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CRUSOE: A Toolset for Cyber Situational Awareness and Decision Support in Incident Handling
Full text linkThe growing size and complexity of today’s computer network make it hard to achieve and maintain so-called cyber situational awareness, i.e., the ability to perceive and comprehend the cyber environment and be able to project the situation in the near future. Namely, the personnel of cybersecurity incident response teams or security operation centers should be aware of the security situation in the network to effectively prevent or mitigate cyber attacks and avoid mistakes in the process. In this paper, we present a toolset for achieving cyber situational awareness in a large and heterogeneous environment. Our goal is to support cybersecurity teams in iterating through the OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act). We designed tools to help the operator make informed decisions in incident handling and response for each phase of the cycle. The Observe phase builds on common tools for active and passive network monitoring and vulnerability assessment. In the Orient phase, the data on the network are structured and presented in a comprehensible and visually appealing manner. The Decide phase opens opportunities for decision-support systems, in our case, a recommender system that suggests the most resilient configuration of the critical infrastructure. Finally, the Act phase is supported by a service that orchestrates network security tools and allows for prompt mitigation actions. Finally, we present lessons learned from the deployment of the toolset in the campus network and the results of a user evaluation study
Introducing a Gold Standard Corpus from Young Multilinguals for the Evaluation of Automatic UD-PoS Taggers for Italian
Full text linkPart-of-speech (PoS) tagging constitutes a common task in Natural Language Processing (NLP), given its widespread applicability. However, with the advance of new information technologies and language variation, the contents and methods for PoS-tagging have changed. The majority of Italian existing data for this task originate from standard texts, where language use is far from multifaceted informal real-life situations. Automatic PoS-tagging models trained with such data do not perform reliably on non-standard language, like social media content or language learners’ texts. Our aim is to provide additional training and evaluation data from language learners tagged in Universal Dependencies (UD), as well as testing current automatic PoStagging systems and evaluating their performance on such data. We use a multilingual corpus of young language learners, LEONIDE, to create a tagged gold standard for evaluating UD PoStagging performance on the Italian nonstandard language. With the 3.7 version of Stanza, a Python NLP package, we apply available automatic PoS-taggers, namely ISDT, ParTUT, POSTWITA, TWITTIRÒ and VIT, trained with both standard and non-standard data, on our dataset. Our results show that the above taggers, trained on non-standard data or multilingual Treebanks, can achieve up to 95% of accuracy on multilingual learner data, if combined.Part-of-speech (PoS) tagging constitutes a common task in Natural Language Processing (NLP), given its widespread applicability. However, with the advance of new information technologies and language variation, the contents and methods for PoS-tagging have changed. The majority of Italian existing data for this task originate from standard texts, where language use is far from multifaceted informal real-life situations. Automatic PoS-tagging models trained with such data do not perform reliably on non-standard language, like social media content or language learners’ texts. Our aim is to provide additional training and evaluation data from language learners tagged in Universal Dependencies (UD), as well as testing current automatic PoStagging systems and evaluating their performance on such data. We use a multilingual corpus of young language learners, LEONIDE, to create a tagged gold standard for evaluating UD PoStagging performance on the Italian nonstandard language. With the 3.7 version of Stanza, a Python NLP package, we apply available automatic PoS-taggers, namely ISDT, ParTUT, POSTWITA, TWITTIRÒ and VIT, trained with both standard and non-standard data, on our dataset. Our results show that the above taggers, trained on non-standard data or multilingual Treebanks, can achieve up to 95% of accuracy on multilingual learner data, if combined
Current use pesticides in soil and air from two agricultural sites in South Africa: Implications for environmental fate and human exposure
Full text linkConcerns about the possible negative impacts of current use pesticides (CUPs) for both the environment and human health have increased worldwide. However, the knowledge on the occurrence of CUPs in soil and air and the related human exposure in Africa is limited. This study investigated the presence of 30 CUPs in soil and air at two distinct agricultural sites in South Africa and estimated the human exposure and related risks to rural residents via soil ingestion and inhalation (using hazard quotients, hazard index and relative potency factors). We collected 12 soil and 14 air samples over seven days during the main pesticide application season in 2018. All samples were extracted, purified and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. In soils, nine CUPs were found, with chlorpyrifos, carbaryl and tebuconazole having the highest concentrations (up to 63.6, 1.10 and 0.212 ng g-1, respectively). In air, 16 CUPs were found, with carbaryl, tebuconazole and terbuthylazine having the highest levels (up to 25.0, 22.2 and 1.94 pg m-3, respectively). Spatial differences were observed between the two sites for seven CUPs in air and two in soils. A large dominance towards the particulate phase was found for almost all CUPs, which could be related to mass transport kinetics limitations (non-equilibrium) following pesticide application. The estimated daily intake via soil ingestion and inhalation of individual pesticides ranged from 0.126 fg kg-1 day-1 (isoproturon) to 14.7 ng kg-1 day-1 (chlorpyrifos). Except for chlorpyrifos, soil ingestion generally represented a minor exposure pathway compared to inhalation (i.e. <5%). The pesticide environmental exposure largely differed between the residents of the two distinct agricultural sites in terms of levels and composition. The estimated human health risks due to soil inges-tion and inhalation of pesticides were negligible although future studies should explore other relevant pathways
Vilém Flusser : éloge du dialogue
Full text linkCet article propose une réflexion sur la dimension politique qui traverse la pensée dialogique de Vilém Flusser et sur sa relation avec le milieu intellectuel et artistique brésilien. Il met l’accent sur les prémices de son engagement à partir de l’expérience tragique de la Shoah, engagement qui a évolué vers l’identification et la dénonciation de différents modes de manipulation dans la société contemporaine. La forme de l’écriture est devenue l’un de ses instruments les plus significatifs pour formuler des alternatives aux discours de l’oppression. Ainsi, la pensée dialogique engendre-t-elle un défi permanent pour ses interlocuteurs, comme je le montre à travers ses échanges intellectuels avec João Guimarães Rosa et Haroldo de Campos.The article proposes a reflection on the political aspects present in Vilém Flusser's dialogical thought and on his relationship with the Brazilian intellectual and artistic environment. We point out the principles of his engagement from the tragic experience with the Holocaust transformed into the identification and denunciation of different modes of manipulation in contemporary society. The form of writing became for him one of the most significant instruments for articulating alternatives to oppressive discourses. Dialogical thinking, in turn, created a permanent challenge for his interlocutors as we document in the case of the intellectual contact with Guimarães Rosa and Haroldo de Campos
Transcriptional control of Arabidopsis seed development
Full text linkSeed development is a complex process that proceeds through sequences of events regulated by the interplay of various genes, prominent among them being the transcription factors (TFs). The members of WOX, HD-ZIP III, ARF, and CUC families have a preferential role in embryonic patterning. While WOX TFs are required for initiating body axis, HD-ZIP III TFs and CUCs establish bilateral symmetry and SAM. And ARF5 performs a major role during embryonic root, ground tissue, and vasculature development. TFs such as LEC1, ABI3, FUS3, and LEC2 (LAFL) are considered the master regulators of seed maturation. Furthermore, several new TFs involved in seed storage reserves and dormancy have been identified in the last few years. Their association with those master regulators has been established in the model plant Arabidopsis. Also, using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay coupled with transcriptomics, genome-wide target genes of these master regulators have recently been proposed. Many seed-specific genes, including those encoding oleosins and albumins, have appeared as the direct target of LAFL. Also, several other TFs act downstream of LAFL TFs and perform their function during maturation. In this review, the function of different TFs in different phases of early embryogenesis and maturation is discussed in detail, including information about their genetic and molecular interactors and target genes. Such knowledge can further be leveraged to understand and manipulate the regulatory mechanisms involved in seed development. In addition, the genomics approaches and their utilization to identify TFs aiming to study embryo development are discussed.Seed development is a complex process that proceeds through sequences of events regulated by the interplay of various genes, prominent among them being the transcription factors (TFs). The members of WOX, HD-ZIP III, ARF, and CUC families have a preferential role in embryonic patterning. While WOX TFs are required for initiating body axis, HD-ZIP III TFs and CUCs establish bilateral symmetry and SAM. And ARF5 performs a major role during embryonic root, ground tissue, and vasculature development. TFs such as LEC1, ABI3, FUS3, and LEC2 (LAFL) are considered the master regulators of seed maturation. Furthermore, several new TFs involved in seed storage reserves and dormancy have been identified in the last few years. Their association with those master regulators has been established in the model plant Arabidopsis. Also, using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay coupled with transcriptomics, genome-wide target genes of these master regulators have recently been proposed. Many seed-specific genes, including those encoding oleosins and albumins, have appeared as the direct target of LAFL. Also, several other TFs act downstream of LAFL TFs and perform their function during maturation. In this review, the function of different TFs in different phases of early embryogenesis and maturation is discussed in detail, including information about their genetic and molecular interactors and target genes. Such knowledge can further be leveraged to understand and manipulate the regulatory mechanisms involved in seed development. In addition, the genomics approaches and their utilization to identify TFs aiming to study embryo development are discussed
Mechanisms of change in multicomponent group-based treatment for patients suffering from medically unexplained physical symptoms
Full text linkObjective: Understanding psychological mechanisms of change is essential to advance treatments for patients suffering from medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS). This study aimed to test the role of selected change mechanisms (incl. interoceptive awareness, emotional regulation skills, symptom acceptance, relational needs satisfaction, clarification of meaning, working alliance, and group cohesion) in the modification of patients’ somatic symptom intensity and well-being. Method: N = 290 patients suffering from MUPS participated in a multi-component group-based treatment at seven clinical sites. Data were collected weekly. Multi-level modeling was used to test cross-lagged relationships between the hypothesized mechanisms and outcomes in terms of Granger causality (with lags of 1, 2, and 3 weeks). Results: None of the mechanisms predicted a time-lagged change in outcomes in the expected direction. In fact, there was a consistent pattern of negative time-lagged relationships (i.e., an increase in a mechanism predicted worsening of the outcome). Findings consistent with the hypothesized role of the mechanisms were found only in concurrent relationships between mechanisms and outcomes. Conclusion: This study did not support time-lagged relationships under the condition of weekly measurement and many methodological factors remain to be considered (e.g., a finer time resolution)
Long-Term High-Temperature Stress Impacts on Embryo and Seed Development in Brassica napus
Full text linkBrassica napus (rapeseed) is the second most important oilseed crop worldwide. Global rise in average ambient temperature and extreme weather severely impact rapeseed seed yield. However, fewer research explained the phenotype changes caused by moderate-to-high temperatures in rapeseed. To investigate these events, we determined the long-term response of three spring cultivars to different temperature regimes (21/18°C, 28/18°C, and 34/18°C) mimicking natural temperature variations. The analysis focused on the plant appearance, seed yield, quality and viability, and embryo development. Our microscopic observations suggest that embryonic development is accelerated and defective in high temperatures. Reduced viable seed yield at warm ambient temperature is due to a reduced fertilization rate, increased abortion rate, defective embryonic development, and pre-harvest sprouting. Reduced auxin levels in young seeds and low ABA and auxin levels in mature seeds may cause embryo pattern defects and reduced seed dormancy, respectively. Glucosinolates and oil composition measurements suggest reduced seed quality. These identified cues help understand seed thermomorphogenesis and pave the way to developing thermoresilient rapeseed
Včasná diagnostika a evidence-based intervence jako klíčové faktory pro pozitivní vývoj u dětí s poruchou autistického spektra
Full text linkV posledních dvou dekádách se pozornost odborné veřejnosti výrazněji obrátila směrem k poruchám autistického spektra (PAS). V mnoha zemích včetně České republiky byl zaveden včasný záchyt PAS. Také v důsledku povinného screeningu se počet diagnostikovaných dětí s PAS neustále zvyšuje. Ze současných výzkumů vyplývá, že některou z forem autismu trpí 1 až 2 % populace. Pro zlepšení prognózy dítěte s autismem je rozhodující včasné zachycení prvních příznaků, následná diagnostika a neprodlené zahájení efektivní intervence zaměřené na zmírnění jádrových symptomů PAS a rozvoj klíčových dovedností dítěte. Článek představuje průběh včasného záchytu PAS v ordinacích praktických lékařů pro děti a dorost, který byl v České republice zaveden v roce 2016, a navazující diagnostický proces prováděný dětským a dorostovým psychiatrem. Reaguje na odborníky a rodiči pociťovaný nedostatek efektivní včasné intervence a seznamuje s behaviorálními přístupy při rozvoji dovedností dítěte s PAS v raném věku. Věnuje se zejména včasné intenzivní behaviorální intervenci, která je založena na principech aplikované behaviorální analýzy a patří mezi doporučené postupy psychiatrické péče vydané Psychiatrickou společností ČLS JEP i dalšími odbornými organizacemi. V současné době se jedná o jednu z mála behaviorálních a psychoterapeutických intervencí u autismu, která se zaměřuje na rozvoj klíčových komunikačních a sociálních dovedností dětí s neurovývojovým postižením a její efektivita je podložena dostatečným množstvím kvalitní vědecké evidence.In the last two decades, the professional community focused its attention on autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Many countries including the Czech Republic started to administer early screeing of ASD. The prevalence of ASD is steadily increasing. Current research suggests that between 1 % and 2 % of the population suffer from some form of autism. Screening of early symptoms, subsequent diagnostics and prompt initiation of effective intervention aimed at the core symptoms of ASD and developing the child's key skills are critical for improving the prognosis of a child with autism. This article presents the process of ASD screening at general practitioners' offices, which was initiated in the Czech Republic in 2016, and the follow-up diagnostic process performed by a child and adolescent psychiatrist. It responds to the lack of effective early intervention perceived by professionals and parents and introduces approaches for developing critical skills of a child with ASD at an early age. It focuses on Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention, which is based on the principles of applied behavior analysis and is one of the recommended practices of the Czech Psychiatric Society and other renown professional organizations. Currently, it is one of the few behavioral and psychotherapeutic interventions for autism that focuses on the development of key communication and social skills in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and its effectiveness is supported by a sufficient amount of high-quality scientific evidence
Pragmatismus bez metafyziky?
No full textTento článek má dvě části, které spolu úzce souvisejí. Obě se týkají vztahu metafyziky a pragmatismu v morálním kontextu. První část reaguje na text Marka Káčera „Načo sa trápiť s otázkou existencie ľudských práv?“, který obhajuje pragmatismus v protikladu k ontologickému přístupu. Káčer, inspirován Rudolfem Carnapem, tvrdí, že ontologickou otázku, zda opravdu existuje X, bychom měli nahradit praktickou otázkou, zda je užitečné přijmout jazykový systém, který umožňuje mluvit o X. Ve své reakci se pokusím ukázat, že opozice mezi ontologickým a pragmatickým přístupem není tak ostrá, jak ji autor prezentuje. Už samotné myšlení o tom, co by mohlo a mělo být, vytváří ontologické závazky. Tuto skutečnost se pokusím ilustrovat na touze po férovosti ve vztahu k morálnímu pojmu potenciální osoby. Ontologické závazky jsou nedílnou součástí praktické orientace člověka ve světě a v tomto smyslu je ontologický přístup slučitelný s pragmatismem. Druhá část reaguje na jiný text stejného autora, který se také věnuje úloze metafyziky při zdůvodňování lidských práv. Káčer zde používá Humovu tezi, aby ukázal omezený význam metafyziky pro zdůvodnění lidských práv. Snažím se ukázat, že Humova teze, ve své netriviální verzi, je spíše metafyzickou tezí než logickým zákonem. Nicméně, navrhuji způsob, jak se s tímto problémem vyrovnat v pojmech Káčerova pragmatismu.Tento článek má dvě části, které spolu úzce souvisejí. Obě se týkají vztahu metafyziky a pragmatismu v morálním kontextu. První část reaguje na text Marka Káčera „Načo sa trápiť s otázkou existencie ľudských práv?“, který obhajuje pragmatismus v protikladu k ontologickému přístupu. Káčer, inspirován Rudolfem Carnapem, tvrdí, že ontologickou otázku, zda opravdu existuje X, bychom měli nahradit praktickou otázkou, zda je užitečné přijmout jazykový systém, který umožňuje mluvit o X. Ve své reakci se pokusím ukázat, že opozice mezi ontologickým a pragmatickým přístupem není tak ostrá, jak ji autor prezentuje. Už samotné myšlení o tom, co by mohlo a mělo být, vytváří ontologické závazky. Tuto skutečnost se pokusím ilustrovat na touze po férovosti ve vztahu k morálnímu pojmu potenciální osoby. Ontologické závazky jsou nedílnou součástí praktické orientace člověka ve světě a v tomto smyslu je ontologický přístup slučitelný s pragmatismem. Druhá část reaguje na jiný text stejného autora, který se také věnuje úloze metafyziky při zdůvodňování lidských práv. Káčer zde používá Humovu tezi, aby ukázal omezený význam metafyziky pro zdůvodnění lidských práv. Snažím se ukázat, že Humova teze, ve své netriviální verzi, je spíše metafyzickou tezí než logickým zákonem. Nicméně, navrhuji způsob, jak se s tímto problémem vyrovnat v pojmech Káčerova pragmatismu.This article has two parts that are closely related. Both concern the relationship between metaphysics and pragmatism in a moral context. The first responds to Marek Káčer’s text „Why bother with the question of the existence of human rights?“ which advocates pragmatism in opposition to the ontological approach. Káčer, inspired by Rudolf Carnap, argues that the ontological question of whether X exists should be replaced by the practical question of whether it is useful to accept a language framework that allows to talk about X. In my reaction I will try to show that the opposition between the ontological and pragmatic approach is not as sharp as the author presents it. The very idea of what could and should be creates ontological commitments. I will try to illustrate this fact on the desire for fairness in relation to the moral concept of potential person. Ontological commitments are an integral part of human’s practical orientation in the world, and in this sense the ontological approach is compatible with pragmatism. The second part responds to another text by the same author, which also deals with the role of metaphysics in the justification of human rights. Káčer here uses Hume’s dictum to show the limited relevance of metaphysics to the justification of human rights. I am trying to show that Hume’s dictum, in its non-trivial version, is a metaphysical thesis rather than a logical law. However, I propose a way to deal with this problem in terms of Káčer’s pragmatism
AOP-helpFinder webserver: a tool for comprehensive analysis of the literature to support adverse outcome pathways development
Full text linkMotivation: Adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) are a conceptual framework developed to support the use of alternative toxicology approaches in the risk assessment. AOPs are structured linear organizations of existing knowledge illustrating causal pathways from the initial molecular perturbation triggered by various stressors, through key events (KEs) at different levels of biology, to the ultimate health or ecotoxicological adverse outcome. Results: Artificial intelligence can be used to systematically explore available toxicological data that can be parsed in the scientific literature. Recently, a tool called AOP-helpFinder was developed to identify associations between stressors and KEs supporting thus documentation of AOPs. To facilitate the utilization of this advanced bioinformatics tool by the scientific and the regulatory community, a webserver was created. The proposed AOP-helpFinder webserver uses better performing version of the tool which reduces the need for manual curation of the obtained results. As an example, the server was successfully applied to explore relationships of a set of endocrine disruptors with metabolic-related events. The AOP-helpFinder webserver assists in a rapid evaluation of existing knowledge stored in the PubMed database, a global resource of scientific information, to build AOPs and Adverse Outcome Networks supporting the chemical risk assessment