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Knowledge graph for recommendation system : enhanced relation reliability and prediction probability (ERRaPP)
No full textWith the current explosion of information, the end-users find it challenging to filter this information. Recommendation systems present solutions to filter and prioritize the information to overcome the problem of information overloading. However, one of the main challenges associated with RS is accuracy. A knowledge graph (KG) is one solution to improve the recommendation system’s performance. The existing solutions do not consider the side information and semantic relationship from the knowledge graph, which results in the problem of accuracy of the recommendation and the processing time. Our proposed solution aims to increase the accuracy and decrease the processing time by exploring semantic relations between entities and considering the importance of relationships. The proposed system consists of a collaborative knowledge graph (GCN) with Enhanced Relation Reliability and Prediction Probability (ERRaPP) algorithm to enhance the recommendation accuracy and minimize the processing time. This algorithm includes the importance of relation specialized in an entity to get more reliable paths. It also has an attention mechanism with a sigmoid function to replace the inner product between entities embedding to improve the prediction. The results are obtained for different model stages (training, evaluation, test) for 4 other datasets (Book-Crossing, MovieLens-20Â M, MovieLens-1Â M and Last.FM). The results show that the proposed solution achieves better recommendation accuracy with less processing time for all three stages and 4 datasets. The proposed solution provides the recommendation accuracy of 0.705 against the current accuracy of 0.665 on average for the Book-Crossing dataset and a processing time of 7.884Â seconds against the current processing time of 12Â seconds on average for the testing stage. The proposed solution focuses on enhancing the overall accuracy and reducing the processing time of the knowledge graph-based recommendation system by using the ERRaPP algorithm. Finally, the solution with enhanced relation reliability and score prediction improves the recommendation accuracy by considering semantic relations between entities
Contextualising an online mindfulness-based intervention for young people with cancer : a qualitative study
No full textBackground: Despite improved prognosis, living with cancer can still negatively impact young people’s psychosocial well-being. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) have been shown to help manage cancerrelated stress but tailored interventions for young people are warranted. In addition, attendance at intensive face-to-face MBI is often a barrier to access and adherence. Aim: This study aims to contextualise an online MBI, for young people with cancer (YPWC). Methods: This study modified an online MBI using a qualitative research approach through several phases, including a discussion with experts, a workshop with YPWC (n = 6), followed by focus groups with health professionals (n = 5) and YPWC (n = 7). Findings: The qualitative thematic analysis of data from the workshop discussion and focus groups identified two key themes, which were (i) developing mindfulness skill and adopting into daily living and appropriateness; and (ii) accessibility of design and delivery of an MBI eBook. The participants in the workshop and focus group provided various recommendations and as a result of these data, the modules were modified and further tailored both at the design level and the module contents. Discussion: This study contextualised a self-directed, online MBI through the participation from YPWC and healthcare providers. This participatory approach enabled the development of a young people friendly intervention that incorporated cancer-focused case studies with mindful reflections, all of which were wellreceived by YPWC. Conclusion: The involvement of end-users in the development phase significantly improved the acceptability of this intervention design. The tailored MBI potentially aids the psychosocial well-being of YPWC
The impact of negative gearing on the investment decisions of housing investors : the case of Greater Sydney
No full textTo date, no empirical study has examined the impact of negative gearing and other factors on residential investors’ decisions using quantitative analysis. We applied a structural vector autoregression framework to trace the response of residential investors in Greater Sydney to shocks in its key drivers over the period 1991–2018. We discovered a residential investors’ profile in which negative gearing is being used to cushion any net rental loss during periods of low yield while expecting capital growth over their holding period. This supports the hypotheses of the study which posit that capital gains and negative gearing have a positive and negative relationship, respectively, with the number of residential investors. Additionally, a negative relationship between mortgage lending rate and number of investors is found, indicating a rising lending rate will increase expenses and contribute to low yield. We also found population growth and increased housing supply could increase the number of residential investors. These results could be used by tax and housing policy makers to recalibrate tax laws relating to negative gearing, especially for residential investment. Residential investors could potentially use this information for more informed decision making, particularly during periods of low yields
Lessons on decoloniality from blak and black sahulian ecologies and the Aboriginal philosophy of everywhen
No full textThis chapter is an entanglement of Indigenous philosophy, Black sociopolitical analysis and ancestral invocation between Black and Indigenous people of the Global South. It offers a cluster of thoughts in development and observations of existing ecological patterns and embodied Blak Indigenous knowledge's praxis as they are increasingly situated within the crises of our time. The chapter uses a critical Fanonion interpretive frame to approach critical questions about sovereign, decolonial and Indigenous futures. A future that is marked by an age whereby we humans are entering the new geological era of the Anthropocene epoch. This chapter contains philosophical offerings that weave together Bla(c)k concepts and theories on Indigenous cartographies, Indigenous philosophy and Indigenous temporalities of deep time drawn from Everywhen in Aboriginal Australia and Sankofa of the Akan in Ghana. We use these entanglements as tools of liberation and emergent strategy, to provoke deeper questions to explore how Black and Indigenous people continue to find openings that bring us closer to ecological and decolonial liberation. To examine this, we look to the connective threads between Blak and Black relational ontologies, which offer generous forms of Indigenous technology for the future. It is a sustainable way of being in an ever accelerated and anthropogenic world. It is a way of being with deep listening that can prepare us and become response-able in the predicaments of our future. It is to speak in prayer and ancestral invocation to honour the ways of the land and its refusal to be separated from the flesh
Target-induced hot spot construction for sensitive and selective surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection of matrix metalloproteinase MMP-9
No full textStudies have found that matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) plays a significant role in cancer cell invasion, metastasis, and tumor growth. But it is a challenge to go for highly sensitive and selective detection and targeting of MMP-9 due to the similar structure and function of the MMP proteins family. Herein, a novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensing strategy was developed based on the aptamer-induced SERS “hot spot” formation for the extremely sensitive and selective determination of MMP-9. To develop the nanosensor, one group of gold nanospheres was modified with MMP-9 aptamer and its complementary strand DNA1, while DNA2 (complementary to DNA1) and the probe molecule 5,5′-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) were grafted on the surface of the other group of gold nanospheres. In the absence of MMP-9, DTNB located on the 13-nm gold nanospheres has only generated a very weak SERS signal. However, when MMP-9 is present, the aptamer preferentially binds to the MMP-9 to construct MMP-9–aptamer complex. The bare DNA1 can recognize and bind to DNA2, which causes them to move in close proximity and create a SERS hot spot effect. Due to this action, the SERS signal of DTNB located at the nanoparticle gap is greatly enhanced, achieving highly sensitive detection of MMP-9. Since the hot spot effect is caused by the aptamer that specifically recognizes MMP-9, the approach exhibits excellent selectivity for MMP-9 detection. Based on the benefits of both high sensitivity and excellent selectivity, this method was used to distinguish the difference in MMP-9 levels between normal and cancer cells as well as the expression of MMP-9 from cancer cells with different degrees of metastasis. In addition, this strategy can accurately reflect the dynamic changes in intracellular MMP-9 levels, stimulated by the MMP-9 activator and inhibitor. This strategy is expected to be transformed into a new technique for diagnosis of specific cancers related to MMP-9 and assessing the extent of cancer occurrence, development and metastasis. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]
[In Press] Navigating uncertainty : public diplomacy vs. AI
No full textSome have heralded generative AI models as an opportunity to inform diplomacy and support diplomats’ communication campaigns. Others have argued that generative AI is inherently untrustworthy because it simply manages probabilities and doesn’t consider the truth value of statements. In this article, we examine how AI applications are built to smooth over uncertainty by providing a single answer among multiple possible answers and by presenting information in a tone and form that demands authority. We contrast this with the practices of public diplomacy professionals who must grapple with both epistemic and aleatory uncertainty head on to effectively manage complexities through negotiation. We argue that the rise of generative AI and its “operationalization of truth” invites us to reflect on the possible shortcoming of AI’s application to public diplomacy practices and to recognize how prominent uncertainty is in public diplomacy practices
[In Press] Recent advances in reactive oxygen species scavenging nanomaterials for wound healing
No full textReactive oxygen species play a crucial role in cell signaling pathways during wound healing phases. Treatment strategies to balance the redox level in the deep wound tissue are emerging for wound management. In recent years, reactive oxygen species scavenging agents including natural antioxidants, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging nanozymes, and antioxidant delivery systems have been widely employed to inhibit oxidative stress and promote skin regeneration. Here, the importance of reactive oxygen species in different wound healing phases is critically analyzed. Various cutting-edge bioactive ROS nanoscavengers and antioxidant delivery platforms are discussed. This review also highlights the future directions for wound therapies via reactive oxygen species scavenging. This comprehensive review offers a map of the research on ROS scavengers with redox balancing mechanisms of action in the wound healing process, which benefits development and clinical applications of next-generation ROS scavenging-based nanomaterials in skin regeneration
Patient welfare implications of indication-specific value-based pricing of multi-indication drugs
No full textObjectives: Indication-specific value-based pricing (ISVBP) is a mechanism that allows the prices of multi-indication drugs to vary across indications by aligning the drug prices with value. However, the overall impact of ISVBP on patients across indications is uncertain. This study examines the theoretical welfare effects of ISVBP for multi-indication drugs and compares consumer surplus under ISVBP and single pricing, the latter of which is based on the weighted average value. Methods: We considered a healthcare system with government-negotiated drug prices based on the value of drugs. We assumed a drug with 2 indications and 1 relevant comparator for each indication. The value of the drug was uniformly distributed among the patients of each indication in the base case. We also considered alternative scenarios with exponentially and Pareto distributed drug values. Numerical simulations were conducted to explore potential settings where ISVBP was welfare-improving for patients compared with single pricing. Results: The theoretical analysis showed that the consumer surplus change was strictly non-positive from single pricing to ISVBP. Therefore, it was not welfare-improving for patients in the settings of interest. Numerical simulations confirmed this result across various scenarios of value distributions. Conclusions: This study provides insights into the patient welfare implications of ISVBP for multi-indication drugs. We did not identify conditions under which ISVBP can enhance overall patient well-being, suggesting that it should be implemented cautiously. Future research should examine dynamic welfare implications related to innovation incentives because they may significantly affect population health in the future
Oral health and healthy ageing : a scoping review
No full textBackground: Good oral health is an important part of healthy ageing, yet there is limited understanding regarding the status of oral health care for older people globally. This study reviewed evidence (policies, programs, and interventions) regarding oral health care for older people. Methods: A systematic search of six databases for published and grey literature in the English language by the end of April 2022 was undertaken utilising Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework. Results: The findings from oral health policy documents (n = 17) indicated a lack of priorities in national health policies regarding oral health care for older people. The most common oral health interventions reported in the published studies (n = 62) included educational sessions and practical demonstrations on oral care for older adults, nurses, and care providers. Other interventions included exercises of facial muscles and the tongue, massage of salivary glands, and application of chemical agents, such as topical fluoride. Conclusion: There is currently a gap in information and research around effective oral health care treatments and programs in geriatric dental care. Efforts must be invested in developing guidelines to assist both dental and medical healthcare professionals in integrating good oral health as part of healthy ageing. Further research is warranted in assessing the effectiveness of interventions in improving the oral health status of the elderly and informing approaches to assist the integration of oral health into geriatric care
[In Press] Leaving a legacy for my children : the one-child policy reform and engagement in CSR among family firms in China
No full textThe reform of China’s one-child policy allows families to have more children and thus may affect anticipation of intergenerational succession of family businesses and drive family firms to improve their corporate social responsibility (CSR). Using a difference-in-differences design, we find that the reform positively affects the CSR of family firms. We also find that the positive impact is more pronounced for family firms whose owners have fewer children, have no son, and have not yet surpassed reproductive age (older than 50), which confirms the theory that anticipation of intergenerational succession drives CSR in such firms. Moreover, we find that the positive impact is more pronounced for firms that operate in environments where CSR is more strategically important. We validate our findings by showing that the reform prompts investment in value-enhancing CSR and curtails short-termism. This study offers novel evidence that government policies conducive to intergenerational succession in family firms can lead to not only strategic CSR but also to truly ethical corporate behaviour