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16 pages, 2884 KiB

Open AccessReview

New Insights into the Pathophysiology of Coronary Artery Aneurysms

by Iris Bararu-Bojan, Oana-Viola Badulescu, Minerva Codruta Badescu, Maria Cristina Vladeanu, Carmen Elena Plesoianu, Andrei Bojan, Dan Iliescu-Halitchi, Razvan Tudor, Bogdan Huzum, Otilia Elena Frasinariua and Manuela Ciocoiu

Diagnostics 2024, 14(19), 2167; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14192167 (registering DOI) - 29 Sep 2024

Abstract

Coronary aneurysms are typically defined as sections of a coronary artery where the diameter is more than 1.5 times that of an adjacent normal segment. In rare circumstances, these aneurysms can become exceedingly large, leading to the classification of giant coronary artery aneurysms. [...] Read more.

Coronary aneurysms are typically defined as sections of a coronary artery where the diameter is more than 1.5 times that of an adjacent normal segment. In rare circumstances, these aneurysms can become exceedingly large, leading to the classification of giant coronary artery aneurysms. Despite their occurrence, there is no clear consensus on the precise definition of giant coronary artery aneurysms, and their etiology remains somewhat ambiguous. Numerous potential causes have been suggested, with atherosclerosis being the most prevalent in adults, accounting for up to 50% of cases. In pediatric populations, Kawasaki disease and Takayasu arteritis are the primary causes. Although often discovered incidentally, coronary artery aneurysms can lead to severe complications. These complications include local thrombosis, distal embolization, rupture, and vasospasm, which can result in ischemia, heart failure, and arrhythmias. The optimal approach to medical, interventional, or surgical management of these aneurysms is still under debate and requires further clarification. This literature review aims to consolidate current knowledge regarding coronary artery aneurysms’ pathophysiology, emphasizing their definition, causes, complications, and treatment strategies. Recent research has begun to explore the molecular mechanisms involved in the formation and progression of coronary artery aneurysms. Various molecules, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), inflammatory cytokines, and growth factors, play crucial roles in the degradation of the extracellular matrix and the remodeling of vascular walls. Elevated levels of MMPs, particularly MMP-9, have been associated with the weakening of the arterial wall, contributing to aneurysm development. Inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukins (IL-1β and IL-6) have been implicated in promoting inflammatory responses that further degrade vascular integrity. Additionally, growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may influence angiogenesis and vascular remodeling processes. Understanding these molecular pathways is essential for developing targeted therapies aimed at preventing the progression of coronary artery aneurysms and improving patient outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vascular Malformations: Diagnosis and Management)

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24 pages, 14338 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study of the Random Wave-Induced Hydrodynamics and Soil Response in a Porous Seabed Around Double Piles

by Mingqing Wang, Wenqi Si, Yaru Gao, Lin Cui, Dong-Sheng Jeng, Ke Sun, Bing Chen and Hongyi Zhao

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(10), 1715; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12101715 (registering DOI) - 29 Sep 2024

Abstract

The evaluation of the wave-induced pore pressures around the offshore piles has attracted great attentions among coastal engineers, because they have been commonly used as foundations of numerous marine infrastructures. This paper presents comparative studies of the random wave-induced transient seabed response around [...] Read more.

The evaluation of the wave-induced pore pressures around the offshore piles has attracted great attentions among coastal engineers, because they have been commonly used as foundations of numerous marine infrastructures. This paper presents comparative studies of the random wave-induced transient seabed response around single and double piles in a sandy seabed through a series of wave flume experiments. The influences of relative spacing ratios, wave incidence angles, and front pile diameters under different random wave parameters on oscillatory pore pressures in the vicinity of double piles are examined. In addition, variations in wave profiles and dynamic wave pressures surrounding single and double piles are quantitatively analyzed. Based on the experimental results, the following conclusions can be drawn: (1) under the influence of random waves, the wave profiles around the double piles exhibit obvious irregularity and nonlinearity; (2) the shielding effect existing in the tandem piles results in lower dynamic wave pressures around the rear pile compared to the front pile; (3) the pore pressures on the front surface of the double piles decrease with increasing soil depth, with a decreasing attenuation rate at each layer; (4) when the relative spacing ratio

G / D_{2} = 3

, the group-pile effect weakens, leading to an increase in the pore pressures around the rear pile, approaching the results of a single pile under conditions of lower significant wave heights or periods; (5) the intense disturbance effect caused by large wave incidence angles exacerbates the pore pressure response around the double piles; (6) when the diameter of the front pile in the tandem piles increases, it enhances the shielding effect, thus suppressing the seabed response around the rear pile. In contrast, it causes an increase in the wave surface around the double piles, exacerbating the pore pressure response in the seabed. The latter effect becomes more pronounced when the significant wave height is larger. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Coastal Engineering)

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9 pages, 1239 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence Estimation of the PALB2 Germline Variant in East Asians and Koreans through Population Database Analysis

by Jong Eun Park, Min-Chae Kang, Taeheon Lee, Eun Hye Cho, Mi-Ae Jang, Dongju Won, Boyoung Park, Chang-Seok Ki and Sun-Young Kong

Cancers 2024, 16(19), 3318; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16193318 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

PALB2 is a tumor suppressor gene. Heterozygous germline pathogenic variants of PALB2 significantly increase the lifetime risk of breast cancer and moderately increase the risk of ovarian and pancreatic cancers. This study analyzed the estimated prevalence of PALB2 variants globally, focusing on East [...] Read more.

PALB2 is a tumor suppressor gene. Heterozygous germline pathogenic variants of PALB2 significantly increase the lifetime risk of breast cancer and moderately increase the risk of ovarian and pancreatic cancers. This study analyzed the estimated prevalence of PALB2 variants globally, focusing on East Asian and Korean populations, where limited data were previously available. We examined 125,748 exomes from the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD), including 9197 East Asians, and additional data from 5305 individuals in the Korean Variant Archive and 1722 in the Korean Reference Genome Database. All PALB2 variants were interpreted according to guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Clinical Genome Resource. The global prevalence of PALB2 variants was 0.18%, with the highest prevalence in Finnish populations (0.41%) and the lowest in Ashkenazi Jewish populations (0.04%). East Asians had a prevalence of 0.09%. By combining data from Korean genome databases and gnomAD totaling 8936 individuals, the overall prevalence of PALB2 variants in the Korean population was determined to be 0.13%. This study is the first comprehensive investigation of PALB2 variant prevalence in East Asians and Koreans using gnomAD and Korean genome databases. These findings provide essential reference data for future research and highlight the importance of region-specific genetic studies that will inform genetic counseling and hereditary cancer risk management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Informatics and Big Data)

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21 pages, 7182 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Busulfan Chemotherapy Downregulates TAF7/TNF-α Signaling in Male Germ Cell Dysfunction

by Daoyuan Huang, Zhenbo Tu, Antoine E. Karnoub, Wenyi Wei and Abdol-Hossein Rezaeian

Biomedicines 2024, 12(10), 2220; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12102220 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

Background: Busulfan is an FDA-approved alkylating drug used in the chemotherapy of advanced acute myeloid leukemia. The precise mechanisms by which Busulfan kills spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs) are not yet completely understood. Methods: Using a murine model, we evaluated Busulfan-induced apoptosis [...] Read more.

Background: Busulfan is an FDA-approved alkylating drug used in the chemotherapy of advanced acute myeloid leukemia. The precise mechanisms by which Busulfan kills spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs) are not yet completely understood. Methods: Using a murine model, we evaluated Busulfan-induced apoptosis and DNA damage signaling between testis and ovary tissues. We executed RT-qPCR, analyzed single-nuclei RNA sequencing data and performed in situ hybridization for the localization of the gene expression in the tissues. Results: The results indicate that, in contrast to female germ cells, haploid male germ cells undergo significant apoptosis following Busulfan chemotherapy. Moreover, a gene enrichment analysis revealed that reactive oxygen species may activate the inflammatory response in part through the TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway. Interestingly, in the testis, the mRNA levels of TNF-α and TAF7 (TATA box-binding protein-associated factor 7) are downregulated, and testosterone levels suppressed. Mechanistically, the promoter of TNF-α has a conserved motif for binding TAF7, which is necessary for its transcriptional activation and may require further in-depth study. We next analyzed the tumorigenic function of TAF7 and revealed that it is highly overexpressed in several types of human cancers, particularly testicular germ cell tumors, and associated with poor patient survival. Therefore, we executed in situ hybridization and single-nuclei RNA sequencing, finding that less TAF7 mRNA is present in SSCs after chemotherapy. Conclusions: Thus, our data indicate a possible function of TAF7 in the regulation of SSCs and spermatogenesis following downregulation by Busulfan. These findings may account for the therapeutic effects of Busulfan and underlie its potential impact on cancer chemotherapy prognosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Regulation of Spermatozoa)

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15 pages, 809 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Listeria monocytogenes Growth in Artificially Inoculated Sea-Farmed Product—Raw Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Fillet, Produced in Greece

by Ntina Vasileiadi, Theofania Tsironi and Georgia D. Mandilara

Microorganisms 2024, 12(10), 1970; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12101970 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is responsible for listeriosis, a serious foodborne disease, with high hospitalization and mortality rates worldwide. The main cause of listeriosis in humans is the consumption of ready-to-eat (RTE) foods; Commission Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 establishes microbiological criteria for [...] Read more.

Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is responsible for listeriosis, a serious foodborne disease, with high hospitalization and mortality rates worldwide. The main cause of listeriosis in humans is the consumption of ready-to-eat (RTE) foods; Commission Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 establishes microbiological criteria for Lm in RTE foods. Raw fish products are widely consumed, e.g., in sushi and various seafood recipes (e.g., carpaccio, sashimi, maki, nigiri, tartare, etc.), but are not subjected to RTE food safety criteria. The aim of our study was to assess the growth potential of Lm in raw sea bass fillets obtained from a leading aquaculture company in Greece. In order to assess the growth of Lm in raw sea bass fillets, we applied the “challenge test”, a scientific experiment designed to assess the growth of Lm within a specific food product under controlled conditions. According to our results, and taking into consideration the health risk for the listeriosis-vulnerable population, raw fish products utilized in the preparation of RTE foods, including sushi and an array of seafood dishes, should be incorporated in the Category of Safety Criteria of Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 “Ready-to-eat food able to support the growth of Listeria monocytogenes”. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology, Prevention and Control of Foodborne Microbial Pathogens)

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29 pages, 9863 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Coffee Agroforestry Systems Suitability Using Geospatial Analysis and Sentinel Satellite Data in Gedeo Zone, Ethiopia

by Wondifraw Nigussie, Husam Al-Najjar, Wanchang Zhang, Eshetu Yirsaw, Worku Nega, Zhijie Zhang and Bahareh Kalantar

Sensors 2024, 24(19), 6287; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24196287 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

The Gedeo zone agroforestry systems are the main source of Ethiopia’s coffee beans. However, land-use and suitability analyses are not well documented due to complex topography, heterogeneous agroforestry, and lack of information. This research aimed to map the coffee coverage and identify land [...] Read more.

The Gedeo zone agroforestry systems are the main source of Ethiopia’s coffee beans. However, land-use and suitability analyses are not well documented due to complex topography, heterogeneous agroforestry, and lack of information. This research aimed to map the coffee coverage and identify land suitability for coffee plantations using remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in the Gedeo zone, Southern Ethiopia. Remote sensing classifiers often confuse agroforestry and plantations like coffee cover with forest cover because of their similar spectral signatures. Mapping shaded coffee in Gedeo agroforestry using optical or multispectral remote sensing is challenging. To address this, the study identified and mapped coffee coverage from Sentinel-1 data with a decibel (dB) value matched to actual coffee coverage. The actual field data were overlaid on Sentinel-1, which was used to extract the raster value. Pre-processing, classification, standardization, and reclassification of thematic layers were performed to find potential areas for coffee plantation. Hierarchy levels of the main criteria were formed based on climatological, edaphological, physiographic, and socioeconomic factors. These criteria were divided into 14 sub-criteria, reclassified based on their impact on coffee growing, with their relative weights derived using AHP. From the total study area of 1356.2 km², the mapped coffee coverage is 583 km². The outcome of the final computed factor weight indicated that average annual temperature and mean annual rainfall are the primary factors, followed by annual mean maximum temperature, elevation, annual mean minimum temperature, soil pH, Land Use/Land Cover (LULC), soil texture, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), slope, Soil Organic Matter (SOM), aspect, distance to roads, and distance to water, respectively. The identified coffee plantation potential land suitability reveals unsuitable (413 km²), sub-suitable (596.1 km²), and suitable (347.1 km²) areas. This study provides comprehensive spatial details for Ethiopian cultivators, government officials, and agricultural extension specialists to select optimal coffee farming locations, enhancing food security and economic prosperity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing Technology for Agricultural and Land Management)

13 pages, 1878 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Fusarochromanone Derivatives from the Marine Fungus Fusarium equiseti UBOCC-A-117302

by Giang Nam Pham, Béatrice Josselin, Arnaud Cousseau, Blandine Baratte, Marie Dayras, Christophe Le Meur, Stella Debaets, Amélie Weill, Thomas Robert, Gaëtan Burgaud, Ian Probert, Fatouma Mohamed Abdoul-Latif, Laurent Boyer, Stéphane Bach and Mohamed Mehiri

Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(10), 444; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22100444 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

Two new fusarochromanone derivatives, deacetylfusarochromene (1) and deacetamidofusarochrom-2′,3-diene (2), along with the previously reported metabolites fusarochromanone TDP-2 (3), fusarochromene (4), 2,2-dimethyl-5-amino-6-(2′E-ene-4′-hydroxylbutyryl)-4-chromone (5), fusarochromanone (6), (−)-chrysogine (7), and [...] Read more.

Two new fusarochromanone derivatives, deacetylfusarochromene (1) and deacetamidofusarochrom-2′,3-diene (2), along with the previously reported metabolites fusarochromanone TDP-2 (3), fusarochromene (4), 2,2-dimethyl-5-amino-6-(2′E-ene-4′-hydroxylbutyryl)-4-chromone (5), fusarochromanone (6), (−)-chrysogine (7), and equisetin (8), were isolated from the marine fungus Fusarium equiseti UBOCC-A-117302. The structures of the compounds were determined by extensive spectrometric (HRMS) and spectroscopic (1D and 2D NMR) analyses, as well as specific rotation. Among them, 2 and 5 showed inhibition of three protein kinases with IC₅₀ values ranging from 1.42 to 25.48 μM. Cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of all isolated compounds were also evaluated. Six fusarochromanone derivatives (1–6) exhibited diverse activities against three cell lines, RPE-1, HCT-116, and U2OS (IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.058 to 84.380 μM). Equisetin (8) showed bactericidal activities against Bacillus cereus and Listeria monocytogenes (MBC values of 7.8 and 31.25 µM, respectively), and bacteriostatic activity against Enterococcus faecalis (MIC value of 31.25 µM). Compounds 2 and 4 showed bacteriostatic activities against Listeria monocytogenes (MIC of 125 µM). Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Structural Studies on Marine Natural Products)

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17 pages, 7473 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Three-Dimensional Analysis of Vocal Fold Oscillations: Correlating Superior and Medial Surface Dynamics Using Ex Vivo Human Hemilarynges

by Reinhard Veltrup, Susanne Angerer, Elena Gessner, Friederike Matheis, Emily Sümmerer, Jann-Ole Henningson, Michael Döllinger and Marion Semmler

Bioengineering 2024, 11(10), 977; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11100977 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

The primary acoustic signal of the voice is generated by the complex oscillation of the vocal folds (VFs), whereby physicians can barely examine the medial VF surface due to its anatomical inaccessibility. In this study, we investigated possibilities to infer medial surface dynamics [...] Read more.

The primary acoustic signal of the voice is generated by the complex oscillation of the vocal folds (VFs), whereby physicians can barely examine the medial VF surface due to its anatomical inaccessibility. In this study, we investigated possibilities to infer medial surface dynamics by analyzing correlations in the oscillatory behavior of the superior and medial VF surfaces of four human hemilarynges, each in 24 different combinations of flow rate, VF adduction, and elongation. The two surfaces were recorded synchronously during sustained phonation using two high-speed camera setups and were subsequently 3D-reconstructed. The 3D surface parameters of mean and maximum velocities and displacements and general phonation parameters were calculated. The VF oscillations were also analyzed using empirical eigenfunctions (EEFs) and mucosal wave propagation, calculated from medial surface trajectories. Strong linear correlations were found between the 3D parameters of the superior and medial VF surfaces, ranging from 0.8 to 0.95. The linear regressions showed similar values for the maximum velocities at all hemilarynges (0.69–0.9), indicating the most promising parameter for predicting the medial surface. Since excessive VF velocities are suspected to cause phono-trauma and VF polyps, this parameter could provide added value to laryngeal diagnostics in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials)

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15 pages, 261 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Multi-Strategy Nutrition Education Programs on Hedonic Hunger and Nutrition Status in Adolescents

by Osman Bozkurt and Hilal Yildiran

Children 2024, 11(10), 1188; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11101188 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

Objective: Increasing the awareness of adolescents about hedonic hunger, understanding the difference between homeostatic hunger and hedonic hunger, and adolescents learning to control themselves to stop excessive food consumption are extremely important for a healthy adulthood. The study aimed to evaluate the effects [...] Read more.

Objective: Increasing the awareness of adolescents about hedonic hunger, understanding the difference between homeostatic hunger and hedonic hunger, and adolescents learning to control themselves to stop excessive food consumption are extremely important for a healthy adulthood. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of the multi-strategy nutrition education programs (MSNEP) on hedonic hunger, food addiction, nutrition literacy, and nutritional status in adolescents. Methods: This study was planned using a pre-test and post-test design. The MSNEP was conducted with 132 adolescents (11–15 years; 69 boys, 63 girls) for 4 weeks (45 min–1 h/session). Data were obtained using questionnaires with face-to-face interviews at pre-education (baseline) and post-education (week 4 and week 8). The survey form included sociodemographic information, nine item short version of Children’s Power of Food Scale (C-PFS-9), the Yale Food Addiction Scale for Children 2.0 (YFAS-C 2.0), the Adolescent Nutrition Literacy Scale (ANLS), anthropometric measurements, and 24-hour dietary recall. Results: A decrease in C-PFS-9 total scores was found compared to the baseline (p < 0.001). While the YFAS-C 2.0 score decreased in boys compared to the baseline (p < 0.05), no significant difference was found in girls (p > 0.05). A difference was found in the ANLS scores for girls (p = 0.01), but no difference was found in the scores for boys during the study (p > 0.05). At week 4, the consumption of dairy products, legumes, vegetables and fruits, bread and grains, nuts, and hard-shelled seeds increased compared to the baseline (p < 0.05). Also, daily protein and fiber intake increased (p < 0.05). Accordingly, a higher YFAS-C 2.0 score predicted greater hedonic hunger. Female gender was a predictor for the total hedonic hunger score (β = −0.285, p = 0.026). A lower ANLS score was a predictor for higher food taste and food available scores. Conclusions: In conclusion, the MSNEP was found to have positive effects on hedonic hunger, food addiction, nutritional literacy, and healthy eating behaviors. The study revealed differences between girls and boys. In order to maintain healthy body weights in adolescents, it is recommended that the MSNEP be provided in schools. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Identification of Factors Associated with Obesity in Children)

31 pages, 1691 KiB

Open AccessReview

SLNs and NLCs for Skin Applications: Enhancing the Bioavailability of Natural Bioactives

by Diana Antonia Safta, Cătălina Bogdan and Mirela-Liliana Moldovan

Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(10), 1270; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16101270 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

Natural bioactives are mixtures of compounds extracted from plants with physicochemical properties that are usually not favorable for penetrating the skin`s complex barrier. Nanoparticles have important advantages both in dermatology and cosmetology: improved solubility and stability of encapsulated phytocompounds, controlled and sustained skin [...] Read more.

Natural bioactives are mixtures of compounds extracted from plants with physicochemical properties that are usually not favorable for penetrating the skin`s complex barrier. Nanoparticles have important advantages both in dermatology and cosmetology: improved solubility and stability of encapsulated phytocompounds, controlled and sustained skin delivery, and enhanced skin permeation, leading to an improved bioavailability. This review focuses on two generations of lipid-based nanoparticles: solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). An extensive overview on the recent studies on SLNs and NLCs entrapping essential oils, oils, herbal extracts, and phytocompounds for topical applications is presented, emphasizing their composition, physicochemical characterization, efficacy, and methodologies used to evaluate them. This review also summarizes topical systems containing natural bioactives incorporated into SLNs and NLCs, commercially available products and registered patents in the field. SLNs and NLCs turn out to be effective nanocarriers for skin applications, offering significantly improved encapsulation efficiency, stability, and bioactives delivery. However, their full potential is underexplored. Future applications should study the encapsulation potential of new natural bioactives and show more specialized solutions that address specific requirements; an improved product performance and a pleasant sensory profile could lead to increased customer compliance with the product use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology-Enabled Strategies to Enhance Topical Bioavailability, 3rd Edition)

16 pages, 2472 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hyperbaric Treatment Stimulates Chaperone-Mediated Macroautophagy and Autophagy in the Liver Cells of Healthy Female Rats

by Agnieszka Pedrycz, Mariusz Kozakiewicz, Mansur Rahnama, Marek Kos, Ewelina Grywalska, Marietta Bracha, Anna Grzywacz and Iwona Bojar

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(19), 10476; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910476 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

The role of autophagy goes far beyond the elimination of damaged cellular components and the quality control of proteins. It also cleanses cells from inclusions, including pathogenic viruses, and provides energy-forming components. The liver, which is an organ with increased metabolism, is made [...] Read more.

The role of autophagy goes far beyond the elimination of damaged cellular components and the quality control of proteins. It also cleanses cells from inclusions, including pathogenic viruses, and provides energy-forming components. The liver, which is an organ with increased metabolism, is made up of cells that are particularly vulnerable to damage. Therefore, detoxification of liver cells in the process of autophagy has become a very important issue clinically. The aim of this study was an immunohistochemical evaluation of proteins activated in rat liver cells at different stages of hyperbaric autophagy. The rats used for the study were randomly divided into six equivalent groups—three control groups and three experimental groups. Animals from the experimental groups were subjected to hyperbaric treatment in a hyperbaric chamber, with a pressure of 1.6 ATA for 120 min. They breathed atmospheric air. Rats were decapitated within 5 or 10 days after removal from the chamber. Immunohistochemical reactions with beclin 1, LC3B, RAB7, and HSC73 proteins were carried out on preparations made from liver slices. A three-step labeled streptavidin–biotin detection method of paraffin blocks (LSAB three-step) was used for immunohistochemical research. The results were evaluated using computer programs for morphometric analysis of microscopic images by calculating the mean surface areas occupied by a positive immunohistochemical reaction in individual groups for all antibodies tested. Increased closure of substrates in the autophagosome (beclin 1) induced late endosome transport and accelerated autophagosome maturation process (RAB7). Furthermore, a larger number of autophagosomes (LC3B) was observed in liver cells immediately after the cessation of hyperbaric activity; however, this decreased after 5 days. During this time, chaperone-mediated autophagy (HSC73) was observed on a larger scale. This means that increased macroautophagy induced by hyperbaric treatment weakens with time that has elapsed since the cessation of high pressure, whereas similarly induced chaperone-mediated autophagy intensifies over time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms and Novel Therapies of Liver Diseases)

36 pages, 1258 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of Dietary Habits and Obesity Prediction: Body Mass Index Versus Body Fat Percentage Classification Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis

by Denisa Pescari, Monica Simina Mihuta, Andreea Bena and Dana Stoian

Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3291; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193291 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

Background: Obesity remains a widely debated issue, often criticized for the limitations in its identification and classification. This study aims to compare two distinct systems for classifying obesity: body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BFP) as assessed by bioelectrical impedance [...] Read more.

Background: Obesity remains a widely debated issue, often criticized for the limitations in its identification and classification. This study aims to compare two distinct systems for classifying obesity: body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BFP) as assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). By examining these measures, the study seeks to clarify how different metrics of body composition influence the identification of obesity-related risk factors. Methods: The study enrolled 1255 adults, comprising 471 males and 784 females, with a mean age of 36 ± 12 years. Participants exhibited varying degrees of weight status, including optimal weight, overweight, and obesity. Body composition analysis was conducted using the TANITA Body Composition Analyzer BC-418 MA III device (T5896, Tokyo, Japan), evaluating the following parameters: current weight, basal metabolic rate (BMR), adipose tissue (%), muscle mass (%), and hydration status (%). Results: Age and psychological factors like cravings, fatigue, stress, and compulsive eating were significant predictors of obesity in the BMI model but not in the BFP model. Additionally, having a family history of diabetes was protective in the BMI model (OR: 0.33, 0.11–0.87) but increased risk in the BFP model (OR: 1.66, 1.01–2.76). The BMI model demonstrates exceptional predictive ability (AUC = 0.998). In contrast, the BFP model, while still performing well, exhibits a lower AUC (0.975), indicating slightly reduced discriminative power compared to the BMI model. Conclusions: BMI classification demonstrates superior predictive accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity. This suggests that BMI remains a more reliable measure for identifying obesity-related risk factors compared to the BFP model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Obesity)

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16 pages, 1844 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Transformer-Based Approach to Leakage Detection in Water Distribution Networks

by Juan Luo, Chongxiao Wang, Jielong Yang and Xionghu Zhong

Sensors 2024, 24(19), 6294; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24196294 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

The efficient detection of leakages in water distribution networks (WDNs) is crucial to ensuring municipal water supply safety and improving urban operations. Traditionally, machine learning methods such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Autoencoders (AEs) have been used for leakage detection. However, these [...] Read more.

The efficient detection of leakages in water distribution networks (WDNs) is crucial to ensuring municipal water supply safety and improving urban operations. Traditionally, machine learning methods such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Autoencoders (AEs) have been used for leakage detection. However, these methods heavily rely on local pressure information and often fail to capture long-term dependencies in pressure series. In this paper, we propose a transformer-based model for detecting leakages in WDNs. The transformer incorporates an attention mechanism to learn data distributions and account for correlations between historical pressure data and data from the same time on different days, thereby emphasizing long-term dependencies in pressure series. Additionally, we apply pressure data normalization across each leakage scenario and concatenate position embeddings with pressure data in the transformer model to avoid feature misleading. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated by using detection accuracy and F1-score. The experimental studies conducted on simulated pressure datasets from three different WDNs demonstrate that the transformer-based model significantly outperforms traditional CNN methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Electronic Sensors)

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22 pages, 708 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Have Climate Factor Changes Jeopardized the Value of Qinghai Grassland Ecosystem Services within the Grass–Animal Balance?

by Jize Zhang and Pengwei Chen

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8463; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198463 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

Internal and external environmental changes have led to changes in the service value of plateau ecosystems. Plateau ecosystems are facing a risk of falling into “recession”. Meanwhile, climate change has become an important factor affecting the service value of plateau grassland ecosystems. In [...] Read more.

Internal and external environmental changes have led to changes in the service value of plateau ecosystems. Plateau ecosystems are facing a risk of falling into “recession”. Meanwhile, climate change has become an important factor affecting the service value of plateau grassland ecosystems. In this paper, from the perspective of how changes in climate factors inhibit the value of ecosystem services of plateau grasslands, we adopt the equivalent factor method to measure the value of grassland ecosystem services in eight municipal levels in Qinghai Province from 2000 to 2021. We also construct a fixed utility model to test how changes in climate factors affect the value of ecosystem services and use the grass–animal balance as a mediating effect model for the test. The results of the study showed that (1) the increase in temperature and precipitation among the changes in climate factors significantly suppresses the ecosystem service value of grassland in the plateau. (2) The mediation test shows that the grass–livestock balance helped suppress the effects of climate factor changes on the ecological service value of plateau grassland. (3) The heterogeneity test shows that the area containing the Three-River-Source National Park is more resistant to climate factor changes. Climate factor changes have a greater impact on the ecosystem service value of plateau grassland in high altitude areas and have a significant positive effect on sustained low grassland carrying pressure index status. Therefore, in the protection of plateau grassland ecosystems, we should pay attention to the inputs in the ecosystems as well as appropriate grazing. At the same time, this study can provide a reference value for the decision-making with respect to ecological natural resources protection or restoration in plateau grassland under the effects of climate factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Protection of Ecosystem and Sustainable Development: Strategies and Practices for Ecological Restoration, Biodiversity Conservation, and Ecosystem Services)

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21 pages, 9396 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Link Aggregation for Skip Connection–Mamba: Remote Sensing Image Segmentation Network Based on Link Aggregation Mamba

by Qi Zhang, Guohua Geng, Pengbo Zhou, Qinglin Liu, Yong Wang and Kang Li

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(19), 3622; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16193622 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

The semantic segmentation of satellite and UAV remote sensing imagery is pivotal for address exploration, change detection, quantitative analysis and urban planning. Recent advancements have seen an influx of segmentation networks utilizing convolutional neural networks and transformers. However, the intricate geographical features and [...] Read more.

The semantic segmentation of satellite and UAV remote sensing imagery is pivotal for address exploration, change detection, quantitative analysis and urban planning. Recent advancements have seen an influx of segmentation networks utilizing convolutional neural networks and transformers. However, the intricate geographical features and varied land cover boundary interferences in remote sensing imagery still challenge conventional segmentation networks’ spatial representation and long-range dependency capabilities. This paper introduces a novel U-Net-like network for UAV image segmentation. We developed a link aggregation Mamba at the critical skip connection stage of UNetFormer. This approach maps and aggregates multi-scale features from different stages into a unified linear dimension through four Mamba branches containing state-space models (SSMs), ultimately decoupling and fusing these features to restore the contextual relationships in the mask. Moreover, the Mix-Mamba module is incorporated, leveraging a parallel self-attention mechanism with SSMs to merge the advantages of a global receptive field and reduce modeling complexity. This module facilitates nonlinear modeling across different channels and spaces through multipath activation, catering to international and local long-range dependencies. Evaluations on public remote sensing datasets like LovaDA, UAVid and Vaihingen underscore the state-of-the-art performance of our approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deep Learning for Satellite Image Segmentation)

10 pages, 688 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Frequency of Group A Streptococcus Infection and Analysis of Antibiotic Use in Patients with Pharyngitis—A Retrospective, Multicenter Study

by Martyna Biała, Mateusz Babicki, Wojciech Malchrzak, Sandra Janiak, Dominik Gajowiak, Alan Żak, Karolina Kłoda, Piotr Gibas, Justyna Ledwoch, Anna Myśliwiec, Daria Kopyt, Anna Węgrzyn, Brygida Knysz and Patrycja Leśnik

Pathogens 2024, 13(10), 846; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13100846 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

Streptococcus pyogenes is responsible for 20–30% of pharyngitis in children and 5–15% in adults. The ineffective treatment of group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections can result in postinfectious sequelae. This study aims to evaluate the frequency of GAS pharyngitis and assess the management of [...] Read more.

Streptococcus pyogenes is responsible for 20–30% of pharyngitis in children and 5–15% in adults. The ineffective treatment of group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections can result in postinfectious sequelae. This study aims to evaluate the frequency of GAS pharyngitis and assess the management of patients with pharyngitis and antibiotic use. We conducted a multicenter, retrospective analysis of medical records from nine primary care centers in Poland. The study enrolled 1949 medical records of patients (children 67.4%, adults 32.6%). An infection of Streptococcus pyogenes, based on a rapid strep test, was diagnosed in 830 patients (42.6%). In the comprehensive study group of 1949 patients, 1054 (54.1%) were given antibiotics. Notably, 224 patients had a negative rapid strep test result but still received antibiotic treatment, underscoring the complexity of treatment decisions. The most commonly used antibiotics were oral penicillin V in 431 cases (41%) and amoxicillin in 219 cases (20.8%). We observed no significant difference between positive rapid strep test results and patients’ sociodemographic data and comorbidities. The prevalence of GAS was 42.6% in the analyzed records of patients with pharyngitis, and 54.1% were prescribed antibiotics. Antibiotics were overprescribed for sore throats. Strategies are needed to promote rational antibiotic use. Full article

22 pages, 1175 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Sustainable Risk Management on the Implementation of Risk-Based Internal Auditing

by Ahmed Almgrashi and Abdulwahab Mujalli

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8455; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198455 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

Risk management exerts a significant influence on the competitiveness of an organization and its operational processes. It presents opportunities for expansion, foresight, and the need to promote sustainability. Many organizations have executed comprehensive risk management processes. Moreover, internal audit has increasingly attracted managers’ [...] Read more.

Risk management exerts a significant influence on the competitiveness of an organization and its operational processes. It presents opportunities for expansion, foresight, and the need to promote sustainability. Many organizations have executed comprehensive risk management processes. Moreover, internal audit has increasingly attracted managers’ attention, forming the basis of modern governance methods. The aim of this study is to examine, from the viewpoint of the agency, the impact of the role of internal auditors, training in risk management, and management support on risk management. Following this, the work examines risk management in terms of the risk-based auditing implementation that is performed by Saudi public organizations. This study encompassed 234 completed and therefore valid questionnaires from the manager and assistance of the internal audit department, internal auditors, accountants, and managers employed in Saudi public organizations. The data collected have been analyzed utilizing Smart Partial Least Squares (SmartPLS). This study’s findings confirmed that there is a significant association between the role of internal auditors in risk management, training in risk management, and between management support and risk management. There is also a significant association between risk management and the implementation of risk-based internal auditing. This study’s findings have significant ramifications for those in charge of public-sector organizations, and sustainability, aiming to enhance the dependability and trustworthiness of the internal audit process and other aspects of financial reports and audits in general. Currently, there is a dearth of published research on the factors that influence risk management and also on risk-based internal auditing. This study contributes to the emerging literature on this subject by examining Saudi public organizations; it also establishes empirical variables through a thorough review of relevant research. Conducted here is an empirical investigation that identifies the factors that affect risk management and then its influence on risk-based internal auditing implementation in the economic system of Saudi Arabia. By focusing on Saudi public organizations, this article highlights other countries that have similar systems of governance rules and procedures in their government-operated entities. Full article

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13 pages, 626 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of the Microbial Shift in the Gingival Sulcus of Women during Each Trimester of Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Abdulaziz Alsakr, Ahmed Tawfig, Faisal Talal Almutairi, Ibrahim Mansour Ababtain, Hind Mohammed Saeed Alasmari, Banna Alnufaiy and Khalid Gufran

Medicina 2024, 60(10), 1598; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60101598 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This study aims to identify types of bacterial species in women visiting obstetrics/gynecology centers in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia, during different pregnancy trimesters. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant and nonpregnant women seeking care [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: This study aims to identify types of bacterial species in women visiting obstetrics/gynecology centers in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia, during different pregnancy trimesters. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant and nonpregnant women seeking care at Alyamamah Hospital, obstetrics/gynecology center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 110 [pregnant = 90 and nonpregnant = 20] individuals were recruited based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Personal data, plaque index (PI), and gingival index (GI) were recorded. Bacterial samples were collected using sterile absorbent paper points from the gingival sulcus of pregnant females during the first, second, and third trimesters and compared to a control group of nonpregnant females. Thioglycolate broth containing the absorbent paper points was incubated at 37 °C for 24–48 h. After growth, the microorganisms were subjected to a Gram stain. The VITEK 2 system and conventional methods were used to identify various types of bacterial species from the gingival sulcus of pregnant and nonpregnant women. Chi-square tests and nonparametric tests were applied to the data. Results: The bacterial characterization indicated that Actinomyces Naeslundii (AN) was the most predominant bacteria found in the study participants, followed by Lactobacillus fermentum (LF) (23.6%), Veillonella (VL) (10%), and unidentified organisms (9.1%). When the presence of subgingival bacterial species was compared between pregnant and nonpregnant women, a statistically significant difference was observed (p < 0.001). LF was the predominant bacteria in 9 nonpregnant women (45%) and 8 pregnant women in the first pregnancy trimester (44.4%). However, during the second (17 women: 48.6%) and third pregnancy (17 women: 45.9%) trimesters, AN becomes the predominant bacteria. A statistically significant difference was observed when the prevalence of various bacterial species was compared across the three pregnancy trimesters (p = 0.010). The plaque and gingival scores of pregnant and nonpregnant women showed no significant difference. Conclusions: In different trimesters of pregnancy, pregnant women’s gingival crevices showed significant microbial changes without affecting gingival inflammation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicine and Dentistry: New Methods and Clinical Approaches—2nd Edition)

29 pages, 5641 KiB

Open AccessReview

ML-Based Maintenance and Control Process Analysis, Simulation, and Automation—A Review

by Izabela Rojek, Dariusz Mikołajewski, Ewa Dostatni, Adrianna Piszcz and Krzysztof Galas

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(19), 8774; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14198774 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

Automation and digitalization in various industries towards the Industry 4.0/5.0 paradigms are rapidly progressing thanks to the use of sensors, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and advanced fifth generation (5G) and sixth generation (6G) mobile networks supported by simulation and automation of processes [...] Read more.

Automation and digitalization in various industries towards the Industry 4.0/5.0 paradigms are rapidly progressing thanks to the use of sensors, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and advanced fifth generation (5G) and sixth generation (6G) mobile networks supported by simulation and automation of processes using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Ensuring the continuity of operations under different conditions is becoming a key factor. One of the most frequently requested solutions is currently predictive maintenance, i.e., the simulation and automation of maintenance processes based on ML. This article aims to extract the main trends in the area of ML-based predictive maintenance present in studies and publications, critically evaluate and compare them, and define priorities for their research and development based on our own experience and a literature review. We provide examples of how BCI-controlled predictive maintenance due to brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) play a transformative role in AI-based predictive maintenance, enabling direct human interaction with complex systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Automation and Digitization in Industry: Advances and Applications)

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17 pages, 2313 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Catch Losses and Mesh Selectivity Related to the Attachment of Marine Mammal Bycatch Reduction Devices on Midwater Trawl Gear

by Jung-Mo Jung, Min-Seuk Park and Kyu-Suk Choi

Fishes 2024, 9(10), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes9100391 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

The National Institute of Fisheries Science in Korea is developing marine mammal bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) for high-risk fishing gear, such as trawls. We experimented with two BRD types (guiding nets) attached in front of codend at 30° and 45° angles, and catch [...] Read more.

The National Institute of Fisheries Science in Korea is developing marine mammal bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) for high-risk fishing gear, such as trawls. We experimented with two BRD types (guiding nets) attached in front of codend at 30° and 45° angles, and catch losses and mesh size selectivity were investigated. Experimental fishing operations were conducted along the East Coast of South Korea where whales and dolphins are commonly sighted. The catch was classified according to fishing location, BRD type, codend, and covernet, with measurements recorded for body length, maximum girth, and weight. The average selectivity for each haul was analyzed using the ‘selfisher’ package. The catch loss rates with the BRD attached at tilt angles of 30° and 45° were 11% and 29% for common flying squid, 6% and 28% for sailfin sandfish, and 5% and 8% for pearlside. While the mesh selectivity rates for common flying squid and pearlside remained at 0.2–0.5 across all lengths and tilt angles, the mesh selectivity curve for sailfin sandfish was estimated. There were significant differences in catch loss between 30° and 45° angles, with the 30° angle being more effective in catch loss. We observed a masking effect in the codend. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Technologies for Improving Fisheries and Aquaculture Production and Management)

13 pages, 8849 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Primary γ′ Phase on High-Temperature Endurance Performance of GH4720Li Superalloy

by Xing Zhou, Ruifeng Dong, Yuchang Xie, Shuoqi Hu, Tianyuan Xu, Jian Li and Wei Zhang

Crystals 2024, 14(10), 851; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14100851 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

Abstract: To investigate the effect of the primary γ′ phase on the high-temperature endurance performance of GH4720Li superalloy, samples with different volume fractions of the primary γ′ phase were prepared by adjusting the heat treatment process. The high-temperature endurance performance was tested, and [...] Read more.

Abstract: To investigate the effect of the primary γ′ phase on the high-temperature endurance performance of GH4720Li superalloy, samples with different volume fractions of the primary γ′ phase were prepared by adjusting the heat treatment process. The high-temperature endurance performance was tested, and the microstructure was examined. Results indicate that samples with a higher volume fraction of the γ′ phase exhibit a greater stress rupture life. Additionally, alloy samples with varying γ′ phase volume fractions show improved plasticity and toughness at 760 °C/530 MPa. Fracture morphology results reveal that high-volume-fraction primary γ′ phase samples primarily undergo transgranular fracture, whereas low-volume-fraction samples exhibit intergranular fracture due to grain boundary sliding. During high-temperature endurance, the secondary γ′ phase in the crystal is affected. Long-term aging refines the secondary γ′ phase, resulting in a more uniform distribution. Finally, the influence of the primary γ′ phase and the creep behavior of each material group on high-temperature endurance performance are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Microstructure and Properties of Metals and Alloys)

16 pages, 9422 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Zero-Shot Image Caption Inference System Based on Pretrained Models

by Xiaochen Zhang, Jiayi Shen, Yuyan Wang, Jiacong Xiao and Jin Li

Electronics 2024, 13(19), 3854; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13193854 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

Recently, zero-shot image captioning (ZSIC) has gained significant attention, given its potential to describe unseen objects in images. This is important for real-world applications such as human–computer interaction, intelligent education, and service robots. However, the zero-shot image captioning method based on large-scale pretrained [...] Read more.

Recently, zero-shot image captioning (ZSIC) has gained significant attention, given its potential to describe unseen objects in images. This is important for real-world applications such as human–computer interaction, intelligent education, and service robots. However, the zero-shot image captioning method based on large-scale pretrained models may generate descriptions containing objects that are not present in the image, which is a phenomenon termed “object hallucination”. This is because large-scale models tend to predict words or phrases with high frequency, as seen in the training phase. Additionally, the method set a limitation to the description length, which often leads to an improper ending. In this paper, a novel approach is proposed to address and reduce the object hallucination and improper ending problem in the ZSIC task. We introduce additional emotion signals as guidance for sentence generation, and we find that proper emotion will filter words that do not appear in the image. Moreover, we propose a novel strategy that gradually extends the number of words in a sentence to confirm the generated sentence is properly completed. Experimental results show that the proposed method achieves the leading performance on unsupervised metrics. More importantly, the subjective examples illustrate the effect of our method in improving hallucination and generating properly ending sentences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Electronic Multimedia)

30 pages, 2882 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fish Health Altered by Contaminants and Low Water Temperatures Compounded by Prolonged Regional Drought in the Lower Colorado River Basin, USA

by Steven L. Goodbred, Sr., Reynaldo Patiño, David A. Alvarez, Darren Johnson, Deena Hannoun, Kathy R. Echols and Jill A. Jenkins

Toxics 2024, 12(10), 708; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12100708 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

The goal of this study was to assess health of male Common Carp (carp, Cyprinus carpio) at four sites with a wide range in environmental organic contaminant (EOC) concentrations and water temperatures in Lake Mead National Recreation Area NV/AZ, US, and the [...] Read more.

The goal of this study was to assess health of male Common Carp (carp, Cyprinus carpio) at four sites with a wide range in environmental organic contaminant (EOC) concentrations and water temperatures in Lake Mead National Recreation Area NV/AZ, US, and the potential influence of regional drought. Histological and reproductive biomarkers were measured in 17–30 carp at four sites and 130 EOCs in water per site were analyzed using passive samplers in 2010. Wide ranges among sites were noted in total EOC concentrations (>10Xs) and water temperature/degree days (10Xs). In 2007/08, total polychlorinated biphenyls (tPCBs) in fish whole bodies from Willow Beach (WB) in the free-flowing Colorado River below Hoover Dam were clearly higher than at the other sites. This was most likely due to longer exposures in colder water (12–14 °C) and fish there having the longest lifespan (up to 54 years) for carp reported in the Colorado River Basin. Calculated estrogenicity in water exceeded long-term, environmentally safe criteria of 0.1–0.4 ng/L by one to three orders of magnitude at all sites except the reference site. Low ecological screening values for four contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) in water were exceeded for one CEC in the reference site, two in WB and Las Vegas Bay and three in the most contaminated site LVW. Fish health biomarkers in WB carp had 25% lower liver glycogen, 10Xs higher testicular pigmented cell aggregates and higher sperm abnormalities than the reference site. Sperm from LVW fish also had significantly higher fragmentation of DNA, lower motility and testis had lower percent of spermatozoa, all of which can impair reproduction. Projections from a 3D water quality model performed for WB showed that EOC concentrations due to prolonged regional drought and reduced water levels could increase as high as 135%. Water temperatures by late 21st century are predicted to rise between 0.7 and 2.1 °C that could increase eutrophication, algal blooms, spread disease and decrease dissolved oxygen over 5%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risks to Aquatic Animal Health Conditions in Environmental Extremes: Research and Management)

14 pages, 2219 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing the Effectiveness of Moving Target Defense in a Probabilistic Attack Graph: A Deep Reinforcement Learning Approach

by Qiuxiang Li and Jianping Wu

Electronics 2024, 13(19), 3855; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13193855 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

Moving target defense (MTD) technology baffles potential attacks by dynamically changing the software in use and/or its configuration while maintaining the application’s running states. But it incurs a deployment cost and various performance overheads, degrading performance. An attack graph is capable of evaluating [...] Read more.

Moving target defense (MTD) technology baffles potential attacks by dynamically changing the software in use and/or its configuration while maintaining the application’s running states. But it incurs a deployment cost and various performance overheads, degrading performance. An attack graph is capable of evaluating the balance between the effectiveness and cost of an MTD deployment. In this study, we consider a network scenario in which each node in the attack graph can deploy MTD technology. We aim to achieve MTD deployment effectiveness optimization (MTD-DO) in terms of minimizing the network security loss under a limited budget. The existing related works either considered only a single node for deploying an MTD or they ignored the deployment cost. We first establish a non-linear MTD-DO formulation. Then, two deep reinforcement learning-based algorithms are developed, namely, deep Q-learning (DQN) and proximal policy optimization (PPO). Moreover, two metrics are defined in order to effectively evaluate MTD-DO algorithms with varying network scales and budgets. The experimental results indicate that both PPO- and DQN-based algorithms perform better than Q-learning-based and random algorithms. The DQN-based algorithm converges more quickly and performs, in terms of reward, marginally better than the PPO-based algorithm. Full article

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