bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using Computational Systematic Social Observation to Identify Environmental Correlates of Fear of Crime
Authors: Solymosi Reka , Parkinson Simon , Pődör Andrea , Khan Saad , Khan Muhammad 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

There is great importance in understanding whether people perceive an environment as safe or unsafe. Perceptions are influenced by the built environment, and through better understanding, design interventions can be made to improve the feeling of safety. There is a rich body of research on this topic, yet it requires a lot of manual effort. In this work, we present an approach named Computational Systematic Social Observation (CSSO) to automate the collection and analysis process. The approach uses Google Street View and the Google Vision API to extract characteristics (herein referred to as features) of the built environment that is used to automate the process of understanding whether people will feel fear or safety. In testing this approach, we extracted 1.3M images for the 100 locations and identified 297 features of the built environment. A measure of dependency demonstrated that some are more strongly associated with areas where people express a feeling of safety or fear. Further, through empirical testing, it is observed that these features can be used for classification. The results demonstrate the potential of the technique and were compared with human coders. The presented methodology and experimental research provide a foundation for systematic computational observation to identify environmental correlates of fear of crime.
Excitonic negative refraction mediated by magnetic orders
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Ma Jingwen , Wang Xiong , Hu Chong , Wang Qi , Feng Kai , Lin Zemeng , Ishihara Teruya , Yin Xiaobo , Zhang Shuang , Chen Zuxin , Liu Xiaoze , Cui Xiaodong 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Excitons are prevalent in many optical excitation processes and bosonic quantum phenomena in semiconductors. During their optical transitions, excitons not only emit or absorb photons, but also determine light propagation behaviours within the host medium. While the former has found numerous applications in light-emitting diodes1 and solar cells2, the latter capability of manipulating anomalous light propagation remains largely underexplored. As a quintessential example, negative refraction3-8—one of the most counterintuitive optical phenomena that bends light in the opposite direction to conventional refraction—has yet to be realized in any excitonic medium. Here, we observe excitonic negative refraction in an excitonic ‘indefinite medium’9-13, i.e., a van der Waals magnet namely chromium sulphide bromide (CrSBr)14-19. By harnessing this anomalous capability, we develop an excitonic hyperlens on an integrated nano-photonic chip, whose functionality is intriguingly mediated by the magnetic orders of CrSBr. Particularly, with the versatile tuneability through various degrees of freedom such as magnetic orders demonstrated here, excitons can fully exploit anomalous optical phenomena that are distinct from previous reports in plasmonic or phononic media. This discovery opens up exciting opportunities for sub-diffraction imaging, electromagnetic cloaking, integrated nano-photonics, and magneto-optical devices by leveraging unique properties of excitons in van der Waals magnets.
Lypd6b promotes colon tumorigenesis by inhibiting CD8+ T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity through metabolic reprogramming
Authors: Zhang Jinhua , Liu Ting , Zeng Fanxin , Li Zuyin , Yan Xuanxuan , Cheng Leirong , Chen Haiqiang , Liu Qin , Li Xue , Li Zhao , Yao Jiaheng , Xu Dan , Chen Zhi-Nan , Wang Fengchao , Wang Jun 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Lymphocyte antigen-plasminogen activator urokinase receptor domain-containing protein 6B (Lypd6b) is a newly discovered molecule associated with neuromodulation.
However, the specific role of Lypd6b in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unknown. Here, Lypd6b knockout (Lypd6b−/−) mice were generated and an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) model was established. Lypd6b−/− mice are sensitive to DSS-induced colitis but were resistant to AOM/DSS-induced tumorigenesis as evidenced by the decrease in the number and sizes of tumors. Lypd6b deficiency also inhibited MC38 tumor growth. Mechanistically, Lypd6b deficiency promoted activation and function of CD8+ T cells in anti-tumor response with increased glycolysis and reduced oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in a PI3K/mTOR/LDHA pathway-dependent manner. Furthermore, LYPD6B expression is significantly upregulated in CRC. CRC patients with low Lypd6b expression exhibited increased CD8+ T cell infiltration and altered glycolysis. Thus, Lypd6b as a negative regulator for T cell immunity promotes CRC development, providing a molecular target with therapeutic potential in CRC.
Uncovering the impact of infection routes on within-host MPXV dynamics: insights from a mathematical modeling study
Authors: Woldegerima Woldegebriel Assefa , Deng Qi , Zhang Wenjing , Asgary Ali , Kong Jude Dzevela , Flicker Sarah , Ogden Nicholas H. , Orbinski James , Bragazzi Nicola , Wu Jianhong 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The unprecedented mpox outbreak in non-endemic regions during 2022-2023, which has seen a recent resurgence in late 2023-2024, poses a significant public health threat. Despite its global spread, the viral dynamics of mpox infection and the specific characteristics driving these outbreaks remain insufficiently explored. We develop mathematical models to examine the interactions between host immune responses and the virus across three distinct infection routes. These models are calibrated using viral load data from macaques infected through each of the three routes. Subsequently, we calculate the infectiousness of each infected macaque, finding that the proportion of asymptomatic infectiousness is highest in those infected via sexual contact, followed by skin-to-skin contact. These observations indicate that close contact during sexual activity is a significant route of viral transmission, with asymptomatic spread playing a crucial role in the 2022-2023 multi-country outbreak and potentially also in the 2023-2024 multi-source outbreak. Leveraging model predictions and infectiousness data, we assess the impact of antiviral drugs on interventions against mpox infection. Model simulations suggest that early administration of antiviral drugs can reduce peak viral loads, even in individuals with compromised immunity, particularly in cases of infection through skin-to-skin and sexual contact. These results underscore the importance of initiating antiviral treatment as early as possible for mpox-infected patients with compromised immune systems, such as those who are HIV-positive.
Diffusion-programmed catalysis in nanoporous material
Authors: Haldar Ritesh , Panda Suvendu , Maity Tanmoy , Sarkar Susmita , Manna Arun , Mondal Jagannath 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In the realm of heterogeneous catalysis, the diffusion of reactants into catalytically active sites stands as a pivotal determinant influencing both turnover frequency and geometric selectivity in product formation. While accelerated diffusion of reactants can elevate reaction rates, it often entails a compromise in geometric selectivity. Porous catalysts, including metal-organic and covalent organic frameworks, confront formidable obstacles in regulating reactant diffusion rates. Consequently, the chemical functionality of the catalysts typically governs turnover frequency and selectivity. This study presents an approach harnessing diffusion length to achieve improved selectivity and manipulation of reactant-active site residence time at active sites to augment reaction kinetics. Through the deployment of a thin film composed of a porous metal-organic framework catalyst, we illustrate how programming reactant diffusion within a cross-flow microfluidic catalytic reactor can concurrently amplify turnover frequency (exceeding 1000-fold) and enhance geometric selectivity (~ 2-fold) relative to conventional nano/microcrystals of catalyst in one-pot reactor. This diffusion-programed strategy represents a robust solution to surmount the constraints imposed by bulk nano/microcrystals of catalysts, marking advancement in the design of porous catalyst-driven organic reactions.
Current Use Value of Medicine Plants in three 1 maya communities of the Yucatan
Authors: Arguello Keyla Moo , Valle Nuria Torrescano , Gómez Laura Huicochea , Islebe Gerald 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Twenty diseases were identified as being treated with herbal remedies, predominantly gastrointestinal issues (diarrhea, vomiting, stomachache, colitis, and dysentery) and chronic degenerative conditions (cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, hypertension). Cultural diseases (bad air, evil eye, fright, cold sweat) remain reported. Eighty plant species across 43 families were documented for medicinal purposes. The most culturally valued and frequently used species include rue (Ruta graveolens) with 0.42 UV and 43% FL, sour orange (Citrus aurantium) with 0.42 UV and 43% FL, oak (Ehretia tinifolia) with 0.39 UV and 39% FL, and Ts’uts’uk (Diphysa yucatanensis) with 0.36 UV and 36% FL. While the use of introduced plants is rising, native species still hold significance. Herbal medicine remains widely practiced, especially among individuals over 35, who possess the most knowledge. These Mayan communities in the Yucatan Peninsula are experiencing constant change, driven by diverse political and economic forces. The region’s rich natural resources and significant tourist value contribute to the gradual abandonment of traditional plant medicine.
The Implementation of a Hybrid Large Language Model for Adaptive Cryptographic Cyber Defense
Authors: Blackwood Ammi , Carrington Jonathan , Baryshevsky Stefan , Morrison Gregory 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Cybersecurity threats have become increasingly complex and adaptive, requiring dynamic defense mechanisms that can keep pace with evolving attack vectors. The proposed hybrid cryptographic defense framework integrates machine learning through Llama, an open-source large language model, with traditional cryptographic techniques, enabling real-time adjustments to encryption protocols based on identified threats. This approach offers a novel solution to the challenge of responding to unpredictable cyberattacks, significantly enhancing the system’s ability to detect and mitigate threats with minimal latency and high accuracy. Extensive experimentation demonstrated that the hybrid algorithm outperforms baseline methods in key areas, including resource utilization, false positive and negative rates, and adaptive encryption strength. The framework’s scalability and efficiency were also highlighted through its ability to handle large data volumes in real-time, making it a robust solution for cryptographic defense in modern network environments. Through combining machine learning with cryptographic operations, the system achieves a higher level of responsiveness and resilience, addressing critical gaps in current cybersecurity solutions.
The prevalence of hypertension in people living with HIV at Senkatana ART Clinic, Maseru, Lesotho.
Authors: Selebalo Mosa , Bryden Ben , Thompson David , Sanders Jill 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Hypertension is a modifiable risk factor for Cardiovascular and Chronic Kidney disease among other complications[1]. Hypertension (HTN) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have emerged among people living with HIV (PLHIV) as the most important prevalent contributors of non-AIDS related mortality [2, 3]. Unfortunately, limited data is available regarding the prevalence of hypertension and of risk factors associated with HTN among PLHIV in Lesotho. In this study we aim to determine the prevalence of HTN and identify risk factors associated with HTN in PLHIV in Maseru, Lesotho.
Method
A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to July 2022 at Senkatana ART clinic, Maseru, Lesotho. Participants randomly selected from among PLHIV who attended the clinic were aged 18 years and above, were on HAART for at least 12 months and provided consent. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on the socio-demographic, medical, family and behavioral history. Height, Weight and blood pressure (BP) were measured and Body mass index (BMI) calculated. HTN was defined as a systolic BP of ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP of ≥ 90 mmHg or a self-reported use of antihypertensive medication(s). Data analysis was done using excel and SAS statistical software (v9.4). Bivariable and multivariable analyses identified risk factors associated with HTN.
Results
300 patients participated in the study, of which 64% were females and 36% male. The mean age was 51 years. The prevalence of hypertension was 57% (exact 95% CI: 51.2%, 62.7%). Of those with HTN, 33.3% were newly diagnosed during this study (exact 95% CI: 26.3%, 40.9%). 69% of participants previously diagnosed with HTN had uncontrolled HTN at enrollment (exact 95% CI: 60.0%, 77.6%). Age and BMI were independent risk factors for HTN in this sample.
Conclusion
According to this study, HTN is prevalent and poorly controlled in PLHIV attending Senkatana ART Clinic and 33 percent of those with HTN were newly diagnosed. Introduction of routine hypertension prevention, diagnostic and treatment measures have the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality within this population. This study provides a model for future investigation of the prevalence and management of other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to determine optimal clinical practice guidelines for Lesotho. It also shows that siloed single disease oriented care misses critical co-morbidities and therefore brings evidence to support a model of comprehensive healthcare delivery.
Robust Defense Mechanisms Against Adversarial Ransomware Attacks: Implementing a Universal Network-Level Detection Filter
Authors: Schmaltz Kathrine , Thompson Samuel , Mendes Daniel , Carvalho James 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Ransomware has emerged as one of the most pervasive threats in modern cybersecurity, causing significant damage through the encryption of critical data and subsequent demands for ransom payments. A novel universal network-level filter has been introduced to address the limitations of traditional detection systems, which often fail to adapt to the evolving techniques used by adversarial attacks. Through the integration of machine learning models and real-time network traffic analysis, the proposed filter dynamically identifies and mitigates both known and novel ransomware threats with minimal latency. The system's ability to generalize across diverse network environments, coupled with its scalability and adaptability, positions it as a critical advancement in ransomware defense. Experimental results demonstrate the filter’s effectiveness in reducing false negatives and maintaining high detection accuracy, even under adversarial conditions and high-traffic scenarios, highlighting its robustness and practical application in enhancing network security infrastructures.
UK legislative discrimination and the impact on Romany & Traveller WASH inequalities
Authors: Eminson Regan John 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
This article aims to highlight the impact of the Policing, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Act 2022 through the lens of historical UK anti-Romany & Traveller legislation on WASH inequalities. Of which, key aspects of 500 years of discriminatory legislation from the Tudor era to modern Britain contextualises the primary data collected in this study. Data for this study was collected via online surveys, hosted by the software Qualtrics, which was distributed by the method of snowball sampling through social media posts on the platform X, formerly Twitter, for the purpose of gathering qualitative and quantitative data regarding the experiences of discrimination relating to WASH access and the perceived impact of the PCSC Act. Respondents, of which there were 20 of predominantly ethnic Romany & Traveller backgrounds, alluded to a perceived relationship between discrimination and WASH access, and expressed concerns regarding the potential impact the PCSC Act will have upon decreasing WASH accessibility through further increasing the acceptability of anti-Romany & Traveller discrimination. Furthermore, it is concluded that the implementation of such a legislation and its culminative predecessors can be considered persecutive and a violation of the human rights to access water and sanitation.
Performance comparison of four daily weather generators for historical period and downscaling future GCM scenarios
Authors: Khazaei Mohammad Reza 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Weather generators (WG) are one of the major tools for downscaling future scenarios of general circulation models (GCMs) for regional, especially hydrological, climate change impact assessment. A key capability of WGs in the downscaling process is their ability to transfer changes in the various statistical characteristics of weather variables, as projected by GCMs, to the downscaled series. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the performance of four WGs for transferring the delta change of various statistical characteristics of weather variables predicted by GCMs to downscaled series. The performances of the WGs for downscaling shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) 119, SSP 370, and SSP 585 scenarios of the Canadian Earth System Model version-5 (CanESM5) in six sites are evaluated. The WGs include LARS-WG, M-LARS-WG, IWG2, and D-IWG. Based on the results, overall, the performance of all the WGs in downscaling future GCM scenarios is reduced compared to the historical series simulation. However, IWG2 and M-LARS-WG by having monthly components performed better than D-IWG and LARS-WG, respectively. So, it is suggested that in addition to evaluating the performance of WGs in the simulation of historical variables, their performance in downscaling the future scenarios of the climate models should also be evaluated.
French Versions of 4 English Questionnaires on Problematic Smartphone Use: Cross-Cultural Linguistic Translation and Adaptation Study
Authors: El Boudi Islam , Riant Mathilde , Bellier Alexandre , Vuillerme Nicolas 
Published: September 2024

Background
Excessive use of smartphones is recognized as a major problem in our modern society and can have dramatic consequences on the health of adolescents and young adults. Measuring problematic smartphone use in research and clinical practice is generally operationalized with self-reported questionnaires. In order to comprehensively assess the issue of problematic smartphone usage within the French population, it is imperative to employ validated French-language questionnaires. However, at this point, existing questionnaires are primarily available in English. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, these English questionnaires have yet to undergo validation processes for French-speaking cohorts.

Objective
The aim of this study was to perform a cross-cultural translation of the Smartphone Addiction Scale, Nomophobia Questionnaire, Problematic Use of Mobile Phones scale, and Smartphone Addiction Proneness Scale to French.

Methods
The translation process was performed using the forward/backward method. The first translation phase involved asking 4 independent French translators to translate the original English version of the questionnaires into French. In the second phase, the French version was backtranslated to English by a native English speaker. In the third phase, 2 concept experts were asked to comment and suggest modifications to the statements if necessary. Finally, the last version of the translated questionnaires was presented to 18 participants to assess the clarity, intelligibility, and acceptability of the translations.

Results
During the forward translation step, the translation differences were minor. During the backward translation, the English native speaker correctly backtranslated 18 of the 33 items of the Smartphone Addiction Scale, 17 of the 20 items of the Problematic Use of Mobile Phones scale, and 13 of the 15 items of the Smartphone Addiction Proneness Scale. Backtranslation for the Nomophobia Questionnaire was less satisfactory, with only 10 out of 20 items that were correctly backtranslated. The linguistic verification step revealed a minimal modification for the 4 questionnaires. The participants also suggested few improvements that we have considered for the final version. We produced the final version directly after this step.

Conclusions
We successfully adapted and effectively translated 4 questionnaires that assess problematic smartphone use to French. This step is a prerequisite for the validation of the French questionnaires. These adapted measures can serve as valuable research instruments for investigating and addressing issues related to problematic smartphone use in French-speaking countries and for making international comparisons.
Translation Effectiveness of Offset Heart Rate Biofeedback as a Mindless Intervention for Alcohol Craving Among Risky Drinkers: Controlled Experiment
Authors: Zhao Yiran , Arora Jatin , Tao Yujie , Miller Dave B , Adams Alexander T , Choudhury Tanzeem 
Published: September 2024

Background
Digital and wearable intervention systems promise to improve how people manage their behavioral health conditions by making interventions available when the user can best benefit from them. However, existing interventions are obtrusive because they require attention and motivation to engage in, limiting the effectiveness of such systems in demanding contexts, such as when the user experiences alcohol craving. Mindless interventions, developed by the human-computer interaction community, offer an opportunity to intervene unobtrusively. Offset heart rate biofeedback is an iconic type of mindless intervention powered by entrainment and can mitigate the physiological and psychological response to stressors.

Objective
This work aimed to characterize the translational effectiveness of offset heart rate biofeedback on cue-elicit alcohol craving among risky drinkers.

Methods
We conducted an out-of-lab, between-group, controlled experiment with 26 participants who performed harmful or hazardous drinking. The control group served as negative control and received no intervention, while the experimental group received offset heart rate biofeedback during alcohol exposure and recovery. We elicited alcohol cravings through a series of alcohol cues, including performing mental imagery, viewing alcohol images, and sniffing alcohol. We measured the physiological response to alcohol (ie, heart rate variability), self-reported craving, and self-reported anxiety. We constructed linear mixed-effects models to understand the effect of intervention during alcohol exposure and alcohol recovery after exposure. Following the linear mixed effect model, we conducted pair-wise comparisons for measures between the control and experimental groups.

Results
We found that offset heart rate biofeedback significantly reduced the increase in heart rate variability (P=.01 and P=.052) and self-reported craving (P=.04 and P=.02) in response to alcohol cues. Participants’ anxiety was not affected by either the alcohol cues or the offset heart rate biofeedback.

Conclusions
Offset heart rate biofeedback has the potential to immediately and unobtrusively mitigate cue-elicit alcohol craving among risky drinkers. The results of this study opened new opportunities for digital and wearable interventions to mitigate alcohol craving, either as wellness apps for risky drinkers or as digital prescriptions and integration with sensing systems for people with alcohol dependency.