bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bridging horizons beyond CIRCULATE-Japan: a new paradigm in molecular residual disease detection via whole genome sequencing-based circulating tumor DNA assay
Authors: Hashimoto Tadayoshi , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Oki Eiji , Kobayashi Shin , Yuda Junichiro , Shibuki Taro , Bando Hideaki , Yoshino Takayuki 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCirculating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is the fraction of cell-free DNA in patient blood that originates from a tumor. Advances in DNA sequencing technologies and our understanding of the molecular biology of tumors have increased interest in exploiting ctDNA to facilitate detection of molecular residual disease (MRD). Analysis of ctDNA as a promising MRD biomarker of solid malignancies has a central role in precision medicine initiatives exemplified by our CIRCULATE-Japan project involving patients with resectable colorectal cancer. Notably, the project underscores the prognostic significance of the ctDNA status at 4 weeks post-surgery and its correlation to adjuvant therapy efficacy at interim analysis. This substantiates the hypothesis that MRD is a critical prognostic indicator of relapse in patients with colorectal cancer. Despite remarkable advancements, challenges endure, primarily attributable to the exceedingly low ctDNA concentration in peripheral blood, particularly in scenarios involving low tumor shedding and the intrinsic error rates of current sequencing technologies. These complications necessitate more sensitive and sophisticated assays to verify the clinical utility of MRD across all solid tumors. Whole genome sequencing (WGS)-based tumor-informed MRD assays have recently demonstrated the ability to detect ctDNA in the parts-per-million range. This review delineates the current landscape of MRD assays, highlighting WGS-based approaches as the forefront technique in ctDNA analysis. Additionally, it introduces our upcoming endeavor, WGS-based pan-cancer MRD detection via ctDNA, in our forthcoming project, SCRUM-Japan MONSTAR-SCREEN-3.
Consumer-side fairness in recommender systems: a systematic survey of methods and evaluation
Authors: Vassøy Bjørnar , Langseth Helge 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn the current landscape of ever-increasing levels of digitalization, we are facing major challenges pertaining to data volume. Recommender systems have become irreplaceable both for helping users navigate the increasing amounts of data and, conversely, aiding providers in marketing products to interested users. Data-driven models are susceptible to data bias, materializing in the bias influencing the models’ decision-making. For recommender systems, such issues are well exemplified by occupation recommendation, where biases in historical data may lead to recommender systems relating one gender to lower wages or to the propagation of stereotypes. In particular, consumer-side fairness, which focuses on mitigating discrimination experienced by users of recommender systems, has seen a vast number of diverse approaches. The approaches are further diversified through differing ideas on what constitutes fair and, conversely, discriminatory recommendations. This survey serves as a systematic overview and discussion of the current research on consumer-side fairness in recommender systems. To that end, a novel taxonomy based on high-level fairness definitions is proposed and used to categorize the research and the proposed fairness evaluation metrics. Finally, we highlight some suggestions for the future direction of the field.
Measuring Alliance and Symptom Severity in Psychotherapy Transcripts Using Bert Topic Modeling
Authors: Lalk Christopher , Steinbrenner Tobias , Kania Weronika , Popko Alexander , Wester Robin , Schaffrath Jana , Eberhardt Steffen , Schwartz Brian , Lutz Wolfgang , Rubel Julian 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe aim to use topic modeling, an approach for discovering clusters of related words (“topics”), to predict symptom severity and therapeutic alliance in psychotherapy transcripts, while also identifying the most important topics and overarching themes for prediction. We analyzed 552 psychotherapy transcripts from 124 patients. Using BERTopic (Grootendorst, 2022), we extracted 250 topics each for patient and therapist speech. These topics were used to predict symptom severity and alliance with various competing machine-learning methods. Sensitivity analyses were calculated for a model based on 50 topics, LDA-based topic modeling, and a bigram model. Additionally, we grouped topics into themes using qualitative analysis and identified key topics and themes with eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI). Symptom severity could be predicted with highest accuracy by patient topics ($$r$$
r
=0.45, 95%-CI 0.40, 0.51), whereas alliance was better predicted by therapist topics ($$r$$
r
=0.20, 95%-CI 0.16, 0.24). Drivers for symptom severity were themes related to health and negative experiences. Lower alliance was correlated with various themes, especially psychotherapy framework, income, and everyday life. This analysis shows the potential of using topic modeling in psychotherapy research allowing to predict several treatment-relevant metrics with reasonable accuracy. Further, the use of XAI allows for an analysis of the individual predictive value of topics and themes. Limitations entail heterogeneity across different topic modeling hyperparameters and a relatively small sample size.
The Impact of Sibling Relationships on Behavioral and Sexual Health among Latino Sexual Minority Men
Authors: Zapata Juan Pablo , Rojas Edwin , Durán Petra , Martínez Angel J. , del Pino Homero E. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective method for preventing HIV acquisition and plays a crucial role in the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the US initiative. However, there are various barriers that hinder the access and uptake of PrEP among Latino sexual minority men (SMM) at individual, interpersonal, and cultural levels. While the significance of cultural factors in designing and implementing HIV prevention programs for Latino populations has been consistently emphasized in the literature and prioritized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, few studies have directly integrated these cultural factors into their programs. Our study aimed to investigate the potential influence of siblings in promoting the utilization of PrEP for HIV prevention, an area that has received limited attention. We conducted interviews with 31 pairs of siblings between December 2020 and January 2021, which were held in either English or Spanish and lasted approximately 45–60 min. The data were analyzed using a deductive thematic content analysis approach. The interviews revealed several key themes and categories, including: (1) Sibling support for coming out; (2) Types of support that siblings provide to each other for behavior change; (3) Sibling support for PrEP; and (4) The impact of the study interview on the quality of the sibling relationships. Our findings indicated that siblings were willing to provide support for PrEP in various ways, ranging from emotional support for brothers who may be concerned about potential rejection to practical support such as transportation or financial assistance. These results have significant implications for the design of HIV prevention interventions for Latinos. Incorporating siblings or other extended family members into these interventions can facilitate communication between siblings and their brothers, ultimately encouraging the use of PrEP or similar prevention methods. By considering the unique dynamics and support systems within Latino communities, researchers can develop more effective strategies to promote HIV prevention and support the well-being of Latino SMM.
6G secure quantum communication: a success probability prediction model
Authors: Akbar Muhammad Azeem , Khan Arif Ali , Hyrynsalmi Sami , Khan Javed Ali 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe emergence of 6G networks initiates significant transformations in the communication technology landscape. Yet, the melding of quantum computing (QC) with 6G networks although promising an array of benefits, particularly in secure communication. Adapting QC into 6G requires a rigorous focus on numerous critical variables. This study aims to identify key variables in secure quantum communication (SQC) in 6G and develop a model for predicting the success probability of 6G-SQC projects. We identified key 6G-SQC variables from existing literature to achieve these objectives and collected training data by conducting a questionnaire survey. We then analyzed these variables using an optimization model, i.e., Genetic Algorithm (GA), with two different prediction methods the Naïve Bayes Classifier (NBC) and Logistic Regression (LR). The results of success probability prediction models indicate that as the 6G-SQC matures, project success probability significantly increases, and costs are notably reduced. Furthermore, the best fitness rankings for each 6G-SQC project variable determined using NBC and LR indicated a strong positive correlation (rs = 0.895). The t-test results (t = 0.752, p = 0.502 > 0.05) show no significant differences between the rankings calculated using both prediction models (NBC and LR). The results reveal that the developed success probability prediction model, based on 15 identified 6G-SQC project variables, highlights the areas where practitioners need to focus more to facilitate the cost-effective and successful implementation of 6G-SQC projects.
Multimodal seismic assessment of infrastructures retrofitted with exoskeletons: insights from the Foggia Airport case study
Authors: Cucuzza Raffaele , Aloisio Angelo , Domaneschi Marco , Nascimbene Roberto 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAddressing the seismic vulnerability of infrastructures is critical, especially for those built before the introduction of the current seismic regulations. One of the primary challenges lies in retrofitting these buildings without interrupting their functionality. In this context, the use of exoskeletons for seismic retrofitting represents an effective solution. This approach increases the seismic resistance and ensures the continuous operation of the building during retrofitting. This advantage is especially crucial for critical infrastructures, such as airports. Nevertheless, traditional seismic assessment methods based on pushover analyses might not accurately predict the seismic capacity of complex infrastructures dominated by local vibration modes. To bridge this gap, the study proposes refining the multimodal pushover analysis tailored for seismic vulnerability assessments of large infrastructures with exoskeletons characterized by low modal participation ratios. The Foggia Airport case study exemplifies these points and highlights the practical applications of the discussed advancements. The authors compared two force distributions for push-over analysis, addressing the fine-tuning of exoskeletons to maximize their seismic resistance.
Genetic connectivity in the Arizona toad (Anaxyrus microscaphus): implications for conservation of a stream dwelling amphibian in the arid Southwestern United States
Authors: Oyler-McCance Sara J. , Ryan Mason J. , Sullivan Brian K. , Fike Jennifer A. , Cornman Robert S. , Giermakowski J. Tomasz , Zimmerman Shawna J. , Harrow Rachel L. , Hedwall Shaula J. , Hossack Blake R. , Latella Ian M. , Lovich Robert E. , Siefken Sarah , Sigafus Brent H. , Muths Erin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe Arizona Toad (Anaxyrus microscaphus) is restricted to riverine corridors and adjacent uplands in the arid southwestern United States. As with numerous amphibians worldwide, populations are declining and face various known or suspected threats, from disease to habitat modification resulting from climate change. The Arizona Toad has been petitioned to be listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and was considered “warranted but precluded” citing the need for additional information – particularly regarding natural history (e.g., connectivity and dispersal ability). The objectives of this study were to characterize population structure and genetic diversity across the species’ range. We used reduced-representation genomic sequencing to genotype 3,601 single nucleotide polymorphisms in 99 Arizona Toads from ten drainages across its range. Multiple analytical methods revealed two distinct genetic groups bisected by the Colorado River; one in the northwestern portion of the range in southwestern Utah and eastern Nevada and the other in the southeastern portion of the range in central and eastern Arizona and New Mexico. We also found subtle substructure within both groups, particularly in central Arizona where toads at lower elevations were less connected than those at higher elevations. The northern and southern parts of the Arizona Toad range are not well connected genetically and could be managed as separate units. Further, these data could be used to identify source populations for assisted migration or translocations to support small or potentially declining populations.
External Governance Oversight and the IPO Process: Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: Liu Lewis 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study examines the effects of political affiliations as an external governance element on various aspects of the IPO procedure in China. Within China, the significance of political connections is widely recognized as a notable external governance factor capable of exerting influence over both the IPO process. Utilizing a distinctive dataset comprising IPO information from 1856 firms in China spanning the period between 2014 and 2021, the primary objective of this research is to demonstrate that companies with political affiliations have a higher probability of experiencing underpricing, coupled with an increased likelihood of attracting investments from retail investors. Furthermore, these firms tend to attract prestigious underwriters and more underwriter subscriptions, despite having to pay higher floating costs and underwriting fees. Lastly, the study demonstrates that political connections are especially beneficial for firms during market uncertainty, such as the recent pandemic. Political connections act as monitors, reducing information asymmetry and signaling positive aspects of the firms to investors. To strengthen the main conclusions, the study conducts various robustness tests, including PSM and subsample analysis. Overall, the research adds to the existing literature on the crucial role of political connections in promoting IPO practices and reducing information asymmetry through monitoring and support.
On the Radial Growth of Ballistic Aggregation and Other Aggregation Models
Authors: Bosch Tillmann , Winter Steffen 
Published: March 2024

AbstractFor a class of aggregation models on the integer lattice $${{\mathbb {Z}}}^d$$

Z

d

, $$d\ge 2$$

d
≥
2

, in which clusters are formed by particles arriving one after the other and sticking irreversibly where they first hit the cluster, including the classical model of diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA), we study the growth of the clusters. We observe that a method of Kesten used to obtain an almost sure upper bound on the radial growth in the DLA model generalizes to a large class of such models. We use it in particular to prove such a bound for the so-called ballistic model, in which the arriving particles travel along straight lines. Our bound implies that the fractal dimension of ballistic aggregation clusters in $${{\mathbb {Z}}}^2$$

Z

2

is 2, which proves a long standing conjecture in the physics literature.
Improved Lightweight Head Detection Based on GhostNet-SSD
Authors: Hou Hongtao , Guo Mingzhen , Wang Wei , Liu Kuan , Luo Zijiang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis abstract proposes an algorithm for human head detection in elevator cabins that addresses the challenges of improving detection accuracy, reducing detection speed, and decreasing the number of parameters. The algorithm is based on GhostNet-SSD and includes several improvements, such as an efficient coordinate attention mechanism to replace the Squeeze-and-Excitation attention mechanism, optimization of auxiliary convolutional layer with large parameter weight, and adjustment of anchor ratio based on the statistical results of human head labeling frame. In addition, data normalization and convolutional fusion methods are used for inference acceleration. The algorithm was tested on JETSON XAVIER NX development board and achieved a new state-of-the-art 97.91% AP at 61FPS, outperforming other detectors with similar inference speed. The effectiveness of each component was validated through careful experimentation.
Multi-dimensional phase portraits of stochastic fractional derivatives for nonlinear dynamical systems with solitary wave formation
Authors: Ansari Ali R. , Jhangeer Adil , Imran Mudassar , Alsubaie A. S. A. , Inc Mustafa 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis manuscript delves into the examination of the stochastic fractional derivative of Drinfel’d-Sokolov-Wilson equation, a mathematical model applicable in the fields of electromagnetism and fluid mechanics. In our study, the proposed equation is through examined through various viewpoints, encompassing soliton dynamics, bifurcation analysis, chaotic behaviors, and sensitivity analysis. A few dark and bright shaped soliton solutions, including the unperturbed term, are also examined, and the various 2D and 3D solitonic structures are computed using the Tanh-method. It is found that a saddle point bifurcation causes the transition from periodic behavior to quasi-periodic behavior in a sensitive area. Further analysis reveals favorable conditions for the multidimensional bifurcation of dynamic behavioral solutions. Different types of wave solutions are identified in certain solutions by entering numerous values for the parameters, demonstrating the effectiveness and precision of Tanh-methods. A planar dynamical system is then created using the Galilean transformation, with the actual model serving as a starting point. It is observed that a few physical criteria in the discussed equation exhibit more multi-stable properties, as many multi-stability structures are employed by some individuals. Moreover, sensitivity behavior is employed to examine perturbed dynamical systems across diverse initial conditions. The techniques and findings presented in this paper can be extended to investigate a broader spectrum of nonlinear wave phenomena.
Measuring Corruption Risk in Public Procurement over Emergency Periods
Authors: Gnaldi Michela , Del Sarto Simone 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTimes of crisis provide fertile ground for corruption because of looser regulatory frameworks, weaker oversight, and skyrocketing financing levels. Public procurement systems are particularly vulnerable to corruption risks over emergency periods as they are at the frontline of many country responses to crises. In this paper, we propose a curated selection of red flag indicators of corruption risk over crises and discuss a general measurement framework for their computation. The proposed approach exploits the time discontinuity introduced by a crisis and allows us to characterise and differentiate companies and/or contracting authorities with different degree of risk through statistical testing. The suggested framework is intended to accommodate the changing and far-reaching corruption risks induced by crises and mitigate them effectively.
Proxies of Trustworthiness: A Novel Framework to Support the Performance of Trust in Human Health Research
Authors: Harvey Kate , Laurie Graeme 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWithout trust there is no credible human health research (HHR). This article accepts this truism and addresses a crucial question that arises: how can trust continually be promoted in an ever-changing and uncertain HHR environment? The article analyses long-standing mechanisms that are designed to elicit trust—such as consent, anonymization, and transparency—and argues that these are best understood as trust represented by proxies of trustworthiness, i.e., regulatory attempts to convey the trustworthiness of the HHR system and/or its actors. Often, such proxies are assumed to operate as markers that trust exists or, at least, has not been lost. But, since trust can neither be “built” nor “secured,” this is a precarious assumption. Worryingly, there is no existing theoretical account of how to understand and evaluate these proxies of trustworthiness as part of a trusted HHR ecosystem. To remedy this, the paper argues for a radical reimagining of trust and trustworthiness as performative acts that ought to be understood in relation to each other and by reference to the common values at stake. It is shown that proxies of trustworthiness are the operational tools used to perform trustworthiness. It advocates for a values-based approach to understanding the relationship between trust and trustworthiness. This establishes a strong basis for an evaluative framework for proxies of trustworthiness, i.e., to determine how to perform trustworthiness well. Five common proxies in HHR are scrutinized from a values perspective. The contribution is to provide a far-reaching normative and practical framework by which existing and future proxies of trustworthiness can be identified, assessed, maintained, or replaced in rapidly changing HHR regulatory ecosystems where trust itself is crucial to the success of the entire HHR enterprise.
Surrogacy and Adoption: An Empirical Investigation of Public Moral Attitudes
Authors: Baron T. , Svingen E. , Leyva R. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSurrogacy and adoption are both family-making measures subject to extensive domestic and international regulation. In this nationally representative survey study (N = 1552), we explore public attitudes to various forms of surrogacy and adoption in the United Kingdom, in response to an early proposal to allow “double donor” surrogacy as part of the ongoing legal reform project. We sought to both gauge public moral support for adoption and surrogacy generally, the effect that prospective parents’ fertility had on this support, and the extent to which the public would find equivalencies between “double donor” surrogacy (DDS) and planned private adoption (PPA) to be morally significant. Our findings indicate that whilst there is broad baseline support for all forms of adoption and surrogacy, this support increases significantly when one or both prospective parents are infertile. These findings also suggest that the language in which a family-making arrangement is characterized has a greater influence on moral support for the arrangement than practical features such as the biological relationship (or absence thereof) between one/both parents and the child.