Response Of System Research Articles

The Metformin Immunoregulatory Actions in Tumor Suppression and Normal Tissues Protection.

The immune system is the key player in a wide range of responses in normal tissues and tumors to anticancer therapy. Inflammatory and fibrotic responses in normal tissues are the main limitations of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and also some newer anticancer drugs such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Immune system responses within solid tumors including anti-tumor and tumor-promoting responses can suppress or help tumor growth. Thus, modulation of immune cells and their secretions such as cytokines, growth factors and epigenetic modulators, pro-apoptosis molecules, and some other molecules can be suggested to alleviate side effects in normal tissues and drug-resistance mechanisms in the tumor. Metformin as an anti-diabetes drug has shown intriguing properties such as anti-inflammation, anti-fibrosis, and anticancer effects. Some investigations have uncovered that metformin can ameliorate radiation/chemotherapy toxicity in normal cells and tissues through the modulation of several targets in cells and tissues. These effects of metformin may ameliorate severe inflammatory responses and fibrosis after exposure to ionizing radiation or following treatment with highly toxic chemotherapy drugs. Metformin can suppress the activity of immunosuppressive cells in the tumor through the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). In addition, metformin may stimulate antigen presentation and maturation of anticancer immune cells, which lead to the induction of anticancer immunity in the tumor. This review aims to explain the detailed mechanisms of normal tissue sparing and tumor suppression during cancer therapy using adjuvant metformin with an emphasis on immune system responses.

Advancements in cybersecurity and machine learning: A comprehensive review of recent research

The convergence of cybersecurity and machine learning (ML) has emerged as a pivotal area of research, promising significant advancements in the protection of digital assets. This paper presents a comprehensive review of recent research focused on the integration of machine learning techniques within cybersecurity frameworks. We analyze key developments, including anomaly detection, threat intelligence, and automated response systems. The review highlights both the benefits and challenges of employing ML in cybersecurity, such as enhanced threat detection capabilities and potential issues related to adversarial attacks. By synthesizing findings from various studies, this paper aims to provide a nuanced understanding of how machine learning is transforming cybersecurity practices and suggest future research directions to address existing gaps and enhance system robustness.

Data integrity cyber-attack mitigation using linear quadratic regulator based load frequency control in hybrid power system

Abstract Hybrid power systems are the contemporary solution to meet the stiff climate change targets and also hold future for implementing distributed generation and microgrids. These systems have renewable sources as their key elements which in turn have high level of intermittency due to weather conditions and other reasons. At the same time, these hybrid power systems are also vulnerable to cyber threats owing to the intense adoption of various IoT Technologies (Internet of Things). Load frequency control (LFC) is a formidable task for the system operators under such scenario and robust control strategies are required to achieve the load frequency within tolerable limits. In this work Linear quadratic controller (LQR) has been proposed to address the challenges of hybrid power systems. Two area interconnected power systems are considered in this work with each one having different configuration with respect to source of power generation. Solar, wind, geo-thermal, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and pumped storage power plant are integrated together with conventional thermal power plant for showcasing the LQR based controller under data integrity cyber-attack scenario. The frequency response of the hybrid power system is demonstrated through MATLAB simulations.

Organisational models for managing Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEICs) in the South-East Asia Region (SEAR) nations: protocol for a systematic review

IntroductionThe current literature suggests that the frequency and complexity of public health emergencies are rising and this trend will likely continue. From 2000 to 2023, seven events have been declared...

Cost-effectiveness of an interactive voice response system for improving retention in care and adherence to antiretroviral therapy among young adults in Uganda

BackgroundNew interventions aimed at increasing access to and adherence to antiretroviral therapy among young people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (YPLHIV) are needed. This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of the call-for-life interaction voice response tool compared to that of the standard of care (SOC) for promoting treatment adherence and retention in care among YPLHIV in Western Uganda.This cost-effectiveness study used data from a randomized controlled trial and a decision-analytic Markov model to estimate the long-term outcomes and costs of the Call for Life-Interactive Voice Response (CFL-IVR) tool and the usual care from the Ugandan public payer perspective. The model was parameterized using primary data and the literature and adopted a 1-year Markov cycle. The main outcomes were mean annual costs, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in form of cost per DALY averted. The CLF-IVR was deemed cost-effective if the ICER was between 1% and 51% of Uganda’s gross domestic product. We conducted deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses to assess the effect of adjusting parameter values on cost-effectiveness estimates. All costs were reported in 2021 US dollars, and a discount rate of 3% was applied to both costs and outcomes.ResultsThe base case analysis showed that, from the Ugandan public payer perspective, the CLF-IVR led to more mean annual costs ($359 vs. $280) and averted more mean annual DALYs (15.78 vs. 11.09) than the SOC, leading to an ICER of $17 per DALY averted. The base-case results did not change significantly in the deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. The cost-effectiveness estimates were more responsive to uncertainties surrounding ART duration, viral load suppression rates, and discount rates.ConclusionThe CLF-IVR may be a cost-effective intervention for promoting treatment adherence and retention in care among YPLHIV in Uganda and other low-income settings. Once implemented, similar interventions may lead to greater returns in encouraging adherence to ART and retention in care among YPLHIV and other vulnerable groups, and eventually favorable clinical outcomes.Trial registrationNCT04718974 Registry: clinical Trials.gov https://ichgcp.net/nl/clinical-trials-registry/NCT04718974 (20 Jan 2021).

Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Response in a Multi-Hazard Context: COVID-19 Pandemic as a Point of Reference

Infectious diseases manifesting in the form of epidemics or pandemics do not only cause devastating impacts on public health systems but also disrupt the functioning of the socio-economic structure. Further, risks associated with pandemics and epidemics become exacerbated with coincident compound hazards. This study aims to develop a framework that captures key elements and components of epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response systems, focusing on a multi-hazard context. A systematic literature review was used to collect data through peer-reviewed journal articles using three electronic databases, and 17 experts were involved in the validation. Epidemiological surveillance and early detection, risk and vulnerability assessments, preparedness, prediction and decision making, alerts and early warning, preventive strategies, control and mitigation, response, and elimination were identified as key elements associated with epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response systems in a multi-hazard context. All elements appear integrated within three interventional phases: upstream, interface, and downstream. A holistic approach focusing on all interventional phases is required for preparedness and response to pandemics and epidemics to counter their cascading and systemic effects. Further, a paradigm shift in the preparedness for multi-hazards during an epidemic or pandemic is essential due to the multiple challenges posed by concurrent hazards.

Insights into Transferal to Fractal Space Modeling: Delayed Forced Helmholtz-Duffing Oscillator with the Non-Perturbative Approach

Abstract The damped Helmholtz-Duffing oscillator is a topic of great interest in many different fields of study due to its complex dynamics. By transitioning from conventional continuous differential equations to their fractal counterparts, one gains insights into the system's response under new mathematical frameworks. This paper presents a novel method for converting standard continuous differential equations into their fractal equivalents. This conversion process occurs after the nonlinear system is transformed to its linear equivalent. Numerical analyses show that there are several resonance sites in the fractal system, which differ from the one resonance point found in the continuous system. One important finding is that the fractal system loses some of its stabilizing power when decaying behavior is transformed into a diffuse pattern. Interestingly, a decrease in the fractal order in resonance settings shows a stabilizing impact, highlighting the dynamics' complexity inside fractal systems.

Alleviation of bovine serum albumin on the neurotoxicity of silver nanoparticles in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are ubiquitous in the aquatic environment and have attracted extensive attention to their toxic effects on aquatic species. However, responses of the nervous system to AgNPs are little known, especially co-existing with the ubiquitous natural organic matter (NOM), which is critical for the ability to act in aquatic species. Here, this study investigated the neurotoxicology of environmentally relevant AgNPs with or without bovine serum albumin (BSA; a classical NOM) to zebrafish (Danio rerio) using visualized transgenic zebrafish. Exposure to AgNPs reduced the locomotor behavior of zebrafish by 28%–45%, including swimming distance and velocity, exhibiting obvious behavioral inhibition. The visualized transgenic zebrafish treated with AgNPs showed developmental retardation in the early development of the heart, central nervous, and motor nerve, as well as the related neurodevelopment genes, which may be responsible for the lowered locomotor behavior. In addition, AgNPs can specifically interfere with the cholinergic system and affect neuronal signaling, ultimately leading to behavioral abnormalities. However, the co-existing BSA alleviated the neurotoxicity of AgNPs in zebrafish, which may partially be attributed to the increased size and electronegativity of AgNPs caused by BSA, thus reducing the direct interaction of AgNPs with cells. The interaction between BSA and the released Ag+ from AgNPs may also be responsible for the alleviation of the neurodevelopment dysfunction in zebrafish. These findings provide valuable insights into the toxicity and risks of AgNPs in natural aquatic environments.

Robust fractional-order load frequency control for hybrid power system concerning high wind penetration

Hybrid power systems concerning wind farms have witnessed significant dynamic characteristic changes due to unpredicted generation output and integration mode conversion between frequency-sensitive wind plants and non-scheduled ones. This work presents a robust fractional-order load frequency control (LFC) method for a multi-area hybrid power system in the presence of wind penetration uncertainties. To characterize the injection effect of wind farms, the power system is described by a model with an uncertain wind penetration factor in a pre-estimated range. Then, an enhancement of Levy’s identification method is developed to convert this model into a fractional-order reduced structure to design the load frequency controller, which is in a form of fractional-order PID with a filter for ease of engineering implementation. The closed-loop stability is analyzed by the stability boundary locus (SBL) method under different wind penetration levels. It is shown that superior frequency response performance and system robustness can be obtained if the controller is designed in terms of the model with the worse-case wind penetration. Illustrative examples including a three-area hybrid power system under a variety of wind penetration variations are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Temperature overshoot responses to ambitious forestation in an Earth System Model

Despite the increasing relevance of temperature overshoot and the rather ambitious country pledges on Afforestation/Reforestation globally, the mitigation potential and the Earth system responses to large-scale non-idealized Afforestation/Reforestation patterns under a high overshoot scenario remain elusive. Here, we develop an ambitious Afforestation/Reforestation scenario by harnessing 1259 Integrated Assessment Model scenarios, restoration potential maps, and biodiversity constraints, reaching 595 Mha by 2060 and 935 Mha by 2100. We then force the Max Planck Institute’s Earth System Model with this scenario which yields a reduction of peak temperature by 0.08 oC, end-of-century temperature by 0.2 oC, and overshoot duration by 13 years. Afforestation/Reforestation in the range of country pledges globally could thus constitute a useful mitigation tool in overshoot scenarios in addition to fossil fuel emission reductions, but socio-ecological implications need to be scrutinized to avoid severe side effects.

Scratch-collapse test in reflex cervical-elbow syndrome

The scratch-collapse test was proposed in 2008 to detect the level of compression of the ulnar and median nerves in tunnel lesions. Further study of this phenomenon has shown that weakness of the shoulder external rotators occurs in nerve lesions at other levels as well. The scratch-collapse test was studied in 155 patients (mean age 45 years) with unilateral reflex cervical-elbow syndrome, with complaints of different localization. The scratch-collapse test was positive in all patients on the affected side. The localization of the trigger zone depended on the patient’s complaints and was established experimentally. Short-term kneading of the trapezius muscle or voluntary contraction of the forearm muscles on the side of the lesion was used to prove the reflex nature of the cervico-elbow syndrome, resulting in complete recovery of triceps or extensor strength of the first and third finger. In the course of the study, suppression of the scratch-collapse test in reflex cervico-elbow syndrome with proprioceptive stimulation was found. In confirmed carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndromes, the phenomenon of suppression of the scratch-collapse test was also observed in response to proprioceptive stimulation. The scratch-collapse test and reflex cervical-elbow syndrome have a common mechanism of occurrence, which is based on the protective reaction of the body in the form of a nociceptive shortening reflex. The scratch-collapse test at skin irritation over the site of nerve injury can be considered as a subthreshold physiologic nociceptive reflex. Based on the theory of prognostic action of the nociceptive system, cervicolumbar reflex syndrome is a pathologic nociceptive reflex. Scratchcollapse test suppression phenomenon and recovery of muscle strength in reflexive cervical-elbow syndrome after shortterm kneading of the trapezius muscle are the result of activation of the antinociceptive system in response to proprioceptive stimulation. This suppression phenomenon can be used for the treatment of reflex cervical lockjaw syndrome.

Parameterization of a biomechanical collision model for safe human‐robot collaboration

AbstractThe Fraunhofer IFF has developed a patented model (Fast Response Model = FRM) for safe Human‐Robot Collaboration (HRC), enabling the calculation of reaction forces in the event of a collision between a contact body of any shape and a selected human body part. This paper specifically focuses on adapting the model for five selected body locations on the hand‐arm system. A comparative analysis is conducted, contrasting the results obtained from the FRM with those derived from existing finite element reference models to assess the plausibility of the model's system response. Additionally, computational times of the model are compared with those of established models for simulation‐based risk evaluation of robot collisions. The model's quality is validated using a validation geometry. Results indicate that depending on the selected body part, end effector geometry, and given displacement, similar results to a finite element model can be obtained. However, simulations with the FRM are less time‐consuming. In the future, the data‐driven model could be transformed into a real‐time model using machine learning techniques.

Online transaction fraud detection in the banking sector using machine learning techniques

In this paper Nowadays, online transactions are increasing rapidly and payment scams are also increasing. A hacker is a person who gains access to another person's financial information. Improving feature selection is important to detect transaction risk in large, multidimensional data. Fraud detection and classification performance is divided into two parts: training data and test data. During this process we have focused on data analysis and pre-processing. In a transaction’s dataset, the predictive variables influence how well a machine learning algorithm for transaction risk identification classifies and identifies fraudulent transactions. This study examines the application of machine learning techniques in improving fraud detection in the banking industry. Using advanced algorithms and historical transaction data, the model aims to identify anomalous patterns that indicate fraudulent activity. Feature engineering, ensemble methods, and anomaly detection algorithms are used to improve the accuracy and performance of fraud detection systems. reducing false positives and provides an adaptive security mechanism. By harnessing the power of machine learning, this approach aims to strengthen the banking sectors defines against sophisticated fraud schemes. This study not only contributes to the academic understanding of fraud detection, but also provides industry practitioners with a practical framework for implementing proactive measures. In navigating the complex landscape of financial security, this research serves as a guide for building agile and responsive systems that stay ahead of the threats that evolve in the ever-changing landscape of the banking industry.

Evaluating classroom response systems in engineering education: Which metrics better reflect student performance?

AbstractClassroom response systems (CRS) represent an innovative educational technology that can be used to promote active learning and student engagement. This study explores the effectiveness of CRS in enhancing student learning and performance across various engineering courses related to heat engines. During five academic years, CRS have been used weekly in six subjects that belong to two bachelor’s degrees and one master’s degree to promote continuous learning. The performance of the students in the CRS benefits the student by up to + 10% in the final mark. In this period, data from more than 1,000 students has been collected, including key performance indicators (KPIs) derived from Kahoot!, such as the number and correctness of responses and time spent answering, and other evaluations such as theory and numerical problem exams results. The objective of the study is to find the KPI that best identifies the knowledge acquisition by the students. In order to do so, the correlation of the KPI with the final exams is analysed by means of the correlation of determination and the root mean square error. The findings reveal that KPIs based on the number of questions asked exhibit stronger correlations with exam results compared to those based on responses or correctness. The study also highlights the positive impact of CRS on student engagement, classroom dynamics, and exam preparation, supported by student feedback. In essence, this research provides insights into the relationship between CRS metrics and academic outcomes, offering valuable considerations for the integration of technology in engineering education.

Health system interventions and responses to anti-microbial resistance: A scoping review of evidence from 15 African countries.

The global rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is claiming the lives of more than 1.2 million people each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) this global health crisis is particularly acute in Africa, largely due to fragile and underfunded health systems. Efforts to combat this public health threat have led to the implementation of health system interventions worldwide aimed at managing and containing the spread of AMR. However, the literature on the real time impacts and the barriers that hinder the implementation of these interventions in the African context is limited. The objective of this scoping review was to identify AMR interventions in African health systems, their impact, and the challenges of the implementation. Drawing on Muka and colleague's 24 step approach for scoping reviews, two major public health databases (PubMed and Global Health) were searched for articles in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines resulting in 4,783 records. Screening and retrieval of articles was done using Rayyan software based on specified inclusion criteria and 36 articles included in the final list. These articles were synthesized after extracting specific data on AMR interventions and their impact on African health systems. The review identified four broad impacts of AMR interventions including 1. Reduction in antibiotics use, 2. Increased adherence to guidelines and protocols, 3. Enhanced laboratory-based AMR surveillance, 4. Development of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) Action Plans and Teams. However, challenges such as poor laboratory infrastructure, logistical challenges, poor financial commitment and inadequate education and training were identified as challenges impeding the successful implementation of AMR interventions in Africa. Our findings reveal a range of successful AMR interventions in African health systems although infrastructural and financial challenges remain. Better standardization and reporting of AMR diagnosis while leveraging the available information is needed to improve the optimization of treatment guidelines across Africa.

Short-term health system responses to epidemics across hard to reach areas in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review protocol.

Epidemics and Pandemics (disease outbreaks) are the occurrence of cases of disease in excess of what would be normally expected. Epidemic-prone diseases, including emerging and re-emerging diseases, constitute the greatest threat to public health security and disruption of social and economic development. When outbreaks are diagnosed in specific areas, an outbreak response is triggered to stop the spread rapidly. In the past 20 years, the sub-Saharan region has witnessed a marked increase in the number of outbreaks in pandemics, such as cholera, dengue, A/H5N 1 influenza among others. While efforts toward containment have been individually studied, we have no recent studies that examine them collectively in order to draw appropriate comparisons, no recent studies that have especially focused on hard-to-reach areas, and none that have applied a health systems lens. This study thus details a scoping review of short-term health system responses to epidemics across hard-to-reach areas in sub-Saharan Africa. The scoping review will be undertaken following PRISMA guidelines. A modified Donabedian framework will be used to understand the different approaches used while responding to epidemics. The review will focus on published and unpublished studies that report short-term health systems responses to epidemics in hard to reach areas. These will be gleaned from PubMed, google scholar and Cochrane, supplemented by a Google advanced search. In addition, manual searches will be carried out through related articles and websites. Data will be charted, coded, and narratively synthesized. our exclusion criteria will include; protocols, book chapters and countries not identified as hard to reach areas in SSA. We anticipate developing a document that will show the different approaches health systems in different countries used when responding to epidemics. The information generated will contribute to strengthening future epidemic responses by identifying best practices and innovative ideas as well as highlighting knowledge gaps.

Packing Incubation and Addition of Rot Fungi Extracts Improve BTEX Elimination from Air in Biotrickling Filters

The removal of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) from air was investigated in two similar biotrickling filters (BTFs) packed with polyurethane (PU) foam, differing in terms of inoculation procedure (BTF A was packed with pre-incubated PU discs, and BTF B was inoculated via the continuous recirculation of a liquid inoculum). The effects of white rot fungi enzyme extract addition and system responses to variable VOC loading, liquid trickling patterns, and pH were studied. Positive effects of both packing incubation and enzyme addition on biotrickling filtration performance were identified. BFF A exhibited a shorter start-up period (approximately 20 days) and lower pressure drop (75 ± 6 mm H2O) than BTF B (30 days; 86 ± 5 mm H2O), indicating the superior effects of packing incubation over inoculum circulation during the biotrickling filter start-up. The novel approach of using white rot fungi extracts resulted in fast system recovery and enhanced process performance after the BTF acidification episode. Average BTEX elimination capacities of 28.8 ± 0.4 g/(m3 h) and 23.1 ± 0.4 g/(m3 h) were reached for BTF A and BTF B, respectively. This study presents new strategies for controlling and improving the abatement of BTEX in biotrickling filters.

Gut microbiota-derived butyrate selectively interferes with growth of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli based on their resistance mechanism

ABSTRACT We investigated consequences of resistance acquisition in Escherichia coli clinical isolates during anaerobic (continuous culture) growth and examined their sensitivity to butyrate, a hallmark metabolite of healthy gut microbiota. Strains were stratified based on carrying either a carbapenemase (CARB) or displaying porin malfunctioning (POR). POR displayed markedly altered growth efficiencies, lower membrane stability and increased sensitivity to butyrate compared with CARB. Major differences in global gene expression between the two groups during anaerobic growth were revealed involving increased expression of alternative substrate influx routes, the stringent response and iron acquisition together with lower expression of various stress response systems in POR. Longitudinal analyses during butyrate wash-in showed common responses for all strains as well as specific features of POR that displayed strong initial “overshoot” reactions affecting various stress responses that balanced out over time. Results were partly reproduced in a mutant strain verifying porin deficiencies as the major underlying mechanism for results observed in clinical isolates. Furthermore, direct competition experiments confirmed butyrate as key for amplifying fitness disadvantages based on porin malfunctioning. Results provide new (molecular) insights into ecological consequences of resistance acquisition and can assist in developing measures to prevent colonization and infection based on the underlying resistance mechanism.

Microscopic analysis of relaxation behavior in nonlinear optical conductivity of graphene

Abstract We produce a general formalism to study the interband dynamical optical conductivity in the nonlinear regime of graphene in the presence of a quantum bath comprising phonons and electrons. When a quantum solid of graphene is subjected to an intense electric field in the optical frequency range, the observation of a nonlinear response is facilitated by formulating a quantum master equation of the density operator associated with the Hamiltonian encapsulated in a spin-boson model of dissipative quantum statistical mechanics. Our results reveal the nonlinear steady-state regime's population inversion and decoherence. The present method enables us to investigate further the nonlinear interband optical conductivity of pristine and gapped graphene characterized by a single dimensionless parameter at finite temperatures. The effects of different bath spectra for phonons and electrons are examined in detail. {\color{red} The temperature dependence of conductivity reveals that changing temperature can enable us to make the transition from the linear to the nonlinear regime for fixed optical field parameters.} Interestingly, a fascinating switching-like behavior is observed for the low-temperature optical conductivity of the gapped graphene while we vary the energy gap as well as the frequency of the externally applied field. Although our general formulation can address a variety of nonequilibrium responses of the two-band system, it also facilitates a connection with the phenomenological modeling of nonlinear optical conductivity.

Modulation of Photosensitizing Responses in Cell Culture Environments by Different Medium Components

Many cell culture experiments are performed under light to evaluate the photodynamic or photosensitizing efficacy of various agents. In this study, the modulation of photosensitizing responses and phototoxicity under cell culture conditions by different medium components was investigated. The significant levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from DMEM, RPMI 1640, and MEM were observed under the irradiation of fluorescent light (FL) and white and blue LEDs, indicating that these media have their own photosensitizing properties; DMEM showed the most potent property. Phenol red-free DMEM (Pf-D) exhibited a stronger photosensitizing property than normal DMEM by 1.31 and 1.25 times under FL and blue LEDs, respectively; phenol red and riboflavin-free DMEM (PRbf-D) did not show any photosensitizing properties. The inhibitory effect on light transmission was more pronounced in DMEM than in RPMI, and the interference effect on green LED light was greatest at 57.8 and 27.4%, respectively; the effect disappeared in Pf-D. The media containing riboflavin induced strong phototoxicity in HaCaT keratinocytes by generating H2O2 under light irradiation, which was quenched by sodium pyruvate in the media. The presence of serum in the media was also reduced the phototoxicity; H2O2 levels in the media decreased serum content dependently. The phototoxicity of erythrosine B and protoporphyrin IX under FL was more sensitively pronounced in PRbf-D than in DMEM. The present results indicate that several medium components, including riboflavin, phenol red, sodium pyruvate, and serum, could modulate photosensitizing responses in a cell culture system by inducing photosensitizing activation and by interfering with irradiation efficacy and ROS generation.