bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An innovative approach for QoS-aware Web Service Composition Using Whale Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Dahan Fadl 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

With the proliferation of services and the vast amount of data produced by the Internet, numerous services with comparable functionalities but varying Quality of Service (QoS) attributes are potential candidates for meeting user needs. Consequently, the selection of the most suitable services has become increasingly challenging. To address this issue, a synthesis of multiple services is conducted through a composition process to create more sophisticated services. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in QoS uncertainty, given its potential impact on determining an optimal composite service, where each service is characterized by multiple QoS properties (e.g., response time and cost) that are frequently subject to change primarily due to environmental factors. Here, we introduce a novel approach that depends on the Multi-Agent Whale Optimization Algorithm (MA-WOA) for web service composition problem. Our proposed algorithm utilizes a multi-agent system for the representation and control of potential services, utilizing MA-WOA to identify the optimal composition that meets the user's requirements. It accounts for multiple quality factors and employs a weighted aggregation function to combine them into a cohesive fitness function. The efficiency of the suggested method is evaluated using a real and artificial web service composition dataset (comprising a total of 52,000 web services), with results indicating its superiority over other state-of-the-art methods in terms of composition quality and computational effectiveness. Therefore, the proposed strategy presents a feasible and effective solution to the web service composition challenge, representing a significant advancement in the field of service-oriented computing.
Bacteriocin KvarM versus Antibiotics: evaluation of antimicrobial activity in a mouse model of intestinal colonization by Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Karaliute Indre , Tilinde Deimante , Ramonaite Rima , Lukosevicius Rokas , Nikitina Darja , Bernatoniene Jurga , Kuliaviene Irma , Valantiene Irena , Petrauskas Dalius , Zigmantaite Vilma , Misiunas Audrius , Denkovskiene Erna , Razanskiene Ausra , Gleba Yuri , Kupcinskas Juozas , Skieceviciene Jurgita 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Lack of antimicrobial agents is a rising global concern. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of a specific antimicrobial protein bacteriocin, Klebicin KvarM, in treating K. pneumoniae-induced intestinal colonization in a mouse model, and its effect on commensal gut microbiota.
Methods
Antimicrobial activity of KvarM in comparison to conventional antibiotic therapy with ciprofloxacin was tested in murine models for K. pneumoniae gastrointestinal tract infection. The haemolysin gene (khe) was chosen as the qualitative marker for Klebsiella genus identification, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing of V1-V2 hypervariable region was performed for analyses of gut microbiota.
Results
Our results demonstrated that KvarM was highly effective in reducing K. pneumoniae colonization, showing the same efficacy as ciprofloxacin. Following K. pneumoniae inoculation, administration of KvarM resulted in a significant reduction in bacterial load indicating a 99% effectiveness. Furthermore, microbiome analysis of the gut microbiota revealed that KvarM therapy showed no significant changes in microbial composition compared with commensal microbiota composition, whereas administration of ciprofloxacin led to a significant decrease in microbial diversity.
Conclusion
These findings demonstrate that Klebicin KvarM therapy is highly effective for treating intestinal K. pneumoniae infections and it does not significantly affect the integrity of the gut microbiota. The study provides valuable insights into the development of antimicrobial agents and highlights the importance of microbiome-friendly approaches in combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Design and Analysis of a Cryptographic Hash Function Incorporating Parallel Confusion and a Multi-Compression Architecture
Authors: Yang Yijun , Wang Linlin , Yuan Meileng , Li Bin , Zhong Zhuolin , Yan Xiaohu 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The cryptographic hash function stands as a cornerstone among the trio of essential cryptographic algorithms that are ubiquitously utilized across blockchain technology, digital signature applications, cloud storage solutions, and numerous other domains. Currently, a series of MD4-inspired hash functions, including RIPEMD, RIPEMD128, MD5, and SHA-1, have been critically evaluated and deemed insufficient in terms of security[10–13], thereby emphasizing the paramount importance of heightened vigilance towards safeguarding the integrity of cryptographic hash functions. Notably, the preponderance of prevalent hash functions relies heavily on inefficient serial architectures, posing limitations in terms of performance and scalability. To address these shortcomings, this paper introduces a groundbreaking cryptographic hash function, predicated on a parallel confusion and multi-compression structure (PCMCH). This innovative methodology innovatively fills the input data through a parallel confusion compression mechanism, concurrently executing multi-faceted confusion compression on each message block. Furthermore, it expedites message diffusion by meticulously tuning adaptable permutation parameters, enhancing both the speed and efficacy of the process. The exhaustive experimental analysis conducted underscores the exceptional security characteristics of the proposed hash function, including irregularity, the avalanche effect, high information entropy, and robust collision resistance. Moreover, its performance surpasses that of existing parallel hash functions, marking it as a promising contender that offers superior efficiency and security, thereby presenting a viable alternative for applications requiring heightened cryptographic safeguards.
Effects of the annealing conditions on the properties of Cu2ZnGeSe4 thin film solar cells
Authors: Zhang Ying , Song Qiaogang , Wu Lang , Su Xu , Hu Xinghuan , Wang Xingliang , Zhang Longxian , Chai Juchuan , Wang Shurong 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Cu2ZnGeSe4 (CZGSe) thin-film, as materials with a wide bandgap close to the ideal bandgap for solar cells, have attracted attention. However, the efficiency of the CZGSe devices is far below the theoretical efficiency mainly due to the presence of defects and defect clusters. This study aims to determine the optimal selenization temperature and time of Cu-Zn-Ge-S precursor prepared by spin coating deposition to improve CZGSe absorption layer quality and the corresponding device performance. Specifically, the CZGSe absorber layers were selenized using a three-step method, precisely annealing controlling the conditions of the first and second selenization stages, and adjusting the temperature and time of the last stage. The study emphasizes the effects of varying annealing temperatures and duration on CZGSe absorber layer grain growth and device performance. In-depth analysis was conducted through structural and electrical characterization. The results show that the CZGSe absorber layer exhibits a denser and smoother surface under the selenization temperature and time of 560°C and 12min respectively, resulting in the best device efficiency (PCE) of 5.12%, with a short-circuit current density (JSC), a fill factor (FF) and an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 21.89 mA/cm2, 39.00% and 599.92 mV respectively.
Investigation of the hydraulic behavior of the Kemerdere Aqueduct in the city of Troy
Authors: Kizilaslan M. A. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Roman water structures have always attracted the attention of researchers. This study investigates the hydraulic behavior of the Kemerdere Aqueduct, an ancient Roman structure located in the city of Troy, using Computational Fluid Dynamic simulations. With Large Eddy Simulation analyses it is aim to reveal the engineering significance of the open channel of the aqueduct, whose flow direction was changed after an earthquake in antiquity. By analyzing the flow rates and water supply capabilities of the aqueduct, the research demonstrates its efficiency in providing water to urban populations. The study reveals that the Kemerdere Aqueduct could supply water to approximately 8,500 to 15,000 people daily, accounting for losses due to leakage and other inefficiencies. This highlights the advanced engineering skills of the Romans and their ability to manage water resources effectively. The findings emphasize the importance of historical technologies in addressing contemporary water management challenges and underscore the significance of preserving ancient engineering marvels. By reconstructing and evaluating the aqueduct's operation, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of Roman water management practices and their enduring relevance. The meticulous analysis of the Kemerdere Aqueduct enhances our appreciation of Roman engineering ingenuity.
Multibody simulation of 1U CubeSat passive attitude stabilisation using a robotic arm
Authors: Foiani Filippo , Morettini Giulia , Palmieri Massimiliano , Carletta Stefano , Cianetti Filippo , Dionigi Marco 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Robotics plays a crucial role in contemporary space missions, particularly in the development and use of robotic manipulators for performing multiple space operations in environments inaccessible to humans. In line with the current trend of integrating multiple functionalities into a single system, this study evaluates the feasibility of using a robotic manipulator, termed a C-Arm, also for passive attitude control of a 1U CubeSat. Specifically, utilizing a carefully simplified multibody model of the entire CubeSat system, the numerical simulations, assessed the use of the robotic arm first as a gravity gradient boom and subsequently, following the addition of a permanent magnet at the arm’s extremity, as a passive magnetic control mechanism for the nanosatellite. Despite the promising design, simulations indicated that the effectiveness of the C-Arm as a gravitational boom is significantly constrained by size (with the retracted arm occupying 0.5U) and weight (limited to 200g). However, it was demonstrated that under various initial conditions, the pitch angle consistently oscillates around ±40°, while the roll and yaw angles exhibit more variability, with maximum values of 30° and 35°, respectively. Further evaluations attempted to enhance pointing accuracy through the incorporation of permanent magnets. As expected, the absence of dissipative forces led to pronounced attitude instabilities, resulting in a temporary reduction in pitch angle oscillations. In conclusion, the concept of using a robotic arm integrated into a 0.5U CubeSat system for passive attitude control shows significant potential, particularly in missions where pointing can tolerate a considerable range, typical of CubeSat-type nanosatellite missions.
Introducing the Slowloris E-DoS Attack: a Threat Arising From Vulnerabilities in the FTP and SSH Protocols
Authors: Gavric Nikola , Bhandari Guru , Shalaginov Andrii 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Slowloris is a well-known application-layer Denial of Service (DoS) attack that is challenging to detect due to its low-rate nature, allowing it to blend with legitimate traffic and remain unnoticed. In this study, we repurpose Slowloris as an energy-oriented (E-DoS) attack against some of the most prevalent remote access protocols, the Secure Shell Protocol (SSH) and File Transfer Protocol (FTP). We employ a Raspberry Pi-based experimental setup with different software implementations of the mentioned protocols to validate these threats. Our experiments confirm the susceptibility of SSH and FTP to Slowloris E-DoS attacks, and we quantify the consequential impact on power consumption. We find that the Slowloris E-DoS attack exhibits an asymmetrical nature, causing a disproportionate computational demand on victim systems compared to the resources invested by the attacker. The results of this study indicate that battery-powered single-board computers (SBCs) are critically affected by these attacks due to their limited power availability. This research underscores the importance of understanding and mitigating Slowloris E-DoS vulnerabilities in the SSH and FTP protocols, offering valuable insights for enhancing security measures. Our study shows that millions of SBCs worldwide could be at risk, emphasizing the need for robust defenses against evolving cyber threats.
GPx1 deficiency confers increased susceptibility to ferroptosis in macrophages from individuals with active Crohn’s disease
Authors: Sousa James , Callejas Blanca , Wang Arthur , Higgins Eve , Herik Aydin , Yousuf Munazza , Colarusso Pina , Raman Maitreyi , McKay Derek 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Intestinal cell death is a defining feature of Crohn’s disease (CD), a major form of inflammatory bowel disease. The focus on this aspect of enteric inflammation has mainly been on epithelial cells, while other cell types such as stromal and myeloid cells have received less attention. Hypothesising that decreased macrophage viability in an oxidative environment could be a contributing factor to the pathophysiology of CD, we found that monocyte-derived macrophages from individuals with active CD (but not those in clinical disease remission) have increased sensitivity to cell death induced by H2O2. Molecular biology and pharmacological studies ruled out apoptosis and necroptosis, while increased lipid peroxidation and surface expression of the transferrin receptor implicated ferroptosis as the mechanism of the H2O2-induced cell death: this was supported by suppression of H2O2-cytotoxicity by liproxstatin-1, a pharmacological inhibitor of ferroptosis. Selenoproteins are important antioxidants, and selenium deficiency can be a feature of CD. Despite normal dietary intake of selenium, monocyte-derived macrophages and intestinal macrophages in individuals with CD had decreased protein and/or mRNA expression of the selenoprotein, glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-1. Knockdown of GPx1 in macrophages from healthy volunteers resulted in increased H2O2-induced cell death reminiscent of that observed with macrophages from CD. In summary, monocyte-derived macrophages from individuals with CD have increased susceptibility to H2O2-induced ferroptosis cell death, that may be facilitated, at least in part, by reduced expression of the antioxidant GPx1. We suggest that reduced GPx1 in monocytes recruited to the gut and intestinal macrophages renders these cells vulnerable to reactive oxygen species-evoked ferroptosis cell death and that unravelling the participation of this pathway in Crohn’s disease may reveal novel therapeutic approaches to this chronic condition.
KI im Unterricht
Authors: Leifheit Luzia , Loefflad Denise , Belschner Sina , Beuttler Benedikt , Winkelmann Jan , Meurers Walt Detmar , Holz Heiko 
Published: September 2024

In einer Zeit des rasanten technologischen Fortschritts und der digitalen Transformation wird die Notwendigkeit, Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) in den Unterricht zu integrieren, immer deutlicher. Lehrkräfte spielen dabei eine entscheidende Rolle, da sie im Kontext ihrer jeweiligen Fachbereiche in der Lage sein müssen, KI-Tools kritisch zu reflektieren und fachdidaktisch fundiert anzuwenden. Dazu entwickeln wir im Projekt „WoLKE“ fachlich und didaktisch passgenaue Lehr-Lernformate für den reflektierten Einsatz von KI-Tools in der Bildung, um bereits angehende Lehrkräfte systematisch auf die Herausforderungen und Chancen des didaktisch motivierten Einsatzes von KI-Tools vorzubereiten. Dies geschieht auf Basis einer computerlinguistisch sowie fachdidaktisch fundierten Analyse sowohl etablierter als auch aktueller KI-Methoden, wie z. B. textgenerierender KI. Ziel des Projekts ist es, Lehramtsstudierende mit den notwendigen Kenntnissen und Kompetenzen auszustatten, um KI-Tools verantwortungsvoll in die pädagogische Praxis zu integrieren. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf der Rolle von KI-Tools im Sprach- und MINT-Unterricht und umfasst sowohl die fachspezifischen Anforderungen an KI-Tools als auch ein methodisch und ethisch fundiertes Verständnis der Potenziale und Grenzen von KI-Methoden. Das Projekt verfolgt einen ko-konstruktiven Ansatz in einem interdisziplinären Verbund aus Computerlinguistik, Informatik, Sprach- und MINT-Didaktik. Darin werden etablierte und aktuelle textgenerierende KI-Methoden hinsichtlich Eignung, Reifegrad und Synergiepotenzial für den Einsatz im Fachunterricht analysiert. Die Konzeption der Lehrveranstaltungen folgt dem Ansatz des Design-based Research und wird mit qualitätssichernden Methoden der empirischen Bildungsforschung evaluiert. Begleitende Transferworkshops ermöglichen die Dissemination der Lehrveranstaltungen an andere Hochschulen. Das Projekt adressiert bestehende Desiderate, indem es die Frage aufgreift, wie Methoden der KI effektiv zu einer pädagogisch und fachdidaktisch motivierten, individuellen Förderung beitragen können. Das Projekt wird gefördert aus Mitteln des Ministeriums für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst Baden-Württemberg und befindet sich derzeit in der ersten Konzeptionsphase. Im Folgenden stellen wir das Konzept für die ko-konstruktive Entwicklung der Lehrveranstaltungen sowie den Plan für die empirische Evaluation vor.

Erstautorenschaft: Luzia Leifheit und Denise Loefflad
Towards a standardised analysis of experimental Threshold Of Flocculation (TOF) curves
Authors: Fau Zoé , Damien Tedoldi , Azais Antonin , Derlon Nicolas , Chazarenc Florent , Gillot Sylvie 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Characterising bioflocculation and settling in activated sludge processes is mandatory to better understand and optimise organic matter removal and capture. Among the few indicators available, Threshold Of Flocculation (TOF) reflects the ability of activated sludge to settle following Stokesian settling mechanisms. In this work, the original method to determine TOF has been improved to gain accuracy and reproducibility. An R-script was proposed for systematic analysis of the experimental curves representing the total suspended solids supernatant concentration as a function of the initial concentration of the total suspended solids. The strength of this new method is to base curve analysis on the settling mechanisms that occur in the experimental setup. Two thresholds are mathematically identified, corresponding to (i) the solid concentration required to induce discrete flocculent settling and (ii) the minimum concentration to form large flocs that interact with each other (TOF). The novel method was successfully applied to different types of sludge (HRAS, CAS, and densified sludge).
Endogenous Ligands of TLR4 in Microglia: Potential Targets for Related Neurological Diseases
Authors: Chen Bo , Di Bin 
Published: September 2024

:
Chronic inflammation mediated by microglia is a cause of some neuroinflammatory diseases.
TLR4, a natural immune receptor on microglia, plays an important role in the occurrence of
inflammation and the process of diseases. TLR4 can be activated by a variety of ligands to trigger
inflammatory responses, including endogenous ligands HMGB1, S100A8/9, Heme, and Fetuin-A.
As ligands derived from the body itself, they have the ability to bind directly to TLR4 and can be
used as inducers of aseptic inflammation. In the past 20 years, targeting ligands rather than receptors
has become an emerging therapeutic strategy for the treatment of diseases, so understanding
the relationship between microglia, TLR4, TLR4 ligands, and corresponding diseases may have
new implications for the treatment of diseases. In the article, we will discuss the TLR4 and the endogenous
substances that can activate the TLR4 signaling pathway and present literature support
for their role in neuroinflammatory diseases.
In silico Investigation and Molecular Docking Studies of Pyrazole Incorporated Thiadiazole Derivatives for Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Kaur Parminder , Arora Vimal 
Published: September 2024

Background:
In the current investigation, derivatives incorporating pyrazole and thiadiazole
ring systems were designed, and docking studies were conducted to elucidate their potential
binding mode. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a critical threat to global public health and development,
recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the top 10 risks worldwide.

Objective:
The objective was to develop new antimicrobial drugs that can effectively target a wide
range of resistant microbes.

Methods:
The designed derivatives were docked using AutoDock Vina 4.2 against the active sites of
Staphylococcus aureus DHFR (2W9H), Staphylococcus aureus GyrB (4URO), Staphylococcus aureus
thymidylate kinase (4QGG) for antibacterial activity and Candida albicans DHFR (1M78),
Candida albicans aspartic protease 2 (3PVK), Candida albicans N-myristoyl transferase (1IYK) for
antifungal activity.

Results:
The designed derivatives underwent further assessment for in silico physicochemical properties,
and drug-likeness.

Conclusion:
Several of the derivatives exhibited notable anti-microbial activity, demonstrating a
potency on par with the Standard drug Ciprofloxacin and Fluconazole. The results, evaluated based
on docking scores into the receptor's active site, suggested that the most active derivatives, W36 and
W33, may act as promising antibacterial against 2W9H and antifungal against 1IYK, respectively.
Analytical Method Development and Validation to Determine Oxidized Follitropin Recombinant Follicle Stimulating Hormone (rFSH) Injection by RP-HPLC
Authors: Chaudhary Priyanka , Kalaivani Muthusamy , Tyagi Pavisha , Goyal Anubhuti , Dahiya Meenakshi , Raghuvanshi Rajeev Singh 
Published: September 2024

Purpose:
A simple, rapid and precise reverse phase–High performance liquid chromatography
(RP-HPLC) method was developed for the determination of degradation impurity
i.e. Oxidised follitropin in recombinant Follicle Stimulating Hormone (rFSH) Injection.

Methods:
Chromatographic separation was performed using a C4 column of size: 250 × 4.6
mm, 5 μm along with C3 Guard Column (SB-C3 size: 125 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 μm) and using gradient
elution. The flow rate was kept at 1.0 ml per minute and the detection wavelength was at
210 nm. The retention time of oxidised follitropin was ~14 to 15 minutes. The detector showed
a linear response between the range of 2.46–63.325 μg/ml (5% - 125%) with a correlation coefficient
value of 0.9987. After establishing the procedure, it was ensured for its intended usage
by validation of the analytical parameters like specificity, linearity, accuracy, repeatability, and
robustness as per the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for
Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) [Q2 (R1) Validation of Analytical Procedures: Text and
Methodology].

Results:
All of the parameters performed using the current method yielded results that met the
acceptance requirements. The detector showed a linear response between the range of 2.46–
63.325 μg/ml (5% - 125%) with a correlation coefficient value of 0.9987.

Conclusions:
As a result, a newly designed RP-HPLC method was capable of effectively separating
impurities while maintaining acceptable limits.