bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Market Fear and Emerging Market Returns: Analyzing the Impacts of VIX and Dollar Index
Authors: Valadkhani Abbas , O’Mahony Barry
Published: January 2025

This paper examines how changes in two measures of market fear in the US — the VIX (volatility) index and the dollar index — affect equity returns in emerging markets from March 11, 2005, to May 5, 2023. We analyze daily data from two exchange-traded funds (ETFs) representing major emerging countries from different continents, which have not been studied before. We observe that during times of global uncertainty, investors often turn to the US dollar as a safe haven. This shift leads to capital leaving emerging markets, resulting in lower stock returns and increased market volatility. Our findings show that a higher VIX index significantly and asymmetrically reduces average returns in emerging markets, while a lower VIX index has a comparatively smaller positive impact. In contrast, the influence of changes in the US dollar index on emerging markets is consistent and symmetric, regardless of which ETF is considered. Moreover, our results indicate that considering both indices together provides a more accurate prediction of equity returns in emerging markets.
Prediction of default probability of family farm based on TOPSIS-Logistic model
Authors: Fu Wenluhan , Li Zhanjiang
Published: January 2025

To address the problem of difficulties in lending to family farms due to the lack of a unified and operative credit evaluation system for family farms, a default probability prediction model based on TOPSIS-Logistic is constructed. Specifically, a two-sample t-test is used to construct a credit evaluation index system, which reflects the idea of screening indicators that significantly differentiate default status; a combined model using TOPSIS and logistic regression is used to predict the probability of default of family farms, which reflects the idea of applying the proximity of family farms to establish a functional relationship with the probability of default so that the corresponding probability of default can be calculated by knowing the proximity. This approach reflects the idea of modeling the probability of default by applying a functional relationship between the proximity of the family farm and the probability of default so that the corresponding probability of default can be calculated by knowing the proximity. The empirical results show that the prediction accuracy of the probability of default is 99.3%, and the model is of value in predicting the probability of default for family farms.
Adenomyosis and IVF — A Story Full of Holes
Authors: Healey Martin , McNamara Helen C.
Published: January 2025

This editorial explores how adenomyosis is diagnosed and the evidence (and its quality) for a link with altered IVF outcomes.
A Comprehensive Review of Thyroid Dysfunction: Hidden Player in Male Infertility
Authors: Babatunde Elizabeth Moyinoluwa , Emokpae Mathias Abiodun
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND: Male infertility is a global health challenge and the prevalence is increasing, particularly in the so-called infertility belt of sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. The etiologies are complex and multifactorial. The impact of thyroid disorders on male reproductive health is often overlooked. This unrecognized link can significantly affect sperm quality, quantity, and overall fertility. The involvement of thyroid dysfunction in male infertility is now increasingly reported, but thyroid hormone evaluation is rarely determined in the laboratory work-up during fertility evaluations. The aim of this review is to highlight the involvement of thyroid hormones in the regulation of reproductive function, how thyroid dysfunction induces male infertility, diagnosis, and future directions for research in thyroid-associated male infertility.

METHODS: Scientific information reviewed for this purpose was obtained from Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and other search engines.

RESULTS: Studies have indicated that thyroid dysfunction in male infertility is critical to spermatogenesis. Any disruption in the interaction between thyroid hormones and the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis may lead to alterations of the fine hormonal balance needed for optimal reproduction and a spectrum of endocrinopathies. Thyroid dysfunctions have an adverse impact on fertility and male reproductive organs.

CONCLUSION: The need to focus on how specific thyroid-related interventions will improve semen quality and if routine thyroid hormone evaluations be included in the diagnostic workup for male infertility are discussed.
A mineralogical-geochemical-petrological study of deformed carbonatites from Padu-Nongryngkoh Jaintia and East-Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, Northeastern India
Authors: Irshad Shyama , Mohanty Sunit , Pdah Damepaia S.M. , Ghatak Arundhuti
Published: January 2025

The study presents the first mineral chemistry, geochemistry, and petrogenesis of the magnesio-carbonatite dykes from the recently identified Padu-Nongryngkoh region, Meghalaya (India). In the field, carbonatites occur as dykes emplaced in the intensly deformed and layered basement of gneissic rocks. Padu Carbonatites primarily consist of calcites and dolomites along with varied proportions of apatite, forsterite, phlogopite, spinel, pyrochlore, ilmenite, magnetite and zircon. Apatites of these carbonatites show magmatic characteristics with marked enrichment of chlorine and heavy rare earth elements. However, these carbonatites display lower REE concentrations compared to the average REE abundances of global carbonatites. These carbonatites are marked by extreme depletion of Ni, Ti, Rb, Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf. These carbonatites are associates with an episodic network of dykes and sills in the Padu-Nongryngkoh-Jarain area formed by the possible upwelling of the Kerguelen Plume. Low REEs in the Padu carbonatites may be due to either lack of REE replenishment in the magma source, or due to a differentiates alkaline hydrated melt as the source for these rocks.
Go-ing to the Cloud
Authors: Williams Alex
Published: January 2025

Alex Williams on how the Go programming language can help resolve some major cloud-related conundrums.
It Is Time to Standardize Principles and Practices for Software Memory Safety
Authors: Watson Robert N.M. , Baldwin John , Chisnall David , Chen Tony , Clarke Jessica , Davis Brooks , Filardo Nathaniel , Gutstein Brett , Jenkinson Graeme , Laurie Ben , Mazzinghi Alfredo , Moore Simon , Neumann Peter G. , Okhravi Hamed , Richardson Alex , Rebert Alex , Sewell Peter , Tratt Laurence , Vijayaraghavan Murali , Vincent Hugo , Witaszczyk Konrad
Published: January 2025

Twenty-one authors, spanning academia and industry, with expertise in memory-safety research, deployment, and policy, argue that standardization is an essential next step to achieving universal strong memory safety.
A Heavenly Host
Authors: Studebaker David
Published: January 2025

An experiment in artificial intelligence results in an everlasting discovery.
Finding Information Leaks with Information Flow Fuzzing
Authors: Gruner Bernd , Brust Clemens-Alexander , Zeller Andreas
Published: January 2025

We present
information flow fuzzing,
an approach that guides fuzzers towards detecting
information leaks
—information that reaches a third party, but should not. The approach detects information flow by means of
mutations,
checking whether and how mutations to (secret) data affect output and execution:

First, the fuzzer uses information flow as a
leak oracle.
To this end, for each input, the fuzzer first runs the program regularly. Then, it mutates
secret data
such as a certificate or a password, and re-runs the program giving the original input. If the output changes, the fuzzer has revealed an information leak.

Second, the fuzzer uses information flow as
guidance.
The fuzzer not only maximizes coverage, but also
changes in coverage
and
changes in data
between the two runs. This increases the likelihood that a mutation will spread to the output.

We have implemented a tool named FLOWFUZZ that
wraps
around a C program under test to provide information-flow based oracles and guidance, allowing for integration with all common fuzzers for C  programs. Using a set of subjects representing common information leaks, we investigate (1) whether oracles based on information flow detect information leaks in our subjects; and (2) whether guidance based on information flow improves over standard coverage guidance. All data and tools are available for replication and reproduction.
Transforming Physiology and Healthcare through Foundation Models
Authors: Godwin Ryan C. , Tung Avery , Berkowitz Dan E. , Melvin Ryan L.
Published: January 2025

Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) may significantly alter physiological research and healthcare delivery. Whereas AI applications in medicine have historically been trained for specific tasks, recent technological advances have produced models trained on more diverse datasets with much higher parameter counts. These new, “foundation” models raise the possibility that more flexible AI tools can be applied to a wider set of healthcare tasks than in the past. This review describes how these newer models differ from conventional task-specific AI, which relies heavily on focused datasets and narrow, specific applications. By examining the integration of AI into diagnostic tools, personalized treatment strategies, biomedical research, and healthcare administration, we highlight how these newer models are revolutionizing predictive healthcare analytics and operational workflows. In addition, we address ethical and practical considerations associated with the use of foundation models by highlighting emerging trends, calling for changes to existing guidelines, and emphasizing the importance of aligning AI with clinical goals to ensure its responsible and effective use.
Dual‐Layer Dynamic Optimization Model for Carbon‐Conscious Transport Mode Allocation
Authors: Gan Jing , Yan Dongmei , Li Linheng
Published: January 2025

Within the framework of China’s “Dual Carbon” strategy, numerous cities have articulated visions and objectives for optimizing the travel structure of transport to further urban sustainable development goals. A critical challenge lies in minimizing CO2 emissions from road networks while meeting diverse transport demands. However, at present the mode shares are set arbitrarily and may not be realistically achievable. When government officials establish travel structure targets, they may not adequately consider the intricate balance between residents’ travel demands and low‐carbon development objectives. To address this issue, this paper presents a dual‐layer optimal allocation model for transport modes, which simultaneously addresses travel demand management and carbon emission control. The upper‐layer model evaluates carbon emissions with the help of speed‐dependent emission factors for various transport modes, and the lower‐layer model leverages the logit Stochastic User Equilibrium (logitSUE) model to yield the velocities of road segments under a diverse array of travel structures. A sophisticated fusion algorithm, integrating the Dial_MSA algorithm with a genetic algorithm (GA), is developed to solve the model. The proposed model and algorithm are tested on a large‐scale real network and show its robustness and scalability. The optimal travel structure derived from this study can provide a theoretical foundation and empirical support for policymakers and urban planners in setting transport infrastructure goals and strategies.
Coxiellosis in Dogs—A Hitherto Masked Zoonosis in India: An Insight From Seromolecular Investigation and Risk Factor Analysis
Authors: Vinod Valil Kunjukunju , Malik Satyaveer Singh , Sivaprasad M. S. , Malik Chinmay , Parmar Neha , Mathesh Karikalan , Kumar Brijesh , De Ujjwal Kumar , Sanjumon E. S. , Vergis Jess , Barbuddhe Sukhadeo Baliram , Rawool Deepak Bhiwa
Published: January 2025

Coxiellaburnetii is an airborne bacterial zoonotic pathogen that causes Q fever/coxiellosis in humans and animals. Although dogs are suspected of transmitting Q fever to humans in past outbreaks, the prevalence of C. burnetii in the Indian dog population and risk factors for infection remain unknown. In this study, 452 dogs from pet clinics in three Indian states were screened for coxiellosis using molecular (Trans‐PCR, Com 1‐PCR) and serological (IFAT) tests. C. burnetii DNA was detected in 0.44% of blood samples using Trans‐PCR, and pathogen‐specific antibodies were found in 4.20% of sera using IFAT. Contact with stray dogs and ownership by farmers were identified as risk factors for canine coxiellosis. This study appears to be the first systematic assessment of coxiellosis and associated risk factors among dogs in India. A large‐scale assessment of canine coxiellosis and its risk factors is warranted among pets and high‐risk occupational groups in India.
An Investigation on Users’ Perceptions of Open Government Data in Qatar
Authors: El-Kassem Rima Charbaji , Al-Kubaisi Ali
Published: January 2025

This study is aimed at evaluating users’ perceptions of open government data (OGD) in Qatar, addressing disparities between the perceived performance and perceived importance of OGD, and identifying the antecedents and consequences of OGD gaps. Data collected from 1426 respondents through a questionnaire were analyzed using multiple quantitative approaches, including importance‐performance analysis (IPA)–based strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis; gap analysis; factor analysis; multiple regression; and path analysis. Among 13 OGD attributes, six were identified as opportunities, five required improvement, and two were considered lower priorities. The OGD gap revealed an 82% surplus. Path analysis demonstrated that the OGD gap, combined with two other latent variables, significantly influenced users’ trust in OGD. This study prioritizes areas for improving OGD attributes, aiming to enhance users’ trust in OGD.
Clinical Subtypes and Prognostic Outcomes of Rhabdomyolysis in ICU Patients
Authors: Xu Shan , Qin Kaixiu , Zhang Dan
Published: January 2025

Background: Rhabdomyolysis (RM) is a severe clinical syndrome with substantial heterogeneity that involves the rapid dissolution of skeletal muscles. The condition has a high prevalence and poor prognosis, particularly in critically ill patients. Subtypes of RM in critically ill patients have not been investigated.

Objective: The study aimed to link the clinical RM heterogeneity with distinct prognoses and associated characteristics among different subtypes using an unsupervised analysis.

Methods: Patients diagnosed with RM in the intensive care unit (ICU) from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care‐IV (MIMIC‐IV) database and the eICU Collaborative Research Database (eICU) were retrospectively enrolled. K‐means clustering, guided by correlation coefficients and expert opinions in intensive care medicine, was applied to identify distinct RM clinical subtypes using routinely available parameters from the first 24 h after patient ICU admission. The primary endpoint was 28‐day mortality. We assessed associations between subtypes and 28‐day mortality, as well as between treatments and 28‐day mortality in the derived subtypes, using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression. The eICU database patients served as an external validation set. The SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAPs) were used to visualize features of each clinical subtype.

Results: A total of 2269 eligible subjects were extracted from the MIMIC‐IV. Two distinct subtypes were identified (A and B) using 17 readily available clinical and biological variables. Patients assigned to Subtype A (n = 511) had a higher 28‐day mortality. The proportion of organ support, comorbidity index, SAPS II, and SOFA scores were all significantly higher in the Subtype A group than in the Subtype B group (n = 1836). After adjusting for relevant covariates, Subtype A patients were independently associated with increased 28‐day mortality (HR [95% CI] = 1.70 [1.36–2.11], p < 0.001). These findings were further validated using an external cohort from the eICU dataset. Notably, Subtype A patients showed a higher mortality risk associated with sodium bicarbonate use (HR [95% CI] 1.62 [1.20–2.19], p = 0.002).

Conclusions: We identified two subtypes with distinct clinical features and outcomes. Subtype A is independently associated with poor outcomes and shows increased mortality risk with sodium bicarbonate use. These findings may help clinicians better distinguish prognoses and treatment responses among RM patients.
New Lower Bounds of Spatial Analyticity Radius for the Kawahara Equation
Authors: Getachew Tegegne
Published: January 2025

In this paper, an algebraic decay rate for the radius of spatial analyticity of solutions to the Kawahara equation is investigated. With given analytic initial data having a fixed radius of analyticity σ0, we derive an algebraic decay rate σ(t) ~ |t|−1/2 for the uniform radius of spatial analyticity of solutions to the Kawahara equation. This improves a recent result due to Ahn et al.’s study, where they demonstrated a decay rate of order |t|−1. Our strategy mainly relies on an approximate conservation law in a modified Gevrey space and bilinear estimate in Bourgain space.
A New q‐Integral Operator Containing Generalized q‐Mittag‐Leffler Function
Authors: Ali Mulugeta Dawud , Suthar D. L.
Published: January 2025

In this study, we employ the mathematical framework of q‐calculus to introduce a novel integral operator that incorporates the generalized q‐Mittag‐Leffler function. Following this introduction, we delve into an in‐depth analysis of several significant properties and potential applications of this integral operator. Additionally, we explore a number of specific cases to demonstrate the practical utility and implications of our main result.
Some New Characterizations of Trivial Ricci–Bourguignon Solitons
Authors: Al-Sodais Hana , Turki Nasser Bin , Deshmukh Sharief , Chen Bang-Yen , Shah Hemangi Madhusudan
Published: January 2025

A Ricci–Bourguignon soliton is a self‐similar solution to the Ricci–Bourguignon flow equation, and a Ricci–Bourguignon soliton is called trivial if its potential field is zero or killing. Each trivial Ricci–Bourguignon soliton is an Einstein manifold. The main purpose of this paper is to discover geometric conditions on compact Ricci–Bourguignon solitons for which the solitons are trivial. In Section 3, we establish three new characterizations for a compact connected Ricci–Bourguignon soliton to be trivial. In Section 4, we discover three conditions which assure that a compact gradient Ricci–Bourguignon soliton is trivial. Some applications of our results are also presented.
Refractive Accuracy of a Novel Swept‐Source OCT in Patients With Short and Long Eyes
Authors: Rementería-Capelo Laureano A. , Contreras Inés , García-Pérez Jorge L. , Ruiz-Alcocer Javier
Published: January 2025

Purpose: To analyze the refractive accuracy of a novel swept‐source optical coherence biometer (SS‐OCT), that uses individual refractive indices to measure axial length, in short and long eyes implanted with monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs).

Methods: This retrospective comparative study considered eyes with short axial length (AL) (< 22.5 mm) or long AL (> 26 mm) bilaterally implanted with the Acrysof IQ monofocal IOL. All eyes were preoperatively analyzed with the Argos biometer and IOL calculations were made using the Barrett Universal II (BUII). One month after the surgery, refractive and visual outcomes and refractive prediction errors were calculated. Furthermore, a back calculation of the prediction errors based on the Barrett True Axial Length (BTAL) formula was also performed and the results of both formulas were compared.

Results: Sixty eyes of 60 patients (30 with AL < 22.5 mm (short) and 30 with AL > 26 mm (long)) were included. After surgery, monocular UDVA was 0.03 ± 0.10 and 0.10 ± 0.15 logMAR for short‐eye and long‐eye groups, respectively. For short eyes, mean prediction error (MPE) with BUII and BTAL were 0.19 ± 0.34 D and 0.00 ± 0.35 D, respectively (p  <  0.001). Mean absolute error (MAE) was 0.32 ± 0.22 D with the BUII and 0.29 ± 0.20 D with the BTAL formula (p = 0.21). For long eyes, MPE with BUII was −0.15 ± 0.35 D and −0.13 ± 0.36 D with BTAL (p = 0.08), while MAE was 0.31 ± 0.21 D and 0.32 ± 0.20 D with BUII and BTAL, respectively (p = 0.33). The percentage of eyes with a prediction error within ±0.5 D predicted postop spherical equivalent was > 75% for both groups and both formulas (p > 0.05 for all situations).

Conclusions: The novel SS‐OCT biometer using individual refractive indices to measure AL showed an overall good refractive accuracy using the BUII. The results were similar or better with the optimized BTAL formula, suggesting that formulas purposely designed for biometric measurements with this novel technology are a promising tool for eyes with extreme AL.
Psychological and Behavioural Factors That Impact on the Mental Health of University Students
Authors: Catling Jon , Hussain Inayah , Khalil Abeera
Published: January 2025

The prevalence of mental health problems, particularly depression and anxiety among university students, has increased drastically since the COVID‐19 pandemic. In this cross‐sectional study, we take three factors that evidence suggests should have an impact on student mental health—sleep, exercise, and alcohol consumption—and add a novel factor of preference for solitude (PFS). This particular factor has been chosen as post‐COVID‐19; it has been indicated that there are fewer interactions and a lower sense of community and belonging amongst younger people, and this may impact individual students in different ways relative to their preference for social interaction or solitude. The current study recruited 290 student participants from the University of Birmingham and measured depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) and anxiety using the generalised anxiety disorder (GAD‐7) questionnaire measures. Sleep was measured using the Sleep Condition Indicator (SCI), PFS was measured using the Preference for Solitude Scale (PSS), exercise used the Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire (RPAQ), and alcohol consumption was measured by units consumed per week. Correlational analysis and multiple regression analyses were used to determine the associations between the variables and whether sleep, exercise, alcohol consumption, and PFS predicted our measures of mental health. The study found a significant negative correlation between PFS and both depression (r = −0.14, p = 0.017) and anxiety (r = −0.20, p < 0.001). Regression analysis identified PFS as the sole significant predictor of mental health outcomes, accounting for 3.7% of the variance in depression and 1.6% in anxiety. PFS may act as both a protective and risk factor for mental health, underscoring its importance in developing targeted interventions for university students.
Complementary Food and Obesity
Authors: Moreno Luis
Published: January 2025

Background:: Early infant feeding is essential for children’s development and future health, particularly in preventing obesity, which is the most common nutrition-related disorder in children worldwide. Summary:: Obesity, characterized by excess body fat and numerous complications, arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility and an obesogenic environment, including lifestyle behaviors related to energy balance. Eating habits start to be shaped early in life, making the introduction of solid foods a critical period. Given the high prevalence of obesity, its long-term health consequences, and social implications, prevention is crucial. This narrative review aimed to identify factors related to the introduction of solid foods that influence obesity and suggest feeding strategies to prevent it. Tracking studies indicate that overweight and obesity during childhood often persist into adulthood, with associated complications such as hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Complementary feeding involves introducing solid foods besides breast milk or formula. The timing and content of complementary feeding are crucial in influencing obesity risk. Introduction of solid foods before 4 months is associated with higher BMI in childhood. The method of introducing complementary feeding, such as baby-led weaning, has been proposed to predict later obesity risk, though findings are currently inconclusive. Parental feeding practices and socioeconomic factors significantly influence complementary feeding and obesity risk. Early prevention programs, especially those involving parental education on responsive feeding and diet, are promising for reducing obesity risk. Future programs should incorporate parents’ perceptions and motivations to improve intervention effectiveness.
Herbal Remedies for Hair Loss: A Review of Efficacy and Safety
Authors: Ahmed Azhar , Alali Azhar M. , Abdullah Ebtesam , Alharbi Mohammed N. , Alayoubi Hamza M.
Published: January 2025

Hair loss (HL)is a prevalent condition worldwide, it can affect males and females of different age groups, despite the availability of many conventional treatment options, they may be linked to causing different side effects, leading to a growing interest in natural and herbal remedies (HRs). this review aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of various HRS for HL and examine the current scientific evidence behind them.
A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to identify relevant studies published up to March 2024.
Potential benefits in promoting hair growth (HG) and treating various forms of HL has been suggested by these studies, these remedies were found to be effective in different conditions, including androgenetic alopecia (AGA), telogen effluvium, and alopecia areata (AA), through various mechanisms of action (MOA), including 5α-reductase inhibition, increased microcapillary blood flow, antioxidant and modulation of the HG signaling pathways.
However, many of these studies have limitations such as lack of long-term follow-up, small sample sizes and short treatment durations, due to this variation in the quality of evidence, further well-designed randomized trials with larger sample sizes required to confirm efficacy of these HRs.
Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and effects of gene polymorphisms on Furaprevir (TG-2349), a novel hepatitis C inhibitor: a randomized phase Ι study
Authors: Xu Su-Mei , Zhang Ying-Jun , Chang Li-Wen , Tsai Cheng-Yuan , Li Dai , Xu Ping-Sheng
Published: January 2025

Introduction: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of furaprevir, a new highly selective hepatitis C virus NS3/4A protease inhibitor. Methods: The study was divided into 2 parts: Part A (single ascending-dose study, SAD) and Part B (multiple ascending-dose study, MAD). A total of 62 healthy subjects were enrolled in the studies. DNA samples were extracted from all subjects and genotypes of CYP3A5*3, CYP3A4*1G and POR*28 were analyzed by ligase detection reaction (LDR). Results: We used nonlinear mixed effects model (NONMEM) to construct furaprevir population pharmacokinetics model. (1) In SAD, Cmax and AUC were greater than dose increased ratio in the dose rang of 100-400 mg; (2) In MAD, Cmax and AUC increased in an approximately dose-proportional manner in the dose range of 200-600 mg; (3) A one-compartment model with transit absorption described the plasma concentrations of furaprevir. The apparent clearance (CL) was estimated at 33.4 L/h. The distribution volume of compartment (V2) was 219.0 L. No serious adverse event occurred in the studies. But other screening gene mutations had no statistically significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of furaprevir. Conclusion: Food significantly impacts the bioavailability of furaprevir. Furaprevir does not accumulate in vivo after multiple rising doses and has demonstrated safety and tolerability in healthy subjects, supporting its further investigation in patients with hepatitis C.
Sarcopenia is poorly documented in geriatric rehabilitation inpatients: REStORing health of acutely unwell adulTs (RESORT)
Authors: Dao Thang , Soh Cheng Hwee , Reijnierse Esmee M. , Guan Lihuan , Maier Andrea B.
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Sarcopenia is highly prevalent in older inpatients. However, it is unclear if sarcopenia is documented routinely in geriatric rehabilitation. This study aimed to investigate the documentation of sarcopenia in medical records among geriatric rehabilitation patients.
Methods: Geriatric rehabilitation inpatients in a statewide hospital in Victoria, Australia were included. Patient characteristics, muscle measurements, and medical records at admission and discharge were collected. Sarcopenia was defined using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2). Patient characteristics were compared between the groups with documented and non-documented sarcopenia using the Wilcoxon rank-sum or chi-square test.
Results: Of 1,890 geriatric rehabilitation inpatients (aged 83.4 [IQR 77.6-88.4] years, 56.3% female), muscle measurements were available in 1,334 patients at admission. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 20.8% (n=278). Sarcopenia was documented in 68 out of 1890 patients; 23 of them did not have muscle mass or muscle strength measured. Forty-five out of 1334 patients with muscle measurements available were documented with sarcopenia either at discharge from acute admissions (n=9), on rehabilitation admission (n=25), orand at discharge from rehabilitation (n=26). Of these 45 patients, eight patients had sarcopenia following the EWGSOP2 criteria. Compared with patients without sarcopenia documented, patients documented with sarcopenia had lower body mass index (BMI) and sarcopenia screening (SARC-F) scores, higher Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) scores and were likely to come from nursing homes.
Conclusions: Documentation of sarcopenia was lower than the prevalence of sarcopenia in geriatric rehabilitation inpatients. Sarcopenia was incorrectly documented as data on muscle measurement were missing to define sarcopenia. Practitioners likely used clinical impressions to document sarcopenia, rather than the formal diagnostic criteria.
The Muricidae (Gastropoda, Muricoidea) of the Miocene Central Paratethys Sea (Haustrinae, Muricinae, Ocenebrinae, Pagodulinae, Typhinae, Muricidae incertae sedis)
Authors: HARZHAUSER MATHIAS , LANDAU BERNARD M. , MERLE DIDIER
Published: January 2025

We document 72 species of Haustrinae, Muricinae, Ocenebrinae, Pagodulinae, Typhinae and Muricidae incertae sedis from the Miocene of the Central Paratethys Sea. The subfamily Ocenebrinae is the most specious group within the Paratethyan Muricidae, comprising numerous new species. Muricinae, Muricidae incertae sedis and Typhinae display only low endemicity and comprise many paleogeographically widespread species. In contrast, Pagodulinae and Ocenebrinae are characterized by high endemicity and point to a Paratethyan hotspot of diversity of Ocenebrinae. The subfamily Haustrinae is recorded for the first time from the Miocene of the Circum-Mediterranean Region. The Paratethyan records suggest a Middle Miocene radiation of the deep water genus Timbellus which contains five species. Ocinebrinopsis nov. gen. is introduced as new genus. Ceratostoma? steiningeri sp. nov., Kestocenebra vermeiji sp. nov., Ocenebra scorpio sp. nov., Ocinebrinopsis gregaria sp. nov., Ocinebrinopsis aperta sp. nov., Ocinebrinopsis dominicii sp. nov., Ocinebrinopsis subnuda sp. nov., Ocinebrina bellissima sp. nov., Ocinebrina s.l. praescalaris sp. nov., Crassimurex (Eopaziella) zoltani sp. nov., Timbellus kovacsi sp. nov. and Timbellus weinmannae sp. nov. are described as new species. Ocenebra littoralis nov. nom. is proposed as new name for Murex (Ocinebrina) erinaceus sublaevis Schaffer, 1912 non Tate, 1888 and Pterynopsis guzhovi nov. nom. is introduced for Murex affinis Eichwald, 1830 non Gmelin, 1791. Ocenebra breitenbergeri sp. nov. is described as new species from the Middle Miocene of the Karaman Basin in Turkey.
Environmental Conditions Affecting Global Mesoscale Convective System Occurrence
Authors: Muetzelfeldt Mark R. , Plant Robert S. , Christensen Hannah M. , Zhang Zhixiao , Woollings Tim , Feng Zhe , Li Puxi
Published: January 2025

The ERA5 environments of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs), tracked from satellite observations, are assessed over a 20-yr period. The use of a large set of MCS tracks allows us to robustly test the sensitivity of the results to factors such as region, latitude, and diurnal cycle. We aim to provide novel information on environments of observed MCSs for assessments of global atmospheric models and to improve their ability to simulate MCSs. Statistical analysis of all tracked MCSs is performed in two complementary ways. First, we investigate the environments when an MCS has occurred at different spatial scales before and after MCS formation. Several environmental variables are found to show marked changes before MCS initiation, particularly over land. The vertically integrated moisture flux convergence shows a robust signal across different regions and when considering MCS initiation diurnal cycle. We also found spatial scale dependence of the environments between 200 and 500 km, providing new evidence of a natural length scale for use with MCS parameterization. In the second analysis, the likelihood of MCS occurrence for given environmental conditions is evaluated, by considering all environments and determining the probability of being in an MCS core or shield region. These are compared to analogous non-MCS environments, allowing discrimination between conditions suitable for MCS and non-MCS occurrence. Three environmental variables are found to be useful predictors of MCS occurrence: total column water vapor, midlevel relative humidity, and total column moisture flux convergence. Such relations could be used as trigger conditions for the parameterization of MCSs, thereby strengthening the dependence of the MCS scheme on the environment.

Significance Statement

Large storm systems called mesoscale convective systems form across Earth. These are collections of thunderstorms, with associated high-level clouds that produce substantial, lighter rainfall and modulate Earth’s energy balance. They produce hazardous weather conditions, such as floods and high winds, and are responsible for a high percentage of rainfall in many regions globally. We investigate the environmental conditions under which they form, so that we can understand the spatial extent of the environment which is important for their formation, and also where and when the effects of these storms might be felt. The novel information generated here should help improve the representation of these storms in weather and climate models, improving the prediction of rainfall, thunderclouds, and high-level clouds.
From cheri to ur: The historical geography of a Dalit village in the Tamil countryside
Authors: Rao-Cavale Karthik
Published: January 2025

Spatial segregation in rural Tamil Nadu often takes the form of the division of the village into the ur settlement (for non-Dalits) and the cheri (for Dalits). This continuing segregation of village communities along caste lines has given rise to the view that outmigration, either in the form of circular migration or permanent exit, is central to any prospect of social mobility for rural Dalits. Consequently, the dissolution of the village community as a locus of class relations is often considered necessary for sustained social mobility for Dalit communities in the countryside. This article counters this commonly held view and offers mobilisation-in-place as an alternative path that can better explain instances of Dalit social mobility. These arguments are developed in the context of a detailed analysis of a single village in southern Tamil Nadu—Kilakottai, near Tirunelveli—that witnessed upward mobility for Dalits, from a historical and comparative perspective. I find that a theory that valorises the migrant as the agent of change cannot explain the time- and place-specific character of Dalit assertion in this region. By contrast, this article highlights the role of systematic shifts within agriculture during the 1940s and 1950s, enabled by localised struggles for land and water. These struggles were enabled by democratisation and favourable political coalitions in southern Tamil Nadu and had the effect of reconstituting the Dalit cheri as a space of caste autonomy.
Critical review of interlaminar damage process and failure analysis in fiber-reinforced composite laminates encompassing fiber-bridging phenomenon
Authors: Ghavami pour M , Koloor SS R , Petrů M , Ayatollahi MR
Published: January 2025

Metallic structures are increasingly being replaced by fiber-reinforced composites for the design of advanced structures with superior mechanical and physical properties. Fibrous composites offer several advantages, including lightweight feature while maintaining mechanical strength, resistance to damage evolution, and high fracture tolerance. Delamination growth in laminated composites is sometimes accompanied by fiber bridging which provides additional resistance against delamination growth. Delamination is known as one of the primary causes of premature failure in laminated composites. It is therefore necessary to gain a comprehensive understanding of interlaminar damage. Much research has been done to study various characteristics of fiber bridging yet the challenge remains an open topic for continued research. This review article aims to report the major studies on fiber bridging of composite materials in the literature. This article starts with an introduction to various modes of failure observed in fiber-reinforced laminated composites, extrinsic and intrinsic damage mechanisms, and the delamination phenomenon in the presence of fiber bridging. Next, different experimental and numerical methods for the characterization of delamination are presented. Fatigue-driven delamination, a leading cause of failure in aerospace structures, is subsequently reviewed. The paper concludes with a review of practical applications of numerical methods for delamination analysis followed by a review of recent progress in this field as well as open challenges in modeling, simulation, and experimental research works on the mechanics of fiber bridging incorporating composite damage and failure.
Network Resource Mobilization in Community-Based Tourism Social Entrepreneurship
Authors: Garzón Irene , Casanueva Cristóbal , Arroyo Franklin Omar Zavaleta Chavez , Vega Edinson Cueva
Published: January 2025

The utilization of networks for resource mobilization is endorsed in the literature on Tourism Social Entrepreneurship. Nonetheless, the characteristics of these networks that are critical for resource mobilization remain unknown. In this study, the aim is to determine how community-based Tourism Social Entrepreneurship networks, at a structural and compositional level, maximize the mobilization of various network resources. A total of 92 tourism social entrepreneurs from four tourism communities in Peru have been analyzed using Social Network Analysis. These networks have collected contacts of value for the development of entrepreneurship and have clarified their relational patterns. The results show that the two classic perspectives of individual and collective social capital are key for resource mobilization. Broad networks with few connections are required for tangible resources, and dense networks based on mutual trust are needed for intangible resources. For affective resources, the focus is on increasing the number of contacts.
The Mercy Seat of the Risen Christ: Atonement and the Glory of God in Romans 3.21–26
Authors: Westfall David M.
Published: January 2025

Scholarship on Romans 3.21–26 typically isolates the death of Jesus on the cross as the moment when Paul says the righteousness of God was disclosed, leading to the justification of all who believe the gospel. In this paper I argue that, although the death of Christ relates in important ways to Paul’s claims in the paragraph, this reading does not fully account for his metaphorical description of Christ as a ‘mercy seat’ (ἱλαστήριον), nor his assertion that those who believe are ‘justified through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus’. I show that Paul uses this language and imagery to characterize the risen Christ as the sacrificial abode of the glory of God (δόξα θεοῦ) that humanity forfeited through sin and idolatry. His larger claims in the paragraph concerning the revelation of God’s righteousness through faith are thus inclusive of Christ’s ongoing status as the risen Lord, and are not limited to the moment of his death.
Influencing Factors for Residual Symptoms Following Canalith Repositioning Maneuver in Patients with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Authors: Yan Sen , Li Zhengyue , Chen Ping , Wu Wen
Published: January 2025

Objectives: We aimed to analyze the influencing factors for residual symptoms following canalith repositioning maneuvers in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Methods: A total of 193 patients with BPPV who attended our hospital from July 2019 to December 2023 and were followed up in the outpatient clinic for 4 weeks after treatment were selected. The presence or absence of residual symptoms 4 weeks after repositioning was recorded, based on which the patients were assigned into a presence group (n = 72) and an absence group (n = 121). Their general data, incidence features, mental health, and sleep quality were compared. Results: After canalith repositioning maneuver and 4-week follow-up, the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores of the BPPV patients significantly decreased ( P < .05). The presence of residual symptoms after repositioning in patients with BPPV had significant positive correlations with the time from onset to consultation, DHI score, HADS anxiety score, and PSQI score ( P < .05). The area under the curve of the DHI score for predicting residual symptoms after repositioning in patients with BPPV was the largest (0.727), and the time from onset to consultation and the HADS anxiety score had the highest sensitivity (0.764) and specificity (0.801), respectively. Conclusions: Time from onset to consultation, DHI score, HADS anxiety score, and PSQI score are independent risk factors for and display significantly positive correlations with residual symptoms after canalith repositioning maneuver in patients with BPPV.
Social Category Modulation of the Happy Face Advantage
Authors: Martin Douglas , Bottomley Ewan , Hutchison Jacqui , Konopka Agnieszka E. , Williamson Gillian , Swainson Rachel
Published: January 2025

The size of the happy face advantage—faster categorization of happy faces—is modulated by interactions between perceiver and target social categories, with reliable happy face advantages for ingroups but not necessarily outgroups. The current understanding of this phenomenon is constrained by the limited social categories typically used in experiments. To better understand the mechanism(s) underpinning social category modulation of the happy face advantage, we used racially more diverse samples of perceivers and target faces and manipulated the intergroup context in which they appeared. We found evidence of ingroup bias, with perceivers often showing a larger happy face advantage for ingroups than outgroups (Experiments 1–2). We also found evidence of majority/minority group bias, with perceivers showing a larger happy face advantage for majority outgroups than minority outgroups (Experiments 2–3c). These findings suggest social category modulation of the happy face advantage is a dynamic context-dependent process.
Increasing Student Engagement, Fraction Knowledge, and STEM Interest Through Game-Based Intervention
Authors: Hunt Jessica H. , Taub Michelle , Marino Matthew , Holman Kenneth , Womack-Adams Kelly
Published: January 2025

In this study, we evaluate the impact of a game-based supplemental fraction curriculum on student engagement, fraction knowledge, and STEM interest in inclusive elementary mathematics classrooms. Utilizing a robust experimental design, the research explores how a game-based interventions can augment traditional fraction instruction and promote STEM interest among students, including those with disabilities. The curriculum, grounded in Scheme Theory and Learning Trajectories, significantly improved students’ fraction understanding and STEM interest. These findings highlight the potential of integrating game-based learning into mathematics education to address foundational STEM concepts and advocate for further research to explore scalability and broader applicability. The results of the study underscore the potential of innovative educational strategies to enhance learning outcomes and fostering interest in STEM careers among diverse student populations.
The Time Divide: Daily Activity Patterns of Midlife and Older Adults in China
Authors: Luo Mengsha
Published: January 2025

This study employs a holistic, cluster-based approach to comprehensively examine how daily activity patterns in mid- and later life vary by urban or rural residence and between men and women in China. Employing national time use data, activity patterns and variations by residence and gender were analyzed through sequence analysis, hierarchical clustering, and multinomial logistic regression models. It reveals six activity patterns among urban Chinese individuals, while their rural counterparts exhibit a similar yet distinct set of patterns, highlighting the structural characteristics of time and emphasizing the contrasting differences between rural and urban contexts. Moreover, this study uncovers notable gender disparities, with men more likely to be in paid labor and leisure-oriented clusters, while women tend towards clusters characterized by childcare and household responsibilities. This research provides a time-based perspective that contributes to understanding social stratification in China by examining the structural and heterogeneous nature of daily activities.
Multiplexed siRNA Immunoassay Unveils Spatial and Quantitative Dimensions of siRNA Function, Abundance, and Localization In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Ly Michael , Diaz-Garcia Sandra , Roscoe Nathaniel , Ushach Irina , Hong Zhigang , França Monique , Schaffer Stephanie , Yang Tong-Yuan , Marella Mathieu , Marsboom Glenn , Klein Donna , Grossman Tamar R. , Carreira Vinicius , Ollmann Michael
Published: January 2025

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have been successfully used as therapeutics to silence disease-causing genes when conjugated to ligands or formulated in lipid nanoparticles to target relevant cell types for efficacy while sparing other cells for safety. To support the development of new methods for delivery of siRNA therapeutics, we developed and characterized a panel of antibodies generated against chemically modified nucleotides used in therapeutic siRNA molecules, identifying a monoclonal antibody that detects a broad range of siRNA representing distinct sequences and modification patterns. By integrating this anti-siRNA antibody with additional reagents, we created a multiplex siRNA immunoassay that simultaneously quantifies siRNA uptake, trafficking, and silencing activity. Using immunohistochemistry (IHC), we applied our method on tissues from mice treated with unconjugated, GalNAc-conjugated, or cholesterol-conjugated siRNAs and quantitatively assessed the biodistribution and activity of siRNAs in various organs. In addition, we used high-content imaging (HCI) and applied our multiplex siRNA immunoassay in tissue culture to enable simultaneous quantification of siRNA uptake, activity, and intracellular colocalization with endosome markers. These methods provide a robust platform for testing nucleic acid delivery methods in vitro and in vivo, allowing precise analysis and visualization of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of siRNA therapeutics with cellular and subcellular resolution.