bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LCSA-Fed: A low cost semi-asynchronous federated learning based on lag tolerance for services QoS prediction
Authors: Cai Lingru , Liu Yuelong , Xu Jianlong , Jin Mengqing 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

As a distributed training method, federated learning (FL) has been widely used in the field of quality-of-service (QoS) prediction. However, existing FL-based QoS prediction methods ignore the unreliability of end devices, which will lead to wasted training resources and high communication costs. Considering that the instability of end devices in real training environments, we propose a low cost semi-asynchronous federated learning method (LCSA-Fed) based on lag tolerance to overcome the lower convergence rate and suboptimal prediction accuracy of models. LCSA-Fed is able to reduce model communication costs and training costs by tolerating relatively lagging local models. At the same time, we employ innovations in both the user selection phase and the model aggregation phase to improve prediction accuracy while reducing overheads. By conducting relevant validation experiments on a publicly available QoS dataset, we conclude that our model LCSA-Fed can effectively reduce overhead and improve prediction accuracy.
The evolution of sex reconsidered: Resource limits offset the twofold cost of males
Authors: Yasui Yukio , Hasegawa Eisuke 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In anisogamy (sexual reproduction by egg and sperm), the population growth rate is half that of thelytoky (all-female parthenogenesis) because half of the offspring are males, which do not lay eggs1,2. The present dominance of anisogamy in multicellular organisms despite this “twofold cost of male production” is the greatest enigma in evolutionary biology3-8. Various proposed benefits (e.g., Red Queen) of sex are insufficient to compete with thelytoky, which increases 210 = 1024-fold in 10 generations over anisogamy. Why is anisogamy protected from thelytoky invasion? However, the 1024-fold increase requires the 1024-fold resources and resources are finite in the real world. Here, using a very simple mathematical model and simulations, we show that the twofold cost disappears under resource limitations. Thelytoky can exhibit a twofold increase only at low densities with abundant resources, but anisogamy can coexist with thelytoky because competitive exclusion does not occur in such an unsaturated population. Once the population reaches the carrying capacity, thelytoky and anisogamy have the same realized fitness. If males offer slight advantages (e.g., lower resource requirements or greater resource competitiveness than thelytokous females), anisogamy has greater fitness than thelytoky and will displace thelytoky. Therefore, twofold benefits to compensate for the twofold cost are unnecessary.
Effects of Assisted Consolidation in Cross-Anisotropy Shear Ratio of Texcoco Clay From Field and Laboratory Tests
Authors: Claudia CHAMORRO-ZURITA , Alfonso FERNÁNDEZ-LAVÍN , Efraín OVANDO-SHELLEY 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this research we look at the variation of cross anisotropy as a result of the application of vacuum assited consolidation in very soft clays that underlie a trial embankment that was built at a site in the former Texcoco Lake, some 11 km north-east of central Mexico City. Cross anisotropy was evaluated making refrence to the cross-anisotropy index, VSH/VSV. Velocities of shear waves propagated horizontally, VSH, were obtained from cross hole tests, and the velocities of shear waves propagated vertically, VSV, from seismic dilatometer and suspension logging tests. These tests were performed two months after the vacuum pumps were shut down so the shear wave velocities obtained then reflect the changes induced by the vacuum assisted consolidation on soil properties. The VSH/VSV ratio was also evaluated from resonant column tests performed on soil specimens retrieved from a site nearby the trial embankment. Samples were trimmed horizontally and vertically and were then tested in the resonant column. Field and laboratory test results showed that cross anisotropy of the studied soft lacustrine soils is barely affected by the stress state variation induced by vacuum assisted consolidation or by loading direction, as observed in the resonant column tests. Laboratory tests also showed that the VSH/VSV is related to liquidity index through an empirical equation that can be used to estimate fairly well field values of VSH/VSV.
The Effect of Paid Maternity Leave Reformation on Korean Women’s Labor Supply
Authors: Economics Seoyeon Jo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study examines the impact of changes in two major paid family leave policies on female labor force participation in Korea. Using Regression Discontinuity (RD) methods and five datasets spanning the period from 2007 to 2018, this paper investigates the impact of paid parental leave policy reforms on labor force attachment and log wages. The findings suggest that the 2012 extension of paid parental leave made it more challenging for mothers to return to work after giving birth, resulting in a significant decrease in labor market attachment compared to the policy amendments in 2007 and 2014.
JEL Classification: H4 , J08 , J13 , J16
Energetics of the OH radical H-abstraction reactions from simple aldehydes and their geminal diol forms
Authors: Salta Zoi , Schaefer Thomas , Tasinato Nicola , Kieninger Martina , Katz Aline , Herrmann Hartmut , Ventura Oscar N. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Context: Carbonyl compounds, especially aldehydes, emitted to the atmosphere, may suffer hydration in aerosols or water droplets in clouds. At the same time, they can react with hydroxyl radicals which may add or abstract hydrogen atoms from these species. The interplay between hydration and hydrogen abstraction is studied using density functional and quantum composite theoretical methods, both in the gas phase and in simulated bulk water. The H-abstraction from the aldehydic and geminal diol forms of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, glycolaldehyde, glyoxal, methylglyoxal and acrolein are studied to determine whether the substituent has any noticeable effect in the preference for the abstraction of one form or another. It is found that abstraction of the H-atom adjacent to the carbonyl group gives a more stable radical than same abstraction from the geminal diol in the case of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and glycolaldehyde. The presence of a delocalizing group in the Ca (a carbonyl group in glyoxal and methylglyoxal, and a vinyl group in acrolein), reverts this trend and now the abstraction of the H-atom from the geminal diol gives more stable radicals. A further study was conducted abstracting hydrogen atoms from the other different positions in the species considered, both in the aldehydic and geminal diol forms. Only in the case of glycolaldehyde, the radical formed by H-abstraction from the –CH2OH group is more stable than any of the other radical species. Abstraction of the hydrogen atom in one of the hydroxyl groups in the geminal diol is equivalent to the addition of the •OH radical to the aldehyde. It leads, in some cases, to decomposition into a smaller radical and a neutral molecule. In these cases, some interesting theoretical differences are observed between the results in gas-phase and (simulated) bulk solvent, as well as with respect to the method of calculation chosen.
Methods: DFT (M06-2X, B2PLYP, PW6B95), CCSD(T) and composite (CBS-QB3, jun-ChS, SCVECV-f12) methods using Dunning basis sets and extrapolation to the CBS limit were used to study the energetics of closed shell aldehydes in their keto and geminal-diol forms, as well as the radical derived from them by hydrogen abstraction. Both gas-phase and simulated bulk solvent calculations were performed, in the last case using the Polarizable Continuum Model.
Hemp pollen dispersal across the United States
Authors: Nimmala Manu , Ross Shane D. , Foroutan Hosein 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

For the recently legalized US hemp industry (Cannabis sativa), cross-pollination between neighboring fields has become a significant challenge, leading to contaminated seeds, reduced oil yields, and in some cases, mandated crop destruction. As a step towards assessing hemp cross-pollination risk, this study characterizes the seasonal and spatial patterns in windborne hemp pollen dispersal spanning the conterminous United States (CONUS). By leveraging meteorological data obtained through mesoscale model simulations, we have driven Lagrangian Stochastic models to simulate wind-borne hemp pollen dispersion across CONUS on a county-by-county basis for five months from July to November, encompassing the potential flowering season for industrial hemp. Our findings reveal that pollen deposition rates escalate from summer to autumn due to the reduction in convective activity during daytime and the increase in wind shear at night as the season progresses. We find diurnal variations in pollen dispersion: nighttime conditions favor deposition in proximity to the source, while daytime conditions facilitate broader dispersal albeit with reduced deposition rates. These shifting weather patterns give rise to specific regions of CONUS more vulnerable to hemp cross-pollination.
RETRACTED: Decoration of MoO3 on a PPP-Fe3O4@β-CD composite as an oxidizing magnetic catalyst for the dehydrogenation of 2,3-dihydro-1H-perimidines and the oxidation of pyridines
Authors: Harati F. Ashayeri , Amrollahi M.A. , Zaghaghi Z. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Biomechanical study of LC-II screw fixation of posterior pelvic ring fractures type C1.1: a cadaveric study
Authors: Liu Yu , Wang Xukai , Tian Bin , Yao Hong , Liu Guangyao 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To compare the biomechanical outcomes of C1.1 posterior pelvic ring fractures treated with different numbers of LC-II screws and plate internal fixation.
METHODS
Nine adult preserved pelvic specimens were used. After being measured by bone densitometry, the specimens were randomly divided into 3 groups of 3 pelvic specimens each. The C1.1 pelvic fractures were generated by iliac osteotomies and anterior pelvic ring osteotomies. The fractures were fixed and randomly divided into three groups: (1) one LC-II screw, (2) two LC-II screws, and (3) two reconstruction plates. The anterior pelvic rings were all fixed with pubic branch screws. A biomechanical testing machine loaded all specimens vertically, recording the displacement and ultimate load of the specimens to quantify the stiffness.
RESULTS
When loads up to 1000 N were applied, the displacement of the iliac bone was close between the one LC-II screw and the two LC-II screw group specimens; (P > 0.05); when loads such as 1000 N, 1200 N and 1400 N were applied, there was no significant difference in displacement between the plate fixation group and the two LC-II screw fixation group (P > 0.05), both of which were superior to the one LC-II screw fixation group ( P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in compressive stiffness between the two LC-II screw fixation groups and the plate fixation group (P > 0.05), and both were superior to the one LC-II screw fixation group (P < 0.05).
the ultimate load of both the two LC-II screws and the steel plate is greater than that of one LC-II screw (1.74 times the ultimate load of one LC-II screw for the two LC-II screws and 1.83 times the ultimate load of one LC-II screw for the steel plate);
Conclusions: For posterior pelvic ring fractures of type C1.1, placement of two LC-II screws provides comparable posterior pelvic ring stability compared to reconstructed plates. At loads below 1000 N, one LC-II screw fixation and two LC-II screws were comparable in restoring posterior pelvic ring stability.
Characterization and levels of resistance in Coffea arabica ×Coffea racemosa hybrids to Leucoptera coffeella
Authors: Costa Daniel C. M. , Souza Bruno H. S. , Carvalho Carlos H. S. , Filho Oliveiro Guerreiro 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Coffee leaf miner (CLM) Leucoptera coffeella stands out as a primary insect pest of arabica coffee plants. Coffee breeding for CLM-resistance has used the species Coffea racemosa as gene donor for C. arabica, resulting in the development of the resistant commercial hybrid ‘Siriema AS1’. However, no previous study has characterized the resistance, and whether there is variation in the levels expressed in progenies of ‘Siriema’ to CLM. This study aimed to characterize the type, by antixenosis or antibiosis, and the levels of resistance in segregating progenies of ‘Siriema’ plants to CLM. Experiments were conducted under laboratory conditions with artificial infestation of CLM adults in oviposition cages, where dual-choice preference assays compared each tested ‘Siriema’ progeny with the susceptible cv. Arara. A follow-up no-choice assay evaluated five selected ‘Siriema’ progenies on the development of CLM compared to ‘Arara’. As main results, ‘Siriema’ progenies were equally susceptible to CLM oviposition, and were overall stimulant relative to cv. Arara. However, there was low CLM larval survival and injury intensity on the selected ‘Siriema’ genotypes, indicating the expression of moderate levels of antibiosis-resistance, while ‘Arara’ and one ‘Siriema’ progeny were moderately susceptible. These findings further our understanding on the type and levels of resistance in ‘Siriema’ genotypes, aiding the development of resistant coffee hybrids and deployment of management strategies to CLM.
Formulation And Development Of Diclofenac Topical Emulgels
Authors: Jha Souravh , Singh Pinky , Yadav Kanchan , Rai Arti , Saket Neetu , Chouhan Manju 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Benzimidazoles are an important class of compounds with a wide spectrum of biological activity ranging from anti-hypertensive, antiviral, anti-fungal, antitumor and anthelmintic activity. Benzimidazole rings are the most important nitrogen-containing heterocycles, which are widely explored and utilized by the pharmaceutical industry for drug discovery. Due to their special structural features and electron-rich environment, Benzimidazole containing drugs bind to a variety of therapeutic targets, thereby exhibiting a broad spectrum of bioactivities. Numerous benzimidazole based drugs have been extensively used in the clinic to treat various types of diseases with high therapeutic potential. A series of benzimidazole derivatives were synthesized by a single step process by reacting o-phenylenediamine and benzoic acid. The purity and structure confirmation of the synthesized compounds were done by TLC and 1HNMR. The compounds were evaluated for anti-microbial, anti-fungal and antioxidant activity.
Enhancing monolignol ferulate conjugate levels in poplar lignin via OsFMT1
Authors: Unda Faride , Vries Lisanne , Karlen Steve D. , Rainbow Jordan , Zhang Chengcheng , Bartley Laura E. , Kim Hoon , Ralph John , Mansfield Shawn D. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The phenolic polymer lignin is one of the primary chemical constituents of the plant secondary cell wall. Due to the inherent plasticity of lignin biosynthesis, several phenolic monomers have been shown to be incorporated into the polymer, as long as the monomer can undergo radicalization so it can participate in coupling reactions. In this study, we significantly enhance the level of incorporation of monolignol ferulate conjugates into the lignin polymer to improve the digestibility of lignocellulosic biomass.
Results
Overexpression of a rice Feruloyl-CoA Monolignol Transferase (FMT), OsFMT1, in hybrid poplar (Populus alba x grandidentata) produced transgenic trees clearly displaying increased cell wallbound ester-linked ferulate, p-hydroxybenzoate, and p-coumarate, all of which are in the lignin cell wall fraction, as shown by NMR and DFRC. We also demonstrate the use of a novel UV-Vis spectroscopy technique to rapidly screen plants for the presence of both ferulate and phydroxybenzoate esters. Lastly, we show via saccharification assays, that the OsFMT1 transgenic poplars have significantly improved processing efficiency compared to wild-type poplars as well as AsFMT poplars
Conclusions
The findings demonstrate that OsFMT1 has a broad substrate specificity and a higher catalytic efficiency compared to the previously published FMT from Angelica sinensis (AsFMT). Importantly, the increased processing efficiency makes OsFMT1 a promising gene to optimize the composition of lignocellulosic biomass.
Examining the Impact of Health Education Interventions on Breast Cancer Knowledge (Awareness) Among Women in Underserved Communities of West Coast Region, The Gambia
Authors: Barrow Lamin F , Segun Asaolu , Zhang Bo , Camara Samba , Bah Buba , Ndow Manjally , Ceesay Lamin M 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The burden of breast cancer among women in the underserved areas continue to remain high despite availability of modern screening and diagnosis facilities. It is believed that most women have limited access to such services due to limited awareness on breast cancer signs and symptoms, risk factors and screening services thus leading to a late-stage detection of the condition in many. This research seeks to address this gap by examining the impact of health education interventions on breast cancer knowledge and awareness among women aged 25 years and above in underserved communities of West Coast region of the Gambia and highlight associated barriers.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 315 women from two Urban and two Peri-Urban communities (Western Health Region 2) of the West Coast region of the Gambia. We administered an adopted structured questionnaire using face to face interviews in pre and post health education intervention in a 3-month interval. To evaluate the effect of the intervention, the mean knowledge score after three months was compared with the baseline phase using a paired sample t-test, Pearson chi square, binary and multiple logistic regression analyses. The differences in the means were compared and the knowledge enhancement percentage was established.
Results
The participants knowledge improved from 16.5% before the intervention to 61.3% after the intervention on the 20 points knowledge and awareness item including signs and symptoms, and risk factors of breast cancer. The paired sample t-test reveals that participants knowledge has improved in all the various dimensions of the assessment with a general increase from pre (M = 6.08; SD = ± 3.35) to Post (M = 13.34; SD = ± 5.33) at the 0.05 level of significance, t(-24.2) = 5.23, n = 305, p < 0.05, [95% CI: -6.67,-7.85]. There was a statistically significant association between sociodemographic variables and the increase in the knowledge score. Participants from urban and peri-urban have different options of public health education measures suitable for such intervention in underserved communities.
Conclusions
The use of health education intervention was very effective in improving breast cancer knowledge and awareness among women living in underserved communities despite so many challenges. Lack of information and cultural belief or stigma remains as major barriers to breast cancer awareness.
Comparing the Motives for Binge-watching between Undergraduate Medical &amp; Non-medical Students of Peshawar, Pakistan
Authors: Rehman Attiq ur , Zain Hamza , Singh Deep , Ihsan Atif , Mir Fahim Saadat 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Binge-watching is the practice of watching several episodes of a television show at once. Both harmful and beneficial effects of this habit have been attributed to it, including decreased sleep and productivity and enhanced emotional involvement with the material. This study examines the driving forces behind binge-watching among undergraduates enrolled in medical and non-medical schools.
Methods: The open-source software, “OpenEpi" was used to calculate the population size. 313 heavy binge-watchers in total were surveyed. 157 medical students and 156 non-medical students made up the sample. A validated version of the Watching TV Series Motives Questionnaire (WTSMQ) was used in this cross-sectional study to determine the motivations underlying the participants' binge-watching behavior.
Results: The results showed a significant positive correlation between the degree of respondents and the escapism motive (r = 0.178, p = 0.002). However, no significant correlations were found between the degree of respondents and the other three motives including enrichment (r = 0.035, p = 0.537), emotional enhancement (r = 0.041, p = 0.465), and social (r = 0.016, p = 0.782).
Conclusion: The study found that medical and non-medical students have similar motives for binge-watching. The need to escape from reality is a common reason for this behavior. The findings emphasize the importance of understanding the underlying motives for binge-watching behavior, which could inform the development of interventions to reduce problematic binge-watching behaviors.
Structural and Chemical Analysis of three regions in Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis)
Authors: Gua Shaohua , Lourenço Ana , Gominho Jorge , Wang Ge , Cheng Haitao 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study focuses on three different regions of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis): a inner layer (IB), middle layer (MB) and outer layer (OB), to comprehensively characterize the structural features, chemical composition (ash, extractives and lignin contents) and the lignin monomeric composition as determined by analytical pyrolysis. Bamboo has a noticeable gradient anatomical pattern, with an increasing proportion of vascular bundles from IB to OB and a gradual decrease in the proportion of parenchyma tissues. In terms of chemical composition, the ash, extractives and acid-soluble lignin content gradually decrease from IB to OB. The holocellulose content follows the trend: IB (62.8%) < OB (65.9%) < MB (66.3%) while the acid-insoluble lignin content exhibits the opposite trend: IB (22.6%) > OB (17.8%) > MB (17.7%). Pyrolysis products reveal the diversity of carbohydrates and lignin derivatives, with a lignin monomeric composition rich in syringyl and guaiacyl units and lower amounts of H-units: IB has a H:G:S relation of 18:26:55, MB has 15:27:58 and OB 15:40:45; S/G ratio values were respectively 1.22, 1.46 and 0.99. A comprehensive analysis highlights significant gradient variations in the structure and chemistry of bamboo, providing robust support for the classification and refinement methods of bamboo residues for potential applications.
Inheritance of resistance to Ralstonia pseudosolanacerum in tomato genotypes Yoshimatsu and Hawaii 7996
Authors: Costa Djayran Sobral , de Souza Elineide Barbosa , Carvalho Rejane Rodrigues da Costa e , Costa Ester da Silva , Silva Adriano Márcio Freire e , Costa Kleyton Danilo da Silva , Filho José Luiz Sandes de Carvalho 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Among the various diseases that affect tomato crops, bacterial wilt stands out due to its high level of damage during the cycle and the difficulty of controlling it. Among the control strategies is the use of resistant cultivars. However, in order to obtain these cultivars, resistance inheritance studies are an essential step. With this in mind, the aim of this work was to study the inheritance of resistance to Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum in the tomato genotypes Yoshimatsu and Hawaii 7996 and to determine whether the resistance loci that govern the trait in these materials are the same. The Yoshimatsu and Hawaii 7996 genotypes and the F1, F2, BC11 and BC21 generations were evaluated in one experiment and 60 F2:3 progenies in a second experiment. The severity of bacterial wilt was assessed using a descriptive scale of scores at 20 days after inoculation. In the Yoshimatsu genotype, the inheritance of resistance to Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum is governed by two major effect genes in recessive homozygosity. In the Hawaii 7996 genotype, the inheritance of Ralstonia psedosolanacearum resistance is governed by a gene with partial dominance action. The greatest contribution of gene effects was due to additive variance. For Ralstonia psedosolanacearum it is recommended to select 20 days after inoculation between and within F2:3 progenies.