Effects-Based Operations (EBO) refers to a process for achieving strategic goals by focusing on effects rather than attrition-based destruction. For a successful implementation of EBO, identifying key nodes in an adversary network is crucial in the process of EBO. In this study, we suggest a network-based approach that combines network centrality and optimization to select the most influential nodes. First, we analyze the adversary’s network structure to identify the node influence using degree and betweenness centrality. Degree centrality refers to the extent of direct links of a node to other nodes, and betweenness centrality refers to the extent to which a node lies between the paths connecting other nodes of a network together. Based on the centrality results, we then suggest an optimization model in which we minimize the sum of the main effects of the adversary by identifying the most influential nodes under the dynamic nature of the adversary network structure. Our results show that key node identification based on our optimization model outperforms simple centrality-based node identification in terms of decreasing the entire network value. We expect that these results can provide insight not only to military field for selecting key targets, but also to other multidisciplinary areas in identifying key nodes when they are interacting to each other in a network.

Numerous factors contribute to the deterioration of reinforced concrete structures. Elevated temperatures significantly alter the composition of the concrete ingredients, consequently diminishing the concrete's strength properties. With the escalation of global CO2 levels, the carbonation of concrete structures has emerged as a critical challenge, substantially affecting concrete durability research. Assessing and predicting concrete degradation due to thermal effects and carbonation are crucial yet intricate tasks. To address this, multiple prediction models for concrete carbonation and compressive strength under thermal impact have been developed. This study employs seven machine learning algorithms—specifically, multiple linear regression, decision trees, random forest, support vector machines, k-nearest neighbors, artificial neural networks, and extreme gradient boosting algorithms—to formulate predictive models for concrete carbonation and thermal impact. Two distinct datasets, derived from reported experimental studies, were utilized for training these predictive models. Performance evaluation relied on metrics like root mean square error, mean square error, mean absolute error, and coefficient of determination. The optimization of hyperparameters was achieved through k-fold cross-validation and grid search techniques. The analytical outcomes demonstrate that neural networks and extreme gradient boosting algorithms outshine the remaining five machine learning approaches, showcasing outstanding predictive performance for concrete carbonation and thermal effect modeling.

In this study, we developed Rapid Enrichment Broth for Vibrio parahaemolyticus (REB-V), a broth capable enriching V. parahaemolyticus from 100 CFU/mL to 106 CFU/mL within 6 hours, which greatly facilitates the rapid detection of V. parahaemolyticus. Using a modified Gompertz model and response surface methodology, we optimized supplement sources to rapidly enrich V. parahaemolyticus. The addition of 0.003 g/10 mL of D-(+)- mannose, 0.002 g/10 mL of L-valine, and 0.002 g/10 mL of magnesium sulfate to 2% (w/v) NaCl BPW was the most effective combination of V. parahaemolyticus enrichment. Optimal V. parahaemolyticus culture conditions using REB-V were at pH 7.84 and 37oC. To confirm REB-V culture efficiency compared to 2% (w/v) NaCl BPW, we assessed the amount of enrichment achieved in 7 hours in each medium and extracted DNA samples from each culture every hour. Real-time PCR was performed using the extracted DNA to verify the applicability of this REB-V culture method to molecular diagnosis. V. parahaemolyticus was enriched to 5.452±0.151 Log CFU/mL in 2% (w/v) NaCl BPW in 7 hours, while in REB-V, it reached 7.831±0.323 Log CFU/mL. This confirmed that REB-V enriched V. parahaemolyticus to more than 106 CFU/mL within 6 hours. The enrichment rate of REB-V was faster than that of 2% (w/v) NaCl BPW, and the amount of enrichment within the same time was greater than that of 2% (w/v) NaCl BPW, indicating that REB-V exhibits excellent enrichment efficiency.

Velvet antler is widely used as a traditional medicine, and numerous studies have demonstrated its tremendous nutritional and medicinal values including immunity-enhancing effects. This study aimed to investigate different deer velvet extracts (Sample 1: raw extract, Sample 2: dried extract, and Sample 3: freeze-dried extract) for proximate composition, uronic acid, sulfated glycosaminoglycan, sialic acid, collagen levels, and chemical components using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-light mass spectrometry. In addition, we evaluated the cytotoxic effect of the deer velvet extracts on BV2 microglia, HT22 hippocampal cells, HaCaT keratinocytes, and RAW264.7 macrophages using the cell viability MTT assay. Furthermore, we evaluated acute toxicity of the deer velvet extracts at different doses (0, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg) administered orally to both male and female ICR mice for 14 d (five mice per group). After treatment, we evaluated general toxicity, survival rate, body weight changes, mortality, clinical signs, and necropsy findings in the experimental mice based on OECD guidelines. The results suggested that in vitro treatment with the evaluated extracts had no cytotoxic effect in HaCaT keratinocytes cells, whereas Sample-2 had a cytotoxic effect at 500 and 1000 μg/mL on HT22 hippocampal cells and RAW264.7 macrophages. Sample 3 was also cytotoxic at concentrations of 500 and 1000 μg/mL to RAW264.7 and BV2 microglial cells. However, the mice treated in vivo with the velvet extracts at doses of 500–2000 mg/kg BW showed no clinical signs, mortality, or necropsy findings, indicating that the LD50 is higher than this dosage. These findings indicate that there were no toxicological abnormalities connected with the deer velvet extract treatment in mice. However, further human and animal studies are needed before sufficient safety information is available to justify its use in humans.

The demand for high-strength steel is rising due to its economic efficiency. Low-cycle fatigue (LCF) tests have been conducted to investigate the nonlinear behaviors of high-strength steel. Accurate material models must be used to obtain reliable results on seismic performance evaluation using numerical analyses. This study uses the combined hardening model to simulate the LCF behavior of high-strength steel. However, it is challenging and complex to determine material model parameters for specific high-strength steel because a highly nonlinear equation is used in the model, and several parameters need to be resolved. This study used the particle swarm algorithm (PSO) to determine the model parameters based on the LCF test data of HSA 650 steel. It is shown that the model with parameter values selected from the PSO accurately simulates the measured LCF curves.

In general, the design response spectrum in seismic design codes is based on the mean-plus-one-standard deviation response spectrum to secure high safety. In this study, response spectrum analysis was performed using seismic wave records adopted in domestic horizontal design spectrum development studies, while three response spectra were calculated by combining the mean and standard deviation of the spectra. Seismic wave spectral matching generated seismic wave sets matching each response spectrum. Then, seismic fragility was performed by setting three damage levels using a single-degree-of-freedom system. A correlation analysis was performed using a comparative analysis of the change in the response spectrum and the seismic fragility concerning the three response spectra. Finally, in the case of the response spectrum considering the mean and standard deviation, like the design response spectrum, the earthquake load was relatively high, indicating that conservative design or high safety can be secured.