bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dakar’s flood drainage canals: assembling urban subjectivities, transforming political spaces
Authors: Barcena Alejandro
Published: February 2025

In the context of rapid environmental change, research on adaptation politics highlights the role of power in socio-ecological change, offering insights on how authority, knowledge and subjectivity shape adaptation pathways. Less attention has been given to how authority emerges, subjectivities become politicized and transformative adaptation scales up. This paper addresses these limitations, drawing on a Deleuzian reading of subjectivity, prioritizing analytically immanent capacities and contradictory events. This framework is applied to the case of Pikine, an informal Dakar settlement, where intensifying floods in the 1990s were managed through drainage canal construction, authorized by the president. The paper links this decision to historical legacies and unexpected events, including floods, structural adjustments, the emergence of a coalition of youth organizations, and changing government authority. It invites policymakers to foster the self-organization capacity of emerging coalitions of vulnerable groups and to leverage the openings offered by moments of crisis.
Low-frequency patterns in Late-Holocene tree-ring records from northern Fennoscandia
Authors: Helama Samuli
Published: February 2025

Northern Fennoscandia is a cradle of tree-ring based climate reconstructions. These Late-Holocene data come from several types of tree-ring proxies and are typically used for discussing the extent of past climate excursions such as the Medieval Climate Anomaly and Little Ice Age, relative to the modern temperatures. This article compares tree-ring records published from the region over the past two decades with those produced here by recalculations, focussing on their low-frequency temperature patterns. Paleoclimate evidence fully independent of trees (sedimentary chironomid data) was used to assess the dendroclimatic records. Chironomid record correlated best with anatomy (maximum latewood radial-cell-wall thickness) data averaged over the region (A-FEN) when the latewood (maximum) anatomy was not tuned by earlywood (minimum) anatomy values. While all the examined tree-ring records are highly sensitive to high-frequency summer temperature variability, non-temperature factors likely play a role in modifying their low-frequency patterns. As a result, the subsets of A-FEN (representing NW and NE Fennoscandian sites i.e. Torneträsk region and Finnish Lapland) did not correlate, unlike the subsets of the maximum density data, for which reason the regionally averaged A-FEN seems to underestimate the temperature amplitudes during the Medieval Climate Anomaly. The findings contribute to the discussion on low-frequency patterns in millennia-long tree-ring chronologies.
Research Guideline Recommendations for Research on Stem Cells, Human Embryos, and Gene Editing
Authors: Var Susanna R. , Strell Phoebe , Shetty Anala , Roman Alex , Clark Isaac H. , Crane Andrew T. , Dunbar Gary L. , Fink Kyle , Grande Andrew W. , Parr Ann M. , Rossignol Julien , Sanberg Paul R. , Zhao Li-Ru , Zholudeva Layandysha V. , Low Walter C. ,   American Society for Neural Therapy and Repair Task Force
Published: February 2025

Recent advances in biomedical technologies have extended the boundaries of previously established regulatory guidelines pertaining to stem cell research. These guidelines constrained the study of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and their derivatives from use under various conditions, including the introduction of hPSCs into the brains of host animals because of concerns of humanizing the brains of animal species. Other guidelines constrained the use of hPSCs in creating human-animal chimeras because of the potential contribution of human stem cells not only to the brain but also to the germline. Some regulatory guidelines forbid the growing of human embryos ex vivo beyond the stage of primitive streak development because of concerns regarding the creation of human forms of life ex vivo. At the subcellular level, there are guidelines regulating the transfer of mitochondria within human embryos. At the molecular level, there are guidelines regulating genome editing to prevent permanent genetic alterations in germline cells. These and other issues related to stem cells have been reviewed, and new research guidelines established by the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) for its membership. Because many of the recommended changes by the ISSCR impact research being conducted by members of the American Society for Neural Therapy and Repair (ASNTR), the ASNTR established a task force to review relevant recommendations by the ISSCR to determine which new guidelines to adopt for research conducted by the ASNTR society membership. The final ASNTR recommendations are presented in this document.
Taking Food to Mouth: Correlation Between Repetitive Movement and Upper Limb Flexion Synergy After Stroke
Authors: Liu Gang , Chia Chin-hsuan , Jia Hai-jun , Chen Jia-xi , Wang Wei-ning , Tian Shan , Cao Yue , Wu Jun-fa , Wu Yi , Yang Cui-wei
Published: February 2025

Background

Pathological upper-limb synergistic movement is a prevalent symptom of post-stroke motor dysfunction and pose a significant challenge in the rehabilitation of hemiplegia. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive, hindering the development of effective therapeutic strategies.

Objective

This study aims to explore the mechanisms underlying pathological synergic movements post-stroke by examining the interrelationship between motor modules associated with upper limb flexion synergy and the repetitive action of “taking food to the mouth.”

Methods

Surface electromyography (sEMG) was employed to capture the EMG signals of normal elbow flexion, the act of “taking food to the mouth,” and post-stroke upper limb flexion synergy. Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) was employed to compare and analyze the corresponding modular and coefficient matrices derived from these three motor tasks.

Results

The modular matrix associated with flexion synergy exhibited the most significant correlation with the “taking food to the mouth” task, whereas the coefficient matrix shared the lowest correlation.

Conclusion

Upper limb flexion synergy after stroke may be related to the activation of the highly excitatory motor module formed by previously repeated movement of “taking food to mouth”.
Be-ing, Do-ing, and Be-coming: Two Sister-Colleagues’ Musings on Art-Full Inquiry
Authors: Fournillier Janice B. , Copple Janie
Published: February 2025

Two qualitative research methodologists explore how artful inquiry works on us. Our ongoing conversations since we became colleagues on the same campus and department brought us to the realization that the cut and paste of collaging and the bringing together of the sacred and profane in our two dissertations suggest the way love/joy/pain makes, cuts, and layers. We move through glimpses from our research and teaching journeys that show how it beckons our senses and requires us to enter inquiry vulnerably—individually and collectively. Using poetry, memory work, collage, photographs of Trinidad Carnival mas’ art, and interview data, we draw on soulful stirrings to describe how we enter this heartful, art-full inquiry as mentor and mentee. Indeed, we were layering, adding depth, adding richness—the stuff our souls are made of and need as inquirers who are held responsible for speaking truth to power.
Primary Pulmonary Hypoplasia With Congenital Alveolar Dysplasia Associated With TBX4 Gene Deletion: A Case With Autopsy and Molecular Findings
Authors: Ilori Evelyn O. , Kahlow Christine , Garcia Rolando , Ahmed Syed , Timmons Charles , Nesterenko Tetyana H.
Published: February 2025

Acute respiratory distress in a neonate is a potentially critical condition with multiple possible causes. Developmental etiologies are particularly problematic by virtue of being refractory to routine modalities for enhancing ventilation and oxygen exchange. Some genetic causes of neonatal respiratory distress, such as surfactant protein deficiencies and alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins, are well known, and sequencing panels have been formulated to detect them. We present a case of fatal neonatal respiratory insufficiency in which the autopsy showed primary pulmonary hypoplasia and congenital alveolar dysplasia. A sequencing panel of genes associated with heritable pulmonary disorders gave a normal result; however, a chromosomal microarray identified a heterozygous deletion encompassing the TBX4 gene on chromosome 17. Haploinsufficiency for TBX4 is a known cause of disturbed pulmonary development. This case illustrates why work-up of pulmonary developmental disorders must look beyond standard sequencing panels in some instances, if rare causes of pulmonary maldevelopment such as deletions causing haploinsufficiency are not to be missed.
Effects of intranasal maropitant on clinical signs of naturally acquired upper respiratory disease in shelter cats
Authors: Parncutt John , Johnson Lynelle R , Subharat Supatsak , Oke Bronwyn , Hill Kate E
Published: February 2025

Objectives

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that intranasally administered maropitant citrate would reduce the severity of clinical signs of feline upper respiratory disease (FURD) in shelter cats with naturally acquired disease.

Methods

Shelter cats with clinical signs of FURD were randomly assigned to receive either intranasal maropitant diluted in saline (maropitant citrate 10 mg/ml q12h, diluted 1:10 with sterile 0.9% saline) or intranasal 0.9% saline q12h for 7 days. Clinical disease severity was measured at entry into the study and again after completion of 7 days of treatment using a visual analogue scale to assess four separate clinical signs: conjunctivitis, blepharospasm, ocular discharge and nasal discharge. Total disease severity was also calculated. Cats received other medications for FURD as per standard shelter protocols, and all investigators were masked to group assignments. A Mann–Whitney U-test was performed to compare the clinical improvement score (CIS) between the treatment and control groups.

Results

There were 34 cats in the maropitant treatment group; 27 cats served as placebo controls. Groups did not differ in age, sex distribution, nature of disease, administration of other medications for FURD or baseline clinical disease severity. There was no significant difference in CIS between the maropitant treatment and control groups for conjunctivitis, blepharospasm, ocular discharge, nasal discharge or total disease severity after 7 days.

Conclusions and relevance

This study found no significant difference in outcomes for cats with FURD when treated with intranasal maropitant compared with treatment with intranasal saline. Further investigations would be required before intranasal maropitant could be recommended as the standard of care for FURD.
Big Tech whistleblowing: Frances Haugen and the Facebook Files
Authors: Olesen Thomas
Published: February 2025

Big Tech whistleblowing is a distinct category that should prompt new theorizing and analysis within the fields of whistleblowing and organization research. I build this idea on two key characteristics of the Big Tech industry: (a) the opacity and intangibility that surrounds its digital technologies and (b) the deep, profit-driven impact it has on democracy and communicative infrastructure. These conditions identify a number of important differences between Big Tech and other “bigs” such as Big Oil, Big Pharma, Big Tobacco, etc. They also suggest, I argue, that whistleblowing within this industry comes with a set of rather specific responsibilities, prospects, and challenges. In order to delineate these, I combine a sociological understanding of the democratic role of whistleblowing with an analytical reading of Frances Haugen’s autobiography, The Power of One, written after she blew the whistle on Facebook’s algorithms in 2021. The analysis leads to the identification of a paradox of visibility. Seen from a democratic point of view, we are increasingly dependent on Big Tech whistleblowers to let us in on the inner workings of Big Tech. We have not been let down. Recent years have seen a steady trickle of Big Tech exposures. At the same time, whistleblower opportunities to make such an impact are circumscribed by the properties and powers of the Big Tech industry.
Feasibility, reliability, and validity of ambulatory smartphone-administered cognitive tests in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Goga Josiah J , Ginell Keara M , Ng Yee To , Ehde Dawn M , Alschuler Kevin N , Sliwinski Martin J , Fritz Nora E , Kratz Anna L
Published: February 2025

Background:

Detection of subtle changes in cognition in multiple sclerosis (MS) may be enabled by ambulatory smartphone-based cognitive tests.

Objective:

To examine the feasibility, reliability, and validity of ambulatory cognitive tests in people with MS.

Method:

Adults with MS ( N = 255) completed the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery, Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test-3, and 14 days of 4X/day ambulatory cognitive tests of working memory (dot memory) and processing speed (symbol search). Feasibility (response rates), measurement reliability (overall and by number of days of tests), and construct validity (convergent validity and known-groups analyses) were calculated.

Results:

Participants completed 80.1% of available testing sessions. Reliability was 0.98 for dot memory and 0.99 for symbol search. Reliability attained ⩾0.90 within 3 days for dot memory and 1 day for symbol search. Symbol search scores correlated significantly with neuropsychological tests of processing speed ( rs range = |0.53–0.69|) and differed significantly by disability level ( t = −3.95, p < 0.001) and MS subtype ( t = −2.81, p = 0.005). Dot memory scores correlated with neuropsychological tests of working memory ( rs range = |0.45–0.58|); dot memory scores did not differ by disability level or MS subtype.

Conclusion:

Smartphone-administered tests of working memory and processing speed demonstrate good feasibility, reliability, and construct validity in MS.
Investigating patterns of tourist movement using multiple data sources
Authors: Abreu Novais Margarida , Del Papa Bruno , Han Qiwei , Mohan Kaushik , Vásárhelyi Orsolya , Wang Yanbing , Zejnilovic Leid
Published: February 2025

The investigation of tourism movement is fundamental for effective attraction and destination management. In particular, understanding patterns of movement to differentiate tourists according to their consumption of space and time has marketing and managerial implications. This paper uses a combination of mobile data, information about points of interest, and geographical data to investigate the movement of 2.95 million international visitors in Tuscany. The findings identify four types of international visitors according to their movement patterns and explore the differences between them and highlighting the consequential theoretical and practical importance of these differences for destination management and marketing. The paper also adds to the growing discussion on the use of mobile data, particularly its combined use with other data sources in the study of spatiotemporal behavior of tourists.
How can tourism advertising language make cultural heritage sites more popular?
Authors: Zhang Shu-Ning , Huang Huang , Ruan Wen-Qi , Li Yong-Quan
Published: February 2025

Advertising language plays a crucial role in tourism marketing. However, scholars have overlooked the differentiated effects of various types of advertising language in cultural heritage tourism marketing. To fill this gap, our study examines the heterogeneous impact of different advertising languages on the popularity of cultural heritage sites using three scenario-based experiments. The results reveal that elegant (vs. colloquial) advertising language is more beneficial for the popularity of cultural heritage sites. Moreover, cultural appeal and experience expectations mediate this process. Additionally, the advertisement interestingness acts as an effective moderator. High advertisement interestingness can compensate for the shortcomings of colloquial advertising language through the “halo effect”. These findings innovate the research perspective in cultural heritage tourism marketing, enrich the understanding of factors affecting the popularity of cultural heritage sites, and provide practical insights for developing effective tourism advertising language strategies.
A Mediterranean-style diet protects against cognitive and behavioral deficits, adiposity, and Alzheimer's disease-related markers, compared to a macronutrient-matched typical American diet in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Braden-Kuhle Paige N , Lacy Vivienne A , Brice Kelly N , Bertrand Morgan E , Uras Hatice Buse , Shoffner Catherine , Fischer Bridgette E , Rana Ashish , Willis Jada L , Boehm Gary W , Chumley Michael J
Published: February 2025

Background

Research suggests that modifying risk factors may prevent or delay up to 40% of dementia cases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thus, understanding the potential of healthful dietary patterns, like the Mediterranean diet (MD), in AD prevention is crucial. While supplementation of individual Mediterranean foods has demonstrated efficacy in reducing AD biomarkers and cognitive impairment in rodents, the effects of a comprehensive MD warrant further investigation. Additionally, while rodent studies often use a “Western diet” as a model for the typical American diet (TAD), these diets generally exceed the macronutrient densities of typical American consumption, particularly in fats and carbohydrates.

Objective

To better reflect human diets, we developed two diets for mice that more closely mirrored the macronutrient composition of the traditional MD or the TAD, each with matched macronutrient profiles (50% kcal from carbohydrates, 35% kcal from fat, 15% kcal from protein), and distinct food sources from Mediterranean regions or the U.S., respectively.

Methods

Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to one diet (MD or TAD) at weaning (21 days of age), which they consumed for six months.

Results

Compared to the TAD, MD animals had lower body weight, abdominal and hepatic fat, serum TNF-α, and central Aβ1–42, while also exhibiting enhanced exploratory behavior, reduced anxiety-like behavior, and preserved spatial memory. The MD also protected against LPS-induced central inflammation and BDNF loss.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that a comprehensive MD provides protection against metabolic and AD-related markers in wildtype mice, despite matched caloric availability to the TAD.
An experimental and numerical study on gas impermeability of metal rubber seals
Authors: Junhao Niu , Yongbo Guo , Lukai Wang , Delong Zhang
Published: February 2025

Metal rubber seals are notably effective in maintaining sealing performance in high-temperature environments, emerging as a reliable solution for sealing challenges in such conditions. Recently, researchers have conducted extensive studies on the leakage mechanisms of metal rubber seals using supercomputer simulations, achieving significant research milestones. However, the high computational costs associated with these methods can limit their practical application in engineering. Thus, developing an analytical method that is both rapid and efficient holds great practical importance for studying the leakage behavior of metal rubber seals. In this study, we introduced a novel prediction method designed to evaluate the gas leakage rate of metal rubber seals at room temperature, using the sealing region of a flexible plate in a variable Mach number nozzle as an engineering context. The prediction results from this method closely matched experimental data. Furthermore, this study explored the impact of seal compression rate, surface roughness, and inlet/outlet differential pressure on the leakage rate of metal rubber seals, analyzing the sensitivity of the leakage rate to these factors. The findings aim to provide a theoretical foundation and design guidelines for the application of metal rubber seals in the sealing regions of flexible plates for variable Mach number nozzles.
Optimization of urban road space resource utilization based on public transport network layout optimization model
Authors: Ruan Wen
Published: February 2025

In modern cities, improving transportation efficiency is directly linked to effectively using spatial resources, particularly road spatial resources. This study aims to optimize urban road spatial resources for enhancing traffic efficiency. First, the study examines the spatial arrangement of current urban roads, specifically the symmetrical layout of two-way lanes and the resulting “tidal traffic” phenomenon. A model is then proposed for optimizing the usage of urban road space resources based on traffic efficiency by utilizing variable lanes and designated bus-only lanes to maximize the efficiency of urban roads. The study found that, when [Formula: see text], except for the one-way traffic flow in the direction of entering the city in the evening peak, which is higher, the traffic flow in the other directions is maintained between 60 pcu and 820 pcu. The 30th bus line layout scheme resulted in the lowest total cost of bus travel, accommodating only 2596 people per hour. Optimizing the layout plan, especially the 30th bus route layout plan, not only minimizes the total cost of bus travel, but also effectively accommodates a large number of passengers per hour, thus supporting the feasibility of the proposed optimization strategy. These achievements provide strong theoretical support for urban traffic management and advocate for the adoption of more practical and scientific approaches to utilize urban road resources. The proposed study scheme offered robust theoretical backing for examining urban traffic management and encouraged the adoption of a more pragmatic and scientific approach to utilizing urban roadway resources.
Preschool language development prediction model based on deep learning: Cross-cultural validity evaluation
Authors: Sun Yuanyuan , Huo Jiasong
Published: February 2025

Traditional research on preschool language development often fails to capture the complex nonlinear relationships and high-dimensional characteristics of language growth, leading to low prediction accuracy and poor cross-cultural applicability. This paper introduces a novel BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers)-based model to predict preschool language development and evaluate its cross-cultural effectiveness. Text data from preschool children’s language datasets across multiple cultural backgrounds is collected, cleaned, and preprocessed to create suitable training samples. Special attention is given to the unique grammatical structures and cultural expressions in each language to ensure compatibility with the model. The BERT model is used to encode the processed text, leveraging its bidirectional self-attention mechanism to extract contextual information and generate deep feature representations essential for understanding preschool language development. The model combines both grammatical and semantic features for meaningful representations in subsequent predictions. Fine-tuning the pre-trained BERT model using the Adam optimizer enhances prediction accuracy, while cross-validation and hyperparameter tuning further improve its performance. Culturally specific annotations and vocabularies are incorporated to ensure the model’s effective prediction of language development across different regions. Experimental results show that the BERT model achieves an MAE (Mean Absolute Error) between 0.20 and 0.25, an MSE (Mean Squared Error) between 0.05 and 0.08, and an average R2 value of 0.84 across English, Chinese, Spanish, and Japanese. These results demonstrate the model’s high accuracy and strong cross-cultural stability in predicting preschool language development.
Technology-Facilitated Violence in the Indo-Pacific: A Scoping Review
Authors: Quilty Emma , Flynn Asher
Published: February 2025

Technology-facilitated violence (TFV) refers to a range of malicious behaviors facilitated in part or in whole through information and communication technologies, or digital media, to commit both online and face-to-face harms. Behaviors can include online harassment, stalking and monitoring behaviors, psychological and emotional abuse, sexual violence, and image-based sexual abuse (non-consensually creating, sharing, or threatening to share sexualized imagery). TFV is a growing problem globally, including in the Indo-Pacific region, where there has been an increase in digital technology use overall. This scoping review identified studies on TFV in the Indo-Pacific, examining regional trends and prevalence, impacts, perpetrator tactics, characteristics of victimization and perpetration, and available programs responding to TFV. To identify peer-reviewed literature, three databases were searched: Monash University Library, EBSCO, and ProQuest. Criteria for inclusion included peer-reviewed empirical studies published in English between January 1, 2019 and July 30, 2024 (immediately pre and post the COVID-19 pandemic) which focused on TFV among adults (aged 18+ years) in the Indo-Pacific. We identified 57 studies that explored TFV, with wide-ranging impacts, but there were clear gaps in research, particularly in non-Western settings. This review presents key findings on the trends, impacts, and characteristics of TFV in the Indo-Pacific and discusses implications for policy and programs, as well as suggestions for future research.
Bringing Cooking Classes to Food Deserts: Addressing Food Insecurity Among Rural Older Adults
Authors: Roupas Julianna , Dissanayake Manthi , Kolasa Kathryn , Tumin Dmitry
Published: February 2025

The Food is Medicine cooking series was implemented to increase food security in older adults living in a rural region of the Southeastern United States. Two medical students led weekly cooking classes at the local Council on Aging and provided participants with recipes and food items supplied by the local food bank. Over 4 months, 57 older adults completed the program. Participants reported achieving dietary goals, improving nutrition knowledge, and increasing confidence in budgeting at the grocery store. These objectives were measured qualitatively through group discussion. This initiative demonstrates the significance of accessible nutrition education resources in decreasing the risk of food insecurity in rural older adults.
The Hallowed Halls of Rochelle: A History of the Music Program at Rochelle High School, Lakeland, Florida, 1949–1969
Authors: Sargeant Tosh
Published: February 2025

William A. Rochelle High School was a source of pride in Lakeland, Florida’s Black community and educated Black students from the Lakeland, FL area from 1928 until 1969. Graduates of Rochelle, a segregated all-Black high school, went on to become college professors, professional athletes, professional musicians, military officers, and much more. For Lakeland’s Black community, Rochelle High School was a shining example of Black excellence surrounded by a harsh and cruel racially segregated twentieth century American society. This article is a brief account of the William A. Rochelle High School music program. This history was compiled and pieced together through interviews with former students, a teacher, newspaper articles, yearbooks, and other historical documents mostly found within the local Lakeland and Polk County, Florida community. The narrative that follows describes a once dynamic and active music program with deep local roots, strong ties to Florida HBCU’s and that inspired pride, dedication, and discipline.
Modulation of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation by QYHT Decoction: Implications for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in Hyperuricemia
Authors: Ge Pingyu , Guo Yinxue , Che Bangwei , Jin Hang , Chen Lan , Chen Zhichao , Tang Kaifa
Published: February 2025

Hyperuricemia (HUA) causes vascular endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress, and simultaneously activates the NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to inflammatory reactions and erectile dysfunction (ED). This study aimed to investigate the effects of QYHT (Quyuhuatanerxian decoction) decoction on the NLRP3 inflammasome and explore its potential in treating HUA-induced ED. This study employed four treatment methods: (a) treating HUA-induced ED patients with QYHT and analyzing changes in gut microbiota abundance and fecal metabolites through 16S sequencing; (b) establishing an HUA-induced ED rat model, treating with different doses of QYHT, and examining changes in serum metabolites; (c) conducting fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) therapy; evaluating erectile function, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation levels; and (d) exploring key monomeric compounds and potential targets in QYHT through network pharmacology and molecular docking. The treatment with QYHT and FMT increased testosterone levels, reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory marker levels, and inhibited the expressions of NLRP3-related factors. QYHT affected the gut microbiota structure and metabolite levels. The key components were linoleoyl acetate and mandanol, and the target was JAK2. QYHT decoction regulates the distribution of gut microbiota, improves amino acid metabolism, and effectively inhibits the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes. This, in turn, enhances erectile function and reduces oxidative stress and inflammatory response levels, leading to successful treatment of HUA-induced ED.
The application of accumulation tests in peaks over threshold modeling with fire insurance data sets
Authors: Liu Bowen , Ananda Malwane M.A.
Published: February 2025

Modeling excesses remains to be an important topic in insurance data modeling. Among the alternatives to modeling excess, the Peaks Over Threshold (POT) framework with Generalized Pareto distribution (GPD) is regarded as an efficient approach due to its flexibility. However, selecting an appropriate threshold for such a framework is a major difficulty. To address such difficulty, we applied several accumulation tests along with Anderson-Darling test to determine an optimal threshold. Limited simulations were conducted to assess the performance of accumulation tests. Based on the selected thresholds, the fitted GPD with the estimated quantiles can be found. We applied the procedure to the wellknown Norwegian fire insurance data and AON Re Belgian fire loss data. With the selected thresholds, confidence intervals for the Value-at-Risks (VaR) were constructed correspondingly. The accumulation test approach provides satisfactory performance in modeling the VaR of both data sets compared to the previous graphical methods.
Hypoglycemia Prediction in Type 1 Diabetes With Electrocardiography Beat Ensembles
Authors: Tseng Mu-Ruei , Vyas Kathan , Das Anurag , Quamer Waris , Dave Darpit , Erranguntla Madhav , Villegas Carolina , DeSalvo Daniel , McKay Siripoom , Cote Gerard , Gutierrez-Osuna Ricardo
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

Current methods to detect hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes (T1D) require invasive sensors (ie, continuous glucose monitors, CGMs) that generally have low accuracy in the hypoglycemic range. A forward-looking alternative is to monitor physiological changes induced by hypoglycemia that can be measured non-invasively using, eg, electrocardiography (ECG). However, current methods require extraction of fiduciary points in the ECG signal (eg, to estimate QT interval), which is challenging in ambulatory settings.

Methods:

To address this issue, we present a machine-learning model that uses (1) convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to extract morphological information from raw ECG signals without the need to identify fiduciary points and (2) ensemble learning to aggregate predictions from multiple ECG beats. We evaluate the model on an experimental data set that contains ECG and CGM recordings over a period of 14 days from ten participants with T1D. We consider two testing scenarios, one that divides ECG data according to CGM readings (CGM-split) and another that divides ECG data on a day-to-day basis (day-split)

Results:

We find that models trained using CGM-splits tend to produce overly optimistic estimates of hypoglycemia prediction, whereas day-splits provide more realistic estimates, which are consistent with the intrinsic accuracy of CGM devices. More importantly, we find that aggregating predictions from multiple ECG beats using ensemble learning significantly improves predictions at the beat level, though these improvements have large inter-individual differences.

Conclusion:

Deep learning models and ensemble learning can extract and aggregate morphological information in ECG signals that is predictive of hypoglycemia. Using two validation procedures, we estimate an upper bound on the accuracy of ECG hypoglycemia prediction of 81% equal error rate and a lower bound of 60%. Further improvements may be achieved using big-data approaches that require longitudinal data from a large cohort of participants.
Sub-acute Toxicity Effects of the Methanolic Extract from Searsia longipes on the Hematological, Biochemical and Histopathological Parameters of Wilstar Albino Rats
Authors: Mbugi Nicolaus Omari , Chacha Musa , Mbega Ernest
Published: February 2025

Background: Searsia longipes is a medicinal plant used in Tanzania and other parts of Africa in the management of various diseases. Despite its wide utilization as folk medicine, there is a paucity of safety information about the extract from this plant. Objectives: The present study aimed at investigating the sub-acute toxicity of the methanolic extract from this plant. Methods: The crude extract from the stem bark of S. longipes was extracted by using methanol, after which the assessment of its toxicity was done on Wilstar albino rats. Parameters including haematological, biochemical, histopathological, as well as organ and animal weight were examined to unveil the toxic effect of the plant extract. Results: The plant extract did not induce significant changes to most hematological parameters except for white blood cells, which demonstrated a dose-dependent increase. Notably, thrombocytes showed an increase that was directly proportional to the increase in the extract dose, although not significant. The biochemical parameters did not show significant increase, whereas the histopathological analysis demonstrated mild morphological changes to the liver and kidney at the highest dose used. There were no significant variations in the organ weights; meanwhile, the body weights in treatment groups expressed time-dependent increases, which is similar to that of the control group. Conclusion: This study reports the sub-acute toxicity profile of the extract from S. longipes for the first time. This information is crucial as it not only fills a significant gap in our knowledge but also paves the way for further exploration of this plant as a potential source of diverse therapeutic agents.
Far-right transnationalism, digital affordances, and the specter of a new geopolitics
Authors: Ettlinger Nancy
Published: February 2025

Increasing attention paid to the far right commonly glosses over transnational activity, which reflects an imperial strategy to globalize far-right thinking and its attendant discursive and physical violence against others. Empirically, I focus on far-right transnational linkages among ordinary people (not state officials) between the United States and Europe and across Europe, and between India and the Indian diaspora especially in the United States to present variation in organizational strategies. Transnational far-right activity's under-the-radar status is due to dated assumptions that presume transnational linkages occur on a top, down basis, and emanate from the formal political sphere, overlooking significant transnational material and immaterial linkages forged online by ordinary people who carry messaging through the far-right online ecosystem to affect political decision-making and societal discourses more generally. In the case of the far-right Indian diaspora, public-facing self-presentation aligns with Hinduism, which embraces peace and coexistence, despite the pursuit of the opposite, and this multicultural guise complements the bottom, up flow of far-right messaging to render Hindu nationalism, Hindutva, difficult to see. The far right throughout the world unites around casteism, the embrace of a fixed and “natural” societal hierarchy, and is fueled emotionally by the Great Replacement conspiracy theory. Both casteism and replacement theory are adaptable to different contexts to enable unity across contexts despite internal diversity among far-right groups, notably in the United States, and diverse targets of hatred. Far-right unity-in-diversity obviates constraints on transnational activity based on nativism and enables different in organization and psychosocial and cultural practices.
Therapeutic Potential of Chitosan Nasal Gel in Addressing Olfactory Dysfunction: A Clinical Trial and Mechanistic Study
Authors: Algarni Majed A. , Abdelazim Mohamed H. , Alsulami Fahad T. , Alzarea Abdulaziz Ibrahim , Alharbi Adnan , Altemani Abdullah H. , Alshammari Abdullah S. , Alsenani Faisal , Abdelazim Ahmed H.
Published: February 2025

Background

Olfactory dysfunction significantly impacts daily life, affecting safety, appetite, and sensory enjoyment. Olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) are essential for odor detection, but environmental exposure can lead to dysfunction. Regeneration of these neurons is crucial for maintaining olfactory function, and elevated calcium levels in nasal mucus are linked to this dysfunction.

Objective

The study evaluated chitosan nasal gel for persistent olfactory dysfunction lasting over 6 months, focusing on ORNs regeneration and reduced calcium levels in nasal mucus.

Methods

A randomized, double-blind trial included 215 participants with persistent olfactory dysfunction lasting over 6 months. Participants were divided into two groups: 116 received nasal chitosan gel, and 99 received a control sodium chloride gel. Over 3 months, 11 participants in the chitosan group and 9 in the control group were lost to follow-up. Olfactory function was assessed with the Sniffin’ Sticks test, and calcium levels were measured before and after treatment.

Results

Patients treated with chitosan nasal gel showed an increased composite threshold, discrimination, identification (TDI) score, indicating improved olfactory function. Discrimination and identification scores improved, while threshold scores showed no significant change. Notably, while the total TDI score improved by 4.55 points, it did not reach the threshold for clinical significance (5.5 points). Furthermore, chitosan nasal gel significantly reduced calcium levels in nasal secretions compared to the control group. No improvement was observed in the placebo group, likely due to the strict inclusion criteria targeting individuals with treatment-resistant olfactory dysfunction persisting over 6 months.

Conclusion

This small-scale pilot study highlights the potential of chitosan nasal gel to improve specific domains of olfactory dysfunction and reduce nasal calcium levels. However, further studies with larger sample sizes, diverse populations, and longer follow-up periods are required to confirm these preliminary findings.
A multicenter, postmarketing surveillance of elobixibat in patients with chronic constipation in Japan: A final analysis report
Authors: Nakajima Atsushi , Umeyama Minami , Higashikawa Masaaki , Shimada Yusuke , Arai Yuki
Published: February 2025

Objective:

An interim analysis of postmarketing surveillance reported the safety and efficacy of elobixibat, a laxative medication that inhibits the ileal bile acid transporter, at 4 weeks in approximately 1000 patients with chronic constipation in Japan. However, its long-term safety and efficacy in elderly patients remain unclear. This study aimed to conclude and report the final analysis of postmarketing surveillance, including 52-week safety and efficacy profiles in a clinical practice setting, using approximately 3000 patients.

Methods:

The overall survey period spanned from June 2018 to May 2022. Observation periods were set at 4 weeks (4-week treatment period) and 52 weeks (52-week treatment period). Adverse drug reactions and efficacy outcomes, including defecation frequency, Bristol Stool Form Scale scores, and patient satisfaction, were analyzed.

Results:

The 4-week safety analysis set included 3638 patients with a mean age of 70.8 years, and 73.7% were aged ⩾65 years. Most patients (62.5%) were treated with elobixibat alone, while the rest received concomitant laxatives. In total, 231 patients (6.35%) experienced adverse drug reactions, with gastrointestinal disorders (6.02%) such as diarrhea (3.35%) and abdominal pain (2.06%), being the most common adverse drug reaction. The adverse drug reaction incidence in elderly patients aged ⩾65, ⩾75, and ⩾85 years was 5.49%, 4.85%, and 2.80%, respectively. In the 52-week treatment period, adverse drug reaction incidence was 5.40% (71/1315 patients), similar to that in the 4-week treatment period. Regarding efficacy, defecation frequency and Bristol Stool Form Scale scores significantly improved from week 2 onward, regardless of the age group and administration timing (before breakfast, lunch, or dinner). Most patients reported satisfaction from week 2 onward (6.0%, 66.9%, 78.6%, and 90.4% at baseline, weeks 2, 4, and 52, respectively).

Conclusion:

This study confirmed the long-term safety and efficacy of elobixibat in patients with chronic constipation, including many elderly ones, in routine clinical practice.
Spatio-temporal Characterization of Potential Demand for Tourist Attractions Based on Internet Search
Authors: Feng Xiao-Bing
Published: February 2025

With the development and popularization of Internet information technology, search engines have become an important channel for the majority of Internet users to find and obtain the information they need. Network attention is an important manifestation of users’ potential demand or realistic concern for a certain thing or phenomenon. The article takes Dujiangyan Scenic Area in Sichuan Province, China as a case study, uses the network search data from the Baidu Index platform from 2017 to 2022, applies geographical spatial statistical analysis methods to study the spatiotemporal characteristics of tourist network attention to Dujiangyan Scenic Area, and explores the factors influencing the spatiotemporal characteristics of tourist network attention. The research found that there is a significant correlation between network attention and changes in the actual number of tourists received. The network attention to Dujiangyan Scenic Area is relatively dispersed in terms of time distribution, with differences in the distribution of tourist network attention over time caused by climate comfort, holiday system, and festival activities. The network attention to Dujiangyan Scenic Area exhibits relatively dispersed spatial distribution characteristics, with the population size of tourist source areas, spatial distance, Internet development level, and economic development level being the main factors influencing the spatial distribution characteristics of tourist network attention. Tourist attractions can enhance the effectiveness of tourism network marketing, develop differentiated tourism marketing and promotion strategies by utilizing the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of network attention.
Enhancing Subjective Well-Being in Young Professional Athletes: The Role of Self-Esteem and Perceived Social Support in Moderating Neuroticism
Authors: Solmaz Serdar
Published: February 2025

Subjective Well-Being (SWB) is especially vital for young professional athletes as they attempt to maintain and improve their performance during adolescence and beyond. Young professional athletes encounter various stressors during adolescence; furthermore, it is known that neuroticism is high during these ages. This necessitates the investigation of factors influencing the relationship between SWB and neuroticism. This study aims to examine the relationship between neuroticism and SWB among young professional athletes and determine whether this relationship is moderated by self-esteem (SE) and perceived social support (PSS). For this, a total of 422 professional athletes (mean age: 19.75, SD = 1.71) from various sports clubs in Turkey were included in the study. Participants completed the Big Five Inventory (BFI), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Scale for Positive and Negative Experience (SPANE), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). In the constructed structural equation model, multiple regression analyses, post hoc analyses, and slope analyses were utilized. Young professional athletes with high levels of neuroticism were found to have lower SWB even after controlling for age, wealth, and health status ( b = −0.14, p < .05). When comparing young athletes with low SE ( b = −0.232, p < .05) to those with high SE ( b = −0.165, p = .76), it was determined that SWB tended to decrease more in those with high neuroticism. Additionally, it was significantly predicted that SWB tended to decrease when either SE ( b = −0.183, p < .05) or PSS ( b = −0.214, p < .05) was low, or both were low ( b = −0.293, p < .05). Conversely, in young athletes with both high PSS and high SE ( b = −0.105, p = .072), this relationship became insignificant. However, the study’s cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, and self-reported data may introduce potential bias.
How learning and legitimacy goals influence inter-firm imitation in R&D investment decisions
Authors: Mazzelli Ambra , Foss Nicolai J
Published: February 2025

Much research has examined the drivers of firms’ R&D investments. However, many questions remain with respect to the role of R&D as a learning target and as a means of achieving legitimacy, particularly in the context of imitative R&D strategy. We develop a theory that integrates different explanations of why firms engage in imitation, highlighting efficiency-enhancing learning and legitimacy and focusing on firms’ R&D investment decisions. We argue that deviations in firm performance from social aspiration levels determine the salience of learning and legitimacy goals. Specifically, as performance moves from lying below to being above social aspiration levels, organizations gradually shift from a primary focus on learning vicariously from others’ R&D investments toward a focus on mimicking them to maintain legitimacy. An analysis of a sample of 2,081 Spanish manufacturing firms, as well as an online experiment with 863 participants from the manufacturing industry largely support our hypotheses.

JEL CLASSIFICATION: D22, M10, O32