Abstract

>Rewarding beauty has never fallen out of vogue in human history. Attractive people enjoy many social and economic advantages. This study aims to investigate the relationship between physical attractiveness and depression and its potential mechanism among Chinese residents. A population-based data including 12,172 Chinese adults from 3 waves of CFPS (2012, 2016, 2020) were used. Moderated-mediation models were utilized to assess the mediation effect of unfair experiences and the moderation effect of socioeconomic-status (SES), in the linkage between physical attractiveness and depression. Firstly, our results demonstrated that physical attractiveness is negatively associated with depression. Secondly, the effect of unfair experiences as a mediator between physical attractiveness and depression is statistically significant. Lastly, socioeconomic status (SES) performs a crucial moderating role. Among Chinese residents, the mitigating effect of physical attractiveness on unfair experiences and depression would be stronger among those with a lower SES compared to those with a higher SES.

(N Count / Sample Size = 12,172)
(Full Study)
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Something to note is that the study is based on a self-reported survey.

Abstract

>The Dutch are the tallest people on earth. Over the last 200 years, they have grown 20 cm in height: a rapid rate of increase that points to environmental causes. This secular trend in height is echoed across all Western populations, but came to an end, or at least levelled off, much earlier than in The Netherlands. One possibility, then, is that natural selection acted congruently with these environmentally induced changes to further promote tall stature among the people of the lowlands. Using data from the LifeLines study, which follows a large sample of the population of the north of The Netherlands (n = 94 516), we examined how height was related to measures of reproductive success (as a proxy for fitness). Across three decades (1935-1967), height was consistently related to reproductive output (number of children born and number of surviving children), favouring taller men and average height women. This was despite a later age at first birth for taller individuals. Furthermore, even in this low-mortality population, taller women experienced higher child survival, which contributed positively to their increased reproductive success. Thus, natural selection in addition to good environmental conditions may help explain why the Dutch are so tall.

(N Count / Sample Size = 94'516)
(Full Study)

>The Pentagon did not disclose that dozens of US soldiers were injured and several helicopters were damaged in Iranian strikes last week, several anonymous US officials tell The New York Times.

>A US military official asks the Times, why would the Pentagon publish information that could help Iran refine its attacks?

>Another US military official says that Central Command (CENTCOM) is not required to publish casualty information, especially if the wounded quickly return to duty.

>At least two U.S. service members were killed in action while defending against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks in Jordan, according to U.S. Central Command.

>Another service member is missing after Friday’s attacks, according to the Department of Defense.

>Four American service members were medically evacuated to Jordanian hospitals and have since been discharged, Central Command announced Saturday.

>At least 15 U.S. service members have now died during the months-long war with Iran, including six people who were killed when two refueling jets collided above Iraq. An Iranian drone strike that hit a command post in Kuwait killed another six service members.

>A Navy pilot died in a helicopter crash in the Arabian Sea earlier this month.

>More than 400 troops have been wounded throughout the campaign.

Given that China is an Asian superpower with the second-largest economy in the world and is actively seeking to expand its influence throughout the Globe, how Gynocentric and Misandristic is China in comparison to the West? Especially since it's within the realm of possibility of a Future where China becomes the Global Hegemon and World Superpower if the US unfortunately collapses.

>Stealth technology has transformed modern air warfare, providing the United States with a sustained operational advantage for over four decades. From its Cold War beginnings to its development in platforms like the F-117, B-2, F-22, and F-35, stealth has evolved into a system-of-systems capability that combines advanced engineering, mission planning, and operational expertise. As the U.S. improved both the technology and its deployment, other countries, particularly China, closely watched its progress and combat application, aiming to understand, counter, and replicate its advantages.  These observations have not happened in isolation; they have been influenced by unique institutional viewpoints, technological limitations, and strategic goals that continue to shape China’s approach to stealth and counter-stealth systems.

>Open-source PLA military writings and observations suggest Chinese views of U.S. stealth have been shaped by a mix of empirical observation, cognitive biases, and technological ambitions. This has led to a dual strategy focused on both countering U.S. low-observability capabilities and developing indigenous stealth platforms. However, these perceptions are often incomplete or skewed, leading to an overreliance on hardware solutions, an underestimation of U.S. operational adaptability, and a framing of stealth as a technical rather than an operational problem. Analyzing how these perceptions affect China’s integrated air defense systems, radar technology, and next-generation aircraft programs reveals both the strengths and vulnerabilities in the PLA’s approach, providing insights into the shifting balance of airpower in the Indo-Pacific. Open-source PLA analyses and commentary give limited attention to the intangibles of conflict, areas in which the United States has accumulated decades of operational experience.

Full Paper: Chinese Perceptions of Stealth: Shaping Defense Against U.S. Capabilities and Indigenous Developments
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Thought it was interesting, so I decided to post it here.

>Saab has today signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for 16 Gripen E fighter aircraft for Ukraine. The order value corresponds to approximately SEK 24.6 billion and the order will be booked in the third quarter 2026. Saab’s deliveries to FMV are scheduled to take place 2029-2030.

>In addition to the 16 Gripen E fighter aircraft the contract also includes spare parts and associated items and equipment. 

>"I am deeply proud that Sweden and Saab can now enable the provision of Gripen E to Ukraine, bringing a world-class fighter that will transform the Ukrainian Air Force’s capability. This will significantly strengthen Ukraine’s air defence and help ensure the nation can protect its people and safeguard its future,” says Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.

>Gripen is designed to address advanced threats in demanding environments.  Operational flexibility and resilience enable operations from short stretches, temporary runways or roads, supporting dispersed operations and high availability. The software-based architecture facilitates continuous upgrades and adaption to evolving operational requirements. With low maintenance requirements and fast turnaround, Gripen provides an advanced and cost-effective fighter capability that is easy to operate and maintain.