Effects of Barrier Stiffness on Debris Flow Dynamic Impact—II: Numerical Simulation

The destructive and impactful forces of debris flow commonly causes local damage to engineering structures. The effect of a deformable barrier on the impact dynamics is important in engineering design. In this study, a flow–structure coupled with Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics model was presented to investigate the effects of barrier stiffness on the debris impact. A comparison of the results of physical tests and simulation results revealed that the proposed smoothed particle hydrodynamics model effectively reproduces the flow kinematics and time history of the impact force. Even slight deflections of the deformable barrier lead to obvious attenuation of the peak impact pressure. Additionally, deformable barriers with lower stiffness tend to deform more downstream upon loading, shifting the deposited sand toward the active failure mode and generating less static earth pressure. When the debris flow has a higher frontal velocity, the impact force on the barrier is dominated by the dynamic component and there is an appreciable effect of the stiffness of the deformable barrier on load attenuation.

Component-based Access Design Method for Dynamic Spatial Database

In order to realize the optimal access of dynamic spatial database, a component-based optimal access method of dynamic spatial database is proposed. The statistical information distribution model for storing the characteristic data of association rules is constructed in the dynamic spatial database. The fuzzy information features are extracted by using the dynamic component fusion clustering analysis method. Combined with the distributed association feature quantity, the fusion scheduling is carried out to control the dynamic information clustering. Combined with fuzzy c-means clustering analysis method, dynamic attribute classification analysis is carried out. The dynamic component block matching model is used for update iterative optimization, and the optimal access to the dynamic spatial database is realized in the cluster center. Simulation results show that this method has strong adaptability to the optimal access of dynamic spatial database, and has high accuracy and good convergence for data information extraction in dynamic spatial database.

Analysis of methodological approaches to the construction of dynamic systems of investment in information development

The object of research is theoretical and methodological approaches to mathematical modelling of dynamic nonlinear systems to ensure dynamic management of the investment process of information development of enterprises. Methodological aspects of building dynamic investment systems, maximizing the effectiveness of system interaction in information development are considered. One of the most problematic places is the formulation of the optimal approach to the methods of system analysis of decision management. The paper provides an opportunity to solve a wide range of problems, related to the flexible management of investment projects in the implementation of information technology. The study used the economic component of the formation of information resources, which contains an integral investment component of the information system. This is due to the fact that the proposed discreteness of this approach in the complex dynamics of the value of the information system contains partial estimates. Therefore, there should be a scheme of constant review of its value, which contains a dynamic component of the investment value of the information system with properties. The axiomatic approach was used in one of the most common approaches in the formal study of systems. The peculiarity is that the model is based on certain basic assumptions that do not require theoretical justification – on axioms. The study identified the main characteristics of the dynamic investment component of the system. Investments will have the properties of assessing information flows as part of information development. In particular, the research used approaches to modelling many solutions of the investment resources management process. The stages of modelling the process of dynamics and state of the system, implementation of the information support system are determined. This provides an opportunity to identify and assess the stages of investment, analysis of key risks and existing opportunities, defining strategies and methods of response, system typing. As well as the development and implementation of action plans to minimize the variability of investment areas and information structure.

Structure of riparian vegetation in Bongkasa Pertiwi Village, Abiansemal District, Badung Regency – Bali

Ayung river is the longest river in Bali. The middle part of the river is frequently utilized as rafting for tourism, such as in Bongkasa Pertiwi Village, Abiansemal District, Badung Regency – Bali. To preserve the river’s ecological function, the information of riparian vegetation as the dynamic component in river is highly required. This research aimed to study the structure of riparian vegetation in Bongkasa Pertiwi Village. The plot method was used and the study site was divided into three stations. Each station was composed by three replications with four plot variations: trees (20 x 20 m), poles (10 x 10 m), saplings (5 x 5), and herbs-shrubs (2 x 2 m). The data was analysed using vegetation analysis that completed with Importance Value (IV), Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (H’), Index of Dominancy (C), and Index of Evenness (E). This study found that the structure of riparian vegetation in Bongkasa Pertiwi Village was in good condition which was indicated by the high abundance of local tree species. The floristic composition of riparian vegetation comprised by 18 species of trees, 18 species of poles, 21 species of saplings, and 29 species of herbs and shrubs. Cocos nucifera, Pterospermum javanicum, Bischofia javanica, Cananga odorata, Elaeocarpus serratus, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Coffea canephora, and Nephelium lappaceum were the species with the highest Importance Value (IV). The floor vegetation in form of herbs and shrubs was dominated by Sphaegneticola trilobata, Oplismenus burmanni, and Diplazium esculentum. Based on the Diversity Index (H’), Index of Dominancy (C), and Index of Evenness (E), diversity of riparian vegetation in Bongkasa Pertiwi Village was classified as medium category, without any dominated species, and the vegetation composition was equivalent.

Efficacy and safety of onabotulinumtoxinA with standardized physiotherapy for the treatment of pediatric lower limb spasticity: A randomized, placebo-controlled, phase III clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Spasticity is common in cerebral palsy and can result in pain and diminished health-related quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA for lower limb spasticity treatment in children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: In this registrational phase 3, multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (NCT01603628), children (2–< 17 years) with cerebral palsy and ankle spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale-Bohannon [MAS] score≥2) were randomized 1 : 1:1 to standardized physical therapy and onabotulinumtoxinA (4 or 8 U/kg), or placebo. Primary endpoint was average change from baseline at weeks 4 and 6 in MAS ankle score. Secondary endpoints included the Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS) and Global Attainment Scale (GAS). RESULTS: 381 participants were randomized. MAS scores averaged at weeks 4 and 6 were significantly reduced with both onabotulinumtoxinA doses (8 U/kg: –1.06, p = 0.010; 4 U/kg: –1.01, p = 0.033) versus placebo (–0.8). Significant improvements in average dynamic component of spasticity, measured by MTS, and in function, measured by GAS, were observed at several time points with both onabotulinumtoxinA doses versus placebo. Most adverse events were mild or moderate. CONCLUSIONS: OnabotulinumtoxinA was well tolerated and effective in reducing lower limb spasticity and improving functional outcomes versus placebo in children.

Dynophore-Based Approach in Virtual Screening: A Case of Human DNA Topoisomerase IIα

In this study, we utilized human DNA topoisomerase IIα as a model target to outline a dynophore-based approach to catalytic inhibitor design. Based on MD simulations of a known catalytic inhibitor and the native ATP ligand analog, AMP-PNP, we derived a joint dynophore model that supplements the static structure-based-pharmacophore information with a dynamic component. Subsequently, derived pharmacophore models were employed in a virtual screening campaign of a library of natural compounds. Experimental evaluation identified flavonoid compounds with promising topoisomerase IIα catalytic inhibition and binding studies confirmed interaction with the ATPase domain. We constructed a binding model through docking and extensively investigated it with molecular dynamics MD simulations, essential dynamics, and MM-GBSA free energy calculations, thus reconnecting the new results to the initial dynophore-based screening model. We not only demonstrate a new design strategy that incorporates a dynamic component of molecular recognition, but also highlight new derivates in the established flavonoid class of topoisomerase II inhibitors.

Hair microscopy: an easy adjunct to diagnosis of systemic diseases in children

Hair, having distinct stages of growth, is a dynamic component of the integumentary system. Nonetheless, derangement in its structure and growth pattern often provides vital clues for the diagnosis of systemic diseases. Assessment of the hair structure by various microscopy techniques is, hence, a valuable tool for the diagnosis of several systemic and cutaneous disorders. Systemic illnesses like Comel-Netherton syndrome, Griscelli syndrome, Chediak Higashi syndrome, and Menkes disease display pathognomonic findings on hair microscopy which, consequently, provide crucial evidence for disease diagnosis. With minimal training, light microscopy of the hair can easily be performed even by clinicians and other health care providers which can, thus, serve as a useful tool for disease diagnosis at the patient’s bedside. This is especially true for resource-constrained settings where access and availability of advanced investigations (like molecular diagnostics) is a major constraint. Despite its immense clinical utility and non-invasive nature, hair microscopy seems to be an underutilized diagnostic modality. Lack of awareness regarding the important findings on hair microscopy may be one of the crucial reasons for its underutilization. Herein, we, therefore, present a comprehensive overview of the available methods for hair microscopy and the pertinent findings that can be observed in various diseases.

Future precipitation changes in three key sub-regions of East Asia: the roles of thermodynamics and dynamics

Previous studies have projected an increase in future summer precipitation across East Asia (EA). This study investigates the relative contributions of thermodynamic and dynamic components to future precipitation changes in three key sub-regions of EA where the maximum centers of the historical precipitation are located (the tropical region, East China, and the Japan and Korea sector), and analyzes the causes of the changes in thermodynamic and dynamic components. Outputs from 30 climate models of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) are used. From these, the five best-performing models for historical summer precipitation climatology for EA are selected. The future summer precipitations in the three sub-regions over the near- to mid-term (2020–2069) and the long-term (2070–2095) are then examined using the multi-model ensemble mean of the five models selected (MMM05). The projections were driven by four combined scenarios of the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) and forcing levels of the Representative Concentration Pathways (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5). The results show that long-term precipitations under SSP5-8.5 are greater than those under the other scenarios across all sub-regions. After the 2070s under SSP5-8.5, a marked precipitation intensification is identified in all three sub-regions, but with different rates of increase. The projected precipitation increase is primarily attributed to the thermodynamic component, while the dynamic component related to circulation changes is relatively weak. Further analysis indicates that the pattern of the thermodynamic component in the three sub-regions is dominated by the climatological upward motion, mediated by an increase in moisture.

Peculiarities of relationships of characteristics of adaptation capabilities of the organism and indicators of motor activity of students

The health of student youth is largely determined by the level of functional capabilities of the organism, which depends on the level of motor activity, that is the total number of movements that a person performs in a given period of time. The purpose of the work is to establish the features of the relationship between the characteristics of adaptive capacity, functional status and level of development of psychophysiological functions and criteria for motor activity of students. The research was conducted on the basis of National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, where 385 students (200 young girls and 185 young boys) were supervised, who, taking into account the peculiarities of the distribution of different levels of motor activity, were divided into 3 comparison groups – with potentially low, medium and potentially high levels of motor activity. The values of daily energy consumption, number of locomotions and duration of the dynamic component in the daily budget were used as the leading criteria of hygienic assessment of students’ motor activity. Functional features and adaptive capabilities of the organism were determined using conventional methods. The analysis of the obtained results involved the use of a standard application package of multidimensional statistical analysis “Statistica 6.1 for Windows”. The results of studies conducted on the basis of correlation analysis procedures indicate the fact that the largest number of correlations between the characteristics of psychophysiological functions and the leading characteristics of health and indicators of academic performance in professionally oriented disciplines studied are recorded in girls, and boys who belonged to the group with an average level of physical activity (daily energy expenditure of 9000-11000 kJ in young girls and 11000-13500 kJ in young boys). The use of cluster analysis procedures during the prognostic assessment of indicators of health and academic performance in professionally-oriented disciplines, made it possible to identify 3 clusters of the studied characteristics of the functional state of students, which have the most pronounced effect on their values: visual-motor speed cluster (indicators of the latent period of simple and differentiated visual-motor response), visual-sensory cluster (indicators of critical fusion of light flickers and efficiency of work performed) and integrative-coordination cluster (a number of indicators that reflect the properties of major nervous processes, characteristics coordination of movements, indicators of attention functions, etc.). Using factor analysis procedures, it determined that both young girls and young boys have the most positive impact on academic performance in vocational disciplines such factors as “functional state of the visual sensory system”, “functional state of coordination” and “functional state of higher nervous activity”.