Browse Articles

RETRACTED: ICN intrusion detection method based on GA-CNN

The current industrial control system network is susceptible to data theft attacks such as SQL injection in practical applications, resulting in data loss or leakage of enterprise secrets. To solve the network intrusion problem faced by industrial control systems in the current global communication security environment, a network intrusion detection method based on genetic algorithm and improved convolutional neural network is proposed. Genetic algorithm is utilized to solve and optimize the data, one-dimensional multi-scale convolutional neural network is combined with gated recurrent unit to improve the network intrusion detection model, and finally the detection and defense of industrial control network intrusion is completed. GA is used to optimize the feature selection process to identify the key feature subsets that have the greatest impact on model performance. One-dimensional multi-scale convolutional neural network captures multi-scale features in network traffic data through multi-scale convolutional kernels, compensating for key features that traditional convolutional neural networks may overlook. The introduction of gated recurrent unit addresses the dependency of time series data and effectively solves the problem of gradient vanishing or exploding in traditional recurrent neural networks when processing long sequence data. The results showed that the proposed model only took about 8 seconds to complete training and testing, while all other models required about 10 seconds. The running time of the proposed method was less than that of other methods. In addition, the detection rate, packet loss rate, and false alarm rate of the proposed method for industrial control systems were 96.97%, 1.256%, and 0.0947% respectively, and the defense success rate of intrusion was higher than 90%. The results above show that the proposed method has very superior intrusion detection performance and good generalization ability and can meet the needs of industrial control systems for network intrusion detection.

Synergistic enhancement in the mulberry juice’s antioxidant activity by using lactic acid bacteria co-culture fermentation

Microbial diversity of coastal microbial mats formations in karstic habitats from the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

In this study, we report for the first time an exploration of the physicochemical characteristics and the prokaryotic diversity of three different types of microbial mats from karstic habitats located in Sisal, Progreso and Ría Lagartos, in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Our results showed that lift-off mats were found in the lower salinity (2.2%) area (Sisal), while flat and pustular mats were detected in hypersaline (6–9%) sites (Progreso and Ría Lagartos). Notably, some of these microbial mat structures were in close proximity to mangrove forest ecosystems with both degraded and restored regimes. XRD analysis revealed different mineral compositions of the mats; however, aragonite, calcite, and halite were commonly found in all samples studied. High-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene identified differences in microbial communities across the different mat types, and statistical analyses revealed that salinity, redox potential, and temperature were significant factors in explaining the variance of the prokaryotic assemblages. Microbial groups identified in this study include those known to be important in the biogeochemical cycling of key elements, such as carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur. Interestingly, the community composition of flat and pustular mats from Progreso was similar, with Bacteroidia, Anaerolineae, and Phycisphaerae being the most abundant microbial groups in flat mats; and Bacteroidia, Anaerolineae, and Alphaproteobacteria dominating pustular mats. By contrast, flat mats from Ría Lagartos were dominated by Halobacteria, Cyanobacteria and Bacteroidota, while Bacteroidia, Gammaproteobacteria and Cyanobacteria dominated lift-off mats from Sisal. This work contributes to understanding the distribution, physicochemical characteristics and microbial diversity of coastal microbial mats, providing valuable new insights into microbial mats that develop in karstic ecosystems. This information is relevant to ongoing and future efforts to manage and preserve coastal ecosystems in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Modelling optomechanical responses in optical tweezers beyond paraxial limits

Abstract Optically levitated dielectric nanoparticles have become valuable tools for precision sensing and quantum optomechanical experiments. To predict the dynamic properties of a particle trapped in an optical tweezer with high fidelity, a tool is needed to compute the particle’s response to the given optical field accurately. Here, we utilise a numerical solution of the three-dimensional trapping light to accurately simulate optical tweezers and predict key optomechanical parameters. By controlling the numerical aperture and measuring the the particle’s oscillation frequencies in the trap, we validate the accuracy of our method. We foresee broad applications of this method in the field of levitodynamics, where precise characterisation of optical tweezers is essential for estimating parameters ranging from motional frequencies to scattering responses of the particle with various dielectric properties.

Factors associated with Macrosomia in public hospitals of Mekelle City, Northern Ethiopia: A multi-center study

Background Macrosomia, defined as a birth weight ≥4,000 grams, is linked to increased risks of cesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and neonatal morbidity, posing significant challenges in resource-limited regions like Northern Ethiopia., However, in Northern Ethiopia, evidence about the factors that lead to macrosomia is scarce. This study aimed to assess the factors associated with delivery of a macrosomic baby in public hospitals in Mekelle city, Northern Ethiopia. Method A hospital-based, unmatched case control study design was implemented on 276 samples (184 controls and 92 cases) among newborns delivered in public hospitals of Mekelle City from February 21, 2020, to June 20, 2020. Cases and controls were selected using consecutive and systematic random sampling techniques, respectively. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and a checklist and analyzed using SPSS. After describing the variables, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were employed to see the association between the factors and macrosomia. P < 0.05 was used to determine the statistical significance. Result The multivariable model identified five factors that are significantly associated with macrosomia. As the age of the mother increases by one year, the odds of macrosomia were found to increase by 12% (AOR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.23). As well, for each one-kilogram weight gain during pregnancy, the odds of macrosomia increased by 36% (AOR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.65). And, one unit increment in body mass index was found to increase the odds of macrosomia by 26% (AOR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.50). Likewise, the male sex of the newborn and history of macrosomia were found to increase the chance of macrosomia by 2.66 (AOR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.08 to 6.56) and 3.59-fold (AOR = 3.59, 95% CI: 1.62 to 7.95), respectively. Conclusion In this study, the risk of macrosomia was found to be higher for male newborns, older mothers, greater weight gain during pregnancy, higher body mass index, and mothers with a history of macrosomia. This study has found both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors of macrosomia. Policymakers should integrate preconception counselling and health education about the modifiable risk factors of macrosomia, such as weight gain during pregnancy. Big emphasis should be given to the male fetus and pregnant mothers with advanced age and history of macrosomia.

GABA, glutamate dynamics and BOLD observed during cognitive processing in psychosis patients with hallucinatory traits

Abstract The perception of a voice in the absence of an external auditory source—an auditory verbal hallucination—is a characteristic symptom of schizophrenia. To better understand this phenomenon requires integration of findings across behavioural, functional, and neurochemical levels. We address this with a locally adapted MEGA-PRESS sequence incorporating interleaved unsuppressed water acquisitions, allowing concurrent assessment of behaviour, blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) functional changes, Glutamate + Glutamine (Glx), and GABA, synchronised with a cognitive (flanker) task. We acquired data from the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of 51 patients with psychosis (predominantly schizophrenia spectrum disorder) and hallucinations, matched to healthy controls. Consistent with the notion of an excitatory/inhibitory imbalance, we hypothesized differential effects for Glx and GABA between groups, and aberrant dynamics in response to task. Results showed impaired task performance, lower baseline Glx and positive association between Glx and BOLD in patients, contrasting a negative correlation in healthy controls. Task-related increases in Glx were observed in both groups, with no significant difference between groups. No significant effects were observed for GABA. These findings suggest that a putative excitatory/inhibitory imbalance affecting inhibitory control in the ACC is primarily observed as tonic, baseline glutamate differences, rather than GABAergic effects or aberrant dynamics in relation to a task.

Relationship between female employees and firm’s innovation: Evidence from Japanese companies

This study investigates how female employees contribute to firm innovation by applying panel data Poisson regression models to data pertaining to 144 major Japanese manufacturing firms from 2004 to 2022. The results reveal the following: First, there is a positive relationship between longer female employment and innovation. Longer female employment may be attributable to female employees feeling more secure at their workplaces. Second, regarding women’s unique perspectives, this study suggests that female participation in innovation may increase the number of technological fields. Third, this study presents the mediating effects of technological fields on the relationship between high-impact innovation and the demographic of female employees. These findings suggest corporate management creates a system that allows female employees to play an active role in the workplace with long-term employment. The empirical results provide new insights into previous literature on corporate innovation, specifically technological innovation.

Publisher Correction: TSC complex decrease the expression of mTOR by regulated miR-199b-3p

Differential expression of host invasion-associated genes by Sarcocystis calchasi in intermediate versus definitive hosts

Sarcocystis calchasi is a pathogenic apicomplexan parasite affecting avian species of several orders. To complete its heteroxenous life cycle, S. calchasi infects a wide range of avian intermediate hosts and accipitriform raptors serve as definitive hosts. The mechanism of invasion into host cells is largely understood in other apicomplexan parasites, particularly Toxoplasma gondii, which also belongs to the family of Sarcocystidae. However, Sarcocystis species exhibit several distinguishing features in their life cycles and in their secretory organelles. The composition of secretory pathogenesis determinants, including surface antigens and secretory organelle proteins, has been shown to differ between closely related species, as evidenced by Sarcocystis neurona. In this study, whole-genome sequencing was performed on S. calchasi, and transcriptomes were determined by RNA-seq of S. calchasi sporozoites and bradyzoites derived from intermediate and definitive hosts as well as from merozoites propagated in primary embryonal pigeon liver cells. The S. calchasi genome contains homologs of genes encoding proteins associated with the well-conserved host invasion machinery like AMA1 and rhoptry neck proteins, albeit with a markedly reduced number of genes encoding surface antigens, rhoptry and dense granule proteins in comparison to T. gondii. Our transcriptome analysis revealed different gene expression profiles between S. calchasi sporozoites, merozoites and bradyzoites. Factors associated with host cell attachment (surface antigens and micronemal proteins) were expressed predominantly either in sporozoites and merozoites or in bradyzoites. As sporozoites and merozoites invade various intermediate hosts and cell types whereas bradyzoites enter definitive host intestinal epithelium, their differential expression patterns indicate that S. calchasi utilizes different sets of secretory pathogenesis determinants for host cell attachment and invasion, depending on the type of host and cell.

Strategic vegetable crop distribution in Himachal Pradesh for sustainable economic and environmental outcomes

Triangular function feedback control for chaotic systems featuring coexisting attractors

Chaos has emerged as a significant area of research, with the control of chaotic systems being central to this field. This study proposes a novel trigonometric feedback control strategy to regulate Hopf bifurcation in a four-dimensional hyperchaotic system featuring coexisting attractors. By introducing a nonlinear controller dsin(x−xe), we establish the stability criteria for equilibrium points under the parameter space a>0, b>0, and 0<c<π. Theoretical analysis reveals that the system undergoes a supercritical Hopf bifurcation at d0=−(1+b), leading to the emergence of stable limit cycles. Numerical simulations validate the control efficacy: periodic oscillations are observed at d = −1, while equilibrium convergence is achieved at d = −3. Phase portrait analysis and Lyapunov exponent spectra confirm the suppression of chaotic dynamics. This work advances the theoretical framework for bifurcation control in high-dimensional chaotic systems and offers practical implications for secure communication applications.

RNase 7 and Th cytokines synergistically increase the secretion of interleukin-6 from keratinocytes

Abstract Epidermal keratinocytes are a major source of antimicrobial peptides and proteins. RNase 7 (R7) exhibits antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities and is upregulated in the lesional skin of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis patients. Here, we performed mRNA microarray analysis to study the influence of R7 on gene expression in human keratinocytes. R7 induced several genes encoding proteins potentially involved in skin integrity and inflammation, including IL-24. Since IL-24 is involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases and since it is induced by IL-6, we further characterized the effect of R7 on IL-6 and IL-24 expression and secretion. R7 increased the release of the cytokines IL-6 and IL-24 by keratinocytes. Using a function-blocking antibody against IL-6 we showed that the R7-induced IL-24 secretion was triggered by IL-6. IL-6 released from R7-stimulated keratinocytes induced STAT3 signaling in target keratinocytes, suggesting a potential pathway resulting in IL-24 induction. Pre-stimulation with IL-17 or IFN-γ, cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, further enhanced R7-induced IL-6 secretion. R7 increased IL-6 secretion mainly from undifferentiated keratinocytes, suggesting that in the epidermis, R7 released from the stratum granulosum may induce expression and secretion of cytokines from basal undifferentiated keratinocytes. In conclusion, our data show that R7 enhances the release of IL-6 in undifferentiated primary keratinocytes, which may have consequences for skin inflammation, defense against pathogens, and wound healing.

The effects of Rhodopseudomonas palustris on the improvement of agronomic traits and key enzyme-coding genes related to polysaccharide biosynthesis in Codonopsis pilosula

The content of Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharide (CPPS) is a critical indicator of the quality and quantity of Codonopsis pilosula (C. pilosula), though the biosynthetic mechanism of CPPS accumulation through the application of Rhodopseudomonas palustris (R. palustris) remains unclear. Therefore, when planting C. pilosula, we applied R. palustris through spraying and root irrigation (10 ml), and harvested its fresh roots, stems and leaves as experimental materials. Agronomic traits and CPPS content were determined, while transcriptome sequencing was analyzed, with gene expression verified by fluorescence quantitative PCR. The results revealed that the phenotype of C. pilosula was improved, and the content of CPPS in roots, stems, and leaves increased by 90.22%, 61.11%, and 20.00%, respectively. Following sequencing, 10,880, 8,578, and 12,340 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in response to R. palustris application. The DEGs in each tissue were primarily enriched in starch and sucrose metabolism, phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, MAPK signaling pathways, and plant hormone signal transduction. A total of 12 genes encoding sucrose synthase (SUS), hexokinase (HK), β-fructofuranosidase (sacA), and fructokinase (scrK) were significantly upregulated in the tissues, with expression levels higher in roots than in stems and leaves. Additionally, 10 genes encoding proteins with jasmonate ZIM domains (JAZ), coronatine-insensitive protein 1 (COI1), and transcription factor MYC2 (MYC2) may be closely associated with the improvement of agronomic traits in C. pilosula. This study demonstrated that C. pilosula’s response to exogenous R. palustris induced the activation of SUS, HK, sacA, scrK, JAZ, COI1, and MYC2 activities. The upregulation of genes regulating these enzymes contributed to the increased CPPS content and the enhancement of agronomic traits in C. pilosula. These findings provide a reference for cultivating high-quality C. pilosula at the molecular level.

An open-label phase I comparator-controlled clinical trial to assess tolerability and pharmacokinetics of IHL-675 A a fixed dose combination of cannabidiol plus hydroxychloroquine in healthy volunteers

Molecular epidemiology and long-term survival analysis of HIV-1/AIDS patients infected with CRF07_BC, CRF01_AE and subtype B in Taiwan

Previously, we reported that HIV-1 patients infected with CRF07_BC had significantly lower viral loads than those infected with subtype B. Since HIV-1 viral load is associated with AIDS disease progression, the current study was to link multiple clinical and molecular databases, and compare clinical outcomes of HIV-1patients infected with CRF07_BC, CRF01_AE and subtype B in Taiwan. Molecular genotyping data of 2,982 HIV-1/AIDS patients were submitted to Taiwan CDC HIV-1/AIDS case management database. Then the database was linked to Taiwan National Health Insurance Research database and National Cause of Death database from 2000−2016. Subsequently, a subtype-based HIV/AIDS clinical database containing 1,605 patients including 858 (53.5%) subtype B, 690 (43.0%) CRF07_BC and 57 (3.5%) CRF01_AE patients was successfully established and the clinical outcomes and survival of these patients were analyzed. Analysis of transmission route showed this HIV-1/AIDS cohort consists of 761 (47.4%) men who have sex with men (MSM), 132 (8.2%) heterosexuals and 712 (44.4%) injection drug user (IDUs). Survival analysis showed subtype B patients had a significantly lower death rate (8.2%) than CRF07_BC and CRF01-AE patients (22.8% and 22.8%, respectively). The higher death rate for CRF07_BC versus subtype B patients could be largely influenced by transmission route (IDU: 95.7% vs. 3.9%; MSM: 85.8% vs. 2.0%), as well as lower ART uptake rates (69.9% vs. 96.3%). Indeed, subset analysis among IDU patients, CRF07_BC-infected patients had a better 16-year survival rate than patients infected with subtype B (74.3% vs. 45.7%, p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that the transmission route is one major factor influencing death rate, while ART treatment and HIV-1 subtypes may also play important roles. Our study is the largest long-term cohort study of patients infected with CRF07_BC and subtype B in the same geographic region.

Multi-branch network for double JPEG detection and localization

Abstract Recently, the accessibility and user-friendly nature of image editing tools have increased, allowing even inexperienced users to create and share forged images. Therefore, developing forensic methods to detect forged images is crucial. JPEG image tampering often involves recompression with a different quantization table, known as double JPEG compression. This paper proposes a multi-branch convolutional neural network and compares it with single-branch models to demonstrate its effectiveness in detecting double JPEG compression. The network consists of inter-branches, capturing statistical correlations across all Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) frequency bands, and intra-branches, focusing on within-band correlations. By increasing feature extraction through additional intra-branches, the system enhances detection performance, particularly in complex datasets with diverse quantization tables. Features are concatenated with the image quantization table to improve robustness across varying quantization table combinations. Evaluated on the Park dataset, which includes over a million JPEG patches and 1,120 randomly assigned quantization tables, the proposed multi-branch model outperforms single-branch architectures (VGG16, DenseNet121, ResNet50) and surpasses state-of-the-art methods with a 94.15% accuracy. Furthermore, it demonstrates superior performance in localizing manipulated regions in real-world images.

Technical efficiency of primary health care facilities in providing adolescent mental, sexual and reproductive health services in Ghana: A case study of selected districts in the Greater Accra Region

Primary healthcare (PHC) facilities have become essential in promoting adolescent healthcare, yet they face resource limitations that hinder their effectiveness. Ensuring the efficient use of available resources has therefore become pertinent. This study assessed the technical efficiency of primary health care facilities in providing adolescent mental sexual and reproductive health (AMSRH) services. Data was collected from 53 PHC facilities drawn from rural and urban locations in four districts in the Greater Accra region using a multi-stage sampling design. Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) was employed to estimate the technical efficiency of each facility in optimizing outputs given available inputs. The findings revealed significant variation in efficiency, ranging from 0.91 to 0.04 with an average score of 0.60. Rural facilities and government-owned health facilities were more efficient compared to their urban and private counterparts. Facilities offering a wider scope of services to adolescents were also more efficient. However, the provision of adolescent mental health services was limited. Efforts should improve efficiency in the use of AMSRH services by properly aligning resource allocation to needs while expanding the range of services available to adolescents.

A mechanical model for lateral and axial impacts and quantification of effect on viability of SHSY5Y neuroblastoma cells

Ulnar finger posture effect on a pinch strength

Upper extremity position affects maximum pinch strength; however, there is no consensus regarding the posture of the three ulnar fingers during pinch strength testing, and existing studies have different flexion or extension posture, depending on the measurement method used. This study aimed to clarify the effect of ulnar finger posture on maximum pinch strength and to verify its reliability. Thirty-three participants (19 males and 14 females) performed maximum pulp-to-pulp pinching with both dominant and non-dominant hands. Their ulnar finger posture was tested in two positions (flexion and extension). Measurements were conducted on three separate days by two examiners. Pinch strengths were compared for ulnar finger posture, hand dominance, and sex. The intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to assess intra-rater, inter-rater and test-retest reliability. Pinch strength in the flexion posture was significantly stronger than that in the extension posture, regardless of hand dominance or sex (1.34 times greater). Intra-rater reliability was good to excellent in the flexion posture (0.89–0.92) and moderate to good in the extension posture (0.71–0.89). Inter-rater reliability was moderate for both flexion and extension postures (flexion: 0.64–0.68, extension: 0.52–0.54). Test-retest reliability was good to excellent in the flexion posture (0.83–0.91) and moderate in the extension posture (0.71–0.72). These results indicate the importance of hand therapists instructing patients to flex their ulnar fingers during testing to obtain maximum and reliable pinch strength measurements, thereby enhancing the accuracy of hand functional assessment in clinical practice.

Artificial intelligence for streamflow prediction in river basins: a use case in Mar Menor