Gangliosides as Biomarkers of Human Brain Diseases: Trends in Discovery and Characterization by High-Performance Mass Spectrometry

Gangliosides are effective biochemical markers of brain pathologies, being also in the focus of research as potential therapeutic targets. Accurate brain ganglioside mapping is an essential requirement for correlating the specificity of their composition with a certain pathological state and establishing a well-defined set of biomarkers. Among all bioanalytical methods conceived for this purpose, mass spectrometry (MS) has developed into one of the most valuable, due to the wealth and consistency of structural information provided. In this context, the present article reviews the achievements of MS in discovery and structural analysis of gangliosides associated with severe brain pathologies. The first part is dedicated to the contributions of MS in the assessment of ganglioside composition and role in the specific neurodegenerative disorders: Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. A large subsequent section is devoted to cephalic disorders (CD), with an emphasis on the MS of gangliosides in anencephaly, the most common and severe disease in the CD spectrum. The last part is focused on the major accomplishments of MS-based methods in the discovery of ganglioside species, which are associated with primary and secondary brain tumors and may either facilitate an early diagnosis or represent target molecules for immunotherapy oriented against brain cancers.

ENHANCEMENT OF STABILITY ON AUTONOMOUS WAYPOINT MISSION OF QUADROTOR USING LQR INTEGRATOR CONTROL

The ability of the quadrotor in the waypoint trajectory tracking becomes an essential requirement in the completion of various missions nowadays. However, the magnitude of steady-state errors and multiple overshoots due to environmental disturbances leads to motion instability. These conditions make the quadrotor experience a shift and even change direction from the reference path. As a result, to minimize steady-state error and multiple overshoots, this study employs a Linear Quadratic Regulator control method with the addition of an Integrator. Comparisons between LQR without Integrator and LQR with Integrator were performed. They were implemented on a quadrotor controller to track square and zig-zag waypoint patterns. From experimental results, LQR without Integrator produce of 2 meters steady-state error and -1.04 meters undershoot average with an accuracy of 64.84 % for square pattern, along 3.19 meters steady-state error, and -1.12 meters undershoot average with an accuracy of 46.73 % for a zig-zag way. The LQR method with integrator produce of 1.06 meters steady-state error with accuracy 94.96 % without multiple-overshoot for square pattern, the 1.06 meters steady-state error, and -0.18 meters undershoot average with an accuracy of 86.49 % for the zig-zag way. The results show that the LQR control method with Integrator can minimize and improve steady-state error and multiple overshoots in quadrotor flight. The condition makes the quadrotor able to flying path waypoints with the correct system specification. ABSTRAK: Kemampuan quadrotor dalam pengesanan lintasan waypoint menjadi syarat penting dalam menyelesaikan pelbagai misi pada masa kini. Walau bagaimanapun, besarnya ralat keadaan mantap dan banyak kelebihan kerana gangguan persekitaran menyebabkan ketidakstabilan pergerakan. Keadaan ini menjadikan quadrotor mengalami pergeseran dan bahkan mengubah arah dari jalur rujukan. Oleh itu, kajian ini menggunakan kaedah kawalan Linear Quadratic Regulator dengan penambahan integrator dalam meminimumkan ralat keadaan mantap dan banyak kelebihan. Perbandingan antara LQR tanpa Integrator dan LQR dengan Integrator dilakukan. Mereka dilaksanakan pada pengawal quadrotor untuk mengesan corak titik jalan persegi dan zig-zag. Dari hasil eksperimen, LQR tanpa Integrator menghasilkan ralat keadaan mantap 2 meter dan -1.04 meter rata-rata undur tembak dengan ketepatan 64.84% untuk corak persegi, sepanjang ralat keadaan tetap 3.19 meter, dan -1.12 meter rata-rata undur bawah dengan ketepatan 46.73 % untuk cara zig-zag. Kaedah LQR dengan integrator menghasilkan ralat keadaan mantap 1.06 meter dengan ketepatan 94.96% tanpa tembakan berlebihan untuk corak segi empat sama, ralat keadaan mantap 1.06 meter, dan rata-rata undur tembak -0.18 meter dengan ketepatan 86.49% untuk zig-zag cara. Hasilnya menunjukkan bahawa kaedah kawalan LQR dengan Integrator dapat meminimumkan dan memperbaiki ralat keadaan mantap dan banyak overhoot dalam penerbangan quadrotor. Keadaan tersebut menjadikan quadrotor dapat terbang ke titik jalan dengan spesifikasi sistem yang betul.

Transparent porous polymer sheets for efficient product separation in solar water splitting

Efficient product separation is an essential requirement for the safe operation and implementation of solar water splitting devices. Ion exchange membranes are typically used, but for a device that requires...

A Systematic Review of Web Accessibility Metrics

Currently, providing accessible websites for all users is an essential requirement. There are various qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods to assure accessibility. Among these, the quantitative methods show the level of accessibility of the website using web accessibility metrics (WAM), which provide a way to understand, control, and improve these websites. This study was aimed to identify current trends and analyze WAMs through a systematic literature review. Therefore, 30 WAM studies that were published since 2008 were determined and investigated according to attributes defined for the metrics such as guideline set used by the metric, coupling level with the guidelines, type of evaluation, site complexity, and validation with the user. Fourteen recently proposed WAMs were determined since 2008. Recently proposed WAMs have begun to consider more elaborate issues such as rich internet applications, website complexity, usability, or user experience issues and implement some machine learning approaches for the metrics.

Utilization of effluents from hydrochloric acid processing of sphene concentrate

Mineral raw materials have a multicomponent composition. The extraction and translation of all or the main components into useful products is an urgent and important task. The integrated use of mineral raw materials is an essential requirement of environmentalists for technology developers. The methods of disposal of hydrochloric acid processing of sphene, developed by the authors, make it possible to carry out the process in an environmentally friendly version with obtaining the demanded main and by-product.

Deep Reinforcement Learning for UAV Trajectory Design Considering Mobile Ground Users

A network composed of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), serving as base stations (UAV-BS network), is emerging as a promising component in next-generation communication systems. In the UAV-BS network, the optimal positioning of a UAV-BS is an essential requirement to establish line-of-sight (LoS) links for ground users. A novel deep Q-network (DQN)-based learning model enabling the optimal deployment of a UAV-BS is proposed. Moreover, without re-learning of the model and the acquisition of the path information of ground users, the proposed model presents the optimal UAV-BS trajectory while ground users move. Specifically, the proposed model optimizes the trajectory of a UAV-BS by maximizing the mean opinion score (MOS) for ground users who move to various paths. Furthermore, the proposed model is highly practical because, instead of the locations of individual mobile users, an average channel power gain is used as an input parameter. The accuracy of the proposed model is validated by comparing the results of the model with those of a mathematical optimization solver.

Feeding Problems and Long-Term Outcomes in Preterm Infants—A Systematic Approach to Evaluation and Management

Preterm infants are known to have long-term healthcare needs. With advances in neonatal medical care, younger and more preterm infants are surviving, placing a subset of the general population at risk of long-term healthcare needs. Oral feeding problems in this population often play a substantial yet under-appreciated role. Oral feeding competency in preterm infants is deemed an essential requirement for hospital discharge. Despite achieving discharge readiness, feeding problems persist into childhood and can have a residual impact into adulthood. The early diagnosis and management of feeding problems are essential requisites to mitigate any potential long-term challenges in preterm-born adults. This review provides an overview of the physiology of swallowing and oral feeding skills, disruptions to oral feeding in preterm infants, the outcomes of preterm infants with feeding problems, and an algorithmic approach to the evaluation and management of neonatal feeding problems.

Ecological houses as an area of energy efficient and green construction

The relevance of the construction of ecological houses (eco-houses), i.e. houses made from environmentally friendly building materials, is increasing due to the exacerbation of environmental problems on a global, regional and local scale. The purpose of this study is considered to be the actualization of the concept of ecological houses in relation to modern conditions, taking into account new and future requirements for buildings. Ecological houses are considered as a kind of modern green buildings. Particular attention is paid to energy efficiency as an essential requirement for new buildings. Eco-friendly building materials have two qualities at the same time: they are more favorable to humans; their use has a minimal impact on the environment, taking into account the entire life cycle of the building material. As a rule, natural materials (materials of natural origin) are considered environmentally friendly. It is rationally to apply the experience of energy efficient and green construction for environmentally friendly buildings: compact architectural forms, translucent structures with the effect of passive solar heating, supply and exhaust ventilation with heat recovery, automation of engineering systems, elimination of heat bridges (cold bridges).

Waterproofing systems for roof protection in homes

Based on the impact of climate changes, our concern arises in this scenario and the entire building is exposed to different climatic agents such as the rain itself, which can negatively impact the overall performance of the construction. Waterproofing is an essential requirement for buildings for residential, commercial and industrial use. Aspects such as the geometry and the materials with which the structural roof systems (slabs) were obtained play a fundamental role when choosing the most effective waterproofing system to incorporate into the building. Therefore, our main approach is to list the various waterproofing systems most used today for the protection of housing roofs since a knowledge of these systems will trigger a correct procedure, control and care in waterproofing, which results in a conservation of the building.

Biospeckle Analysis and Biofilm Electrostatic Tests, Two Useful Methods in Microbiology

The development of more sensitive methodologies, capable of quickly detecting and monitoring a microbial population present in a specific biological matrix, as well as performing to allow for the study of all its metabolic changes (e.g., during the formation of biofilm) to occur, is an essential requirement for both well-being and the food industry. Two techniques, in particular, have gained the attention of scientists: The first is “biospeckle”, an optical technique representing an innovative tool for applications in food quality, food safety, and nutraceuticals. With this technique, we can quickly evaluate and monitor the presence of bacteria (or their proliferation) in a solid or liquid biological matrix. In addition, the technique is helpful in quantifying and optimizing the correct storage time of the pro-biotics, if they are entrapped in matrices such as alginate and follow their survival rate in simulated gastro-intestinal conditions. A second technique with great chances is the “biofilm electrostatic test” (BET). BET undoubtedly represents a fast, simple, and highly reproducible tool suitable for admitting the evaluation of the in vitro bacterial capacity in order to adhere through an electrostatic interaction with a pyro-electrified carrier after only 2 h of incubation. BET could represent the way for a quick and standardized evaluation of bacterial resistance among biofilm-producing microorganisms through a fast evaluation of the potential presence of the biofilm.