Performance and cryptographic evaluation of security protocols in distributed networks using applied pi calculus and Markov Chain

The development of cryptographic protocols goes through two stages, namely, security verification and performance analysis. The verification of the protocol’s security properties could be analytically achieved using threat modelling, or formally using formal methods and model checkers. The performance analysis could be mathematical or simulation-based. However, mathematical modelling is complicated and does not reflect the actual deployment environment of the protocol in the current state of the art. Simulation software provides scalability and can simulate complicated scenarios, however, there are times when it is not possible to use simulations due to a lack of support for new technologies or simulation scenarios. Therefore, this paper proposes a formal method and analytical model for evaluating the performance of security protocols using applied pi-calculus and Markov Chain processes. It interprets algebraic processes and associates cryptographic operatives with quantitative measures to estimate and evaluate cryptographic costs. With this approach, the protocols are presented as processes using applied pi-calculus, and their security properties are an approximate abstraction of protocol equivalence based on the verification from ProVerif and evaluated using analytical and simulation models for quantitative measures. The interpretation of the quantities is associated with process transitions, rates, and measures as a cost of using cryptographic primitives. This method supports users’ input in analysing the protocol’s activities and performance. As a proof of concept, we deploy this approach to assess the performance of security protocols designed to protect large-scale, 5G-based Device-to-Device communications. We also conducted a performance evaluation of the protocols based on analytical and network simulator results to compare the effectiveness of the proposed approach

Rhizobacteria-mediated Induced Resistance in Barley against Cochliobolus sativus under Field Conditions

The effect of four rhizobacterial strains on the severity of spot blotch disease caused by cochliobolus sativus was evaluated for two growing seasons under rainfed conditions. Three barley genotypes were used as host plant. All strains reduced C. sativus severity, with effect more pronounced when Pseudomonas putida BTP1 and Bacillus subtilis Bs2508 were used. The disease reduction was up to 56% in Arabi Abiad / P. putida BTP1. The grain yield was not obviously affected by the presence of the rhizobacteria, except some signifitive increase in season 2. Raising the resistance by soaking seed with rhizobacterial strains might be of ultimate value in agriculture

Kajian Potensi Investasi Taman Budaya Sosrokartono Kabupaten Kudus

Kajian Potensi Investasi Taman Budaya Sosrokartono pada hakekatnya bertujuan untuk mengembangkan potensi budaya Kabupaten Kudus yang terdiri dari : sistem bahasa, sistem pengetahuan, sistem teknologi, sistem ekonomi, sistem sosial, sistem religi, dan sistem kesenian. Ketujuh sistem tersebut saling berkaitan merupakan satu kesatuan yang semata-tidak dapat dipisahkan. Analisi yang diguanakan adalah analisis SWOT yang berkolaborasi dengan analisis Balanced Scorecard. Mengacu pada tujuh sistem budaya tersebut dapat di identifikasi faktor internal dan eksternal yang terdiri dari : kekuatan/potensi, kelemahan, peluang, ancaman, yang dikolaborasikan dengan perspektif finance, operasional, customer, dan learning proces. Proses berikutnya adalah menentukan posisi strategis dan perencanaan strategis Taman Budaya Sosrokartono. Kesimpulan hasil kajian ini adalah adanya potensi investasi yang terdiri dari tujuh sistem budaya dan dapat direkomendasikan pembangunan sarana dan prasarana sesuai Peruntukanny

Mejoras potenciales de las características físico-químicas y funcionales del aceite de Nigella sativa mediante extracción con prensa de tornillo

In the current investigation the crude oil of Nigella sativa was extracted from seeds using hydraulic and screw pressing techniques. Different parameters were evaluated in order to find out the appropriate technique to enhance the physicochemical and functional-related characteristics of the extracted crude oil. Results showed that the acid and peroxide values were significantly lower in the screw pressed oil (SPO) than in the hydraulic pressed oil (HPO). The total phenolic content of the SPO was significantly higher than that of HPO. Evaluation of the oxidative stability using the Rancimat test showed that SPO recorded a much higher oxidative stability index (40.07 h) than HPO (0.51 h). The yield of the volatile oil fraction and its contents of thymoquinone isolated from the SPO were higher than that from the HPO. Biological evaluation revealed that the SPO had significantly higher antimicrobial activity than HPO against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus at 40 μL/well.En la presente investigación se extrajo el aceite crudo de Nigella sativa de las semillas utilizando técnicas hidráulicas y de prensado de tornillo. Se evaluaron diferentes parámetros para conocer la técnica apropiada que potencie las características fisicoquímicas y funcionales del aceite extraído. Los resultados mostraron que los valores de ácido y peróxido fueron significativamente más bajos en el aceite de presión con tornillo (SPO) que en el aceite prensado hidráulico (HPO). El contenido fenólico total del SPO fue significativamente mayor que el de HPO. La evaluación de la estabilidad oxidativa mediante Rancimat demostró que el aceite SPO tiene un índice de estabilidad oxidativa mucho más alto (40,07 h) que el HPO (0,51 h). El rendimiento de la fracción volátil y su contenido de timoquinona aislada del aceite SPO fueron superiores a los del HPO. La evaluación biológica reveló que el aceite SPO tenía una actividad antimicrobiana significativamente mayor que el HPO contra Listeria monocitogenes y Staphylococcus aureus a 40 μL/pocillo

Evaluación del efecto terapéutico del aceite crudo de Nigella sativa y su mezcla con aceites ricos en ácidos grasos omega-3 en un modelo de síndrome hepatorenal modificado en ratas

In the present study, the hepato and reno-protective effect of Nigella sativa crude oil and its binary blend with omega-3 fatty acid-rich oils (fish and flaxseed oils) was studied in a modified hepatorenal syndrome model (MHRS) in rats. MHRS was induced through feeding a high fructose diet followed by an intraperitoneal injection of galactosamine hydrochloride. Nigella oil and its different blends were given as a daily oral dose to MHRS rats. Two control groups of MHRS and normal healthy rats were run. Different biochemical and nutritional parameters were assessed. The induction of MHRS produced liver and kidney dysfunction, and elevated oxidative stress, an inflammatory biomarker, endothelin 1, and plasma cholesterol. Reduced plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol, albumin and Ca and elevated urinary N-acetyl-β-D-Glucosaminidase and liver fats were noticed. The administration of Nigella crude oil that originally had 0.2% total omega-3 fatty acids or its blend with fish oil (17.9% omega-3) or flaxseed oil (42.1% omega-3) significantly improved all biochemical parameters of MHRS. There was no significant difference in the biochemical parameters among the different oil treated groups regardless of the omega-3 fatty acid content. This may point out to the potential profound effect of the volatile oil fraction of Nigella crude oil which may compensates for its low omega-3 content.En el presente estudio, el efecto hepato- y reno-protector de aceites crudos de Nigella sativa y su mezcla binaria con aceites ricos en ácidos grasos omega-3 (pescado y aceites de linaza) fue estudiado en un modelo modificado de síndrome hepatorenal (MHRS) en ratas. MHRS fue inducido a través de la alimentación de una dieta alta en fructosa seguido de la inyección intraperitoneal de clorhidrato de galactosamina. Diferentes aceites fueron suministrados como dosis oral diaria a ratas con MHRS. Se realizaron dos grupos de control de MHRS y ratas sanas normales. Se evaluaron diferentes parámetros bioquímicos y nutricionales. La inducción de la MHRS produce disfunción hepática y renal, elevado estrés oxidativo y biomarcadores inflamatorios, endotelina 1, y colesterol en plasma. Se observó una reducción del colesterol plasmatico de lipoproteínas de alta densidad, albúmina y Ca, elevación en orina de N-acetil-β-D-glucosaminidasa y de la grasa del hígado. La administración de aceite crudo de Nigella que tiene un 0,2% de ácidos grasos omega-3 totales o su mezcla con aceite de pescado (17,9% de omega-3) o aceite de linaza (42,1% de omega-3) mejoró significativamente todos los parámetros bioquímicos de MHRS. No hubo diferencia significativa en los parámetros bioquímicos entre los diferentes grupos tratados con los aceites ensayados independientemente del contenido de ácidos grasos omega-3. Con esto se puede resaltar el potencial efecto de la fracción volátil del aceite crudo de Nigella

Long-term outcome and bridging success of patients evaluated and bridged to lung transplantation on the ICU

Background: Evaluating and bridging patients to lung transplantation (LTx) on the intensive care unit (ICU) remains controversial, especially without a previous waitlist status. Long term outcome data after LTx from ICU remains scarce. We compared long-term survival and development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) in elective and LTx from ICU, with or without previous waitlist status. Methods: Patients transplanted between 2004 and 2018 in 2 large academic Dutch institutes were included. Long-term survival and development of CLAD was compared in patients who received an elective LTx (ELTx), those bridged and transplanted from the ICU with a previous listing status (BTT), and in patients urgently evaluated and bridged on ICU (EBTT). Results: A total of 582 patients underwent a LTx, 70 (12%) from ICU, 39 BTT and 31 EBTT. Patients transplanted from ICU were younger than ELTx (46 vs 51 years) and were bridged with mechanical ventilation (n = 42 (60%)), extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (n = 28 (40%)), or both (n = 21/28). Bridging success was 48% in the BTT group and 72% in the EBTT group. Patients bridged to LTx on ICU had similar 1 and 5 year survival (86.8% and 78.4%) compared to elective LTx (86.8% and 71.9%). This was not different between the BTT and EBTT group. 5 year CLAD free survival was not different in patients transplanted from ICU vs ELTx. Conclusion: Patients bridged to LTx on the ICU with and without prior listing status had excellent short and long-term patient and graft outcomes, and was similar to patients electively transplanted.</p

The effects of taurolidine alone and in combination with doxorubicin or carboplatin in canine osteosarcoma in vitro

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) affects over 8000 dogs/year in the United States. The disease usually arises in the appendicular skeleton and metastasizes to the lung. Dogs with localized appendicular disease benefit from limb amputation and chemotherapy but most die within 6–12 months despite these treatments. Taurolidine, a derivative of taurine, has anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic effects against a variety of cancers. The following in vitro studies tested taurolidine as a candidate for adjuvant therapy for canine OS. Tests for p53 protein status and caspase activity were used to elucidate mechanisms of taurolidine-induced cell death. Results: Taurolidine was cytotoxic to osteosarcoma cells and increased the toxicity of doxorubicin and carboplatin in vitro. Apoptosis was greatly induced in cells exposed to 125 μM taurolidine and less so in cells exposed to 250 μM taurolidine. Taurolidine cytotoxicity appeared caspase-dependent in one cell line; with apparent mutant p53 protein. This cell line was the most sensitive to single agent taurolidine treatment and had a taurolidine-dependent reduction in accumulated p53 protein suggesting taurolidine’s effects may depend on the functional status of p53 in canine OS. Conclusion: Taurolidine’s cytotoxic effect appears dependent on cell specific factors which may be explained, in part, by the functional status of p53. Taurolidine initiates apoptosis in canine OS cells and this occurs to a greater extent at lower concentrations. Mechanisms of cell death induced by higher concentrations were not elucidated here. Taurolidine combined with doxorubicin or carboplatin can increase the toxicity of these chemotherapy drugs and warrants further investigation in dogs with osteosarcoma.KEYWORDS: Carboplatin, In vitro, Apoptosis, Osteosarcoma, Taurolidine, DoxorubicinThis is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by BioMed Central Ltd. and can be found at: http://www.biomedcentral.com

High torque tenovirus (TTV) load before first vaccine dose is associated with poor serological response to COVID-19 vaccination in lung transplant recipients

BACKGROUND: : Serological responses to COVID-19 vaccination are diminished in recipients of solid organ transplants, especially in lung transplant recipients (LTR), probably as result of immunosuppressive treatment. There is currently no marker of immunosuppression that can be used to predict the COVID-19 vaccination response. Here, we study whether torque tenovirus (TTV), a highly prevalent virus can be used as an indicator of immunosuppression. METHODS: : The humoral response to the mRNA 1273 vaccine was assessed in 103 LTR, who received a transplant between 4 and 237 months prior to vaccination, by measuring Spike (S)-specific IgG levels at baseline, 28 days after first, and 28 days after the second vaccination. TTV loads were determined by RT-PCR and Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated to correlate serological responses to TTV load. RESULTS: : Humoral responses to COVID-19 vaccination were observed in 41/103 (40%) LTR at 28 days after the second vaccination. 62/103 (60%) were non-responders. Lower TTV loads at baseline (significantly) correlated with higher S-specific antibodies and a higher percentage of responders. Lower TTV loads also strongly correlated with longer time since transplantation, indicating that participants with lower TTV loads were longer after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: : This study shows a better humoral response to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in subjects with a lower TTV load pre-vaccination. In addition, TTV load correlates with the time after transplantation. Further studies on the use of TTV load in vaccination efficacy studies in immunocompromised cohorts should provide leads for the potential use of this marker for optimizing vaccination response

Slaughterhouse Wastewater Treatment by Combined Chemical Coagulation and Electrocoagulation Process

Slaughterhouse wastewater contains various and high amounts of organic matter (e.g., proteins, blood, fat and lard). In order to produce an effluent suitable for stream discharge, chemical coagulation and electrocoagulation techniques have been particularly explored at the laboratory pilot scale for organic compounds removal from slaughterhouse effluent. The purpose of this work was to investigate the feasibility of treating cattle-slaughterhouse wastewater by combined chemical coagulation and electrocoagulation process to achieve the required standards. The influence of the operating variables such as coagulant dose, electrical potential and reaction time on the removal efficiencies of major pollutants was determined. The rate of removal of pollutants linearly increased with increasing doses of PACl and applied voltage. COD and BOD5 removal of more than 99% was obtained by adding 100 mg/L PACl and applied voltage 40 V. The experiments demonstrated the effectiveness of chemical and electrochemical techniques for the treatment of slaughterhouse wastewaters. Consequently, combined processes are inferred to be superior to electrocoagulation alone for the removal of both organic and inorganic compounds from cattle-slaughterhouse wastewater