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Generative AI and criminology: A threat or a promise? Exploring the potential and pitfalls in the identification of Techniques of Neutralization (ToN)

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) such as GPT-4 refers to systems able to understand and generate new coherent and relevant text by learning from existing data sets. The great opportunities that GPT-4 offers are accompanied by great risks. Indeed, the ease of access and use of such a tool also makes it the platform of choice for malicious users. The purpose of this work is to test the machine’s capabilities in identifying and reframing so-called Techniques of Neutralization (ToN), rationalizations employed by offenders to justify their deviant behavior. The identification of such theoretical cornerstone of criminology in interviews with offenders is crucial for criminologists, as it provides relevant information on criminodynamics, risk assessment and possible intervention strategies. Our outcomes show a high level of the machine’s accuracy in general ToN recognition of Published and Crafted ToN sentences in both Test 1 (precision of 0.82 and recall of 0.75 for “Denial of Injury” in Crafted ToN, precision of 0.93 and recall of 1 for “Absence of ToN” in Published ToN) and Test 2 (precision of 1.00 and recall of 0.83 for “Denial of Injury” in Crafted ToN, precision of 1.00 and recall of 1.00 for “Absence of ToN” in both ToN categories). Regarding the reformulation of sentences to remove ToN (Test 3), the model demonstrates high success rates for most ToN categories and high credibility of the reformulated sentences, indicating its ability to maintain the integrity of the sentences while removing the ToN. Our work analyses the application of the machine with respect to a previously untested construct, with the aim of observing the potential and, above all, the possible pitfalls behind the use of AI models in a hitherto little-explored context such as criminology.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: An effective PO-RSNN and FZCIS based diabetes prediction and stroke analysis in the metaverse environment

Abstract Chronic disease (CD) like diabetes and stroke impacts global healthcare extensively, and continuous monitoring and early detection are necessary for effective management. The Metaverse Environment (ME) has gained attention in the digital healthcare environment; yet, it lacks adequate support for disabled individuals, including deaf and dumb people, and also faces challenges in security, generalizability, and feature selection. To overcome these limitations, a novel probabilistic-centric optimized recurrent sechelliott neural network (PO-RSNN)-based diabetes prediction (DP) and Fuzzy Z-log-clipping inference system (FZCIS)-based severity level estimation in ME is carried out. The proposed system integrates Montwisted-Jaco curve cryptography (MJCC) for secured data transmission, Aransign-principal component analysis (A-PCA) for feature dimensionality reduction, and synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) to address data imbalance. The diagnosed results are securely stored in the BlockChain (BC) for enhanced privacy and traceability. The experimental validation demonstrated the superior performance of the proposed system by achieving 98.97% accuracy in DP and 98.89% accuracy in stroke analysis, outperforming existing classifiers. Also, the proposed MJCC technique attained 98.92% efficiency, surpassing the traditional encryption models. Thus, the proposed system produces a secure, scalable, and highly accurate DP and stroke analysis in ME. Further, the research will extend the approach to other CD like cancer and heart disease to improve the predictive performance.

Correction: Exploring knowledge, perceptions, and practices of antimicrobials, and their resistance among medicine dispensers and community members in Kavrepalanchok District of Nepal

Neck dissection improves the prognosis of patients with early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma

Electromechanical behaviors of a PVDF beam-film coupled energy harvester under droplet impact

Droplet-based harvesters can effectively transfer the kinetic energy of impacting water droplet into electrical energy. Based on conventional cantilever structure of harvesters, a beam-film coupled structure is developed by extending the piezoelectric film along the beam length to enhance the power generation. First, the droplet impact force is modeled based on impulsive theorem, which is applied in constructing the simulation model of the proposed harvester using COMSOL. Second, the developed model is validated by comparing with experimental results. Then the dynamic response and electromechanical coupling effect of the proposed structure under droplet impact are comprehensively analyzed. Results show that the energy density of beam-film coupled structure with film ratios 0.6 and 0.8 is much higher than that of cantilever structure, showing an increase of 522.67% and 645.18% respectively. Moreover, the harvester with film ratio 0.6 always generates greater total electrical energy collected than the film ratio 0.8, and the difference between them becomes more significant for higher impact velocities> 1.25m/s and larger droplet diameters > 3.2mm. Results also show that there exist optimal structural parameters of the harvester which lays a foundation for further structural optimization to continuously improve the energy conversion efficiency.

BnDREB1 confers cadmium tolerance in ramie

Restorative effects of Momordica charantia extract on cerebellar GFAP and NGF expression in pregnant diabetic rats and their offspring

Maternal diabetes mellitus is linked to neurobiological and cognitive impairments, increasing the risk of brain and cerebellar defects in diabetic pregnant rats and their offspring. Momordica charantia (bitter melon) possesses antidiabetic properties due to its bioactive compounds, including phenolics, alkaloids, proteins, steroids, inorganic compounds, and lipids. Forty pregnant rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control; M charantia (BM); diabetic (DM); and diabetic treated with M charantia (BM+DM). Diabetic maternal rats showed significantly elevated serum glucose, insulin, leptin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels, with a concomitant decrease in insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), acetylcholine (ACh), and dopamine. Oxidative stress markers in cerebellar tissue indicated increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased glutathione (GSH) levels. Cerebellar tissue analysis revealed significantly reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and nerve growth factor (NGF), while Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were elevated. Histological and ultrastructural analysis of the diabetic maternal cerebellum showed moderate vacuolation of the neuropil in all cerebellar cortical layers, along with Purkinje cell degeneration and necrosis, including Nissl substance loss. Offspring of diabetic mothers exhibited multifocal Purkinje cell loss, empty baskets, and cerebellar cortical dysplasia with abnormal tissue development and organization. In conclusion, M. charantia supports central nervous system health in diabetic pregnant rats and their offspring by enhancing antioxidant markers, regulating GFAP and NGF, and mitigating apoptosis, ultimately improving cerebellar pathology and neural development.

Spatial distribution and health risk assessment of fluoride in groundwater in the oasis of the Hotan river basin in Xinjiang, China

Predictors of youth unemployment duration and impact evaluation of job creation program in East Gojjam Zone

Youth unemployment in the East Gojjam Zone is a critical issue. This study focuses on identifying the factors that influence unemployment duration and evaluating the impact of job creation programs on the well-being of youth in this region. We employed Cox regression to analyze the determinants of unemployment duration and used propensity score matching to assess the welfare effects of job creation initiatives. Our multistage cluster sampling revealed a youth unemployment rate of 33.3% (95% CI: 27.3–39.3). Over half of the unemployed youth transitioned to employment within four years, with 25% securing jobs within two years. Participation in job creation programs led to an average earnings increase of 1,069.716 birr, though retention in these programs was low at 49%. The findings reveal a connection between prolonged unemployment, skill mismatches, financial constraints, limited work experience, weak social networks, low income, and a preference for public-sector employment. To effectively address these challenges, interventions must focus on improving job accessibility, aligning vocational training with labor market needs, promoting financial inclusion, and enhancing social support systems.

Analysis of the role of self-efficacy and interpersonal relationships in the relationship between subjective family socio-economic status and college students’ trust character: a case study of a university in Shaanxi Province, China

Abstract Trust can assist college students in navigating the challenges of loss during their growth and development, ultimately facilitating their personal growth and well-being. From the perspective of virtue, this study proposes a new concept of “trust character”, which reveals the relationship between subjective family socioeconomic status and college students’ trust character through self-efficacy and interpersonal communication. In this study, 1211 college students from a university in Shaanxi Province were surveyed by stratified sampling using the Subjective Family Socioeconomic Status Scale, the Self-Efficacy Scale, the Interpersonal Interaction Scale, and the Trust Character Scale. The results showed that subjective family socioeconomic status was significantly positively correlated with self-efficacy (r = 0.161), interpersonal communication (r = 0.193), and trust character (r = 0.160). Self-efficacy was positively correlated with interpersonal communication (r = 0.461) and trust character (r = 0.616). Interpersonal communication was positively correlated with trust character (r = 0.492). The direct and indirect effects of subjective family socioeconomic status on college students’ trust character were significant, including the mediating value of self-efficacy was 0.080 (61.07%), the mediating value of interpersonal communication was 0.032 (24.43%), and the chain mediating value of self-efficacy and interpersonal communication was 0.019 (effect size) was 14.50%.The research shows that the trust character of college students is composed of three dimensions: trust yourself, trust others, trust people. Self-efficacy and interpersonal communication not only play an independent mediating role but also play a chain mediating role between subjective family socioeconomic status and college students’ trust character.

Telehealth intervention involving the HEARTS Technical Package and the additional use of an activity monitor to increase physical activity level post-stroke: Protocol for a feasibility randomized controlled trial

Background Low physical activity level is a common risk factor for recurrent stroke. Feasibility studies show behavior change interventions can increase physical activity participation, but face barriers (e.g., home visits or internet access). Low-cost telehealth approaches, like telephone calls, may overcome these challenges. Another low-cost strategy involves motivational tools supporting “Behavioral Regulation,” such as physical activity monitors. However, evidence is insufficient to support their use in increasing physical activity levels post-stroke. A systematic review suggests integrating these devices into multifaceted behavior change interventions (e.g., the 5As brief intervention outlined in the HEARTS Technical Package) may enhance their effectiveness. Combined with physical activity monitors and telephone follow-up, this approach has proven feasible for individuals post-stroke. These findings underscore the need to explore combining the 5As brief intervention with physical activity monitors to assess potential added benefits. This feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) study will investigate whether the telehealth intervention (by telephone call) combining the 5As brief intervention, as outlined in the HEARTS Technical Package, and physical activity monitoring, compared to a control group receiving only the 5As brief intervention, is feasible and supports a fully powered RCT. Methods A feasibility RCT study, with blinded assessment, will assign 24 individuals post-stroke (diagnosed ≥ 6 months), aged ≥ 18 years, inactive, able to walk 10 meters independently, and medically approved for physical activity, to experimental (n = 12) or control group (n = 12). Both groups will undergo the 5As brief intervention (Ask, Advise, Assess, and Assist delivered face-to-face, and Arrange via telephone call follow-up), for 12 weeks, with the experimental group also using a physical activity monitor. Outcomes include feasibility of recruitment, intervention, measurement, and blinding the outcome assessor, cost and clinical outcomes. Discussion The intervention aligns with stroke secondary prevention recommendations and utilizes low-cost telehealth approaches. This study will contribute to defining future RCT phases. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06068036.

Visual outdoor space perception

The impact of corruption on resident entrepreneurship behavior and its mediating effect analysis: An empirical study based on China

This study utilizes data from the 2015 China General Social Survey (CGSS) to investigate the impact of public sector corruption on resident entrepreneurship, including an analysis of heterogeneity among different types of entrepreneurs and the mediating effects of social networks and social trust. The findings reveal that while corruption may exhibit a certain inflection point effect on entrepreneurship, this effect is statistically insignificant due to the relatively low threshold of corruption. Overall, increasing levels of corruption significantly inhibit entrepreneurial choices among residents, particularly affecting “survival-oriented” and “out of system” entrepreneurs compared to “opportunity-oriented” and “within system” entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the study identifies that both objective social networks and subjective social trust serve as significant partial mediators in the relationship between corruption and entrepreneurship. Based on these insights, the paper recommends implementing robust anti-corruption measures, enhancing support for survival-oriented entrepreneurs, and fostering social trust to create a conducive environment for entrepreneurship.

Genetic influence of a STAU2 frameshift mutation and RELN regulatory elements on performance in Icelandic horses

Abstract Selection for performance in horse breeding benefits from precise genetic insights at a molecular level, but knowledge remains limited. This study used whole-genome sequences of 39 elite and non-elite Icelandic horses to identify candidate causal variants linked to previously identified haplotypes in the STAU2 and RELN genes affecting pace and other gaits. A frameshift variant in linkage disequilibrium with the previously identified haplotypes in the STAU2 gene (r2 = 0.85) was identified within a predicted STAU2 transcript. This variant alters the amino acid sequence and introduces a premature stop codon but does not appear harmful or disease-causing and is potentially unique to equine biology. A large portion of the RELN haplotype overlapped with an H3K27me3 modification mark, suggesting a regulatory role of this region. Despite the small sample size, the RELN haplotype’s effects were validated for tölt, trot, and canter/gallop. Additionally, the RELN haplotype significantly influenced the age at which horses were presented for breeding field tests, indicating a potential role of the region in precocity and trainability. Functional experiments are needed to further investigate the regions’ influences on biological processes and their potential impact on horse performance.

Correction: Study of impacts of brickkiln emanations on soil quality of agriculture lands in selected areas of District Bhimber, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

Topological data analysis of pattern formation of human induced pluripotent stem cell colonies

Correction: Student-centered factors influencing inclusion in biomedical majors among first-year undergraduate students

Gut microbiota diversity among humans, elephants, livestock and wild herbivores in Chitwan National Park bears implications for conservation medicine

Common variants in the CPT1A gene are associated with cataracts in Northern breeds of domestic dog

Primary hereditary cataract affects many purebred domestic dog breeds and is a major cause of visual impairment in dogs. Cataracts are common in Northern breeds such as the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute and Samoyed, but their aetiology is currently unknown. Only two genetic loci are known to be causally related to primary hereditary cataracts in the dog. To search for genetic loci associated with cataracts in Northern breeds, we used a genome-wide association study approach in three breeds—Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute and Samoyed. Cases were defined as dogs with bilateral posterior polar subcapsular cataracts and controls were at least four years of age with no evidence of cataracts or other ocular abnormality. We found a genome-wide statistical association for cataracts in the Siberian Husky on canine chromosome 18 (P-value: 1.1 x 10 − 7), which was independently replicated in a second larger case-control set (P-value 9.8 x 10 − 29). The Samoyed breed also showed evidence for association in the same genomic region (P-value: 2.4 x 10 − 5). We subsequently used targeted resequencing of the associated region (6.5 Mb) in ten Siberian Huskies and whole genome sequencing of a Husky, Malamute, Samoyed and Norwegian Buhund case to conduct fine-mapping and screen for candidate causal variants. These analyses identified a region of linkage disequilibrium in the four breeds containing common variants in the carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) gene that are strongly associated with bilateral posterior polar subcapsular cataracts in the Siberian Husky, Samoyed, Icelandic Sheepdog and Norwegian Buhund and we demonstrate that CPT1A is expressed in the dog lens and retina through RNAseq. Our findings represent a novel locus for cataracts in dogs. However, further work is needed to elucidate the pathophysiology underlying the association between CPT1A and cataracts in Northern breeds.

Introducing an adjustable upper limb prosthesis into a Ugandan clinical service: impacts on free living behaviour and prosthetic use

Abstract Access to prosthetic services in Uganda is poor, negatively impacting people with upper limb difference in function, community participation, and employment. Technologies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of services are needed, but there is very little evidence of potential solutions. Off-the-shelf, adjustable prosthetic sockets, which can be fitted in minimal time without the complexities associated with traditional socket manufacturing, show promise. We tested the feasibility of introducing the Koalaa ALX, a prosthesis for people with trans-radial limb difference, and a peer-to-peer support system into a Ugandan clinical service. Prosthesis-worn and thigh-worn monitors successfully captured concurrent patterns of wear and free-living physical behaviours (including periods at home and away) at baseline, post-fitting, and six months post-fitting. End-of-study interviews captured participants’ experiences. Four of the eight participants had no previous experience using a prosthesis (new users). The ALX could be easily deployed and supported. All participants wore their ALX, with an increase in wear time among new users at six months. Prosthesis donning and doffing events were associated with behavioural changes (e.g., changes in stepping duration). The interviews revealed good levels of satisfaction, though concerns about access to repairs, cleaning, heat discomfort, and long-term support were noted.