subseasonal weather signal in the tropics, moves eastward more quickly across eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean when the region is abnormally moist. The faster propagation does not appear to result from the higher moisture but instead from encountering weaker-than-normal upper-air winds from the east that tend to occur during moist periods.
Striking back with the law: Legal struggles against corporate landlords in Barcelona and Berlin
Authors: D’Adda Gabriele , Kusiak Joanna
Published: January 2025

Corporate landlords have emerged as a new powerful actor of the housing crisis. Fuelled by financialised capital and operating simultaneously at a global and local scale, they have increased pressure on the housing markets. Urban social movements and tenants’ unions are reorganising through news strategies to adapt to new challenges. These include combining resistance on the streets with a strategic use of the law. This paper analyses the legal strategies employed by social movements in Barcelona/Catalonia and Berlin, which include promoting new legislation and creatively utilising existing legal frameworks to introduce forms of rent control and re-municipalisation of social and public housing and to force corporate landlords to offer social rents to vulnerable families instead of evicting them. In Catalonia, we focus on two laws developed by social movements and passed by the Catalan Parliament and Government: Law 24/2015, which introduced mechanisms to avoid evictions, deal with over-indebtedness problems and expand the public housing stock. Law 11/2020, which created a form of rent control, applied to several Catalan cities. In Berlin, we focus on the campaign Deutsche Wohnen & Co. enteignen, DWE, which proposed the use of Art. 15 of the German Constitution to ‘socialize’ (i.e. to expropriate and re-municipalise) housing owned by corporate landlords. Focusing on these case studies we intend to critically investigate the impact and results of these new laws and policies. Through this analysis, we aim to contribute to academic and activist debates on the effectiveness, potential and limits of legal strategies for progressive urban change.
The unending corridor: Critical approaches to the politics, logics and socio-technics of urban corridorisation
Authors: Tassadiq Fatima , Silver Jonathan , Kallianos Yannis , Guma Prince K
Published: January 2025

Corridors entail and promote pervasive logics of (dis)connectivity. Over the years, corridors have become increasingly predominant across a range of spaces, places and territories. Their prevalence reflects a critical global shift in planning approaches, urban-regional governance, investment trends, circulation regimes and broader urbanisation processes. This article engages with this paradigm shift to critically interrogate the term corridor and its various usages and dynamics, considering its analytical purchase and socio-spatial dynamic for urban studies. We provide a genealogical reading of the term corridor, examining its usage and conceptualisation in different contexts, to ask what these different interpretations and analytical functions of the corridor can offer to urban studies today. Through this critical review, we assert that the meaning and usage of corridors are permeated by heterogeneity and multiplicity that define their current dynamic. This leads us to problematise their linear delineations across space (and time). Thereafter, we offer a typology of different corridors, which helps us to address its analytical valence for urban studies and social science. We conclude by setting out four research directions in scholarship that offer a platform to develop further research imperatives and debates in relation to the growing urban corridorisation and its effects on urbanities, cities and everyday life.
Private Tutoring, Sleep Time, and Depressive Symptoms Among Adolescent Students in China
Authors: Zhang Yueyun , Liu Jiankun
Published: January 2025

The recent increase in mental health problems and private tutoring (also called shadow education) among adolescents has been widely documented. This study relates involvement in private tutoring to depressive symptoms using data from a nationally representative sample of middle school students (grades 7–9, Mage = 13.90, N = 25,862) in China. Results show that greater involvement in tutoring is associated with increased depressive symptoms, and a decrease in nighttime sleep duration plays a mediating role. Grade-specific subsample analyses further show that the mediating role of sleep reduction becomes more pronounced for students in higher grades. These findings highlight the essential role of private tutoring for adolescent sleep and mental health and its variation across the schooling process.
Toward a More Powerful Experimental Communication Science: An Assessment of Two Decades’ Research (2001–2023)
Authors: Sun Ye , Shen Lijiang , Pan Zhongdang , Qian Sijia
Published: January 2025

Low statistical power undermines a credible scientific discipline. This paper presents a statistical power assessment of experimental communication research based on a random sample of 416 studies published in five central communication journals over the last two decades (2001–2023). Our analyses showed that there was a lack of attention to power and power analysis, with the majority of studies not even mentioning statistical power. We also demonstrated that between-subjects studies were overall underpowered for two-group, one-way multi-group, and factorial designs. Our findings suggest that conducting power analyses to ensure adequate statistical power should be a key priority for experimental communication research.
Interplay of Street Politics and the Origins of High-Density Standards in Hong Kong’s Resettlement Housing
Authors: Li Junwei
Published: January 2025

This study explores the origins of the density policy of resettlement housing in Hong Kong. Drawing on Alan Smart’s research, a key argument presented is that the density standards were a response to geopolitical pressures from street sleepers, influencing the colonial government to provide permanent resettlement housing. By adopting the theoretical concept of repertoire of contention, this archival research, supplemented by left-wing newspapers, scrutinizes the varying responses, including propaganda and street relief, to the Tung Tau and Shek Kip Mei fires. This study traces the origins of density policy in resettlement efforts, aligning with Moroni’s view that “the mere quantity of density is meaningless unless it serves a broader purpose.” Density control in the resettlement process was the premise for colonial legitimacy. This study fills gaps in Smart’s research and contributes to the high-density living discourse beyond the conventional narrative of Hong Kong’s housing landscape.
Recurrent Pleomorphic Adenoma Presenting as a Giant Parapharyngeal Mass
Authors: Salam Rahaf , Ashreefa Reem , Al Ghabra Yasser , Nammourah Marah , Jomaa Mohammad
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common benign salivary gland tumor, primarily found in the parotid gland. Recurrences often extend into the parapharyngeal space (PPS), complicating management. This report presents a case of a recurrent giant PA in the PPS following a limited excision. Case Description: A 45-year-old male presented with a gradually enlarging neck mass, dysphagia, and mild dyspnea, having previously undergone limited excision of a PA. Clinical examination revealed a firm mass in the right parotid region. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a large mass in the right parapharyngeal space. Surgical excision was performed using a cervical-transparotid and mandibular swing approach. The patient was discharged after 7 days and later received radiotherapy. Discussion: Parapharyngeal space tumors (PPT) are rare neoplasms, with 70% to 80% being benign, primarily PAs. Symptoms include neck masses, swallowing difficulties, and potential cranial nerve involvement. MRI is crucial for assessing tumor extent. A combined transparotid-transcervical approach was employed. Postoperative radiotherapy was recommended. Conclusions: PPTs present significant clinical challenges, highlighting the need for meticulous surgical planning and complete excision of PAs to minimize recurrence risk. The close proximity of vital neurovascular structures requires careful preoperative evaluation and strategic surgical approaches.
“Africans Do Not Fail”: Examining the Model Minority Stereotype and Anti-Blackness at a New York City Public School
Authors: Agyepong Mercy
Published: January 2025

Background/Context:

In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of the model minority label to reference the educational achievement of African immigrant students. Yet, despite the growing image of African immigrants as model minorities, there is little empirical research on K–12 African immigrant students’ academic achievement and the prevailing notion of this group as model minorities. Focusing on West African students and their teachers and counselors, this study examines the perceptions and realities of these students’ academic abilities, academic achievements, and the model minority stereotype at Wilson High School (pseudonym), a predominantly Black New York City public school.

Research Question:

The study explores the following questions: (1) How are West African immigrant students perceived and treated at Wilson High School by the adults whom they interact with the most, specifically teachers and counselors? (2) In what ways, if at all, do these perceptions and treatments align with the model minority stereotype and West African students academic achievement?

Research Design:

Wilson is a high school with about 500 students located in the Bronx, a NYC borough known to be the site of settlement for Western Africans, the largest group of Africans in the United States. For this critical ethnographic study, I spent 10 months at Wilson engaging in data collection, including in-school observations and in-depth one-on-one semi-structured interviews with ten West African students, nine of their teachers, and a school guidance counselor. Data analysis involved an inductive approach to analyzing emerging themes with a specific focus on Carspecken’s reconstructive horizon analysis.

Conclusions/Recommendations:

The first theme in this study reveals that the model minority stereotype best characterized adults’ perceptions of West African immigrant students (WAISs) at Wilson even though WAISs’ grade point averages contradicted these perceptions. Second, in this mostly Black school, teachers and counselors believed that African culture promoted high educational aspirations, whereas American culture, particularly African American culture, encouraged oppositional attitudes toward educational success. Third, perceptions of African youth as model students afforded them symbolic capital and beneficial treatment at Wilson. The themes found in this study highlight the complex ways in which the model minority stereotype influences adults’ perceptions and treatment of African students, which shapes African students’ school experiences. This article recommends that further exploration of the racialization of African immigrant students include an emphasis on their growing positioning as model minorities.
Goodnight Ma’am The Queen’s death as a media event and the contestation of legacies in live participation
Authors: Sumiala Johanna , Harju Anu A , Sonnevend Julia
Published: January 2025

On the 8th of September, 2022, the world paused as the BBC announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II. After 70 years on the throne, the longest-reigning British monarch had died aged 96. The Queen’s death immediately became a global media event that would eventually culminate in the state funeral broadcasted live and followed online worldwide. While many legacy media maintained the classical ceremonial mode of reporting the media event, the narratives and visuals on social media instantaneously challenged and re-narrated the ‘official’ media event dramaturgy. Through digital media ethnography of the media event, unfolding live in both legacy media and on social media platforms, this article demonstrates how diverse social media publics reacted to the legacy media narratives. Special emphasis is placed on the coverage of and the reactions to three parts of the event on BBC and on Twitter: (1) breaking news of the Queen’s death, (2) the Lying-in-State and (3) the State Funeral. The article concludes with a reflection of how the performances of live participation on social media created diverse dramaturgies and how those dramaturgies spoke to very different publics and consequently created a variety of possibilities to interpret the event and its meaning in history.
Facial Emotion Recognition Ability in Individuals with Remitted Schizophrenia in Comparison to Healthy Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mina Shaily , Chaudhary Sonali
Published: January 2025

Background:

Facial emotion recognition is one of the significant domains of social cognition that underlie social interactions. These deficits can influence the functional outcome in individuals with schizophrenia by impairing judgment toward others and reducing their capability to function. We aimed to assess the facial emotion recognition deficits in individuals with schizophrenia in comparison to healthy individuals and find their association with clinical and demographic profiles.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study compared individuals with schizophrenia in a stable remitted phase of illness to an age, gender, and education-matched healthy population, including 30 participants in each group. The assessment was done using Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE-III), AIIMS Facial Toolbox for Emotion Recognition (AFTER), and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Intergroup comparison was done using the Independent sample t-test, and the association of facial emotional deficit with any clinical or demographic factor was analyzed using Pearson’s correlation.

Results:

The schizophrenia group performed significantly worse than healthy controls on identifying positive and negative emotions except for happiness. The time to recognize emotion was also found to be significantly more in the schizophrenia group than in controls. Also, significant cognitive deficits were found in the schizophrenia group in comparison to the healthy population. Negative emotions were found to be more correlated to psychopathology.

Conclusion:

Individuals with schizophrenia appear to have a stable deficit in facial emotion recognition (more in negative emotions). Cognitive deficits are seen more in individuals with schizophrenia as compared to healthy populations, even in their stable phase of illness.
Brain serotonin, oxytocin, and their interaction: Relevance for eating disorders
Authors: Ismaylova Elmira , Nemoda Zsofia , Booij Linda
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

Eating disorders are characterized by maladaptive eating behaviors and preoccupations around body shape, weight, and eating. The serotonin system has been among the most widely studied neurobiological factors in relation to eating disorders. Recent research also highlighted the role of oxytocin.

Aims and methods:

This article aims to review animal and human studies on the involvement of central serotonin and oxytocin, and their interplay in eating disorders in particular. We synthesize results from studies using animal models of eating disorders and from research conducted in healthy individuals and clinical populations.

Results/Outcomes:

Altered serotonin neurotransmission and oxytocin levels in the brain—particularly in the hypothalamus, brainstem, and limbic regions—were associated with disturbances in eating behaviors and related maladaptive cognitions and emotions. These brain regions were found to constitute a typical neural network through which both central serotonin and oxytocin might operate in a bidirectional manner.

Conclusions/Interpretation:

Based on the preceding findings, we describe a developmental biopsychosocial model relevant to eating disorders, including the role of serotonin–oxytocin interactions in the brain. While it is clear that eating disorders are multifactorial in which many biopsychosocial pathways are involved, the current review highlights the importance of well-designed translational research when studying mechanisms of serotonin–oxytocin interactions in the brain. Such research would help to better understand the effects of joint central oxytocin and serotonin administration as a possible preventive or therapeutic intervention for eating disorders.
A Multivariate Stopping Rule for Survey Data Collection: Empirical Evaluation from a Panel Study
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Wagner James , Elliott Michael R. , West Brady T. , Coffey Stephanie
Published: January 2025

Surveys are experiencing declining response rates. With more and more effort expended to combat these declining response rates, the cost of large-scale surveys has continued to rise. Stopping rules are one of the interventions used to improve the efficiency of data collection. However, most previously proposed stopping rules have focused only on the quality of a single estimate or assumed sufficient funds for nonresponse follow-up. In multipurpose surveys, there may be data quality objectives that must be met for multiple estimates with a constraint on costs. In this paper, we introduce a multivariate stopping rule that aims to maximize the tradeoff between the cost of data collection and the quality of multiple estimates. The multivariate stopping rule uses predicted costs and mean squared errors of different estimates to evaluate alternative sets of cases for stopping. The proposed stopping rule is illustrated using data from the Health and Retirement Study. In the multivariate stopping rule, each estimate receives a prespecified weight that determines the relative importance in the design. We found that assigning a relatively larger estimate-level weight to a survey variable did not necessarily result in better data quality for that variable. One plausible reason is that the prediction quality varies across variables.
Promoting Classroom Climate and Why it Matters in Anti-Hate Speech Prevention Programs: A HateLess Evaluation Study
Authors: Wachs Sebastian , Schittenhelm Catherine , Kops Maxime , Wright Michelle F.
Published: January 2025

Inclusive and supportive classroom environments are essential, particularly during political and societal crises such as wars, disinformation, polarization, and rising populism and extremism. While existing research underscores the importance of such environments, few studies comprehensively examine the impact of anti-hate speech prevention programs on classroom dynamics and students’ social development. This study addressed this gap by investigating the direct and indirect effects of the HateLess anti-hate speech prevention program on inclusive classroom climate, classroom cohesion, empathy, and self-efficacy among adolescents. A sample of 820 adolescents aged 12 to 16 years ( M = 13.27, SD = 1.04) from 11 German schools was divided into an intervention group ( n = 567), who participated in the 1-week program, and a control group ( n = 253). Multilevel mediation analyses revealed that, at T2 (1 month after the intervention), the intervention group reported significantly higher levels of inclusive classroom climate, cohesion, empathy, and self-efficacy than the control group. In addition, inclusive classroom climate and cohesion were positively associated with empathy and self-efficacy, and significant indirect effects indicated that the intervention’s impact on empathy and self-efficacy was partially mediated through classroom climate and cohesion. These findings highlight the effectiveness of HateLess in fostering inclusive classroom environments and suggest integrating such interventions into school curricula to cultivate supportive learning spaces that empower adolescents to address hate speech effectively.
Lightweight and modular design of a hydraulically actuated quadruped robot with high payload-to-mass ratio
Authors: Zong Huaizhi , Ai Jikun , Zhang Kun , Fang Lizhou , Jiang Lei , Zhang Junhui , Xu Bing
Published: January 2025

Load-carrying horses, climbing mountain goats, and galloping cheetahs all exhibit impressive locomotion abilities, prompting the development of quadruped robots. Among different types of quadruped robots, hydraulically actuated robots have been widely concerned with their higher speed limit and load-bearing capacity. However, hydraulic quadruped robots usually comprise numerous components and high-pressure pipes, posing challenges to the design and component layout of the robots. To tackle these problems, this paper proposes a modular design method for the Spurlos quadruped robot. Based on the design goals and required functional composition, the robot is divided into four main parts: limb leg unit, torso, onboard hydraulic system, and control hardware. The critical issues of each part are solved correspondingly, including customized lightweight actuators based on multi-material design, active joint kinematics, lightweight torso structure with mortise and tenon joint, required flow rate estimation, and reliable hardware with hierarchical control strategy. Comparison with other advanced hydraulic quadruped robots indicates that the payload-to-mass ratio of the Spurlos robot adopting modular and lightweight design is superior to those based on other design principles. The design effectiveness and dynamic performance are validated through air walking, weight-bearing squat, and trotting experiments. The results demonstrate the robot’s good load-bearing capacity and locomotion abilities. The modular and lightweight structure design approach proposed in this study provide valuable reference for the structural design of other legged robots.
Transforming higher education libraries with data analytics, business intelligence, and business analytics: A review
Authors: Roy Prodip
Published: January 2025

This pioneering literature review represents a seminal moment in the field, providing the first exhaustive and systematic exploration of the contemporary conceptualisations of data analytics (DA), business analytics (BA), and business intelligence (BI), thereby laying the foundation for a deeper understanding of these complex and interconnected phenomena. By providing a thorough and authoritative overview of these concepts, this review empowers library professionals with a lucid understanding of the data analytics phenomenon, enabling them to navigate this complex landscape with confidence and clarity. Despite the growing importance of data-driven decision-making in university libraries, research on data analytics in this context is scarce. By investigating these aspects, this review provides comprehensive insights for library professionals to effectively navigate the trend and inform data-driven decision-making in academic librarianship. A systematic search of databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted to identify relevant literature. This review reveals a significant knowledge gap in understanding the specific obstacles that hinder the effective application of data analytics in transforming decision-making processes. Moreover, this review reveals a notable absence of comprehensive guidance on leveraging analytics for informed decision-making, highlighting the need for in-depth recommendations to support successful implementation. This review contributes to the existing literature by identifying gaps in current research and provides a foundation for further investigation into analytics adoption in Australian university libraries. This literature review meaningfully extends the current body of knowledge on the subject by shedding light on a previously unaddressed gap, thereby paving the way for future research and exploration.
AI literacy of library and information science students: A study of Bangladesh, India and Pakistan
Authors: Hossain Zakir , Biswas Md. Sakib , Khan Ghalib
Published: January 2025

This study adopted an exploratory approach to investigate the nuances of AI literacy among Library and Information Science (LIS) students in South Asia namely Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. A total of 632 respondents from these countries participated in an online survey that explored their level of AI literacy and familiarity with AI tools and technologies, purposes of using AI tools, ethical perceptions and how AI-related contents were covered in LIS courses and programmes. The study results indicate that students are moderately familiar with AI tools, but the degree of their self-rated AI literacy ranges from basic to advanced. Students reported using AI tools for academic purposes, including information searching, summarising articles, generating ideas and writing academic papers. However, participant LIS students expressed concerns about the ethical usage of AI and Generative AI tools, particularly academic integrity and plagiarism in academic writing. The results underscore the need for more robust AI literacy education in South Asian LIS education programmes – and potentially globally – to deepen students’ understanding and critical engagement with AI tools and technologies. This would better equip them for emerging roles in AI-integrated library services, highlighting a key direction for curriculum development, training methodologies and policy initiatives within LIS education and library and information management profession.
From Trust to Transaction: The Role of Micro-Influencer Image Satisfaction and Advertising Trust in Shaping Purchase Intentions
Authors: Karamchandani Shikha , Shukla Shivangi , Shukla Komal
Published: January 2025

This research tries to explore the factors that contribute to forming attitudes towards micro-influencers on social media. We explore the antecedents through which social media influencers (SMIs) create image satisfaction and advertising trust leading to purchase intention. Taking a sample of 320 Instagram users in Gujarat state, India, the conceptual model was tested using Structural Equation Modelling on AMOS and SPSS statistical software. The study examined the hypothesis testing the attitudes of consumers (image satisfaction and advertising trust) towards SMIs. It was hypothesised that three variables, namely attractiveness, originality and expertise positively affect attitudes of consumers. Through analysis, it was found that all hypotheses were supported except two. Expertise did not impact image satisfaction significantly, and advertising trust did not impact purchase intention significantly. A complete theoretical framework is presented based on the influence of micro-influencers who are increasingly being used for advertising and marketing. This study provides a thorough understanding of the variables influencing purchasing intention, which benefits both academics and practitioners.
Evolving Strategies for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): A Review Article of Preventive Agents and Vaccines for RSV
Authors: Howard Nick , Pudim Edward
Published: January 2025

Objective:

The objective was to describe the pharmacology, efficacy, safety, and recommendations for the use of newly approved preventive agents and vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and discuss their uptake during the 2023 to 2024 RSV season.

Data sources:

A literature search of PubMed was performed (January 2020 to February 2024) with the search terms RSV vaccine, preventive antibody, and RSV prevention. Utilization data were collected from TriNetX using the US Collaborative Network (May 2024) using the terms palivizumab, nirsevimab, and RSV prefusion F protein.

Study selection and data extraction:

Relevant English-language studies assessing the use of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved preventive agents and vaccines for RSV in humans were considered. Population-level utilization data were extracted from TriNetX.

Data synthesis:

Nirsevimab was observed to have noninferior efficacy and safety compared with palivizumab with less frequent administration. Nirsevimab is recommended to replace palivizumab for RSV prophylaxis in all eligible infants. Arexvy and Abrysvo are effective at reducing the risk of RSV infection in adults aged ≥60 years, and Arexvy is indicated in adults aged ≥50 years. These vaccines are equally recommended for use in the elderly adult population, but only Abrysvo is indicated and recommended for maternal administration. Most infants only require prophylaxis through either maternal RSV vaccination or nirsevimab administration

Relevance to patient care and clinical practice:

This review compares the indications for use, guideline recommendations, and clinical trial efficacy and safety data for palivizumab, nirsevimab, Abrysvo, and Arexvy to guide clinical decision-making.

Conclusions:

Novel RSV preventive agents, including Abrysvo, Arexvy, and nirsevimab, offer less burdensome dosing and administration compared with palivizumab, show promising efficacy and safety data, and expand the populations eligible for RSV prevention. Updated clinical guidance supports immediate adoption of these agents in practice, and population-level data suggest these agents were used during the 2023 to 2024 RSV season.
Provider Perspectives on Implementation of Adult Community-Based Palliative Care: A Scoping Review
Authors: Dussault Nicole , Ho Dorian , Dukkipati Haripriya , Vick Judith B. , Skalla Lesley A. , Ma Jessica , Jones Christopher A. , Kaufman Brystana G.
Published: January 2025

While community-based palliative care (CBPC) programs have been expanding, there remain important obstacles to widespread use. Since provider perspectives on CBPC remain underexplored, we conducted a scoping review to summarize provider perspectives regarding barriers and facilitators to implementation of adult CBPC in the United States. We systematically searched OVID, MEDLINE, and CINAHL for peer-reviewed qualitative research published from January 1, 2010 to January 9, 2024, then used PRISM framework synthesis to organize themes into provider, organization, and external environment levels. Thirty-four articles were included. At the provider level, barriers included misperceptions of palliative care (PC) by referring providers and poor communication, while facilitators included multidisciplinary teams and referring provider education. At the organizational level, time constraints were barriers, while leadership buy-in and co-located clinics were facilitators. At the external environment level, limited PC workforce and inadequate reimbursement were barriers. Our findings suggest that efforts aimed at scaling CBPC must address factors at the provider, organizational, and policy levels.
Lost Prevention? Assessing Secondary and Tertiary Prevention Potential in Sexual Assault Awareness Month Events
Authors: Papanek Alicia , Sowell Katelyn , Wiley Kimberly
Published: January 2025

During Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), nonprofits place heavy value on delivering events, often with little evidence of their value to tertiary, secondary, and primary prevention. This multiple case design employed ethnographic methods to assess five SAAM events and the logic by which they contribute to prevention. Articulated through a pairing of communication and planned behavior theories, the findings indicated that events were mainly deployed in service of today's survivors, almost as an extension of intervention programming. Art exhibits, panel discussions, and group activities centered on survivor stories. The events’ functions were not to prevent future sexual assault or target perpetrator accountability but, instead, to increase awareness of survivor impact.
The Interaction Effect of Self-Service Technology and Firms’ Facilitating Conditions on Co-Created Value: A Service-Dominant Logic Perspective
Authors: Kwon Wooseok , Kim Yejin , Lee Gyumin
Published: January 2025

Although self-service technology (SST) is broadly used in the hospitality and tourism industry, existing research has typically focused on customers’ intention to use SST rather than on their behavioral consequences of using it. Adopting service-dominant logic with the resource-based approach, this study examined how customers’ SST experience relates to co-created value, and uncovered the interaction effect of service providers’ facilitating conditions on this relationship. This study proposed a new perspective on SST experience that could contribute to the present literature on SST by shifting the focus from the features of SST to customer behavior. We conducted a scenario-based survey and analyzed 848 participants using latent moderated structural equation modeling with quasi-maximum likelihood estimation. The results show that the facilitating conditions burgeon the effect of SST experience on co-created value, which leads to the augmentation of behavioral intentions. The study thus discusses service-dominant logic and a new vantage point, integrating a technology-based service and firms’ facilitating conditions for co-created value at the service encounter.
Challenges Associated With PFAS Detection Method in Africa
Authors: Aborode Abdullahi Tunde , Adesola Ridwan Olamilekan , Idris Ibrahim , Sakariyau Adio Waheed , Olapade Segun , Oluwafisayo Gladys , Onifade Isreal Ayobami , Fakorede Sodiq , Bakare-Abidola Taiwo , Olaoye Jelil , Ogunyemi Adedeji Daniel , Ogundijo Oluwaseun Adeolu , Banwo Olamilekan Gabriel , Bakre Adetolase Azizat , Oladoye Peter , Adegoye Grace , Jinadu Noimat Abeni
Published: January 2025

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that are widely present in many industries. Monitoring and analyzing PFAS in Africa is challenging due to the limited availability of mass spectrometry (MS), which is an essential technique for detecting PFAS. This review assesses the scope and impact of the shortage of mass spectrometry instruments in Africa, emphasizing the resulting limitations in monitoring environmental and public health threats. The review analyzes the existing PFAS monitoring, the accessibility of MS instruments, and the technical capabilities within the continent. This study suggests that fewer African countries have sufficient MS instruments, resulting in significant underreport of environmental data and related public health issues. The review proposes financial support and programs to address these difficulties to provide necessary MS instruments. The review suggests that it is highly important to develop regional centers of excellence for PFAS monitoring using MS instruments and investing in training programs to address the gap in monitoring efforts. So, enhancing these are crucial for the successful management of the environment and safeguarding public health from the effects of PFAS contamination.
US state death rates: Structural equation modeling of Big Five personality, socioeconomic status, and health risk factors
Authors: McCann Stewart JH
Published: January 2025

Structural equation modeling (SEM) tested the plausibility of a causal model with neuroticism, openness to experience, socioeconomic status (SES), and race as predictors of a composite of six health risks and age-adjusted all-cause mortality in 2020 using the 48 contiguous American states as analytic units. In the final model, neuroticism, openness, and SES accounted for 80% of the health risk composite variance. These three variables and composite health risk accounted for 85% of the death rate variance. Neuroticism, openness, and SES had direct impacts on the health risk composite and indirect impacts on death rates through the health risk composite. SES and composite health risk also had direct impacts on death rates. Spatial autocorrelation and multicollinearity were not problematic. These SEM results underline the importance of state resident personality and SES in this context and support the plausibility of the speculation that the demonstrated relations may be causal in nature.
Adaptive fault components extraction based on physically interpretable optimized weight time–frequency matrix index and its applications in rotating machinery fault diagnosis
Authors: Sun Bin , Li Hongkun , Wang Junxiang , Chen Siyuan , Yang Yizhuo , Ma Zhenhui
Published: January 2025

The adaptive fault component extraction (AFCE) process, crucial for diagnosing rotating machinery faults based on vibration signals, relies on statistical indices. Conventional indices like kurtosis and correlated kurtosis, sensitive to random noise, may produce imprecise results. To address this, this article proposes a new index—the physically interpretable optimized weight time–frequency matrix index (PIOWTFMI). Derived through large-margin convex optimization of time–frequency matrices from healthy and faulty samples, PIOWTFMI is not only interpretable but also enhances the separation of faulty components from interference. Additionally, an implementation method of AFCE based on PIOWTFMI is proposed, compatible with existing decomposition techniques like mode decomposition and requiring minimal parameter adjustments. Finally, the effectiveness of the method is verified by bearing public data from Intelligent Maintenance Systems (IMS) and industrial real truck transmission gear data. The results demonstrate the superior performance of proposed method compared to classical approaches such as fast kurtogram, feature mode decomposition, maximum correlation kurtosis deconvolution and multipoint optimized minimum entropy deconvolution adjusted.
The Prevalence of Physical Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: A Systematic Review With Implications for Probable Violence-Caused Brain Injury Among Child Bearers
Authors: Adhikari Shambhu P. , Stranges Tori N. , Lorenz Bradi R. , Marshall Rory A. , Jiang Nelson , van Donkelaar Paul
Published: January 2025

Intimate partner violence (IPV) persists as a cause of short-term, long-term, and chronic health consequences. The elevated risk of IPV during pregnancy and the postpartum period (P-IPV) is commonly attributed to increased demands for child bearers and intimate partners. P-IPV may impact the health of the child bearer, developing fetus, and post-birth child. The prevalence of physical P-IPV remains under-explored. The primary objective of the study is to describe the prevalence of physical P-IPV during the period from pregnancy through 24 months postpartum. Medline ( PubMed), Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched (2000–2023) using the PICO model, MeSH terms, and Boolean operators. Studies with intimate partners exposed to physical IPV during pregnancy and the postpartum period that described the prevalence of IPV were included. Fifty-five studies were included. The sample-weighted average prevalence of physical P-IPV was calculated as 14.7% (range 0.6%–52.4%, n = 55). The sample-weighted average prevalence of physical IPV during pregnancy was calculated as 4.4% (0.6%–42.5%, n = 48). The sample-weighted average prevalence of physical IPV during the postpartum period was calculated as 10.3% (2.2%–52.4%, n = 16). The prevalence of physical P-IPV remains a looming threat to child bearer, fetal, and early childhood health. Given the >80% prevalence of IPV-caused brain injury (IPV-BI) from physical IPV, brain injury is likely occurring during pregnancy and the postpartum period and must be considered. Further investigations should be undertaken to uncover the true prevalence and impact of BI during this timeframe and mitigate the risk of P-IPV.
Poststroke Ipsilesional Motor Performance: Microstructural Biomarkers and Their Associations With Executive Function
Authors: Kim Youngkook , Jun So Yeon , Oh Jeehae , Koo Jaeun , Lee Eunji
Published: January 2025

Background

Unilateral hemispheric stroke can impair the ipsilesional motor performance, which is crucial for attaining optimal functional outcomes poststroke. However, the specific brain structures contributing to ipsilesional motor performance impairment remain unclear.

Objective

To explore the link between ipsilesional motor performance and the microstructural integrity of relevant neural pathways.

Methods

This study enrolled 60 consecutive patients in the early subacute phase of stroke recovery. Ipsilesional motor performance was assessed using the Box and Block Test. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the associations between ipsilesional motor performance and the microstructural integrity of relevant white matter tracts (Biomarker models) and cognitive function test scores (Cognition models).

Results

Biomarker models, including the genu of the corpus callosum, ipsilesional cingulum, fornix, uncinate fasciculus, superior longitudinal fasciculus, and contralesional inferior longitudinal fasciculus, showed a significant association with ipsilesional motor performance. Cognition models, including Mini-Mental State Examination and Trail Making Test-B, were significantly associated with ipsilesional motor performance. Final regression models (combined Cognition and Biomarker models) revealed that the performance time of Trail Making Test-B, in combination with biomarkers, including the genu of the corpus callosum, ipsilesional superior longitudinal fasciculus, and ipsilesional cingulum, predicted ipsilesional motor performance with high explanatory power ( adjusted R2 = .721, .709, and .696, respectively).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that executive function is associated with poststroke ipsilesional motor performance, as evidenced by the microstructural biomarkers involved in executive function. Our findings highlight that the comprehensive role of cognitive functioning rather than the motor system is closely linked to poststroke ipsilesional motor performance.