Smart Metering Cybersecurity-Requirements, Methodology, and Testing.

This paper addresses the current challenges in cybersecurity of smart metering infrastructure, specifically in relation to the Czech Decree 359/2020 and the DLMS security suite (device language message specification). The authors present a novel testing methodology for verifying cybersecurity requirements, motivated by the need to comply with European directives and legal requirements of the Czech authority. The methodology encompasses testing cybersecurity parameters of smart meters and related infrastructure, as well as evaluating wireless communication technologies in the context of cybersecurity requirements. The article contributes by summarizing the cybersecurity requirements, creating a testing methodology, and evaluating a real smart meter, using the proposed approach. The authors conclude by presenting a methodology that can be replicated and tools that can be used to test smart meters and the related infrastructure. This paper aims to propose a more effective solution and takes a significant step towards improving the cybersecurity of smart metering technologies.

Suitableness of SLM Manufactured Turbine Blade for Aerodynamical Tests.

This paper describes some insights on applicability of a Selective Laser Melting and Direct Metal Laser Sintering technology-manufactured turbine blade models for aerodynamic tests in a wind tunnel. The principal idea behind this research was to assess the possibilities of using 'raw' DLMS printed turbine blade models for gas-flow experiments. The actual blade, manufactured using the DLMS technology, is assessed in terms of surface quality (roughness), geometrical shape and size (outline), quality of counterbores and quality of small diameter holes. The results are evaluated for the experimental aerodynamics standpoint. This field of application imposes requirements that have not yet been described in the literature. The experimental outcomes prove the surface quality does not suffice to conduct quantitative experiments. The holes that are necessary for pressure measurements in wind tunnel experiments cannot be reduced below 1 mm in diameter. The dimensional discrepancies are on the level beyond acceptable. Additionally, the problem of 'reversed tolerance', with the material building up and distorting the design, is visible in elements printed with the DLMS technology. The results indicate the necessity of post-machining of the printed elements prior their experimental usage, as their features in the 'as fabricated' state significantly disturb the flow conditions.

Oceans of plenty? Challenges, advancements, and future directions for the provision of evidence-based fisheries management advice.

Marine population modeling, which underpins the scientific advice to support fisheries interventions, is an active research field with recent advancements to address modern challenges (e.g., climate change) and enduring issues (e.g., data limitations). Based on discussions during the 'Land of Plenty' session at the 2021 World Fisheries Congress, we synthesize current challenges, recent advances, and interdisciplinary developments in biological fisheries models (i.e., data-limited, stock assessment, spatial, ecosystem, and climate), management strategy evaluation, and the scientific advice that bridges the science-policy interface. Our review demonstrates that proliferation of interdisciplinary research teams and enhanced data collection protocols have enabled increased integration of spatiotemporal, ecosystem, and socioeconomic dimensions in many fisheries models. However, not all management systems have the resources to implement model-based advice, while protocols for sharing confidential data are lacking and impeding research advances. We recommend that management and modeling frameworks continue to adopt participatory co-management approaches that emphasize wider inclusion of local knowledge and stakeholder input to fill knowledge gaps and promote information sharing. Moreover, fisheries management, by which we mean the end-to-end process of data collection, scientific analysis, and implementation of evidence-informed management actions, must integrate improved communication, engagement, and capacity building, while incorporating feedback loops at each stage. Increasing application of management strategy evaluation is viewed as a critical unifying component, which will bridge fisheries modeling disciplines, aid management decision-making, and better incorporate the array of stakeholders, thereby leading to a more proactive, pragmatic, transparent, and inclusive management framework-ensuring better informed decisions in an uncertain world. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11160-022-09726-7.

In utero particulate matter exposure in association with newborn mitochondrial ND4L10550A>G heteroplasmy and its role in overweight during early childhood.

BACKGROUND: Mitochondria play an important role in the energy metabolism and are susceptible to environmental pollution. Prenatal air pollution exposure has been linked with childhood obesity. Placental mtDNA mutations have been associated with prenatal particulate matter exposure and MT-ND4L10550A>G heteroplasmy has been associated with BMI in adults. Therefore, we hypothesized that in utero PM2.5 exposure is associated with cord blood MT-ND4L10550A>G heteroplasmy and early life growth. In addition, the role of cord blood MT-ND4L10550A>G heteroplasmy in overweight during early childhood is investigated. METHODS: This study included 386 mother-newborn pairs. Outdoor PM2.5 concentrations were determined at the maternal residential address. Cord blood MT-ND4L10550A>G heteroplasmy was determined using Droplet Digital PCR. Associations were explored using logistic regression models and distributed lag linear models. Mediation analysis was performed to quantify the effects of prenatal PM2.5 exposure on childhood overweight mediated by cord blood MT-ND4L10550A>G heteroplasmy. RESULTS: Prenatal PM2.5 exposure was positively associated with childhood overweight during the whole pregnancy (OR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.20 to 4.51; p = 0.01), which was mainly driven by the second trimester. In addition, prenatal PM2.5 exposure was associated with cord blood MT-ND4L10550A>G heteroplasmy from gestational week 9 - 13. The largest effect was observed in week 10, where a 5 µg/m3 increment in PM2.5 was linked with cord blood MT-ND4L10550A>G heteroplasmy (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.87 to 0.99). Cord blood MT-ND4L10550A>G heteroplasmy was also linked with childhood overweight (OR = 3.04; 95% CI: 1.15 to 7.50; p = 0.02). The effect of prenatal PM2.5 exposure on childhood overweight was mainly direct (total effect OR = 1.18; 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.36; natural direct effect OR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.36)) and was not mediated by cord blood MT-ND4L10550A>G heteroplasmy. CONCLUSIONS: Cord blood MT-ND4L10550A>G heteroplasmy was linked with childhood overweight. In addition, in utero exposure to PM2.5 during the first trimester of pregnancy was associated with cord blood MT-ND4L10550A>G heteroplasmy in newborns. Our analysis did not reveal any mediation of cord blood MT-ND4L10550A>G heteroplasmy in the association between PM2.5 exposure and childhood overweight.

10-Year Evaluation of the First Root Analogue Implant on Humans, Made Using a CT Scan, CAD/CAM and DMLS.

Ten years ago, for the first time in humans, thanks to the DLMS (direct metal laser sintering) technique, we designed, built and inserted an immediate post-extraction custom-made root-analogue implant in Ti-6Al-4v with platform switching. The implant was inserted into the post-extraction socket, respecting the biological width. After 10 years, we wanted to evaluate the dimensional stability of the implant and the eventual crestal bone resorption. The evaluation was performed clinically with periodontal parameters and radiographically by means of an intraoral X-ray with the parallel technique measuring the distance between the base of the bone crest and the implant shoulder. It appears that the implant has maintained dimensional stability of the peri-implant soft tissues, and the crestal resorption is 0 mm. This could represent a step forward to make this experimental method a valid alternative to the current immediate post-extraction implant procedures in use.

Effects of Digital Learning Materials on nursing students' mathematics learning, self-efficacy, and task value in vocational education.

The use of digital environments in nursing education offers new opportunities for nursing students' medical mathematics learning. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Digital Learning Materials (DLMs) on nursing students' mathematics learning, self-efficacy, and task value. A pre-test/post-test control group design was used. Students were assigned to the DLMs group (experimental condition) or the face-to-face group (control condition). Students in both conditions completed the same assignments and discussed these with their peers and the (online) teacher via the discussion board or in the classroom setting. The results showed that the mathematics learning of students undergoing DLMs training and of those undergoing face-to-face training improved from the pretest to the post-test, but no significant differences were found between the two conditions. A significant interaction effect between condition and self-efficacy was reported, producing a large reduction in the self-efficacy of students in the DLMs condition and a small reduction in the self-efficacy of students in the face-to-face condition. No significant differences were found for students' task value. The study offers new insights for the future design of mathematics training with DLMs, focusing on students' appreciation of DLMs features, considering students with low and high learning abilities separately.