bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human Rights Alignment: The Challenge Ahead for AI Lawmakers
Authors: Rotenberg Marc 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe frameworks for the governance of AI have evolved rapidly. From the 2018 Universal Guidelines for AI on through the 2019 OECD/G20 AI Principles 2019, and the 2021 UNESCO Recommendation on AI Ethics, governments have agreed to the basic norms to regulate AI services. Two important legal frameworks are also now underway—the EU AI Act and the Council of Europe AI Convention. As these frameworks have evolved, we see the scope of AI governance models expand. From an initial focus on “human-centric and trustworthy AI” through the recognition of “fairness, accuracy, and transparency” as building blocks for AI governance, we see now consideration of sustainability, gender equality, and employment as key categories for AI policy. AI laws also overlap with familiar legal topics such as consumer protection, copyright, national security, and privacy. Throughout this evolution, we should consider whether the evolving models for the governance of AI are aligned with the legal norms that undergird democratic societies—fundamental rights, democratic institutions, and the rule of law. For democracies to flourish in the age of artificial intelligence, this is the ultimate alignment challenge for AI.
Digital Transformation Through the Lens of Intersectional Gender Research Challenges and Needs for Action
Authors: Draude Claude 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn recent years, digital technology has been discussed both in its potential to promote or to demote gender equity. This field of tension, between empowerment and threat of amplifying inequalities, is explored in this contribution. Moreover, this chapter views digital humanism through the lens of intersectional gender research. After discussing the historic relation between gender and humanism, concepts and terminology of gender research and feminist theory are explained in more detail. Following this, the interaction of gender and technology is illustrated through examples. Finally, the lessons learned part contains suggestions and calls for action important for a more inclusive and equitable digital transformation.
No Digital Citizens Without Digital Humanism
Authors: Nardelli Enrico 
Published: December 2023

AbstractUsing a Digital Humanism viewpoint when teaching informatics is the key to face the challenges posed to our society by digital technologies. This is particularly relevant for education in school, where children are going to learn about the basic principles and concepts of the discipline. Considering the potential of digital machines and the advancement of the generative artificial intelligence systems, it is essential that school curricula are aimed at developing the proper attitude toward digital technologies since the early years. This means paying attention to both technical and social elements of the digital systems and preparing teachers for this challenge adequately.
Metabolic bone disorders and the promise of marine osteoactive compounds
Authors: Carletti Alessio , Gavaia Paulo Jorge , Cancela Maria Leonor , Laizé Vincent 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMetabolic bone disorders and associated fragility fractures are major causes of disability and mortality worldwide and place an important financial burden on the global health systems. These disorders result from an unbalance between bone anabolic and resorptive processes and are characterized by different pathophysiological mechanisms. Drugs are available to treat bone metabolic pathologies, but they are either poorly effective or associated with undesired side effects that limit their use. The molecular mechanism underlying the most common metabolic bone disorders, and the availability, efficacy, and limitations of therapeutic options currently available are discussed here. A source for the unmet need of novel drugs to treat metabolic bone disorders is marine organisms, which produce natural osteoactive compounds of high pharmaceutical potential. In this review, we have inventoried the marine osteoactive compounds (MOCs) currently identified and spotted the groups of marine organisms with potential for MOC production. Finally, we briefly examine the availability of in vivo screening and validation tools for the study of MOCs.
The poverty of ethical AI: impact sourcing and AI supply chains
Authors: Muldoon James , Cant Callum , Graham Mark , Ustek Spilda Funda 
Published: December 2023

AbstractImpact sourcing is the practice of employing socio-economically disadvantaged individuals at business process outsourcing centres to reduce poverty and create secure jobs. One of the pioneers of impact sourcing is Sama, a training-data company that focuses on annotating data for artificial intelligence (AI) systems and claims to support an ethical AI supply chain through its business operations. Drawing on fieldwork undertaken at three of Sama’s East African delivery centres in Kenya and Uganda and follow-up online interviews, this article interrogates Sama’s claims regarding the benefits of its impact sourcing model. Our analysis reveals alarming accounts of low wages, insecure work, a tightly disciplined labour management process, gender-based exploitation and harassment and a system designed to extract value from low-paid workers to produce profits for investors. We argue that competitive market-based dynamics generate a powerful force that pushes such companies towards limiting the actual social impact of their business model in favour of ensuring higher profit margins. This force can be resisted, but only through countervailing measures such as pressure from organised workers, civil society, or regulation. These findings have broad implications related to working conditions for low-wage data annotators across the sector and cast doubt on the ethical nature of AI products that rely on this form of AI data work.
Anthelmintic resistance in soil-transmitted helminths: One-Health considerations
Authors: Ng’etich Annette Imali , Amoah Isaac Dennis , Bux Faizal , Kumari Sheena 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe One-Health approach recognizes the intricate connection between human, animal, and environmental health, and that cooperative effort from various professionals provides comprehensive awareness and potential solutions for issues relating to the health of people, animals, and the environment. This approach has increasingly gained appeal as the standard strategy for tackling emerging infectious diseases, most of which are zoonoses. Treatment with anthelmintics (AHs) without a doubt minimizes the severe consequences of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs); however, evidence of anthelmintic resistance (AR) development to different helminths of practically every animal species and the distinct groups of AHs is overwhelming globally. In this regard, the correlation between the application of anthelmintic drugs in both human and animal populations and the consequent development of anthelmintic resistance in STHs within the context of a One-Health framework is explored. This review provides an overview of the major human and animal STHs, treatment of the STHs, AR development and drug-related factors contributing towards AR, One-Health and STHs, and an outline of some One-Health strategies that may be used in combating AR.
Sleep dysfunction associated with worse chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity functional outcomes
Authors: Mahfouz Fawaz Mayez , Li Tiffany , Joda Masarra , Harrison Michelle , Horvath Lisa G. , Grimison Peter , King Tracy , Marx Gavin , Goldstein David , Park Susanna B. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Sleep problems are commonly reported by cancer survivors; however, knowledge of the impact of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN) on sleep quality remains limited. In this study, we explored the impact of CIPN on sleep quality, as well as identified clinical characteristics associated with poor sleep quality.

Methods
Participants were assessed cross-sectionally post-neurotoxic chemotherapy. CIPN severity was graded using a range of questionnaires that assessed CIPN severity and quality of life, as well as neurological grading scales. Sleep quality was assessed using a self-rated questionnaire (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI). Participants with poor sleep quality were further grouped according to whether sleep impairment was due to CIPN or other factors.

Results
Among 77 participants who reported CIPN, 75% (n = 58) reported poor sleep quality. Of those, 41% (n = 24) reported CIPN as contributing to sleep impairment, while 59% (n = 34) reported other causes. Participants with CIPN-induced sleep impairments had higher CIPN severity across all outcome measures, as well as greater neuropathic pain (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, participants with CIPN-induced sleep impairments reported worse impact of neuropathy on physical and social functioning, as well as emotional well-being (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Participants with CIPN-induced poor sleep quality reported worse scores across all CIPN severity measures. This emphasises the negative impacts of CIPN symptoms on quality of life of chemotherapy-treated patients and highlights the importance of sleep quality assessment in cancer survivors.
Current use of fluid biomarkers as outcome measures in Multiple Sclerosis (MS): a review of ongoing pharmacological clinical trials
Authors: Schilke Edoardo Dalmato , Remoli Giulia , Funelli Eugenio , Galimberti Michela , Fusco Maria Letizia , Cereda Diletta , Balducci Claudia , Frigo Maura , Cavaletti Guido 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe present study aims to describe the state of the art of fluid biomarkers use in ongoing multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical trials.A review of 608 ongoing protocols in the clinicaltrials.gov and EudraCT databases was performed. The trials enrolled patients with a diagnosis of relapsing remitting MS, secondary progressive MS, and/or primary progressive MS according to Revised McDonald criteria or relapsing MS according to Lublin et al. (2014). The presence of fluid biomarkers among the primary and/or secondary study outcomes was assessed.Overall, 5% of ongoing interventional studies on MS adopted fluid biomarkers. They were mostly used as secondary outcomes in phase 3–4 clinical trials to support the potential disease-modifying properties of the intervention. Most studies evaluated neurofilament light chains (NfLs). A small number considered other novel fluid biomarkers of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration such as glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP).Considering the numerous ongoing clinical trials in MS, still a small number adopted fluid biomarkers as outcome measures, thus testifying the distance from clinical practice. In most protocols, fluid biomarkers were used to evaluate the effectiveness of approved second-line therapies, but also, new drugs (particularly Bruton kinase inhibitors). NfLs were also adopted to monitor disease progression after natalizumab suspension in stable patients, cladribine efficacy after anti-CD20 discontinuation, and the efficacy of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) compared to medical treatment. Nevertheless, further validation studies are needed for all considered fluid biomarkers to access clinical practice, and cost-effectiveness in the “real word” remains to be clarified.
The resource curse and the role of institutions revisited
Authors: Narh John 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMany studies have shown that natural resource abundant countries with strong institutions tend to escape the resource curse. Institutional quality has been examined using broad indices of rule of law, the rate of murder, the share of the shadow economy and provision of public goods. Nonetheless, we need to locate the specific institutional conditions under which the curse manifests since some “rule of law” countries like Nigeria and Angola are generally classified as resource cursed. In this review, I argue that managing and distributing natural resource wealth through a centralised planning strategy and lack of a binding long-term national development plan are institutional conditions that encourage government unaccountability as they do not restrict policy makers against discretionary distribution of natural resource windfall, rent seeking, clientelism and corruption which contribute to poor economic development and growth. Also, inadequate regulations on how to address the potential or actual impacts of natural resource extraction on the livelihood of local people and the environment tend to precipitate grievance-induced resource conflict.
The relationship between firm size and efficiency: why does default on bank loans matter?
Authors: Rapposelli Agnese , Birindelli Giuliana , Modina Michele 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis paper presents an investigation of the interconnection between firm size and efficiency under the financial constraints lens. Specifically, we used the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) technique to measure the efficiency of a sample of large, medium-sized and small private Italian firms, using the firms’ default risk as an undesirable output. Our findings indicate that larger companies perform better than medium-sized and smaller companies in terms of efficiency (across all business profiles), including default on bank loans. Based on indicators widely employed to characterize the bank-firm relationship, our study demonstrates the need to improve the efficiency of the Italian entrepreneurial system, consisting mainly of small companies, through their dimensional growth.
Fingerprints of decreased cognitive performance on fractal connectivity dynamics in healthy aging
Authors: Kaposzta Zalan , Czoch Akos , Mukli Peter , Stylianou Orestis , Liu Deland Hu , Eke Andras , Racz Frigyes Samuel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAnalysis of brain functional connectivity (FC) could provide insight in how and why cognitive functions decline even in healthy aging (HA). Despite FC being established as fluctuating over time even in the resting state (RS), dynamic functional connectivity (DFC) studies involving healthy elderly individuals and assessing how these patterns relate to cognitive performance are yet scarce. In our recent study we showed that fractal temporal scaling of functional connections in RS is not only reduced in HA, but also predicts increased response latency and reduced task solving accuracy. However, in that work we did not address changes in the dynamics of fractal connectivity (FrC) strength itself and its plausible relationship with mental capabilities. Therefore, here we analyzed RS electroencephalography recordings of the same subject cohort as previously, consisting of 24 young and 19 healthy elderly individuals, who also completed 7 different cognitive tasks after data collection. Dynamic fractal connectivity (dFrC) analysis was carried out via sliding-window detrended cross-correlation analysis (DCCA). A machine learning method based on recursive feature elimination was employed to select the subset of connections most discriminative between the two age groups, identifying 56 connections that allowed for classifying participants with an accuracy surpassing 92%. Mean of DCCA was found generally increased, while temporal variability of FrC decreased in the elderly when compared to the young group. Finally, dFrC indices expressed an elaborate pattern of associations—assessed via Spearman correlation—with cognitive performance scores in both groups, linking fractal connectivity strength and variance to increased response latency and reduced accuracy in the elderly population. Our results provide further support for the relevance of FrC dynamics in understanding age-related cognitive decline and might help to identify potential targets for future intervention strategies.
Symmetry breaking for ground states of biharmonic NLS via Fourier extension estimates
Authors: Lenzmann Enno , Weth Tobias 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWe consider ground state solutions u ∈ H2(ℝN) of biharmonic (fourth-order) nonlinear Schrödinger equations of the form $${\Delta ^2}u + 2a\Delta u + bu - |u{|^{p - 2}}u = 0\,\,\,\,{\rm{in}}\,\,{\mathbb{R}^N}$$

Δ
2

u
+
2
a
Δ
u
+
b
u
−
∣
u

∣

p
−
2

u
=
0
in

ℝ
N

with positive constants a, b > 0 and exponents 2 < p < 2*, where $${2^ * } = {{2N} \over {N - 4}}$$

2
∗

=

2
N

N
−
4

if N > 4 and 2* = ∞ if N ≤ 4. By exploiting a connection to the adjoint Stein–Tomas inequality on the unit sphere and by using trial functions due to Knapp, we prove a general symmetry breaking result by showing that all ground states u ∈ H2(ℝN) in dimension N ≥ 2 fail to be radially symmetric for all exponents $$2 < p < {{2N + 2} \over {N - 1}}$$
2
<
p
<

2
N
+
2

N
−
1

in a suitable regime of a, b > 0.As applications of our main result, we also prove symmetry breaking for a minimization problem with constrained L2-mass and for a related problem on the unit ball in ℝN subject to Dirichlet boundary conditions.
Delineation of Saline/Fresh Water Interface and Mapping Ground-water Potential Zones using Spatial Resistivity Models in Bichpuri Block Agra, District UP, India
Authors: Singh Anirudh , Pratap Birendra , Singh S.K. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Pin-pointing freshwater within saline formations is of utmost importance as filtration and alternate means of public water supply are responsible for high expenditure. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) (n=49) was conducted at various locations in the Bichpuri block, Agra district. In this study for VES, the Schlumberger configuration was used. VES data were reconciled with the borehole well log, and drill sample cuttings were utilized to understand sub-surface configuration. Reconciled VES data displayed variation in resistivity layer parameters, i.e., layer thickness & true resistivity of sub-surface. True resistivity spatial models were developed at 25m intervals from the ground surface down to the depth of 150m, based on geo-electric parameters. Resistivity models reveal that freshwater is limited to 55m depth, beyond which groundwater is saline to brackish. The basement was encountered at a depth of 120m and further extended up to 150m. A groundwater potential map was prepared using GIS and divided into 3 categories – good, moderate, and poor. Major habitations of the study area lie in poor groundwater potential zone, which is a cause of concern with the intent on future development. Similar studies can be extended to areas with saline groundwater for mapping freshwater zones.
Estimation of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K activity from the Soil Samples of Ganderbal and Budgam Districts of Jammu and Kashmir, India
Authors: Rahim Asiya , Khan Savidh , Rani Asha , Abida Km , Mehra Rohit , Chand Sansar 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The study of radionuclides is very important in our daily life as these impose health implications to the general public. In present study the estimation of radionuclides in Ganderbal and Budgam districts of Kashmir Province using NaI(Tl) gamma-ray spectro-meter has been carried out. Radium, thorium, and potassium activity concentrations have been observed to range from 25±3 to 33±5 Bqkg−1, 3±2 to 11±3 Bqkg−1 and 415±63 to 601±80 Bqkg−1with average values of 29 Bqkg−1, 5 Bqkg−1 and 514 Bqkg−1, respectively. The radium equivalent activity (Raeq) for the soil samples has been evaluated and was found in the range of 107 to128 Bqkg−1 with the mean value of 116 Bqkg−1. It has been inferred that the radium equivalent activity (Raeq) lies in the permissible limits of 370 Bqkg−1 set by United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. Absorbed dose and annual effective dose (indoor and outdoor) values were found to vary from 34 to 43 nGyh−1, 0.17 to 0.21 mSv and 0.04 to 0.05 mSv, respectively. Also, hazard indices (external and internal) are calculated from the specific concentration of radium, thorium and potassium which are found less than unity as recommended by organization for economic cooperation and development (OECD). Therefore, it can be concluded that the present study area does not pose any health implication to the general public.
The role of RNA modification in urological cancers: mechanisms and clinical potential
Authors: Zhou Xuming , Zhu Hezhen , Luo Cong , Yan Zhaojie , Zheng Guansong , Zou Xiaofeng , zou Junrong , Zhang Guoxi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRNA modification is a post-transcriptional level of regulation that is widely distributed in all types of RNAs, including mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, miRNA, and lncRNA, where N6-methyladenine (m6A) is the most abundant mRNA methylation modification. Significant evidence has depicted that m6A modifications are closely related to human diseases, especially cancer, and play pivotal roles in RNA transcription, splicing, stabilization, and translation processes. The most common urological cancers include prostate, bladder, kidney, and testicular cancers, accounting for a certain proportion of human cancers, with an ever-increasing incidence and mortality. The recurrence, systemic metastasis, poor prognosis, and drug resistance of urologic tumors have prompted the identification of new therapeutic targets and mechanisms. Research on m6A modifications may provide new solutions to the current puzzles. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the key roles played by RNA modifications, especially m6A modifications, in urologic cancers, as well as recent research advances in diagnostics and molecularly targeted therapies.
Evaluation and clinical practice of pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes of BioFire FilmArray Pneumonia panel in lower respiratory tract infections
Authors: Gong Jinru , Yang Jiasheng , Liu Lihong , Chen Xiaoxuan , Yang Guangyu , He Yaowei , Sun Ruilin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Existing panels for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are slow and lack quantification of important pathogens and antimicrobial resistance, which are not solely responsible for their complex etiology and antibiotic resistance. BioFire FilmArray Pneumonia (PN) panels may provide rapid information on their etiology.

Methods
The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of 187 patients with LRTIs was simultaneously analyzed using a PN panel and cultivation, and the impact of the PN panel on clinical practice was assessed. The primary endpoint was to compare the consistency between the PN panel and conventional microbiology in terms of etiology and drug resistance, as well as to explore the clinical significance of the PN panel. The secondary endpoint was pathogen detection using the PN panel in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) or hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP).

Results
Fifty-seven patients with HAP and 130 with CAP were included. The most common pathogens of HAP were Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae, with the most prevalent antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes being CTX-M and KPC. For CAP, the most common pathogens were Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus, with the most frequent AMR genes being CTX-M and VIM. Compared with routine bacterial culture, the PN panel demonstrated an 85% combined positive percent agreement (PPA) and 92% negative percent agreement (NPA) for the qualitative identification of 13 bacterial targets. PN detection of bacteria with higher levels of semi-quantitative bacteria was associated with more positive bacterial cultures. Positive concordance between phenotypic resistance and the presence of corresponding AMR determinants was 85%, with 90% positive agreement between CTX-M-type extended-spectrum beta-lactamase gene type and phenotype and 100% agreement for mecA/C and MREJ. The clinical benefit of the PN panel increased by 25.97% compared with traditional cultural tests.

Conclusion
The bacterial pathogens and AMR identified by the PN panel were in good agreement with conventional cultivation, and the clinical benefit of the PN panel increased by 25.97% compared with traditional detection. Therefore, the PN panel is recommended for patients with CAP or HAP who require prompt pathogen diagnosis and resistance identification.