bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Eye-Tracking to Evaluate Novel Augmented Reality Applications for Maritime Operations
Authors: Mallam Steven C. , Attarzadeh Amin , Samanta Akash , Bhattacharjee Ankan , Nordby Kjetil
Published: October 2024

This paper presents the developments across a multi-year collaborative industry-academia R&D project designing and testing novel Augmented Reality (AR) solutions for differing maritime operations and work tasks. We describe the step-wise approach taken in our Human Factors testing program exploring the effects of AR on maritime operators. This paper focuses specifically on our empirical simulator laboratory experiments using differing data collection designs, tools and operational scenarios to investigate operator Situation Awareness, cognitive workload, performance and usability. Moving from comparatively rudimentary measures using static scenarios, desktop data collections and post hoc video analysis to implementing eye-tracking and automated object identification in dynamic scenarios and full-mission simulated environments, we present an overview of how our testing program has evolved and lessons learned. Further, we discuss ongoing research and future plans to better understand the effects of AR on maritime end-users to implement human-centred solutions more effectively in maritime settings.
Correlation Between Traffic Locus of Control and Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) Use
Authors: Wei Linzhuo , DeGuzman Chelsea A. , Donmez Birsen
Published: October 2024

Inappropriate use of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lane keeping assistance (LKA), may cause safety issues. In a driving simulator experiment, we examined how a specific driver characteristic, locus of control in traffic (T-LOC), influences the use of ADAS. It was found that without any ADAS training, the Self dimension of T-LOC, measuring the extent to which one believes they are responsible for their driving safety, was negatively correlated with time spent on secondary tasks after environmental cues became visible indicating a possible need for takeover. Further, with a responsibility-focused training, drivers with higher Self scores tended to take control over faster when necessary. The findings highlight the role of individual differences in the formation of driver behaviors associated with ADAS use. Investigation of other driver characteristics and incorporating them to the design of training paradigms are suggested.
Getting Along With Autonomous Teammates: Understanding the Socio-Emotional and Teaming Aspects of Trust in Human-Autonomy Teams
Authors: Duan Wen , Weng Nan , Scalia Matthew J. , Zhang Ruihao , Tuttle Jessica , Yin Xiaoyun , Zhou Shiwen , Freeman Guo , Gorman Jamie , Funke Gregory , Tolston Michael , McNeese Nathan J.
Published: October 2024

Trust plays a critical role in both effective teamwork and the effective use of autonomous technologies, and therefore holds paramount importance in human-autonomy teaming (HAT). Using qualitative analysis of the interviews from an 8-hr-long experiment conducted in an aircraft simulation environment, this study identifies the socio-emotional and team-related qualities that humans desire in their autonomous teammate for them to trust it.
Employee and Supervisor Perceptions of a Policy Promoting Standing in the Workplace: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Gallagher Kaitlin M. , Leach Rebecca B. , Burruss Caleb C.
Published: October 2024

Many employees have jobs that predominantly require sitting, and reducing sitting time to improve physical health has been a focus of health research. A widespread environmental design change is the incorporation of sit-stand desks. Since the workplace plays a large role in a person’s day-to-day activities, researchers and environmental designers must still assess how joint optimization can be reached to satisfy worker well-being and performance. We conducted a qualitative research study to determine how support and/or concern over a hypothetical policy to increase standing in a predominantly seated workplace would differ between those with and without job supervisory tasks. Employees saw the benefits of reducing their sitting time at work and welcomed the added autonomy. Others saw this as infringing their autonomy, uncertainty about how this would affect their tasks, if they would have appropriate equipment, and if the policy was inclusive to people with difficulty standing.
Microbial Biomarkers in Liquid Biopsy for Cancer: An Overview and Future Directions
Authors: Luo Feiyang , Wang Xinyue , Ye Chun , Sun Haitao
Published: October 2024

In recent years, the relationship between microbes and tumors has led to a new wave of scholarly pursuits. Due to the growing awareness of the importance of microbiota, including those within tumors, for cancer onset, progression, metastasis, and treatment, researchers have come to understand that microbiota and the tumor microenvironment together form a dynamic and complex ecosystem. Liquid biopsy technology, a non-invasive and easily repeatable method for sample collection, combined with emerging multi-omics techniques, allows for a more comprehensive and in-depth exploration of microbial signals and characteristics in bodily fluids. Microbial biomarkers hold immense potential in the early diagnosis, treatment stratification, and prognosis prediction of cancer. In this review, we describe the significant potential of microbial biomarkers in liquid biopsy for clinical applications in cancer, including early diagnosis, predicting treatment responses, and prognosis. Moreover, we discuss current limitations and potential solutions related to microbial biomarkers. This review aims to provide an overview and future directions of microbial biomarkers in liquid biopsy for cancer clinical practice.
Operational Stress Injuries in Disaster Responders: A Framework for Supporting Mental Health in Climate Crisis
Authors: Mundo William , O’Connor Terry , McGladrey Laura
Published: October 2024

The rising occurrence of natural disasters linked to climate change has drawn the attention of disaster response leaders to the significance of addressing operational stress injuries among disaster response personnel. We define and describe operational stress injuries in this workforce and explore theoretical frameworks that can inform the development of programs and interventions to mitigate these effects. We aim to establish a conceptual framework for understanding an operational stress injury by introducing a model specific to disaster responders. We also emphasize strategies that can be employed within a stress injury awareness framework to promote the mental well-being of those who respond to climate-related disasters.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of Organizational Skills Training on Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in China
Authors: Huang Xin-Xin , Zheng Li-Zhen , Qian Qin-Fang , Huang Yan , Wang Yan-Xia , Ou Ping
Published: October 2024

Background:

In addition to attention and hyperactivity problems, children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have poorer organizational skills needed to manage time and materials. This study examines the improvement of organizational skills in children with ADHD by studying organizational skills training (OST).

Methods:

This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial. Between September 2023 and January 2024, 70 children with a diagnosis of ADHD and at least one domain of executive dysfunction (EF) were divided into two groups. The conventional group was treated with medication, biofeedback, and behavioral interventions based on the children’s actual condition. The OST group received OST in addition to the conventional group.

Results:

The mean age of the children was 8.33 ± 1.62 years. A total of 66 children completed the intervention and follow-up, 32 in the conventional group and 34 in the OST group. There were no differences between the two groups of children in terms of their preintervention scores on the BRIEF, SNAP-IV, or IVA-CPT. Postintervention scores on the behavioral scales decreased ( p < .05), and IVA-CPT scores increased ( p < .05) in both groups compared with those in the preintervention period. The OST group had a lower BRIEF ( p = .019) and SNAP-IV Attention deficit subscale ( p = .046) and a higher IVA-CPT Attention deficit Index ( p = .032) than the conventional group after the intervention. The percentage of children with a normal BRIEF total score in the OST group was 79.41% (27/34) after the intervention, which was greater than the 37.50% (12/32) in the conventional group ( p = .001). Compared with the OST group, children in the conventional group were at greater risk of having BRIEF scores that remained abnormal after the intervention. Analysis of covariance revealed a statistically significant effect of group ( p = .008), preintervention BRIEF ( p < .001), and participation score ( p = .036) on postintervention BRIEF.

Conclusion:

OST can further improve organizational skills in daily life in children with ADHD while improving core symptoms of attention deficit in addition to conventional treatment. The effect of OST on BRIEF is also influenced by the child’s BRIEF status at the baseline level and the level of cooperation during the intervention.

Trial registration:

The randomized controlled trial registration number was ChiCTR2300075744.
The Daydream Spectrum: The Role of Emotional Dysregulation, Internalized Stigma and Self-Esteem in Maladaptive Daydreaming Among Adults With ADHD, ASD, and Double Diagnosis
Authors: Pyszkowska Anna , Nowacki Ari , Celban Julia
Published: October 2024

Objective:

Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is characterized by vivid, excessive fantasy activity that becomes prioritized over other activities and may result in avoidant coping strategies. Little is known about the relationship between MD and internalized stigma in the neurodivergent sample. The current study aimed to examine emotional dysregulation, escapism and self-perception (self-esteem and internalized stigma) as potential determinants of MD in three groups: adults on the autism spectrum, with ADHD, and both diagnoses (“AuDHD”), including their neurodivergent symptoms (autistic traits, empathizing, ADHD symptoms).

Methods:

A sample of 293 persons (139 with ADHD, 74 on the autism spectrum, and 80 with both diagnoses) completed self-report scales concerning ADHD symptoms, autism spectrum symptoms, empathizing, self-esteem, daydreaming as escapism, emotional dysregulation, maladaptive daydreaming, and internalized stigma. A correlation analysis was implemented. Additionally, a group comparison and quantile regression for the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile of maladaptive daydreaming in the three groups were executed.

Results:

The results showed that internalized stigma, emotional dysregulation, escapism, and self-esteem have significant associations with MD in the neurodiverse sample. The ADHD group achieved the lowest scores in emotional dysregulation, discrimination experience, and social withdrawal. The groups did not vary in MD rates, stereotype endorsement, stigma resistance, nonacceptance of emotional responses, and impulse control difficulties. The AuDHD group achieved higher results than the ASD group only in the ADHD symptoms. Quantile regression revealed differences in the predictors of maladaptive daydreaming in the three groups. ADHD symptoms and self-suppression escapism were significant predictors for the higher levels of MD in persons with singular autism or ADHD diagnosis.

Conclusion:

The results showed no differences in MD rates, although there were significant variations in predictive features among the three samples. The role of internalized stigma and self-esteem was highlighted in the results as significant associates of MD prevalence. These outcomes expand the current knowledge in the context of maladaptive daydreaming, internalized stigma, self-esteem and emotional dysregulation in a neurodiverse sample and allow for proposing clinical applications and further research directions.
Central Venous Catheter Migration Into Pleura Diagnosed by Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Gerstein Neal S. , Garcia Alvin J. , Carbol Quinn J.
Published: October 2024

Central venous catheter (CVC) tip migration is a well reported delayed complication of these vascular access devices with left-sided internal jugular or subclavian vein placement being the primary risk factor for this complication. We report a case of left internal jugular CVC migration and its diagnosis made by the heretofore unreported use of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in this context. Moreover, we describe risk factors for CVC migration along with its diagnosis and management.
Delayed high-altitude retinal hemorrhages in well-acclimatized lowlanders: A hidden risk unveiled
Authors: Rana Vipin , Pannu Anju , Sadhukhan Arnab , Bandopadhayay Sandepan , Kumar Pradeep , Kaushik Jaya , Dangi Meenu , Gupta Atul
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives

High-altitude retinal hemorrhage (HARH), a frequent entity of high-altitude retinopathy (HAR), is associated with acute exposure to high altitudes (HAs) with rapid ascent. However, the delayed occurrence of HARH in well-acclimatized individuals has received less attention. This study explored the prevalence and characteristics of HARH in individuals who were acclimatized to HA for extended periods, aiming to elucidate the physiological responses of the retina to chronic hypoxic conditions.

Subjects/Methods

We conducted an observational cross-sectional study involving 1,457 male participants who had resided at altitudes above 3353 meters (11,000 ft) in the Himalayan region for more than three months. Patients who had ocular or systemic diseases affecting the retina, chronic retinotoxic medication use or smoking were excluded. Participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including the best corrected visual acuity test, dilated fundus examination and photography.

Results

A total of 1,457 males were screened, and the mean age was 34 ± 2 years. Of all the participants screened, 12 (0.82%) had HAR, with all cases occurring at altitudes above 4267 meters (14,000 ft). Seventy-five percent (75%) of the HAR patients had retinal hemorrhage and venous dilatation. Macular involvement and cotton wool spots were observed in 34% and 25% of HAR patients, respectively. Only four participants had foveal involvement with significant visual impairment.

Conclusion

Delayed HARH in acclimatized individuals underscores the importance of long-term ocular monitoring for those exposed to HA, despite acclimatization, to prevent and manage potential visual impairments.
Understanding the Biological Basis of Polygenic Risk Scores and Disparities in Prostate Cancer: A Comprehensive Genomic Analysis
Authors: Zhang Wensheng , Zhang Kun
Published: October 2024

Objectives:

For prostate cancer (PCa), hundreds of risk variants have been identified. It remains unknown whether the polygenic risk score (PRS) that combines the effects of these variants is also a sufficiently informative metric with relevance to the molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis in prostate. We aimed to understand the biological basis of PRS and racial disparities in the cancer.

Methods:

We performed a comprehensive analysis of the data generated (deposited in) by several genomic and/or transcriptomic projects (databases), including the GTEx, TCGA, 1000 Genomes, GEO and dbGap. PRS was constructed from 260 PCa risk variants that were identified by a recent trans-ancestry meta-analysis and contained in the GTEx dataset. The dosages of risk variants and the multi-ancestry effects on PCa incidence estimated by the meta-analysis were used in calculating individual PRS values.

Results:

The following novel results were obtained from our analyses. (1) In normal prostate samples from healthy European Americans (EAs), the expression levels of 540 genes (termed PRS genes) were associated with the PRS ( P < .01). (2) Ubiquitin–proteasome system in high-PRS individuals’ prostates was more active than that in low-PRS individuals’ prostates. (3) Nine PRS genes play roles in the cancer progression-relevant parts, which are frequently hit by somatic mutations in PCa, of PI3K-Akt/RAS-MAPK/mTOR signaling pathways. (4) The expression profiles of the top significant PRS genes in tumor samples were capable of predicting malignant PCa relapse after prostatectomy. (5) The transcriptomic differences between African American and EA samples were incompatible with the patterns of the aforementioned associations between PRS and gene expression levels.

Conclusions:

This study provided unique insights into the relationship between PRS and the molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis in prostate. The new findings, alongside the moderate but significant heritability of PCa susceptibility contributed by the risk variants, suggest the aptness and inaptness of PRS for explaining PCa and disparities.
Indigenous Australians, genomics, and the law
Authors: Tait Buddy , Carpenter Belinda
Published: October 2024

This article utilises three key characteristics of human genetic information—namely, its ubiquitous nature, its familial relationships and its predictive capacity—to explore how such research continues to exacerbate existing health inequalities for Indigenous Australians. By utilising substantive equality as its theoretical framework, this article explores key regulatory issues as follows: first, and regarding genetic information’s ubiquity, the article discusses how property laws in Australia fail to adequately protect Indigenous Australians from unauthorised usage of historical DNA samples; second, the familial nature of genetic information can leave Indigenous Australian’s liable to hyper-precise genetic definitions of Aboriginality, leading to a potentially adverse impact on claims of Native Title, due to the application of a biological definition to something which has always been more contextual and flexible; finally, the predictive element of genetic information is explored, and it is suggested that without proper regulation, could lead to increased genetic discrimination.
Navigating Rehabilitation Transitions at Street Level: A Qualitative Analysis of Municipal Service Allocation to Individuals With Complex Needs
Authors: Ekenes Maren , Wehling Eike , Oldeide Olin
Published: October 2024

The transition of patients with complex needs from hospital to municipal rehabilitation following moderate and severe brain injury is challenging. This qualitative study explored the municipal service allocation processes within such transitions. The caseworkers’ comprehensive task of combining patients’ preferences and needs, healthcare providers’ recommendations and municipal guidelines and service allocation were analysed. Data comprised of patients’ health records, meeting observations and semi-structured interviews with municipal staff, patients and next of kin. Results demonstrated that the issue of most concern was the location of where the patient was to continue municipal rehabilitation. Municipal caseworkers gathered extensive information, including recommendations from healthcare providers and preferences of patients and next of kin. These were frequently in contrast to the municipal guidelines’ requirements and the services’ organisational structure. The discrepancies led to tension, which was difficult to manoeuvre. This study indicates that incorporating individually tailored services into the daily service allocation practice can be demanding and even dilemmatic. The designated focus on the transition of patients with complex rehabilitation needs gives insights into how service allocation, user involvement and coordination policies are acted out in practice and may directly influence rehabilitation trajectories.
Potential Role of AKR1B1 Gene Methylation in Diagnosis of Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: El-Far Mohamed , Abdelrazek Mohamed A , Foda Basma M , Abouzid Amr , Swellam Menha
Published: October 2024

Background:

In addition to the great challenge of early diagnosis and prognosis in breast cancer (BC), the role of gene promoters in BC remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B1 ( AKR1B1) methylation as noninvasive biomarker for early BC diagnosis.

Methods:

A total of 200 (120 with BC, 40 with benign breast diseases, 40 healthy) Egyptian women were enrolled. AKR1B1 methylation level was determined using EpiTect Methyl II QPCR assay quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

Findings revealed that hypermethylation AKR1B1 was reported to be associated ( P < .0001) with BC cases (93.2 [75.4-98.6]) compared with benign (23.9 [22.6-48.3]) or healthy (15.5 [10.6-16]) controls. It had a great diagnostic power (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.909) that was superior to cancer antigen (CA) 15-3 (AUC = 0.681) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (AUC = 0.539). Interestingly, AKR1B1 hypermethylation was reported to be significant in identifying BC early stages (AUC = 0.899) and grades (AUC = 0.903). Independent to hormonal status and HER2neu expression, AKR1B1 hypermethylation was related to some tumor severity features, including advanced stages, high histological grades, and lymph node invasion. Also, AKR1B1 high degrees of methylation were significantly correlated with the increase in CEA ( r = .195; P = .027), CA-15.3 ( r = .351; P = .0001) and tumor stages ( r = .274; P = .014), grades ( r = .253; P = .024), and lymph node invasion ( r = .275; P = .014).

Conclusions:

This study revealed that aberrant AKR1B1 methylation could facilitate early BC detection from benign br0east disorders. Hypermethylated AKR1B1 was related to BC aggressiveness suggesting its potential role as diagnostic and prognostic BC biomarker.
Winners, losers, and affective polarization
Authors: Andrews Josephine , Huang Yu-Shiuan
Published: October 2024

We analyze the winner-loser gap in affective polarization. Using data from 37 countries over years 1996 – 2016 from the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems (CSES), we find that winners’ affective polarization is significantly greater than losers’, and the difference is due to winners’ consistently higher in-party favoritism. These findings are robust when controlling for partisanship and ideological distance to winning party. Although much of the literature focuses on the impact of out-party dislike on affective polarization, our results align with research in social identity theory indicating that intergroup discrimination is driven primarily by in-group favoritism rather than out-group dislike. Given that winners are more likely than losers to support their favored party’s violation of democratic norms, our work suggests that in-party favoritism is an important but overlooked contributor to problematic implications of affective polarization.
A new analytical model for predicting the welding deformation of large welded plates with equivalent moments
Authors: Yuan Ke , Gao Chang , Lin Yujin , Yu Haidong
Published: October 2024

The efficient prediction of welding deformation is important for the deviation control of large welded structures. In this paper, an analytical model is proposed to predict the welding deformation of large aluminium alloy plates. The welding-induced equivalent moments are calculated based on the inherent strain of a small-scale welded plate. The large welded plate is regarded as a corner-supported plate subjected to the equivalent moments. The welding deformation of the large welded plate is analytically derived by using the reciprocal theorem of work, and is validated by the experimental data. The effect of heterogeneous weld properties and plate dimensions on the welding deformation is quantitatively discussed. The proposed model can facilitate the deformation prediction of large welded structures.
Residual stress prediction in Ti17 linear friction welds considering inhomogeneous mechanical properties of joints
Authors: He Peng , Wu Yun-Xin , Zhang Tao , Jin Jun-Long
Published: October 2024

Microstructural variations of joints occur in linear friction welding, resulting in inhomogeneous mechanical properties that affect the development of residual stress. The mathematical models for elastic moduli and yield strength of Ti17 were firstly developed to obtain the inhomogeneous mechanical properties of joints. Then, the influence of inhomogeneous mechanical properties on residual stress prediction was investigated. The results show that the finite element model considering inhomogeneous mechanical properties accurately captures the bimodal distribution of residual stress and the location of peak stress in joints. Numerically, the peak values of stress are ∼662 and ∼194 MPa along the direction of oscillation and forging, respectively, which is consistent with the result of the contour method.
A graphics-based digital twin (GBDT) framework for accurate UAV localization in GPS-denied environments
Authors: Matiki Thomas , Narazaki Yasutaka , Chowdhary Girish , Spencer Billie F
Published: October 2024

Autonomous navigation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is crucial for effective assessment of large-scale civil infrastructure, as manual UAV control is time consuming and prone to mishaps. Autonomous navigation outdoors typically employs GPS signals to enable accurate localization and reduce long-term drifts. However, in many civil engineering applications, GPS signals are either poor or unavailable due to interference and/or multi-path effects. Current approaches for UAV localization in GPS-denied environments, track geometric features such as corners; however, these natural features can be misrepresented due to the presence of occlusions and/or image processing errors, resulting in significant localization errors that can grow with time. AprilTags can reduce localization errors, but installation on large-scale civil infrastructure can be challenging. Therefore, this paper proposes a framework that leverages the wealth of visual and geometric information encoded in a Graphics-Based Digital Twin (GBDT) of a target infrastructure to provide accurate localization of a UAV. The GBDT is comprised of a computer graphics model that faithfully represents a target structure’s geometry, structural features, and visual textures. The visual details of the GBDT are exploited to design an object recognition algorithm that detects GBDTtags, which are distinctive objects (or a collection of components) on the target structure in advance; GBDTtags provide functionality similar to AprilTags. When the camera attached to a UAV detects one or more GBDTtags, the vertices of the GBDTtags are mapped from the image plane into the GBDT coordinate system, allowing for the UAV to be localized. The framework, termed herein as GBDTpose, is first validated numerically using Blender, Gazebo, and Mavros software-in-the-loop (SITL). Subsequently, field validation is carried out using the Kavita and Lalit Bahl Smart Bridge at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Results show that localization in GPS-denied environments can be achieved with 5-50 cm accuracy without the need for physical markers being placed on the structure.
The direct effect of institutional factors on healthcare information systems (HIS) organisational interoperability in Malaysian public hospitals
Authors: Rajagopal Saravanan , Balakrishnan Vimala , Chiam Yin Kia
Published: October 2024

Background: Organisational interoperability (OIoP) of the Healthcare Information System (HIS) is crucial for the success of HIS, however little is known about the impact of institutional factors. Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the direct effect of institutional factors on OIoP for HIS in public sector hospitals in Malaysia. Methods: A conceptual OIoP framework was developed using the Personal Health Systems Interoperability and Refined eHealth European Interoperability frameworks. A self-administered questionnaire survey was used to solicit data from 300 healthcare professionals. Data were assessed through an Exploratory Factor Analysis followed by a Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Results: Structured equation modelling revealed Security and Privacy Compliance, and Stakeholder Engagement and Awareness to significantly and positively affect OIoP (R2 = 0.380). Conclusion: Healthcare organisations should prioritise clear and effective policies and regulations and enough budget and resources for the suggested framework.
Improved active vibration control of a cantilever beam using MFC actuators with Hammerstein model-based hysteresis modeling and VSS-FxLMS control algorithm
Authors: Umar Hafiz Muhammad , Zhang Lei , Yu Ruichen , Gao Zhiyuan
Published: October 2024

This study aims to enhance active vibration control in a cantilever beam using macro fiber composite (MFC) actuators. To address the challenge of accurately modeling the complex hysteresis behavior of MFC actuators, an advanced hysteresis modeling technique is employed, integrating a non-symmetric Bouc–Wen model with an Auto-Regressive model with eXogenous inputs (ARX). The parameter estimation of this model is optimized using an adaptive mutation factor, and multiple mutation strategy differential evolution (AmFMMDE) algorithm. Additionally, a Variable Step Size Filtered-x Least Mean Square (VSS-FxLMS) algorithm with step size adaptation based on normalized error change is utilized for effective vibration control. This approach shows promising potential for practical engineering applications requiring precise and efficient active vibration control.
Perceiving AI intervention does not compromise the persuasive effect of fact-checking
Authors: Chae Je Hoon , Tewksbury David
Published: October 2024

Efforts to scale up fact-checking through technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), are increasingly being suggested and tested. This study examines whether previously observed effects of reading fact-checks remain constant when readers are aware of AI’s involvement in the fact-checking process. We conducted three online experiments ( N = 3,978), exposing participants to fact-checks identified as either human-generated or AI-assisted, simulating cases where AI fully generates the fact-check or automatically retrieves human fact-checks. Our findings indicate that the persuasive effect of fact-checking, specifically in increasing truth discernment, persists even among participants without a positive prior attitude toward AI. Additionally, in some cases, awareness of AI’s role reduced perceived political bias in fact-checks among Republicans. Finally, neither AI-generated nor human fact-checks significantly affected participants’ feelings toward or their perceptions of the competence of the targeted politicians.
Love must imagine the world: Quantum mechanics in Barbie
Authors: Hall Stuart James
Published: October 2024

I highlight and discuss some of the scientific references made in the film Barbie (2023), with a particular focus on Einsteinian physics and quantum mechanics. I compare such references to similar ones made in the film Oppenheimer (2023) and make some suggestions for possible directions for further study.
Interlopers by choice, or interlopers by circumstance? Alexey Navalny and alternative journalistic projects in contemporary autocratic Russia
Authors: Glazunova Sofya , Schapals Aljosha Karim
Published: October 2024

In February 2024, Russian opposition activist Alexey Navalny died in a Western Siberian prison aged just 47. Known as a vocal opposition leader in Russia in the 2010s, he was regularly trying to be elected but also organised the largest mass anti-establishment and anti-corruption protests in Russia before his untimely death. Deprived of access and coverage in the Russian mainstream media, Navalny and his associates established their own media channels, including personal YouTube channels and online media outlets such as Navalny LIVE to avoid censorship and expose the corruption and abuses of power of high-ranking officials in Russia. However, at the same time, Navalny and his colleagues cannot be labelled as ‘journalists’ in a normative sense. They were not professional journalists and had not gone through the processes of journalistic socialisation, but rather ‘tried on’ journalistic roles and investigative journalism practices to expose corrupt elites. In this sense, Navalny and his team can be called (explicit) interlopers who adopt journalistic identities and force a reconsideration of what journalists are and journalism is. In this study, we look at the case of Navalny and his team and their investigative documentaries on YouTube. We relate his practice to the journalistic concept of (explicit) interlopers, analyse how their unique and alternative journalistic project has diversified a largely monopolised and authoritarian Russian public sphere, and propose extending the notion of interlopers by differentiating between interlopers by choice, and interlopers by circumstance.
Social workers’ views on neglect of people with disabilities: From perspectives to practices
Authors: Khateb Zahra , Mor Neta , Segal Michal , Gur Ayelet
Published: October 2024

This research explores the neglect of people with disabilities from the perspective of social workers in Israel, delving into the key issues and dilemmas surrounding their treatment. A qualitative approach was employed for this research. The study involved 40 social workers, with 25 completing an online qualitative survey and 15 participating in in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used to identify major themes related to the studied issue.

Findings

The research identified three major themes. The first theme focuses on social workers’ perspectives on neglect of people with disabilities. The second theme explores challenges in social workers’ coping with the phenomenon of neglect of people with disabilities. The third theme delves into factors impeding treatment in cases of neglect of people with disabilities.

Applications

The neglect of people with disabilities constitutes a serious social problem that demands changes in policy and practice. Consequently, there is a pressing need to establish a clear definition of neglect, implement a national protocol for addressing the phenomenon, enhance the training of social workers, and bolster supervision and control to improve the response to neglect experienced by people with disabilities.
Quantile and expectile copula-based hidden Markov regression models for the analysis of the cryptocurrency market
Authors: Foroni Beatrice , Merlo Luca , Petrella Lea
Published: October 2024

The role of cryptocurrencies within the financial systems has been expanding rapidly in recent years among investors and institutions. It is therefore crucial to investigate this phenomenon and develop statistical methods able to capture their interrelationships, the links with other global systems and, at the same time, the serial heterogeneity. Here we introduce hidden Markov regression models for jointly estimating quantiles and expectiles of cryptocurrency returns using regime-switching copulas. The proposed approach allows us to focus on extreme returns and describe their temporal evolution by introducing time-dependent coefficients, evolving according to a latent Markov chain. Moreover to model their time-varying dependence structure, we consider elliptical copula functions defined by state-specific parameters. Maximum likelihood estimates are obtained via an expectation-maximization algorithm. The empirical analysis investigates the relationship between daily returns of five cryptocurrencies and major world market indices.
Presidential Activism on Social Media: Multidimensional Analysis and Empirical Examination of Presidential Twitter Use in Europe
Authors: Fruhstorfer Anna , Köker Philipp , Kamenskikh Anna
Published: October 2024

Since the advent of mass media, ‘going public’ has been a key tool in the strategic inventory of presidents seeking to promote their policies to politicians and the public. Over the last decade, social media has offered presidents and their office with a new platform to address the nation directly without relying on traditional media gatekeepers. Nevertheless, both ‘going public’ strategies and presidents’ use of social media have almost exclusively been researched in the context of the presidential systems. The aim of this article is to extend research and offer the first systematic study of presidential Twitter use in European semi-presidential systems. We conceptualise presidential Twitter use as a form of presidential activism that is complementary to the use of formal powers or informal attempts to influence policy. Whereas the latter are driven by institutional or partisan conflict, going public strategies and presidential Twitter use primarily address societal concerns and, hence, are motivated by contextual factors outside the core realm of party politics. Instead, we should expect social conflict and societal grievances to determine demand and supply of presidential Twitter use. We test our propositions using a new dataset of tweets by presidents in European semi-presidential systems 2010–2020.
Risk Profile of Stalking in South Korea: Analyzing the First Year of Court Decisions Following Initial Legal Responses
Authors: Lee Won , Kim Sunghyun , Baek Seungju , Woo Hyunji , Park Sihyun
Published: October 2024

South Korea implemented specific legislation titled the Act on Punishment of Crimes of Stalking ( APCS) on October 21, 2021, to address the issue of stalking. This study evaluated the risks associated with stalking incidents in South Korea by reviewing and analyzing legal cases with finalized judgments within the first year of the APCS. Data were collected through a systematic search of the Korean Supreme Court’s Written Judgment Management System database. We identified 193 stalking-related cases between October 21, 2021, and October 14, 2022. These cases were analyzed based on four risk profile criteria: profiles of stalkers and victims, the nature of stalker–victim relationships, motivations behind stalking, and patterns of stalking behavior. Further, we reviewed cases to which the APCS and the Criminal Act applied by analyzing stalker–victim relationships and the stalkers’ underlying motivations to assess the risks associated with stalking. Approximately 16.6% of stalkers were diagnosed with mental disorders, the most common disorder being psychosis. The average age of the victims was 42.84 years, with a higher prevalence of female victims compared to male ones. Predominantly, stalkers were former intimate partners of the victims, with most cases motivated by rejection. Direct contact methods, such as physical approaches, have been observed more frequently than indirect methods, such as repeated unwanted messages, or non-contact behaviors, including surveillance and loitering. The findings provide an up-to-date overview of the under-examined criminal stalking issue in South Korea.
Leveraging Nudge Theory to Promote Adult Gesture Use During Read-Aloud Experiences With Young Children
Authors: Hall Brittany L. , Holland Hesper Y. , Brendle Janna , Lock Robin H.
Published: October 2024

Nudge theory, a strategy to influence decision-making, holds promise for enhancing an adult’s use of evidence-based strategies during a read-aloud experience with a young child. This study examined the effectiveness of a nudge theory approach in increasing adult gesture use during a book-reading activity with a young child. Notably, 31 U.S. adult–child dyads participated in two conditions of a read-aloud experience. In the control condition, adults were provided with a book without gesture prompts. In the experimental condition, adults were provided with a children’s book containing prompts for gesture use. Using a paired-samples t-test, adults demonstrated a statistically significant mean increase in gesture use of 27.93, 95% CI = [19.00, 36.87], t(29) = 6.39, p < .001 when nudges were available. This study provides preliminary evidence that a nudge theory approach can effectively enhance adults’ gesture use during a read-aloud experience with young children.
Higher, Faster, Further: Performance Heterogeneity and Social Facilitation in Professional Track and Field
Authors: Spilker Finn
Published: October 2024

To explore the effects of COVID-19-related spectator variations on elite track and field athletes, the current article measures individual outcomes according to World Athletics Scores and then leverages these measures in fixed effects regression models to gauge athletes’ performance. Using a dataset of 5284 observations over 6 years and controlling for athlete, venue, and discipline fixed effects, as well as competition characteristics, we address task complexity and task experience. Thereby, we establish that field (in more complex tasks) but not track athletes (in simpler tasks) benefit from spectator exclusion. Furthermore, younger rather than older (more experienced) track athletes benefit from the lack of spectators, implying that experienced athletes handle social pressure better.
Establishment of a Prognostic Model for Pancreatic Cancer Based on Hypoxia-Related Genes
Authors: Wu Yangdong , Zhou Jianrui , Kou Qingyan , Sun Lin , Ma Yuan , Yang Tingting , Hu Xiao
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Pancreatic cancer presents a formidable challenge with its aggressive nature and dismal prognosis, often hampered by elusive early symptoms. The tumor microenvironment (TME) emerges as a pivotal player in pancreatic cancer progression and treatment responses, characterized notably by hypoxia and immunosuppression. In this study, we aimed to identify hypoxia-related genes and develop a prognostic model for pancreatic cancer leveraging these genes.

Methods

Through analysis of gene expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and subsequent GO/KEGG enrichment analysis, hypoxia-related pathways were identified. We constructed a prognostic model using lasso regression and validated it using an independent dataset.

Results

Our results showed that expression levels of PLAU, SLC2A1, and CA9 exhibited significant associations with prognosis in pancreatic cancer. The prognostic model, built upon these genes, displayed robust predictive accuracy and was validated in an independent dataset. Furthermore, we found a correlation between the risk score of the prognostic model and clinical parameters of pancreatic cancer patients. At the same time, we also explored the relationship between the established hypoxia-related prognostic model and the immune microenvironment at the single-cell level. RT-qPCR results showed notable differences in the expression of hypoxia pathway-related genes between normal PANC-1 and hypoxic-treated PANC-1 cells.

Conclusion

Our study provides insights into the role of the hypoxic microenvironment in pancreatic cancer and offers a promising prognostic tool for clinical application.
Radiomic Machine Learning in Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer: Prediction of Ki-67 Expression Level Based on Radiomics of DCE-MRI
Authors: Yang Huan , Wang Wenxi , Cheng Zhiyong , Zheng Tao , Cheng Cheng , Cheng Mengyu , Wang Zhanqiu
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Our study aimed to investigate the potential of radiomics with DCE-MRI for predicting Ki-67 expression in invasive ductal breast cancer.

Method

We conducted a retrospective study including 223 patients diagnosed with invasive ductal breast cancer. Radiomics features were extracted from DCE-MRI using 3D-Slicer software. Two Ki-67 expression cutoff values (20% and 29%) were examined. Patients were divided into training (70%) and test (30%) sets. The Elastic Net method selected relevant features, and five machine-learning models were established. Radiomics models were created from intratumoral, peritumoral, and combined regions. Performance was assessed using ROC curves, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.

Result

For a Ki-67 cutoff value of 20%, the combined model exhibited the highest performance, with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.838 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.774–0.897) for the training set and 0.863 (95% CI: 0.764–0.949) for the test set. The AUC values for the tumor model were 0.816 (95% CI: 0.745–0.880) and 0.830 (95% CI: 0.724–0.916), and for the peritumor model were 0.790 (95% CI: 0.711–0.857) and 0.808 (95% CI: 0.682–0.910). When the Ki-67 cutoff value was set at 29%, the combined model also demonstrated superior predictive ability in both training set (AUC: 0.796; 95% CI: 0.724–0.862) and the test set (AUC: 0.823; 95% CI: 0.723–0.911). The AUC values for the tumor model were 0.785 (95% CI: 0.708–0.861) and 0.784 (95% CI: 0.663–0.882), and for the peritumor model were 0.773 (95% CI: 0.690–0.844) and 0.729 (95% CI: 0.603–0.847).

Conclusion

Radiomics with DCE-MRI can predict Ki-67 expression in invasive ductal breast cancer. Integrating radiomics features from intratumoral and peritumoral regions yields a dependable prognostic model, facilitating pre-surgical detection and treatment decisions. This holds potential for commercial diagnostic tools.
The MiR-200c/FOXP3 Network: A Promising Biomarker for Predicting Trastuzumab Response in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Othman Mohamed S. , Elabbasy Mohamed Tharwat , Aref Ahmed M. , Altaleb Aya A. , Mohammed Marwa Hamdy , Soliman Doaa Atef Mohamed , El-Khazragy Nashwa
Published: October 2024

Purpose: Resistance to Trastuzumab is a significant challenge in the management of HER2-positive Metastatic Breast cancer (HER2-MBC), and a better understanding of the molecular causes of resistance is required to develop more effective treatment plans. While elevated plasma levels of miR-200 and FOXP3 have been linked to breast cancer progression and treatment response, no clinical studies have confirmed these results. Methods: The study involved 40 patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (HER2-MBC). The expression levels of miR-200c-3p and the FOXP3 gene were assessed in plasma samples at two time points: baseline (BL) and after the consent completion of one cycle of Trastuzumab, utilizing quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Clinical response to Trastuzumab was evaluated 12 months post-therapy and correlated with the time to progression (TTP) through Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: Low plasma expression level of miR-200c-3p was detected before therapy in HER2-MBC, compared to healthy controls, and decreased dramatically in the follow-up sample at disease progression, while increased after one cycle of Trastuzumab therapy in patients who were sensitive to Trastuzumab. At baseline, a low expression level of miR-200c was significantly associated with overexpression of FOXP3, poor prognosis, and shorter time to progression. Conclusions: The findings suggest that miR-200c-3p may be a promising biomarker for predicting the response to Trastuzumab in HER2-MBC patients.