bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State Observation for Lipschitz Nonlinear Dynamical Systems Based on Lyapunov Functions and Functionals
Authors: Alessandri Angelo , Bagnerini Patrizia , Cianci Roberto
Published: August 2020

State observers for systems having Lipschitz nonlinearities are considered for what concerns the stability of the estimation error by means of a decomposition of the dynamics of the error into the cascade of two systems. First, conditions are established in order to guarantee the asymptotic stability of the estimation error in a noise-free setting. Second, under the effect of system and measurement disturbances regarded as unknown inputs affecting the dynamics of the error, the proposed observers provide an estimation error that is input-to-state stable with respect to these disturbances. Lyapunov functions and functionals are adopted to prove such results. Third, simulations are shown to confirm the theoretical achievements and the effectiveness of the stability conditions we have established.
Definite Integral of Algebraic, Exponential and Hyperbolic Functions Expressed in Terms of Special Functions
Authors: Reynolds Robert , Stauffer Allan
Published: August 2020

While browsing through the famous book of Bierens de Haan, we came across a table with some very interesting integrals. These integrals also appeared in the book of Gradshteyn and Ryzhik. Derivation of these integrals are not listed in the current literature to best of our knowledge. The derivation of such integrals in the book of Gradshteyn and Ryzhik in terms of closed form solutions is pertinent. We evaluate several of these definite integrals of the form ∫0∞(a+y)k−(a−y)keby−1dy, ∫0∞(a+y)k−(a−y)keby+1dy, ∫0∞(a+y)k−(a−y)ksinh(by)dy and ∫0∞(a+y)k+(a−y)kcosh(by)dy in terms of a special function where k, a and b are arbitrary complex numbers.
A Nanofibrillated Cellulose-Based Electrothermal Aerogel Constructed with Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene
Authors: Zhuo Bing , Cao Shuoang , Li Xinpu , Liang Jiahao , Bei Zhihong , Yang Yutong , Yuan Quanping
Published: August 2020

Nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) as an environmentally friendly substrate material has superiority for flexible electrothermal composite, while there is currently no research on porous NFC based electrothermal aerogel. Therefore, this work used NFC as a skeleton, combined with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene (GP), to prepare NFC/MWCNTs/GP aerogel (CCGA) via a simple and economic freeze-drying method. The electrothermal CCGA was finally assembled after connecting CCGA with electrodes. The results show that when the concentration of the NFC/MWCNTs/GP suspension was 5 mg mL−1 and NFC amount was 80 wt.%, the maximum steady-state temperature rise of electrothermal CCGA at 3000 W m−2 and 2000 W m−2 was of about 62.0 °C and 40.4 °C, respectively. The resistance change rate of the CCGA was nearly 15% at the concentration of 7 mg mL−1 under the power density of 2000 W m−2. The formed three-dimensional porous structure is conducive to the heat exchange. Consequently, the electrothermal CCGA can be used as a potential lightweight substrate for efficient electrothermal devices.
Alkoxyamines Designed as Potential Drugs against Plasmodium and Schistosoma Parasites
Authors: Reyser Thibaud , To Tung H. , Egwu Chinedu , Paloque Lucie , Nguyen Michel , Hamouy Alexandre , Stigliani Jean-Luc , Bijani Christian , Augereau Jean-Michel , Joly Jean-Patrick , Portela Julien , Havot Jeffrey , Marque Sylvain R. A. , Boissier Jérôme , Robert Anne , Benoit-Vical Françoise , Audran Gérard
Published: August 2020

Malaria and schistosomiasis are major infectious causes of morbidity and mortality in the tropical and sub-tropical areas. Due to the widespread drug resistance of the parasites, the availability of new efficient and affordable drugs for these endemic pathologies is now a critical public health issue. In this study, we report the design, the synthesis and the preliminary biological evaluation of a series of alkoxyamine derivatives as potential drugs against Plasmodium and Schistosoma parasites. The compounds (RS/SR)-2F, (RR/SS)-2F, and 8F, having IC50 values in nanomolar range against drug-resistant P. falciparum strains, but also five other alkoxyamines, inducing the death of all adult worms of S. mansoni in only 1 h, can be considered as interesting chemical starting points of the series for improvement of the activity, and further structure activity, relationship studies. Moreover, investigation of the mode of action and the rate constants kd for C-ON bond homolysis of new alkoxyamines is reported, showing a possible alkyl radical mediated biological activity. A theoretical chemistry study allowed us to design new structures of alkoxyamines in order to improve the selectivity index of these drugs.
Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of Polysaccharides from Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Seeds
Authors: Tan Minghui , Chang Senlin , Liu Jianing , Li Hang , Xu Pengwei , Wang Peidong , Wang Xiaodong , Zhao Mingxia , Zhao Bing , Wang Liwei , Zhao Qingsheng
Published: August 2020

Quinoa is known for its rich nutrients and bioactive compounds. In order to elucidate the preliminary structural characteristics and biological activity of polysaccharides from quinoa (QPs), five crude polysaccharides (QPE50, QPE60, QPE70, QPE80 and QPE90) were successively fractionated by gradient ethanol, and their physicochemical properties, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities were analyzed. The results implied that their total sugar contents were 52.82%, 63.69%, 67.15%, 44.56%, and 41.01%, and their weight-average molecular weights were 13,785 Da, 6489 Da, 4732 Da, 3318 Da, and 1960 Da, respectively. Glucose was a predominantly monosaccharide in these QPs, which together in QPE50, QPE60, QPE70, QPE80, and QPE90, respectively, made up 94.37%, 87.92%, 92.21%, 100%, and 100% of the total polysaccharide. Congo red test showed that all five QPs contained triple-helix structure. The Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) results suggest that the QPs form a semi-crystalline polymer constituted typical functional groups of polysaccharide including CO, CH and OH. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of QPs showed that weight loss was at about 200 °C and 320 °C. The observation from scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) image indicated that the morphology of QPs exhibited spherical shape. Antioxidant and antidiabetic assay exhibited that all five QPs samples had certain antioxidant and antidiabetic activities, and QPE90 showed the best antioxidant and antidiabetic activity. Overall, QPs present a promising natural source of food antioxidants and antidiabetic agents.
Contiguous Quaternary Carbons: A Selection of Total Syntheses
Authors: Eggert Alina , Etling Christoph , Lübken Dennis , Saxarra Marius , Kalesse Markus
Published: August 2020

Contiguous quaternary carbons in terpene natural products remain a major challenge in total synthesis. Synthetic strategies to overcome this challenge will be a pivotal prerequisite to the medicinal application of natural products and their analogs or derivatives. In this review, we cover syntheses of natural products that exhibit a dense assembly of quaternary carbons and whose syntheses were uncompleted until recently. While discussing their syntheses, we not only cover the most recent total syntheses but also provide an update on the status quo of modern syntheses of complex natural products. Herein, we review (±)-canataxpropellane, (+)-waihoensene, (–)-illisimonin A and (±)-11-O-debenzoyltashironin as prominent examples of natural products bearing contiguous quaternary carbons.
Synthesis and Physicochemical Properties of 2,7-Disubstituted Phenanthro[2,1-b:7,8-b’]dithiophenes
Authors: Ji Zhenfei , Cheng Zeliang , Mori Hiroki , Nishihara Yasushi
Published: August 2020

We report the design, synthesis, and physicochemical properties of an array of phenanthro[2,1-b:7,8-b’]dithiophene (PDT-2) derivatives by introducing five types of alkyl (CnH2n+1; n = 8, 10, 12, 13, and 14) or two types of decylthienyl groups at 2,7-positions of the PDT-2 core. Systematic investigation revealed that the alkyl length and the type of side chains have a great effect on the physicochemical properties. For alkylated PDT-2, the solubility was gradually decreased as the chain length was increased. For instance, C8-PDT-2 exhibited the highest solubility (5.0 g/L) in chloroform. Additionally, substitution with 5-decylthienyl groups showed poor solubility in both chloroform and toluene, whereas PDT-2 with 4-decylthienyl groups resulted in higher solubility. Furthermore, UV-vis absorption of PDT-2 derivatives substituted by decylthienyl groups showed a redshift, indicating the extension of their π-conjugation length. This work reveals that modification of the conjugated core by alkyl or decylthienyl side chains may be an efficient strategy by which to change the physicochemical properties, which might lead to the development of high-performance organic semiconductors.
Larvicidal Enzyme Inhibition and Repellent Activity of Red Mangrove Rhizophora mucronata (Lam.) Leaf Extracts and Their Biomolecules against Three Medically Challenging Arthropod Vectors
Authors: Karthi Sengodan , Uthirarajan Karthic , Manohar Vinothkumar , Venkatesan Manigandan , Chinnaperumal Kamaraj , Vasantha-Srinivasan Prabhakaran , Krutmuang Patcharin
Published: August 2020

The larvicidal potential of crude leaf extracts of Rhizophora mucronata, the red mangrove, using diverse solvent extracts of the plant against the early fourth instar larvae of Anopheles stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti mosquito vectors was analyzed. The acetone extract of R. mucronata showed the greatest efficacy: for Cx. quinquefasciatus (LC50 = 0.13 mg/mL; LC90 = 2.84 mg/mL), An. stephensi (LC50 = 0.34 mg/mL; LC90 = 6.03 mg/mL), and Ae. aegypti (LC50 = 0.11 mg/mL; LC90 = 1.35 mg/mL). The acetone extract was further fractionated into four fractions and tested for its larvicidal activity. Fraction 3 showed stronger larvicidal activity against all the three mosquito larvae. Chemical characterization of the acetone extract displayed the existence of several identifiable compounds like phytol, 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol, 1-hexyl-2-nitrocyclohexane, eicosanoic acid etc. Enzyme assay displayed that R. mucronata active F3-fractions exert divergent effects on all three mosquitos’ biochemical defensive mechanisms. The plant fractions displayed significant repellent activity against all the three mosquito vectors up to the maximum repellent time of 210 min. Thus, the bioactive molecules in the acetone extract of R. murconata leaves showed significant larvicidal and enzyme inhibitory activity and displayed novel eco-friendly tool for mosquito control.
Resveratrol and Resveratrol-Aspirin Hybrid Compounds as Potent Intestinal Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Tumor Drugs
Authors: Salla Mohamed , Pandya Vrajesh , Bhullar Khushwant S. , Kerek Evan , Wong Yoke Fuan , Losch Robyn , Ou Joe , Aldawsari Fahad S. , Velazquez-Martinez Carlos , Thiesen Aducio , Dyck Jason R. B. , Hubbard Basil P. , Baksh Shairaz
Published: August 2020

Resveratrol (3,4,5-Trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a naturally occurring polyphenol that exhibits beneficial pleiotropic health effects. It is one of the most promising natural molecules in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases and autoimmune disorders. One of the key limitations in the clinical use of resveratrol is its extensive metabolic processing to its glucuronides and sulfates. It has been estimated that around 75% of this polyphenol is excreted via feces and urine. To possibly alleviate the extensive metabolic processing and improve bioavailability, we have added segments of acetylsalicylic acid to resveratrol in an attempt to maintain the functional properties of both. We initially characterized resveratrol-aspirin derivatives as products that can inhibit cytochrome P450 Family 1 Subfamily A Member 1 (CYP1A1) activity, DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activity, and cyclooxygenase (COX) activity. In this study, we provide a detailed analysis of how resveratrol and its aspirin derivatives can inhibit nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) activation, cytokine production, the growth rate of cancer cells, and in vivo alleviate intestinal inflammation and tumor growth. We identified resveratrol derivatives C3 and C11 as closely preserving resveratrol bioactivities of growth inhibition of cancer cells, inhibition of NFκB activation, activation of sirtuin, and 5’ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity. We speculate that the aspirin derivatives of resveratrol would be more metabolically stable, resulting in increased efficacy for treating immune disorders and as an anti-cancer agent.
Identifying Active Compounds and Targets of Fritillariae thunbergii against Influenza-Associated Inflammation by Network Pharmacology Analysis and Molecular Docking
Authors: Kim Minjee , Park Ki Hoon , Kim Young Bong
Published: August 2020

Complications due to influenza are often associated with inflammation with excessive release of cytokines. The bulbs of Fritillariae thunbergii (FT) have been traditionally used to control airway inflammatory diseases, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. To elucidate active compounds, the targets, and underlying mechanisms of FT for the treatment of influenza-induced inflammation, systems biology was employed. Active compounds of FT were identified through the TCMSP database according to oral bioavailability (OB) and drug-likeness (DL) criteria. Other pharmacokinetic parameters, Caco-2 permeability (Caco-2), and drug half-life (HL) were also identified. Biological targets of FT were retrieved from DrugBank and STITCH databases, and target genes associated with influenza, lung, and spleen inflammation were collected from DisGeNET and NCBI databases. Compound-disease-target (C-D-T) networks were constructed and merged using Cytoscape. Target genes retrieved from the C-D-T network were further analyzed with GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis. In our network, GO and KEGG results yielded two compounds (beta-sitosterol (BS) and pelargonidin (PG)), targets (PTGS1 (COX-1) and PTGS2 (COX-2)), and pathways (nitric oxide, TNF) were involved in the inhibitory effects of FT on influenza-associated inflammation. We retrieved the binding affinity of each ligand-target, and found that PG and COX-1 showed the strongest binding affinity among four binding results using a molecular docking method. We identified the potential compounds and targets of FT against influenza and suggest that FT is an immunomodulatory therapy for influenza-associated inflammation.
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Peripheral Endothelial Dysfunction in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Monocentric Cross-Sectional Case-Control Study
Authors: Bassu Stefania , Zinellu Angelo , Sotgia Salvatore , Mangoni Arduino Aleksander , Floris Alberto , Farina Giuseppina , Passiu Giuseppe , Carru Ciriaco , Erre Gian Luca
Published: August 2020

Previous studies have suggested that oxidative stress may heighten atherosclerotic burden in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but direct evidence is lacking. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between established plasma oxidative stress biomarkers and peripheral endothelial dysfunction (ED), a marker of early atherosclerosis, in RA. Methods: Paroxonase-1 (PON-1), protein-SH (PSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in 164 RA patient s and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls without previous cardiovascular events. Peripheral ED, evaluated by flow-mediated pulse amplitude tonometry, was defined by log-transformed reactive hyperemia index (Ln-RHI) values < 0.51. Results: PON-1 activity and PSH concentrations were significantly reduced in RA patients compared to controls. In regression analysis, increased plasma MDA levels were significantly associated with reduced Ln-RHI [B coefficient (95% CI) = −0.003 (−0.005 to −0.0008), p = 0.008] and the presence of peripheral ED (OR (95% CI) = 1.75 (1.06–2.88), p = 0.028). Contrary to our expectations, increased PON-1 activity was significantly associated, albeit weakly, with the presence of ED (OR (95% CI) = 1.00 (1.00–1.01), p = 0.017). Conclusions: In this first evidence of a link between oxidative stress and markers of atherosclerosis, MDA and PON-1 showed opposite associations with peripheral vasodilatory capacity and the presence of ED in RA. Further studies are needed to determine whether this association predicts atherosclerotic events in the RA population.
A Structure-Activity Relationship Comparison of Imidazodiazepines Binding at Kappa, Mu, and Delta Opioid Receptors and the GABAA Receptor
Authors: Li Guanguan , Nieman Amanda N. , Mian Md Yeunus , Zahn Nicolas M. , Mikulsky Brandon N. , Poe Michael M. , Methuku Kashi R. , Liu Yongfeng , Cook James M. , Stafford Douglas C. , Arnold Leggy A.
Published: August 2020

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties mediated by the κ opioid receptor (KOR) have been reported for oxadiazole imidazodiazepines. Affinities determined by radioligand competition assays of more than seventy imidazodiazepines using cell homogenates from HEK293 cells that overexpress KOR, µ opioid receptor (MOR), and δ opioid receptor (DOR) are presented. Affinities to synaptic, benzodiazepine-sensitive receptors (BZR) were determined with rat brain extract. The highest affinity for KOR was recorded for GL-I-30 (Ki of 27 nM) and G-protein recruitment was observed with an EC50 of 32 nM. Affinities for MOR and DOR were weak for all compounds. Ester and amide imidazodiazepines were among the most active KOR ligands but also competed with 3H-flunitrazepam for brain extract binding, which is mediated predominately by gamma aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAAR) of the α1-3β2-3γ1-2 subtypes. Imidazodiazepines with carboxylic acid and primary amide groups did not bind KOR but interacted strongly with GABAARs. Pyridine substitution reduced KOR affinity. Oxadiazole imidazodiazepines exhibited good KOR binding and interacted weakly with BZR, whereas oxazole imidazodiazepines were more selective towards BZR. Compounds that lack the imidazole moiety, the pendent phenyl, or pyridine substitutions exhibited insignificant KOR affinities. It can be concluded that a subset of imidazodiazepines represents novel KOR ligands with high selectivity among opioid receptors.
Impact of N-Alkylamino Substituents on Serotonin Receptor (5-HTR) Affinity and Phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A) Inhibition of Isoindole-1,3-dione Derivatives
Authors: Czopek Anna , Partyka Anna , Bucki Adam , Pawłowski Maciej , Kołaczkowski Marcin , Siwek Agata , Głuch-Lutwin Monika , Koczurkiewicz Paulina , Pękala Elżbieta , Jaromin Anna , Tyliszczak Bożena , Wesołowska Anna , Zagórska Agnieszka
Published: August 2020

In this study, a series of compounds derived from 4-methoxy-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione, potential ligands of phosphodiesterase 10A and serotonin receptors, were investigated as potential antipsychotics. A library of 4-methoxy-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione derivatives with various amine moieties was synthesized and examined for their phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A)-inhibiting properties and their 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 receptor affinities. Based on in vitro studies, the most potent compound, 18 (2-[4-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)butyl]-4-methoxy-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione), was selected and its safety in vitro was evaluated. In order to explain the binding mode of compound 18 in the active site of the PDE10A enzyme and describe the molecular interactions responsible for its inhibition, computer-aided docking studies were performed. The potential antipsychotic properties of compound 18 in a behavioral model of schizophrenia were also investigated.
Pu-erh Tea Extract Treatment Could Be an Efficient Way to Enhance the Yield and Nutritional Value of Soybean Sprout
Authors: Kim Jeong-Ho , Yoon Yong-Han , Kim Il-Doo , Dhungana Sanjeev Kumar , Shin Dong-Hyun
Published: August 2020

Soybean sprouts are one of the most inexpensive and nutritious food items that can be easily grown year-round. Several studies have been conducted to increase their yield and nutritional values. This study was carried out to examine the effects of Pu-erh tea extracts on the production and nutrients content of soybean sprouts. Soybean seeds were soaked in 1%, 2%, or 3% (w/v) tea extracts, or tap water, before keeping for sprout cultivation; the sprout samples were named PE-1, PE-2, PE-3, and the control, respectively. The sprout yields were increased by up to 17% in PE-2 and PE-3 than in the control. The vitamin C, total free amino acid, total mineral, total isoflavone, total polyphenol, and flavonoid contents as well as the antioxidant potentials of the tea extract-treated sprouts were higher than those of the control. The results indicated that pre-soaking soybean seeds in 2% Pu-erh tea extracts could offer an easy, inexpensive, and efficient way to improve the yield and nutritional value of soybean sprouts.
Opioids, Polypharmacy, and Drug Interactions: A Technological Paradigm Shift Is Needed to Ameliorate the Ongoing Opioid Epidemic
Authors: Matos Adriana , Bankes David L. , Bain Kevin T. , Ballinghoff Tyler , Turgeon Jacques
Published: August 2020

Polypharmacy is a common phenomenon among adults using opioids, which may influence the frequency, severity, and complexity of drug–drug interactions (DDIs) experienced. Clinicians must be able to easily identify and resolve DDIs since opioid-related DDIs are common and can be life-threatening. Given that clinicians often rely on technological aids—such as clinical decision support systems (CDSS) and drug interaction software—to identify and resolve DDIs in patients with complex drug regimens, this narrative review provides an appraisal of the performance of existing technologies. Opioid-specific CDSS have several system- and content-related limitations that need to be overcome. Specifically, we found that these CDSS often analyze DDIs in a pairwise manner, do not account for relevant pharmacogenomic results, and do not integrate well with electronic health records. In the context of polypharmacy, existing systems may encourage inadvertent serious alert dismissal due to the generation of multiple incoherent alerts. Future technological systems should minimize alert fatigue, limit manual input, allow for simultaneous multidrug interaction assessments, incorporate pharmacogenomic data, conduct iterative risk simulations, and integrate seamlessly with normal workflow.
OsIRO3 Plays an Essential Role in Iron Deficiency Responses and Regulates Iron Homeostasis in Rice
Authors: Wang Wujian , Ye Jun , Ma Yanran , Wang Ting , Shou Huixia , Zheng Luqing
Published: August 2020

Iron (Fe) homeostasis is essential for plant growth and development, and it is strictly regulated by a group of transcriptional factors. Iron-related transcription factor 3 (OsIRO3) was previously identified as a negative regulator for Fe deficiency response in rice. However, the molecular mechanisms by which OsIRO3 regulate Fe homeostasis is unclear. Here, we report that OsIRO3 is essential for responding to Fe deficiency and maintaining Fe homeostasis in rice. OsIRO3 is expressed in the roots, leaves, and base nodes, with a higher level in leaf blades at the vegetative growth stage. Knockout of OsIRO3 resulted in a hypersensitivity to Fe deficiency, with severe necrosis on young leaves and defective root development. The iro3 mutants accumulated higher levels of Fe in the shoot under Fe-deficient conditions, associated with upregulating the expression of OsNAS3, which lead to increased accumulation of nicotianamine (NA) in the roots. Further analysis indicated that OsIRO3 can directly bind to the E-box in the promoter of OsNAS3. Moreover, the expression of typical Fe-related genes was significantly up-regulated in iro3 mutants under Fe-sufficient conditions. Thus, we conclude that OsIRO3 plays a key role in responding to Fe deficiency and regulates NA levels by directly, negatively regulating the OsNAS3 expression.
Content-Aware Eye Tracking for Autostereoscopic 3D Display
Authors: Kang Dongwoo , Heo Jingu
Published: August 2020

This study develops an eye tracking method for autostereoscopic three-dimensional (3D) display systems for use in various environments. The eye tracking-based autostereoscopic 3D display provides low crosstalk and high-resolution 3D image experience seamlessly without 3D eyeglasses by overcoming the viewing position restriction. However, accurate and fast eye position detection and tracking are still challenging, owing to the various light conditions, camera control, thick eyeglasses, eyeglass sunlight reflection, and limited system resources. This study presents a robust, automated algorithm and relevant systems for accurate and fast detection and tracking of eye pupil centers in 3D with a single visual camera and near-infrared (NIR) light emitting diodes (LEDs). Our proposed eye tracker consists of eye–nose detection, eye–nose shape keypoint alignment, a tracker checker, and tracking with NIR LED on/off control. Eye–nose detection generates facial subregion boxes, including the eyes and nose, which utilize an Error-Based Learning (EBL) method for the selection of the best learnt database (DB). After detection, the eye–nose shape alignment is processed by the Supervised Descent Method (SDM) with Scale-invariant Feature Transform (SIFT). The aligner is content-aware in the sense that corresponding designated aligners are applied based on image content classification, such as the various light conditions and wearing eyeglasses. The conducted experiments on real image DBs yield promising eye detection and tracking outcomes, even in the presence of challenging conditions.
Energy Consumption Analysis of LPWAN Technologies and Lifetime Estimation for IoT Application
Authors: Singh Ritesh Kumar , Puluckul Priyesh Pappinisseri , Berkvens Rafael , Weyn Maarten
Published: August 2020

The spectrum of Internet of Things (IoT) applications is exponentially growing, driving the demand for better energy performance metrics. In conjunction, Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN) have evolved as long-range connectivity enabler with low management cost. The integration of LPWAN communication assists in reliable IoT operation with extended lifetime. Notable LPWAN technologies that contend for many of the IoT applications are LoRaWAN, DASH7, Sigfox, and NB-IoT. Most of the end-devices such as sensors and actuators are battery powered, therefore investigating energy consumption becomes crucial. To estimate the consumed power, it is important to analyze the energy consumption in wireless communication. This paper describes an empirical evaluation of energy consumption for LPWAN wireless technologies. We measure the current consumption of LoRaWAN, DASH7, Sigfox, and NB-IoT and derive the respective battery lifetime. These measurements help to quantify the energy performance of different protocols. We observe that LoRaWAN and DASH7 are more energy efficient when compared to Sigfox and NB-IoT. Finally, a case study on energy consumption is done on precision agriculture in the greenhouse, showing that battery lifetime in real applications can drop significantly from the ideal case. These results can be used for increasing the effectiveness of the IoT application by selecting the right technology and battery capacity.
Wearable Activity Trackers in the Management of Rheumatic Diseases: Where Are We in 2020?
Authors: Davergne Thomas , Rakotozafiarison Antsa , Servy Hervé , Gossec Laure
Published: August 2020

In healthcare, physical activity can be monitored in two ways: self-monitoring by the patient himself or external monitoring by health professionals. Regarding self-monitoring, wearable activity trackers allow automated passive data collection that educate and motivate patients. Wearing an activity tracker can improve walking time by around 1500 steps per day. However, there are concerns about measurement accuracy (e.g., lack of a common validation protocol or measurement discrepancies between different devices). For external monitoring, many innovative electronic tools are currently used in rheumatology to help support physician time management, to reduce the burden on clinic time, and to prioritize patients who may need further attention. In inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, regular monitoring of patients to detect disease flares improves outcomes. In a pilot study applying machine learning to activity tracker steps, we showed that physical activity was strongly linked to disease flares and that patterns of physical activity could be used to predict flares with great accuracy, with a sensitivity and specificity above 95%. Thus, automatic monitoring of steps may lead to improved disease control through potential early identification of disease flares. However, activity trackers have some limitations when applied to rheumatic patients, such as tracker adherence, lack of clarity on long-term effectiveness, or the potential multiplicity of trackers.
Design and Validation of Android Smartphone Based Wireless Structural Vibration Monitoring System
Authors: Zhang Dongyu , Tian Jiadong , Li Hui
Published: August 2020

Vibration monitoring is one of crucial functions of structural health monitoring (SHM) systems. Traditional structural vibration monitoring usually relies on specialized sensors, data transmission and acquisition equipment, which are expensive and may not be easily available in urgently needed situations like post-disaster structural evaluation. Therefore, developing an affordable and efficient structural vibration monitoring technique becomes an important topic in SHM research. In this paper, the authors developed an android system APP that can easily convert multiple android smartphones into a wireless structural vibration monitoring system. To make the designed system reliable and easy to use, the server/client architecture is adopted. One smartphone is designated as the serve of the system to remotely control all other smartphones, which function as sensors to measure structural vibration. An efficient method is proposed herein to establish the smartphone-based structural vibration monitoring network, allowing the server smartphone to quickly and easily connect multiple sensor smartphones to form the wireless network for structural vibration monitoring. Additionally, a synchronization method is also proposed to synchronize different smartphones for simultaneously measuring structural vibration. To verify the time synchronization accuracy of the developed system, an experiment is designed and conducted. Moreover, a new analysis method of the time synchronization accuracy is also proposed, which verifies that the designed smartphone-based monitoring can achieve the millisecond-level time synchronization accuracy. Finally, a shaking table experiment is conducted on a three-story bench-scale structural model, the results of which demonstrate that the designed smartphone-based wireless structural vibration monitoring system can quite accurately identify the modal parameters of the tested structure.
Survey of Barbell Trajectory and Kinematics of the Snatch Lift from the 2015 World and 2017 Pan-American Weightlifting Championships
Authors: Cunanan Aaron J. , Hornsby W. Guy , South Mark A. , Ushakova Kristina P. , Mizuguchi Satoshi , Sato Kimitake , Pierce Kyle C. , Stone Michael H.
Published: August 2020

Analysis of elite performances is important to elucidate the characteristics of effective weightlifting technique contributing to the highest level of achievement. The general technique of the weightlifting movements is well established. However, it is also apparent that weightlifting technique can differ based on athlete characteristics. Thus, existing technical models may not accurately reflect current technique of top performers or be applied generically to athletes of different skill, size, sex, or ability. Therefore, the purpose of this descriptive study was to update the scientific knowledge of snatch technique of top international weightlifters. This study used video analysis to determine barbell trajectory and kinematics of 319 successful snatch attempts from two major international competitions. Relative frequencies of barbell trajectory types differed based on competition, sex, category, and ranking. No statistical differences were observed among the top-three performers for either sex for most kinematic variables, and there were no overall discernible patterns of effect size differences for individual or clusters of kinematic variables. The results of this study indicate that weightlifting success can be achieved with a variety of technique profiles.
Recent Trends in Processing of Proteins and DNA in Alternative Solvents: A Sustainable Approach
Authors: Sequeira Rosy Alphons , Bhatt Jitkumar , Prasad Kamalesh
Published: August 2020

Throughout numerous research works on biomacromolecules, several breakthrough innovations have occurred in the field of biomacromolecule processing. Remarkable improvements have been made so far to address the problems associated with biomacromolecule processing technologies in terms of enhancing the efficiency of the processes. Green technology broadly focuses on the search for new techno-economic systems to replace the conventional systems which exhibit pernicious consequences for the environment and the health of organisms. The strategy practiced popularly is the use of alternate solvent systems, replacing the conventional toxic, volatile, and harsh organic solvents to prevent denaturation, biotransformation, enzyme activity loss, and degradation of biomacromolecules. Ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are emerging as greener alternatives over the past two decades and there has been an exponential increase in reports in the literature. The utility of neoteric solvents in biomacromolecule treatment may be envisaged for industrial processes in the near future. The current state of the art regarding the recent developments made over the past few years using neoteric solvents has been reviewed in this article. The recent scientific developments regarding the use of these neoteric solvents, especially ILs and DESs, for processes such as solubilization, extraction, and functionalization of biomacromolecules, especially proteins and DNA, have been addressed in this article. This review may be beneficial for designing novel and selective methodologies for the processing of biomacromolecules, opening doors for better material research in areas such as biotechnology and biological sciences.
Stress Testing in Statistical Modeling of Business Activity in Conditions of Market Shocks
Authors: Lola I. S. , Manukov A. B. , Bakeev M. B.
Published: August 2020

The authors proposed an original method of stress testing in statistical modeling of business activity based on the results of business tendency surveys to study possible scenarios for the development triggered by external unforeseen supply and demand shocks, as in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic. The article also provides an overview of existing approaches in the ﬁeld of stress testing and the construction of stress indices with an emphasis on methods based on vector autoregressive models and their various modiﬁcations. Thus, the article aims to adapt existing methods of macro-level stress testing for their use based on the results of business tendency surveys.

The basis for empirical calculations was the data from business tendency surveys of the leaders of Russian manufacturing enterprises, reﬂecting their combined estimates of the current state of business activity. The methods used in the article included: ﬁrstly, the formation of four composite indices based on the results of business tendency surveys from 2008 to March 2020, reﬂecting various aspects of business activity of enterprises (demand index, production index, ﬁnancial index and employment index); secondly, the construction of the BVAR (Bayesian vector autoregression) model and its application for studying and comparing various forecast scenarios of index reactions to market shocks.

The results of the study, forecasts of the dynamics of indices were obtained as a reaction to four possible shock scenarios: short-term, V-, W-, and U-shaped. Moreover, for each of the scenarios, cases of shocks from the side of demand, production and their simultaneous impact are presented.

The conclusions based on the results of this study point to the key role of demand in the dynamics of all the considered indices and to the relatively greater sensitivity of the employment index in relation to the demand index and the ﬁnance index in relation to the production index. W-shaped shock was the worst of the four scenarios considered.

Conclusions based on the study results indicate the vital role of demand in the dynamics of all the indices under consideration, the Wshaped shock, as the worst of the considered scenarios, as well as the relatively higher sensitivity of the employment index to the demand index and the ﬁnance index to the production index.
Deﬁnition of Digital Economy for the Purposes of Statistical Research
Authors: Klochkova E. N. , Prokhorov P. E.
Published: August 2020

Theinternationalagendaforthedevelopmentof monitoring of digital transformation stimulates the development of a statistical methodology for measuring phenomena and processes in the digital economy. The barrier to the formation of a set of interrelated and comparable indicators of the development of the digital economy is the lack of a definition of this concept that would satisfy all interested parties.

Todate,expertsfromvariousﬁeldsofsciencehaveproposeda wide range of deﬁnitions of the digital economy. Based on the various properties and effects of digitalization, experts characterize the digital economy not only as a phenomenon in economic activity but also as a sociocultural phenomenon. Many of the proposed deﬁnitions are theoretical in nature and do not fully satisfy the needs of empirical research.

The objective of this study is to formulate a deﬁnition of the digital economy for statistical research.

Therefore,the authors reviewed the works analyzing various deﬁnitions of the digital economy, and, accordingly, the sources that proposed deﬁnitions of the digital economy.

Duetoplethoraofdigitaleconomydefinitions,torevealtheessenceofthisconcepttheauthorsusedstatisticaltextanalysis(Text Mining) tools, which made it possible to identify a set of key terms defining digital economy. For analysis, was built a text corpus, consisting of 105 English-language and Russian-language definitions taken from various sources, including documents of state strategic planning, publications of international organizations, analytical materials of consulting companies and articles of individual authors.

Thus,thestudyanalyzedtheconceptofthedigitaleconomyfortheperiodandnatureoforigin,andalsoproposedanapproachbasedonwhichanoperationaldefinitionofthedigitaleconomywas developed that meets the relevant principles. However, to identify the digital economy as an object of statistical research, along with the proposed definition, it is necessary to develop a classification of elements of the infrastructure of the digital economy, all of which will allow the formation of an agreed system of tatistical indicators.
Músicas populares, cognición, afectos e interpelación. Un abordaje socio-semiótico
Authors: Díaz Claudio F. , Montes María de los Ángeles
Published: August 2020

En los últimos años el campo de las humanidades ha renovado su interés por la dimensión afectiva de los fenómenos sociales, en lo que se ha dado en llamar el giro afectivo. Entre estos fenómenos, la producción y recepción de músicas populares es, sin lugar a dudas, un campo de interés particular. Las músicas impactan en lo afectivo y, al mismo tiempo, las emociones y los sentimientos son un tópico recurrente en gran parte de las canciones. De modo que los modelos teóricos que reponen la importancia de lo afectivo son especialmente interesantes para los estudios sobre las músicas populares. Sin embargo, notamos que algunas de esas propuestas, en su afán por ponderar lo afectivo, terminan por reproducir una lógica dualista que separa lo que conciben como corporal, afectivo y no representacional de lo que entienden por mental, cognitivo y discursivo. Proponemos, en cambio, un enfoque que entiende la dimensión afectiva como parte de cualquier proceso cognitivo y sostenemos que una perspectiva sociodiscursiva brinda valiosas herramientas para la comprensión de esa dimensión en las músicas populares, incluyendo la capacidad que las mismas tienen para interpelar a determinados públicos y contribuir a la construcción de identidades.
Enhanced Light-Harvesting Efficiency and Adaptation: A Review on Visible-Light-Driven Micro/Nanomotors
Authors: Zhou Dekai , Zhuang Rencheng , Chang Xiaocong , Li Longqiu
Published: August 2020

As visible light accounts for a larger proportion of solar energy and is harmless to living organisms, it has the potential to be the energy source of micro/nanomotors, which transform visible-light energy into mechanical motion, for different applications, especially in environmental remediation. However, how to precisely control the motion of visible-light-driven micro/nanomotors (VLD-MNMs) and efficiently utilize the weak visible-light photon energy to acquire rapid motion are significant challenges. This review summarizes the most critical aspects, involving photoactive materials, propulsion mechanisms, control methods, and applications of VLD-MNMs, and discusses strategies to systematically enhance the energy-harvesting efficiency and adaptation. At first, the photoactive materials have been divided into inorganic and organic photoactive materials and comprehensively discussed. Then, different propulsion mechanisms of the current VLD-MNMs are presented to explain the improvement in the actuation force, speed, and environmental adaptability. In addition, considering the characteristics of easy control of VLD-MNMs, we summarized the direction, speed, and cluster control methods of VLD-MNMs for different application requirements. Subsequently, the potential applications of VLD-MNMs, e.g., in environmental remediation, micropumps, cargo delivery, and sensing in microscale, are presented. Finally, discussions and suggestions for future directions to enhance the energy-harvesting efficiency and adaptation of VLD-MNMs are provided.
ION-BEAM PROCESSING OF METAL MATERIALS FOR PRECISION EQUIPMENT
Authors: Serdobintsev Yu. P. , Kukhtik M. P.
Published: August 2020

The tests have been carried out with the aim of determination of grinding and polishing of various materials with the help of ion-beam processing. The obtained results can be used of development of methodical and technological basics of ion-beam grinding and its application in precision engineering.
AUTOMATED CONTROL SYSTEM OF CHILDREN’S CAROUSEL
Authors: Repnikov A. I. , Kukhtik M. P.
Published: August 2020

Automated control system for children's carousel has been developed and manufactured. Control cabinet for children's carousel has been designed and control program for programmable logic controller has been written. Control system increases operation reliability of children's carousel and secures ability to control rotation speed of racks.
Местные и системные лечебные эффекты внутрисосудистой лазерной терапии у онкологических больных
Authors: Krasnoselsky N.V. , Simonova L.I. , Zavadskaya T.S. , Pushkar E.S. , Gertman V.Z.
Published: August 2020

Исследовано изменение гормонального гомеостаза, гемопоэза и патоморфоза опухоли у 152 больных раком молочной железы (Т2N0M0 и T3N1M0). Больным основной группы проводили от 5 до 10 сеансов внутривенного лазерного облучения крови (ВЛОК). После полного курса ВЛОК (10 сеансов) наблюдалась девитализация опухолевой паренхимы (уменьшение объемной доли жизнеспособных клеток на 30 %); восстановление гемопоэза и гормонального гомеостаза, что свидетельствует о местном и системном лечебном эффекте ВЛОК
Саркоидоз и сердце
Authors: Bilchenko Olga , Pionova Elena , Gladchenko Alexey Romanovich
Published: August 2020

Описано клиническое наблюдение редко встречающегося саркоидоза сердца. Проведена дифференциальная диагностика с миксомой сердца, которая была установлена у пациентки ранее, на основании тщательного изучения клинических симптомов был поставлен диагноз – саркоидоз сердца. Данное клиническое наблюдение представляет несомненный интерес для клиницистов и является примером сложности постановки окончательного диагноза саркоидоза сердца, что способствует применению некорректной патогенетической терапии.
Порівняльний характер фрустраційного реагування в учасників бойових дій з травмою очей у сполученні з клінічними проявами реакції на стрес різної вираженості
Authors: Lisoviy Volodymyr
Published: August 2020

Досліджували фрустраційне реагування в учасників бойових дій з травмою очей у сполученні з клінічними проявами реакції на стрес різної вираженості. Установлено, що в учасників бойових дій з бойовою травмою очей та частковою втратою зору на тлі явищ психологічної дезадаптації та посттравматичного синдрому серед фрустраційних реакцій переважають екстрапунітивний напрямок та потребово-наполегливий і самозахисний типи реагування. Ступінь соціальної адаптивності (GCR) найбільшою мірою порушений в комбатантів з бойовою травмою очей та частковою втратою зору на тлі явищ психологічної дезадаптації та посттравматичного синдрому, а менш за все – при травмі очей побутового характеру, що підтверджують дані тесту соціальної адаптації Холмса-Раге. Способи фрустраційного реагування в учасників бойових дій при явищах психологічної дезадаптації та посттравматичного синдрому без травми очей зберігають свої особливості при поєднанні з бойовою травмою очей. Суб’єктивні чинники фрустрації та стресу за кількістю, змістом та актуальністю залежать від обставин та життєвого оточення особистості. Це говорить про ймовірне включення в дію способів психологічного захисту особистості й адаптацію до наявності стресу-фрустрації.
Життєстійкість як складова психологічної адаптації у пацієнтів з цереброваскулярною патологією
Authors: Yavorska T.P.
Published: August 2020

Обстежено 383 пацієнти з цереброваскулярною патологією на різних етапах розвитку захворювання та 47 умовно здорових осіб. У дослідженні використано «Тест життєстійкості за С. Мадді» та Бостонський тест на стресостійкість. У пацієнтів з розгорнутою клінічною картиною цереброваскулярної патології визначаються нижчі показники життєстійкості. Хворі після інсульту складають групу найвищого ризику щодо порушення психологічної адаптації в наслідок поєднання комплексу дезадаптивних сомато-психологічних чинників. Підвищення стресового ризику поєднується зі зниженням життєстійкості, що вказує на наявність спільних ланок психогенезу або чинників, задіяних у «антистресовій» активності. Розуміння проявів психологічного феномену життєстійкості як внутрішньособистісного ресурсу до подолання стресу у пацієнтів з соматичними захворюваннями, розкриває широкі можливості у побудові комплексу заходів медико-психологічної допомоги для пацієнтів з цереброваскулярною патологією на основі здоров’яцентрованого підходу.
O que um designer estará projetando em 2065? Inquietações e contribuições do Laboratório de Arte Eletrônica
Authors: Spitz Rejane
Published: August 2020

Ao longo das ultimas décadas, a Mídia Digital ganhou espaço e se consolidou como campo essencial do Design. Hoje, além de conhecer as diversas tecnologias digitais e de estar apto a lidar com as constantes mudanças tecnológicas, um designer precisa ser também capaz de vislumbrar, propor e desenvolver cenários futuros imprevisíveis. Neste artigo discutimos as origens do ensino de Mídia Digital nas Artes Design, destacando o pioneirismo do Laboratório de Arte Eletrônica (LAE) da PUC-Rio, espaço interdisciplinar de pesquisa e produção de projetos digitais. Apresentamos os aspectos teóricos e metodológicos que norteiam os projetos do LAE e discutimos sua contribuição acadêmica. A partir da análise do cenário atual e prospecções sobre o futuro, sublinhamos, em conclusão, a importância da formação de profissionais de Design capacitados a atuar de forma crítica, inclusiva, inovadora, eficiente e responsável, para a construção de um futuro no qual as mídias digitais estejam sempre a serviço da melhoria da qualidade de vida.