bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association Between Dating App Usage and Body Image Dissatisfaction among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men in Hong Kong: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Chan Lik Sam , Wu-Ouyang Biying
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Recent studies show that men who have sex with men (MSM) face body image concerns. This research examines the link between dating app usage and body image dissatisfaction among young MSM in Hong Kong, based on the transactional model of social media and body image concerns and cultivation theory.

Methods

A mixed-methods design was employed, with a quantitative phase followed by a qualitative phase. In the quantitative phase, 214 young MSM (18–34 years old) completed a survey assessing their dating app usage, muscularity ideal, and body image dissatisfaction in August and September 2021. In the qualitative phase, 14 selected MSM participated in semi-structured interviews in September and October 2022, reflecting on the impact of dating app usage on their body image.

Results

The quantitative phase revealed that more frequent dating app use was indirectly associated with a higher level of body image dissatisfaction via a stronger perception of muscularity ideal in the gay community. This association was weaker among MSM who were relatively older and those who exercised more frequently. The qualitative phase showed that relatively older MSM had connections to a broader gay culture and that MSM who exercised more often saw a wider range of body types, making them less susceptible to the recurring muscular images on dating apps.

Conclusions

While dating apps cultivate muscularity ideal, access to a more diverse gay culture can alleviate the influence of these apps on MSM’s body image concerns.

Policy Implications

Creating spaces for young MSM to expand their social circles and connect with diverse peer groups can help counter the negative influence of dating apps.
On metric dimension of symmetrical planer pyramid related graphs
Authors: Nazeer Saqib , Hussain Muhammad , Rehman Atiq ur , Ali Ali Hasan
Published: February 2025

Robotics and networking have transformed the world in numerous ways. Nowadays, computer networks play a vital role not only in business, education, and medical treatments, but also in entertainment. Graph theory has wide-ranging applications in robotics, tricky games, computer networking, map formations, image processing, Loran or Sonar models, pattern recognition, artificial intelligence, medical networks (such as oxygen or other treatment wiring), navigation problems, electrical networks, and more. Metric dimension has left its mark on artificial intelligence, map navigation, image recognition, pattern formation, facility location problems, and resource management (cost, time, labor, and resources). Robots are used in almost every field of life, including saving lives in the medical field, and metric dimension plays a crucial role in ensuring their accuracy. In this recent work, we enhance the concept of reflection of graphs and introduce new graphs, which we have called horizontal reflection graphs. We also compute the metric dimension of

$$h-Vrl(mid(Tower_{p}))$$

h
-
V
r
l
(
m
i
d

(
T
o
w
e

r
p

)

)

and h-Vrl(Middle tower Path Graph) and found it to be constant.
Differentiation of human hyalocytes from induced pluripotent stem cells through ascorbic acid treatment
Authors: Mazzoldi Elena Laura , Benini Gabriele , Ferraro Rosalba Monica , Micheletti Moira , Martellosio Giovanni , Balduchelli Viola , Sacristani Piergiuseppe , Lussignoli Daniele , Semeraro Francesco , Rezzola Sara , Presta Marco , Bergandi Loredana , Meduri Alessandro , Giliani Silvia Clara
Published: February 2025

Hyalocytes are macrophage-like cells residing in the eye vitreous cortex. Even though hyalocytes have been firstly described in the mid-Nineteenth century, they have been poorly explored. Recent researches highlighted hyalocyte involvement in both physiological and pathological processes of the vitreoretinal interface. Nonetheless, the majority of works involving hyalocyte cultures were carried out in animals, while fewer studies were performed on humans because their isolation requires vitrectomy. The aim of this study was to differentiate human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into hyalocytes as a non-invasive method to continuously obtain cells. iPSCs were first differentiated into hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) and then into macrophages. Macrophages were either left untreated (NT) or treated with ascorbic acid (AA) alone or combined with bFGF and/or TGF-β1. Additionally, macrophages were cultured in the presence of a pool of vitreous bodies from vitrectomies. Cells were analyzed for morphology and then for gene and protein expression through qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, Western Blot, and flow cytometry. Similar to cells treated with the vitreous body, macrophages treated with AA alone or in combination with bFGF exhibited a more elongated shape compared to NT or cells treated with TGF-β1. Additionally, these treatments resulted in gene expression downregulation for S100A4, S100A10, S100B, and CX3CR1, while upregulating COL6A1, HLA-DRA, and CD74. At the protein level, S100B, CD14, and CD49d were downregulated with all treatments, while collagen VI and HLA-DR were upregulated. This work demonstrates that hyalocytes can be differentiated by treatment of iPSC-derived macrophages with ascorbic acid for a period of 21 days.
Assessment of Pharmacovigilance Across University Hospitals in Morocco
Authors: Hamzaoui Hind , Shaum Anna , Cherkaoui Imad , Moussa Latifa Ait , Sefiani Houda , Talibi Ismail , Benabdallah Ghita , Salman Omar , Ferrey Seth , Soulaymani Bencheikh Rachida
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Despite the increased scrutiny on vaccine safety following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Morocco’s Centre of Antipoison and Pharmacovigilance (CAPM) remained concerned that the pharmacovigilance system in Morocco was insufficiently implemented, including limited adverse event (AE) reporting, poor data use, and inconsistent training nationwide.

Objectives

We sought to assess the status of pharmacovigilance activities (PAs) prior to formally institutionalizing them across university hospital centers (UHCs), given their position as the main providers of healthcare in Morocco and key sources for reporting serious AEs.

Methods

We assessed seven UHCs (housing 30 hospitals) in 2023 using a structured questionnaire with pharmacovigilance focal points developed from the World Health Organization’s indicators of pharmacovigilance and the Global Benchmarking Tool. Data were grouped into 28 PAs and scored from 0 (not implemented) to 3 (fully implemented). We then calculated an implementation rate for each site on the basis of percent of PAs fully implemented (≥ 70%, well established; > 40% to < 70%, partially implemented; and ≤ 40%, not implemented). A desk review was also performed at the sites. Using the results of the assessment, three working groups of pharmacovigilance stakeholders developed recommendations to be formally adopted by UHCs.

Results

Basic elements of pharmacovigilance (notification forms and VigiFlow® or Excel databases) were present at all the UHCs assessed. In total, 14 hospitals (47%) had well-established PAs, including advanced activities such as signal detection of adverse events following the use of medicines and vaccines, as well as causality assessment; 9 hospitals (30%) were partially implementing pharmacovigilance, and 7 hospitals (23%) had no established activities or very basic activities. Within four UHCs, activities had not been implemented at the same level from one hospital to another and vaccine vigilance was largely deprioritized. The working groups made recommendations for improving collaboration, standardizing procedures, and outlining a new organizational structure for pharmacovigilance, which was institutionalized by a formal agreement among UHCs in July 2023.

Conclusions

The assessment revealed a subgroup of centers with well-established AE signal detection and causality assessment abilities, which could play a leading role in the country. After the site assessment, our collaborative approach of bringing together focal points to identify next steps and generate buy-in helped to formalize pharmacovigilance across centers.
The Gap Is Getting Closer: Trends in Absolute and Relative Black-White HIV Mortality Disparities in the USA (1999–2023)
Authors: Azzam Ahmed , Khaled Heba
Published: February 2025

Background

This study analyzes trends in HIV-related mortality disparities between Black and White populations in the USA from 1999 to 2023.

Methods

CDC WONDER data were utilized to assess absolute disparities, measured as the age-adjusted mortality rate difference, and relative disparities, measured as the age-adjusted mortality rate ratio, in Black-White HIV mortality. Trends were analyzed using Joinpoint regression, with the average annual percentage change (AAPC) serving as a summary measure for the entire period and the annual percentage change (APC) used to evaluate the magnitude of change within specific intervals.

Results

The absolute disparity showed a consistent decline, with an AAPC of − 6.46% (p < 0.001). Similarly, the relative disparity significantly decreased, with an AAPC of − 1.10% (p < 0.001). A detailed analysis of relative disparity revealed a notable inflection point in 2007, marked by an initial increase from 1999 to 2007 (APC 0.96%, p = 0.002), followed by a decline from 2007 to 2023 (APC − 2.12%, p < 0.001). The findings for both Black-White females and males consistently demonstrated reductions in both relative and absolute disparities, aligning with the overall trend. Among age categories, the 45–54 age group showed the greatest improvement in absolute (− 8.11%) and relative (− 2.65%) disparities, while the 25–34 group showed the least, with a slight increase in relative disparity (+ 0.23%, p = 0.66).

Conclusion

This study shows significant progress in reducing absolute Black-White HIV mortality disparities, while the reduction in relative inequalities is more modest, emphasizing the need for continued and strengthened public health efforts.
A comprehensive analysis of tracing the sources and dynamics of pollutants in a tropical Miri River, NW Borneo
Authors: William Fiona Bassy , Mohan Viswanathan Prasanna , Ramasamy Nagarajan , Sabarathinam Chidambaram
Published: February 2025

The fractionation and distribution of elemental composition in water (particulate and colloid) and sediments were assessed to understand the major geochemical processes that control the contaminant transport in the Miri River, NW Borneo. Further, the study also focused on determining the potential sources of geochemical elements and assessing the ecological risk. In this regard, 11 surface water and 35 river bed sediment samples were collected along the course of the Miri River and analyzed for various elemental compositions. Pollution indices such as geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and contamination factor (CF) were used to determine the pollution status of the river. Principal component analysis (PCA) was also used to identify the key geochemical processes that control the metal distribution and its sources. The interpretation of the results indicates that elemental distribution in size fractions showed an increasing concentration trend from the colloidal to the particulate fraction. Fe was observed to be the dominant metal in both water and sediments, indicating the weathering of river sediments. Cd, Pb and Zn are mostly derived from anthropogenic impacts and risk evaluation indicate the probability of adverse ecological threats to the riverine biota. Colloidal fractions (0.30 µm and 0.20 µm) were identified as the primary facilitators of contaminant transport, particularly in the upstream and midstream, whereas particulate (0.45 µm) dominates in the downstream due to the tidal influx of seawater. PCA analysis confirmed that the majority of pollutants were contributed by domestic and industrial discharge, seawater incursion, geogenic sources and agricultural inputs.
Aerial-Ground Collaborative Routing with Uncertain Exploration Value
Authors: Moon Chaehwan , Choi Euihyeon , Ahn Jaemyung
Published: February 2025

This study develops a novel framework for aerial-ground collaborative routing that addresses uncertainty in exploration value. The framework enables an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to conduct rapid reconnaissance while a ground vehicle (GV) gathers profit, dynamically optimizing the GV’s route based on updated information. Two complementary approaches are presented: a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) formulation for optimal path selection and an adaptive two-phase method for robust, uncertain environment exploration. A case study validates these approaches, demonstrating how aerial-ground collaboration improves mission efficiency and information acquisition in uncertain environments.
Fallibilism and Generative AI in Cartography: Some Fundamental Theoretical Thoughts
Authors: Edler Dennis , Drews Jule , Berr Karsten , Kühne Olaf
Published: February 2025

This article explores the significance of various forms of fallibilism in the context of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in cartography. Fallibilism, as an epistemological approach, emphasizes the fundamental fallibility of knowledge (here particularly scientific knowledge and AI-generated knowledge) and calls for critical reflection on its limits and uncertainties. Five variants of fallibilism (epistemological, methodological, ontological, pragmatic, and neopragmatic) are examined in this context. The epistemological approach emphasizes the provisional nature of knowledge, while the methodological approach focuses on the need for error-tolerant methods. Ontological fallibilism questions fundamental assumptions about reality, and pragmatic and neopragmatic fallibilism emphasize the practical utility of knowledge and iterative development. The neopragmatic approach, which integrates all other perspectives, offers a flexible and practice-oriented framework. This framework promotes the creation of useful, dynamic, and inclusive cartographic applications. The article discusses how generative AI can be utilized within the neopragmatic framework of fallibilism to constructively address uncertainties and develop socially relevant solutions, particularly in the realm of cartography.
Can host reproduction number inform the invasion potential of Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), into endemic Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae), areas in southeastern Australia?
Authors: Dominiak Bernard Charles
Published: February 2025

The competitive displacement of one tephritid species by another tephritid is much discussed but not well understood. In south-eastern Australia, Bactrocera tryoni is speculated to have competitively displaced Ceratitis capitata by 1953. Here, I compared the host reproduction number (HRN) in 37 host fruit for B. tryoni and C. capitata to calculate a reproductive advantage (RA) for each fruit fly. I found 17 hosts where the RA favoured C. capitata but this number declined after tropical hosts were removed from the list. There were four hosts with RA > 10. Regarding the RA for B. tryoni, I found 20 hosts favouring B. tryoni (12 with RA > 10) with several commonly grown hosts at the time of displacement. I speculate that HRN and RA may partly explain why B. tryoni displaced C. capitata. The possible role of other tephritids in the displacement of C. capitata could not be assessed due to lack of HRN data.
Physical activity, eating behavior, and body image perception among university students
Authors: Tey Wooi Yue , Loo Rong Ying , Tsai Meng-Che , Say Yee How , Ng Ai Kah , Tan Seok Shin , Tan Seok Tyug , Cheah Khang Jin , Tan Chin Xuan
Published: February 2025

Background

Inaccurate body image perception could contribute to the adoption of unhealthy eating behaviors and physical inactivity. This study aimed to assess the physical activity, eating behaviors, and body image perception of university students.

Methods

A total of 427 university students were recruited through convenience sampling for this cross-sectional study. The height and weight of the respondents were physically measured. Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. Eating behaviors, including cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating, were evaluated using the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R21. Body image perception was measured using the Ma Figural Stimuli.

Results

Most university students (72.6%) had accurate body image perceptions. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in total physical activity between students with accurate and inaccurate body image perception. Males had significantly higher uncontrolled eating scores (p < 0.05) compared to females, while obese students exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) cognitive restraint and uncontrolled eating scores compared to underweight students.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of understanding body image perception among university students when designing physical activity interventions aimed at body weight management.
Impact of empiric antibiotics on risk of Clostridioides difficile—a causal inference observational analysis
Authors: Pappas Matthew A. , Herzig Shoshana J. , Auerbach Andrew D. , Deshpande Abhishek , Blanchard Eunice , Rothberg Michael B.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a common and often nosocomial infection associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Antibiotic use is the most important modifiable risk factor, but many patients require empiric antibiotics. We estimated the increased risk of hospital-onset CDI with one daily dose-equivalent (DDE) of various empiric antibiotics compared to management without that daily dose-equivalent.

Methods:

Using a multicenter retrospective cohort of adults admitted between March 2, 2020 and February 11, 2021 for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2, we used a series of three-level logistic regression models to estimate the probability of receiving each of several antibiotics of interest. For each antibiotic, we then limited our data set to patient-days at intermediate probability of receipt and used augmented inverse-probability weighted models to estimate the average treatment effect of one daily dose-equivalent, compared to management without that daily dose-equivalent, on the probability of hospital-onset CDI.

Results:

In 24,406 patient-days at intermediate probability of receipt, parenteral vancomycin increased risk of hospital-onset CDI, with an average treatment effect of 0.0096 cases per daily dose-equivalent (95% CI: 0.0053—0.0138). In 38,003 patient-days at intermediate probability of receipt, cefepime also increased subsequent CDI risk, with an estimated effect of 0.0074 more cases per daily dose-equivalent (95% CI: 0.0022—0.0126).

Conclusions:

Among common empiric antibiotics, parenteral vancomycin and cefepime appeared to increase risk of hospital-onset CDI. Causal inference observational study designs can be used to estimate patient-level harms of interventions such as empiric antimicrobials.
Preoperative anxiety and its impact on surgical outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shebl Mohamed A. , Toraih Eman , Shebl Menna , Tolba Ahmed Mosaad , Ahmed Parisa , Banga Harshdeep Singh , Orz Mohab , Tammam Mahmoud , Saadalla Keroles , Elsayed Mohamed , Kamal Mennatallah , Abdulla Mohamed , Eldessouky Ahmed Ibrahim , Moustafa Yousef Tarek , Mohamed Omar Ahmed , Aiash Hani
Published: February 2025

Background:

Preoperative anxiety is a common phenomenon affecting 60–80% of surgical patients, with potential implications for surgical outcomes. Despite its prevalence, there remains a lack of consensus on its precise effects and optimal management strategies.

Objective:

This meta-analysis aimed to synthesize current evidence on the impact of preoperative anxiety on various surgical outcomes, including anesthetic and analgesic requirements, delirium, recovery times, and pain.

Methods:

We conducted a comprehensive literature search and meta-analysis of studies examining the relationship between preoperative anxiety and surgical outcomes. Standardized mean differences (SMD), correlation (COR), and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

Results:

Our analysis revealed significant associations between preoperative anxiety and increased anesthetic requirements (SMD = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.32–1.01) and analgesic requirements (SMD = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.65–1.12). Preoperative anxiety was associated with postoperative delirium in adults (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.11–3.26), unlike the pediatric population. Preoperative anxiety was associated with prolonged time to reach Modified Aldrete Score of 9 (SMD = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.50–1.07) and extubation time (SMD = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.58–1.21). Preoperative anxiety was positively correlated with propofol consumption (STAI-S COR = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.15–0.55). No significant association between preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain was found.

Conclusions:

This meta-analysis provides evidence for the wide-ranging effects of preoperative anxiety on surgical outcomes. The findings emphasize the need for routine preoperative anxiety screening and the development of targeted interventions. Future research should focus on long-term impacts and the effectiveness of various anxiety management strategies.
Simulating the air quality impact of prescribed fires using graph neural network-based PM2.5 forecasts
Authors: Liao Kyleen , Buch Jatan , Lamb Kara D. , Gentine Pierre
Published: February 2025

The increasing size and severity of wildfires across the western United States have generated dangerous levels of PM2.5 concentrations in recent years. In a changing climate, expanding the use of prescribed fires is widely considered to be the most robust fire mitigation strategy. However, reliably forecasting the potential air quality impact from prescribed fires, which is critical in planning the prescribed fires’ location and time, at hourly to daily time scales remains a challenging problem. In this paper, we introduce a spatio-temporal graph neural network (GNN)-based forecasting model for hourly PM2.5 predictions across California. Utilizing a two-step approach, we use our forecasting model to predict the net and ambient PM2.5 concentrations, which are used to estimate wildfire contributions. Integrating the GNN-based PM2.5 forecasting model with simulations of historically prescribed fires, we propose a novel framework to forecast their air quality impact. This framework determines that March is the optimal month for implementing prescribed fires in California and quantifies the potential air quality trade-offs involved in conducting more prescribed fires outside the peak of the fire season.
Partition regularity of Pythagorean pairs
Authors: Frantzikinakis Nikos , Klurman Oleksiy , Moreira Joel
Published: February 2025

We address a core partition regularity problem in Ramsey theory by proving that every finite coloring of the positive integers contains monochromatic Pythagorean pairs (i.e.,

$x,y\in {\mathbb N}$

such that

$x^2\pm y^2=z^2$

for some

$z\in {\mathbb N}$

). We also show that partitions generated by level sets of multiplicative functions taking finitely many values always contain Pythagorean triples. Our proofs combine known Gowers uniformity properties of aperiodic multiplicative functions with a novel and rather flexible approach based on concentration estimates of multiplicative functions.
Graphing, homotopy groups of spheres, and spaces of long links and knots
Authors: Koytcheff Robin
Published: February 2025

We study homotopy groups of spaces of long links in Euclidean space of codimension at least three. With multiple components, they admit split injections from homotopy groups of spheres. We show that, up to knotting, these account for all the homotopy groups in a range which depends on the dimensions of the source manifolds and target manifold and which roughly generalizes the triple-point-free range for isotopy classes. Just beyond this range, joining components sends both a parametrized long Borromean rings class and a Hopf fibration to a generator of the first nontrivial homotopy group of the space of long knots. For spaces of equidimensional long links of most source dimensions, we describe generators for the homotopy group in this degree in terms of these Borromean rings and homotopy groups of spheres. A key ingredient in most of our results is a graphing map which increases source and target dimensions by one.
Khomeini Kitsch: Material Cultures of the Iran Hostage Crisis
Authors: Nikpour Golnar
Published: February 2025

In November 1980, a twenty-nine-year-old contract worker in Hammond, Louisiana by the name of Stephen K. Clark was arrested and charged with criminal mischief for painting a thirty-foot mural of Mickey Mouse “making an obscene gesture to Iran” on the side of Sunflower supermarket. According to the store's manager, Clark had been hired to give the store a fresh coat of yellow paint before going wildly off script. The Hammond city prosecutor told the press that Clark would face jail time if convicted for his renegade painting, which, alongside the enormous image of Mickey, featured a word balloon proclaiming “We're fed up. Hey Iran!”1 This was no one-off use of Mickey's likeness to send a message to Iran. At the dawn of the 1980s, the image and sentiment Clark felt compelled to share had become curiously popular across the United States, appearing in surprising places all over the country.
The early Cambrian Kuamaia lata, an artiopodan euarthropod with a raptorial frontal appendage
Authors: O'Flynn Robert J. , Williams Mark , Liu Yu , Hou Xianguang , Guo Jin , Edgecombe Gregory D.
Published: February 2025

Phylogenetic analysis demonstrates that Kuamaia lata, a helmetiid euarthropod from the lower Cambrian (Series 2, Stage 3) Chengjiang Konservat-Lagerstätte, nests robustly within Artiopoda, the euarthropod clade including trilobitomorphs. Microtomography of new specimens of K. lata reveals details of morphology, notably a six-segmented head and raptorial frontal appendages, the latter contrasting with filiform antennae considered to be a diagnostic character of Artiopoda. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrate that a raptorial frontal appendage is a symplesiomorphy for upper stem-group euarthropods, retained across a swathe of tree space, but evolved secondarily in K. lata from an antenna within Artiopoda. The phylogenetic position of K. lata adds support to a six-segmented head being an ancestral state for upper stem- and crown-group euarthropods.
How to Do a Public Dissertation
Authors: Bain Gracie
Published: February 2025

Public dissertations allow doctoral students to engage a broader audience that is often already having conversations about our research topics, whether explicitly or not. The traditional dissertation is usually read by the committee (if you are lucky) and the author. Public projects allow early-career scholars to expand their marketability, relate their abstract topics to concrete discussions, and adapt to the changing demands of the academic space. This article includes a brief case study of the author’s public dissertation to suggest possible avenues for current graduate students and faculty mentors, along with a frank discussion about the pros and cons of such a project. Six tips provide a frank discussion of the pros and cons of such a project and possibilities for graduate students interested in a public project to consider.
Information, Uncertainty, and Public Support for Brinkmanship During the 2023 Debt Limit Negotiations
Authors: DiGiuseppe Matthew , Shea Patrick E.
Published: February 2025

Why do US voters allow politicians to hold the country’s economy hostage during debt ceiling negotiations? In this research note, we argue that ignorance and uncertainty over the consequences of a debt ceiling breach play a nontrivial role in public support for hard-line negotiating positions. In a pre-registered survey experiment, two weeks before the June 2023 deadline to raise the US debt ceiling, we show that providing credible information about the consequences of default increases support for concessions among both Democrats and Republicans. Further, more certain information about the consequences of a debt ceiling breach has a larger effect than less-certain information suggesting that the unpredictable consequences of the crisis also help explain voter reluctance to accept concessions. The findings have implications for understanding debt ceiling negotiations and other crisis bargaining situations where the public serves as a relevant third party.
Online illegal wildlife trade in Indonesia: strengthening the regulatory framework and law enforcement
Authors: Padang Krismanko , Nuruliawati  , Afifah Zahrah , Andriansyah Muhammad Irfan , Putri Andina Auria Dwi , Hafizoh Nur , Hermawati Irma , Muktamarianti Ade Indah , Yulianti Syaras , Handayani Niken Wuri , Mardiah Sofi
Published: February 2025

E-commerce applications have significantly changed how people transact with each other. This includes digital advances that drive illegal wildlife trade. In Indonesia, the Conservation Act of 1990 was enacted before the internet revolution and does not, therefore, adequately cover online illegal wildlife trade. In this study we identified wildlife traded illegally through advertisements published by five large national e-commerce companies and one social media platform operating in Indonesia, using 39 keywords. We also analysed data on wildlife cybercrime court case outcomes, associated criminal networks and their modus operandi. Over 12 months, we found 996 advertisements for wildlife and wildlife products, including of 45 nationally protected species, from 421 accounts. Amongst the six platforms monitored, Facebook Marketplace had the highest illegal wildlife trade traffic. We found that those prosecuted for online illegal wildlife trade were given low sentences. Our analysis of wildlife legislation, focus group discussions and expert interviews showed that the Government of Indonesia Trade Law (2014) and Law on Electronic Information and Transactions (2008) cannot be used to prosecute online illegal wildlife trade cases because these laws do not acknowledge regulations for protected species. Our study emphasizes the urgency of revising the Conservation Act and changing the definition of trade to include advertisements of protected species. We recommend development of screening tools for advertisements and accounts on e-commerce platforms, review of community/user guidelines to prohibit trade of protected species, and strengthening the approach of combining multi-context laws with stakeholder cooperation to prosecute online illegal wildlife trade cases.
Maternal depression during the perinatal period and its relationship with emotion regulation in young adulthood: An fMRI study in a prenatal birth cohort
Authors: Mareckova Klara , Trbusek Filip , Marecek Radek , Chladek Jan , Koscova Zuzana , Plesinger Filip , Andrysková Lenka , Brazdil Milan , Nikolova Yuliya S.
Published: February 2025

Background

Maternal perinatal mental health is essential for optimal brain development and mental health of the offspring. We evaluated whether maternal depression during the perinatal period and early life of the offspring might be selectively associated with altered brain function during emotion regulation and whether those may further correlate with physiological responses and the typical use of emotion regulation strategies.

Methods

Participants included 163 young adults (49% female, 28–30 years) from the ELSPAC prenatal birth cohort who took part in its neuroimaging follow-up and had complete mental health data from the perinatal period and early life. Maternal depressive symptoms were measured mid-pregnancy, 2 weeks, 6 months, and 18 months after birth. Regulation of negative affect was studied using functional magnetic resonance imaging, concurrent skin conductance response (SCR) and heart rate variability (HRV), and assessment of typical emotion regulation strategy.

Results

Maternal depression 2 weeks after birth interacted with sex and showed a relationship with greater brain response during emotion regulation in a right frontal cluster in women. Moreover, this brain response mediated the relationship between greater maternal depression 2 weeks after birth and greater suppression of emotions in young adult women (ab = 0.11, SE = 0.05, 95% CI [0.016; 0.226]). The altered brain response during emotion regulation and the typical emotion regulation strategy were also as sociated with SCR and HRV.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that maternal depression 2 weeks after birth predisposes female offspring to maladaptive emotion regulation skills and particularly to emotion suppression in young adulthood.
Rethinking the date and interpretation of the Thetford treasure: a 5th-c. hoard of gold jewelry and silver spoons
Authors: Swift Ellen
Published: February 2025

This re-evaluation of the Thetford hoard proposes a new date for its burial in the 5th c. CE (ca. 420s–40s), significantly later than the established date of the 380s–90s. The redating is based on comparative material from context-dated grave and hoard finds from across the western Roman Empire. At least 17 hoard artifacts are argued to have been made within the 5th c. The Thetford treasure is a key point of reference in dating artifacts, and therefore a new date, if accepted, will prompt further re-evaluation of material and significantly change our understanding of this key transition period.

The interpretation of the hoard is also revisited. The wide cultural connections that can be demonstrated in the jewelry reflect its assembly in a period of migration and displacement, and there is evidence that its economic value may have become paramount in the latest phase of the assemblage's use. Moreover, the revised date sets a new context for the hoard burial, after economic collapse and political breakdown in Britain. The article advocates for the potential role of wealthy religious sites like Thetford in filling the vacuum left by the collapse of Roman state authority in Britain.
Remembering Gendered Histories of the Holocaust in Yugoslavia and Goli otok in Eva Grlić's Memories and Ženi Lebl's White Violets
Authors: Marko McKenna
Published: February 2025

Abstract

This article examines Yugoslav women's transnational memories of state terror in two autobiographical texts bearing witness to the Holocaust and corrective labor camps on Goli otok and Sveti Grgur: Ženi Lebl's White Violets (1990) and Eva Israel Grlić's Memories (1997). I argue these texts recover disparate histories of state terror, coproducing shared strategies of memory and narration in the process. This article contextualizes how women's testimonies maneuvered the patriarchal cult of silence that marginalized gendered experiences of the corrective labor camps until the 1990s and women's erasure from Yugoslavia's important legacies, such as the antifascist struggle within which Ženi Lebl and Eva Grlić were actively involved. Drawing attention to how the Yugoslav state terror apparatus negated the women's revolutionary contributions and weaponized their biographies against them, this article argues that life writing reclaims their authorial agency and restores multilayered archives of the past.
Prediction of Equatorial Plasma Bubble Formation Using Ionosonde Observations From India
Authors: Patra A. K. , Das S. K.
Published: February 2025

Prediction of equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) is a need of the hour for many modern navigation/communication applications. In this paper, we demonstrate an ionosonde based technique for the prediction of EPB formation overhead and its robustness using a large ionosonde data set, covering diverse solar flux and geomagnetic conditions, from three low‐latitude Indian stations, namely, Trivandrum, Sriharikota and Gadanki. The technique relies on localized upwelling at the bottomside F layer, characterized by the second time derivative of the base height of the F layer observed by ionosonde, as the prime criterion deciding whether EPB will be formed overhead or not. Results show that prediction for the formation of EPB over an ionosonde station can be made with an accuracy of 99.86%. The accuracy of prediction of EPB formation over a station using data from a nearby station separated by 3.2° in longitude, however, is found to be only 83.87%, underlining the crucial role of longitudinally localized background ionospheric conditions at the bottom of the F region. We discuss the prospective of the present technique and propose a cost effective approach for developing an effective EPB prediction strategy.
Simultaneous Two‐Point Study of the Martian Bow Shock Affected by an Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejection: Tianwen‐1 and MAVEN Observations
Authors: Wang Ming , Zhang Jiaqi , Lu Jianyong , Xie Lianghai , Qiao Fuhao , Xu Qi , Li Jinyu , Wei Guanchun , Qu Baohang , Li Lei
Published: February 2025

The Martian bow shock (BS) plays a significant role in the Martian plasma environment. Based on observations from Tianwen‐1 and MAVEN, we first report two cases of simultaneous two‐point crossings of the Martian BS affected by an interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME) event. The findings suggest that high solar wind dynamic pressure, Pd, and interplanetary magnetic field intensity, Bt, within an ICME event have opposite effects on the Martian BS. A high Pd causes the BS to move closer to the planet, while a strong Bt makes it move outward. The precise location of the BS depends on which factor dominates each time under specific ICME conditions. The two examined cases indicate that the Martian BS tends to move outward under an ICME event with a generally large IMF magnitude. The Wang, Xie, et al. (2020, https://doi.org/10.3847/1538‐4357/abbc04) model can accurately predict the location of the Martian BS under the examined ICME event.
A High‐Resolution 3‐D P‐Wave Velocity Structure of the South‐Central Cascadia Subduction Zone From Wide‐Angle Shore‐Crossing Seismic Refraction Data
Authors: Ashraf Asif , Hooft Emilie E. E. , Toomey Douglas R. , Tréhu Anne M. , Nolan Sarah , Wirth Erin A. , Ward Kevin M.
Published: February 2025

This study addresses a significant gap in understanding the features of the south‐central Cascadia subduction zone, a region characterized by complex geologic, tectonic, and seismic transitions both offshore and onshore. Unlike other segments along this margin, this area lacks a 3‐D velocity model to delineate its structural and geological features on a fine scale. To address this void, we developed a high‐resolution 3‐D P‐wave velocity model using active source seismic data from ship‐borne seismic shots recorded on temporary and permanent onshore seismic stations and ocean‐bottom seismometers. Our model shows velocity variations across the region with distinct velocity‐depth profiles for the Siletz, Franciscan, and Klamath terranes in the overlying plate. We identified seaward dipping high‐velocity static backstops associated with the Siletz and Klamath terranes, situated near the shoreline and further inland, respectively. Regions of reduced crustal velocity are associated with crustal faults. Moreover, there is significant along‐strike depth variation in the subducting slab, which is about 4 km deeper near the thick, dense Siletz terrane and becomes shallower near the predominantly less‐dense Franciscan terrane. This highlights a sudden tectonic and geologic transition at the southern boundary of the Siletz terrane. Our velocity model also indicates slightly increased hydration, though still minimal, in both the oceanic crust and the upper mantle of the subducting plate compared to other parts of the margin.
Decoding the Relationship Between Cloud Electrification, Downdrafts, and Surface Ozone in the Amazon Basin
Authors: Unfer Gabriela R. , Machado Luiz A. T. , Albrecht Rachel I. , Cecchini Micael A. , Harder Hartwig , Magina Flávio C. , Pöhlker Mira L. , Pöschl Ulrich , Vilà‐Guerau de Arellano Jordi , Williams Earle R. , Wolff Stefan , Pöhlker Christopher
Published: February 2025

The relationship between the electric field of storms and surface ozone (O3) levels in the Amazon Tall Tower Observatory (ATTO) region was investigated. Our findings reveal that surface ozone concentrations increase with the rise in the absolute electric field (|Ez|) of clouds. This phenomenon is linked to the amplification of downdraft magnitudes, which are similarly associated with the |Ez|. Detailed analysis also indicated that stronger downdrafts correlate with higher surface ozone levels. Consequently, the |Ez|‐downdrafts‐O3 interaction forms a coupled system, influenced by the strength of convective clouds. Notably, a more significant effect is observed when the |Ez| surpasses the threshold of lightning activity, leading to an increment of up to 5 ppbv in surface O3. This increment was shown to be independent of downdraft intensity or cloud height, relating solely to the impact of electrical activity. Based on the observational data, a novel parameterization was developed to predict surface ozone concentrations during storms, effectively incorporating the proportional impact of cloud electrification and downdrafts. This phenomenological model provides a robust tool for understanding and forecasting ozone dynamics in storm events in the Amazon rainforest, highlighting the intricate interplay between cloud electricity, downdrafts, and air chemistry in tropical convective storms.
Measuring Gas Transfer Velocity in a Steep Tropical Stream: Method Evaluation and Implications for Upscaling
Authors: Rexroade Adam T. , Wallin Marcus B. , Duvert Clément
Published: February 2025

Greenhouse gas emission estimates from streams rely, in part, on accurate measurements or estimates of the gas transfer velocity, which describes the physical efficiency for gas exchange across the water‐air interface. Numerous methods for measuring or modeling gas transfer velocity exist, yet few studies compare these different methods. Additionally, current models of gas transfer velocity in streams are predominantly derived from measurements in low‐gradient, temperate, or boreal streams. Here, we measured gas transfer velocity using four different methods in a high‐energy, tropical headwater stream under a range of flow conditions, and compared these measurements to indirect estimates from four empirical models. Our results show that, when compared to the use of a biologically inert gas tracer (propane), floating chambers produced lower gas transfer velocity values. Using carbon dioxide (CO2) as a tracer gas was unreliable without considering other natural sources and sinks of CO2 and yielded gas transfer velocities lower than when using propane. Existing empirical models tended to underestimate gas transfer velocity, compared to the inert tracer gas. When using empirical models to upscale the emission flux along an entire stream reach, choice of model was more influential than the spatial resolution of model implementation. We also highlight the extreme spatial variability of gas transfer velocity across small spatial scales, which contrasts with its relative stability across changing hydrological conditions. The discrepancies between methods highlight the need for further research in measuring and upscaling gas transfer velocity, particularly in very turbulent steep streams.
Quantification of Carbopeaking and CO2 ${\text{CO}}_{2}$ Fluxes in a Regulated Alpine River
Authors: Dolcetti G. , Piccolroaz S. , Bruno M. C. , Calamita E. , Larsen S. , Zolezzi G. , Siviglia A.
Published: February 2025

Carbon dioxide () fluxes in regulated Alpine rivers are driven by multiple biogeochemical and anthropogenic processes, acting on different spatiotemporal scales. We quantified the relative importance of these drivers and their effects on the dynamics of concentration and atmospheric exchange fluxes in a representative Alpine river segment regulated by a cascading hydropower system with diversion, which includes two residual flow reaches and a reach subject to hydropeaking. We combined instantaneous and time‐resolved water chemistry and hydraulic measurements at different times of the year, and quantified the main fluxes by calibrating a one‐dimensional transport‐reaction model with measured data. As a novelty compared to previous inverse modeling applications, the model also included carbonate buffering, which contributed significantly to the budget of the case study. The spatiotemporal distribution and drivers of fluxes depended on hydropower operations. Along the residual flow reaches, fluxes were directly affected by the upstream dams only in the first 2.5 km, where the supply of supersaturated water from the reservoirs was predominant. Downstream of the hydropower diversion outlets, the fluxes were dominated by systematic sub‐daily fluctuations in transport and evasion fluxes (“carbopeaking”) driven by hydropeaking. Hydropower operational patterns and regulation approaches in Alpine rivers affect fluxes and their response to biogeochemical drivers significantly across different temporal scales. Our findings highlight the importance of considering all scales of variations for accurate quantification and understanding of these impacts, to clarify the role of natural and anthropogenic drivers in global carbon cycling.
We're About to Reach the Paris Agreement Limit, If We Haven't Already
Authors: van Deelen Grace
Published: February 2025

Earth has probably already entered the 20-year period in which global temperatures will be, on average, 1.5�C (2.7�F) higher than preindustrial conditions.
TIGIT expression in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and its impact on CD8 + T cell exhaustion: implications for immunotherapy
Authors: Tang Tengqian , Wang Wenhao , Gan Lang , Bai Jie , Tan Dehong , Jiang Yan , Zheng Ping , Zhang Weijun , He Yu , Zuo Qianfei , Zhang Leida
Published: February 2025

Extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECCA) is a malignant tumor. The precise role of T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT), an emerging immunosuppressive receptor, in ECCA, and its impact on CD8+ T cell exhaustion (Tex) remains unclear. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to characterize tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) isolated from ECCA. We found that TIGIT was significantly overexpressed in TOX+CD8 T cells. Tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry staining demonstrated that increased TIGIT expression was associated with poorer patient survival. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that TIGIT+CD8+ T cells exhibited decreased TNF-α, IFN-γ, and TCF-1 expression, accompanied by elevated PD-1 and TIM-3 expression compared to TIGIT−CD8+ T cells. In the patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model, the anti-TIGIT treatment group demonstrated reduced tumor weight, enhanced CD8 frequency, and an increased IFN-γ proportion compared to the PBS treatment group. The TIGIT antibody-treated group exhibited a notably higher fraction of GRZB, and anti-TIGIT treatment led to elevated TCF-1 protein levels and decreased protein levels of TOX1 and NR4A1. Moreover, TIGIT+CD8 T cells from TILs appear to be in a state of exhaustion with low potential killing capacity in ECCA, as shown by scRNA-seq. Taken together, the present study underscores the significant role of TIGIT in ECCA, contributing to T cell exhaustion and a compromised CD8+ T cell immune response. Targeting TIGIT presents a promising therapeutic avenue to enhance the CD8+ T-cell response, thereby potentially improving ECCA therapeutic benefits.