Search

Abstract It is not uncommon for malicious sellers to collude with fake reviewers (also called spammers) to write fake reviews for multiple products to either demote competitors or promote their products’ reputations, forming a gray industry chain. To detect spammer groups in a heterogeneous network with rich semantic information from both buyers and sellers, researchers have conducted extensive research using Frequent Item Mining-based and graph-based methods. However, these methods cannot detect spammer groups with cross-product attacks and do not jointly consider structural and attribute features, and structure-attribute correlation, resulting in poorer detection performance. Therefore, we propose a collaborative training-based spammer group detection algorithm by constructing a heterogeneous induced sub-network based on the target product set to detect cross-product attack spammer groups. To jointly consider all available features, we use the collaborative training method to learn the feature representations of nodes. In addition, we use the DBSCAN clustering method to generate candidate groups, exclude innocent ones, and rank them to obtain spammer groups. The experimental results on real-world datasets indicate that the overall detection performance of the proposed method is better than that of the baseline methods.

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) has been used for decades to investigate utility efficiency- and management-specific features. DEA has been extended in various industries with different models that consume different types of production variables to meet industry-specific efficiencies. However, the discernment of production variables and proper DEA models is still a problem in the water industry. Ratio information has been used in DEA for absolute data to assess utility efficiency- and management-specific features; using ratios in DEA for absolute data produces wrong efficiency results because the convexity axiom of DEA for absolute data is not satisfied. This study presents a collection of information and an assessment of DEA for absolute and ratio data to identify the strengths of the production variables and the DEA model that are appropriate for assessing utility efficiency- and management-specific features. The analysis shows that the use of ratio variables in DEA for ratios improves utility economics, the working environment, and the social trust dimension. HIGHLIGHTS DEA models and production variable selection.; Proper utility benchmarking and DEA model choices.; Efficient utility benchmarking.; Using performance indicators as production variables in DEA.; Efficiency comparison.;

Urban water utility (UWU) regulation has been a potential practice in the water industry for years. This is because UWUs operate in an environment without competitors, and regulating them in a competitive scenario under sunshine regulation helps UWUs simulate the best management strategies. During efficiency assessment, the selection of the best, intermediate and least performing UWUs involves averaging scores of many efficiency assessment criteria analysed separately. This study expands a UWU efficiency assessment based on attaining service-level-benchmark and agreed target-level criteria using network data envelopment analysis (NDEA) for ratios. The assessment shows that the average of efficiencies of the two criteria identify a UWU with the best and worst performance in selected key indicators. HIGHLIGHTS Utility benchmarking in a competitive scenario using DEA for ratios.; Regulation with performance improvement.; Employment of service benchmark approach to analyze a utility's efficiency.; Selection of the most efficient utility using non-parametric method.; Application of Network DEA in regulation of a water utility.;

This study examined the effects of Spaceteam ESL, a digital shouting game, on the development of oral reading fluency (ORF) among 71 English as a second language (ESL) students in three primary and secondary schools in Mombasa, Kenya. Following a mixed-methods approach for data collection and analysis, we pre-tested and post-tested the participants on their ability to read aloud efficiently (speed) and accurately (accuracy) in three tasks: (1) phrases extracted from the game; (2) phrases not related to the game; and (3) a short anecdote. Paired-samples t-tests results revealed that, as hypothesized, participants who played Spaceteam ESL improved their ORF on measures of speed on all tasks, possibly because of the fast-paced nature of the game. However, no significant differences were observed in terms of accuracy due to a ceiling effect: the participants had already mastered the intricacies of the letter-to-sound rules of English orthography. Overall, these findings corroborate our hypothesis that some of the affordances of Spaceteam ESL (e.g., focus on speed reading, multiple and varied opportunities for practice) could contribute to the development of some aspects of oral reading fluency.

Short-form video platforms have become an important marketing channel for library resources and services. However, such promotions’ actual performance is not as good as expected. This research examined the performance of library marketing on the dominant short-form video platform in China, Douyin (aka TikTok worldwide), with social media analytics, including topic and correlation analysis. Results indicated that the number of fans of an account is positively correlated with the number of likes (p < 0.001) and independent of the number of videos (p > 0.05). Libraries post videos most often on the topic of “Reading Promotion”(31%), but the marketing performance on this topic is average (Mean DMI = 90.27). The most popular topics for patrons are “Hot Topics” and “Knowledge Quiz” (Mean DMI = 207.00). Using short-form videos for library marketing is a new practice, and scant studies have evaluated such performance, especially in Asia. Our results strengthen library practitioners’ awareness and reflections on conducting new media services and short-form video promotion, especially for the newer generation.

The world is witnessing an unpredictable COVID-19 pandemic that has impacted all levels of online education, shaping future trends. However, this shift was so sudden and drastic that unrevealed puzzles exist regarding the public’s authentic opinion towards online classes, even though three years have passed. Many experts and policymakers have conducted qualitative and quantitative research to explore effective pedagogies, the satisfaction of different stakeholders, and factors influential on learners’ performance. However, scant studies have examined personal opinions and concerns toward online classes hidden behind people’s anonymous posts on social media. This research investigates the sentiments, concerns, and their variance with time regarding online classes by learners and educators on Reddit, which is a dominant social network among them. Data were collected via the official API from identified relevant subreddits and keyword search results across Reddit. Sentiment analysis was applied to reveal their emotions and their changes. Topic modeling was conducted to discover the concerns hidden in the posts. The results revealed the concerns about online classes, such as severe cheating behaviors, and showed doubts about previous strategies to solve disadvantages in online classes. In addition, the results verified the habitual difference and motivations of social media usage between educators and learners.

Cervical cancer has become the most frequent female malignancy and presents as a general health challenge in many countries undergoing economic development. Various human papillomaviruses (HPV) types have appeared as one of the most critically identifiable causes of widespread cervical cancers. Conventional cervical cytological inspection has limitations of variable sensitivity according to cervical cytology. Glycobiology has been fundamental in related exploration in various gynecologic and reproductive fields and has contributed to our understanding of cervical cancer. It is associated with altered expression of N-linked glycan as well as abnormal expression of terminal glycan structures. The analytical approaches available to determine serum and tissue glycosylation, as well as potential underlying molecular mechanisms involved in the cellular glycosylation alterations, are monitored. Moreover, cellular glycosylation influences various aspects of cervical cancer biology, ranging from cell surface expressions, cell-cell adhesion, cancer signaling, cancer diagnosis, and management. In general, discoveries in glycan profiling make it technically reproducible and affordable to perform serum glycoproteomic analyses and build on previous work exploring an expanded variety of glycosylation markers in the majority of cervical cancer patients.

Social media use is widely accepted in higher education, connecting students' learning with daily life. Considering the potential of social media to revolutionize the whole spectrum of teaching and learning, this study examines social media usage of business school students of different majors and their perception of social media as learning aids through a quantitative online survey guided by the 5E instructional model, with 423 valid responses from students majoring in accounting, finance, and economics. Results indicated that respondents perceived social media as influential in helping them access study-related information. It facilitated comprehensive learning, information access, information sharing, and student communication with instructors. Significant differences in perceptions of using social media as aids for business learning were found among students of different demographics, including gender, education level, and residence, but not quite for different majors. While various studies have examined the use of social media in education, scant studies focus on business school students under the lens of the 5E instructional model, especially Asians.

BackgroundHyperthermia treatment has been explored as a strategy to overcome biological barriers that hinder effective drug delivery in solid tumors. Most studies have used mild hyperthermia treatment (MHT) to target the delivery of thermo-sensitive liposomes carriers. Others have studied its application to permeabilize tumor vessels and improve tumor interstitial transport. However, the role of MHT in altering tumor vessel interfacial and adhesion properties and its relationship to improved delivery has not been established. In the present study, we evaluated effects of MHT treatment on tumor vessel flow dynamics and expression of adhesion molecules and assessed enhancement in particle localization using mesoporous silicon vectors (MSVs). We also determined the optimal time window at which maximal accumulation occur.ResultsIn this study, using intravital microscopy analyses, we showed that temporal mild hyperthermia (∼1 W/cm(2)) amplified delivery and accumulation of MSVs in orthotopic breast cancer tumors. The number of discoidal MSVs (1000×400 nm) adhering to tumor vasculature increased 6-fold for SUM159 tumors and 3-fold for MCF-7 breast cancer tumors. By flow chamber experiments and Western blotting, we established that a temporal increase in E-selectin expression correlated with enhanced particle accumulation. Furthermore, MHT treatment was shown to increase tumor perfusion in a time-dependent fashion.ConclusionsOur findings reveal that well-timed mild hyperthermia treatment can transiently elevate tumor transport and alter vascular adhesion properties and thereby provides a means to enhance tumor localization of non-thermally sensitive particles such as MSVs. Such enhancement in accumulation could be leveraged to increase therapeutic efficacy and reduce drug dosing in cancer therapy.

We report cell mechanical changes in response to alteration of expression of the human equilibrative nucleoside transporter-1 (hENT1), a most abundant and widely distributed plasma membrane nucleoside transporter in human cells and/or tissues. Modulation of hENT1 expression level altered the stiffness of pancreatic cancer Capan-1 and Panc 03.27 cells, which was analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and correlated to microfluidic platform. The hENT1 knockdown induced reduction of cellular stiffness in both of cells up to 70%. In addition, cellular phenotypic changes such as cell morphology, migration, and expression level of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were observed after hENT1 knockdown. Cells with suppressed hENT1 became elongated, migrated faster, and had reduced E-cadherin and elevated N-cadherin compared to parental cells which are consistent with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Those cellular phenotypic changes closely correlated with changes in cellular stiffness. This study suggests that hENT1 expression level affects cellular phenotype and cell elastic behavior can be a physical biomarker for quantify hENT1 expression and detect phenotypic shift. Furthermore, cell mechanics can be a critical tool in detecting disease progression and response to therapy.

This study examined the effects of Spaceteam ESL, a digital shouting game, on the development of oral reading fluency (ORF) among 71 English as a second language (ESL) students in three primary and secondary schools in Mombasa, Kenya. Following a mixed-methods approach for data collection and analysis, we pre-tested and post-tested the participants on their ability to read aloud efficiently (speed) and accurately (accuracy) in three tasks: (1) phrases extracted from the game; (2) phrases not related to the game; and (3) a short anecdote. Paired-samples t-tests results revealed that, as hypothesized, participants who played Spaceteam ESL improved their ORF on measures of speed on all tasks, possibly because of the fast-paced nature of the game. However, no significant differences were observed in terms of accuracy due to a ceiling effect: the participants had already mastered the intricacies of the letter-to-sound rules of English orthography. Overall, these findings corroborate our hypothesis that some of the affordances of Spaceteam ESL (e.g., focus on speed reading, multiple and varied opportunities for practice) could contribute to the development of some aspects of oral reading fluency.

Despite the popularity of mobile and digital technologies, physical collections still have high user demand in academic libraries and grow continuously. With renovation projects providing more studying and collaboration space, efforts to relocate materials to storage facilities are necessary for major libraries. With the change in student information needs and preferences, it is essential to reinvestigate their behavior and preferences for the use of physical resources and remote storage items. An online survey was conducted in a major international comprehensive university in Hong Kong, China, to explore these questions. Statistical tests were also performed to compare the difference between undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as those with versus those without experience requesting items from storage.

While it is well-known that faculty-student interaction is key to student success, few institutions have directly leveraged faculty in supporting academic persistence. Many myths about persistence proliferate, and faculty can unwittingly hinder persistence by implementing the wrong kinds of practices. Faculty are most empowered to support student persistence when they understand and care about this issue. They are also better equipped to help when they have a good, current command of the body of knowledge relating to persistence. To address this, we created a blended faculty development program to engage faculty in the scholarship of academic persistence, addressing myths and misconceptions about persistence, and expanding understanding of what it is like to be a first-year student at our university. The Persistence Scholars Program engaged a total of 32 faculty over two semesters, beginning with pre-readings and an in-person daylong workshop followed by an eight or ten-week course. The curriculum was built around a central text, Completing College by Vincent Tinto, and selected empirical and germane articles. Participants engaged in online discussions and two experiential projects, including one that asked them to complete an activity that would enhance their understanding of first-year students' experiences. Assessments of this program focused on participant ratings of target competencies (e.g., the ability to identify and dispel myths about why students persist), perception of usefulness of different specific assignments and materials, and suggestions for how the program can be refined for future cohorts.