bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pancreatic tumor microenvironmental acidosis and hypoxia transform gold nanorods into cell-penetrant particles for potent radiosensitization
Authors: Rauta Pradipta Ranjan , Mackeyev Yuri , Sanders Keith , Kim Joseph B.K. , Gonzalez Valeria V. , Zahra Yasmin , Shohayeb Muhammad A. , Abousaida Belal , Vijay Geraldine V. , Tezcan Okan , Derry Paul , Liopo Anton V. , Zubarev Eugene R. , Carter Rickey , Singh Pankaj , Krishnan Sunil
Published: November 2022

Coating nanoparticles with stealth epilayers increases circulation time by evading opsonization, macrophage phagocytosis, and reticuloendothelial sequestration. However, this also reduces internalization by cancer cells upon reaching the tumor. We designed gold nanorods (GNRs) with an epilayer that retains stealth properties in circulation but transforms spontaneously in the acidotic tumor microenvironment to a cell-penetrating particle. We used a customized stoichiometric ratio ofl-glutamic acid andl-lysine within an amphiphilic polymer of poly(l-glutamic acid-co-l-lysine), or P(Glu-co-Lys), to effect this transformation in acidotic environments. P(Glu-co-Lys)-GNRs were internalized by cancer cells to facilitate potent in vitro radiosensitization. When administered intravenously in mice, they accumulate in the periphery and core of tumors without any signs of serum biochemical or hematological alterations, normal organ histopathological abnormalities, or overt deterioration in animal health. Furthermore, P(Glu-co-Lys)-GNRs penetrated the tumor microenvironment to accumulate in the hypoxic cores of tumors to potently radiosensitize heterotopic and orthotopic pancreatic cancers in vivo.
Mucoadhesive probiotic backpacks with ROS nanoscavengers enhance the bacteriotherapy for inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Liu Jun , Wang Yixin , Heelan William John , Chen Yu , Li Zhaoting , Hu Quanyin
Published: November 2022

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are often associated with elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and highly dysregulated gut microbiota. In this study, we synthesized a polymer of hyaluronic acid–poly(propylene sulfide) (HA-PPS) and developed ROS-scavenging nanoparticles (HPN) that could effectively scavenge ROS. To achieve colon tissue targeting effects, the HPN nanoparticles were conjugated to the surface of modified probiotic
Escherichia coli
Nissle 1917 (EcN). To enhance the bacteriotherapy of EcN, we encapsulated EcN cells with a poly-norepinephrine (NE) layer that can protect EcN against environmental assaults to improve the viability of EcN in oral delivery and prolong the retention time of EcN in the intestine due to its strong mucoadhesive capability. In the dextran sulfate sodium–induced mouse colitis models, HPN-NE-EcN showed substantially enhanced prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, the abundance and diversity of gut microbiota were increased after treatment with HPN-NE-EcN, contributing to the alleviation of IBDs.
Local IL-23 is required for proliferation and retention of skin-resident memory T
H
17 cells
Authors: Whitley Sarah K. , Li Mushi , Kashem Sakeen W. , Hirai Toshiro , Igyártó Botond Z. , Knizner Kelley , Ho Jonhan , Ferris Laura K. , Weaver Casey T. , Cua Daniel J. , McGeachy Mandy J. , Kaplan Daniel H.
Published: November 2022

The cytokine interleukin-23 (IL-23) is critical for development and maintenance of autoimmune inflammation in nonlymphoid tissues; however, the mechanism through which IL-23 supports tissue-specific immunity remains unclear. In mice, we found that circulating memory T cells were dispensable for anamnestic protection from
Candida albicans
skin infection, and tissue-resident memory (T
RM
) cell–mediated protection from
C. albicans
reinfection required IL-23. Administration of anti–IL-23 receptor antibody to mice after resolution of primary
C. albicans
infection resulted in loss of CD69
+
CD103
+
tissue-resident memory T helper 17 (T
RM17
) cells from skin, and clinical anti–IL-23 therapy depleted T
RM17
cells from skin of patients with psoriasis. IL-23 receptor blockade impaired T
RM17
cell proliferation but did not affect apoptosis susceptibility or tissue egress. IL-23 produced by CD301b
+
myeloid cells was required for T
RM17
maintenance in skin after
C. albicans
infection, and CD301b
+
cells were necessary for T
RM17
expansion during the development of imiquimod dermatitis. This study demonstrates that locally produced IL-23 promotes in situ proliferation of cutaneous T
RM17
cells to support their longevity and function and provides mechanistic insight into the durable efficacy of IL-23 blockade in the treatment of psoriasis.
Sino-orbital metastasis as the initial presentation of advanced breast cancer
Authors: Muhammad-Ikmal Mohamad Kamil , Masnon Nurul Ain , Hayati Firdaus , Wan HItam Wan-Hazabbah
Published: November 2022

A woman in her 70s presented with reduced vision in her left eye, progressive narrowing of right eye opening for 6 months and anosmia. On examination, she had right enophthalmos and pseudoptosis with inferior globe dystopia. Her visual acuity was 6/9 and nil light perception in the right and left eyes, respectively. Extraocular muscle examination showed limited right up gaze. Funduscopy showed a normal right optic disc and left optic disc atrophy. Systemic examination revealed left breast ulceration with skin tethering. CT revealed an infiltrative mass invading the ethmoidal sinuses, frontal sinuses and both orbits. A histological diagnosis of infiltrative ductal breast carcinoma was made after nasal endoscopic and left breast biopsy. She underwent palliative chemoradiotherapy and survived with good disease control after 1 year. Metastatic carcinoma is a differential diagnosis of a sino-orbital mass, and comprehensive clinical assessment is indicated for all patients presenting with non-acute eye injury.
Understanding the impact of lockdowns on short-term excess mortality in Australia
Authors: Clarke Philip , Leigh Andrew
Published: November 2022

During 2020 and 2021, Australia implemented relatively stringent government restrictions yet had few COVID-19 deaths. This provides an opportunity to understand the effects of lockdowns and quarantining restrictions on short-term mortality and to help provide evidence in understanding how such public health policies can impact on health. Our analysis is based on preliminary mortality data collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Rates were estimated by disease and over time and compared with mortality statistics in the period 2015–2019. Comparing deaths in 2020-2021 with 2015–2019 show the annual mortality rate (per 100 000 people) fell by 5.9% from 528.4 in 2015–2019 to 497.0 in 2020–2021. Declines in mortality are across many disease categories including respiratory diseases (down 9.4 deaths per 100 000), cancer (down 7.5 deaths per 100 000) and heart disease (down 8.4 deaths per 100 000). During 2020 and 2021, Australian age-standardised mortality rates fell by 6%. This drop was similar for men and women, and was driven by a reduction in both communicable and non-communicable causes of death. Such evidence can help inform public health policies designed to both control COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
Global variations in the burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its outcomes in pregnant women by geographical region and country’s income status: a meta-analysis
Authors: Sheikh Jameela , Lawson Heidi , Allotey John , Yap Magnus , Balaji Rishab , Kew Tania , Stallings Elena , Coomar Dyuti , Gaetano-Gil Andrea , Zamora Javier , Thangaratinam Shakila
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The prevalence of COVID-19 and its impact varied between countries and regions. Pregnant women are at high risk of COVID-19 complications compared with non-pregnant women. The magnitude of variations, if any, in SARS-CoV-2 infection rates and its health outcomes among pregnant women by geographical regions and country’s income level is not known.

Methods

We performed a random-effects meta-analysis as part of the ongoing PregCOV-19 living systematic review (December 2019 to April 2021). We included cohort studies on pregnant women with COVID-19 reporting maternal (mortality, intensive care admission and preterm birth) and offspring (mortality, stillbirth, neonatal intensive care admission) outcomes and grouped them by World Bank geographical region and income level. We reported results as proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

We included 311 studies (2 003 724 pregnant women, 57 countries). The rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women varied significantly by region (p<0.001) and income level (p<0.001), with the highest rates observed in Latin America and the Caribbean (19%, 95% CI 12% to 27%; 13 studies, 38 748 women) and lower-middle-income countries (13%, 95% CI 6% to 23%; 25 studies, 100 080 women). We found significant differences in maternal and offspring outcomes by region and income level. Lower-middle-income countries reported significantly higher rates of maternal mortality (0.68%, 95% CI 0.24% to 1.27%; 3 studies, 31 136 women), intensive care admission (4.53%, 95% CI 2.57% to 6.91%; 54 studies, 23 420 women) and stillbirths (1.09%, 95% CI 0.48% to 1.88%; 41 studies, 4724 women) than high-income countries. COVID-19 complications disproportionately affected South Asia, which had the highest maternal mortality rate (0.88%, 95% CI 0.16% to 1.95%; 17 studies, 2023 women); Latin America and the Caribbean had the highest stillbirth rates (1.97%, 95% CI 0.9% to 3.33%; 10 studies, 1750 women).

Conclusion

The rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women vary globally, and its health outcomes mirror the COVID-19 burden and global maternal and offspring inequalities.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020178076.
Characteristics and factors associated with morbidity of migrant workers with pneumoconiosis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Jinfu , Ye Shaose , Mao Ling , Xie Wei , Nie Huan , Su Min
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To better understand the characteristics of migrant workers with pneumoconiosis in China, and the factors that contribute to their morbidity.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

This study was conducted in Shanghai, Nanning and Shenzhen, China, between December 2020 and December 2021.

Participants

There were 601 questionnaires that were analysed involving 198 migrant workers with pneumoconiosis, 205 workers with pneumoconiosis in state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and 198 other migrant workers with non-pulmonary occupational diseases.

Outcome measures

Epidemiological characteristics of pneumoconiosis among migrant workers were determined. Using logistic regression, we examined the factors related to the morbidity of pneumoconiosis in migrant workers.

Results

The response rate was 93.27%. In comparison with pneumoconiosis among SOE workers, the number of migrant workers with pneumoconiosis who first encountered dust exposure between the ages of 30 and 44 years and had an accumulated dust exposure of 1–10 years was proportionately greater. Migrant workers who developed pneumoconiosis between 18 and 32 years and those who had stage III pneumoconiosis were proportionately greater (p<0.05). Compared with migrant workers with non-pulmonary occupational diseases, six factors were associated with the morbidity of pneumoconiosis in migrant workers. Risk factors were dust exposure (OR=499.25, 95% CI: 68.33 to 3647.59) and someone smoking in the workplace (OR=5.67, 95% CI: 2.18 to 14.78). Protective factors were regular sleeping hours per night, (OR=0.23, 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.60), excellent ventilation (OR=0.09, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.65), rules and regulations (OR=0.22, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.66) and post-departure medical examinations (OR=0.24, 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.63).

Conclusions

Compared with SOE workers with pneumoconiosis, migrant workers are exposed to dust at an earlier age, but for shorter duration, display morbidity at an earlier age and have a higher proportion of tertiary pneumoconiosis. They are predominantly male and have inadequate employment stability and medical insurance. Occupational health check-ups and management systems are inadequate.
Interventions to change parental parenting behaviour to reduce unintentional childhood injury: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kawahara Tomoki , Doi Satomi , Isumi Aya , Ochi Manami , Fujiwara Takeo
Published: November 2022

Objective

The previous study has shown the impact of paternal involvement in childcare on unintentional childhood injury; yet the causality is unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the intervention of an educational video on paternal involvement in childcare can prevent unintentional injury among young children.

Methods

A randomised controlled trial of parents of children born at two obstetrics wards in Japan (n=451, intervention group: 223, control group: 228) was conducted. Parents in the intervention group watched an educational video that promote paternal involvement in childcare, while parents in the control group watched an educational video on the prevention of shaken baby syndrome. The participants were followed for up to 18 months after the birth of their child. The primary outcome of this study was unintentional injury at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. The secondary outcome was paternal involvement in childcare based on maternal observation. Unintentional injury-free rates over time were assessed using the Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

Children in the intervention group were less likely to have unintentional injury, such as burn (HR: 0.29 (95% CI: 0.09 to 0.87)) and caught by a door (HR: 0.66 (95% CI: 0.48 to 0.91)) compared with the control group. Fathers in the intervention group showed higher frequency of taking their children for a walk (coefficient: 0.19 (95% CI: 0.05 to 0.32)).

Conclusions

Educational videos promoting paternal involvement in childcare is effective to prevent unintentional childhood injury.
OTX2duplications: a recurrent cause of oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum
Authors: Celse Tristan , Tingaud-Sequeira Angèle , Dieterich Klaus , Siegfried Geraldine , Lecaignec Cédric , Bouneau Laurence , Fannemel Madeleine , Salaun Gaelle , Laffargue Fanny , Martinez Guillaume , Satre Véronique , Vieville Gaelle , Bidart Marie , Soussi Zander Cecilia , Turesson Ann-Charlotte , Splitt Miranda , Reboul Dorothee , Chiesa Jean , Khau Van Kien Philippe , Godin Manon , Gruchy Nicolas , Goel Himanshu , Palmer Elizabeth , Demetriou Kalliope , Shalhoub Carolyn , Rooryck Caroline , Coutton Charles
Published: November 2022

Background

Oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (OAVS) is the second most common cause of head and neck malformations in children after orofacial clefts. OAVS is clinically heterogeneous and characterised by a broad range of clinical features including ear anomalies with or without hearing loss, hemifacial microsomia, orofacial clefts, ocular defects and vertebral abnormalities. Various genetic causes were associated with OAVS and copy number variations represent a recurrent cause of OAVS, but the responsible gene often remains elusive.

Methods

We described an international cohort of 17 patients, including 10 probands and 7 affected relatives, presenting with OAVS and carrying a 14q22.3 microduplication detected using chromosomal microarray analysis. For each patient, clinical data were collected using a detailed questionnaire addressed to the referring clinicians. We subsequently studied the effects ofOTX2overexpression in a zebrafish model.

Results

We defined a 272 kb minimal common region that only overlaps with theOTX2gene. Head and face defects with a predominance of ear malformations were present in 100% of patients. The variability in expressivity was significant, ranging from simple chondromas to severe microtia, even between intrafamilial cases. Heterologous overexpression ofOTX2in zebrafish embryos showed significant effects on early development with alterations in craniofacial development.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that properOTX2dosage seems to be critical for the normal development of the first and second branchial arches. Overall, we demonstrated thatOTX2genomic duplications are a recurrent cause of OAVS marked by auricular malformations of variable severity.
IQOS and cigarette advertising across regulatory periods and population groups in Israel: a longitudinal analysis
Authors: Khayat Amal , Levine Hagai , Berg Carla J , Shauly-Aharonov Michal , Manor Orly , Abroms Lorien , Romm Katelyn F , Wysota Christina N , Bar-Zeev Yael
Published: November 2022

Background

Tobacco regulation recently changed in Israel, including a partial advertisement ban. We assessed the impact of regulatory changes on Philip Morris International’s (PMI) IQOS and cigarette advertisements.

Methods

Weekly number of ads and weekly adspend of PMI’s IQOS and cigarettes were analysed descriptively and using Quasi-Poisson regressions over time, across regulatory periods and in relation to subpopulations (general public, Arab, Russian and Ultra-Orthodox), from 25 December 2016 to 4 August 2020. Exponentiated coefficients (a value >1 indicates an increase) and 95% CIs are reported.

Results

The average weekly number of ads and the average weekly adspend of IQOS were higher than cigarettes (42.22 vs 26.76 ads/week and 59 409 vs 45 613 new Israeli shekels/week; p<0.001 for both) during the study period, with exclusive IQOS advertisements during market penetration (December 2016 to May 2017). Variation in both outcomes was observed with regard to regulatory decisions. After the advertisement ban, there was a significant decrease in the weekly number of ads (IQOS: ß=0.04, 95% CI 0.002 to 0.20; cigarettes: ß=0.05, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.15) and weekly adspend (IQOS: ß=0.15, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.29; cigarettes: ß=0.31, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.53) for both products. The Ultra-Orthodox had significantly higher average weekly ads compared with the Arab population (IQOS: 0.67 vs 0.07; cigarettes: 2.74 vs 0.13; p=0.02 for both) but lower adspend.

Conclusions

IQOS and cigarette advertisements varied over time and appeared to have been impacted by regulatory changes. PMI invested more in IQOS advertisements than in cigarettes, with a partial advertisement ban decreasing both products’ advertisements. PMI might be targeting the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish population which has a low smoking rate. Further research and surveillance are needed to better understand targeting strategies in order to inform tobacco control policy.
Implications of the QCD dynamics and a Super-Glashow astrophysical neutrino flux on the description of ultrahigh energy neutrino data
Authors: Gonçalves Victor P. , Gratieri Diego R. , Quadros Alex S. C.
Published: November 2022

The number of events observed in neutrino telescopes depends on the neutrino fluxes in the Earth, their absorption while crossing the Earth and their interaction in the detector. In this paper, we investigate the impact of the QCD dynamics at high energies on the energy dependence of the average inelasticity and angular dependence of the absorption probability during the neutrino propagation through the Earth, as well in the determination of the properties of the incident astrophysical neutrino flux. Moreover, the number of events at the IceCube and IceCube-Gen2 are estimated considering different scenarios for the QCD dynamics and assuming the presence of a hypothetical Super-Glashow flux, which peaks for energies above the Glashow resonance.
A study of nonlinear extended Zakharov–Kuznetsov dynamical equation in (3+1)-dimensions: Abundant closed-form solutions and various dynamical shapes of solitons
Authors: Kumar Sachin , Kumar Amit
Published: November 2022

In this work, we execute the generalized exponential rational function (GERF) method to construct numerous and a large number of exact analytical solitary wave solutions of the nonlinear extended Zakharov–Kuznetsov (EZK) dynamical equation in (3+1)-dimensions. The implemented method is one of the best, most reliable, and efficient techniques in the present time for determining numerous closed-form wave analytic solutions to NPDEs. We have accomplished a variety of solitary wave solutions related to some arbitrary parameters under various family cases. These solutions take the following forms based on the free parameters chosen: exponential functions form, trigonometric functions form, and hyperbolic functions form. The obtained solutions are dissimilar and entirely new from the previous findings available in the literature. The dynamics of obtained solutions, namely, soltion, singular soliton wave, a periodic wave, bell-shape, anti-bell-shape wave, breather wave, and multisoliton wave solutions by the special-choice of parameters, are shown graphically in 3D, 2D, and corresponding density profiles. The results demonstrate that the employed computational strategy is efficient, direct, concise, and can be executed in various complex phenomena with symbolic computations. Furthermore, it is revealed that the generalized exponential rational function technique can be effectively utilized for several other NPDEs in engineering, sciences, and mathematical physics.
On the axioms of singquandles
Authors: Bonatto M. , Cattabriga A.
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we deal with the notion of singquandles introduced in [I. R. U. Churchill, M. Elhamdadi, M. Hajij and S. Nelson, Singular knots and involutive quandles, J. Knot Theory Ramifications 26(14) (2017) 1750099]. This is an algebraic structure that naturally axiomatizes Reidemeister moves for singular links, similarly to what happens for ordinary links and quandles. We present a new axiomatization that shows different algebraic aspects and simplifies applications. We also reformulate and simplify the axioms for affine singquandles (in particular in the idempotent case).
Auslander–Reiten–Serre duality for n-exangulated categories
Authors: He Jian , He Jing , Zhou Panyue
Published: November 2022

Let [Formula: see text] be an [Formula: see text]-finite, Krull–Schmidt and [Formula: see text]-linear [Formula: see text]-exangulated category with [Formula: see text] a commutative artinian ring. In this note, we prove that [Formula: see text] has Auslander–Reiten–Serre duality if and only if [Formula: see text] has Auslander–Reiten [Formula: see text]-exangles. Moreover, we also give an equivalent condition for the existence of Serre duality (which is a special type of Auslander–Reiten–Serre duality). Finally, assume further that [Formula: see text] has Auslander–Reiten–Serre duality. We exploit a bijection triangle, which involves the restricted Auslander bijection and the Auslander–Reiten–Serre duality.
Metabelian Lie and perm algebras
Authors: Mashurov F. A. , Sartayev B. K.
Published: November 2022

It is well known that any Lie algebra can be embedded into an associative algebra. We prove that any metabelian Lie algebra can be embedded into an algebra in the subvariety of perm algebras, i.e. associative algebras with the identity [Formula: see text]. In addition, a technical method to construct the universal enveloping perm algebra for a metabelian Lie algebra is given.
Digital Maturity in the German Traditional Industries — Status Quo, Profit Impact, and Paths of Acceleration
Authors: Sommer Stefan , Proff Heike
Published: November 2022

Digitalization is driving discontinuous changes in traditional industries such as in sectors of industrial goods, automotive, chemicals and pharma, and industrial services. However, many affected companies are slow to adapt their businesses. Digital maturity concerns the status quo of digitalization in these companies and must be pursued if the company is to remain competitive. By drawing on theory-based responses to digitalization, a maturity assessment index was derived. A quantitative survey generated 160 complete datasets from German companies operating in traditional industries. The findings suggest a medium level of digital maturity. Six archetypes of digitalized organizations and a positive impact on profits were identified. These results provide indications of five generic paths for increasing digital maturity.
The Workplace Playbook VR: Exploring the Design Space of Virtual Reality to Foster Understanding of and Support for Autistic People
Authors: Kim Jennifer G. , Kim Taewan , Kim Sung-In , Jang So-youn , Lee Eun Bin (Stephanie) , Yoo Heejung , Han Kyungsik , Hong Hwajung
Published: November 2022

A growing number of organizations are hiring autistic individuals as they start to recognize the value of a neurodiverse workforce. Despite this trend, the lack of support for autistic employees in workplaces complicates their employment. However, little is known about how people around autistic individuals can support them to create pleasant employment experiences. In this work, we develop the concept of the Workplace Playbook VR to investigate how virtual reality (VR) can help autistic people develop their work-related social communication skills in partnership with people in their support network. Using a video prototype to present the concept, we interviewed 28 participants, including 10 autistic people and 18 members of their support networks, which included family members and professionals. Our interviews revealed that the Workplace Playbook VR program can provide common ground for autistic people and members of their support network to participate in more empathetic communication regarding workplace challenges. Despite the benefits, we identified the potential misuse of social communication skills training features of the VR program to correct the personal characteristics of autistic individuals. Furthermore, to cultivate inclusive workplace environments, we found the needs of VR development not only for autistic people but also for neurotypical employees to promote their understanding of autism and empathy toward autistic employees. We suggest VR designs that promote a sense of agency and self-advocacy for autistic employees, and autism awareness and acceptance training for neurotypical employees.
Why, How and Where of Delays in Software Security Patch Management: An Empirical Investigation in the Healthcare Sector
Authors: Dissanayake Nesara , Zahedi Mansooreh , Jayatilaka Asangi , Babar Muhammad Ali
Published: November 2022

Numerous security attacks that resulted in devastating consequences can be traced back to a delay in applying a security patch. Despite the criticality of timely patch application, not much is known about why and how delays occur when applying security patches in practice, and how the delays can be mitigated. Based on longitudinal data collected from 132 delayed patching tasks over a period of four years and observations of patch meetings involving eight teams from two organisations in the healthcare domain, and using quantitative and qualitative data analysis approaches, we identify a set of reasons relating to technology, people and organisation as key explanations that cause delays in patching. Our findings also reveal that the most prominent cause of delays is attributable to coordination delays in the patch management process and a majority of delays occur during the patch deployment phase. Towards mitigating the delays, we describe a set of strategies employed by the studied practitioners. This research serves as the first step toward understanding the practical reasons for delays and possible mitigation strategies in vulnerability patch management. Our findings provide useful insights for practitioners to understand what and where improvement is needed in the patch management process and guide them towards taking timely actions against potential attacks. Also, our findings help researchers to invest effort into designing and developing computer-supported tools to better support a timely security patch management process.
Tangible Privacy for Smart Voice Assistants: Bystanders' Perceptions of Physical Device Controls
Authors: Ahmad Imtiaz , Akter Taslima , Buher Zachary , Farzan Rosta , Kapadia Apu , Lee Adam J.
Published: November 2022

Smart voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home are becoming increasingly pervasive in our everyday environments. Despite their benefits, their miniaturized and embedded cameras and microphones raise important privacy concerns related to surveillance and eavesdropping. Recent work on the privacy concerns of people in the vicinity of these devices has highlighted the need for 'tangible privacy', where control and feedback mechanisms can provide a more assured sense of whether the camera or microphone is 'on' or 'off'. However, current designs of these devices lack adequate mechanisms to provide such assurances. To address this gap in the design of smart voice assistants, especially in the case of disabling microphones, we evaluate several designs that incorporate (or not) tangible control and feedback mechanisms. By comparing people's perceptions of risk, trust, reliability, usability, and control for these designs in a between-subjects online experiment (N=261), we find that devices with tangible built-in physical controls are perceived as more trustworthy and usable than those with non-tangible mechanisms. Our findings present an approach for tangible, assured privacy especially in the context of embedded microphones.
From Environmental Monitoring to Mitigation Action: Considerations, Challenges, and Opportunities for HCI
Authors: Dove Graham , Chen Shiyu , Fries Daniel , Johnson Vanessa , Mydlarz Charlie , Bello Juan Pablo , Nov Oded
Published: November 2022

Noise pollution is among the most consistently cited and highest impact quality-of-life issues in major urban areas across the US, with more than 70 million people estimated to be exposed to noise levels considered harmful. While HCI and CSCW has a relatively rich history of engagement with monitoring such environmental concerns, e.g. through participatory sensing, prior research has not to our knowledge engaged with the process of municipal mitigation. In this paper we present research in this direction, connecting support for pervasive environmental monitoring with civic engagement in mitigation action. Having first identified and described the research space for this engagement, we present empirical data from an ongoing case study focused on two communities living with chronic problem noise. We probe the experiences of residents and representatives of different municipal organizations tasked with addressing their concerns. We find that making and drawing on records of noise is important to residents and authorities, that these groups have misaligned perceptions of how effective current reporting programs are, and that communication between them can be poor. We also find that noise is often one part of more complex issues. We then discuss our findings in light of prior research, and identify a model of civic sensing that highlights opportunities for HCI design and research including: supporting residents' coordinated actions and actions with municipal open data, mediating residents' and authorities' assessments of data quality, and supporting accountability and attributable mitigation action.
Proactive Moderation of Online Discussions: Existing Practices and the Potential for Algorithmic Support
Authors: Schluger Charlotte , Chang Jonathan P. , Danescu-Niculescu-Mizil Cristian , Levy Karen
Published: November 2022

To address the widespread problem of uncivil behavior, many online discussion platforms employ human moderators to take action against objectionable content, such as removing it or placing sanctions on its authors. Thisreactive paradigm of taking action against already-posted antisocial content is currently the most common form of moderation, and has accordingly underpinned many recent efforts at introducing automation into the moderation process. Comparatively less work has been done to understand other moderation paradigms---such as proactively discouraging the emergence of antisocial behavior rather than reacting to it---and the role algorithmic support can play in these paradigms. In this work, we investigate such a proactive framework for moderation in a case study of a collaborative setting: Wikipedia Talk Pages. We employ a mixed methods approach, combining qualitative and design components for a holistic analysis. Through interviews with moderators, we find that despite a lack of technical and social support, moderators already engage in a number of proactive moderation behaviors, such as preemptively intervening in conversations to keep them on track. Further, we explore how automation could assist with this existing proactive moderation workflow by building a prototype tool, presenting it to moderators, and examining how the assistance it provides might fit into their workflow. The resulting feedback uncovers both strengths and drawbacks of the prototype tool and suggests concrete steps towards further developing such assisting technology so it can most effectively support moderators in their existing proactive moderation workflow.
How Transfeminine TikTok Creators Navigate the Algorithmic Trap of Visibility Via Folk Theorization
Authors: DeVito Michael Ann
Published: November 2022

Social platforms open important doors to visibility for transgender people, through which they can pursue key goals such as broader recognition and normalization. However, each door is also potentially a trap, filled with risks and consequences - especially for those whose goals require visibility. Via a grounded theory interview study with 17 transfeminine content creators on TikTok, I find that, in an algorithmically mediated environment such as TikTok, users navigate potential doors to visibility and their associated traps via folk theorization. Moreover, I find that transfeminine creators employ multiple complex and overlapping folk theories, with actionable theories guiding the careful navigation of doors to visibility, and demotivational theories alerting creators to traps that are too risky to spring. I introduce five novel folk theories of TikTok spanning both the For You Page and content moderation systems which creators use to guide their decision making, and discuss how two cross-cutting issues, perceived algorithmic paternalism and decontextualization, illustrate major issues for transfeminine creators and opportunities for more supportive design.
Exploring Capturing Approaches in Shared Fabrication Workshops: Current Practice and Opportunities
Authors: Rigaud Clara , Bailly Gilles , Avellino Ignacio , Jansen Yvonne
Published: November 2022

Capturing content of fabrication activities is the first step for producing knowledge resources and an integral part of maker culture. As a secondary task, it conflicts though with the fabrication activity, and thus it is often forgotten and knowledge resources end up incomplete. In this article, we investigate different dimensions of content capture for knowledge resources in fabrication workshops. Based on past work in this area, we first propose a framework through which we identify two research directions to investigate. From these, we derive three dimensions to explore in more depth: The number of capturing devices, their feature variety and the degree of automation of each feature. We then explore the design space resulting from these three dimensions with the help of a design concept and an online survey study (N=66). Results show (1) a variety of needs and preferences justifying feature variety and multiplicity, (2) challenges in defining the right degree of manual and automatic control, and (3) the socio-technical impact of cameras in a shared space regarding privacy and ethics. We conclude with discussions on the benefits and vulnerabilities of equipping fabrication workshop with distributed camera-based capturing devices and offer opportunities for design.
Motivated to Work or Working to Stay Motivated: A Diary and Interview Study on Working From Home
Authors: Borghouts Judith Willemijn , Mark Gloria , Williams Alex C. , Breideband Thomas
Published: November 2022

Working from home has become common practice for many, especially since the global pandemic has forced many office workers to relocate their work spaces to a home environment. While working from home can have benefits, it requires self-discipline and can be a challenge to stay motivated. Changes in motivation about work may impact people's sense of productivity and well-being. We used a mixed-methods study using diaries and interviews with 25 informants to investigate perceived challenges during remote work from home. A grounded theory analysis revealed that people's work motivation had shifted from being people-centric to being work-centric. In the office, informants were motivated by working and interacting with others and being at their desk signaled work engagement to others. At home, motivation was mainly driven by personal work responsibilities. We identify four clusters of worker strategies to address the shift in work motivation. While some informants' perspectives on motivation made them reflect inward on their work performance and enjoyment, other informants' perspectives were outward-facing and involved performance and enjoyment in relation to others. We conclude that there needs to be better support for sustaining work motivation at home that can be tailored to different individuals, specifically in terms of managing time and detaching from work. We conclude by considering new pathways for supporting remote work.
The Chinese Diaspora and The Attempted WeChat Ban: Platform Precarity, Anticipated Impacts, and Infrastructural Migration
Authors: Zhang Ben Zefeng , Haimson Oliver L. , Thomas Michaelanne
Published: November 2022

In August 2020, the U.S. President issued an executive order to ban the Chinese-based social platform WeChat, alleging that WeChat posed a national security risk. WeChat is a vital application for Chinese diasporic communities in the United States. The ban's status was uncertain for several months before it was temporarily halted and later revoked in 2021. Through interviews with 15 WeChat users and online participant observation, this study examines the anticipated impacts of the potential WeChat ban and participants' reactions. We find that participants described negative consequences of the potential ban, including adverse network and economic effects and disruption of community-building efforts. We also find that many participants considered WeChat to be critical infrastructure in the United States, as it has become an indispensable part of their daily lives. To frame participants' experiences, we introduce the concept of infrastructural migration-the process of users relocating to another digital media service that embodies the properties and functions of infrastructure or moving to an assemblage of different applications that meet their infrastructural needs separately. We then discuss implications for designing for infrastructural migration and future considerations for HCI research with diasporic communities.
"I Kind of Bounce off It":Translating Mental Health Principles into Real Life Through Story-Based Text Messages
Authors: Bhattacharjee Ananya , Williams Joseph Jay , Chou Karrie , Tomlinson Justice , Meyerhoff Jonah , Mariakakis Alex , Kornfield Rachel
Published: November 2022

Adopting new psychological strategies to improve mental wellness can be challenging since people are often unable to anticipate how new habits are applicable to their circumstances. Narrative-based interventions have the potential to alleviate this burden by illustrating psychological principles in an applied context. In this work, we explore how stories can be delivered via the ubiquitous and scalable medium of text messaging. Through formative work consisting of interviews and focus group discussions with 15 participants, we identified desirable elements of stories about mental health, including authenticity and relatability. We then deployed story-based text messages to 42 participants to explore challenges regarding both the stories' content (e.g., specific versus generalized) and format (e.g., story length). We observed that our stories helped participants reflect on and identify flaws in their thinking patterns. Our findings highlight design implications and opportunities for mental wellness interventions that utilize stories in text messaging services.
Part of the Conversation: Workforce Professionals' Perspectives on the Roles and Impacts of Workforce Technologies
Authors: Chau Connie W. , Holstein Kenneth , Madaio Michael
Published: November 2022

Amidst recent enthusiasm for data-driven technologies in workforce development, prior HCI research has explored job seekers' perspectives to inform the design of new technologies that could support their job search. However, in practice, the process of looking for work is often embedded in local workforce development ecosystems, where networks of organizations provide a range of services, from employment consulting, to resume workshops, to job skills training programs. Although prior CSCW work has explored the role of algorithms in social services, there has been little work investigating how algorithmic systems may shape workforce development professionals' interactions with clients and how they might be better designed to complement these professionals' work and responsibilities. To begin to address this gap, we conducted an interview study with five workforce development professionals in the US in both management and client-facing roles. Our findings contribute to research on how algorithmic systems are shaping workforce development, shedding light on the importance of the relationship building work that workforce professionals engage in with clients, the difficulty in maintaining boundaries in the face of resource and information challenges, and the ways that workforce development technologies are shaping the work of workforce development.
From 'Friends with Benefits' to 'Sextortion:' A Nuanced Investigation of Adolescents' Online Sexual Risk Experiences
Authors: Alsoubai Ashwaq , Song Jihye , Razi Afsaneh , Naher Nurun , De Choudhury Munmun , Wisniewski Pamela J.
Published: November 2022

Sexual exploration is a natural part of adolescent development; yet, unmediated internet access has enabled teens to engage in a wider variety of potentially riskier sexual interactions than previous generations, from normatively appropriate sexual interactions to sexually abusive situations. Teens have turned to online peer support platforms to disclose and seek support about these experiences. Therefore, we analyzed posts (N=45,955) made by adolescents (ages 13--17) on an online peer support platform to deeply examine their online sexual risk experiences. By applying a mixed methods approach, we 1) accurately (average of AUC = 0.90) identified posts that contained teen disclosures about online sexual risk experiences and classified the posts based on level of consent (i.e., consensual, non-consensual, sexual abuse) and relationship type (i.e., stranger, dating/friend, family) between the teen and the person in which they shared the sexual experience, 2) detected statistically significant differences in the proportions of posts based on these dimensions, and 3) further unpacked the nuance in how these online sexual risk experiences were typically characterized in the posts. Teens were significantly more likely to engage in consensual sexting with friends/dating partners; unwanted solicitations were more likely from strangers and sexual abuse was more likely when a family member was involved. We contribute to the HCI and CSCW literature around youth online sexual risk experiences by moving beyond the false dichotomy of "safe" versus "risky". Our work provides a deeper understanding of technology-mediated adolescent sexual behaviors from the perspectives of sexual well-being, risk detection, and the prevention of online sexual violence toward youth.
Disordering Datasets
Authors: Mathur Varoon , Lustig Caitlin , Kaziunas Elizabeth
Published: November 2022

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) to the behavioral health domain has led to a growing interest in the use of machine learning (ML) techniques to identify patterns in people's personal data with the goal of detecting-and even predicting-conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. This paper investigates the data science practices and design narratives that underlie AI-mediated behavioral health through the situational analysis of three natural language processing (NLP) training datasets. Examining datasets as a sociotechnical system inextricably connected to particular social worlds, discourses, and infrastructural arrangements, we identify several misalignments between the technical project of dataset construction and benchmarking (a current focus of AI research in the behavioral health domain) and the social complexity of behavioral health. Our study contributes to a growing critical CSCW literature of AI systems by articulating the sensitizing concept ofdisordering datasets that aims to productively trouble dominant logics of AI/ML applications in behavioral health, and also support researchers and designers in reflecting on their roles and responsibilities working within this emerging and sensitive design space.
Human and Technological Infrastructures of Fact-checking
Authors: Juneja Prerna , Mitra Tanushree
Published: November 2022

Increasing demands for fact-checking have led to a growing interest in developing systems and tools to automate the fact-checking process. However, such systems are limited in practice because their system design often does not take into account how fact-checking is done in the real world and ignores the insights and needs of various stakeholder groups core to the fact-checking process. This paper unpacks the fact-checking process by revealing the infrastructures---both human and technological---that support and shape fact-checking work. We interviewed 26 participants belonging to 16 fact-checking teams and organizations with representation from 4 continents. Through these interviews, we describe the human infrastructure of fact-checking by identifying and presenting, in-depth, the roles of six primary stakeholder groups, 1) Editors, 2) External fact-checkers, 3) In-house fact-checkers, 4) Investigators and researchers, 5) Social media managers, and 6) Advocators. Our findings highlight that the fact-checking process is a collaborative effort among various stakeholder groups and associated technological and informational infrastructures. By rendering visibility to the infrastructures, we reveal how fact-checking has evolved to include both short-term claims centric and long-term advocacy centric fact-checking. Our work also identifies key social and technical needs and challenges faced by each stakeholder group. Based on our findings, we suggest that improving the quality of fact-checking requires systematic changes in the civic, informational, and technological contexts.