bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reputation System based on Distributed Ledge to Secure DecentralizedFederated Learning
Authors: Assen Jan von der , Hunkeler Sandrin Raphael , Celdran Alberto Huertas , Beltran Enrique Tomas Martinez , Bovet Gérôme , Stiller Burkhard 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Machine Learning (ML) faces several challenges, including susceptibility to data leakage and the overhead associated with data storage. Decentralized Federated Learning (DFL) offers a robust solution to these issues by eliminating the need for centralized data collection, thereby enhancing data privacy. In DFL, distributed nodes collaboratively train an ML model by sharing model parameters rather than sensitive data. However, DFL systems are vulnerable to poisoning attacks, where malicious participants manipulate their local models or training data to compromise the overall model. Existing robust aggregation methods attempt to mitigate these threats by evaluating the quality of models based on specific criteria before and during aggregation. However, these methods rely solely on the local perspectives of individual DFL participants, limiting their effectiveness in identifying malicious actors. More specifically, the role of Distributed Ledger technology in providing a reputation-based aggregation approach for decentralized learning has not been explored. Moreover, experiments with reputation-based attacks have not been performed. Thus, this work introduces a ledger-based reputation system that enables participants to share their local reputation assessments, which are then combined into a reputation score. This score informs a robust aggregation algorithm, facilitating weighted aggregation. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system effectively mitigates model poisoning attacks and defenses against attacks targeting the reputation system itself. Additionally, resource utilization metrics reveal trade-offs and scalability limitations, with the reputation system providing valuable information to participants while maintaining competitive latency levels.
Long-duration Spaceflight Induces Atrophy in the Left Ventricular Papillary Muscles.
Authors: Tordeur Cyril , Abdessater Elza , Hossein Amin , Righetti Francesca , Sinitsyn Valentin , Mershina Elena , Luchitskaya Elena , Caiani Enrico G. , Faoro Vitalie , Tank Jens , de Borne Philippe van , Rabineau Jérémy 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Microgravity exposure induces cardiac deconditioning, primarily due to hypovolemia and inactivity. Animal models suggest microgravity may cause left ventricular (LV) papillary muscle atrophy, but this has not been studied in humans. This study used MRI to assess LV papillary muscle mass and LV morphology and function in nine male cosmonauts before and 6 ± 2 days after long-duration spaceflight (247 ± 90 days). Spaceflight did not affect LV volumes and ejection fraction but increased heart rate (P < 0.001), cardiac output (P = 0.03), and longitudinal strain parameters. There was a 13.6% decrease in LV papillary muscle mass (P = 0.017) with a trend of increase in the LV mass, increased mitral annular diameter (P = 0.004) without mitral leakage, and increased LV sphericity (P = 0.02). These findings suggest LV adapts to space with geometric changes, but microgravity-induced papillary muscle atrophy requires further study for long-term implications.
Socioeconomic, health, and social connectedness factors associated with self-rated health of octogenarians and nonagenarians in South Korea: Urban and rural comparison
Authors: Kang Heewon , Kim Dong Ha 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The aging population, including octogenarians (aged 80–89) and nonagenarians (aged 90–99), is rapidly increasing. Understanding their self-rated health in urban and rural settings is vital for public health policy development. This study examined factors associated with self-rated health among octogenarians and nonagenarians across urban and rural areas of South Korea.
Methods
We analyzed data of 21,896 older adults (aged 80–99) from the 2023 Korea Community Health Survey. Self-rated health was assessed on a 5-point scale and categorized as "good" or "poor." Variables included age, residence area (urban/rural), sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, healthcare utilization, morbidity, and social interactions. Descriptive statistics were used to examine variable distributions, and logistic regression models identified factors associated with self-rated health in each age group and residential area.
Results
Among octogenarians, 18.7% in urban areas reported good self-rated health, compared to 15.0% in rural areas. In contrast, a smaller proportion of nonagenarians reported good self-rated health in urban areas (13.6%) than in rural areas (14.7%). Octogenarians in both rural and urban areas with higher education (urban odds ratio [OR] = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.07–1.24; rural OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.10–1.22) and higher income (urban OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.07–1.31; rural OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.01–1.18) reported better self-rated health. However, this association was less pronounced among nonagenarians. Characteristics such as regular walking (OR range 1.41 [95% CI = 1.23–1.62] among rural octogenarians to 2.25 [95% CI = 1.89–2.69] among urban nonagenarians), good self-rated oral health (OR range 2.48 [95% CI = 1.98–4.00] among rural nonagenarians to 3.50 [95% CI = 3.01–4.07] among urban octogenarians), and participation in social activities (OR range 1.24 [95% CI = 1.09–1.41] among rural nonagenarians to 1.67 [95% CI = 1.29–2.16] among urban octogenarians) were consistently associated with good self-rated health across all age groups in both rural and urban areas.
Conclusions
Characteristics associated with self-rated health differed significantly between octogenarians and nonagenarians in rural and urban areas. Public health strategies must support health-promoting behaviors such as regular walking, enhance oral health services, improve healthcare accessibility, reduce environmental stressors, and strengthen social support networks to promote health among octogenarians and nonagenarians.
Plasmodial slime moulds (Myxomycetes) in Swedish and Nordic folk biology
Authors: Svanberg Ingvar , Ståhlberg Sabira 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background A few Myxomycetes taxa played an important role in the folk biology of pre-industrial Sweden and adjacent Nordic countries (Denmark, Norway, Finland) in northern Europe. Folk biology commonly contains knowledge of far more taxa than those of immediate economic importance. The species of little or no practical use are often overlooked by ethnobiological research, but these organisms are not of less interest for the understanding of human relationships with biota. Local knowledge about the entire biota in a given environment must therefore be studied to comprehend folk biology.
Methodology This qualitative study analyses and reviews historical data available in archives and published ethnographic collections as well as scattered notes in literature using a historical ethnobiological approach.
Results Peasants in the Nordic countries recognized three taxa of myxomycetes. Scrambled egg slime, Fuligo septica (L.) F.H.Wigg., attracted interest in particular and is known by many local folk names. Scrambled egg slime had no practical value, yet it was well known in folk biology and associated with a supernatural malevolent being in the shape of a hare or cat, which on behalf of a witch stole milk or butter. This belief caused violent actions such as whipping and burning of the organism. Two other taxa, Lycogala epidendron (L.) Fr. and Mucilago crustacea F.H.Wigg., have also been observed in folk biology, but data on how they were perceived is sparse.
Conclusions The sudden appearance of strange shapes and clear colours of myxomycetes in damp weather created both fear and curiosity, and required explanations, interpretations and actions. Our example of the economically irrelevant myxomycetes in Sweden and nearby Nordic countries indicates that interpretations in pre-industrial societies of natural phenomena and various organisms, connections with beliefs and perceptions about the surrounding environment and possible consequent actions should be studied alongside economic plants and animals, providing a deeper understanding for the ethnobiological study of folk biology and highlighting the multidimensional relationships between humans and biota.
The transition from internal oxidation to external oxidation of Ni-Al alloy and its critical Al content
Authors: Zhang Heng , Xiang Junhuai , Bai Lingyun , Xiao Botao 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The isothermal oxidation behavior of Ni-xAl (x=9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 at.%) alloy in pure oxygen at 900℃ was studied. The scales of Ni-xAl (x=9, 10, 11 at.%) with lower aluminum content are composed of an outer layer of NiO and an inner layer of NiO+NiAl2O4. Internal oxidation of Al occurs beneath the scales, resulting in a faster corrosion rate. The outer layer structure of the scales of Ni-xAl (x=13,14 at.%)with higher aluminum content is similar to that of the Ni-Al alloys with lower aluminum content, but the innermost layer forms a continuous and dense Al2O3 protective layer, providing good protection for the alloy without the internal oxidation of Al. Ni-12Al is very unique, with both internal and external oxidation characteristics, and its oxidation behavior falls between protective and non-protective. Due to slight differences in the composition of the alloy in different regions, its oxidation behavior is similar to Ni-9Al, Ni-10Al, and Ni-11Al in areas with slightly lower aluminum content, while its oxidation behavior is similar to Ni-13Al and Ni-14Al in areas with slightly higher aluminum content. It can be inferred that 12 at.% Al is the critical concentration of the alloy for the transition from internal oxidation to external oxidation.
Paeonol Affects Quorum Sensing System and Exopolysaccharides That Biofilm-Eradicating of Porcine Escherichia coli
Authors: Yang Hongzao , Liang Yuan , Yang Zhuo , Liu Lin , Ran Lei , Liu Jingjing , Ma Chenjun , Wei Wei , Zhang Suhui , Zhu Maixun , Chen Hongwei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background Escherichia coli (E.coli) is one of the bacteria that readily forms biofilms, posing a serious threat to food safety. Natural bioactive compounds represent an effective means to eradicate biofilm resistance, offering a novel therapeutic approach for reversing bacterial biofilm resistance. The present study aimed to clarify that paeonol could eradicate biofilm of porcine E.coli (NO. Ec032), and to explore the mechanism of paeonol eradicating Ec032 biofilm. Results The results indicated that the concentration of paeonol at 2,048 µg/mL and the intervention time at 3 hours significantly reduced the number of viable bacteria in the mature biofilm of Ec032, achieving the highest biofilm eradication rate. The total fuorescence intensity of bioflm bacteria was signifcantly decreased by 83.56%. RT-qPCR was suggested that paeonol might influence the expression of quorum sensing (QS) system and flagellum movement-related genes in biofilm bacteria, thereby reducing biofilm maturity. The Data Independent Acquisition (DIA) proteomic technique was found that paeonol could significantly decrease flagellar motility and extracellular polysaccharide content in exopoly saccharides (EPS) components, and loosen the structure of the mature biofilm. Simultaneously, paeonol could also act as a QS inhibitor (QSI) to inhibit the production of Chromobacterium violaceum 026 (CV026) violacein. In addition, molecular docking revealed that the outer membrane proteins regulator (OmpR) may be a key target of paeonol. Conclusions In summary, the research demonstrated that paeonol could act as a QSI, reducing the volume of biofilm by affecting the expression of QS and EPS matrix-related genes and proteins, thereby biofilm-eradicating of Ec032. Furthermore, this research provided a scientific basis for the development of paeonol as a novel biofilm scavenger and presented a reference for the prevention and treatment of E.coli biofilm-associated infections (BAI).
Pediatric ventriculoperitoneal shunt failure and cerebrospinal fluid protein
Authors: Yates Charles F , Colditz Michael J , Maclachlan Liam , Wood Martin J , Ma Norman , Jardim Amelia , Chaseling Raymond , Campbell Robert 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose Ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) are a life-saving intervention for hydrocephalus. Device failure is extremely common, and carries great morbidity for patients, their families, and the healthcare system. Predicting shunt failure remains a substantial challenge. Clinically, cerebrospinal fluid protein (CSFp) is suspected to contribute to VPS obstruction, this is widely debated, and definitive evidence is lacking. We assess the value of CSFp in predicting VPS failure due to non-infective causes.
Methods: A retrospective review of VPS procedures at the Queensland Children’s Hospital between 2014-2019 was conducted. The relationship between CSFp level and outcome were explored. Outcome variables were early VPS failure (< 90-days), and late VPS failure (<1-year). A CNS infection was reason for exclusion. A logarithmic correction was applied to CSFp (Log-CSFp) for statistical modelling.
Results 552 procedures were assessed in 243 patients. 87 (15.8%) VP shunts failed within 90-days, 129 (23.4%) within 1-year. 77 patients (31.7%) experienced an episode of <1-year VPS failure. Multivariate analysis found Log-CSFp was predictive for early VPS failure (OR 1.19, 1.05-1.35, p=0.005), and late VPS failure (OR 1.15, 1.01-1.32, p=0.042) independent to hydrocephalus aetiology, patient age, and CSF red blood cell count. Older patient age was a significant protective factor for early (OR 0.94, 0.89-0.99, p=0.023) and late VPS failure (OR 0.89, 0.84-0.95, p<0.0001) respectively.
Conclusion CSFp holds prognostic value for VPS failure in pediatric patients, a relentlessly unpredictable complication of VPS devices, informing procedure timing, patient follow-up and risk-stratification.
Decoding Early Parkinson's: A Network-Based Approach to Drug Target Identification
Authors: Dey Ashmita , Chakraborty Mrittika , Maulik Ujjwal , Bandyopadhyay Sanghamitra 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Despite the abundance of large-scale molecular and drug-response data, current research on early-onset Parkinson's Disease (EOPD) markers often lacks mechanistic interpretation of drug-gene relationships. This limits our understanding of how drugs exert their therapeutic effects. While existing studies provide valuable EOPD markers, the mechanisms by which targeted drugs act remain poorly understood. We propose DTI-Prox, a novel workflow that addresses these limitations by identifying potentially overlooked EOPD markers and suggesting relevant drug targets. DTI-Prox utilizes network proximity and node similarity to identify functionally relevant connections between drugs and genes. The constructed functional network's validity is further strengthened by statistically significant drug-target pairs. Finally, DTI-Prox prioritizes drug-target pairs based on shared pathway analysis, paving the way for target discovery, drug repurposing, and patient stratification strategies. This approach holds promise for advancing our understanding of EOPD treatment efficacy and potentially leading to improved therapeutic strategies.
Populated anthromes: from exploratory analysis of demographic data to mapping
Authors: Gobbo Maximiliano Soares Lemos Araujo , Araujo Thiago de Oliveira , Salema Claudia de Oliveira Faria 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This research, developed in R software, sought to analyze Brazilian population data as a source for the construction of regional mapping of anthropogenic biomes, with an eye to its application in national territorial management. Following the guidelines of global mapping of anthromes, the stages of exploratory analysis, mining, merging and plotting of census data were carried out to recognize and identify relevant characteristics of population groups for the construction of the mapping of Brazilian populated anthromes. Sequentially, static and interactive mappings were constructed to verify the spatialization of census information in the maps. In addition, validation and uncertainty studies of the mappings were produced to confirm the quality of the products generated in this research. Given the results obtained, it was found that the regional mapping of populated anthromes significantly approximated the population information to the local reality, compared to the global mapping of terrestrial anthromes. It was also found that the data source analyzed provided sufficient information for the distribution of the population in the mapping of populated anthromes, characterizing and specializing it according to the original data. Furthermore, the statistical analyses proved that the modeling used in this investigation generated relevant results that ensured the quality of the mapping. Thus, it was proven that the data used and the modeling were suitable for future use in constructing the regional mapping of Brazilian anthromes. In addition, an analytical format was established that can be replicated in different territorial contexts that aim to apply anthrome modeling in territorial management.
Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Food Security in Northern Ghana: Causes and Coping Strategies in the Upper East Region
Authors: Gifty Akapule , Tahiru Abdul-Wahab , Tandoh-Offin Patrick , Garti Helene 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Food insecurity remains a significant developmental challenge, particularly in rural areas, despite ongoing efforts to mitigate it. To better understand the persistence of this issue, this study investigates the causes of household food insecurity and the coping strategies employed by households in Zorkor Goo, Zorkor Kanga, and Zorkor Kadaare communities within the Bongo District of Ghana’s Upper East Region. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted, sampling 196 households systematically from these communities. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic factors, causes of food insecurity, household coping strategies, and dietary intake. The analysis was performed using SPSS (Version 21.0), with food security status and dietary intake assessed via the FANTA Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and Food Consumption Score, respectively. The study identified key factors contributing to food insecurity, including soil infertility, poor rainfall patterns, food spoilage, extravagant funerals, large family size, high unemployment, and lack of education. Major coping strategies among households included meal skipping, reducing meal size and frequency, migration, asset sales, and basket weaving. The findings revealed that 96.4% of households were severely food insecure, and over two-thirds (67.3%) exhibited poor dietary consumption. Notably, household employment levels, education, and food consumption scores were significantly associated with food insecurity (P < 0.001). These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing the root causes of food insecurity and enhancing household resilience in these communities.
Dressed Emotions : How Attire and Emotion Expressions Influence First Impressions
Authors: Hareli Shlomo , Hess Ursula , Hanoch Yaniv , Elkabetz Shimon 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Both the way a person dresses and their emotion expressions influence interpersonal perception, yet the combined impact of attire and emotional expressions remains understudied. We investigated how attire, as a signal of status, interacts with emotional expressions to create first impressions. Study 1 examined inferences drawn from formal versus casual attire in business and leisure contexts. Study 2 explored how these dress styles, combined with expressions of anger, sadness, and neutrality, affected observers' perceptions of the expresser’s traits and emotion expressions across both contexts. Results indicate that even though attire consistently informs inferences about status, dominance, and to a lesser extent, affiliation across contexts and genders, emotion expressions exert a stronger influence on these judgments. Attire also impacted on emotion perception, affecting ratings of secondary emotions and the perceived authenticity of expressions, with emotions of formally dressed individuals perceived as less authentic. These findings suggest that when emotional information is available, observers rely more heavily on it than on stereotypes associated with dress formality or gender. Emotions may take precedence because, unlike attire, they offer insights into the expresser's momentary state of mind.
Alfalfa growth promotion and Fusarium root rot biocontrol by Actinomucor elegans AD-G14
Authors: Ren NaiPeng , Hao· NingKe , Cao Yang , Liu XiangPing , Li Guoliang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Fusarium root rot in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) known as an important soil-borne disease, infects root crown and root tissues of plants in many regions of the world. A fungal strain, AD-G14was selected from 73 isolates from rhizosphere soil and root of healthy alfalfa as a potential biological control agent. It exhibited significant antagonistic effects against four Fusariumstrains that isolated from rotten alfalfa root. Based on morphology and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 18S rDNA gene sequences, AD-G14 was identified as Actinomucor elegans. The sterile fermentation broth of AD-G14 was effective in inhibiting mycelial growth and spore germination of various Fusarium strains. Moreover, AD-G14 significantly increased the plant height and above-ground biomass of alfalfa that had been affected by root rot. The effectiveness of AD-G14 in controlling Fusarium root rot reached a significant rate of 43.97%. Inoculation with AD-G14 led to a significant increase in the activities of peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and significantly decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in alfalfa plants affected by Fusarium root rot. These findings indicate that AD-G14is effective in controlling Fusarium root rot in alfalfa and holds promise for development as a biocontrol agent.
Heterogeneous III-V/Si Micro-Ring Laser Array
with Multi-State Non-Volatile Memory for
Ternary Content-Addressable Memories
Authors: Cheung Stanley , London Yanir , Yuan Yuan , Tossoun Bassem , Peng Yiwei , Hu Yingtao , Vaerenbergh Thomas Van , Zhang Chong , Kurczveil Geza , Liang Di , Beausoleil Raymond 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In this work, we introduce programmable memory elements embedded within III-V/Si light sources which facilitate non-volatile wavelength tuning. These non-volatile III-V/Si micro-ring lasers (MRLs) exhibit non-volatile wavelength shifts of ~ 80 pm with ~ 40 dB signal extinction ratio while consuming 0 electrical static tuning power. An array of 5 cascaded MRLs is also demonstrated with each laser capable of 4 programmable non-volatile states, thus yielding 1024 unique states altogether. Write/erase operations were performed up to 100 cycles with non-volatile time duration lasting up to 24 hours and most likely beyond. We also explore the use of these non-volatile MRLs as storage elements in wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) enabled optical ternary content-addressable memory (O-TCAM) search applications. As a result, this work provides new opportunity for realizing photonic memory applications in next generation non-volatile photonic systems.