bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colonial Mindset in Society
Authors: Delgadillo-Feliciano Catalina , Lopez-Figueroa Johnny
Published: August 2024

The knowledge of colonialism and its psychological effects on the Puerto Rican populace is imperative to comprehend the island’s attitudes, mentalities, and behaviors towards its colonial system. The development of a Puerto Rican colonial mentality has origins rooted in the island’s colonial history and political structures, which have resulted in its manifestation through attitudes of assimilation as well as resistance towards external cultural factors. The previously mentioned Puerto Rican attitudes are becoming increasingly significant as the island’s political tension increments alongside the need to conceptualize the predominant political ideologies within their origins as expressions of the Puerto Rican mentality and psyche. Puerto Rico’s colonial past and interactions with external cultural forces have impacted Puerto Ricans’ relationships and associations with cultural and national identity, their construction of self-concept, and their perspectives on the Puerto Rican collective. Mentalities of internalized inferiority have been found in circles of the Puerto Rican population as being connected to the island’s colonial status. Puerto Rican identity has nevertheless developed independently and distinctly from its colonial forces.
Can The General Will Be Expressed in U.S. Elections?
Authors: Chen Eddy , Keating Thomas
Published: August 2024

This research delves into the nuanced relationship between election outcomes and the concept of the “General Will,” as elucidated by Jean-Jacques Rousseau in The Social Contract. Through a multifaceted analysis, this paper scrutinizes the representation of election results by considering factors like voter turnout and restrictions, factional power dynamics, and the influence of monied interests. The findings reveal that elections, particularly within the electoral landscape of the United States, fail to truly express the will of the people due to gerrymandering, voter restrictions, and the influence of dark money and special interest groups. Drawing on insights from scholarly discourse, the study concludes by proposing potential solutions aimed at fostering greater alignment between election results and the overarching will of the people.
Bias Detection in Media: An NLP-Based Approach using Corpus Statistics and Sentence Embeddings
Authors: Gummalam Neeraj , Greenberg Clayton
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we implement a Natural Language Processing (NLP) solution for  binary classification to categorize a sentence as biased or unbiased. Detecting bias is a challenge in the media today, but can be utilized to help readers identify which sources portray bias. The general approach to classifying a sentence as biased or unbiased involves representing words and sentences using probability or pretrained vectorization models.  Our final model only contained probabilistic data about the connection between words, sentences, and each class. We used Pointwise Mutual Information (PMI) and Term Frequency Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF) as heuristics for finding the relationship between sentences and the biased and unbiased classes. We also leveraged Google’s Universal Sentence Encodings (USE) to capture the meaning of the sentences. Our results revealed a possible limitation in USE’s training data in terms of bias detection. Through topic analysis, we were able to uncover insights surrounding which topics are characterized by minimal bias. We were able to use these discoveries to contextualize the model’s performance.
CRISPR knockout of HRE sequences in the C9orf72 gene to treat ALS, FTD, and HDL2
Authors: Haridas Arya , Guilz Dr. Nicole
Published: August 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), familial frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and phenotypic Huntington syndrome-like disease (HDL2) have in common multiple hexanucleotide repeat expansions (HREs), in the C9orf72 gene. The C9orf72 protein aids in sending and receiving signals in multiple neurons. The C9orf72 protein is found primarily expressed in the brain and specific neurons, especially in the cerebral cortex. In ALS, FTD, and HDL2, the gene has a repeat sequence GGGGCC that is found in many patients with familial neurodegenerative conditions, resulting in the loss of function of many patients' motor neurons. The repeat sequence causes reduced production of the C9orf72 protein, called haploinsufficiency, and simultaneously a gain-of-function mutation by producing toxic dipeptide proteins, and excess RNA foci (RNA toxicity) in the brain. Different gene editing techniques in vitro and in vivo have shown the successful knockout of genes in the brain as well as on the C9orf72 gene and the connection to ALS, FTD, and Huntington-like syndrome in mice. CRISPR is a gene-editing tool used to target HREs. This review will focus on knocking down/out the HREs of the C9orf72 gene using various delivery strategies. Targeting the C9orf72 gene HREs, it would be expected that a decrease in protein aggregations that affect motor neurons, be able to prevent protein haploinsufficiency and prevent RNA toxicity, which are the main factors of these three neurodegenerative diseases. Using gene editing, treatment may be possible for patients with familial ALS, FTD, and HDL2 with the HRE sequences in the C9orf72 gene.
From Necessity to Obsession: The Evolution and Impact of Desire-Driven Societies and Consumerism
Authors: Pinheiro Erica
Published: August 2024

Consumption has evolved into the foundation for survival and sucess within the framework of our captalistic society. Understanding its profound significancies is imperative due to its pervasive influence in our lives. This research explores why society drives towards consumption, examining the push towards material possessions by investigating human behavior, societal structures, self-alienation, and the evolution of consumer culture. Firstly it introduces the history of consumerism delving into philosophical underpinnings from Aristotle and ancient Stoics, followed by an examination of economist Victor Lebow's ideology, wherein consumption becomes vital for economic growth. Furthermore, a significant focus is dedicated to Jean Baudrillard's theories, particularly his concept of "the code", where consumer behavior represents social status, alongside concepts like "the simulation", hyper-consumerism, and the production of desires. It also analyses how hyper-consumerism shapes identity formation, discussing the social coding of desires and consumption as a surrogate for fullfillment. Karl Marx's perspective on consumption as a distraction from labor-induced alienation is explored, highlighting how people seek solace in consumption rather than confronting thier disconnected realities. Ultimatly, the research examines how the fleeting satisfaction from material possessions perpetuates a cycle of discontentment, exarberating alienation and reliance on goods. It concludes that the urge to consume derives from the combinations of various factors engraved in modern society, particularly those molded by the persistent sense of alienation and societal pressures, where the quest for self-fullfillment interwines with social influences, fostering an addictive cycle of pursuing fleeting happiness through material possessions.
Exploring a hypothetical design of a nanoparticle-base cancer vaccine for the skin cancer melanoma
Authors: Cao Reenie , Carson Carcia
Published: August 2024

Melanoma is a skin cancer, in which cancer cells form in the melanocytes. It can occur anywhere on the skin but is hard to spot due to its only signs being a change in the way a specific mole or pigmented area looks. It is usually curable. Still, once it has bypassed stage IV, it can become fatal and deadly. The stages of melanoma depend on how thick the tumor is and whether it has broken through the skin. The most deadly is stage IV, in which the cancer has spread to numerous parts of the body, including but not limited to the lungs, liver, and brain. Studies have shown that the average 5-year survival rate for melanoma skin cancer is 94%; however, only 32% of people survive once the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body (The American Cancer Society et al., n.d.). Treatments for stage IV melanoma include surgery or radiation therapy. However, newer forms of immunotherapy and targeted drugs have shown to be more effective than chemotherapy. This paper will explore both the benefits and drawbacks of the immune checkpoint inhibitor atezolizumab and the BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib, both of which are FDA-approved. Furthermore, the paper will also explore the use of the PLGA nanoparticle in drug delivery as well as the possible future direction of this cancer treatment.
Change Point Detection for Automatic Time Series Forecasting
Authors: Chander Siddharth , Liang Ricky , Chen Johnathan P.
Published: August 2024

Time series analysis, the process of learning patterns in time series data and making future predictions, is a challenging machine learning endeavor: the intricate and error-prone process of manual data fitting limits efficiency and scalability to larger datasets. Our research builds upon structure discovery research, paving the way for more effective short-term forecasting. We combine the adaptability of automatic change point detection with a fixed kernel composition, achieving accuracy comparable to traditional manual methods while reducing analysis time. This hybrid approach offers the best of both worlds: leveraging human expertise for precise fitting and capturing specific trends while utilizing an automated technique to recognize shifts and model complex relationships within the data dynamically. By demonstrating the effectiveness of automatic change point detection in conjunction with kernel composition, we work to develop time series usage in data analysis.
Silent Struggles: Unveiling The Mental Health of South Asian American Emigrant Women
Authors: Sen Anya , Meyer Lauren , Flatto Kristen Yael
Published: August 2024

South Asian women emigrants in the United States face noticeably distinct problems related to mental health. Not only are they impacted at higher rates as compared to other populations in the country, but their living circumstances lead them to experience mental health issues differently. Their South Asian heritage and differing cultural norms from native-born Americans contribute to acculturation stress, familial pressure, and personal stigma. Meanwhile, due to sex-related biological brain anatomy differences as well as lived experiences in a historically patriarchal world, their gender identity makes them more prone to mental health disorders. Finally, their status as emigrants contributes to further instability in their lives and vulnerability to discrimination, two other factors that often negatively influence mental health. Statistics and studies show their high susceptibility to mental illness likely stems from the intersectionality—the overlapping and interdependent impacts—of their identity traits. As a result, this research emphasizes the importance of individually focusing on minority and marginalized populations when considering mental health and respective treatments.
Machine Learning for the Visually Impaired: Benchmarking Object Detection Models
Authors: Patra Aditya , Crandall Rae
Published: August 2024

This research paper benchmarks object detection models, a form of machine learning, to determine which algorithm would be most beneficial for the visually impaired to locate objects that are used in everyday life. As most benchmarking experiments test object detection models with a variety of objects, it is essential to test the models using images of more relevant objects to find the most suitable algorithm. The models are tested using still images from the COCO database. Pretrained models employing five of the most popular object detection algorithms are used to process the images and find each model’s detection accuracy. To simulate real life scenarios, these objects may be partially hidden or at a distance. For each image, the models return a list of detections providing the names, confidence rating, and location of each object detected. These results will be filtered to remove detections with low confidence ratings as well as detections of irrelevant objects. The remaining results are compared to the dataset of object names and locations provided by the COCO database to calculate the distance between the predicted object locations and the true location. The algorithms will be ranked based on the number of failed detections, the time taken to analyze each image, and the accuracy of each object’s determined location.
The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Financial Performance of Full-Service Versus Low-Cost Airlines
Authors: Ma Victor
Published: August 2024

This study analyzes the post-pandemic recovery of the low-cost and full-service airline industries. An analysis of the financial performance of five full-service and four low-cost airlines during and after the pandemic is conducted using four different financial ratios. Low-cost airlines recovered faster and had better performance after the pandemic, despite receiving less federal aid. To explain this difference in recovery speed, the author examined the air traffic, market share, fleet, route structure/choice of airports, and employee productivity between low-cost and full-service airlines using data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) from 1998 to 2022.
Classifying Aerial Objects Based on Risk: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Arun Varnika , Dua Sejal
Published: August 2024

The spy balloon that flew across the U.S. in February 2023 posed a serious security threat. US security officials have said this balloon tried to gather intelligence by monitoring sensitive military sites, and as a result, the U.S. government began more closely scrutinizing its airspace to better categorize aerial objects and detect threats. However, the airspace is filled with a myriad of aerial objects, making the problem of classifying and risk determination very challenging. We hypothesize that if we label aerial objects based on the risks they pose, then a Machine Learning algorithm can be made to learn and predict the risks of previously unknown or unseen aerial objects. Currently, there are no known single datasets that contain both old and newer aerial objects, such as drones, planes, etc., nor do datasets have labels to identify the risks associated with the objects. The goal of this research is twofold: 1) We create a new comprehensive dataset that contains traditional and newer aerial objects. We label the objects as high, medium, low, or no risk based on the threat markers on the aerial objects. 2) We use the MobileNetV2 CNN classification algorithm to validate the dataset and provide accurate results. Advancements in this space can potentially help intelligence agencies and security analysts quickly assess developing scenarios and provide a reliable risk assessment for observed aerial objects.
Impacts of Cancer Diagnoses and Treatments on the Psychological Health of Patients
Authors: Dronavalli Sahasra , Parajuli Dr. Prahlad , Kethar Jothsna
Published: August 2024

The effects that come with cancer diagnoses and treatments are many and impact various aspects of an individual’s life. A rarely talked about impact of the cancer journey is the psychological impact of cancer on patients. Individuals experience isolation, changes in social interaction, impact on their health, and financial status. Deterioration in the psychological health of cancer patients can lead to devastating effects on the overall health of the individual because when an individual’s psychological health declines, multiple other body systems are impacted too. This takes a drastic toll on patients because they already have to fight intensive cancer treatment, and a deteriorating psychological state can cause a lot of harm in their journey towards being cancer-free. Additionally, cancer patients experience much stigma from others lacking knowledge about what cancer patients go through. This can lead to cancer patients experiencing various psychological health issues which can then cause overall health-based consequences. Examining multiple credible studies regarding the psychological health of cancer patients, this paper aims to examine the role of psychological health throughout the journey of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Ultimately, there is an extensive impact on the psychological health of patients due to cancer treatment and diagnosis as a result of the stigma and environment experienced during the cancer journey. The most efficient method to help patients avoid significant psychological health deterioration is to create programs in their treatment plan to monitor their psychological health, mentally prepare them for the treatment ahead, and provide healthy coping strategies.
New Horizons and Breakthroughs in the Therapeutic Treatments for Glioblastoma
Authors: Yang Eric
Published: August 2024

Glioblastoma represents a difficult challenge in both oncology and neurosurgery, characterized by its aggressive nature and poor prognosis. Despite its multimodal approach to standard treatment, combining surgery and chemoradiation therapy, the overall survival for patients remains disappointingly low. This review paper provides an overview of the clinical challenges associated with glioblastoma treatment, including tumor heterogeneity, low mutational burden, cancer stemness, and its immunosuppressive microenvironment. In addition, we explore promising future therapies such as the tumor treating fields (TTFields), carmustine wafer treatment, angiogenesis inhibition, CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing therapy, and immunotherapies such as dendritic cell vaccination (DCV) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Across the review, we highlight the potential, progress, and shortcomings of each therapeutic approach by addressing their respective success and challenges. By analyzing this information, we strive to provide a comprehensive review of the current progress of glioblastoma treatment and its future therapeutic potential.
Analysis of the contributing factors of Jeju-do's high obesity rate in South Korea
Authors: Kim Seijun , Kim Hugh
Published: August 2024

Obesity, particularly in children and adolescents, is a leading cause of chronic disease throughout life. This study aims to identify the factors that are associated with the highest obesity prevalence among Korean children and adolescents in Jeju-do. This study analysed a total of 483,034 data records from student health examinations conducted by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea between 2017 and 2022, suing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests in R version 4.3.11. In Jeju-do, the normal students consumed soft drink and fast food three or more times per week, watched TV, played games or used the internet for more than 2 hours per day, thought about running away, had no one to talk to about their problems, and worried about family issues more frequently than students in other regions. The obese students in Jeju-do had a statistically significant higher intake of instant noodles and fast food compared to those in other regions. Comparing normal and obese elementary students in Jeju-do, the obese group had a significantly higher intake of unhealthy foods such as instant noodles, soft drink, and fast food compared to the normal group. Jeju-do’s middle and high school students had similar characteristics to the obese population in other regions. Jeju-do’s students have unique factors associated with obesity compared to students in other regions. The study highlights the correlation between obesity and unhealthy mental states among study subjects in South Korea. Future adolescent health policies should address this issue in greater depth.
Finding Earthquake Patterns with Time Series and Regression Models
Authors: Gaonkar Stavya , Ravindra Aditi , Bathula Apoorva , Kolala Rohan , Bhatia Ansh , Fendell Sam
Published: August 2024

Due to their unpredictability, earthquakes are certainly the most dangerous natural disasters. Scientists have long struggled to understand the movement of tectonic plates, as they occur at depths that cannot be directly seen and occur extremely slowly, at a rate that results in possibly one every thousand years between two adjacent plates. What if we could take a different approach, however? What if we could leverage the recent advances in machine learning to close this gap? That is exactly what we aimed to do in our research, with the question of whether various factors related to earthquakes, such as their magnitude and time of occurrence, could be determined through the analysis of years of historical data. This was conducted through the analysis of a dataset which contained records of all major earthquakes (magnitude 5.5 or higher) from 1900-2023. The library scikit-learn was used for various regression models, such as linear regression, random forest regression, and lasso regression, and the library FB prophet was used for time series forecasting, a method used to analyze patterns in previous earthquakes to predict new ones. Our conclusions were that, with some degree of error, the magnitude of an earthquake can be determined based on location/time and the time of occurrence can be pinpointed to specific days of the week as well as months.
Cardiovascular disease and a Solution
Authors: Kale Ahan , Kethar Jothsna , Lilova, Ph.d Kristina
Published: August 2024

Heart disease has many variants, although its intimidating lethality remains prominent throughout. The problem, Heart disease plays a leading role in the U.S death toll. Although some heart diseases are manageable, the role heart diseases play in the annual death toll suggests a call for a cure. This paper will contribute to ongoing research in order to find a cure for heart disease, also known as Cardiovascular Disease. Many people find out they have heart diseases at a later stage, often resulting in more complicated ways for treatment to be implemented. When a patient enters the later stages of Cardiovascular disease chances of survival remain relatively low.  In detail, coronary heart disease is incurable but steps can be taken to reduce the effects of symptoms. Although why wait till one has inherited coronary heart disease? The solution, with advancements in technology we can look for evidence of developing symptoms. This evidence can help doctors assign earlier diagnoses. Although one must understand the signs that must be looked for, ex: the buildup of plaque inside arteries, blood circulation levels, and respiratory levels. Since most of these symptoms remain hidden in our body, often causing late diagnoses we can use nanosensors to keep track and report this information. The further focus of this paper is not only to help readers understand the severity of heart disease but also to acknowledge a possible solution known as the nanosensor. Before understanding how nanosensors can help, it's important to understand that nanosensors are a developing technology. Although, the potential to have an earlier diagnosis before the severity of the disease worsens remains unmatched in the world of health care. This paper utilizes the research method, combining articles and research papers alike in an effort to gather evidence to support the idea that Nanosensors can contribute to less deaths caused by heart disease. Nanosensors the focus of this paper is an explored solution, consisting of nanosized sensors that would provide biomarkers to help doctors analyze the likelihood of a patient inheriting cardiovascular disease.
Mental Imagery and Social Phobia: What Form of Mental Imagery – Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is Most Effective?
Authors: Clark Myra
Published: August 2024

Mental imagery is the internal experience of representing sensory information that is normally perceived through the senses, entirely in the mind. Visual mental imagery, which is the most studied type of imagery, is commonly referred to as “visualization,” or “seeing through the mind’s eye.” One of the defining features of imagery is that it does not require an external stimulus for the creation of a mental image.  Imagery can also be either voluntary or involuntary. Involuntary mental imagery is important as it is the essential element of many psychological disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, which is characterized by intrusive “flashbacks” of traumatizing memories in the form of imagery. Mental imagery has general significance in our lives as it is often used as a tool for remembering information, and it is increasingly being used in clinical fields both to study and to help treat mental health disorders. The purpose of this paper is to review literature on the neuroscience of mental imagery, emotion, and its clinical applications. This paper will also discuss different forms of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and their effectiveness in treating anxiety and mental health disorders, specifically social phobia. Additionally, this paper will attempt to fill in the gap in previous studies by providing insight into which form of CBT may be most effective for treating social phobia.
Fashion and A.I.
Authors: Dueno Carlos , Lopez-Figueroa Johnny
Published: August 2024

The merging of AI in the fashion industry has resulted in various concerns but also benefits that have led multiple people to question whether the usage of AI in the fashion industry should be restrained or embraced. Additionally, the significance of this investigation has to do with not only how recent this integration is but also addressing the benefits and non-benefits to better understand the complexity of this innovation in the creative industry. Nevertheless, fashion experts have already stated in interviews or other sources that one should see AI as a tool and not a threat to the creative process of fashion design. It can give designers a whole new way of processing and thinking of unique and innovative fashion pieces with just the assistance of AI. Ultimately, legal concerns like copyrights, data privacy, and consumer data have raised various questions among people in the industry due to the significant consequences that can result from utilizing AI in one’s design. Regarding all that was stated, the future can only tell how the integration of AI in the fashion industry will positively or negatively affect the fashion world.
Looted Artifacts
Authors: Ramirez-Trelles Ines , Vivoni Mariana , Lopez-Figueroa Johnny
Published: August 2024

This investigation sought to understand how art theft works. Then, understand its implications on cultural legacy, museums, and the black market. Art theft has its category due to its complexity compared to other crimes. It is often associated with other illegal practices like drug trafficking. Stolen art then enters the black market. These stolen pieces often have emotional and historical significance. For example, the Nazis stole many pieces that belonged to Jewish individuals. Pieces that had been in a family for years were taken and displaced. Museums need to be careful about how they obtain their pieces with provenance. Art is a way to express emotions, depict history, and capture culture. When it is stolen, it causes adverse effects on cultural heritage. This investigation studies this phenomenon to bring awareness of the legal importance of obtaining art.
How Color Brightness of a Company’s Logo Affects the Perceived Value of its Products
Authors: Jain Prajna , Muratore Robert
Published: August 2024

The use of color in marketing is usually not thought about by the average consumer. However, something as miniscule as a shade change between colors can affect how customers perceive a company and its products. Thirty-four high school students were surveyed. Individually, they looked at a screen and were asked questions pertaining to the price ranges of products from five different fictitious companies. They were presented with one logo to correspond to each of the questions and were asked to color the designs based on the price of the products. The data was put into a scatter plot that was fitted with a linear trend line with an R2 value of 0.335. Between the data results and the feedback from the participants, darker colors were seen as more luxurious and expensive while lighter colors were seen as cheap. Of the thirty-four participants, 29 of them used one of the two darkest colors when faced with the question of what a logo would look like for a brand with products that cost between $600 to $1,000. On the other hand, 24 out of the 34 participants used one of the two brightest colors when asked what the logo of a company selling $20 to $60 clothing would look like.
Exploring the Therapeutic Role of Art in Enhancing Mental Health and Quality of Life in Older Adults
Authors: Park Zeno , Maks Natalia
Published: August 2024

With a growing population of older adults facing age-related health issues, cognitive decline, and prevalent mental health disorders, the study focuses on the potential of art therapy as a holistic solution. Art therapy, beyond cognitive benefits, offers profound purpose, joy, and playfulness. It serves as a coping mechanism for traumatic events, fostering autonomy and positive self-perception. The study investigates the science and psychology of art therapy and highlights the neural basis for the rewarding aspects of creating art and the role of meta-cognitive processes. Other benefits include its impact on the environment, cognitive function, medical conditions, dementia, and cancer. Comparatively, art therapy emerges as a cost-effective and successful treatment option, particularly for individuals who may struggle with exclusively verbal approaches. Case studies, such as the Open Studio Approach, emphasize the flexibility of art therapy and its potential to aid depression and cognitive interventions for older adults. In conclusion, the incorporation of art therapy to comprehensively address the many health challenges faced by older adults showcases a potential to improve cognitive function, mental health, and overall quality of life.
A Review of the Federal Student Loan Debt Relief Plan
Authors: Liu David , Courtney Paul
Published: August 2024

The Biden-Harris Administration's federal student loan debt relief plan aims to relieve student loan debt burdens from the United States. Their relief plan impacts the overarching national economy with multifaceted effects on the economy and attainment of vital life milestones. This paper explores the multifaceted effects and their impacts. It utilizes a Cost-Benefit Analysis to assess the potential limitations and transformative impact the plan could have on America’s socio-economic landscape. The contents of this paper highlight the complex interplay between the economy and societal well-being and the many factors that affect policymaking.
The challenges and future of CAR T-cells for treating Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Patel Mahi , Parajuli Dr. Prahlad , Torremocha Virgel , Kethar Jothsna
Published: August 2024

CAR T-cell therapy is a concept that modifies blood cells to fight against cancers. Studies have found that this hasn’t had long-term effects, and research has been conducted to find challenges that could cause this. Multiple different antigens are one of these challenges, as well as inefficiency in this method of therapy are challenge to this concept. There are many advancements that have been made that help resolve some of these challenges. Different generations of these CARs allow for stronger cells. These generations are different layers of protection that involve modifications to make the CARs more efficient. Dual-antigen specifically allows one CAR to target two different antigens, which could be present in the separate cells of the same cancer. NK-cell therapy is a different concept following the ideas of CAR T-cell therapy that could grow widely in the near future. This involves natural killer cells which are cells that are already programmed to kill these cells, making it unnecessary to modify them. This would also be much more efficient and has a lot of potential to become a commonly used treatment. These ideas were gathered through an in-depth exploration of CAR T-cell therapy for multiple myeloma discussing the current challenges and potential solutions within the field.
Impact of AI and Generative AI in transforming Cybersecurity
Authors: Palani Kadhir , Kethar Jothsna , Prasad Sarada , Torremocha Virgel
Published: August 2024

In the constantly expanding field of cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and more specifically Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) impacts every aspect of the cybersecurity landscape. In today’s world, most manual transactions, interactions, and records have become digital, generating vast amounts of valuable data. Many devices are connected by various private or public networks to the Internet known as the Internet of Things(IoT). This has led to many incidents where users and organizations have been targeted for Fraud, data theft, and disruption to businesses among other challenges. AI-based tools play a key role in defending against cyber attacks rapidly and effectively, due to their ability to analyze large volumes of data in real time. GenAI models can continuously learn and adapt, thus proactively assisting with cyber defense. For digital users and entities, this can help protect data, reduce incidents of Fraud, and model threats, keep systems safe, and mitigate other risks. The applications of GenAI however do not extend just to the defense of systems, they can also be used to increase cybersecurity threats. Malicious actors might use covert methods to manipulate data, attack systems, avoid malware detection, and spread harmful or incorrect information. This paper will detail how AI is a double-edged sword in cyber security, providing proactive and increasingly rapid and efficient ways to enhance cyber defense, as well as its use in newer and more damaging threats. It also aims to bring awareness of regulatory and other impacts on society.
Illuminate: Depression diagnosis, explanation and proactive therapy using prompt engineering
Authors: Agrawal Aryan , Gupta Nidhi
Published: August 2024

Traditional methods of depression detection on social media forums can classify whether a user is depressed, but they often lack the capacity for human-like explanations and interactions. This paper proposes a next-generation paradigm for depression detection and treatment strategies. It employs three Large Language Models (LLMs) - Generative Pre-trained Transformer 4, Llama, and Gemini, each fine-tuned using specially engineered prompts to effectively diagnose, explain, and suggest therapeutic interventions for depression. These prompts are designed to guide the models in analyzing textual data from clinical interviews and online forums, ensuring nuanced and context-aware responses. The study utilizes a few-shot prompting methodology for the Diagnosis and Explanation component. This technique is optimized to provide DSM-5 based analysis and explanation, enhancing the model’s ability to identify and articulate depressive symptoms accurately. Models engage in empathetic dialogue management, guided by resources from Psychology Database and a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy guide, and fine-tuned using Chain of Thought and Tree of Thought prompting techniques. This facilitates meaningful interactions with individuals facing major depressive disorders, fostering a supportive and understanding environment. The research innovates in case conceptualization, treatment planning and therapeutic interventions by creating the Illuminate Database to guide the models in offering personalized therapy. The quantitative analysis of the study is demonstrated through metrics such as F1 scores, Precision, Recall, Cosine similarity, and ROUGE score across different test sets. This comprehensive approach offered through a mobile application prototype, with established psychological methodologies showcases the potential of LLMs in revolutionizing diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Delineating How Non-pharmacological Approaches Can Improve Quality-of-Life in Alzheimer’s Patients
Authors: Aponte-Vanga Alexander , Lopez-Figueroa Johnny , Acevedo-Almodovar Ian
Published: August 2024

This investigation examines the positive impact of music therapy on individuals with dementia, specifically those with Alzheimer's disease (AD), to enhance their quality of life. The study explores the multifaceted benefits of music therapy, including improvements in behavior, mental health, and overall well-being. While recognizing the limitations of music as a standalone intervention for AD, the investigation examines alternative approaches while emphasizing the vivid exploration of music therapy's nuances. Music therapy has demonstrated significant potential in enhancing cognitive abilities, reducing stress, and offering a non-invasive approach without physical side effects. However, the investigation does not claim that music therapy is a definitive cure for AD. Nevertheless, it has promising potential in mitigating neuropsychiatric symptoms and enhancing cognitive skills in mild AD patients, particularly for language and expression in moderate AD patients.
Delineating the Struggles Special Education Students and Parents Face in Puerto Rico
Authors: Sola Paola , Lopez-Figueroa Johnny
Published: August 2024

In this research, the question of the unique education system's lack of resources and how it directly affects students and parents looks to be answered. This investigation discusses the system's many flaws, including the shortage of teachers, assistants, and therapists. The lack of training for teachers, the poor maintenance in schools, the violation of the architectural laws, and how poor salaries resulted in many protests, directly affecting students. The Rosa Lydia Velez trial had a huge impact; it helped people notice the many flaws in the system and raise their courage to speak up against the justice system. Another one of the main problems is the constant misdiagnosing of children due to untrained professionals and incorrect examinations. This problem was when students got retested, and almost all had a misdiagnosis. The system is demonstrating little to no worry for their students, including when it comes to school maintenance, with over 247 in critical need of repairs. The poor salary affected drivers, leaving students without transportation, assistants both T1 and T2 had to have several jobs to support themselves financially, and many teachers quit their jobs due to poor administrative support. The case that highly impacted the investigation was the letter for the government from Ivelisse Otero that demonstrated how schools are breaking the protocol, not focusing on the student's well-being, and not following the confidentiality rules affecting teachers and students. This investigation aims to shed light on the many flaws and have a call to action to find a solution.
Determining the Prosperity and Eventual Collapse of Argentina’s Economy
Authors: Munoz Catalina , Lopez-Figueroa Johnny
Published: August 2024

In the early 1900s, Argentina was in the top 10 wealthiest countries of the world; today, it is sixty-ninth; this inquiry aims to answer how and why Argentina went into an economic crisis. The investigation intends to help future countries, analysts, and anyone interested in following a better economic path. The research paper concludes that Argentina failed to maintain a thriving economy because of its financial decisions, institutional and political breakdowns, fear of devaluation, and increased inflation. The paper explores different political leaders and their decisions during the regression's peak. Even though the article delves into multiple topics and on multiple occasions, it focuses the most from 1998 through 2001.
Climate Change: a comprehensive overview of its consequences
Authors: Kim Joel , Lee Yu Jin
Published: August 2024

Climate change is increasingly discussed in national and international politics,science, technology and many other news subjects and has become a growing threat in mostrecent years. Climate change is often misconceived as warmer weather at inappropriate timesof year but in reality is a deeply complex issue that has many consequences on many differentaspects of life. The way that it affects one species is likely to trickle up or down and affect anyother species with which it interacts. Side effects of climate change may impact the plants andanimals that we eat, how things grow and are made, disease prevalence and so much more.Thus, it is important to examine and understand the extent to which it can cause harm. Thisunderstanding will promote advocacy for climate change awareness and mitigation strategiesthat may be able to slow its progress and prevent as much damage as is currently predicted.
An Examination of the Mechanisms and Treatments of Ciliopathies Triggered by Genes dlg5 and rnf20
Authors: Sakthinathan Narayani , Pitchaiah Sakthinathan
Published: August 2024

In the current society, ciliopathies continue, without fail, to impact a small, but existing portion of the public; classified as a genetic birth defect from mutations in ciliary genes, ciliopathies highly affect the younger generations, indicating an urgency for focus on progressive research in the field. Due to the vast number of possible genetic mutations, this paper centers on a select set of genetic mutations, dlg5 and rnf20, due to the varied amount of mutations that may be cause damage and the variety organs in the body that are impacted when the genes are mutated. The varied characteristics of each gene contribute to mutations developing a specific phenotype, depending on the ciliary aspect and tissue affected; this paper is sought to highlight the increased variability of ciliopathies. Current ciliopathy treatment methods are also investigated, identifying gaps existent and successes, focusing upon genetic therapy advances. Treatment methods are applied to dlg5 and rnf20, as the author proposes effective modes through which increased focus should be applied to devise treatments, in consideration with drawbacks that had been evident which finding treatments for general ciliopathies.
Genetic Modulators of Prion-Like Protein Propagation in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Shinde Alaina
Published: August 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a widespread neurodegenerative disorder with complex causes. Starting with a historical overview, this paper traces the foundational discoveries by Alois Alzheimer and subsequent research into the roles of Tau, beta-amyloid (Aß), and cellular prion protein (PrPc) in AD progression. The familial aspect of AD is discussed, highlighting genetic mutations in key genes such as APP, PSEN1, PSEN2, MAPT, and APOE. Additionally, it explores epigenetic factors in familial AD and examines the prion-like behavior of Tau and Aß proteins. Potential therapeutic targets arising from these insights are considered, including PRNP manipulation and modulation of Tau and Aß behavior. A proposed stem cell therapy aims to target and counteract the pathological activities of Tau and Aß proteins through strategic genetic modifications, precise delivery to affected brain regions, and controlled release systems for sustained therapeutic effects. Ethical considerations and limitations in AD research are also addressed, emphasizing the importance of responsible research practices and equitable access to treatments. Through this exploration, the text underscores the ongoing efforts to unravel the complexities of AD and develop effective strategies for its management.
The Dual Edges of Faith: the Role of Religion in Colonial Spain and the Triangle Trade
Authors: Min Max
Published: August 2024

This essay explores the intricate and multifaceted relationship between religion, power dynamics, and the Triangle Trade in colonial Spain. By looking at the role faith plays as the driving force for conquest and a tool for legitimizing exploitation. This essay provides a nuanced comprehension of the intricacies that significantly influenced the fate of the Spanish colonies, intricately dissecting the interaction between religious zeal, imperial aspirations, and economic interests while delving deeply into the missionary endeavors of explorers, the institutionalization of labor through the encomienda system, and the darker aspects of the Triangle Trade, including the exploitation of African slaves. This exploration brings to light how the Catholic Church, in collaboration with the Spanish Crown, intricately molded the historical trajectory of the Spanish colonies. The essay acknowledges the inherent contradictions in using faith as a tool for power and control, prompting readers to critically engage with the profound complexities embedded in this historical narrative.
Current and Developing Treatments to Target EGFR for NSCLC
Authors: Luo Linda , Wang Dan
Published: August 2024

Lung cancer is amongst the most diagnosed cancers with a relatively low five-year survival rate of around 20 percent. Currently, the most frequent first-line treatments for lung cancer, more specifically non-small cell lung cancer, consist of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, target therapy, and immunotherapy. However, challenges such as the high cost of treatment, drug resistance, and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment make it difficult to treat the cancer effectively. While researching ways to overcome these challenges, new treatments involving CAR-T therapy which has shown promise in treating blood cancer, and CRISPR which has shown the precise targeting of genes are being developed intensively. This review will delve into the EGFR gene, and how targeting it could improve the prognosis due to its prevalence in patients diagnosed with NSCLC. Overall, this review will detail the advantages and disadvantages of each of the current treatments for NSCLC and present new treatments like CAR-T and CRISPR for NSCLC.
Barriers to Accessing Clubfoot Treatment in South Africa
Authors: Anderman Josh , DeMaio Alicia
Published: August 2024

This journal review critically examines the barriers to accessing clubfoot treatment within the context of South Africa. Through a comprehensive search on PubMed, four pertinent studies were identified and thoroughly analyzed based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings highlight significant impediments hindering access to clubfoot treatment, with prominent factors including geographical distance to treatment facilities, limited awareness regarding the severity of the condition, and logistical challenges in accessing specialized care. While these identified barriers shed light on the current challenges faced by clubfoot patients in South Africa, the review underscores the necessity for further research to comprehensively explore additional barriers and their underlying causes across diverse regions within the country. This extended analysis emphasizes the multifaceted nature of obstacles to accessing clubfoot treatment and underscores the imperative for targeted interventions to enhance accessibility and mitigate disparities in care delivery.
Utilizing Stem Cells to Address Skin Tissue Immune Rejection
Authors: Jin Boah
Published: August 2024

The skin of the human body comprises three distinct layers — the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis — each filled with diverse cells and structures vital for protection and temperature regulation. Acting as a shield against external elements, the skin is an integral part of the innate immune system. However, its protective nature also makes the skin highly immunogenic. As a result, traditional skin transplantation methods are complex procedures that have high risks of rejection and can increase susceptibility to infections. These challenges are further amplified by the difficulty in finding and verifying compatible transplants.In recent years, advances in stem cell research and crafting artificial skin substitutes have shown promising results in wound healing (without the risks of immune rejection). Stem cells possess the unique ability to differentiate into various cell types and are classified based on their potency. By incorporating stem cells into biomaterial polymers, researchers can develop effective skin substitutes, allowing for promising treatment options for patients. This article will review what the skin is, how immune rejection occurs, and what recent advances in stem cells can help patients in the near future.