Modern Applications Research Articles

Analysis of Correlation Effects of Double Mutations in Enzymes: A Revised Residual-Contact Network Clique Model.

The relationship between amino acid mutations and enzyme bioactivity is a significant challenge in modern bio-industrial applications. Despite many successful designs relying on complex correlations among mutations at different enzyme sites, the underlying mechanisms of these correlations still need to be explored. In this study, we introduced a revised version of the residual-contact network clique model to investigate the additive effect of double mutations based on the mutation occurrence topology, secondary structures, and physicochemical properties. The model was applied to a set of 182 double mutations reported in three extensively studied enzymes, and it successfully identified over 90% of additive double mutations and a majority of non-additive double mutations. The calculations revealed that the mutation additivity depends intensely on the studied mutation sites' topology and physicochemical properties. For example, double mutations on irregular secondary structure regions tend to be non-additive. Our method provides valuable tools for facilitating enzyme design and optimization. The code and relevant data are available at Github.

Classification, military applications, and opportunities of unmanned aerial vehicles

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are cutting-edge technologies used for military purposes world-wide at tactical, operational, and strategic levels. This study provides an overview of the history and current state of military drones, considering a global and Ecuadorian background. Then, a classification of the UAVs developed and built in Ecuador is conducted based on their endurance, altitude, and wing span to understand the national context and progress. The research also delves into the applications of UAVs in several military operations and missions, aiming to create a framework that aligns UAV capabilities with specific operational needs; this permits the identification of the challenges and opportunities the country faces. Unmanned aerial systems have changed the battlefield, and the government needs to adapt to a national strategy that incorporates this technology; this research analyzes and provides insights to improve military capabilities such as exploring modern UAV military applications, technical updates in communication, navigation, and data acquisition systems; and the integration of emerging technologies like smart materials, artificial intelligence, and electric propulsion systems. This study provides valuable insights into the Ecuadorian UAVs that enhance the country’s military operations and offer some applications and uses of this technology for national security.

A Corrugated Edged Tapered Slot Antenna with Low Cross-Polarization and Moderate Gain for Phased Array Systems

ABSTRACT This paper presents a miniaturized Vivaldi antenna with a scan volume of ± 30° designed for the 6–18 GHz tactical operational band, commonly employed in phased array systems and modern surveillance applications. The proposed antenna offers enhanced radiation characteristics, low cross polarization, broad beam width, and moderate gain. The design presented in this paper follows a step-by-step approach to achieve enhanced performance in terms of multi-octave bandwidth and compact size. Initially, a traditional Vivaldi antenna was designed and examined, with a modified feed structure. Subsequently, corrugated edges were inserted into the antenna, increasing its electrical length and resulting in good impedance matching, especially in the 6–10 GHz frequency band. A prototype model is fabricated and tested to validate its performance against the simulation results. The measured results demonstrate that the return loss (S11) remains below −10 dB across the operating frequency range, achieving a 50% bandwidth, with a gain of 3–7 dB, and improved co-cross polarization of −23 dB at 6 GHz and −26 dB at 18 GHz.

IMPLEMENTATION OF A DYNAMIC PRICING SYSTEM IN RETAIL: AN ANALYTICAL REVIEW OF THE PRACTICES OF RUSSIAN COMPANIES

Over the past few years, the conditions and nature of doing business for Russian companies have changed dramatically. The processes of procurement, logistics, product sales, accounting and other business processes are automated. The development of artificial intelligence technology and the growing volume of data are additional growth drivers for the company. Within the framework of this article, an analytical review of the practices of applying the pricing system in retail of Russian companies was conducted. The pricing process is key, which allows you to directly influence the main economic indicators of the company’s activities, since sales volume, profit, demand for products, inventories of inventory resources can be regulated by means of competent changes in prices for goods. Dynamic pricing is gaining great popularity among retailers, which leads to the expansion of patent activities in terms of software and models for automating pricing, including using machine learning. In this article, the authors reviewed some of the most popular offers on the market for the introduction of dynamic pricing systems and analyzed them, revealed the main features and identified common features of building automated dynamic pricing models. The practices of implementing dynamic pricing systems in Russian companies were also investigated. The results obtained allow us to draw conclusions about the importance of using automated pricing systems in retail in modern conditions, their capabilities and application problems.

Durable and programmable ultrafast nanophotonic matrix of spectral pixels.

Locally addressable nanophotonic devices are essential for modern applications such as light detection, optical imaging, beam steering and displays. Despite recent advances, a versatile solution with a high-speed tuning rate, long-life durability and programmability across multiple pixels remains elusive. Here we introduce a programmable nanophotonic matrix consisting of vanadium dioxide (VO2) cavities on pixelated microheaters that meets all these requirements. The indirect Joule heating of these VO2 cavities can result in pronounced spectral modulation with colour changes and ensures exceptional endurance even after a million switching cycles. Precise control over the thermal dissipation power through a SiO2 layer of an optimized thickness on Si facilitates an ultrafast modulation rate exceeding 70 kHz. We demonstrated a video-rate nanophotonic colour display by electrically addressing a matrix of 12 × 12 pixels. Furthermore, inspired by the unique pixel-level programmability with multiple intermediate states of the spectral pixels, a spatiotemporal modulation concept is introduced for spectrum detection.

Roadmap of Adversarial Machine Learning in Internet of Things-Enabled Security Systems.

Machine learning (ML) represents one of the main pillars of the current digital era, specifically in modern real-world applications. The Internet of Things (IoT) technology is foundational in developing advanced intelligent systems. The convergence of ML and IoT drives significant advancements across various domains, such as making IoT-based security systems smarter and more efficient. However, ML-based IoT systems are vulnerable to lurking attacks during the training and testing phases. An adversarial attack aims to corrupt the ML model's functionality by introducing perturbed inputs. Consequently, it can pose significant risks leading to devices' malfunction, services' interruption, and personal data misuse. This article examines the severity of adversarial attacks and accentuates the importance of designing secure and robust ML models in the IoT context. A comprehensive classification of adversarial machine learning (AML) is provided. Moreover, a systematic literature review of the latest research trends (from 2020 to 2024) of the intersection of AML and IoT-based security systems is presented. The results revealed the availability of various AML attack techniques, where the Fast Gradient Signed Method (FGSM) is the most employed. Several studies recommend the adversarial training technique to defend against such attacks. Finally, potential open issues and main research directions are highlighted for future consideration and enhancement.

Efficient Fabrication of Disordered Graphene with Improved Ion Accessibility, Ion Conductivity, and Density for High-Performance Compact Capacitive Energy Storage.

High-performance compact capacitive energy storage is vital for many modern application fields, including grid power buffers, electric vehicles, and portable electronics. However, achieving exceptional volumetric performance in supercapacitors is still challenging and requires effective fabrication of electrode films with high ion-accessible surface area and fast ion diffusion capability while simultaneously maintaining high density. Herein, a facile, efficient, and scalable method is developed for the fabrication of dense, porous, and disordered graphene through spark-induced disorderly opening of graphene stacks combined with mechanical compression. The obtained disordered graphene achieves a high density of 1.18gcm-3, sixfold enhanced ion conductivity compared to common laminar graphene, and an ultrahigh volumetric capacitance of 297Fcm-3 in ionic liquid electrolyte. The fabricated stack cells deliver a volumetric energy density of 94.2WhL-1 and a power density of 13.7kWL-1, representing a critical breakthrough in capacitive energy storage. Moreover, the proposed disordered graphene electrodes are assembled into ionogel-based all-solid-state pouch cells with high mechanical stability and multiple optional outputs, demonstrating great potential for flexible energy storage in practical applications.

Flexo-Phototronic Boosted Self-Powered Ultraviolet Detection in ZnAl:Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets/NiO Heterostructure.

Developing self-powered and flexible optoelectronic sensors with high responsivity and speed is crucial for modern applications, motivating continuous efforts to enhance their performance. Flexo-phototronics is a less-explored but promising technique to elevate the performance of optoelectronics. Therefore, this work addresses the potential of utilizing the flexo-phototronic effect to enhance the performance of a flexible and self-powered ultraviolet photodetector (UV PD) based on ZnAl:LDH (layered double hydroxides) nanosheets (Ns)/NiO heterostructure. The vertically oriented ZnAl:LDH Ns are synthesized via a simple method involving the immersion of a sputtered 10% Al-doped ZnO thin film in deionized water at room ambient conditions. The fabricated PD exhibits an impressive response to 365 nm UV light, with high sensitivity in the order of 103. The device's photocurrent and responsivity are significantly enhanced by the flexo-phototronic effect, attributed to the flexoelectric properties of ZnAl:LDH Ns. Specifically, applying an inhomogeneous tensile strain of 2% boosted the device responsivity by 57.1% and improved its operational speed. Furthermore, a working model revealing the altered energy-band structure is demonstrated to elucidate the flexo-phototronic-induced boost in the photoresponse. The PD also demonstrated a sustainable performance under severe bending cycles, underlining the good flexibility of the device. The results presented in this study demonstrate a self-powered and flexible UV PD and provide a viable approach to augment the performance of optoelectronics through the flexo-phototronic effect.

The Role of Cannabinoids in Advancing Cancer Treatment: Insights from Evidence-Based Medicine.

This document critically examines the role of cannabinoids in cancer care during an era marked by rapid advancements in oncology and changing perceptions on cannabis. It traces the historical context of cannabis in medicinal use, navigating its journey from widespread acceptance, subsequent criminalization, to its resurgence in modern therapeutic applications, particularly within the framework of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM). Anchored in EBM principles, this study synthesizes current research from clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cannabinoids in oncology. The focus is on their palliative effects, considering the nuances of effectiveness, risk assessment, and challenges inherent in translating these findings into clinical guidelines. The study seeks to bridge the gap between scientific research and clinical practice, offering insights to inform future oncological therapies and symptom management strategies involving cannabinoids. The potential benefits and risks of cannabinoid use in cancer treatment are assessed to guide clinicians and researchers in developing comprehensive, evidence-based approaches to patient care.

History and Evolution of the Electroencephalogram.

This paper summarizes the history and evolution of the electroencephalogram (EEG). The EEG, used to record the electrical activity of the brain, is a pivotal tool in neuroscience and medicine. Its history and evolution reflect significant advancements in our understanding of brain function and our ability to diagnose and treat neurological conditions. This tool has revolutionized our understanding of the brain's electrical activity and is the cornerstone for the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy and related disorders.The evolution of the EEGfrom early experimental observations to sophisticated modern applications highlights the profound progress in our ability to monitor and interpret brain activity. The EEG remains an invaluable tool in clinical and research settings, continually evolving with technological advancements to expand our understanding of the human brain. This review traces the journey of this iconic tool.

Modern Applications of Blockchain Technologies in Contemporary Times: A Systematic Review

Blockchain technology is one of the most innovative and versatile technological advancements of contemporary times, finding applications in various fields such as finance, healthcare, education, and real estate. This paper provides a systematic review of blockchain technology, its historical evolution, fundamental concepts, different types of blockchain, and its various applications. The study also explores the key characteristics of blockchain, including decentralization, transparency, and immutability, and discusses the challenges and limitations faced by the technology, such as scalability issues, security concerns, and regulatory challenges. Additionally, the paper looks into future trends and developments in blockchain technology, particularly advancements in consensus algorithms, integration with other emerging technologies, and the rise of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and Decentralized Finance (DeFi).

Reaching the efficiency limit of arbitrary polarization transformation with non-orthogonal metasurfaces

Polarization transformation is at the foundation of modern applications in photonics and quantum optics. Notwithstanding their applicative interests, basic theoretical and experimental efforts are still needed to exploit the full potential of polarization optics. Here, we reveal that the coherent superposition of two non-orthogonal eigen-states of Jones matrix can improve drastically the efficiency of arbitrary polarization transformation with respect to classical orthogonal polarization optics. By exploiting metasurface with stacking and twisted configuration, we have implemented a powerful configuration, termed “non-orthogonal metasurfaces”, and have experimentally demonstrated arbitrary input-output polarization modulation reaching nearly 100% transmission efficiency in a broadband and angle-insensitive manner. Additionally, we have proposed a routing methodology to project independent phase holograms with quadruplex circular polarization components. Our results outline a powerful paradigm to achieve extremely efficient polarization optics, and polarization multiplexing for communication and information encryption at microwave and optical frequencies.

Physicochemical properties of 2-amino-5-methylpyridinium 3-carboxy-4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate single crystal: An efficient material for optoelectronic applications

A novel third-order organic nonlinear optical (NLO) material with promising excellent properties in the crucial NLO application. For the first time high NLO active 2-amino-5-methylpyridinium 5-sulfosalicylic acid (2A5MP3C4H) has been rationally designed and single crystals have been grown by the slow evaporation solution growth technique (SEST). X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that 2A5MP3C4H belongs to the category of triclinic system and has a Centro symmetric space group of P1. Remarkably, the grown crystal exhibits competitive and even superior physical properties including high thermal stability and wider transparency than the standard NLO single crystal. The morphology of the as-grown 2A5MP3C4H crystal was equivalent to the theoretically produced morphology. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to investigate the molecular vibrations of 2A5MP3C4H. The optical characteristics of 2A5MP3C4H recorded optical transmittance spectrum reveals that the 2A5MP3C4H crystal possesses good optical transparency in the range between ultraviolet (UV) and near-infrared (NIR) regions. Intriguingly, the short cut-off edge of the grown crystal is found to be about 345 nm which is more favourable for developing modern photonic and optoelectronic devices application. The Laser Damage Threshold (LDT), were investigated to understand its effectiveness to be utilized in the area of optoelectronics and photonics. The thermal and mechanical stability of 2A5MP3C4H was tested using Thermo gravimetric Differential Thermal Analysis (TG-DTA) and Vickers hardness test. The third-order nonlinear optical properties of 2A5MP3C4H single crystals were analyzed, which involves studying the absorption coefficient and refractive index behaviour using a continuous wave laser. Additionally, the grown crystal exhibits outstanding third-order NLO response and wide LDT, which are crucial characteristics for developing practical NLO devices. There are various 2-amino-5-methylpyridine (2A5MP) derivative single crystals available in the literature. However 2A5MP3C4H crystal has not been reported earlier. So, we have carried out our researcher on this new novel crystal. Our findings consequently open a novel path for the logical design of enormous, thermally stable and NLO-active organic complexes for true NLO applications.

Roadmap on specialty optical fibers

Abstract Optical fibers, long an enabling technology for telecommunications, are proving to play a central role in a growing number of modern applications, starting from high speed broad band internet to medical surgery and entering across the entire spectrum of scientific, military, industrial and commercial applications. Specialty optical fibers either special waveguide structure or novel material composition becomes heart of all fiber based advanced photonics devices and components. This rapidly evolving field calls on the expertise and skills of a broad set of different disciplines: materials science, ceramic engineering, optics, electrical engineering, physics, polymer chemistry, and several others. This roadmap on specialty optical fibers addresses different technologies and application areas. It is constituted by fourteen contributions authored by world-leading experts, providing insight into the current state-of-the-art and the challenges their respective fields face. Some articles address the area of multimode fibers, including the nonlinear effects occurring in them. Several other articles are dedicated to doped, plastic, and soft-glass fibers. Large mode area fibers, hollow-core fibers, and nanostructured fibers are also described in different sections. The use of some of such fibers for optical amplification and to realize several kinds of optical sources - including lasers, single photon sources and supercontinuum sources - is described in some other sections. Different approaches to satisfy applications at visible, infrared and THz spectra regions are also discussed. Throughout the roadmap there is an attempt to foresee and to suggest future directions in this particularly dynamic area of optical fiber technology.

Advancing cryptography: a novel hybrid cipher design merging Feistel and SPN structures

In the dynamic field of cryptography, lightweight ciphers play a pivotal role in overcoming resource constraints in modern applications. This paper introduces a lightweight cryptographic algorithm by seamlessly merging the proven characteristics of the Feistel cipher CLEFIA with the advanced substitution-permutation network (SPN) framework of RECTANGLE for key generation. The algorithm incorporates a specially optimized feather S-box, balancing efficiency and security in both CLEFIA and RECTANGLE components. The RECTANGLE key generation, vital for the proposed lightweight technique, enhances overall cryptographic security and efficiency. Meticulous consideration of resource limitations maintains the algorithm's lightweight nature, making it well-suited for applications with restricted computational resources. To validate the efficacy of the lightweight algorithm, extensive evaluation on encrypted data is conducted using National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) tools, known for assessing cryptographic algorithm quality. Results reveal a high degree of randomness, indicative of robust resistance against cryptographic attacks. This manuscript provides a comprehensive examination of the lightweight algorithm, emphasizing key attributes, security enhancements, and successful integration of the optimized feather S-box. Rigorous testing, particularly NIST tool-based randomness analysis, offers empirical evidence of the algorithm's resilience against attacks, establishing its suitability for secure data encryption in resource-limited environments.<p> </p>

Consensus in Data Management: With Use Cases in Edge-Cloud and Blockchain Systems

Consensus is a fundamental problem in distributed systems, involving the challenge of achieving agreement among distributed nodes. It plays a critical role in various distributed data management problems. This tutorial aims to provide a comprehensive primer for data management researchers on the topic of consensus and its fundamental and modern applications in data management. We begin by exploring the basic principles of consensus, including the problem statement, system models, failure scenarios, and various consensus algorithms such as Paxos and its variants. The tutorial then delves into the applications of consensus in distributed data management, focusing on distributed atomic commitment and data replication. We explain how consensus is integral to these areas and present examples of research and industry work that apply consensus to data management. The tutorial extends to modern use cases of consensus in the evolving landscapes of edge-cloud systems and blockchain technology. We discuss how consensus mechanisms are being adapted and applied in these areas, highlighting their growing importance in emerging areas of data management. By exploring these cutting-edge applications, participants will gain insights into how consensus is shaping ongoing and future research on distributed data management. The tutorial builds on the authors' recent book "Consensus in Data Management: from Distributed Commit to Blockchain". The book will serve as the foundation and reading material for the tutorial. This tutorial targets data management researchers and practitioners to equip them with the knowledge and perspective needed to innovate in these emerging fields. This includes graduate students and junior researchers starting their careers in the area of distributed data management. Also, it includes researchers in other areas of data management who wish to explore the area of distributed data management with the goal of utilizing it in their own fields.

RetClean: Retrieval-Based Data Cleaning Using LLMs and Data Lakes

Large language models (LLMs) have shown great potential in data cleaning, which is a fundamental task in all modern applications. In this demo proposal, we demonstrate that indeed LLMs can assist in data cleaning, e.g., filling in missing values in a data table, through different approaches. For example, cloud-based non-private LLMs, e.g., OpenAI GPT family or Google Gemini, can assist in cleaning non-private datasets that encompass world-knowledge information (Scenario 1). However, such LLMs may struggle with datasets that they have never encountered before, e.g., local enterprise data, or when the user requires an explanation of the source of the suggested clean values. In that case, retrieval-based methods using RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation) that complements the LLM power with a user-provided data source, e.g., a data lake, are a must. The data lake is indexed, and each time a new request comes, we retrieve the top- k relevant tuples to the user's query tuple to be cleaned and leverage LLM inference power to infer the correct value (Scenario 2). Nevertheless, even in Scenario 2, sharing enterprise data with public LLMs (an externally hosted model) might not be feasible for privacy reasons. In this scenario, we showcase the practicality of locally hosted small LLMs in the cleaning process, especially after fine-tuning them on a small number of examples (Scenario 3). Our proposed system, RetClean , seamlessly supports all three scenarios and provides a user-friendly GUI that enables the VLDB audience to explore and experiment with different LLMs and investigate their trade-offs.

PH-Sensitive Fluorescent Marker Based on Rhodamine 6G Conjugate with Its FRET/PeT Pair in "Smart" Polymeric Micelles for Selective Imaging of Cancer Cells.

Cancer cells are known to create an acidic microenvironment (the Warburg effect). At the same time, fluorescent dyes can be sensitive to pH, showing a sharp increase or decrease in fluorescence depending on pH. However, modern applications, such as confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), set additional requirements for such fluorescent markers to be of practical use, namely, high quantum yield, low bleaching, minimal quenching in the cell environment, and minimal overlap with auto-fluorophores. R6G could be the perfect match for these requirements, but its fluorescence is not pH-dependent. We have attempted to develop an R6G conjugate with its FRET or PeT pair that would grant it pH sensitivity in the desired range (5.5-7.5) and enable the selective targeting of tumor cells, thus improving CLSM imaging. Covalent conjugation of R6G with NBD using a spermidine (spd) linker produced a pH-sensitive FRET effect but within the pH range of 7.0-9.0. Shifting this effect to the target pH range of 5.5-7.5 appeared possible by incorporating the R6G-spd-NBD conjugate within a "smart" polymeric micelle based on chitosan grafted with lipoic acid. In our previous studies, one could conclude that the polycationic properties of chitosan could make this pH shift possible. As a result, the micellar form of the NBD-spd-R6G fluorophore demonstrates a sharp ignition of fluorescence by 40%per1 pH unit in the pH range from 7.5 to 5. Additionally, "smart" polymeric micelles based on chitosan allow the label to selectively target tumor cells. Due to the pH sensitivity of the fluorophore NBD-spd-R6G and the selective targeting of cancer cells, the efficient visualization of A875 and K562 cells was achieved. CLSM imaging showed that the dye actively penetrates cancer cells (A875 and K562), while minimal accumulation and low fluorophore emission are observed in normal cells (HEK293T). It is noteworthy that by using "smart" polymeric micelles based on polyelectrolytes of different charges and structures, we create the possibility of regulating the pH dependence of the fluorescence in the desired interval, which means that these "smart" polymeric micelles can be applied to the visualization of a variety of cell types, organelles, and other structures.

Design and construction of a IoT based automated circuit breaker system

Electrocution is a major fatal issue faced by electricians worldwide. A Circuit breaker is a device for automatic switching of electrical devices against overload and short circuits. However, advancements in technology allow for a more sophisticated approach: the cloud-based circuit breaker with a microcontroller and sensors for monitoring the line current and voltage levels. This system switches OFF the affected line when an electrical wire becomes defective, and the lineman may safely repair it. This design integrates real-time monitoring, remote control, and internet connectivity, enhancing electrical safety and offering valuable features for modern applications. At the heart of this design lies a microcontroller (Atmega328) and Esp8266_01(Wi-Fi Module). This tiny computer chip continuously monitors the circuit using current and voltage sensors. By regulating the power supply on the electrical lines, this system protects the safety of the lineman and reduces the risk of electrocution injuries.

Особенности отдаленного наблюдения пациентов после оперативного лечения ретинопатии недоношенных

Case study Special features of long-term follow-up in patients after surgical treatment of retinopathy of prematurity E.E. Sidorenko, E.I. SidorenkoI, A.I. Krapivkin, O.A. Kushchuk, D.V. Miguel, E.V. Ermolaeva, V.E. Loskutova, H.T. Le Voino-Yasenetsky Scientific and Practical Center for Specialized Medical Care, Moscow, Russian Federation Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation This article describes a long-term clinical outcomes and functional outcomes of a patient with retinopathy of prematurity stage 4, plus disease, aggressive posterior, who has a history of 2 times treatment with laser retinal coagulation in both eyes, single injection of a vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor in both eyes and vitrectomy in left eye. As a result of regular dynamic monitoring of the patient in the long-term postoperative period, application of modern and highly informative research methods, exudative macular degeneration was detecet – retinal detachment and vision loss was prevented timely. Key words: retinopathy of prematurity, laser coagulation of the retina, intravitreal injection of vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor, vitreoretinal surgery, optical coherent tomography, assessment of cognitive functions using the WPPSI-IV method