Search Results (18,074)

The recent growing adversarial activity against critical systems, such as the power grid, has raised attention on the necessity of appropriate measures to manage the related risks. In this setting, our research focuses on developing tools for early detection of adversarial activities, taking into account the specificities of the energy sector. We developed a framework to design and deploy AI-based detection models, and since one cannot risk disrupting regular operation with on-site tests, we also included a testbed for evaluation and fine-tuning. In the test environment, adversarial activity that produces realistic artifacts can be injected and monitored, and evidence analyzed by the detection models. In this paper we concentrate on the emulation of attacks inside our framework: A tool called SecuriDN is used to define, through a graphical interface, the network in terms of devices, applications, and protection mechanisms. Using this information, SecuriDN produces sequences of attack steps (based on the MITRE ATT&CK project) that are interpreted and executed by software called Netsploit. A case study related to Distributed Energy Resources is presented in order to show the process stages, highlight the possibilities given by our framework, and discuss possible limitations and future improvements. Full article

Eukaryotic cells respond to oxidative stress (OS), a physiological condition characterized by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), through various protective mechanisms. The antioxidant defense system (ADS) is activated either by post-translational modifications of pre-existing proteins or through the induction of gene expression. These mechanisms protect cellular biomolecules against ROS damage. Although extensive research has been conducted in different species, there is limited information regarding the specific response of Yarrowia lipolytica to OS. This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which Y. lipolytica responds to OS by analyzing the expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in antioxidant response, such as superoxide dismutase (Sod), catalase (Cat), and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx). The Y. lipolytica genome contains three CAT genes, one SOD gene, one copper chaperone for Sod (CCS) gene, and one GPX gene. The expression profiles of these genes were assessed in Y. lipolytica cells exposed to H₂O₂ [5 mM] over time. All genes reached their maximal expression within the first 15 min of exposure. Comparative analysis between young and aged Y. lipolytica cells subjected to OS revealed that young cells exhibited higher expression levels for all genes, with CAT3 and SOD showing the highest expression values. These findings suggest that the enzymes encoded by these genes play a crucial role in the antioxidant response of this species. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating that the ADS in Y. lipolytica is regulated at the transcriptional level. Full article

Postoperative adhesion remains a major clinical challenge, often leading to chronic pain, functional disorders, and recurrent surgeries. Herein, we developed a multifunctional gelatin–polyphenol hydrogel (GPP20) featuring rapid gelation (within 5 min), strong tissue adhesion (lasting > 24 h under physiological conditions), and intrinsic wound healing capacity to achieve integrated prevention of postoperative adhesion. GPP20 was fabricated via dynamic crosslinking between gelatin and tea polyphenol, endowing it with injectability, self-healing, biodegradability, and excellent mechanical properties (shear stress of 14.2 N). In vitro studies demonstrated that GPP20 exhibited effective ROS scavenging (82% ABTS scavenging capability), which protects cells against oxidative stress, while possessing excellent hemocompatibility and in vivo safety. Notably, GPP20 significantly reduced postoperative cecum–abdominal wall adhesions through both physical barrier effects and modulation of inflammation and collagen deposition, demonstrating a comprehensive integrated prevention strategy. Furthermore, in full-thickness wound models, GPP20 accelerated tissue regeneration (85% wound closure rate on day 10) by promoting macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype and stimulating angiogenesis, thereby enhancing collagen deposition and re-epithelialization. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that GPP20 integrates anti-adhesion efficacy with regenerative support, offering a facile and clinically translatable strategy for postoperative care and wound healing. Full article

Antibiotic resistance (ABR) poses a critical global public health challenge necessitating immediate action. Without prompt interventions, infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria could surpass the annual mortality rates of all cancers combined by 2050. Phages are one of the most abundant biological entities on earth that specifically infect and replicate in bacterial cells and can act as potential alternatives to antibiotics. Nanotechnology provides a favorable solution to overcome various challenges linked with phage therapy. Developments in nanotechnology, including nano-encapsulation, offer solutions to various clinical as well as pharmacological challenges by improving delivery efficacy, ensuring controlled release, and protecting phages from environmental degradation and immune clearance. The synergistic actions of phage-guided targeting and the strong bactericidal potential of engineered nanocapsules (NCs) could effectively eradicate multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria while diminishing off-target activities. Potential applications of engineered phage-guided nanotherapeutic systems have already been explored in terms of phage/nanocarrier cocktails, enhanced antibacterial activity, effective treatment of nosocomial infections, wound healing, and disruption of bacterial biofilms. The present review focuses on comprehensively discussing the advances in phage-guided NCs along with their mechanisms in enhancing precision antibacterial therapy. In this regard, numerous in vitro and in vivo study findings have been summarized in this review. Moreover, various approaches to overcome and optimize the pharmacokinetic profiles of phage-guided NCs have been discussed. Full article

This study investigates the surface characteristics and corrosion behavior of a high-C martensitic stainless steel (AISI 440C) at different stages of its manufacturing process. As a class, these steels prioritize high mechanical properties and wear resistance over superior corrosion resistance. Hot working operations, such as rolling, create a surface oxide scale that must be removed via pickling to restore the material’s inherent corrosion resistance. This process also eliminates the underlying Cr-depleted layer, allowing for the re-establishment of a protective passive film. Using potentiodynamic polarization curves and micrographic analysis, the material’s behavior in different conditions, as-rolled, with a post-heat treatment oxide scale, and in a bare, oxide-free state, has been assessed. The results showed that the material lacks stable passive behavior under all conditions. The as-rolled and heat-treated conditions both exhibited active behavior and formed thick, non-adherent corrosion products. The oxide layer formed after heat treatment performed the worst, showing a significant increase in corrosion current density. These findings confirm the material’s susceptibility to corrosion in Cl⁻ ion-rich environments, highlighting the need for limited storage in such conditions and rapid pickling after thermal processing to mitigate surface damage. Full article

In this paper, a method to improve the protection of a four-core power cable of a salt-producing floating platform equipped with an automatic breaker with an independent tripping mechanism is suggested. The use of this automatic breaker in combination with a suggested protection device ensures reliable protection of not only the power cables of the platform against all faults but also the personnel of the platform and animals on the reservoir banks against electric shock in the event of a single-phase ground fault in reservoir water. This would be possible due to a voltage sensor made in the form of a metal ring on the power cable and a relay; one terminal of the relay winding is connected to the voltage sensor by a single-core control cable, and the other to the neutral of a power source on the platform. The typically open contacts of this relay are connected to an electric circuit which includes a power source and a coil for an independent tripping mechanism of the automatic breaker. This design ensures reliable operation of the suggested protection device in the event of a single-phase ground fault in the power cable of the platform when underwater cable insulation is damaged. Full article

Titanium and its alloys are widely used in biomedical implants due to their favorable mechanical properties and corrosion resistance; however, their natural surface lacks sufficient bioactivity and antibacterial performance. Micro-arc oxidation is a promising approach to producing bioactive coatings, and the incorporation of nanoparticles such as TiO₂ may further improve their functionality. This study aimed to determine the optimal TiO₂ nanoparticle concentration in the micro-arc oxidation electrolyte that ensures coating stability and biological safety. Calcium–phosphate coatings were fabricated on commercially pure titanium using micro-arc oxidation with two TiO₂ concentrations: 0.5 wt.% (MAO 1) and 1 wt.% (MAO 2). Surface morphology, porosity, and phase composition were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Corrosion resistance was evaluated via potentiodynamic polarization in NaCl and Ringer’s solutions, while biocompatibility was assessed in vitro using HOS human osteosarcoma cells and MTT assays. Increasing the TiO₂ content to 1% decreased coating porosity (13.7% vs. 26.3% for MAO 1), enhanced corrosion protection, and reduced the friction coefficient compared to bare titanium. However, MAO 2 exhibited high cytotoxicity (81% cell death) and partial structural degradation in the biological medium. MAO 1 maintained integrity and showed no toxic effects (3% cell death). These results suggest that 0.5% TiO₂ is the optimal concentration, providing a balance between corrosion resistance, mechanical stability, and biocompatibility, supporting the development of safer implant coatings. Full article

Wharton’s jelly (WJ), the mucoid connective tissue of the umbilical cord, provides essential protection to the umbilical vessels against mechanical stress. While research into WJ-derived stem cells for regenerative medicine has surged, the clinical significance of its in utero pathologies remains less explored. This review synthesizes the current literature on the pathophysiology of WJ abnormalities and their direct impact on fetal and neonatal outcomes. Pathologies are broadly categorized as quantitative (absence/reduction or excess/edema) and structural (pseudocysts, mucoid degeneration). A reduction or segmental absence of WJ critically compromises cord integrity, leading to vascular compression and is a direct cause of stillbirth, fetal growth restriction (FGR), and intrapartum distress. Conversely, excessive WJ or edema is associated with maternal diabetes and fetal hydrops and can also impair hemodynamics. Umbilical cord pseudocysts, arising from focal WJ degeneration, are significant markers for severe chromosomal abnormalities, particularly Trisomy 18 and 13, and other structural defects, especially when persistent or multiple. Sonographic measurement of WJ area shows promise as a surrogate for placental function, with decreased area correlating with placental pathology and FGR. However, significant diagnostic challenges persist, particularly the prenatal detection of segmental WJ absence, a “silent” pathology often discovered only after a catastrophic event. This review highlights the critical role of WJ integrity in determining perinatal outcomes and underscores the urgent need for improved diagnostic modalities and standardized management protocols to mitigate associated risks. Full article

Red bricks serve as an important material for load-bearing or enclosing structures in traditional architecture and are widely used in construction projects both domestically and internationally. Fujian red bricks, due to geographical, trade, and immigration-related factors, have spread to Taiwan and various regions in Southeast Asia, giving rise to distinctive red brick architectural complexes. To further investigate the types of damage, such as cracking and missing bricks, that occur in traditional red brick buildings due to multiple factors, including climate and human activities, this study takes Fujian red brick buildings as its research subject. It employs the YOLOv12 rapid detection method to conduct technical support research on structural assessment, type detection, and damage localization of surface damage in red brick building materials. The experimental model was conducted through the following procedures: on-site photo collection, slice marking, creation of an image training set, establishment of an iterative model training, accuracy analysis, and experimental result verification. Based on this, the causes of damage types and corresponding countermeasures were analyzed. The objective of this study is to attempt to utilize computer vision image recognition technology to provide practical, automated detection and efficient identification methods for damage types in red brick building brick structures, particularly those involving physical and mechanical structural damage that severely threaten the overall structural safety of the building. This research model will reduce the complex manual processes typically involved, thereby improving work efficiency. This enables the development of customized intervention strategies with minimal impact and enhanced timeliness for the maintenance, repair, and preservation of red brick buildings, further advancing the practical application of intelligent protection for architectural heritage. Full article

Existing research on live-streaming e-commerce consumption behavior is mostly limited by a single disciplinary framework, unable to systematically parse the mechanism of macro-policies and cultural values on intergenerational consumer psychology. This study takes ASEAN cross-border live-streaming e-commerce as a scenario, integrates theories of economics, political science, and sociology, and constructs an innovative three-layer analysis model of “macroeconomic system–meso-market–micro-behavior” based on multi-source data from 2020 to 2024. It empirically explores the formation mechanism of intergenerational differences in impulse buying. The results show that the behavior differences of different groups are significantly driven by income gradient, cross-border policies (tariff adjustment and consumer protection regulations), and collectivism/individualism cultural orientations. The innovative contribution of this study is reflected in three aspects: Firstly, it breaks through the limitation of a single discipline, and for the first time, it incorporates structural variables such as policy synergy effect and family structure change into the theoretical framework of impulse buying, quantifying and revealing the differentiated impact of institutional heterogeneity in ASEAN markets on intergenerational behavior. Secondly, it reconstructs the transmission path of “cultural values–family structure–intergenerational behavior” and finds that the inhibitory effect of collectivism on impulse buying tends to weaken with age. Thirdly, it proposes a “policy instrument–generational response” matching model and verifies the heterogeneous impact of the same policy (such as tariff reduction) on different generations. This study fills the gaps in related research and can provide empirical support for ASEAN enterprises to formulate stratified marketing strategies and for policymakers to optimize cross-border e-commerce regulation. which is of great significance to promote the sustainable development of the regional live-broadcast e-commerce ecology. Full article

Omni-channel retailers arise to address the deficiencies in consumers’ online shopping experiences; the resulting competition between such retailers and traditional online platforms presents substantial challenges for green product manufacturers. A three-level game model is established to examine a manufacturer’s green contract design (product pricing and greenness determination) and mode selection under the competition between an online platform and a new retailer providing omni-channel services to end customers. The manufacturer can select between two modes: supplying a green product to the online platform and new retailer (mode RR) or selling it directly through the online platform and reselling it to the new retailer (mode PR). Our findings indicate that, first, even if the relationship between the manufacturer and new retailer has changed from cooperation under mode RR to competition and cooperation under mode PR, the manufacturer still favors two-channel sales over single-channel sales and affects consumer channel choices to adjust market shares through mode selection. Second, regarding the impacts of the key parameters on the manufacturer, downstream e-commerce platform retailers and environment are intricate and nuanced. While raising the omni-channel service level enhances profitability in the new retailer across both modes, its environmental impacts differ significantly between them. Additionally, it can harm the online platform in some cases. Nevertheless, when the parameters fall within suitable ranges, the manufacturer and both downstream retailers have a consistent preference for improved omni-channel services under both modes. Finally, there is a significant divergence in mode preferences among the manufacturer and both downstream platform retailers. Due to the first-mover advantage, the manufacturer opts for mode RR over mode PR in most cases. Notably, within a specific range of parameters, they consistently prefer mode RR, which also proves beneficial for the environment, resulting in a Pareto optimal outcome. This proposes a concrete cooperation mechanism among the manufacturer, retailers, and consumers from quantitative insights, which can promote green products to achieve the objective of low-carbon environmental protection. Full article

This study examines how objective (OSES) and subjective (SSES) socioeconomic status influence adolescent moral reasoning through distinct psychological mechanisms. Analyzing 4122 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 14.38), we found SSES enhanced moral internalization via strengthened social identity, while OSES reduced moral stereotyping through cognitive flexibility. Contrary to expectations, parental emotional warmth failed to buffer against SSES-related declines in internalization, with higher SSES predicting reduced internalization across parenting contexts. Results reveal socioeconomic status operates through dual pathways—social identity processes for SSES and cognitive flexibility for OSES—while challenging assumptions about parenting’s protective role. The findings suggest tailored interventions: identity-building programs for SSES-related moral development and cognitive training for OSES-linked reasoning biases, advancing theoretical understanding of moral development in diverse socioeconomic contexts. Full article

Pertussis is an infectious disease that contributes to hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide each year. Despite the prevalence of preventive vaccination programs, there has been an increasing number of new cases of the disease over the past few decades. This poses a particular problem for the pediatric population among whom the highest mortality from the disease is recorded. Several reasons for this phenomenon can be mentioned, but what is particularly important from the microbiological point of view is the correlation of the increased number of pertussis cases with the introduction of a new form of vaccine—the acellular vaccine in place of the whole-cell vaccine. In this review, we summarized the current state of knowledge on potential factors that may contribute to the decline in immunization efficacy against the pathogen. The post-vaccination response profile, symptomatic of vaccination with vaccination-acellular, is characterized by recruitment of Th₂ and Th₁₇ lymphocytes; it has been reported that in the long term, this results in insufficient activation of B cells and low titers of antibodies to key bacterial antigens (hemagglutinin, pertactin). Moreover, the immune response proceeds by bypassing the recruitment of tissue-resident memory T cells, resulting in a lack of protection against colonization of the nasal cavity by the bacterium despite vaccination. The decline in vaccination efficacy should also be attributed to the phenotypic variability of Bordetella. The popularization of the PtxP3 strain, characterized by its ability to incompletely activate immune mechanisms, poses a real threat to public health. The growing resistance of B. pertussis to standardly used antibiotics including macrolides also remains a problem. This makes it difficult to eradicate pathogens from the nasal cavity area and increases the pool of bacterial carriers in the population area. The increasing prevalence of the disease prompts reflection on more effective methods of prevention. Particularly promising in this field seem to be new vaccines, especially mucosally implemented, e.g., intranasal, or developed on the basis of B. pertussis antigens other than those used so far. Full article

Although methotrexate (MTX) is a magnificent cure for cancerous neoplasms and inflammatory disorders, its usage is bound due to associated hazards, especially nephrotoxicity. The present study investigated the possible therapeutic impact of alogliptin (ALO), prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes, on renal injury caused by MTX and explored the mechanisms that could illustrate this suggested protective effect. Four rat groups were involved: control, ALO (20 mg/kg/d, intragastrically (I.G.)) for ten days, MTX, and MTX + ALO groups. The latter two groups were given MTX (20 mg/kg, I.P.) on the 7th day, while the MTX + ALO group was administered ten days of 20 mg/kg of ALO. A significant impairment in renal function, catalase activity, reduced glutathione content, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expressions, coupled with an increase in kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and cleaved caspase-3 (c-caspase-3) expressions, was observed in MTX-intoxicated rats, evidenced by remarkable deterioration in renal construction. Conversely, ALO improved renal function and architecture. Moreover, ALO retrieved the oxidative balance, the attenuated Nrf2/HO-1 expression, and the elevated KIM-1, TNF-α, and c-caspase-3 expression. In conclusion, ALO might abrogate MTX-elicited kidney damage by rectifying the deviation in oxidative status, apoptotic and inflammatory pathways, paving the way for managing MTX-induced nephrotoxicity. Full article

This study investigates the effects and mechanisms of high-power microwave on GaN HEMTs. By injecting high-power microwave from the gate into the device and employing techniques such as DC characteristics, gate-lag effect analysis, low-frequency noise measurement, and focused ion beam (FIB) cross-sectional inspection, a systematic investigation was conducted on GaN HEMT degradation and failure behaviors under conditions of a low duty cycle and narrow pulse width. Experimental results indicate that under relatively low-power HPM stress, GaN HEMT exhibits only a slight threshold voltage shift and a modest increase in transconductance, attributed to the passivation of donor-like defects near the gate. However, when the injected power exceeds 43 dBm, the electric field beneath the gate triggers avalanche breakdown, forming a leakage path and causing localized heat accumulation, which ultimately leads to permanent device failure. This study reveals the physical failure mechanisms of GaN HEMTs under low-duty-cycle HPM stress and provides important guidance for the reliability design and hardening protection of RF devices. Full article