Value Of Function Research Articles

The persistence of low CD4/CD8 ratio in chronic HIV-infection, despite ART suppression and normal CD4 levels, is associated with pre-therapy values of inflammation and thymic function

BackgroundPersistence of a low CD4/CD8 ratio is associated with an increased morbimortality in people living with HIV (PLWH) under effective antiretroviral therapy. We aimed to explore the immunological significance of a persistently low CD4/CD8 ratio, even despite normal CD4 levels, and assess whether these features vary from those associated to a low nadir-CD4, another well-established predictor of disease progression. MethodsCD4-recovered PLWH were classified by CD4/CD8 ratio after three-years of ART (viral suppression, CD4≥500; R < 0.8, n = 24 and R > 1.2, n = 28). sj/β-TRECs ratio and inflammatory-related markers were quantified. PBMCs were immunophenotyped by CyTOF and functionally characterized by ELISPOT. Subjects were also reclassified depending on nadir-CD4 (N ≤ 350/N > 350). ResultsR < 0.8 showed a differential inflammatory profile compared to R > 1.2 (increased β2-microglobulin, D-dimers and IP-10 before ART). R < 0.8 presented lower baseline thymic function, being inversely correlated with post-ART inflammation. R < 0.8 at follow-up showed most alterations in CD8 subsets (increasing frequency and exhibiting a senescent phenotype [e.g., CD57+, CD95+]) and enhanced T-cell IFNγ/IL-2 secretion. However, comparing N ≤ 350 to N > 350, the main features were altered functional markers in CD4 T-cells, despite no differences in maturational subsets, together with a restricted T-cell cytokine secretion pattern. ConclusionPersistence of low CD4/CD8 ratio in successfully-treated PLWH, with normal CD4 counts, is associated with baseline inflammation and low thymic function, and it features post-therapy alterations specific to CD8 T-cells. Differently, subjects recovered from low nadir-CD4 in this setting feature post-therapy alterations on CD4 T-cells. Hence, different mechanisms of disease progression could underlie these biomarkers, potentially requiring different clinical approaches.

GENETIC ALGORITHM FOR SELECTING OPERATIONS FOR LOCALIZATION OF OBJECTS ON COMPLEX STRUCTURED IMAGES

A genetic algorithm has been developed that implements the automatic selection of operations for processing complex structured images at the stage of localization of point objects. The algorithm is distinguished by the representation of a set of operations in the form of a variable-length chromosome, combining the performance of both halftone and binary morphological transformations and filters, a developed fitness function that takes into account the recall and IoU measure together, and a set of genetic operators (crossover and special types of mutation) corresponding to the task. Dilation, erosion, opening, closing, and skeletonization were studied as morphological operations. Clipping by area, eccentricity, and dimensions of the major and minor axes of the equivalent ellipse were used as filters. The genetic algorithm was launched and experimentally tested on scanned topographic maps of the USSR from 1965−1982, as typical representatives of images with a complex structure, together with sets of morphological operations obtained manually to determine objects of the “elevation mark” type. The quality criteria were the proportion of localized pixels, the number of missed images, and the processing time. For training on multiple images, the fitness function was modified in two ways: soft (averaging calculation for all images) and hard (zeroing the value of fitness function with a decrease in recall on at least one training image). The hard calculation of the fitness function turned out to be more effective, the final set of operations consists of 10 operations with a decrease in the number of localized pixels by 2,6 times. The results show that the use of a genetic algorithm for the selection of localization operations makes it possible to reduce the total number of localized pixels with reducing the overall operating time, taking into account the recognition stage, which allows us to conclude that it is consistent for image processing.

A comprehensive prognostic and immune infiltration analysis of UBA1 in pan-cancer: A computational analysis and invitro experiments.

Ubiquitin like modifier activating enzyme 1 (UBA1) plays an important role in immune regulation and cellular function. However, the functional mechanism and role of UBA1 in pan-cancer have not been fully elucidated and its value in haematological tumours (diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBC/DLBCL) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML/LAML)) has not been explored. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the functional mechanism and role of UBA1 in pan-cancer using multiple databases, including differential expression analysis, clinical pathological staging analysis, prognosis analysis and immune analysis. Then, we confirmed the function of UBA1 in haematological tumours through cell experiments. The results showed that the expression of UBA1 was significantly increased in most cancers and the differential expression of UBA1 was mainly concentrated in digestive tumours, haematological tumours and brain tumours. Moreover, the high expression of UBA1 had poor prognosis in most tumours, which may be related to its involvement in various cancer-related pathways such as cell cycle, as well as its methylation level, protein phosphorylation level, immune cell infiltration and immune therapy response. Cell experiments have confirmed that UBA1 can significantly regulate the cycle progression and apoptosis of DLBCL cells and AML cells. Therefore, UBA1 may be a potential therapeutic target for haematological tumours. In summary, our study not only comprehensively analysed the functional mechanisms and clinical value of UBA1 in pan-cancer, but also validated for the first time the regulatory role of UBA1 in haematological tumours.

Stochastic optimal PV placement and command based power control for voltage and power factor correction using MOPSO algorithm

This paper addresses a multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm to locate the best position at which a single distributed generator (DG) with optimum voltage amplitude and phase can be installed. The objective is to maximize the power factor and voltage in IEEE 9-Bus system and voltage in IEEE 15-Bus system using MATLAB/SIMULINK software. Systematic simulations revealed that a single DG at Bus-5 with voltage amplitude/phase of 230 kV/-13∘ caused highest objective function value of 1.9919 with an improvement in power factor and voltage of 1.39% and 1.15% respectively. In IEEE 15-Bus system, DG at Bus-3 caused the highest objective function (0.8828) with DG voltage amplitude/phase of 10.735 kV/23.12∘ and 11.89% voltage improvement. Finally, a robust control program in dq0 domain is developed to achieve calculated powers from photovoltaic generator at DG bus whose effect is validated to be the same at all buses as given by the MOPSO algorithm.

An improved transient search optimization algorithm for building energy optimization and hybrid energy sizing applications

In this paper, a new algorithm named the improved transient search optimization algorithm (ITSOA) is utilized to solve classical test functions, optimize the consumption of building energy, and optimize hybrid energy system production. The conventional TSOA draws inspiration from the fleeting behavior of electrical circuits with energy storage components. Rosenbrock’s direct rotation technique is used to improve the traditional TSOA performance against exploration and exploitation unbalance. First, the ITSOA performance is investigated in solving 23 classical benchmark functions, and the outcomes have shown the superior capability of the recommended algorithm in comparison with the conventional TSOA, DMO, SHO, GA, MRFO, and PSO methods. Also, the ITSOA proficiency is verified in solving the building energy optimization (BEO) problem for minimizing the energy usage of two simple and detailed buildings. The optimization results showed that the optimized solutions of ITSOA in single and multi-objective optimizations compared to conventional TSOA, DMO, SHO, GA, MRFO, and PSO obtained a lower value of the cost function. Also, the superiority of ITSOA has been confirmed to solve the BEO compared to previous methods. Moreover, the multi-objective optimization results have shown that ITSOA is able to determine the ultimate solution among the Pareto front set based on the fuzzy decision-making approach and building energy utilization decisions.

Scale inhibition mechanism of itaconic acid-sodium methacrylate sulfonate on calcite: Quantum chemical calculation and molecular dynamics simulation

In order to explore the scale inhibition mechanism of green scale inhibitor-itaconic acid-sodium methacrylate sulfonate (IA-SMAS) on calcium carbonate (CaCO3), the scale inhibition characteristics of IA-SMAS were studied by quantum chemical calculation and molecular dynamics simulation. The charge distribution, electrostatic potential distribution, geometric matching degree and frontier molecular orbital energy of IA-SMAS were analyzed by quantum chemical calculation. It was found that IA-SMAS molecules have the ability to bind to Ca2+ at the micro level, occupy the growth active sites of crystal during the growth of calcite crystal planes, and inhibit the normal growth of crystal. Based on the molecular dynamics simulation method, the effects of IA-SMAS concentration on the adsorption configuration, radial distribution function and interaction energy in the binding process of IA-SMAS with calcite crystal planes were analyzed. The results show that the area of calcite crystal planes covered by IA-SMAS molecules, the peak value of radial distribution function and the binding energy increase with the increase of IA-SMAS concentration. However, the relative concentration of water molecules near the calcite crystal planes decreases, and the trend of water molecules moves away from the crystal planes of calcite. It indicates that the high concentration of IA-SMAS molecules can occupy the position of water molecules, and enhance the scale inhibition efficiency. Therefore, the scale inhibition performance of IA-SAMS increases with the increase of its concentration in a certain range, and an appropriate increase in IA-SMAS concentration can effectively inhibit the growth of scale.

Proportions of Hypertension in Stable COPD Patients at the National Respiratory Center Persahabatan Hospital

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Most of these deaths are related to cardiovascular disease. This is due to systemic inflammation that causes increased vascular stiffness and hypertension. These comorbidities lead to poor quality of life, low exercise tolerance, and an increased risk of hospitalization. This study aims to report the proportion of hypertension among stable COPD patients in the Indonesian population.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Respiratory Center Persahabatan Hospital between February and March 2023. Stable COPD patients admitted to the Asthma and COPD Polyclinic who met the criteria were enrolled. Clinical information, vital signs, spirometry results, and DLCO measurements were collected.Results: There were 84 subjects participating in this study. The result of this study shows a 60.7% proportion of hypertension in stable COPD patients. Hypertension has a significant correlation with pulmonary functional values (P=0.021), severity degree of clinical COPD (P=0.004), Brinkman index (P=0.008), and age (P=0.0001). However, hypertension association with COPD duration (P=0.505) and DLCO (P=0.122) were not significant.Conclusion: The hypertension proportion in stable COPD Indonesian patients is 60.7%. Hypertension shows a significant association with pulmonary function values, severity degree of clinical COPD, Brinkman index, and age.

Aplikasi Kasir Online Berbasis QR-Code pada Toko Emas Karunia Cepu

Karunia gold shop, as one of the gold trading retail players, has several branches in Cepu City and its surroundings. In order to improve operational sales efficiency, this shop will adopt the latest technology by implementing a sales information system. The purpose of this study is to develop an online cashier system based on QR Code at the Karunia gold shop for purchase/sale and payment transactions. Jewelry transaction data from 2018 was IDR 150,594,000, in 2019 it was IDR 109,309,000, and 2020 it was IDR 120,683,000. The structural model system development method uses web-based PHP programming and a MySql database. The results of the black box testing of the new system obtained a functional value of 72.3%. The final result is an Online Cashier System with QR Code which has the potential to increase transaction speed, facilitate gold stock management, and provide a different experience to customers in making effective, efficient and better transactions.

From intention to action: How environmental setback perception mediates green purchase behaviour

This research explores the interaction between perceptions of environmental degradation during the pandemic and their subsequent effect on eco-conscious purchasing activities. This study constructs a theoretical framework by combining insights from established behavioural and consumption value perspectives. We analyse responses from 390 participants and utilize structural equation modelling to validate our model. The main findings indicate that participants believed the environmental conditions deteriorated during the pandemic, a perception that mediated the link between intentions for green purchasing and actual purchasing actions. The study also examines the model results by the individual differences in age and gender. Furthermore, except for functional value price, most consumption values resulted statistically significant on attitudes towards green purchasing. These insights are pivotal, providing relevant implications for the fields of marketing, sustainability, and policymaking, elucidating novel determinants for consumer's eco-friendly purchasing intentions and behaviours in a post-pandemic scenario. Comprehending these novel determinants is crucial for establishing effective strategies to encourage sustainable consumption patterns and to mitigate potential setbacks in forthcoming crises.

Global Companies’ Dynamic Response to Business Environment Uncertainty through Digital Transformation: Sustainable Digital Quality–Customer Value–Market Performance Relationships

This study examines the relationship between digital transformation and both the corporate image and brand awareness of global companies through the mediating effects of functional value, symbolic value, experiential value, emotional value, and social value, all of which are components of customer value. This study mainly focuses on the structural relationship in which digital quality, which is subdivided into system quality, information quality, and service quality, affects non-financial corporate image as a company with good corporate governance, a company that is good at social contribution activities, and an eco-friendly company through the mediating function of customer value. As part of the empirical analysis, an online survey was conducted among 504 employees from different global companies in China, and the PLS structural equation model was employed as a specific analysis tool. Key findings indicate that changes in system quality, information quality, and service quality resulting from digital transformation have varying influences on the five components of customer value. These factors also deliver the effect of improving corporate image in the ESG dimension by penetrating customers’ emotional and social values. Essentially, all components of dynamic capability significantly impact all components of customer value. Furthermore, all components of customer value influence corporate performance, while uncertainty affects a company’s market performance.

Reliability evaluation of reinforced concrete arch bridges during construction based on LGSSA‐SVR hybrid algorithm

AbstractDuring the cantilever casting process of reinforced concrete arch bridges with cantilever cast‐in‐situ method, it is difficult to select representative training samples for reliability analysis due to its complex structural system. Many random variables and large computational sample size, this paper proposes to solve the reliability indexes based on the combination of the improved sparrow search algorithm (LGSSA) and the support vector regression (SVR) method. Firstly, random variables are selected according to the actual situation of the bridge structure. Then representative training samples are designed to be substituted into the finite element model through the homogeneous method. The resultant data samples are used to fit the functional function by the support vector regression. Then combined with the penalized function method to transform the nonlinear optimization into the problem of solving the extreme value of the function. Based on the improved SSA to solve the extreme value of the final function. Finally the reliability index of the structure is obtained. With the background of reinforced concrete arch bridge of 200 m, the method is used to analyze the reliability of its buckling cable stress, arch stress, buckling tower deviation and structural system reliability during the cantilever casting process. The results show that the overall structural reliability of the arch ring during cantilever casting is 3.502–3.608. The indexes of buckling cable stress reliability are 3.806–6.784. The indexes of arch ring stress reliability are 4.379–7.562, and the indexes of buckling tower deflection reliability are 3.608–8.123.

Determinants of Consumption Value on Intention to Use Shariah Mobile Banking: Exploring the Role of Consumer Preference

This study analyzes the use of mobile banking by both Islamic and conventional bank customers using the theory of consumption value. The aim of this research is to evaluate the factors influencing customers' decisions to use dual mobile banking services. The proposed hypothesis is that the intention to use Islamic mobile banking services is influenced by functional, conditional, social, emotional, and epistemic values mediated by consumer preferences. The method used is structural equation modeling with partial least squares (SEM-PLS) with a sample of 191 people, all of whom use both conventional and Islamic mobile banking. The results show that the theory of consumption value does not directly affect the interest in using mobile banking, either conventional or Islamic, except for the emotional value variable. Consumer preferences mediate the effect of functional, conditional, emotional, and epistemic values on the intention to use conventional mobile banking. Meanwhile, conditional, emotional, and epistemic values influence the interest in using Islamic mobile banking, which is mediated by consumer preferences. These findings indicate that the consumer's intention to use mobile banking is influenced by the theory of consumption value regardless of whether the service is Islamic or not. The implication of this research is that Islamic mobile banking services need to improve their service quality by considering consumer preferences and the theory of consumption value, thereby enhancing the usage of services by both conventional and Islamic bank customers.

In vitro effect of Lenzites betulinus mushroom against therapy-induced DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with acute coronary syndrome

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAcute coronary syndrome (ACS) represents a group of diseases that are the result of reduced blood flow to the heart. There are natural products, based on mushrooms, used traditionally in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Aim of the studyAssessment of the potential protective effect of L. betulinus mushroom against therapy-induced DNA damage in lymphocytes of patients with ACS in relation to the phytochemical properties of the mushroom. Materials and methodsThe study included 30 ACS patients and 30 healthy controls. The genotoxic potential of acetone and ethanol extract of L. betulinus was evaluated using the comet assay. The contents of minerals were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Determination of sugars and organic acids was performed using a DIONEX ICS 3000 DP liquid chromatography system. Analysis of fatty acids was performed at Focus GC coupled with PolarisQ mass spectrometer. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the mushroom extracts were measured using spectrophotometric methods. The qualitative and quantitative content of polyphenolic compounds was investigated by the UHPLC-DADMS/MS method. ResultsThe comet assay showed that both mushroom extracts did not increase the level of DNA damage in the lymphocytes of healthy individuals, while they significantly decreased the %DNA damage and genetic damage index (p < 0.0005) in the therapy-induced lymphocytes of patients. The mushroom was very rich in phytochemical composition. The results showed that the most abundant components in the mushroom were phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulfur, and calcium among minerals and glucose, fructose, galactose, sorbitol, and turanose among carbohydrates. Among organic acids were present in higher concentrations malic, citric, and maleic acids, while among fatty acids, the most abundant were trans-linoleic, cis-oleic, palmitic, docosahexaenoic and eicosadienoic acids. The results showed that the highest amount of total phenols and flavonoids in the mushroom extracts were obtained in the acetone extract. The most abundant polyphenolic compounds were chlorogenic acid and quercetin in both extracts of mushroom. ConclusionsThis study indicates that L. betulinus can be considered a mushroom with a high nutritional and functional value. Extracts of the mushroom were not genotoxic in tested concentrations in cultured human lymphocytes of healthy individuals, while in ACS patients they manifested a protective effect against therapy-induced DNA damage. The acetone extract showed a stronger protective effect against therapy-induced DNA damage, which is consistent with its phytochemical composition.

Parameter estimation for Gibbs distributions

A central problem in computational statistics is to convert a procedure for sampling combinatorial objects into a procedure for counting those objects, and vice versa. We consider sampling problems coming from Gibbs distributions , which are families of probability distributions over a discrete space \(\Omega\) with probability mass function of the form \(\mu^{\Omega}_{\beta}(\omega)\propto e^{\beta H(\omega)}\) for \(\beta\) in an interval \([\beta_{\min},\beta_{\max}]\) and \(H(\omega)\in\{0\}\cup[1,n]\) . Two important parameters are the partition function , which is the normalization factor \(Z(\beta)=\sum_{\omega\in\Omega}e^{\beta H(\omega)}\) , and the vector of preimage counts \(c_{x}=|H^{-1}(x)|\) . We develop black-box sampling algorithms to estimate the counts using roughly \(\tilde{O}(\frac{n^{2}}{\varepsilon^{2}})\) samples for integer-valued distributions and \(\tilde{O}(\frac{q}{\varepsilon^{2}})\) samples for general distributions, where \(q=\log\frac{Z(\beta_{\max})}{Z(\beta_{\min})}\) (ignoring some second-order terms and parameters). We show this is optimal up to logarithmic factors. We illustrate with improved algorithms for counting connected subgraphs, independent sets, and perfect matchings. As a key subroutine, we estimate all values of the partition function using \(\tilde{O}(\frac{n^{2}}{\varepsilon^{2}})\) samples for integer-valued distributions and \(\tilde{O}(\frac{q}{\varepsilon^{2}})\) samples for general distributions. This improves over a prior algorithm of Huber (2015) which computes a single point estimate \(Z(\beta_{\max})\) and which uses a slightly larger amount of samples. We show matching lower bounds, demonstrating this complexity is optimal as a function of \(n\) and \(q\) up to logarithmic terms.

Functional status in patients undergoing lung resection.

This prospective study aimed to evaluate the functional status and risk factors in patients undergoing lung resection. Functional status defined by the parameters of spirometry (VC, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC) and whole-body plethysmography (TLC) examination was assessed before lung resection, at hospital discharge, 3 weeks after surgery, and 3 months after surgery. The sample comprised 24 participants who were observed from 5/2021 to 10/2022. The functional status worsened significantly after the surgery, but the lung function values improved over time. Lung functions dropped sharply after the surgery but improved over time.

Ab initio Investigation of quasi-one-dimensional ternary chalcogenides Sr2ZnX3 (X = S, Se, Te) for efficient photovoltaic and thermoelectric applications

The quest for sustainable and renewable energy sources has become a vital global mission. Transition metal chalcogenide materials have garnered significant attention due to their unique low-dimensional physical properties. In this work, we explore the impact of ionic radius in modulating the physical properties of ternary chalcogenides by calculating structural, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of Sr2ZnX3 (X = S, Se, Te) materials using first-principles density functional theory (DFT) as implemented in the WIEN2k program. To evaluate the effect of ionic radius, two novel semiconductors Sr2ZnSe3 and Sr2ZnTe3, were constructed using similar isostructural material Sr2ZnS3. Further optimized structure reveals that the corner-sharing ZnX4 tetrahedra extended along the b-axis confirms the quasi-one-dimensional (Q1D) nature of Sr2ZnX3 materials. Band structure analysis revealed a wide direct bandgap nature with the values of Sr2ZnS3 (3.4 eV), Sr2ZnSe3 (2.8 eV) and Sr2ZnTe3 (1.75 eV), respectively. The lower effective mass of electrons and holes suggests higher carrier mobility and charge recombination rates, vital for photovoltaic applications. The optical properties of the materials are studied in the energy range of 0–10 eV (IR–Vis–UV region). We found that Sr2ZnTe3 material exhibits higher values of dielectric function, absorption coefficient (α≈106 cm−1), refractive index, and lower reflectivity, which indicates its suitability for photovoltaic application. Thermoelectric properties are crucial for assessing material utility in thermoelectric applications, and the study revealed substantial values of the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, figure of merit (ZT) greater than 2, power factor, and lower electronic thermal conductivity. The studied properties signify Sr2ZnX3 materials as potential candidates for light-emitting semiconductors and thermoelectric applications.

Euler wavelets method for optimal control problems of fractional integro-differential equations

This research introduces an efficient direct method for finding the numerical solution to optimal control problems involving linear and nonlinear fractional integro-differential equations using orthonormal Euler wavelets. Using orthonormal Euler wavelets, fractional integral, and product operational matrices have been obtained. By using these fractional operational matrices and collocation points, optimal control problems of fractional Volterra integro-differential equations have been reduced to a system of linear or non-linear equations. We establish the convergence analysis and error bound of the proposed method. Orthonormal Euler wavelets have been utilized to solve numerical examples and determine the approximate value of the cost function by approximating state and control functions. This has been done in order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed numerical technique.

Population-based reference values for kidney function and kidney function decline in 25- to 95-year-old Germans without and with diabetes

Understanding normal aging of kidney function is pivotal to help distinguish individuals at particular risk for chronic kidney disease. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is typically estimated via serum creatinine (eGFRcrea) or cystatin C (eGFRcys). Since population-based age-group-specific reference values for eGFR and eGFR-decline are scarce, we aimed to provide such reference values from population-based data of a wide age range. In four German population-based cohorts (KORA-3, KORA-4, AugUR, DIACORE), participants underwent medical exams, interview, and blood draw up to five times within up to 25 years. We analyzed eGFRcrea and eGFRcys cross-sectionally and longitudinally (12,000 individuals, age 25-95 years). Cross-sectionally, we found age-group-specific eGFRcrea to decrease approximately linearly across the full age range, for eGFRcys up to the age of 60 years. Within age-groups, there was little difference by sex or diabetes status. Longitudinally, linear mixed models estimated an annual eGFRcrea decline of -0.80 [95% confidence interval -0.82, -0.77], -0.79 [-0.83, -0.76], and -1.20 mL/min/1.73m2 [-1.33, -1.08] for the general population, “healthy” individuals, or individuals with diabetes, respectively. Reference values for eGFR using cross-sectional data were shown as percentile curves for “healthy” individuals and for individuals with diabetes. Reference values for eGFR-decline using longitudinal data were presented as 95% prediction intervals for “healthy” individuals and for individuals with diabetes, obesity, and/or albuminuria. Thus, our results can help clinicians to judge eGFR values in individuals seen in clinical practice according to their age and to understand the expected range of annual eGFR-decline based on their risk profile.

Особенности оценки вредоносной активности в инфраструктуре Умного города на основе гранулирования информации и гранулярных моделей вычислений

The object of the research is a new methodological approach to information granulation and fuzzy granular calculations, as a mathematical and methodological tool for improving the reliability of assessing the level of information security of the Smart City infrastructure. The proposed approach is one of the options for the practical application of elements of the theory of fuzzy sets in the tasks of search, identification and current assessment of signs of time-bearing activity. A detailed analysis of the features of this approach has been carried out, determining the expediency and conditions of its application for assessing malicious activity in the infrastructure of a Smart City. The theoretical aspects of the application of information granulation and fuzzy granular computing to the assessment of malicious activity combining various signs for various categories of potential threats to the infrastructure and subjects of a Smart City - the categories “cyberattack”, “malicious virus threat” or “data leakage (loss)” are studied and described. The analysis of the features of the proposed approach is carried out, which allows taking into account the opinions of experts and eliminating the vagueness associated with noise, disorder and lack of formalization of surveillance data collected and pre-processed in the interests of assessing threats and consequences of negative manifestations of malicious activity. A sequence of calculations and analytical expressions for calculating the estimated values of signs of harmful activity for various categories of potential threats to the infrastructure and subjects of a Smart City has been developed and described in detail. The approach assumes the practical possibility of evaluating signs of malicious activity using information granules formed on the basis of a minimum numerical distance between the values of membership functions characterizing vaguely specified data on the presence or absence of observed signs (attributes) of malicious activity, as well as granular summation and determination of the trace function of the granular sum. At the same time, the proposed approach makes it possible to obtain estimates of signs of malicious activity that are adequate to the tasks of monitoring the Smart City security policy and, ultimately, provides increased reliability of proactive threat control and analysis of the possible consequences of a negative manifestation of suspicious activity.

Metabolomic analysis reveals the positive effects of Rhizopus oryzae fermentation on the nutritional and functional constituents of adlay millet seeds

Adlay millet seeds are well known for excellent health benefits. However, using fungal fermentation to improve their nutritional and functional constituents and the underlying mechanisms has not been thoroughly investigated. Herein, we used Rhizopus oryzae as starter and applied metabolomics combining with quantitative verification to understand the changes of the nutritional and functional profiles of adlay millet seeds. Results showed that a total of 718 metabolites from 18 compound classes were identified. The fermentation with R. oryzae varied 203 differential metabolites, of which 184 became more abundant and 19 got less abundant, and many components such as amino acids, nucleotides, vitamins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenols significantly increased after the fermentation process. Interestingly, we found that R. oryzae synthesized high levels of two important beneficial compounds, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and β-Nicotinamide mononucleotide (β-NMN), with their contents increased from 0.56 to 370.26 μg/g and 0.55 to 8.32 μg/g, respectively. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis of enriched metabolites revealed the amino acid metabolic pathways were important for conversion of the primary and secondary metabolites. Specifically, aspartate can up-regulate the biosynthesis of SAMe and β-NMN. These findings improved our understanding into the effects of R. oryzae fermentation on enhancing the nutritional and functional values of cereal foods.