Search Results (187)

With the increasing scale of industrial devices and the growing complexity of multi-source heterogeneous sensor data, traditional methods struggle to address challenges in fault detection, data security, and trustworthiness. Ensuring tamper-proof data storage and improving prediction accuracy for imbalanced anomaly detection for potential deployment in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) remain critical issues. This study proposes a blockchain-powered Long Short-Term Memory Network (LSTM)–Attention hybrid model: an LSTM-based Encoder–Attention–Decoder (LEAD) for industrial device anomaly detection. The model utilizes an encoder–attention–decoder architecture for processing multivariate time series data generated by industrial sensors and smart contracts for automated on-chain data verification and tampering alerts. Experiments on real-world datasets demonstrate that the LEAD achieves an $F_{0.1}$ score of 0.96, outperforming baseline models (Recurrent Neural Network (RNN): 0.90; LSTM: 0.94; and Bi-directional LSTM (Bi-LSTM, 0.94)). We simulate the system using a private FISCO-BCOS network with a multi-node setup to demonstrate contract execution, anomaly data upload, and tamper alert triggering. The blockchain system successfully detects unauthorized access and data tampering, offering a scalable solution for device monitoring. Full article

The scientific community’s interest in natural compounds with antiviral properties has considerably increased after the emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), especially for their potential use in the treatment of the COVID-19 infection. From this perspective, bovine coronavirus (BCoV), member of the genus β-CoV, represents a valuable virus model to study human β-CoVs, bypassing the risks of handling highly pathogenic and contagious viruses. Pimarane diterpenes are a significant group of secondary metabolites produced by phytopathogenic fungi, including several Diplodia species. Among the members of this class of natural products, sphaeropsidin A (SphA) and its analog sphaeropsidin B (SphB) are well known for their bioactivities, such as antimicrobial, insecticidal, herbicidal, and anticancer. In this study, the antiviral effects of SphA and SphB were evaluated for the first time on bovine (MDBK) cells infected with BCoV. Our findings showed that both sphaeropsidins significantly increased cell viability in infected cells. These substances also caused substantial declines in the virus yield and in the levels of the viral spike S protein. Interestingly, during the treatment, a cellular defense mechanism was detected in the downregulation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling, which is affected by BCoV infection. We also observed that the presence of SphA and SphB determined the deacidification of the lysosomal environment in infected cells, which may be related to their antiviral activities. In addition, in silico investigations have been performed to elucidate the molecular mechanism governing the recognition of bovine AhR (bAhR) by Sphs. Molecular docking studies revealed significant insights into the structural determinants driving the bAhR binding by the examined compounds. Hence, in vitro and in silico results demonstrated that SphA and SphB are promising drug candidates for the development of efficient therapies able to fight a β-CoV-like BCoV during infection. Full article

Coronavirus non-structural protein 1 (nsp1) is a pathogenic determinant of Betacoronaviruses. Previous studies demonstrated that the nsp1 of various coronaviruses induces host shutoff through a variety of mechanisms; however, there is little information on the function of bovine coronavirus (BCoV) nsp1. We aimed to characterize the host gene expression suppression function of BCoV nsp1. We first confirmed that the expression of BCoV nsp1 in MAC-T cells, a bovine mammary epithelial cell line, suppressed host and reporter gene expression. Subsequently, lysine and phenylalanine at amino acid positions 232 and 233, respectively, were identified as key residues required for this suppressive effect. Expression levels of housekeeping genes are comparable in cells expressing wild-type BCoV nsp1 and a mutant with alanine substitutions at positions 232 and 233 (BCoV nsp1-KF). Wild-type BCoV nsp1 localized to both the cytoplasm and nucleus; however, BCoV nsp1-KF exhibited prominent nuclear accumulation with dot-like structures. Using confocal microscopy and co-sedimentation analysis, we identified an association between wild-type BCoV nsp1, but not BCoV nsp1-KF, and ribosomes, suggesting that ribosome binding is required for BCoV nsp1-mediated suppression of host gene expression. This is the first study of the characterization of host gene expression suppression by BCoV nsp1. Full article

Bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) is one of the primary causes of morbidity, mortality, and economic loss in cattle worldwide. Accurate and rapid identification of causative pathogenic agents is essential for effective disease management and control. In this study, a novel multiplex fluorescence-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay was developed for the simultaneous detection of eight major pathogens associated with BRDC. The targeted pathogens included the following: bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (BPIV3), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine coronavirus (BcoV), Mycoplasma bovis (M.bovis), Pasteurella multocida (PM), Mannheimia haemolytica (MH), and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV). The assay was rigorously optimized to ensure high specificity with no cross-reactivity among targets. The limit of detection (LOD) was determined to be as low as 5 copies per reaction for all target pathogens. The coefficient of variation (CVs) for both intra-assay and inter-assay measurements were consistently below 2%, demonstrating excellent reproducibility. To validate the clinical utility of the assay, a total of 1012 field samples were tested, including 504 nasal swabs from Farm A and 508 from Farm B in Jiangsu Province. BVDV, BcoV, PM, and MH were detected from Farm A, with a BVDV-positive rate of 21.63% (109/504), BcoV-positive rate of 26.79% (135/504), PM-positive rate of 28.77% (145/504), and MH-positive rate of 15.08% (76/504). Also, BcoV, PM, MH, and IBRV were detected from Farm B, with a BcoV-positive rate of 2.36% (12/508), PM-positive rate of 1.38% (7/508), MH-positive rate of 14.76% (75/508), and IBRV-positive rate of 5.51% (28/508). Notably, a significant proportion of samples showed evidence of mixed infections, underscoring the complexity of BRDC etiology and the importance of a multiplex diagnostic approach. In conclusion, the developed multiplex qPCR assay provides a reliable, rapid, and cost-effective tool for simultaneous detection of multiple BRDC-associated pathogens, which will hold great promise for enhancing disease surveillance, early diagnosis, and targeted intervention strategies, ultimately contributing to improved BRDC management and cattle health outcomes. Full article

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the scientific community to prioritize the discovery of preventive methods and new therapeutics, including the investigation of natural compounds with antiviral potential. Fungal secondary metabolites (SMs) represent a promising source of antiviral drugs due to their structural diversity and intrinsic biocompatibility. Herein, the antiviral activity of 6-pentyl-α-pyrone (6PP) against bovine coronavirus (BCoV) has been evaluated in vitro. Considering that BCoV and SARS-CoV-2 are both members of the Betacoronavirus genus and share several key features, BCoV represents a valuable reference model for human coronavirus research. A non-cytotoxic dose of 6PP was used on MDBK cells to evaluate its antiviral activity against BCoV. Different experimental conditions were employed to examine cell monolayer protection both pre- and post-infection, as well as the potential inhibition of viral internalization. Overall, post-infection 6PP treatment reduced viral load and decreased viral internalization. Results were analyzed using viral titration and quantitative PCR, while data interpretation was performed by statistical software tools. This study presents a novel fluorescence quantification approach with high confidence demonstrated by its significant concordance with RT-qPCR results. These data suggest that 6PP could be an effective antiviral agent for BCoV, warranting further investigation of its role in coronavirus inhibition. Full article

This experiment aimed to investigate nutrient dynamics in soil and compare plant growth responses after treatment with acidified biochar pellets inoculated with microorganisms during Kimchi cabbage cultivation, using a sigmoid function model. The treatments included the following: Control–only guano application; ABPM 27 (Pseudomonas fluorescens 22BCO027); and ABPM 86 (Bacillus megaterium 22BCO086). Guano and biochar pellets were applied at 320 kg ha⁻¹, based on the recommended nitrogen application rate for cabbage cultivation. The results showed that the cumulative NO₃-N and P₂O₅ in the ABPM 27 treatment were 27.7% and 12.1% higher, respectively, compared with the control. The maximum cumulative K was not significantly different (p > 0.05) between the treatments. The cumulative NH₄-N and NO₃-N were well fitted (R² > 0.824) to the sigmoid curves, while the cumulative P₂O₅ and K were well described with the linear function (R² > 0.970) regardless of treatment. The highest yield was 77.4 tonnes ha⁻¹ under the ABPM 27 treatment. Therefore, the ABPM 27 treatment is strongly recommended for enhancing cabbage yield in organic farming due to its high capacity for accumulating NO₃-N and P₂O₅. Full article

Bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) is a major cause of lameness in broiler chickens. This condition arises when bacteria from the gastrointestinal or aerosol tract migrate to infect bone microfractures, often exacerbated by rapid growth, reduced blood flow, and mechanical stress. As concerns about antibiotic resistance grow, probiotics have gained attention for their potential to improve gut health and reduce systemic bacterial load. This study evaluated the efficacy of a probiotic program comprising an Enterococcus faecium-based spray (2 × 10⁹ CFU/bird at hatch) and a triple-strain Bacillus-based feed additive (B. subtilis 597, B. subtilis 600, and B. amyloliquefaciens 516 at 500 g/t feed from day 1 to 56), applied individually or in combination. A wire-flooring challenge model was used to simulate BCO transmission. A total of 1560 Cobb 500 broilers were randomly assigned to five groups: T1 (positive control), T2 (negative control), T3 (E. faecium spray only), T4 (Bacillus feed supplement only), and T5 (combined treatment). Lameness was evaluated daily from day 21 to 56 through clinical observation and necropsy. The challenge model was validated with >70% lameness in T1. All probiotic treatments significantly reduced lameness compared to T2 (p < 0.05): 35.4% in T3, 36.7% in T4, and 47.6% in T5. The combined treatment resulted in the statistically highest reduction in lameness incidence, indicating a synergistic rather than merely additive effect compared to individual treatments. These findings support the use of targeted probiotic strategies to reduce BCO lameness and enhance skeletal health and welfare in broilers. Full article

In trans-border data (data transferred or accessed across national jurisdictions) exchange scenarios, identity authentication mechanisms serve as critical components for ensuring data security and privacy protection, with their effectiveness directly impacting the compliance and reliability of transnational operations. However, existing identity authentication systems face multiple challenges in trans-border contexts. Firstly, the transnational transfer of identity data struggles to meet the varying data-compliance requirements across different jurisdictions. Secondly, centralized authentication architectures exhibit vulnerabilities in trust chains, where single points of failure may lead to systemic risks. Thirdly, the inefficiency of certificate verification in traditional Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) systems fails to meet the real-time response demands of globalized business operations. These limitations severely constrain real-time identity verification in international business scenarios. To address these issues, this study proposes a trans-border distributed certificate-free identity authentication framework (STALE). The methodology adopts three key innovations. Firstly, it utilizes email addresses as unique user identifiers combined with a Certificateless Public Key Cryptography (CL-PKC) system for key distribution, eliminating both single-point dependency on traditional Certificate Authorities (CAs) and the key escrow issues inherent in Identity-Based Cryptography (IBC). Secondly, an enhanced Elliptic Curve Diffie–Hellman (ECDH) key-exchange protocol is introduced, employing forward-secure session key negotiation to significantly improve communication security in trans-border network environments. Finally, a distributed identity ledger is implemented, using the FISCO BCOS blockchain, enabling decentralized storage and verification of identity information while ensuring data immutability, full traceability, and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance. Our experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method exhibits significant advantages in authentication efficiency, communication overhead, and computational cost compared to existing solutions. Full article

This study proposes an enhanced Sugeno–Takagi interval type-2 fuzzy logic system (SIT2FLS) to find the best values for two important parameters in Bee Colony Optimization (BCO). The aim of this study was to develop a stable controller for a mobile robot utilizing BCO in the fuzzy controller and to determine the best membership functions (MFs) in a type-1 fuzzy logic system (T1FLS) for control. Another objective was to use an SIT2FLS to find the best $\alpha$ and $\beta$ parameters for BCO to enhance the robot trajectory, which was evaluated through an analysis of the mean squared errors. Three types of perturbations were analyzed and simulated. The performance of the SIT2FLS-FBCO was evaluated and compared to that of the T1FLS-FBCO. In addition, a comparative study was performed to demonstrate that the improved BCO works well when there are disturbances affecting the controller. Finally, it was compared with the Mamdani approach, and an FBCO with an interval type-3 FLS was also developed. Full article

Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina denticulata sinensis) is one of the main ornamental shrimp because of its bright body color. β, β-carotene 9′,10′-dioxygenase (BCO2) is closely related to the body color produced by carotenoids. In order to study the role of NdBCO-like4 (homologous gene of BCO2) in the pigmentation of cherry shrimp, the expression profiles, RNA interference, and SNP genotyping were applied in this study. The NdBCO-like4 expression varied significantly among four color strains and five development stages (p < 0.05). The results showed that the NdBCO-like4 expression was the highest in the red strain and the lowest in the wild strain. During the embryonic development, the expression in the metanauplius stage was significantly lower than other stages (p < 0.05), and the expression of NdBCO-like4 was the highest in the membrane-zoea stage. In the metanauplius stage, the RNAi knockdown of NdBCO-like4 mediated the red pigment brightness value, and the pigment cell index in the treatment group was significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05). After the first round of screening, a total of 8424 high-quality SNPs were obtained. There was one candidate SNP located on the NdBCO-like4 target gene, named G.1719G>A. The synonymous SNP exhibited significantly different genotype frequencies between the yellow and wild strains compared to other strains (p < 0.05), suggesting an association with these phenotypes. These results suggest that NdBCO-like4 has a close relation with carotenoid accumulation in cherry shrimp, providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying pigmentation in this species. Full article

This study introduces an Enhanced Local Search (ELS) technique integrated into the Bee Colony Optimization (BCO) algorithm to address the Economic Dispatch (ED) problem characterized by a continuous cost function. This paper combines Lambda Iteration and Golden Section Search with Bee Colony Optimization (BCO) into a more efficient method called Enhanced Local Search for Bee Colony Optimization (ELS-BCO). The proposed methodology seeks to enhance search efficiency and solution quality. One of the main challenges with standard BCO is random initialization, which can lead to slow convergence. The ELS-BCO algorithm overcomes this issue by using Lambda Iteration for better initial estimation and Golden Section Search to refine the movement direction of the bees. These enhancements significantly improve the algorithm’s capacity to identify optimal solutions. The performance of ELS-BCO was evaluated on two benchmark systems with three and six power generators, and the results were compared with those of the original BCO, LI-BCO, GS-BCO, and traditional optimization methods such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Hybrid PSO, Lambda Iteration with Simulated Annealing, the Sine Cosine Algorithm, Mountaineering Team-Based Optimization, and Teaching–Learning-Based Optimization. The results demonstrate that ELS-BCO achieves faster convergence and higher-quality solutions than these existing methods. Full article

Movement smoothness is a critical metric for evaluating motor control and sensorimotor impairments, with increasing relevance in neurorehabilitation and everyday functional assessments. This study investigates the correlation between two smoothness metrics (Log Dimensionless Jerk): LDLJV, derived from body center of mass (BCoM) trajectories using a gold-standard stereophotogrammetric system, and LDLJA, calculated from acceleration data recorded via an inertial measurement unit (IMU) placed at the L1–L2 level. Ten healthy adults (six men and four women; height: 1.71 ± 0.08 m; body mass: 68.2 ± 10.2 kg; age: 34.5 ± 8.5 years) walked on a treadmill at seven different speeds, with stride-specific data analyzed to compute smoothness indices for three anatomical components (antero-posterior, medio-lateral, cranio-caudal). Concordance between the metrics was evaluated using Bland–Altman analysis, Spearman’s correlation, and the mean absolute percentage error. The results revealed weak correlations and substantial biases across all components and speeds, reflecting inherent differences between IMU- and BCoM-derived data. Correcting biases improved alignment but did not eliminate discrepancies. The findings highlight that LDLJA captures only localized trunk accelerations, whereas BCoM-derived LDLJV approximates whole-body dynamics, making direct substitution infeasible. This study emphasizes the need for careful interpretation of IMU-based metrics and contributes to refining their application in real-world gait analyses. Full article

Bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) is caused by several bacteria, including Salmonella, Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., and Mycoplasma spp., and BCO is a significant animal health and welfare issue in broiler production, causing 1–2% of bird condemnation at marketing age and resulting in annual losses of tens of millions of dollars. This study evaluated the efficacy of a probiotic program alone and combined with a multivalent electron beam (eBeam)-inactivated vaccine in reducing BCO lameness. The probiotic program included an Enterococcus faecium spray (E. faecium 669, at 2 × 10⁹ CFU/bird) at hatch and a triple-strain Bacillus-based product (B. subtilis 597, B. subtilis 600, and B. amyloliquefaciens 516 at 1 × 10⁹ CFU/bird/day) in drinking water from day 1 to day 56. An aerosol transmission challenge model simulated commercial bacterial exposure. Birds were divided into five groups: a positive control (PC) group (T1) and a negative control (NC) group (T2) receiving no treatment and three treatment groups receiving the probiotic program (T3), the multivalent vaccine (T4), or both the probiotic program and the multivalent vaccine (T5). Data analyzed via ANOVA (p < 0.05) showed T3, T4, and T5 had significantly lower lameness (43.7%, 40.3%, and 40.7%) than T2 (71.0%) and T1 (83.0%). T5 resulted in reductions comparable to T4, indicating no significant synergistic effect. These findings show that probiotics alone or with a vaccine effectively mitigate BCO lameness, enhance broiler welfare, and reduce economic losses. Full article

Biological sex is a fundamental determinant of physiological differences, including metabolic processes and disease susceptibility. β-carotene (BC), a provitamin A carotenoid, is known for its health benefits, but its sex-specific effects on its metabolism remain largely unexplored. This study investigated male and female BALB/c mice receiving BC or vehicle control via oral gavage for 11 weeks. Hepatic and circulating lipid levels, serum retinol, and the expression of BC cleavage enzymes (Bco1 and Bco2) and estrogen receptors (Esr1 and Esr2) in the liver and gonadal fat were analyzed. BC supplementation increased the hepatic Bco1 and Bco2 expression in males, accompanied by higher serum retinol, while downregulating expressions of these enzymes in male gonadal fat. Additionally, BC supplementation significantly reduced gonadal fat mass and adipogenic gene expression in males, with Cebpa and Esr1/Esr2 positively correlated, suggesting a role for estrogen receptor signaling in adipogenesis. These findings demonstrate that BC exerts sex- and tissue-specific effects on lipid metabolism, with strong regulatory interactions between BC metabolism, lipid homeostasis, and sex hormone signaling in males. The results provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying sex-dependent differences in lipid metabolism following BC supplementation, with potential implications for metabolic health and disease prevention. Full article

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) exhibits dual tissue tropism, infecting both the respiratory and enteric tracts of cattle. Viral entry into host cells requires a coordinated interaction between viral and host proteins. However, the specific cellular receptors and co-receptors facilitating BCoV entry remain poorly understood. Similarly, the roles of host proteases such as Furin, TMPRSS2, and Cathepsin-L (CTS-L), known to assist in the replication of other coronaviruses, have not been extensively explored for BCoV. This study aims to identify novel BCoV receptors and host proteases that modulate viral replication and tissue tropism. Bovine cell lines were infected with BCoV isolates from enteric and respiratory origins, and the host cell gene expression profiles post-infection were analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Differentially expressed genes encoding potential receptors and proteases were further assessed using in-silico prediction and molecular docking analysis. These analyses focused on known coronavirus receptors, including ACE2, NRP1, DPP4, APN, AXL, and CEACAM1, to identify their potential roles in BCoV infection. Validation of these findings was performed using the qRT-PCR assays targeting individual genes. We confirmed the gene expression profiles of these receptors and enzymes in some BCoV (+/−) lung tissues. Results revealed high binding affinities of 9-O-acetylated sialic acid and NRP1 to BCoV spike (S) and hemagglutinin-esterase (HE) proteins compared to ACE2, DPP4, and CEACAM1. Additionally, Furin and TMPRSS2 were predicted to interact with the BCoV-S polybasic cleavage site (RRSRR|A), suggesting their roles in S glycoprotein activation. This is the first study to explore the interactions of BCoV with multiple host receptors and proteases. Functional studies are recommended to confirm their roles in BCoV infection and replication. Full article