scholarly journals Insect-Inspired Robots: Bridging Biological and Artificial Systems

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (22) ◽  
pp. 7609
Author(s):  
Poramate Manoonpong ◽  
Luca Patanè ◽  
Xiaofeng Xiong ◽  
Ilya Brodoline ◽  
Julien Dupeyroux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Locomotion Control ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Hexapod Robots ◽  
High Level ◽  
Operational Range ◽  
Computational Systems

This review article aims to address common research questions in hexapod robotics. How can we build intelligent autonomous hexapod robots that can exploit their biomechanics, morphology, and computational systems, to achieve autonomy, adaptability, and energy efficiency comparable to small living creatures, such as insects? Are insects good models for building such intelligent hexapod robots because they are the only animals with six legs? This review article is divided into three main sections to address these questions, as well as to assist roboticists in identifying relevant and future directions in the field of hexapod robotics over the next decade. After an introduction in section (1), the sections will respectively cover the following three key areas: (2) biomechanics focused on the design of smart legs; (3) locomotion control; and (4) high-level cognition control. These interconnected and interdependent areas are all crucial to improving the level of performance of hexapod robotics in terms of energy efficiency, terrain adaptability, autonomy, and operational range. We will also discuss how the next generation of bioroboticists will be able to transfer knowledge from biology to robotics and vice versa.

A Review on Quantum Dots: Synthesis to In- silico Analysis as Next Generation Antibacterial Agents

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 255-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sounik Manna ◽  
Munmun Ghosh ◽  
Ranadhir Chakraborty ◽  
Sudipto Ghosh ◽  
Santi M. Mandal
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Dots ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Antibacterial Agents ◽  
Antimicrobial Properties ◽  
Binding Potential ◽  
Antibacterial Drug ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Mechanism Of Reaction ◽  
High Level ◽  
Membrane Components

Succumbing to Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) bacteria is a great distress to the recent health care system. Out of the several attempts that have been made to kill MDR pathogens, a few gained short-lived success. The failures, of the discovered or innovated antimicrobials, were mostly due to their high level of toxicity to hosts and the phenomenal rate of developing resistance by the pathogens against the new arsenal. Recently, a few quantum dots were tested against the pathogenic bacteria and therefore, justified for potential stockpiling of next-generation antibacterial agents. The key players for antimicrobial properties of quantum dots are considered to be Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). The mechanism of reaction between bacteria and quantum dots needs to be better understood. They are generally targeted towards the cell wall and membrane components as lipoteichoic acid and phosphatidyl glycerol of bacteria have been documented here. In this paper, we have attempted to simulate ZnS quantum dots and have analysed their mechanism of reaction as well as binding potential to the above bacterial membrane components using CDOCKER. Results have shown a high level of antibacterial activity towards several pathogenic bacteria which specify their potentiality for future generation antibacterial drug development.

scholarly journals Recent Advances and Applications of Bacterial Cellulose in Biomedicine

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 412
Author(s):  
Sam Swingler ◽  
Abhishek Gupta ◽  
Hazel Gibson ◽  
Marek Kowalczuk ◽  
Wayne Heaselgrave ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Cellulose ◽  
Biomedical Applications ◽  
High Water ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
High Tensile Strength ◽  
Ideal Candidate ◽  
Chemical Purity ◽  
High Level ◽  
Water Holding ◽  
Extracellular Polymer

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is an extracellular polymer produced by Komagateibacter xylinus, which has been shown to possess a multitude of properties, which makes it innately useful as a next-generation biopolymer. The structure of BC is comprised of glucose monomer units polymerised by cellulose synthase in β-1-4 glucan chains which form uniaxially orientated BC fibril bundles which measure 3–8 nm in diameter. BC is chemically identical to vegetal cellulose. However, when BC is compared with other natural or synthetic analogues, it shows a much higher performance in biomedical applications, potable treatment, nano-filters and functional applications. The main reason for this superiority is due to the high level of chemical purity, nano-fibrillar matrix and crystallinity. Upon using BC as a carrier or scaffold with other materials, unique and novel characteristics can be observed, which are all relatable to the features of BC. These properties, which include high tensile strength, high water holding capabilities and microfibrillar matrices, coupled with the overall physicochemical assets of bacterial cellulose makes it an ideal candidate for further scientific research into biopolymer development. This review thoroughly explores several areas in which BC is being investigated, ranging from biomedical applications to electronic applications, with a focus on the use as a next-generation wound dressing. The purpose of this review is to consolidate and discuss the most recent advancements in the applications of bacterial cellulose, primarily in biomedicine, but also in biotechnology.

scholarly journals The Potential of Satellite Imagery for Surveying Whales

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 963
Author(s):  
Caroline Höschle ◽  
Hannah C. Cubaynes ◽  
Penny J. Clarke ◽  
Grant Humphries ◽  
Alex Borowicz
Keyword(s):  
Satellite Imagery ◽  
Automated Detection ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Science And Engineering ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Detection And Identification ◽  
Basin Scale ◽  
Terrestrial Environments ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Further Development

The emergence of very high-resolution (VHR) satellite imagery (less than 1 m spatial resolution) is creating new opportunities within the fields of ecology and conservation biology. The advancement of sub-meter resolution imagery has provided greater confidence in the detection and identification of features on the ground, broadening the realm of possible research questions. To date, VHR imagery studies have largely focused on terrestrial environments; however, there has been incremental progress in the last two decades for using this technology to detect cetaceans. With advances in computational power and sensor resolution, the feasibility of broad-scale VHR ocean surveys using VHR satellite imagery with automated detection and classification processes has increased. Initial attempts at automated surveys are showing promising results, but further development is necessary to ensure reliability. Here we discuss the future directions in which VHR satellite imagery might be used to address urgent questions in whale conservation. We highlight the current challenges to automated detection and to extending the use of this technology to all oceans and various whale species. To achieve basin-scale marine surveys, currently not feasible with any traditional surveying methods (including boat-based and aerial surveys), future research requires a collaborative effort between biology, computation science, and engineering to overcome the present challenges to this platform’s use.

scholarly journals Morphological Computation: Nothing but Physical Computation

Entropy ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (12) ◽  
pp. 942 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcin Miłkowski
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Physical Computation ◽  
Efficiency Cost ◽  
Morphological Computation ◽  
Computational Systems

The purpose of this paper is to argue against the claim that morphological computation is substantially different from other kinds of physical computation. I show that some (but not all) purported cases of morphological computation do not count as specifically computational, and that those that do are solely physical computational systems. These latter cases are not, however, specific enough: all computational systems, not only morphological ones, may (and sometimes should) be studied in various ways, including their energy efficiency, cost, reliability, and durability. Second, I critically analyze the notion of “offloading” computation to the morphology of an agent or robot, by showing that, literally, computation is sometimes not offloaded but simply avoided. Third, I point out that while the morphology of any agent is indicative of the environment that it is adapted to, or informative about that environment, it does not follow that every agent has access to its morphology as the model of its environment.

scholarly journals Causes and Management of Neck Pain in Primary Care, Review Article

2021 ◽  
pp. 144-152
Author(s):  
Faisal Suliman Algaows ◽  
Nader Marzouq AlOtaibi ◽  
Salma Mousa Hakami ◽  
Omar Abdrabalrasoul Alkhabaz ◽  
Bandar Owaidh ALJohani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Neck Pain ◽  
Spinous Process ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Upper Limbs ◽  
The World ◽  
High Level ◽  
Pain Patients

Neck pain is a prevalent ailment that affects many people around the world. Neck pain is linked to a high level of disability and is usually regarded as a serious public health issue. Pain between the superior nuchal line and the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra is referred to as neck pain. The pain in the neck might refer to the head, trunk, and upper limbs in some cases. This article seeks to offer a summary of the existing evidence on the prevalence, costs, diagnosis, prognosis, risk factors, prevention, and management of neck pain patients.

scholarly journals Perceived Problems of Strike Action and Deviant Behavior at Selected Higher Institutions in Ekiti State, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-106
Author(s):  
Yusuf Suleiman ◽  
Muraina Kamilu Olanrewaju ◽  
Jamiu Mahmood Suleiman
Keyword(s):  
School Counselors ◽  
Teenage Pregnancy ◽  
Deviant Behavior ◽  
Deviant Behaviors ◽  
Descriptive Research ◽  
Ex Post ◽  
Ex Post Facto ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
High Level ◽  
Higher Institutions

This study aimed to investigate the perceived problems of strike action and deviant behavior in selected higher institutions in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The descriptive research design of ex-post-facto type was used in the study. Three hundred respondents were selected randomly from two Universities. The respondents were measured with a self-developed scale, and the data obtained were analyzed using descriptive (mean) statistical analysis. Four research questions were raised and answered. The result showed that causes of strike action in selected higher institutions include non-payment of teacher’s salaries, low responds to problems confronting schools among others, problems of strike action in selected higher institutions include production of half-baked graduates, youth involvement in secret cult, widespread of examination malpractice, causes of deviant behavior in selected higher institutions include parental neglect, drug addiction, high level of poverty among others and problems of deviant behavior in selected higher institutions include incessant strike action, widespread of examination malpractice, prevalence of teenage pregnancy among others. Given these findings, the study recommended that school counselors should identify deviant behaviors and counsel adolescents on how it can be prevented and that Government should deem it fit to respond to the yearnings and aspirations of the workers in terms of quick payment of their salaries and other emoluments.

scholarly journals Dynamic statistical assessment of the competitiveness of an energy generating company (as exemplified by Rosenergoatom Concern JSC)

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 327-332
Author(s):  
Tatiana A. Burtseva ◽  
Sergey S. Khvorostyannikov ◽  
Anastasia A. Kuznetsova
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
National Economy ◽  
Nuclear Energy ◽  
Nuclear Industry ◽  
Total Energy Consumption ◽  
Russian Economy ◽  
The World ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
The Government ◽  
High Level

The depletion of traditional organic energy sources and aggravated environmental problems are the reasons why the level of energy efficiency is an important factor in the competitiveness of the national economy. Russia ranks third in the world in terms of total energy consumption and its economy is distinguished by a high level of energy intensity (amount of energy per unit of GDP). In 2019, this figure was 9.62 tons of oil equivalent (toe) per 1 million rubles, which is 40% higher than the world average. The low energy efficiency of the Russian economy is a widely recognized problem. A special decree of the Government of Russia in 2018 sets the task of increasing the level of energy efficiency of the Russian economy by 23% by 2030. One of the ways to solve this problem is the development of nuclear energy, and increasing the competitiveness of nuclear energy is one of the key issues for the national economy. In this connection, solving the problem of assessing the competitiveness of the nuclear industry and its leading companies occupies a key place among the practical scientific problems, the solution of which is facilitated by the results presented by the authors in this article. Rosenergoatom Concern JSC is the leading energy generating company in the Russian nuclear industry. The results of the study of the competitiveness of Rosenergoatom Concern JSC were obtained on the basis of the authors’ methodology for assessing the competitiveness of an energy generating company. The novelty of the presented methodology lies in the developed normative and evaluative model and the coefficients of competitiveness of an energy generating company. The advantages of the authors’ model are that it allows (1) obtaining integral assessments of the competitiveness of a power generating company at short time intervals for a large number of indicators and (2) quantitatively measuring the effects of different factors on the competitiveness of a power generating company, provided that the grouping of indicators of competitiveness of a power generating company is justified by influencing factors. The two factors considered by the authors were: the general market factor and the industry factor. According to the results of the study, it was found that Rosenergoatom Concern JSC demonstrates positive increase of the competitiveness indicator mainly due to the industry factor. With this regard, it was concluded that, within the framework of state policy, it is advisable to strengthen support for the Russian nuclear industry by creating additional conditions and opportunities for its energy generating companies on the domestic energy market.

scholarly journals Socio-Spatial Research on Logistics and Its Impact on Urban Environment: A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-69
Author(s):  
José A. López-Sánchez ◽  
Beltrán Roca
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Analysis ◽  
Urban Environment ◽  
Urban Space ◽  
Economic Activity ◽  
Applied Research ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Transport Activity ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Research Questions

This review article attempts to respond to the following research questions: how has evolved socio-spatial analysis on logistics, which are the most studied types of this economic activity, and the major impacts of logistics on urban space. This article draws on a systemized bibliometric analysis to identify the main tendencies in logistics' spatial study. It identifies four clusters of literature that put interest on different subtopics and approaches. The review reveals the current hegemony of applied research that focuses on sustainability, streamlining, and technology, mainly from the USA and China, despite research on globalization and industry. In fact, concerning the urban space, the most vivid academic discussion revolves around the location of warehousing and transport activity within cities. Finally, the article highlights the lack of critical perspectives on logistics and socio-spatial conflicts generated by logistics extension in mainstream academic literature. The analysis concludes that socio-spatial disputes related to logistics remain understudied and, consequently, further research should be conducted on this field.

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