Defense Program Research Articles

TRIM Proteins: Key Regulators of Immunity to Herpesvirus Infection

Herpesviruses are ubiquitous DNA viruses that can establish latency and cause a range of mild to life-threatening diseases in humans. Upon infection, herpesviruses trigger the activation of several host antiviral defense programs that play critical roles in curbing virus replication and dissemination. Recent work from many groups has integrated our understanding of TRIM (tripartite motif) proteins, a specific group of E3 ligase enzymes, as pivotal orchestrators of mammalian antiviral immunity. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the modulation of innate immune signaling by TRIM proteins during herpesvirus infection, with a focus on the detection of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1, a prototype herpesvirus) by cGAS-STING, RIG-I-like receptors, and Toll-like receptors. We also review the latest progress in understanding the intricate relationship between herpesvirus replication and TRIM protein-regulated autophagy and apoptosis. Finally, we discuss the maneuvers used by HSV-1 and other herpesviruses to overcome TRIM protein-mediated virus restriction.

Strategies to enhance civic awareness for state defence in Indonesia: Measurement and benchmarking of the State Defence Index (SDI)

Countries employ various strategies to strengthen their soft power through education, public campaigns, mandatory service, and community involvement, essential for building a well-informed, prepared, and resilient citizenry. In Indonesia, the Civic Awareness for State Defence (CASD) program is designed to instil state defence awareness among citizens. This study introduces the Indonesia State Defence Index (SDI), a novel metric grounded in theoretical constructs such as national identity, nationalism, patriotism, and national pride. Differentiating from previous indices, our SDI employs advanced methodologies including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to enhance measurement accuracy. Unlike earlier approaches that used traditional aggregation methods, our use of PCA ensures the reduction of dimensions for each state defence indicator, thereby guaranteeing that only the intended dimensions are measured. Utilising data from the State Defence Survey conducted by the Indonesian Ministry of Defence from 1 March to 26 June 2024, we aim to measure and benchmark SDI values across Indonesian regions, thereby elucidating the civic awareness profile in the context of state defence. The refined SDI provides critical insights for policymakers, highlighting regions that require focused interventions to bolster state defence preparedness.

Study of directions of unification of technology transfer in ukraine with the regulation of the European Union

Problem setting. In modern economic conditions, the key to effective economic development of any country is the development of the production sphere of the national economy. At the same time, its level depends on the penetration of knowledge-intensive, advanced and breakthrough technologies. Most economically developed countries even implement integrated state policies aimed at stimulating and scaling technology transfer processes. Thanks to this, the number of those technologies that are implemented in the sphere of public production increases, and the share of highly competitive products increases significantly. The economic system of Ukraine is no exception to this rule. Thus, since 2006, Ukraine has had a special official document the Law of Ukraine “On State Regulation of Activities in the Field of Technology Transfer”. Its main task is to determine the requirements of how the state (in the form of authorized bodies) will contribute to the scaling process of technology transfer. The course announced by Ukraine for joining the European Union (hereinafter referred to as “the EU”) imposes on it special obligations regarding the unification of regulatory approaches to the identification of technology transfer with EU requirements. The specified situation determines, on the one hand, the relevance of scientific research on this topic, and places on scientists the task of forming relevant proposals. It is science that should shape them and determine effective directions, methods and forms of unification of the principles of functioning of Ukraine with EU requirements and thereby stabilize and intensify the transfer of technologies. Purpose of research is to develop methods and techniques for unifying the regulatory approach to defining the essence of technology transfer in Ukraine with the requirements of the European Union. This will make it possible to formulate recommendations for the Ukrainian public authorities when they implement managerial decisions within the framework of the State technology policy and form the basis for proposals for amending its national regulatory acts. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to solve the following interrelated tasks: (1) to analyze the state of regulatory support for technology transfer under EU law; (2) to study the state of regulatory support for technology transfer under Ukrainian law; (3) to formulate proposals on the main directions of unification of legal regulation of technology transfer under Ukrainian law with the requirements of EU law. Analysis of recent research and publications. An analysis of recent research and publications on the topic shows that many scholars have considered the general issues of state intervention in the national economy. The problem of the essence of technology transfer has been studied both at the level of independent economic systems and within international organizational entities. Article’s main body. The object of this research is a set of regulatory methods and techniques for determining the content and essence of such a category as technology transfer. Both the requirements of Ukraine and the regulatory approaches of the European Union are studied. The analysis and generalization of the existing world and international approaches to the identification of the essence of technology transfer established that they are not unified among themselves and differ significantly from each other. It has been proven that this does not meet the needs of technology transfer participants and does not meet the strategic goals of Ukraine’s development. The expediency of expanding the existing concept of determining the essence of technology transfer defined in Ukraine is substantiated. Recommendations on directions for the unification of regulatory approaches to the definition of technology transfer with the European Union have been formed. The need to amend the provisions of the Law of Ukraine “On State Regulation of Activities in the Field of Technology Transfer” in order to bring it into line with the requirements of the European Union has been proven. Conclusions and prospects for development. It was determined that the current legislation of Ukraine contains a narrower approach to determining the essence of technology transfer. Recommendations on the unification of the requirements of Ukraine with the requirements of the EU, on the issue of identification of technology transfer, have been formed. The expediency of expanding the forms of technology transfer is substantiated by supplementing them with the following: – Transfer of technology during the implementation of special interstate defense and industrial programs. – Transfer of technology within the framework of grant funding and cooperation. – Transfer of technology during the implementation of public procurement. – Transfer of technology as a contribution to the integral property complex (statutory or accumulated capital) of economic entities. – Transfer of technology during the creation of startups.

Green Routes: Exploring Protein-Based Virus-like Nanoparticle Transport and Immune Activation in Nicotiana benthamiana for Biotechnological Applications.

Viral, bacterial, fungal, and nematode infections cause significant agricultural losses, with limited treatment options, necessitating novel approaches to enhance plant defense systems and protection against pathogens. Virus-like nanoparticles (VLPs), extensively used in animal and human therapies (e.g., vaccines and immune enhancers), hold potential for novel agricultural solutions and advancing plant nanotechnology. This study employed various methodologies, including VLP production, confocal microscopy, and real-time qPCR. Our findings demonstrated the presence of 30 nm Qβ-VLPs, fluorescently labeled, within the intercellular space of Nicotiana benthamiana leaves one hour post-infiltration. Furthermore, infiltration with Qβ-VLPs led to an upregulation of key defense genes (NbPR1a, NbPR5, NbNPR, NbERF1, NbMYC2, and NbLRR2) in treated plants. Using RT-qPCR, a significant increase in the relative expression levels of defense genes was observed, with sustained high levels of NbERF1 and NbLRR2 even after 24 h. These findings suggest that Qβ-VLPs effectively upregulate genes crucial for pathogen defense in N. benthamiana, initiating PAMP-triggered immunity and launching signaling cascades that enhance defense mechanisms. This innovative application of VLPs to activate plant defense programs advances plant nanobiotechnology, offering new agricultural solutions.

Signaling through the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in the liver protects against the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is the progressive form of liver steatosis, the most common liver disease, and substantially increases the mortality rate. However, limited therapies are currently available to prevent MASH development. Identifying potential pharmacological treatments for the condition has been hampered by its heterogeneous and complex nature. Here, we identified a hepatic nonneuronal cholinergic signaling pathway required for metabolic adaptation to caloric overload. We found that cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 2 subunit (CHRNA2) is highly expressed in hepatocytes of mice and humans. Further, CHRNA2 is activated by a subpopulation of local acetylcholine-producing macrophages during MASH development. The activation of CHRNA2 coordinates defensive programs against a broad spectrum of MASH-related pathogenesis, including steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Hepatocyte-specific loss of CHRNA2 signaling accelerates the disease onset in different MASH mouse models. Activation of this pathway via pharmacological inhibition of acetylcholine degradation protects against MASH development. Our study uncovers a hepatic nicotinic cholinergic receptor pathway that constitutes a cell-autonomous self-defense route against prolonged metabolic stress and holds therapeutic potential for combatting human MASH.

A study to assess the effectiveness of self defence program on sexual abuse among pre-adolescent girls of selected schools of Dharwad

A study to assess the effectiveness of self defence program on sexual abuse among pre-adolescent girls of selected schools of Dharwad

DTR-SHIELD: Mutual Synchronization for Protecting against DoS Attacks on the SHIELD Protocol with AES-CTR Mode.

To enhance security in the semiconductor industry's globalized production, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) proposed an authentication protocol under the Supply Chain Hardware Integrity for Electronics Defense (SHIELD) program. This protocol integrates a secure hardware root-of-trust, known as a dielet, into integrated circuits (ICs). The SHIELD protocol, combined with the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) in counter mode, named CTR-SHIELD, targets try-and-check attacks. However, CTR-SHIELD is vulnerable to desynchronization attacks on its counter blocks. To counteract this, we introduce the DTR-SHIELD protocol, where DTR stands for double counters. DTR-SHIELD addresses the desynchronization issue by altering the counter incrementation process, which previously solely relied on truncated serial IDs. Our protocol adds a new AES encryption step and requires the dielet to transmit an additional 100 bits, ensuring more robust security through active server involvement and message verification.

The Fight Against Hailstorms in Italy, 1950–70: A Long History of Confirmation Bias

This article analyzes the experiments for hail suppression by means of exploding rockets in Italy, where a remarkable national program of active defense was undertaken in the period 1950–70. The history of the trials of this technique is reconstructed in view of highlighting the methodological flaws of the entire experimental approach. A supplementary source of information is offered by about 1,600 “storm postcards”: reports sent back by farmers after single weather events. An archive of these postcards, recently collected, digitized, and analyzed for the Trentino region (northern Italy), offers an interesting glimpse into the scientific and pseudoscientific approaches to a difficult to predict and volatile phenomenon, both for farmers and for appointed experts.

Sleeping but not defenceless: seed dormancy and protection.

To ensure their vital role in disseminating the species, dormant seeds have developed adaptive strategies to protect themselves against pathogens and predators. This is orchestrated through the synthesis of an array of constitutive defences that are put in place in a developmentally regulated manner, which are the focus of this review. We summarize the defence activity and the nature of the molecules coming from the exudate of imbibing seeds that leak into their vicinity, also referred to as the spermosphere. As a second layer of protection, the dual role of the seed coat will be discussed; as a physical barrier and a multi-layered reservoir of defence compounds that are synthesized during seed development. Since imbibed dormant seeds can persist in the soil for extensive periods, we address the question of whether during this time a constitutively regulated defence programme is switched on to provide further protection, via the well-defined pathogenesis-related (PR) protein family. In addition, we review the hormonal and signalling pathways that might be involved in the interplay between dormancy and defence and point out questions that need further attention.

Urgensi Bela Negara Untuk Meningkatkan Jiwa Nasionalisme Dan Perananya Dalam Intergrasi Nasional

This research aims to provide a deeper understanding of the urgency of the concept of National Defense in strengthening national identity and increasing the feeling of love for the country among the community. Apart from that, this research also aims to analyze the role and implementation of the National Defense program in the context of national integration, by identifying factors that support or hinder its success. This research uses a qualitative descriptive approach to explore the concepts of National Defense, the spirit of nationalism, and national integration and to identify the relationship between the three. The concept of National Defense has high urgency in the context of national development in Indonesia. Through active community participation in National Defense programs, a collective awareness of the importance of loyalty, solidarity and national unity is created. Defending the Nation has a significant impact on increasing the spirit of nationalism among society. Through participation in National Defense activities, society can strengthen feelings of love and loyalty towards the homeland and foster solidarity and unity among citizens. Implementation of National Defense programs also has a positive impact in strengthening national integration. Through collaboration between citizens from various backgrounds, an inclusive and harmonious environment is created amidst cultural and ethnic diversity.

The Impact of the Implementation of the Government's Digital Direct Expenditure Program to Improve MSME Performance

This study aims to analyze and assess the impact of the procurement defense program on the performance of MSMEs in Gorontalo Province. The locus of research on MSME business actors who are members of the procurement defense program, especially through market place applications, both MbizMarketpalce and brliUMKM market place totaling 85 MSMEs with a sample of 10 MSMEs. The performance assessment method for MSMEs is used by Balance Scorecard analysis to analyze the financial and non-financial impacts of MSME businesses. The results showed that the Gorontalo Provincial government's procurement defense program had a relatively good impact on financial and non-financial performance. On average, there is an increase in operating profits, number of workers, production volume and marketing area. The procurement defense program is very helpful for MSME business actors in increasing public reputation and trust in their products and services so that business productivity and performance increase.

Evolution of Company Strategies in Response to Dynamic Changes in the Global Rocket Market

Purpose: Explore the genesis of the global rocket launcher market, focusing on its history, current trends, and influencing factors. The research delves into the strategies of aerospace companies and their adaptation to changing market conditions, identifying key elements that shape and modify these strategies. Design / Method / Approach: Multifaceted analytical methodology was utilized, including logical, statistical, and graphical techniques to investigate the rocket launcher market thoroughly. A systemic approach facilitated the examination of the interrelationships among technological innovations, economic implications, and political factors. Structural-functional analysis delineated the operational mechanisms of various market segments, and comparative analysis was used to discern global tendencies and regional specificities. Findings: Reveal an analysis of the strategic approaches of entities engaged in the production of rocket launchers, emphasizing their state of development and evolution over time. This analysis also identifies the factors impacting the rocket launcher market, which are critical for the strategic formulation and adaptation processes. Strategies demonstrating significant efficacy amidst rapid market changes were distinctly highlighted. Theoretical Implications: Contribute to expanding the knowledge base regarding the strategic perspectives of companies in the field of space economics, offering new data and interpretations. This integration of economics, technology, politics, and international relations showcases the benefits of an interdisciplinary approach in understanding complex industry processes in a changing market environment, specifically regarding strategic management in a changing market environment. Practical Implications: As a decision - making guide for industry leaders and professionals, offering data and analytics for strategic planning and informed decision - making. Therefore, the practical value of the research lies in providing useful resources for a wide range of stakeholders, including industry representatives, policymakers, investors, and the academic community. The findings of the study can serve as educational material for courses and programs related to the study of high-tech markets and the formation of a system of strategic management in companies. Originality / Value: Comprehensive perspective on the rapidly evolving rocket launcher industry, with a particular focus on the last twenty years and significant attention to the last five years. This period has seen considerable technological innovations and shifts in the global economy and political landscape, providing insights into the key factors shaping the industry and predictions about future changes and trends. Research Limitations / Future Research: The primary challenge for analyzing the market and company strategies is the limited availability of verified and reliable information, as the rocket launcher market is closely intertwined with state defense programs, which significantly restrict information access. Future research could delve deeper into the impact of technological innovations, government regulations, and the interaction between the rocket launcher market and other aerospace sectors on the strategies of companies from different countries. Given the dynamic nature of the market, regular data updates, at least biennially, are essential for keeping the analysis current. Paper type: Empirical JEL Classification: F23, L1, O3

Association of Official Racing Chemists guidelines for drug testing in animal hair for doping control.

The Association of Official Racing Chemists (AORC) guidelines for drug testing in animal hair provide animal sport doping control laboratories with a framework for the implementation of a robust and legally defensible program for the analysis, both screening and confirmatory, of animal hair samples. The guidelines were compiled by the AORC Hair Analysis Committee, which is comprised of experts from animal sport doping control laboratories around the world, before being ratified by the AORC membership. They provide guidance on all stages of animal hair analysis, from sample collection, through sample pre-treatment and extraction and onto instrumental analysis.

Evaluating Physical Education Courses in Civil Defense and Firefighting Associate Degree Programs in Turkey: Findings and Recommendations

This study aims to evaluate the physical education/sports education courses, content and practices in the curricula of Civil Defense and Firefighting associate degree programs in Turkey. Within the scope of the study, the Bologna course packages of 42 associate degree programs between 2022-2023 were examined in detail using document analysis method. According to the findings, it was determined that 14.3% (6 programs) did not include physical education courses, and 40.5% (17 programs) did not have course content for occupational physical fitness. In addition, 52.3% of the lecturers teaching the course did not have a degree in physical education and sports. The findings reveal important problems considering the requirement of high physical fitness in firefighting profession. The research emphasizes that the deficiencies in the physical education course content should be updated to meet the requirements of the firefighting profession and should be made compulsory. In this context, it is recommended to adopt a special curriculum under the name of "Occupational Physical Fitness" course and it is emphasized that this course should include the objectives of achieving high physical capacity and fitness by focusing on the basic skills of the firefighting profession. The results of the study clearly indicate that civil Defense and firefighting programs should focus on physical fitness-based education to train qualified personnel. Consideration of these recommendations may contribute to the creation of a strong and appropriate educational infrastructure in the firefighting profession.

A quantitative and qualitative study of life cycle costing in defense projects and programs

A quantitative and qualitative study of life cycle costing in defense projects and programs

The best of both worlds: Assessing trainee progression in the era of competency based medical education.

The authors suggest reducing the use of WBA where it is not fit for purpose and developing locally sustainable and defensible programs of assessment as steps towards unlocking the value of CBME.

DART: Latest results from the Dimorphos impact and a look forward to future planetary defense initiatives

DART, the Double Asteroid Redirection Test, successfully impacted asteroid Dimorphos on September 26, 2022, becoming the first mission to demonstrate asteroid deflection. Shared live via a NASA broadcast, over a million concurrent viewers around the world watched as the DART spacecraft streamed images to Earth up to the final second before its impact with Dimorphos. In this paper, we share the final phases of the DART encounter and the latest results from the DART Investigation Team's analysis of ground and space-based data. This includes measurements on the amount of deflection that DART imparted on Dimorphos, a determination of the momentum transfer enhancement factor, and results on understanding the geology and surface characteristics of the impact site. The success of the DART mission paves the future for a bold international Planetary Defense program. We also share ideas on bolstering international coordination, developing new technologies that can mitigate different types of asteroid threats, and closing identified gaps in our overall preparedness.

From KMS Fusion to HB11 Energy and Xcimer Energy, a personal 50 year IFE perspective

Shortly after the laser was invented in 1960, scientists sought to use it for thermonuclear fusion. By 1963, Livermore had a classified laser inertial confinement fusion (ICF) program and leaders predicted scientific breakeven by 1973. In 1974, KMS Fusion, Inc. announced thermonuclear neutrons from a laser target and promised grid electricity within 10 years. Private capital was attracted, but the data fell far short of the optimistic simulations. Magnetic fusion energy has had civilian funding (DOE), while ICF has primarily received military funding (DOE Defense Programs and now NNSA). As bigger lasers have been built and better simulations performed, optimism about ICF breakeven has waxed and waned. The achievement of ignition and gain on NIF has validated ICF's scientific basis, and the DOE and venture capital funded private companies are again interested in inertial fusion energy (IFE). The new DOE Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program is creating public–private partnerships to accelerate progress toward fusion pilot plants. ARPA-E, DOE INFUSE, and DOE IFE STAR are also building a U.S. IFE program within DOE. The U.S. leads in ICF, but developing IFE is an international competition. Private companies are leading the way. HB11 Energy Pty Ltd. is pursuing the aneutronic proton–boron fuel cycle. Xcimer Energy is developing a disruptive IFE technology to achieve high laser energies at dramatically lower costs. This 50-year perspective discusses where the U.S. IFE program is headed and promising strategies for progress in establishing an effective U.S. IFE program from both public and private perspectives.

The Implementation of National Defense Policy: Understanding the Concept in the Millennial Era

Purpose: This research aims to comprehensively examine the implementation of national defense policy in the millennial era, explicitly focusing on the conceptual understanding within the framework of the National Defense program in the Republic of Indonesia. The study aims to shed light on the challenges and implications of the evolving threat landscape, globalization, and technological advancements, emphasizing the necessity for a strategic and well-utilized defense strategy. Theoretical Reference: This research is grounded in the theoretical framework of state defense, emphasizing its significance as a mindset and pattern of action aligned with the values of Pancasila. The study draws on the context of Indonesia's pluralistic and multicultural conditions, exploring how these factors contribute to the complexity of implementing state defense. The theoretical foundation is further supported by critical variables, including government leadership, the formation of reserve component blocks, and citizenship education, all crucial in shaping a robust national defense strategy. Method: This qualitative case study explores the implementation of state defense policies in the millennial era. Key aspects include assessing the government's role, National Defense program effectiveness, and community participation. Respondent selection involves stakeholders, ensuring diverse perspectives. Data collection comprises in-depth interviews and document analysis. Results and Conclusion: The results of this research highlight the intricate nature of implementing state defense in the millennial era, considering the challenges arising from globalization, technological advancements, and internal conflicts. The study underscores the importance of genuine role models among national leaders and stakeholders, especially in fostering a paternalistic culture for the younger generation. The conclusion emphasizes the constructive nature of defending the country as a strategy for maintaining national integrity and empowering the Republic of Indonesia in the face of evolving threats. Implications of research: The implications of this research extend to various sectors, including government policy-making, defense program development, and societal awareness. The study provides insights into the urgency of aligning government programs with the dynamic needs of the millennial era. Originality/value: This research uniquely explores the implementation of national defense policy in Indonesia's millennial era, integrating theory, qualitative analysis, and critical variables. It enriches the discourse on state defense by addressing challenges and opportunities in the evolving global and technological landscape. A valuable resource, it benefits scholars, policymakers, and practitioners.

The Polish Air Force in transition: lessons from the F-16 programme

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to analyse the process of equipping the Polish Air Force with the F-16 aircraft. The Polish F-16 programme serves as an essential source of knowledge for avoiding errors that may occur when introducing new weapon systems in Poland, or other post-communist countries that are still reliant on Soviet-designed military technologies. Due to various external and internal factors, not all elements of the F-16 programme are suitable for replication in the acquisition of new weapon systems; however, some solutions have been applied in Poland’s F-35 and WISŁA air defence programmes. The authors examined selected aspects of the F-16 programme, including its historical background, legal and organisational framework, personnel training, infrastructure, logistics, and the economic implications of the offset agreement.