A Comparison of Cybersecurity Risk Analysis Tools

This paper presents the ongoing work of a decision aiding software intended to support cyber risk and cyber threats analysis of an information and communications technology infrastructure. The work focuses on the evaluation of the different tools in relation to risk assessment and decision making to incorporate some of the characteristics, metrics and strategies that will help cybersecurity risk analysis, decision-making, prevention measures and risk strategies for infrastructure and the protection of an organization's information assets

Low-dimensional dynamics for working memory and time encoding

Our decisions often depend on multiple sensory experiences separated by time delays. The brain can remember these experiences and, simultaneously, estimate the timing between events. To understand the mechanisms underlying working memory and time encoding, we analyze neural activity recorded during delays in four experiments on nonhuman primates. To disambiguate potential mechanisms, we propose two analyses, namely, decoding the passage of time from neural data and computing the cumulative dimensionality of the neural trajectory over time. Time can be decoded with high precision in tasks where timing information is relevant and with lower precision when irrelevant for performing the task. Neural trajectories are always observed to be low-dimensional. In addition, our results further constrain the mechanisms underlying time encoding as we find that the linear “ramping” component of each neuron’s firing rate strongly contributes to the slow timescale variations that make decoding time possible. These constraints rule out working memory models that rely on constant, sustained activity and neural networks with high-dimensional trajectories, like reservoir networks. Instead, recurrent networks trained with backpropagation capture the time-encoding properties and the dimensionality observed in the data

Researchers' Seedbeds for the Development of Research Skills in Universities

The objective of this study is to demonstrate the effects of the application of the pedagogical strategy "researcher's seedbed" in the development of research skills in universities. This research is of quasi-experimental, longitudinal and prospective design, where 2 groups were formed: control and experimental, of 18 students each. A validated instrument was used to measure the research competences, as well as a rubric for the evaluation of the research projects. It began with a pre-test, and after 14 weeks of the development of the strategy, through different educational sessions, the post-test was administered. Likewise, the research projects carried out were evaluated. The results obtained showed that the pedagogical strategy had a positive effect on the development of research skills, with the highest evaluation being found in 40% of the students, with statistically significant differences between the control and experimental groups (Mann Whitney U, p=0.007), and between the pre-test and post-test (Wilcoxon, p=0.00). In the development of cognitive and procedural competence, an effect was also found in the strategy, but not in the attitudinal competence (Mann Whitney U, p=0.496). The application of this study is based on the fact that the formation of research groups in universities strengthens formative research in higher level students. This study shows the benefits of the implementation of strategies for the development of research competencies, since the product will be to train professionals with a scientific culture in favor of society

EFECTO DE LA SUSTANCIA P SOBRE LA PRESIÓN ARTERIAL PULMONAR EN POLLOS EXPUESTOS A LA ALTURA

La hipoxia de la altura produce hipertensión arterial pulmonar como consecuencia de una vasoconstricción arteriolar pulmonar, cuyo mecanismo es aún desconocido. Bajo estas condiciones, en el endotelio vascular se sintetizan sustancias vasoactivas en las que podría incluirse la Sustancia P (SP). A fin de determinar el efecto de la SP sobre la Presión Arterial Pulmonar media (PAPm) se utilizaron 30 pollos de carne, machos, nacidos y criados a nivel del mar. A los 35 días de edad fueron expuestos a 3,320 m de altitud por 3 días, al término de los cuales se determinó la PAPm por cateterismo directo de la arteria pulmonar, tanto antes (Pre–SP) como despues de la administración de Sustancia P (PostSP), en dosis de 0.30 mcg (0.3ml)/ kg de peso vivo. El valor promedio de la PAPm para PreSP fue de 37.92 ± 4.10 mmHg, mientras que en los tiempos de 01, 05, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 y 90 segundos para Post-SP fueron 36.08 ± 3.70, 31.11 ± 7.51, 28.00 ± 10.22, 26.43 ± 11.02, 24.43 ± 11.02, 23.17 ± 11.54, 24.08 ± 10.98, 27.27 ± 10.97 y 30.67 ± 9.40 mm Hg, respectivamente. La SP disminuyó significativamente la PAPm desde el primer segundo (p< 0.001), y alcanzó su mínimo valor a los 45 segundos. La rápida disminución de la PAPm permite sugerir la posible influencia de la SP a nivel endotelial vascular por su acción vasodilatadora, disminuyendo el efecto presor que, a su vez, podría estar relacionado con la hiperpolarización de la membrana o con el aumento de la actividad del óxido nítrico.Hypoxia at high altitude produces pulmonary arterial hypertension as a result of pulmonary arteriolar vasoconstriction, but the mechanism of action is still unknown. Under these conditions, vasoactive substances like Substance P (SP), are synthesized in the vascular endothelium. To study the effect of SP on the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAPm), 30 male chickens for meat production, born and reared at sea level were used. The birds were exposed at 35 days of age to 3,320 m of altitude for 3 days, and then the PAPm was determined by catheterising the pulmonary artery, both before (Pre–SP) and after (Post–SP) injection of SP in doses of 0.30 mcg (0.3ml)/kg of body weight. The mean value of PAPm for Pre–SP was 37.92 ± 4.10 mm Hg, while for Post–SP at the times of 01, 05, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 seconds were 36.08 ± 3.70, 31.11 ± 7.51, 28.00 ± 10.22, 26.43 ± 11.02, 24.43 ± 11.02, 23.17 ± 11.54, 24.08 ± 10.98, 27.27 ± 10.97, and 30.67 ± 9.40 mm Hg, respectively. SP significatively diminished the PAPm (p < 0.001) from the 1st second and reached his lowest value at 45 seconds. The quick decrease of PAPm suggests a possible influence of SP at vascular endothelial level through its vasodilator effect, decreasing the press effect that could be related to the hyperpolarization of the membrane as well as to an increase of nitric oxide activity

Lactational performance and plasma and muscle amino acid concentrations in dairy cows fed diets supplying 2 levels of digestible histidine and metabolizable protein

Publisher Copyright: © 2021 American Dairy Science AssociationThe objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary levels of digestible histidine (dHis) and MP on lactational performance and plasma and muscle concentrations of free AA in dairy cows. A randomized block design experiment was conducted with 48 Holstein cows, including 20 primiparous, averaging (±SD) 103 ± 22 d in milk and 45 ± 9 kg/d milk yield at the beginning of the experiment. A 2-wk covariate period preceded 12 experimental wk, of which 10 wk were for data and sample collection. Experimental treatments were (1) MP-adequate (MPA) diet with 2.1% dHis of MP (MPA2.1), (2) MPA with 3.0% dHis (MPA3.0), (3) MP-deficient (MPD) diet with 2.1% dHis (MPD2.1), and (4) MPD with 3.0% dHis (MPD3.0). Actual dHis supply was estimated at 64, 97, 57, and 88 g/d, respectively. Diets supplied MP at 110% (MPA) and 96% (MPD) of NRC 2001 dairy model requirements calculated based on DMI and production data during the experiment. Dry matter intake and milk yield data were collected daily, milk samples for composition and blood samples for AA analysis were collected every other week, and muscle biopsies at the end of covariate period, and during wk 12 of the experiment. The overall DMI was not affected by dHis or MP level. Milk yield tended to be increased by 3.0% dHis compared with 2.1% dHis. Milk true protein concentration and yield were not affected by treatments, whereas milk urea nitrogen concentration was lower for MPD versus the MPA diet. Milk fat concentration was lower for MPD versus MPA. There was a MP × dHis interaction for milk fat yield and energy-corrected milk; milk fat was lower for MPD3.0 versus MPD2.1, but similar for cows fed the MPA diet regardless of dHis level whereas energy-corrected milk was greater for MPA3.0 versus MPA2.1 but tended to be lower for MPD3.0 versus MPD2.1. Plasma His concentration was greater for cows fed dHis3.0, and concentration of sum of essential AA was greater, whereas carnosine, 1-Methyl-His and 3-Methyl-His concentrations were lower for cows fed MPA versus MPD diet. Muscle concentration of His was greater for cows fed dHis3.0 treatment. The apparent efficiency of His utilization was increased at lower MP and His levels. Overall, cows fed a corn silage-based diet supplying MP at 110% of NRC (2001) requirements tended to have increased ECM yield and similar milk protein yield to cows fed a diet supplying MP at 96% of requirements. Supplying dHis at 3.0% of MP (or 86 and 96 g/d, for MPD3.0 and MPA3.0, respectively) tended to increase milk yield and increased plasma and muscle concentrations of His but had minor or no effects on other production variables in dairy cows.Peer reviewe

SATURACIÓN DE LA OXIHEMOGLOBINA Y RELACIÓN VENTRÍCULO DERECHO/VENTRÍCULO TOTAL (VD/VT) EN DOS LÍNEAS COMERCIALES DE POLLOS DE CARNE CRIADOS A NIVEL DEL MAR

The study aimed to determine the relationship between body weight, oxyhemoglobin saturation and right ventricle/total ventricle ratio (VD/VT) in two commercial broiler lines raised at sea level. It was used 75 chicken males of Ross line (R) and 50 of Cobb Vantress line (CV). The birds were weighed on days 1, 10, 20, 30, and 40 of age. The oxyhemoglobin saturation was measured, and then, after slaughtering, the ventricle right/total ventricle ratio (VD/VT) in 25 R and 15 CV chicks on days 20, 30 and 40 was calculated. Additionally, the conversion feed index was calculated. The VD/VT ratio for CV was 0.195 ± 0.12, 0.199 ± 0.013 and 0.188 ± 0.032, and in R was 0.205 ± 0.016, 0.179 ± 0.022 and 0.245 ± 0.042 on days 20, 30 and 40 respectively, with statistical difference between lines (p<0.05). The oxyhemoglobin saturation varied between 92.06 and 95.75% without statistical difference between lines. CV chicks were heavier than R (p<0.05) until day 30. It is concluded that in the greatest period of growth, the Cobb Vantress line showed higher body weights and major VD/VT ratio, while oxygen saturation was similar to that of chicken in the Ross line, being these values within the expected values for broilers.El estudio tuvo por objetivo determinar la relación entre el peso, saturación de la oxihemoglobina y la relación ventrículo derecho / ventrículo total (VD/VT) entre dos líneas comerciales de carnes de pollo a nivel del mar. Se utilizaron 75 pollos machos de la línea Ross (R) y 45 de la línea Cobb Vantress (CV). Las aves se pesaron en el día 1, 10, 20 30 y 40 de edad. Se determinó la saturación de la oxihemoglobina, y luego del sacrificio, se calculó la relación ventrículo derecho/ventrículo total (VD/VT) en 25 pollos R y 15 CV los días 20, 30 y 40. Adicionalmente, se calculó el índice de conversión alimenticia. La relación VD/VT para CV fue de 0.195 ± 0.12, 0.199 ± 0.013 y 0.188 ± 0.032 y en R de 0.205 ± 0.016, 0.179 ± 0.022 y 0.245 ± 0.042 a los 20, 30 y 40 días, respectivamente, con diferencias estadísticas entre líneas (p<0.05). La saturación de oxihemoglobina varió entre 92.06 y 95.75% sin diferencias estadísticas entre líneas. Los pollos CV fueron más pesados que R (p<0.05) hasta el día 30. Se concluye que en la etapa de mayor crecimiento, la línea Cobb Vantress tuvo mayor peso y una mayor relación VD/VT, mientras que la saturación de oxihemoglobina fue similar a la línea Ross, encontrándose estos valores dentro de los parámetros esperados para pollos de engorde

A Decision Support System for Corporations Cybersecurity Management

This paper presents ongoing work on a decision aiding software intended to support cyber risks and cyber threats analysis of an information and communications technological infrastructure. The software will help corporations Chief Information Security Officers on cyber security risk analysis, decision-making, prevention measures and risk strategies for the infrastructure and information assets protection

DEG/ENaC but Not TRP Channels Are the Major Mechanoelectrical Transduction Channels in a C. elegans Nociceptor

SummaryMany nociceptors detect mechanical cues, but the ion channels responsible for mechanotransduction in these sensory neurons remain obscure. Using in vivo recordings and genetic dissection, we identified the DEG/ENaC protein, DEG-1, as the major mechanotransduction channel in ASH, a polymodal nociceptor in Caenorhabditis elegans. But DEG-1 is not the only mechanotransduction channel in ASH: loss of deg-1 revealed a minor current whose properties differ from those expected of DEG/ENaC channels. This current was independent of two TRPV channels expressed in ASH. Although loss of these TRPV channels inhibits behavioral responses to noxious stimuli, we found that both mechanoreceptor currents and potentials were essentially wild-type in TRPV mutants. We propose that ASH nociceptors rely on two genetically distinct mechanotransduction channels and that TRPV channels contribute to encoding and transmitting information. Because mammalian and insect nociceptors also coexpress DEG/ENaCs and TRPVs, the cellular functions elaborated here for these ion channels may be conserved

Resistencia de unión de una resina autoadhesiva usando diferentes protocolos de adhesión sobre esmalte bovino

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la resistencia de unión de una resina fluida autoadhesiva Dyad Flow (DF, Kerr) usando diferentes protocolos de adhesión sobre esmalte bovino al cabo de 24 horas.MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se utilizaron quince incisivos inferiores bovinos sanos, 5 por cada grupo. Se aplicó DF sobre el esmalte, utilizando un molde de teflón de 8 mm de diámetro interno y 4 mm de alto, usando tres diferentes protocolos: (I) DF (control); (II) ácido fosfórico 37.5% (Gel Etchant, GE, Kerr)+DF y (III) GE/adhesivo (Optibond S, OB, Kerr)+DF. Los especímenes de 1 mm2 de área transversal (n = 30 por grupo) se obtuvieron con una máquina de cortes tipo IsoMet y se almacenaron en agua destilada por 24 horas a 37 °C. La prueba de microtensión se realizó haciendo uso del Microtensile Tester (Bisco). Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó ANOVA y Tukey (p=0.05).RESULTADOS: La resina Dyad Flow siguiendo las indicaciones del fabricante presentó una resistencia de unión de 23.20 ± 5.97 MPa, no encontrándose diferencias significativas al compararlo con la aplicación previa de ácido fosfórico (26.26 ± 5.5 MPa) y ácido fosfórico más adhesivo (22.70 ± 5.40 MPa). Sin embargo, el protocolo II fue significativamente mayor que el protocolo III (p = 0.043).CONCLUSIÓN: La resistencia de unión de la resina fluida autoadhesiva Dyad Flow sobre esmalte bovino presentó una conducta adhesiva similar al ser comparada con previo grabado ácido y grabado ácido más adhesivo