Robust tracking control method based on composite nonlinear feedback technique for linear systems with time-varying uncertain parameters and disturbances

In this paper, the composite nonlinear feedback control method is considered for robust tracking and model following of uncertain linear systems. The control law guarantees that the tracking error decreases asymptotically to zero in the presence of time varying uncertain parameters and disturbances. For performance improvement of the dynamical system, the proposed robust tracking controller consists of linear and nonlinear feedback parts without any switching element. The linear feedback law is designed to allow the closed loop system have a small damping ratio and a quick response while the nonlinear feedback law increases the damping ratio of the system as the system output approaches the output of the reference model. A new collection of different nonlinear functions used in the control law are offered to improve the reference tracking performance of the system. The proposed robust tracking controller improves the transient performance and steady state accuracy simultaneously. Finally, the simulations are provided to verify the theoretical results.     

An Efficient Ugi‐Azide Four‐Component Approach for the Preparation of Novel 1‐(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)‐10‐chloro‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydropyrazino[1,2‐a] Indoles

The synthesis of novel 1‐(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)‐10‐chloro‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydropyrazino[1,2‐a] indole derivatives starting from the initially prepared 1‐(2‐bromoethyl)‐3‐chloro‐1H‐indole‐2‐carbaldehyde is described. A variety of likely biologically relevant pyrazino[1,2‐a] indole‐based 1,5‐disubstituted tetrazoles was obtained in moderate to high yields via an Ugi‐azide reaction. These reactions presumably proceed by the imine formation, intramolecular cyclization to iminium ion, and nucleophilic addition tandem reactions, respectively.     

Hantzsch-like three-component synthesis of tetracyclic 10b-azachrysenes: Unambiguous structural elucidation using X-ray crystallography and 2D-HMBC spectroscopy

Herein, we report the first synthesis of 10b-azachrysenes via the Hantzsch-like reaction of aldehydes with 2-(6,7-dimethoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-1-yl)acetonitrile and dimedone in the presence of acetic acid. The regioselectivity was established using X-ray crystallography and 2D-HMBC spectroscopy.     

Statistical relationship between activity concentrations of radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, 40K,and 137Cs and geological formations in surface soil of Jordan

An extensive study was conducted to determine the activity concentrations of natural and artificial radionuclides ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K, and ¹³⁷Cs in soil samples of each governate of Jordan. A total of 370 samples have been measured using a high-purity germanium detector. The activity concentration for ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K, and ¹³⁷Cs has mean values of 42?±?3, 23?±?3, 309?±?21, and 3.7?±?0.9 Bq kg^–1, respectively. The highest mean activity concentration for ²²⁶Ra was found to be 138?±?4 Bq kg^–1 in the Alkarak governate. In the Ajloun and Jarash governates, the highest mean activity concentration was 35?±?3 Bq kg^–1 for ²³²Th, and 14.2?±?1.9 Bq kg^–1 for ¹³⁷Cs, respectively. Geological influence on the activity concentrations was investigated using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent samples. The ANOVA results indicate that there are strong significant differences between the activity concentrations of ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K, and ¹³⁷Cs based on geological formations the radionuclides occur. The main contribution to gamma dose rate was due to ²²⁶Ra activity concentration. Radium equivalent and external hazard index are associated with a mean value of 98 Bq kg^–1, and 0.266, respectively.     

In Silico Molecular Docking and Simulation Studies of Protein HBx Involved in the Pathogenesis of Hepatitis B Virus-HBV

Current drug discovery involves finding leading drug candidates for further development. New scientific approaches include molecular docking, ADMET studies, and molecular dynamic simulation to determine targets and lead compounds. Hepatitis B is a disease of concern that is a life-threatening liver infection. The protein considered for the study was HBx. The hepatitis B X-interacting protein crystal structure was obtained from the PDB database (PDB ID-3MSH). Twenty ligands were chosen from the PubChem database for further in silico studies. The present study focused on in silico molecular docking studies using iGEMDOCK. The triethylene glycol monoethyl ether derivative showed an optimum binding affinity with the molecular target HBx, with a high negative affinity binding energy of −59.02 kcal/mol. Lipinski’s rule of five, Veber, and Ghose were followed in subsequent ADMET studies. Molecular dynamic simulation was performed to confirm the docking studies and to analyze the stability of the structure. In these respects, the triethylene glycol monoethyl ether derivative may be a promising molecule to prepare future hepatitis B drug candidates. Substantial research effort to find a promising drug for hepatitis B is warranted in the future.     

Inhibition of Microtubule Affinity Regulating Kinase 4 by Metformin: Exploring the Neuroprotective Potential of Antidiabetic Drug through Spectroscopic and Computational Approaches

Microtubule affinity regulating kinase 4 (MARK4) regulates the mechanism of microtubules by its ability to phosphorylate the microtubule-associated proteins (MAP’s). MARK4 is known for its major role in tau phosphorylation via phosphorylating Ser²⁶² residue in the KXGS motif, which results in the detachment of tau from microtubule. In lieu of this vital role in tau pathology, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), MARK4 is a druggable target to treat AD and other neurodegenerative disorders (NDs). There is growing evidence that NDs and diabetes are connected with many pieces of literature demonstrating a high risk of developing AD in diabetic patients. Metformin (Mtf) has been a drug in use against type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) for a long time; however, recent studies have established its therapeutic effect in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), namely AD, Parkinson’s disease (PD) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment. In this study, we have explored the MARK4 inhibitory potential of Mtf, employing in silico and in vitro approaches. Molecular docking demonstrated that Mtf binds to MARK4 with a significant affinity of −6.9 kcal/mol forming interactions with binding pocket’s critical residues. Additionally, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation provided an atomistic insight into the binding of Mtf with MARK4. ATPase assay of MARK4 in the presence of Mtf shows that it inhibits MARK4 with an IC₅₀ = 7.05 µM. The results of the fluorescence binding assay demonstrated significant binding of MARK4 with a binding constant of 0.6 × 10⁶ M⁻¹. The present study provides an additional axis towards the utilization of Mtf as MARK4 inhibitor targeting diabetes with NDs.     

Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation of Natural Compounds from Betel Leaves (Piper betle L.) for Investigating the Potential Inhibition of Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase of Type 2 Diabetes

Piper betle L. is widely distributed and commonly used medicinally important herb. It can also be used as a medication for type 2 diabetes patients. In this study, compounds of P. betle were screened to investigate the inhibitory action of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase against type 2 diabetes through molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) analysis. The molecule apigenin-7-O-glucoside showed the highest binding affinity among 123 (one hundred twenty-three) tested compounds. This compound simultaneously bound with the two-target proteins alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, with high molecular mechanics-generalized born surface area (MM/GBSA) values (ΔG Bind = −45.02 kcal mol⁻¹ for alpha-amylase and −38.288 for alpha-glucosidase) compared with control inhibitor acarbose, which had binding affinities of −36.796 kcal mol⁻¹ for alpha-amylase and −29.622 kcal mol⁻¹ for alpha-glucosidase. The apigenin-7-O-glucoside was revealed to be the most stable molecule with the highest binding free energy through molecular dynamics simulation, indicating that it could compete with the inhibitors’ native ligand. Based on ADMET analysis, this phytochemical exhibited a wide range of physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and drug-like qualities and had no significant side effects, making them prospective drug candidates for type 2 diabetes. Additional in vitro, in vivo, and clinical investigations are needed to determine the precise efficacy of drugs.     

Performance Evaluation of 5G Modulation Techniques

Wireless Personal Communications - Higher data rate, increased capacity, higher mobility, lower latency and better quality are the mobile communication prime objectives need to improve in the near...     

Numerical investigation of the effects of inlet valve closing temperature and exhaust gas recirculation on the performance and emissions of an RCCI engine

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - In this paper, the effects of inlet valve closing temperature (TIVC) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) on the emissions and the performance of a...     

Photocatalytic Degradation of Antibiotic Norfloxacin Aqueous Solution by Ce/Bi2WO6: Optimization and Simulation of Process by RSM

Russian Journal of Applied Chemistry - This study evaluated a removal efficiency of NLFX from aqueous solutions using a photocatalytic process. In this study, Bi2WO6 were synthesized by microwave...