bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolution of automated weakness detection in Ethereum bytecode: a comprehensive study
Authors: di Angelo Monika , Durieux Thomas , Ferreira João F. , Salzer Gernot 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBlockchain programs (also known as smart contracts) manage valuable assets like cryptocurrencies and tokens, and implement protocols in domains like decentralized finance (DeFi) and supply-chain management. These types of applications require a high level of security that is hard to achieve due to the transparency of public blockchains. Numerous tools support developers and auditors in the task of detecting weaknesses. As a young technology, blockchains and utilities evolve fast, making it challenging for tools and developers to keep up with the pace. In this work, we study the robustness of code analysis tools and the evolution of weakness detection on a dataset representing six years of blockchain activity. We focus on Ethereum as the crypto ecosystem with the largest number of developers and deployed programs. We investigate the behavior of single tools as well as the agreement of several tools addressing similar weaknesses. Our study is the first that is based on the entire body of deployed bytecode on Ethereum’s main chain. We achieve this coverage by considering bytecodes as equivalent if they share the same skeleton. The skeleton of a bytecode is obtained by omitting functionally irrelevant parts. This reduces the 48 million contracts deployed on Ethereum up to January 2022 to 248 328 contracts with distinct skeletons. For bulk execution, we utilize the open-source framework SmartBugs that facilitates the analysis of Solidity smart contracts, and enhance it to accept also bytecode as the only input. Moreover, we integrate six further tools for bytecode analysis. The execution of the 12 tools included in our study on the dataset took 30 CPU years. While the tools report a total of 1 307 486 potential weaknesses, we observe a decrease in reported weaknesses over time, as well as a degradation of tools to varying degrees.
Numerical Study of Consolidation of Slurry Tailings Considering Continuous Update of Material Properties
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Dung , Pabst Thomas 
Published: February 2024

AbstractExplicitly modelling tailings consolidation behaviour contributes to improve integrated management approaches and accurately estimate the storage capacity of tailings storage facilities (TSFs) to better predict their static and dynamic stability. However, slurry tailings demonstrate a highly non-linear evolution of stiffness and hydraulic conductivity during consolidation, thus significantly complexifying the determination of their hydromechanical properties. In this study, an approach to update Mohr Coulomb parameters and simulate the continuous evolution of hydraulic conductivity and stiffness of tailings materials with the reduction of the void ratio was proposed and embedded in a finite difference code to more realistically simulate the evolution of material properties during sequential loadings. The model was validated using laboratory column tests and various predictive functions were tested to estimate hydraulic conductivity for field applications. Finally, the developed approach was applied to a simplified model of tailings impoundment to illustrate practical applications. Results from this study indicated that the approach developed was able to capture the non-linearity properties of tailings during consolidation, and that using continuously updated stiffness and hydraulic conductivity could induce significantly different magnitude and rate of consolidation than models with constant properties. Predictive models such as Kozeny–Carman and Kozeny–Carman Modified models also gave a satisfactory estimation of tailings behaviour, at least for preliminary studies. The simple modifications to the numerical codes proposed in this paper could therefore significantly improve the numerical simulation of tailings behaviour in the short term and contribute to a better planning of deposition plans.
Natural selection or strategic adaptation? Entrepreneurial digital technologies and survival of the species
Authors: Audretsch David Bruce , Aronica Martina , Belitski Maksim , Piacentino Davide 
Published: February 2024

AbstractResearch on firm survival has primarily focused on input and outcomes. We shift the conversation by performing a systematic analysis of moderating role of firm size in the relationship between firm survival and strategic adaptation. After establishing a theoretical framework, we empirically assess the impact of strategic adaptation through digital transformation and public financial aid on the likelihood of firm survival. We find that smart working helped small firms, while home delivery and e-commerce had no effect on their survival. In contrast, liquidity support from the government and deferral of credit benefited micro firms. Our study emphasizes the importance of analyzing survival probabilities by differentiating firms by size, with the ultimate goal of exploring how selection or strategic adaptation processes may variably impact them.
Investigation of the polymer material perforation time: comparison between two fiber laser wavelengths
Authors: Romano Clément , Ritt Gunnar , Henrichsen Michael , Eichhorn Marc , Kieleck Christelle 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study investigated the perforation time of polyamide 6.6 using fiber lasers at two different wavelengths: 1070 and 1943 nm. The novelty of this research lies in the comparison of perforation times at equivalent laser irradiances on the polymer sample with two different colors of polyamide 6.6: natural and black. The results revealed that, at comparable irradiance levels and beam diameters, the 1943 nm laser source perforated the polyamide 6.6 sample faster than the 1070 nm laser source. The difference in perforation time was found to be significantly higher for natural-colored polyamide 6.6 compared to black-colored polyamide 6.6. These findings suggest that, for material processing of polyamide 6.6, especially in terms of perforation, the use of 2 μm laser sources should be privileged over 1 μm laser sources.
Strigolactone and abscisic acid synthesis and signaling pathways are enhanced in the wheat oligo-tillering mutant ot1
Authors: Bai Jiaxing , Guo Huijun , Xiong Hongchun , Xie Yongdun , Gu Jiayu , Zhao Linshu , Zhao Shirong , Ding Yuping , Liu Luxiang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTiller number greatly contributes to grain yield in wheat. Using ethylmethanesulfonate mutagenesis, we previously discovered the oligo-tillering mutant ot1. The tiller number was significantly lower in ot1 than in the corresponding wild type from the early tillering stage until the heading stage. Compared to the wild type, the thousand-grain weight and grain length were increased by 15.41% and 31.44%, respectively, whereas the plant height and spike length were decreased by 26.13% and 37.25%, respectively. Transcriptomic analysis was conducted at the regreening and jointing stages to identify differential expressed genes (DEGs). Functional enrichment analysis with the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) databases showed differential expression of genes associated with ADP binding, transmembrane transport, and transcriptional regulation during tiller development. Differences in tiller number in ot1 led to the upregulation of genes in the strigolactone (SL) and abscisic acid (ABA) pathways. Specifically, the SL biosynthesis genes DWARF (D27), D17, D10, and MORE AXILLARY GROWTH 1 (MAX1) were upregulated by 3.37- to 8.23-fold; the SL signal transduction genes D14 and D53 were upregulated by 1.81- and 1.32-fold, respectively; the ABA biosynthesis genes 9-CIS-EPOXICAROTENOID DIOXIGENASE 3 (NCED3) and NCED5 were upregulated by 1.66- and 3.4-fold, respectively; and SNF1-REGULATED PROTEIN KINASE2 (SnRK2) and PROTEIN PHOSPHATASE 2C (PP2C) genes were upregulated by 1.30- to 4.79-fold. This suggested that the tiller number reduction in ot1 was due to alterations in plant hormone pathways. Genes known to promote tillering growth were upregulated, whereas those known to inhibit tillering growth were downregulated. For example, PIN-FORMED 9 (PIN9), which promotes tiller development, was upregulated by 8.23-fold in ot1; Ideal Plant Architecture 1 (IPA1), which inhibits tiller development, was downregulated by 1.74-fold. There were no significant differences in the expression levels of TILLER NUMBER 1 (TN1) or TEOSINTE BRANCHED 1 (TB1), indicating that the tiller reduction in ot1 was not controlled by known genes. Our findings provide valuable data for subsequent research into the genetic bases and regulatory mechanisms of wheat tillering.
Discrete-time systems properties defined on state-space regions
Authors: Malesza Wiktor , Bednarski Bogdan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this paper various properties of discrete-time dynamic control systems trajectories with respect to state-space corner regions are considered. The known notion of state-space invariance serves as a basis for derivation of the whole family of dynamics behaviors for which both necessary and sufficient conditions are derived in a general nonlinear case as well as in the linear time-invariant case, shortly LTI-case. Specific examples are given for every case considered, and the proposed notions are analyzed with both theoretical and practical usefulness in mind. For the general nonlinear case a geometric approach is used, which provides a direct insight into the nature of trajectories’ behavior. In the LTI-case a geometric approach is used as well, but it is also translated into the purely algebraic set of conditions allowing for a direct analysis of system matrices. The presented family of control systems expands on the classical state-space invariance (and positive systems) analysis, thus potentially opening new research venues in this branch of control theory and system dynamics in general.
The semi-implicit DLN algorithm for the Navier-Stokes equations
Authors: Pei Wenlong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDahlquist, Liniger, and Nevanlinna design a family of one-leg, two-step methods (the DLN method) that is second order, $$\varvec{A}-$$

A

-

and $$\varvec{G}-$$

G

-

stable for arbitrary, non-uniform time steps. Recently, the implementation of the DLN method can be simplified by the refactorization process (adding time filters on the backward Euler scheme). Due to these fine properties, the DLN method has strong potential for the numerical simulation of time-dependent fluid models. In the report, we propose a semi-implicit DLN algorithm for the Navier-Stokes equations (avoiding non-linear solver at each time step) and prove the unconditional, long-term stability, and second-order convergence with the moderate time step restriction. Moreover, the adaptive DLN algorithms by the required error or numerical dissipation criterion are presented to balance the accuracy and computational cost. Numerical tests will be given to support the main conclusions.
Science with a Small Two-Band UV-Photometry Mission I: Mission Description and Follow-up Observations of Stellar Transients
Authors: Werner N. , Řípa J. , Thöne C. , Münz F. , Kurfürst P. , Jelínek M. , Hroch F. , Benáček J. , Topinka M. , Lukes-Gerakopoulos G. , Zajaček M. , Labaj M. , Prišegen M. , Krtička J. , Merc J. , Pál A. , Pejcha O. , Dániel V. , Jon J. , Šošovička R. , Gromeš J. , Václavík J. , Steiger L. , Segiňák J. , Behar E. , Tarem S. , Salh J. , Reich O. , Ben-Ami S. , Barschke M. F. , Berge D. , Tohuvavohu A. , Sivanandam S. , Bulla M. , Popov S. , Chang Hsiang-Kuang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis is the first in a collection of three papers introducing the science with an ultra-violet (UV) space telescope on an approximately 130 kg small satellite with a moderately fast re-pointing capability and a real-time alert communication system approved for a Czech national space mission. The mission, calledQuick Ultra-Violet Kilonova surveyor—QUVIK, will provide key follow-up capabilities to increase the discovery potential of gravitational wave observatories and future wide-field multi-wavelength surveys. The primary objective of the mission is the measurement of the UV brightness evolution of kilonovae, resulting from mergers of neutron stars, to distinguish between different explosion scenarios. The mission, which is designed to be complementary to theUltraviolet Transient Astronomy Satellite—ULTRASAT, will also provide unique follow-up capabilities for other transients both in the near- and far-UV bands. Between the observations of transients, the satellite will target other objects described in this collection of papers, which demonstrates that a small and relatively affordable dedicated UV-space telescope can be transformative for many fields of astrophysics.
Out of kernel tuning and optimizations for portable large-scale docking experiments on GPUs
Authors: Accordi Gianmarco , Gadioli Davide , Vitali Emanele , Crisci Luigi , Cosenza Biagio , Beccari Andrea , Palermo Gianluca 
Published: February 2024

AbstractVirtual screening is an early stage in the drug discovery process that selects the most promising candidates. In the urgent computing scenario, finding a solution in the shortest time frame is critical. Any improvement in the performance of a virtual screening application translates into an increase in the number of candidates evaluated, thereby raising the probability of finding a drug. In this paper, we show how we can improve application throughput using Out-of-kernel optimizations. They use input features, kernel requirements, and architectural features to rearrange the kernel inputs, executing them out of order, to improve the computation efficiency. These optimizations’ implementations are designed on an extreme-scale virtual screening application, named LiGen, that can hinge on CUDA and SYCL kernels to carry out the computation on modern supercomputer nodes. Even if they are tailored to a single application, they might also be of interest for applications that share a similar design pattern. The experimental results show how these optimizations can increase kernel performance by 2$$\times$$
×
, respectively, up to 2.2$$\times$$
×
in CUDA and up to 1.9$$\times$$
×
, in SYCL. Moreover, the reported speedup can be achieved with the best-proposed parameterization, as shown by the data we collected and reported in this manuscript.
Growth performance, carcass, and meat quality traits in broiler chickens reared on plastic-grid flooring, wood shavings, and zeolite-supplemented wood shavings
Authors: Kaya Mehmet , Karaarslan Solmaz , Oral Toplu H. Değer , Dereli Fidan Evrim , Türkyılmaz Mehmet Kenan , Nazlıgül Ahmet 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to assess the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality traits of broiler chickens raised on plastic-grid floors, traditional wood shavings, and wood shavings enriched with zeolite. The experimental design included the allocation of 504-day-old chicks to three different bedding materials, namely wood shavings, plastic-grid floors, and zeolite litter, each with four replications (42 birds per replicate). The chicks were individually weighed at birth and grouped according to their average body weights. An experiment involving 504 chicks was conducted, with each replicate consisting of 42 male chicks of similar body weight. At the end of the experiment, a total of 120 chickens were slaughtered with 10 chickens selected from each replicate for processing carcass and meat quality traits. The effects of different bedding materials on mortality (P = 0.812), body weight (P = 0.565), and body weight gain (P = 0.569) were not significant. The ANOVA test was conducted to compare the main effects of performance, carcass, and meat quality characteristics. The feed intake was significantly affected in the 2nd, and 3rd weeks (P = 0.001; 0.023); in addition, the feed conversion ratio was significant in the 2nd, 4th, and overall period (P = 0.003; P = 0.026; P = 0.038) by the bedding materials. The breast yield (P = 0.001), thigh yield (P = 0.028), and wing yield (P = 0.023) were significant. The type of bedding material used in broiler production significantly influenced the pH24 (P = 0.030), L* (P = 0.037), a* (P = 0.000), and CL (P = 0.028). It was concluded that both a plastic-grid floor and zeolite supplementation to wood shaving litter did not significantly affect overall growth performance in broiler chickens. However, the plastic-grid floor showed superior effects on breast meat yield and quality characteristics, particularly reducing cooking loss, when compared to zeolite supplementation in wood shaving litter. The plastic-grid floor led to a slight increase in the feed conversion ratio. Consequently, adopting a plastic grid floor emerges as a viable alternative to traditional wood shavings in broiler farming.
Assessing the Presence of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in the Punta Carnero Estuary (Ecuador)
Authors: Veloz-Zambrano Enrique , Chavarría Johnny , Pulido-Calvo Inmaculada 
Published: February 2024

AbstractChronic hydrocarbon spills are a threat to coastal ecosystems, and their impact on the water quality along watercourses should be characterised to medium long term in order to assess the risk and define cost-effective and sustainable remediation strategies. For this purpose, a methodology for the measurement of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) on a spatio-temporal scale was designed, implemented and validated in the Punta Carnero estuary, in the Santa Elena province, western Ecuador, which is affected by hydrocarbon pollution. The selection of monitoring stations was made according to the different inflows along the water system corresponding to the different anthropogenic activities in the area, in order to assess whether the effluents involve critical levels of pollution. Measurements of hydrodynamic, environmental and vegetation cover parameters were also carried out to assess their possible variations as a consequence of the impact of the spatio-temporal TPH concentrations. An increase in hydrocarbon concentrations was observed from 2013 to 2021. Mean annual TPH levels were above the maximum allowable limit for the protection of aquatic and other wildlife in estuarine waters according to the Ecuadorian regulation for environmental quality. An increase in mangrove tree cover could contribute to an exponential decrease in contamination levels. The methodology used in this study may support the quantifying of TPH content in future applications, which is a priority task for the restoration of degraded ecosystems.
Graphical abstract
A novel approach to quantifying individual's biological aging using Korea’s national health screening program toward precision public health
Authors: Yoo Jinho , Hur Junguk , Yoo Jintae , Jurivich Donald , Lee Kyung Ju 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAccurate prediction of biological age can inform public health measures to extend healthy lifespans and reduce chronic conditions. Multiple theoretical models and methods have been developed; however, their applicability and accuracy are still not extensive. Here, we report Differential Aging and Health Index (DAnHI), a novel measure of age deviation, developed using physical and serum biomarkers from four million individuals in Korea's National Health Screening Program. Participants were grouped into aging statuses (< 26 vs. ≥ 26, < 27 vs. ≥ 27, …, < 75 vs. ≥ 75 years) as response variables in a binary logistic regression model with thirteen biomarkers as independent variables. DAnHI for each individual was calculated as the weighted mean of their relative probabilities of being classified into each older age status, based on model ages ranging from 26 to 75. DAnHI in our large study population showed a steady increase with the increase in age and was positively associated with death after adjusting for chronological age. However, the effect size of DAnHI on the risk of death varied according to the age group and sex. The hazard ratio was highest in the 50–59-year age group and then decreased as the individuals aged. This study demonstrates that routine health check-up biomarkers can be integrated into a quantitative measure for predicting aging-related health status and death via appropriate statistical models and methodology. Our DAnHI-based results suggest that the same level of aging-related health status does not indicate the same degree of risk for death.
Wear and Corrosion Resistant Eutectic High-Entropy Alloy Al0.3CoCrFeNiMo0.75 Produced by Laser Metal Deposition and Spark-Plasma Sintering
Authors: Preuß B. , Lindner T. , Uhlig T. , Mehner T. , Töberling G. , Wagner G. , Lampke T. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEutectic high-entropy alloys (EHEAs) with a fine-lamellar structure and homogenous property profile are of particular interest for wear and corrosion protection coatings. High cooling rates in the laser metal deposition (LMD) process can induce microstructure refinement and allow the formation of a supersaturated solid solution in EHEAs. A subsequent solution annealing can create the equilibrium state. In the present study, LMD coatings with an ultrafine-grained Widmanstätten structure were produced from the EHEA Al0.3CoCrFeNiMo0.75 gas atomized powder. High cooling rates during deposition led to a supersaturated solid solution with face-centered cubic (FCC) structure. The LMD coating exhibits the highest average hardness of 734 HV0.5, which drops to approx. 200 HV0.5 due to an increased microstructural domain size after heat treatment. Under oscillating wear, the formation of oxidized wear debris promotes material removal in the heat-treated condition. Corrosion tests reveal a deterioration of the passivation behavior. LMD processes exhibit great potential to create supersaturated solid solutions with refined structure in EHEAs to enhance the property profile.
H. Pylori Treatment in the COVID-19 Era. What Have We Learned So Far?
Authors: Ekmektzoglou Konstantinos , Rokkas Theodore 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
CoronaVirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) has negatively influenced the management of multiple conditions in regards to the gastroenterology patient. An equivalent change in the management of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-related diseases was reported, as practically no eradication treatment was offered during most of the pandemic. Given the scarcity of published data, we performed a literature review trying to elucidate the effect of COVID-19 on H. pylori treatment.

Recent Findings
COVID-19 has produced more questions than answers as to the outcome of COVID-19 in H. Pylori infected patients, post-COVID-19 patients treated for H. pylori, acid suppression and COVID-19 incidence and outcomes, and H. pylori eradication treatment in patients having recovered from COVID-19.

Summary
We strongly believe that this scientific uncertainty produced by the COVID-19 pandemic has set up the stage for an incremental change in H. pylori treatment as COVID-19 has offered us the chance to speed up how we will, in the near future, approach patients with a possible Η. pylori infection.