bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reinforcement Learning-based Task Scheduling for Heterogeneous Computing in End-Edge-Cloud Environment
Authors: Shen Wangbo , Lin Weiwei , Wu Wentai , Wu Haijie , Li Keqin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The End-Edge-Cloud (EEC) computing framework can offer low-latency, high-quality services to users of diverse demands by leveraging pervasive resources. However, the inherent disparities in task requirements and the strong heterogeneity of computational resources in these systems make it non-trivial for scheduler design, particularly in high load scenarios (e.g. burst of tasks). This also complicates the adaptation of traditional cloud-oriented schedulers considering their limited support of heterogeneous processors and accelerators (e.g., CPUs, GPUs and NPUs). In light of this, we first present a system framework for task scheduling in the EEC architecture. In the framework we adopt a reinforcement learning (RL)-based scheduler tailored for reducing task completion time and waiting time. Our method integrates task characteristics and environmental constraints within matrices, based on which an adapted Q-Learning agent is employed for decision making. We then introduce the implementation of our framework that features Kubernetes and Rancher-based coordination with extended support for heterogeneous processing units. Experimentally we built a real-world EEC testbed comprising PC, Atlas 200 DK, and Raspberry PI devices. Evaluation results of our algorithm demonstrate a 278\% enhancement in performance compared to existing algorithms in the context of burst-arrival task queues, which underscores the efficacy of our solution in realistic scenarios.
Endophytic bacteria diversity in different tissues of Polygala sibirica Linnaeus and Polygala crotalarioides Buchanan-Hamilton ex Candolle
Authors: Xu Dongmei , Liu Juyin , Li Congying , Cao Zhen , Feng Li , Li Mengyao , Zhang Lintao , Li Yonghua , Yang Benshou 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Polygala, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, has been exploited in large quantities, so it is necessary to take measures to protect, especially P. crotalarioides Buchanan-Hamilton ex Candolle. Endophytic bacteria have significant beneficial effects on plants in promotion of plant growth and biological control, thus high-throughtput sequencing method was used to understand the distribution of endophytic bacteria of Polygala. Results showed that the relative abundance of endophytic bacteria, in descending order, were root, stem and leaf in the two medicinal plants, and that diversity orders were stem, root, leaf in P. sibirica Linnaeus, and leaf, stem, root in P. crotalarioides Buchanan-Hamilton ex Candoll. OTUs were assigned into 23 phyla, of which the predominant phylum was Gammaproteobacteria. Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia, Acinetobacter, Candidatus_Portiera were predominant in roots, stems and leaves of P. sibirica Linnaeus respectively, while Amycolatopsis in roots and Methylobacterium in stems and leaves were dominant in P. crotalarioides Buchanan-Hamilton ex Candolle. Species correlation analysis showed that phylum Proteobacteria were negatively related to other phyla in the two medicinal plants. Metabolism was the most abundance function, carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, metabolism of cofactors and vitamins were the three most abundant metabolic pathways of endophytic bacteria of the two medicinal plants. This was the first report of endophytic bacteria associated to the two medicinal plants, it would offer pivotal information to help explain the reasons of the quality difference of different Polygala species from a new perspective, provide scientific data for the study of the mechanism of plant-microbe interactions and so on.
Unveiling Molecular Markers and Prediction of Stomach Cancer from Transcriptomic Profile: A Comprehensive Study of Feature Mining and Learning-based Algorithm
Authors: Borah Kasmika , Das Himanish Shekhar , Barua Barun , Chakraborty Somenath , Li Aimin , Mallik Saurav , Shah Mohd Asif 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

RNA-Seq technology is one of the most authoritative technologies among all Next-generation Sequencing technologies to produce the expression of transcripts in bulk and at a single-cell level. The bulk RNA-Seq data are high-dimension in nature and comprise large features or transcripts genes across a smaller number of samples. The interpretation of bulk RNA-Seq data is significant for identifying the hidden molecular insights of specific disease prognosis and treatment. In recent times, feature mining has played a crucial part in dimensionality reduction of high-dimensional datasets. In this study, we proposed a framework which is able to predict Stomach cancer and identify molecular markers for Stomach cancer prognosis and treatment. In this study, we have utilized seven different rank and algorithm-based feature selection techniques to find the optimal features set while integrating six different types of classifiers for downstream analysis of the Gene Expression Quantification transcriptomic dataset. Further, we have also performed bioinformatics interpretation of selected top transcript genes viz; survival interpretation, pathological stage-wise expression, GO, and Reactome pathway prediction network pharmacology. However, we premeditated drug-repurposing and natural compounds interaction study with the targeted top genes. Finally, we have applied the selected best feature selection techniques on a multi-omics dataset of Stomach cancer. Boruta (AUC = 0.988–0.994%), MRMR (AUC = 0.958–0.994%), and LASSO (0.982–0.994%) feature selection techniques outperformed other feature selection techniques when combined with six classifiers for the Gene Expression Quantification dataset of Stomach cancer. However, we have identified UBE2D2, HPCAL4, JCHAIN, SF1, ANKRD13C, and NCKAP1 six novel molecular markers from the Stomach cancer Gene Expression Quantification dataset that can serve as potential molecular markers for Stomach cancer. However, we observed that the FDA-approved drug “Everolimus” highly interacted with ANKRD13C and NCKAP1 genes, and the natural compound “UDP-D-galactose” highly interacted with gene HPGD which can be a potential drug target for Stomach cancer treatment.
Coupling Coordination Analysis of Water Resources-Social Economy-Ecological Environment in the Yellow River Golden Triangle Area
Authors: Kou Zhao , Xu Linjuan , Wang Zhanqiao , Gao Xiangyu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Water resources, social economy, and ecological environment are interrelated and interacting complex systems, and the relationship among them affects the sustainable development of the region. To explore the interactive relationship and driving factors between water resources, social economy, and ecological environment in the Yellow River Golden Triangle region, taking the Yellow River Golden Triangle region as the research object in this paper. By constructing a coupling coordination evaluation index system of water resources, social economy, and ecological environment system, the coupling coordination development of this region from 2011 to 2021 is studied using the coupling coordination degree model, and the influencing factors of coupling coordination development are identified by grey relational analysis. The results show that from 2011 to 2021, the comprehensive evaluation index of water resources, social economy, and ecological environment in the Yellow River Golden Triangle region shows a trend of steady development followed by a gradual increase. The water resources subsystem restricts the development of the coupling system. The coupling coordination degree increased from a barely coordinated stage in 2011 to a well-coordinated stage in 2021. The coupling and coordinated development of Yuncheng and Linfen cities is better than that of Sanmenxia and Weinan cities. The social economy subsystem and water resources subsystem are the main factors affecting the coordinated development of the coupling system.
Rapid Dynamic Load Estimation Procedure for Lifting Propellers in Forward Flight
Authors: Möhren Felix , Bergmann Ole , Janser Frank , Braun Carsten , Schröder Kai-Uwe 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Lifting propellers operate at oblique inflow and thus encounter severe dynamic loads during forward flight, impacting structural integrity, fatigue, and vibration.
Numerical optimization approaches consider aerodynamic, structural mechanical, and aeroacoustic aspects within preliminary design.
To also account for dynamic loads during forward flight, a novel procedure allows their rapid estimation.
Based on steady-state simulations combining strip theory and finite beam elements, aerodynamic excitation, damping, and stiffness are defined in the frequency domain.
Loads are derived through a linear inflow model and quasi-steady aerodynamics.
Damping and stiffness loads are linearized and transferred into matrix form to calculate the frequency response.
The computationally expensive need for simulations in the time domain is thus avoided.
Applicability extends to both fixed and variable pitch lifting propellers utilized in large multicopters for cargo or passenger transportation.
Comparisons to time-marching simulations show good agreement with deviations of approximately \SI{10}{\percent}.
The analytical derivation yields physical insights to understand and reduce dynamic loads and their magnification due to resonance.
Assessing lung cancer progression and survival with infrared spectroscopy of blood serum
Authors: Kepesidis Kosmas V. , Stoleriu Mircea-Gabriel , Feiler Nico , Gigou Lea , Fleischmann Frank , Hermann Jacqueline , Eiselen Sabine , Koch Ina , Reinmuth Niels , Tufman Amanda , Behr Juergen , Žigman Mihaela 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Infrared molecular fingerprinting has been identified as a new minimally invasive technological tool for disease diagnosis. While the utility of cross-molecular infrared fingerprints of serum and plasma for in vitro cancer diagnostics has been recently demonstrated, their potential for stratifying and predicting the prognosis of lung cancer remained unexplored. This study investigates the capability of this approach to predict survival and stratify lung cancer patients. Molecular fingerprinting through vibrational spectroscopy is employed to probe lung cancer. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is applied to blood sera from 160 therapy-naive lung cancer patients, who were followed for up to 4 years. Machine learning is then utilized to evaluate the prognostic utility of this new approach. Additionally, a case-control study involving 501 individuals is analyzed to investigate the relationship between FTIR spectra and disease progression. Overall, we establish a strong correlation between the infrared fingerprints and disease progression, specifically in terms of tumor stage. Furthermore, we demonstrate that infrared fingerprinting provides insights into patient survival at performance levels comparable to those of tumor stage and relevant blood-based biomarkers. Identifying the combined capacity of infrared fingerprinting to complement primary lung cancer diagnostics and to assist in the assessment of lung cancer survival represents the first proof-of-concept study underscoring the potential of this profiling platform. This may provide new avenues for the development of tailored, personalized treatment decision-making.
The impact and transformation evaluation of art intervention in public space on ancient villages: A case study of Tengchong, Yunnan Province
Authors: Wu Pengjun , Li Xiaowen , Mo Wei , Liu Yao 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study takes the ancient villagess in Tengchong, Yunnan as an example. Through literature review, GIS, questionnaire survey and hierarchical analysis, it is found that art intervention in public space has a positive effect on the sustainable development of ancient villages. The results show that the improvement of quality of life, the protection of environmental features and the inheritance of social and humanistic values are key factors. Specific strategies include improving infrastructure，optimizing transportation, protecting natural landscapes and environmental sanitation, and reasonably controlling costs to promote sustainable economic development. Art intervention can achieve a win-win situation for cultural protection and economic development, and provide new ideas and practical paths for the sustainable development of ancient villages.
The economic burden of ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion and its complications: Findings from a cohort in the Philippines
Authors: Chan Kevin Ivan P. , II Abdelsimar Tan Omar , Khu Kathleen Joy O. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) insertion is the gold standard treatment for congenital hydrocephalus, but there is little data about the cost of this procedure in developing countries. We aimed to determine the in-hospitalization cost of initial VPS insertion and its complications (malfunction and infection) and identify predictors of increased cost.
Methods
We performed a retrospective cohort study by reviewing the medical and financial records of pediatric patients with congenital hydrocephalus and underwent shunt surgery at our institution between 2015–2019. We also performed multivariable linear regression analysis to determine clinical characteristics that were predictive of cost.
Results
A total of 230 cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures were performed on 125 patients. The mean age during index VPS insertion was 9.8 months (range: 7 days – 8 years). Over a median follow-up of 222 days, 15 patients (12%) developed shunt malfunction while 25 (20%) had a shunt infection. The mean in-hospitalization cost for all patients was PHP 94,573.50 (USD 1815). The predictors of higher cost included shunt infection (p < 0.001), shunt malfunction (p < 0.001), pneumonia (p = 0.006), sepsis (p = 0.004), and length of hospital stay (p = 0.005). Patients complicated by shunt infection had a higher mean cost (PHP 282,631.60; USD 5,425) than uncomplicated patients (PHP 40,587.20 or USD 779; p < 0.001) and patients who had shunt malfunction (PHP 87,065.70 or USD 1,671; p < 0.001).
Conclusion
The study provided current data on the in-hospitalization cost of VPS insertion in a public tertiary hospital in a developing country. Shunt infection, malfunction, pneumonia, sepsis, and length of hospital stay were significant predictors of cost.
Straddling Coarse And Fine Granularity: Mixing Auxiliary Cross-Modal Image-Text Retrieval
Authors: Lu Zheng 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In the era of multimedia big data, cross-modal retrieval has become an increasingly important research topic. This paper proposes a novel approach, named ``Mixing Auxiliary Cross-Modal Embedding method” (MACME), which straddles coarse granularity of global approaches and fine granularity of local approaches, and aims to bridge the modality gap between image and text modalities. Our method creates two new representations: IMAGEMIX and TEXTMIX, which are generated by replacing image regions with semantically similar text tokens and vice versa. Through extensive experiments on benchmark datasets, we demonstrate that MACME significantly improves retrieval accuracy compared to state-of-the-art methods. The source code and pre-trained models are available at https://github.com/nulixuesuanfa/MACME.
Mindful self-compassion to reduce pain interference among adults with osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Sediqi Amena , Al-Khalili Roya , Dover Saunya , Peeters Corien , Khalif Adam , Sutton V Reid , Rauch Frank , Lee Brendan , Storch Eric A. , Robinson Marie-Eve 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Between 60–80% of adults with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) experience chronic pain and associated interference. Currently available pain therapies often provide marginal efficacy. Mindful self-compassion (MSC) has emerged as a promising intervention for coping with chronic pain.
Methods
We conducted a single center 8-week pilot intervention study to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a MSC program among adults with OI and co-occurring chronic pain. Individuals attended the validated MSC course consisting of 8 weekly virtual 2-hour sessions. Participants completed a battery of validated questionnaires assessing pain, various aspects of well-being, and physical function at baseline and post intervention. Participants wore the ActiGraph GT9X Link watch to measure sleep duration and sleep efficiency.
Results
Seven adults with OI and co-occurring pain participated in the MSC program. The program was feasible, as indicated by high attendance and high questionnaire completion rates. While our pilot study was not powered to show efficacy, we observed a decrease in pain interference on the PROMIS pain interference questionnaire (mean 55.9 ± SD 5.5 at baseline vs. 50.0 ± 7.3 at 8 weeks, Cohen’s d=-0.9, p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Implementation of the MSC program is feasible as a potential therapeutic option to address chronic pain in OI.
The Role of Social Capital in Innovation: Findings from Selected OECD and BRICS Countries
Authors: Bayraktar Asst. Prof. Dr. Murat 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Low levels of human capital and institutional underdevelopment have been linked to the economic downfall of developing nations. With time, it became evident that the direct mechanisms of innovation creation are not explained by the traditional linear framework of innovative development. Later, the significance of both social and institutional settings for innovation production was emphasized, as was the necessity of their convergence to close gaps in the fields of technology and technological growth in different nations worldwide.
Social capital has positive effects on poverty reduction, economic growth, knowledge transfer, knowledge creation, and backs in knowledge management, reduces transaction costs, influences proactiveness and even considered as the glue that holds a society together. The literature on social capital concentrates on the internal and external networks of the companies that may support innovative capacities that result in proactive strategic behavior. Through improved interpersonal interactions, social capital promotes better coordination of activities. Consequently, increased community trust and a shared vision increase market efficiency and lower related costs.
The aim of this research is to examine the influence of social capital on the innovation process ability of countries. This study has demonstrated the beneficial impact of social capital on innovation mainly for selected BRICS countries and developing countries. Among the three forms of capital the social capital has the highest value. When social capital increases by 1%, the number of patent applications increases by 2.46% for BRICs. Therefore, these counties must establish a robust trust ecosystem inside and outside their organizations for all stakeholders to gain competitive advantage in the global world.
JEL Codes: L14, O31, C33
An evaluation of readiness to change and treatment outcomes among people who use mono- and poly-substances
Authors: Watterson Kelsey , Nelon Jordan , Grove-Paul Linda , Fillmore Jennifer , Placek Caitlyn 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Mono- and poly-substance misuse in the United States are on the rise, however evaluation efforts typically focus on mono-substance use. This study evaluated Readiness to Change (RTC) and Committed Action (CA) scores for people who use mono- vs. poly-substances among 146 adults who participated in a reentry and recovery program. Data were collected at three time points. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Baseline CA scores were significantly and positively associated with treatment outcomes. Individuals who scored higher in baseline RTC stages and who completed supervision had greater odds of program success. Substance use measures were not significantly related to treatment outcomes. Our findings revealed that substance use did not alter program outcomes, but that CA and RTC scores predict program success. These findings can help inform future interventions such that individuals with lower RTC and CA at baseline might need additional support.
Storage and persistence of organic carbon in the upper three meters of soil under arable and native prairie land use
Authors: Anuo Christopher O. , Li Lidong , Moreland Kimber C. , McFarlane Karis J. , Malakar Arindam , Cooper Jennifer A. , Maharjan Bijesh , Kaiser Michael 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Aims - Land use change from native grasslands to arable lands globally impacts soil ecosystem functions, including the storage of soil organic carbon (SOC). Understanding the factors affecting SOC changes in topsoil and subsoil due to land use is crucial for effective mitigation strategies. We determined SOC storage and persistence as affected by land use change from native prairies to arable lands.Methods - We examined SOC stocks, soil δ13C and ∆14C signatures, microbial community (bacteria and fungi), and soil mineral characteristics under native prairies and long-term arable lands (i.e., > 40 years) down to 3 m in the U.S. Midwest.Results - Native prairie soils had higher SOC stocks in the A horizon and 0–50 cm depth increment than arable soils. For both land use types, the δ13C and ∆14C values significantly decreased with depth, with the latter pointing towards highly stabilized SOC, especially in the B- and C-horizons. Analysis of microbial communities indicated that the diversity of bacteria and fungi decreased with soil depth. The content of oxalate soluble Al appeared to be the single most important predictor of SOC across horizons and land use types.Conclusion - Our data suggest that most SOC gains and losses and transformation and translocation processes seem to be restricted to the uppermost 50 cm. Increasing SOC retention in A and B horizons within the 0–50 cm depth would enhance organic material serving as substrate and nutrients for microbes and plants (A horizon) and facilitate long-term SOC storage in subsoil (B horizon).
Workplace menstrual health in the private sector: Results from a pilot study in Kenya and Nepal
Authors: Krishna Aditi , Eliatamby Dhruhini Maneshka , Fry M. Whitney , Nagar Aishwarya , Eaton Jacob Copeland , Bronsard Michelle , Njagi Joan , Muli Alfred , Mutua Sheila , Dongol Anjana , Luitel Prakash , Sharma Meena , Raut Sunita , Kincaid Mary Mulhern , Avni Michal 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
Menstrual health (MH) efforts have not focused on challenges experienced by working adults. For individuals who identify as women, managing one's periods outside the home is especially difficult when working in male-dominated workplaces. In response, USAID Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Partnerships for Learning and Sustainability implemented four workplace interventions in Kenya and Nepal to improve MH conditions, promote women's economic empowerment, and garner support from company leadership for workplace MH programs. Over 9–11 months, interventions focused on (i) menstrual products and WASH infrastructure; (ii) workplace policy environment; and (iii) education and behavior change. Pre–post, mixed methods evaluations revealed that awareness and confidence regarding MH increased in all workplaces. Improved access to menstrual products increased women's comfort and lowered anxiety. In both countries, improved toilets and reduction of supervisory barriers to toilet use during working hours helped women employees to change products regularly. Changing the social and institutional workplace environments through policy recommendations, education and behavior change efforts increased social support and reduced menstruation-related stigma, leading to improved work performance and job satisfaction. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of implementing workplace MH programs and improving working conditions for menstruating employees in pursuit of economic empowerment and better business outcomes.