bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MkRP: Multiple k Registry Placement for Fast Container Deployment on Edge Computing
Authors: Song Chunggeon , Yu Heonchang , Gil Joon-Min 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Edge computing reduces the response time of real-time services with handling dynamic traffics reliably. Edge servers with limited resources often utilize container technology, which provides a lightweight execution environment. When deploying containers on edge servers, a container image is required and it is predominantly downloaded from a remote registry. Therefore, these operations are heavily influenced by network overhead between the container deployment system and the remote registry. Through motivation experiments specifically designed to identify these network overheads, we demonstrate that container pooling time increases in proportion to the physical distance between two hosts and varies flexibly based on runtime conditions. In this paper, we define a system model to place multiple registries for high-speed container deployment and propose a technique for clustering edge servers and selecting leaders within each cluster based on the affinity between edge servers and network overhead. Additionally, we propose a technique for selectively deploying registries, taking into account the idle resources of each edge server. A simulation experiment is conducted to verify the performance of the proposed technique and shows that performance improvement can be achieved regardless of the number of edge servers and the k value.
Multiple Low-Dose Radiation ameliorates type-2 diabetes mellitus via gut microbiota modulation to activate TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway
Authors: Qin Lijing , Liu Rongrong , Jia Zhen , Xu Weiqiang , Wang Li , Tian Hongyuan , Lian Xinru , Li Wen , Qi Yali , He Huan , Wang Zhicheng 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the fastest-growing metabolic disease in the world. The gut microbiota is linked to the T2DM. Recent studies have showed that the metabolism of gut microbiota can trigger T2DM. Low dose Radiation (LDR) has been proved to activate various protective bioeffects on diabetes. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Method In this study, T2DM mouse model was established using high fat diet combined with streptozocin (STZ) injection, and then exposed to multiple 75 mGy LDR every other day for one month. The changes of blood glucose levels, body weight, organ weight and damage of pancreas were measured. In addition, 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing was used to detect gut microbiota alteration. Metabolic profiling was carried out using liquid mass spectrometry system, followed by the combinative analysis of gut microbiota alteration. Furthermore, inflammatory factors and related pathways were detected. Results We found that LDR attenuate blood glucose level and weight of body, pancreas, brain, liver and testis in T2DM mice, and reduce pancreas impairment. In addition, in the gut, LDR regulated the relative abundance of bacilli, desulfobacterota, verrucomicrobiota and proteobacteria. The non-target metabolomics analysis found that LDR significantly improve the metabolic abnormalities in T2DM, which is closely related to the gut microbiota abundance. Furthermore, the inflammatory effects activated by TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathways in T2DM were ameliorated by LDR.Conclussion: These results suggest that LDR may exert a beneficial role in T2DM by modulating gut microbiota and metabolites, especially in TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.
Association between Neutrophil-Percentage-to-Albumin Ratio and Gallstone Incidence: Evidence from NHANES
Authors: Guo Shihan , Lu Yun 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to explore the correlation between the Neutrophil-Percentage-to-Albumin Ratio (NPAR) and the incidence of gallstones.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2017 to 2020. Multiple logistic regression and smooth curve fitting were employed to investigate the association between NPAR and gallstones. Sensitivity analyses, including stratified and interaction analyses, were performed to assess potential interactions between covariates and NPAR. Additionally, we analyzed the relationship between NPAR and other inflammatory indicators, such as the systemic immune inflammation index (SII), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to evaluate their predictive power regarding the likelihood of gallstones.
Results: Our study recruited a total of 5,798 individuals over the age of 20, of whom 617 reported having gallstones. After adjusting for multiple covariates, the multiple logistic regression models indicated a positive linear association between NPAR and gallstone incidence. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests confirmed that the association between NPAR and gallstones persisted across different strata. Furthermore, NPAR demonstrated greater predictive value for gallstones compared to SII, PLR, and NLR.
Conclusion: The prevalence of gallstones is positively correlated with NPAR. Compared to SII, PLR, and NLR, NPAR offers enhanced predictive value for the prevalence of gallstones.
Secure and Efficient Offloading for Healthcare IoMT: Integrating Permissioned Blockchain and Deep Reinforcement Learning in MEC
Authors: H.Al-Qadasi Shatha , Deng Xiaoheng , Y.Mohammed Shoaip 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The recent pandemic of COVID-19 has highlighted the critical importance of effective and secure Healthcare Internet of Medical Things (H-IoMT) technologies in preventing and controlling epidemics. Although many H-IoMT applications have been deployed, a significant number of them do not effectively tackle security and resource management concerns. This research introduces a new approach that combines permissioned blockchain with deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to improve security and resource allocation in H-IoMT systems. In order to tackle the security concern, the suggested H-IoMT system implements a permissioned blockchain approach to guarantee its security. In terms of resource allocation, we employ the mobile edge computing (MEC) approach to offload computing tasks to optimize the consumption of resources in the proposed system. The DRL approach is employed to enhance the efficiency of process offloading and processing over several edge servers, guaranteeing a high rate of transaction processing and effective utilization of resources. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposal not only enhances the total number of tasks handled but also ensures security by efficiently controlling blockchain throughput.
Income Inequality in Italian Regions: an Empirical Study on the Mitigating Role of Organisation-Based Volunteering
Authors: Maggio Umberto Di , Notarstefano Giuseppe , Terzo Giuseppe 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between organisation-based volunteering and income inequality in Italian NUTS-2 regions. We propose a conceptual framework that argues how volunteering, by fostering the accumulation of human and social capital, can expand opportunities for citizens and thereby promote greater equality of opportunity, which is a foundational requirement towards more equality in income distribution. To test this framework, we conduct an empirical analysis on a panel of 21 Italian NUTS-2 regions over the period 2010–2020. The results of this analysis provide robust evidence confirming the hypothesis of the work. This emphasises the need to design regional welfare policies in which organised civil society works with public institutions and the business community to produce the goods and services that are essential to support people’s empowerment, with a view to ensuring more equitable and inclusive paths of regional development.
JEL classification: I31; O15; D64; J24; L31.
Investigating the Variational Quantum Eigensolver to solve scheduling for identical parallel machines with sequence-dependent setup-times
Authors: Schwenzow Tilmann , Wintersperger Karen , Safi Hila , von Sicard Oliver , Niedermeier Christoph , Liebrecht Christoph , Franke Joerg , Reitelshoefer Sebastian 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Scheduling jobs on parallel identical machines with sequence-dependent setup times is a well-known NP-hard problem, which can be found in various industries such as the printed circuit board industry. We compare the performance of a classical exact solver and a hybrid quantum algorithm for solving this problem. As the classical exact solver, we introduce a Branch and Bound algorithm tailored to the problem. As for the quantum algorithm, we employ the Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) and develop a dense encoding scheme that efficiently uses the limited number of qubits in a noise-free quantum computer simulation. For small problem instances, our results reveal that VQE shows a convergence behavior regarding the time to solution which is comparable to classical solvers. This initial approach for VQE solving the specific scheduling problem and its critical reflection lay the groundwork for identifying areas of inquiry for future research. Moreover, this work underscores the potential of quantum computing for solving complex optimization problems, which cannot be solved with classical solvers.
Deposition of phosphates in the Pabdeh Formation, Kangan anticline, southwest Iran: Implications for Rare Earth Element enrichment
Authors: Haddad Fatemeh , Yazdi Mohammad , Khoshnoodi Khalegh , Behzadi Mehrdad 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The Kangan anticline in the Folded Zagros Zone contains phosphate deposits enriched in trace metals. Field observations, petrography, X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and whole-rock geochemistry are used to determine the petrogenesis of this phosphate deposit, evaluate the mechanisms of deposition, and assess the implications for trace metal enrichment. Phosphatic layers are grainstone–packstone with microfossils and contain green glauconite. Carbonate rocks of the Early–Middle Eocene Pabdeh Formation host the phosphate units. Glauconite, calcite, and fluorapatite are the primary minerals of the marine sedimentary phosphate deposit in the Kangan anticline. Whole-rock compositions of phosphate layers indicate negligible clastic components and show enrichment in U and HREE. Limestone and pelagic limestone units in the Pabdeh Formation do not display enrichment of these elements. Carbonate fluorapatite is the host mineral for REEs and uranium. Cation substitution into carbonate fluorapatite is considered to be the main mechanism of trace element enrichment due to positive correlations between P2O5 and trace metals; ion adsorption did not play a crucial role in the metal enrichment in these phosphates. Strong negative Ce anomalies, slight positive Eu anomalies and low ΣLREE/ΣHREE ratios of phosphate layers indicate enrichment of the HREE relative to their marine origin. The depositional environment of the phosphate units is interpreted as a basin margin carbonate ramp in the reduced and suboxic-to-anoxic zone that had low detrital input but occasionally high-energy erosional events. Ocean upwelling had an essential role in depositing the sandy glauconite-bearing phosphate layers.
Prevalence of vertebral fractures and associated factors in Thai diabetic postmenopausal women
Authors: Samakkarnthai Parinya , Sribenja Dueanchonnee , Wattanachanya Lalita , Pongchaiyakul Chatlert 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Diabetic patients with vertebral fractures have a higher mortality rate than people without T2DM. However, the prevalence of vertebral fracture in the Asian diabetic population is not well established. Moreover, despite an apparent increase in fracture risk in patients with diabetes, Asian countries have provided contradictory data demonstrating that bone mineral density (BMD) varies significantly in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. The aim of this study was to examine and compare the prevalence of vertebral fractures and osteoporosis, as well as BMD and the FRAX score, between individuals with and without T2DM. Postmenopausal Thai women attending diabetic and health check-up clinics were recruited. BMD at the lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck was measured via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. A morphometric vertebral fracture (VF) was defined by a lateral thoracolumbar (T-L) X-ray radiograph. The Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) was used to calculate the 10-year probabilities of hip and major osteoporotic fracture (MOF), which were calculated on the basis of the Thai FRAX model. A total of 435 participants were recruited, including 145 postmenopausal women with T2DM and 290 non-DM individuals. T2DM patients had a significantly greater BMI and BMD at the femoral neck and total hip, but there was no significant difference in the FRAX score, including the 10-year probability of hip fracture or MOF, either with or without BMD, between individuals with and without DM. The prevalence of osteoporosis in non-DM women was significantly greater at the femoral neck but comparable at the lumbar spine. Individuals with T2DM had a significantly higher rate of vertebral fractures, particularly those involving two or more levels, than those without T2DM. Diabetes was significantly associated with ≥ 2 VF, and the association remained unchanged after controlling for other clinical factors (adjusted OR = 3.72, 95% CI 1.70-8.15; p = 0.001). Our study demonstrated a greater prevalence of multiple (≥ two levels) VFs in women with T2DM than in nondiabetic controls.
Abstracted Gaussian Prototypes for One-Shot Concept Learning
Authors: Zou Chelsea , Kurtz Kenneth J. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We introduce a cluster-based generative image segmentation framework to encode higher-level representations of visual concepts based on one-shot learning inspired by the Omniglot Challenge. The inferred parameters of each component of a Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) represent a distinct topological subpart of a visual concept. Sampling new data from these parameters generates augmented subparts to build a more robust prototype for each concept, i.e., the Abstracted Gaussian Prototype (AGP). This framework addresses one-shot classification tasks using a cognitively-inspired similarity metric and addresses one-shot generative tasks through a novel AGP-VAE pipeline employing variational autoencoders (VAEs) to generate new class variants. Results from human judges reveal that the generative pipeline produces novel examples and classes of visual concepts that are broadly indistinguishable from those made by humans. The proposed framework leads to impressive but not state-of-the-art classification accuracy; thus, the contribution is two-fold: 1) the system is uniquely low in theoretical and computational complexity and operates in a completely standalone manner compared while existing approaches draw heavily on pre-training or knowledge engineering; and 2) in contrast with competing neural network models, the AGP approach addresses the importance of breadth of task capability emphasized in the Omniglot challenge (i.e., successful performance on generative tasks). These two points are critical as we advance toward an understanding of how learning/reasoning systems can produce viable, robust, and flexible concepts based on literally nothing more than a single example.
Methylated Tirilazad (PTP-102) May Mitigate Oligofructose-Induced Laminitis in Horses
Authors: Tuniyazi Maimaiti , Zhang Naisheng , Shen Peng 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Laminitis is a serious health condition that causes severe pain and lameness in horses. Owing to our lack of understanding of laminitis, treatments often fail to achieve desired results. In recent years, we have recognized that laminitis may involve a complex interaction between local and systemic inflammation. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota has been linked to the development of systemic inflammation, and our previous findings suggested that the development of laminitis is closely linked to the production of harmful metabolites in the gut microbiota. In addition, localized lesions in the hoof, especially lamellar injuries, are the most direct cause of laminitis. Metalloproteinases have been found to be strongly associated with the development of laminitis. A recent discovery found that Methylated Tirilazad (PTP-102) plays a role in repairing laminar tissues in vitro. However, its efficacy in horses has not been studied. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of PTP-102 in the prevention and treatment of oligofructose-induced laminitis in horses. Twenty horses were randomly assigned to four groups: Control, Laminitis, Prophylactic (PTP-102 administered before laminitis induction), and Treatment (PTP-102 administered after laminitis induction). Samples were collected at the end of the study, 72 h after oligofructose administration. The results showed that oligofructose successfully induced laminitis in horses, resulting in detreated clinical signs. Blood serum indices (including inflammation-related and other related indices) were significantly increased. Dissection and staining showed significant bleeding, swelling, and damage to the hoof tissue. Analysis of the gut microbiota revealed a significant decrease in abundance and diversity and a significant increase in the relative abundance of specific bacteria. Following PTP-102 intervention, clinical signs, blood markers, and lamellar tissue damage improved significantly. PTP-102 also had an effect on the gut microbiota, especially those closely related to the development of laminitis. This may indicate that its therapeutic mechanism may be related to improvement of the gut microbiota in addition to direct anti-inflammatory activity. Notably, PTP-102 was more effective in the Treatment group than in the Prophylactic group, indicating that timing may be an important factor for laminitis management. These findings emphasize the therapeutic potential of PTP-102. Further studies are necessary to investigate the long-term effects of PTP-102.
Lifestyle Risk Factors and 10-Year Cardiovascular Diseases Risk Estimation Among Adults Aged 40 and Above with HIV in Eastern Uganda
Authors: Kanyike Andrew Marvin , Nakawuki Ashely Winfred , Kihumuro Raymond Bernard , Kintu Timothy , Katuramu Richard 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is higher among people living with HIV (PLHIV), especially aging patients. With the aging population of PLHIV, evaluating their CVD risk prediction is important but underexplored in Uganda.
Objective: We determined lifestyle risk factors and estimated the 10-year risk of developing CVD among PLHIV aged 40 and older in Eastern Uganda.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital and Bugobero Health Center IV HIV clinics in Eastern Uganda in May and July 2023. We included 297 PLHIV aged ≥ 40 years on ART for ≥ 6 months. Data were collected on sociodemographics, clinical parameters, lifestyle risk factors, weight, height, fasting blood glucose, and blood pressure. The 10-year CVD risk was determined using the World Health Organization’s CVD risk non-laboratory-based charts. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models examined factors associated with high CVD risk. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Participants had a mean age of 51.8 (SD: 7.9). Only 13.5% were smokers, 58.6% consumed alcohol, and 4.1% were physically inactivity. Obesity was observed in 10.1%, 45.1% were hypertensive, and 14.1% diabetic. Most participants (61.3%, 95% CI: 55.5–66.9%) had a <5% 10-year CVD risk. Living with HIV for ≥10 years was associated with high CVD risk (≥10%) (aOR: 3.83, 95% CI: 1.25-6.69, p=0.018).
Conclusion: There was a low predicted CVD risk among most PLHIV. However, the high prevalence of hypertension, if not addressed, could increase the future risk of CVD among aging PLHIV in Uganda.
Retrofitting seismically designed exterior beam-column joints under lateral monotonic loading: A numerical analysis based on experimental testing
Authors: Owaid Ali Mohammed , Akhaveissy Amir Houshang , Al-Abbas Bahaa Hussain 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This research paper presents an experimental and numerical study on the behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) in exterior beam-column joints designed for seismic conditions. Three laboratory specimens were prepared and tested to evaluate their load-bearing capacity and study the joint behavior under a constant axial load and a gradually increasing peak monotonic load until failure. The experimental results demonstrated convergence among the specimens in terms of the load-displacement curve, displacement ductility, and energy dissipation. This was further confirmed through the use of a Finite Element (FE) analysis model. The numerical analysis exhibited significant convergence between experimental and numerical results. Additionally, the numerical model was retrofitted using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) in two methods: model 1 (CFRP sheets only) and model 2 (CFRP sheets with strips). The retrofitting with CFRP proved suitable for enhancing structure performance, showing an improvement in failure mode and a significant increase in peak monotonic load and energy dissipation by (31 and 26) % for model 1, and by (47 and 36) % for model 2. This provides valuable insights into the behavior of RC exterior beam-column joints, highlighting the importance of retrofitting with CFRP composites.
Financing Healthcare Services: A Qualitative Assessment of Private Health Insurance Schemes in Ghana
Authors: Asante Angela , Bonney Richard A. , Twum Peter 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Health financing in Ghana aims for universal access to healthcare, with both public and private insurance schemes playing vital roles. The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) addresses out-of-pocket expenses but faces enrollment and trust issues. However, 12 licensed Private Health Insurance Schemes (PHISs) offer complementary services, enhancing healthcare access and quality through additional coverage and service delivery. This study aimed to assess the operations and performance of PHIS in Ghana.
Methods: The research utilized a qualitative descriptive design, focusing on registered PHIS providing services to Ghanaians. A convenient sampling technique was employed for data collection. Data was gathered through face-to-face interviews with participants until saturation was achieved. The data was thematically analyzed.
Results: The study highlights the intricate regulatory framework governing PHISs in Ghana, emphasizing licensing and accreditation requirements. It revealed diverse operational strategies, including nationwide coverage and tailored policies for different clientele. Benefit packages varied, with distinct plans like the “X-scan plan” for medical imaging. Payment structures ranged from upfront payments to flexible options. PHIS’s growth was driven by health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic, strategic investments, and partnerships. Clientele for PHIS primarily resides in urban areas, focusing on sectors like education.
Conclusion: The study assesses Ghana’s PHI sector, highlighting its critical role in financing healthcare in Ghana. Findings reveal PHIS’s diverse packages and flexible payments boost healthcare access and quality. We, therefore, recommend PHIS foster partnerships with National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) accredited facilities, reduce non-payment risks, and ensure transparency to foster trust and accurate risk assessment, promoting sustainable growth and reliability in Ghana’s Private Health Insurance (PHI) industry.