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Analysis of detection systems in a Software-Defined Network
Get PDFYesSoftware-Defined Networking (SDN), a novel and innovative networking technology, offers programmability and flexibility within networks and centralized control of those networks. The separation of data and control planes, as well as
the concentration of all control provisioning options within a SDN controller, are
two of the most significant ways in which SDN improves on traditional network
deployments. However, because different planes in an SDN network are separated,
the network contains several attack vectors that malicious users could exploit. Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks pose a unique threat to SDN because
they can disrupt connections between the controller and data plane devices. Therefore, developing and implementing intrusion detection systems (IDS) in SDN is
necessary. This paper investigates IDS in software-defined networks for effectively
detecting DDoS attacks using signature-based and machine learning (ML)-based
approaches. Mininet and OpenDayLight are used to simulate an SDN environment
in which normal and attack traffic is generated to assess intrusion detection techniques. The Snort IDS is employed as the signature-based IDS in this study, while
the ML algorithms, Random Forest (RF), J48, Naive Bayes (NB), and Support
Vector Machine (SVM) are used to implement the ML-based IDS. The IDS are
examined using SDN-generated traffic, with the InSDN-NB model surpassing all
other ML models and Snort IDS with 98.86% prediction accuracy and a train time
of 1.46s
Comparison of in-gel and in-solution proteolysis in the proteome profiling of organ perfusion solutions
No full textYesPurpose
The organ perfusion solution (perfusate), collected at clinically and temporally significant stages of the organ preservation and transplantation process, provides a valuable insight into the biological status of an organ over time and prior to reperfusion (transplantation) in the recipient. The objective of this study was to assess two bottom-up proteomics workflows for the extraction of tryptic peptides from the perfusate.
Experimental design
Two different kinds of perfusate samples from kidney and liver trials were profiled using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The preparation of clean peptide mixtures for downstream analysis was performed considering different aspects of sample preparation; protein estimation, enrichment, in-gel and urea-based in-solution digestion.
Results
In-solution digestion of perfusate allowed identification of the highest number of peptides and proteins with greater sequence coverage and higher confidence data in kidney and liver perfusate. Key pathways identified by gene ontology analysis included complement, coagulation and antioxidant pathways, and a number of biomarkers previously linked to ischemia-reperfusion injury were also observed in perfusate.
Conclusions
This study showed that in-solution digestion is a more efficient method for LC-MS/MS analysis of kidney and liver organ perfusion solutions. This method is also quicker and easier than in-gel digestion, allowing for greater sample throughput, with fewer opportunities for experimental error or peptide loss.National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (BRC
Polymorphisms in Cyclooxygenase, Lipoxygenase and TP53 genes predict colorectal polyp risk reduction by aspirin in the seAFOod polyp prevention trial
Get PDFYesAspirin and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) reduce colorectal adenomatous polyp risk and affect synthesis of oxylipins including prostaglandin E2. We investigated whether 35 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in oxylipin metabolism genes such as cyclooxygenase [PTGS] and lipoxygenase [ALOX], as well as 7 SNPs already associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk reduction by aspirin (eg. TP53; rs104522), modified the effects of aspirin and EPA on colorectal polyp recurrence in the randomised 2x2 factorial seAFOod trial. Treatment effects were reported as the incidence rate ratio (IRR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) by stratifying negative binomial and Poisson regression analyses of colorectal polyp risk on SNP genotype. Statistical significance was reported with adjustment for the false discovery rate as the P and q value. Five hundred and forty-two (of 707) trial participants had both genotype and colonoscopy outcome data. Reduction in colorectal polyp risk in aspirin users compared with non-aspirin users was restricted to rs4837960 (PTGS1) common homozygotes (IRR 0.69 [95%CI 0.53,0.90]; q=0.06), rs2745557 (PTGS2) compound heterozygote-rare homozygotes (IRR 0.60 [0.41,0.88]; q=0.06), rs7090328 (ALOX5) rare homozygotes (IRR 0.27 [0.11,0.64]; q=0.05), rs2073438 (ALOX12) common homozygotes (IRR 0.57 [0.41,0.80]; q=0.05), and rs104522 (TP53) rare homozygotes (IRR 0.37 [0.17,0.79]; q=0.06). No modification of colorectal polyp risk in EPA users was observed. In conclusion, genetic variants relevant to the proposed mechanism of action on oxylipins are associated with differential colorectal polyp risk reduction by aspirin in individuals who develop multiple colorectal polyps. SNP genotypes should be considered during development of personalised, predictive models of CRC chemoprevention by aspirin.Funder(s): Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation Programme (EME) Award Id(s): NIHR128210. Funder(s): NIHR Senior Investigator grant. Funder(s): Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Award Id(s): C23434/A24939. Funder(s): European Union-BBSRC (UK) Award Id(s): BB/P028233/1
A knowledge-driven model to assess inherent safety in process infrastructure
Get PDFYesProcess safety has drawn increasing attention in recent years and has been investigated from different perspectives, such as quantitative risk analysis, consequence modeling, and regulations. However, rare attempts have been made to focus on inherent safety design assessment, despite being the most cost-effective safety tactic and its vital role in sustainable development and safe operation of process infrastructure. Accordingly, the present research proposed a knowledge-driven model to assess inherent safety in process infrastructure under uncertainty. We first developed a holistic taxonomy of contributing factors into inherent safety design considering chemical, reaction, process, equipment, human factors, and organizational concerns associated with process plants. Then, we used subject matter experts, content validity ratio (CVR), and content validity index (CVI) to validate the taxonomy and data collection tools. We then employed a fuzzy inference system and the Extent Analysis (EA) method for knowledge acquisition under uncertainty. We tested the proposed model on a steam methane-reforming plant that produces hydrogen as renewable energy. The findings revealed the most contributing factors and indicators to improve the inherent safety design in the studied plant and effectively support the decision-making process to assign proper safety countermeasures
Dying 2 Talk: Generating a more compassion community for young people
Get PDFYesPeople in the Global North often have a problem talking about — and processing — the inevitability of death. This can be because death and care of the dying has been professionalised, with encounters of death within our families and communities no longer being ‘normal and routine’ (Kellehear 2005). Young people are particularly excluded from these conversations, with implications for future mental health and wellbeing (Ainsley-Green 2017). Working in Wolverhampton and Bradford, the Dying 2 Talk (D2T) project aimed to build young people’s future resilience around this challenging topic. We recruited over 20 young people as project ambassadors to co-produce resources that would encourage talk about death, dying and bereavement. The resources were used as the basis of ‘Festivals of the Dead’ which were taken to schools to engage wider audiences of young people (aged 11 +). The project aimed to use alternative ‘ways in’ to open discussion, beginning with archaeology, and ultimately using gaming, dance, creative writing and other creative outputs to facilitate discussion, encourage compassionate relationships and build resilience. The resources succeeded in engaging young people from ages 11–19 years, facilitating a comfortable and supportive environment for these vital conversations. Project evaluations and observations revealed that the Festivals, and the activities co-created by the young ambassadors helped to facilitate spontaneous conversations about death, dying and bereavement amongst young people by providing a comfortable and supportive environment. The project was funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AH/V008609/1), building on a pilot project funded by the Higher Education Innovation Fund at the University of Bradford.The project was funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AH/V008609/1), building on a pilot project funded by the Higher Education Innovation Fund at the University of Bradford
The rule of law, good governance, mob justice, and sustainable development in Africa: A capability approach with case of Ghana
No full textNoThis paper seeks to demonstrate how capability approach can be used as a framework for an active rule of law and good governance to reduce or eliminate mob justice practices to create a peaceful society for sustainable development in Africa. Thus, by adopting the capability approach, and the use of the rule of law and good governance to create peace for achieving sustainable development goals (SDG 16). This will also help provide access to justice including to the poor and most vulnerable. The chapter focuses on Africa, by using Ghana as a case study
High-fat diet effects on contractile performance of isolated mouse soleus and extensor digitorum longus when supplemented with high dose vitamin D
Get PDFYesEvidence suggests vitamin D3 (VD) supplementation can reduce accumulation of adipose tissue and inflammation and promote myogenesis in obese individuals, and thus could mitigate obesity-induced reductions in skeletal muscle (SkM) contractility. However, this is yet to be directly investigated. This study, using the work-loop technique, examined effects of VD (cholecalciferol) supplementation on isolated SkM contractility. Female mice (n = 37) consumed standard low-fat diet (SLD) or high-fat diet (HFD), with or without VD (20,000 IU/kg-1 ) for 12 weeks. Soleus and EDL (n = 8-10 per muscle per group) were isolated and absolute and normalized (to muscle size and body mass) isometric force and power output (PO) were measured, and fatigue resistance determined. Absolute and normalized isometric force and PO of soleus were unaffected by diet (P > 0.087). However, PO normalized to body mass was reduced in HFD groups (P 0.588). HFD reduced EDL isometric stress (P = 0.048) and absolute and normalized PO (P 0.493). Cumulative work during fatiguing contractions was lower in HFD groups (P 0.060). This study uniquely demonstrated that high-dose VD had limited effects on SkM contractility and did not offset demonstrated adverse effects of HFD. However, small and moderate effect sizes suggest improvement in EDL muscle performance and animal morphology in HFD VD groups. Given effect sizes observed, coupled with proposed inverted U-shaped dose-effect curve, future investigations are needed to determine dose/duration specific responses to VD, which may culminate in improved function of HFD SkM. NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Can vitamin D supplementation alleviate detrimental effects of high-fat diet (HFD) consumption on contractile performance of isolated skeletal muscles? What is the main finding and its importance? The present study is the first to examine the synergistic effects of HFD consumption and vitamin D supplementation on the contractile performance of isolated skeletal muscle. These findings suggest high dose vitamin D has limited effects on force, power or fatigue resistance of isolated mouse soleus and extensor digitorum longus
An Investigation into the Relationship Between Economic Growth, Energy Consumption, and the Environment: Evidence from Nigeria
Get PDFThis thesis employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (ARDL), Toda-Yamamoto causality analysis, and ordinary least square (OLS for robust estimation) techniques to empirically investigate the impact of economic growth and energy consumption on the environment in Nigeria from 1980 to 2020. The results of cointegration demonstrate a long-term link between the model's input variables. The outcome of the first objective of the study shows that trade and economic development in Nigeria worsen the state of the environment. Environmental quality is accelerated by financial development; nevertheless, FDI is proven to be insignificant in predicting environmental quality. The result demonstrates that FDI and energy use both have the potential to significantly speed up the rate of environmental degradation. Nevertheless, trade has a negligible impact on the environment in the country, and financial development slows down environmental deterioration. The study also finds that the combination between energy and economic development improves Nigeria's environmental quality. The outcome of the fourth objective shows that economic expansion and energy consumption have a favorable impact on the environment. Additionally, environmental degradation, energy use, and economic growth are all causally related. Moreover, the outcome of the robust estimation reveals a positive and significant relationship between economic growth and energy consumption in the environment.
Therefore, the study suggests economic policies with environmental control measures. This could be through an emphasis on the use of other alternatives of low-emission energy, that will mitigate the level of C02 and enhance energy utilization for a better environment in the nation
Adoption and Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in UAE Public Safety and Security Organisations
No full textArtificial Intelligence (AI) usage is gaining momentum in the public sector due to its benefits. For instance, the need to reach more people faster, safely and securely has encouraged usage by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) public sector. However, it has been challenging integrating AI with existing system, thereby discouraging further AI adoption. This study aims to identify and assess factors that facilitate AI adoption, and AI integration in directorates responsible for UAE public safety and security. This study adopts the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) as a guide for determining factors that influence AI adoption in UAE public sector. Using quantitative approach, an online survey is completed by 411 officers from three directorates, and the data is analysed using Structural equation modelling (SEM). The findings reveal that performance expectancy and effort expectancy positively lead to AI behavioural intentions, and that AI behavioural intention positively influence AI adoption in the three sampled directorates. Further findings indicate that experience is crucial to integration of AI behavioural intention and AI adoption. Technology training is identified as a moderator of the relationship between facilitating conditions and AI usage. These findings offer new knowledge for security and safety scholars, technology adoption studies and for leaders in public safety and security by clarifying the factors that facilitate both AI adoption and integration. These results recommend the use of AI by applying the research framework to ensure successful AI adoption, and AI integration in the UAE public sector
Binding Analysis and Structure-Based Design of Tricyclic Coumarin-Derived MTHFD2 Inhibitors as Anticancer Agents: Insights from Computational Modeling
No full textUnfolded protein response (UPR)-dependent metabolic reprogramming diverts metabolites from glycolysis to mitochondrial 1C metabolism, highlighting pharmacological resistance to folate drugs and overexpression of certain enzymes. Methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (MTHFD2) is a mitochondrial enzyme that plays a key role in 1C metabolism in purine and thymidine synthesis and is exclusively overexpressed in cancer cells but absent in most healthy adult human tissues. To the best of our knowledge, tricyclic coumarin-based compounds (substrate site binders) and xanthine derivatives (allosteric site binders) are the only selective inhibitors of MTHFD2 reported until the present date. The current study aims at the investigation of the available structural data of MTHFD2 in complex with potent and selective inhibitors that occupy the substrate binding site, further providing insights into binding mode, key protein-ligand interactions, and conformational dynamics, that correspond to the experimental binding affinities and biological activities. In addition, we carried out structure-based drug design on the substrate binding site of MTHFD2, by exploiting the cocrystal structure of MTHFD2 with the tricyclic coumarin-based inhibitor. The structure-based drug design campaign involves R-group enumeration, bioisostere replacement, molecular docking, ADME prediction, MM-GBSA binding free energy calculations, and molecular dynamics simulations, that led to a small library of new and potential compounds, capable of selectively inhibiting MTHFD2. The results reported herein are expected to benefit medicinal chemists working on the development of selective MTHFD2 inhibitors for cancer treatment, although experimental validation by biochemical and/or pharmacokinetic assays is required to substantiate the outcomes of the study