INCREASING THE HAND RADAR EF-FICIENCY IN LOW COST CONDITIONS

Mobile radars, known as hand radars become standard road patrol and are an effective way to control the vehicles speed by traffic safety point of view. Price reduced in comparison with radars mounted on the patrol cars or fixed detection systems, make these more accessible. We developed a complete detection and speed registration system starting from basic hand radar, finding at the same time a main low cost solution. Our solution combines the radar system with a video camera, both linked with a portable PC, for capture the picture of the detected vehicles. For make the connection between both devices, we developed a soft for record traffic values (speed and vehicle flow together with the image capture of the target vehicle). We proposed an upgrade of vehicles detection which assure plus information recorded: vehicles flow and time delay between two vehicles which run on the same direction. Supplementary a data base is automatic created and it contains vehicle capture image in sated speed detection limit conditions. We test the developed system in laboratory conditions (testing center) and in real conditions (national road). The results showed the viability of the proposed upgrade developed for the hand radar equipment, based on the video and statistic information acquired as a low cost solution

An Efficient Method for Testing the Quality of Drinking-Water Filters Used for Home Necessities

This paper presents research conducted in the direction of analyzing the efficiency of filters used for drinking water intended for domestic consumption, with effects on the water quality gained from the public distribution network. A basic method that uses accessible techniques, such as optical microscopy and tests that involve the use of existing products on the consumer market, was developed regarding the filtration capacities of the main filters existing on the market—a method that has advantages, such as speed and ease of application, a unitary character in obtaining samples, low costs, and high efficiency. The technique approached is that of microscopy, and the samples used were taken from the laboratory tests made on the mentioned filters, using a specific experimental stand designed to support laboratory tests by using chosen filter cartridges. The research results obtained were analyzed to make a classification from the perspective of filtration efficiency, in terms of using statistical analysis tools (mathematical models and methods processed in MATLAB software). Moreover, by using a certain type of application based on specific mathematical algorithms, which takes into account some influential factors with a decisive role on household consumers, it was aimed to identify the optimal filter element for acquisition and use in its own regime. The aim of the study was to identify the optimal filter cartridge from the perspective of quality–price ratio

Exploring Geometrical, Electronic and Spectroscopic Properties of 2-Nitroimidazole-Based Radiopharmaceuticals via Computational Chemistry Methods

Tumor hypoxia plays an important role in the clinical management and treatment planning of various cancers. The use of 2-nitroimidazole-based radiopharmaceuticals has been the most successful for positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging probes, offering noninvasive means to assess tumor hypoxia. In this study we performed detailed computational investigations of the most used compounds for PET imaging, focusing on those derived from 2-nitroimidazole: fluoromisonidazole (FMISO), fluoroazomycin arabinoside (FAZA), fluoroetanidazole (FETA), fluoroerythronitroimidazole (FETNIM) and 2-(2-nitroimidazol-1-yl)-N-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropyl)acetamide (EF5). Conformational analysis, structural parameters, vibrational IR and Raman properties (within both harmonic and anharmonic approximations), as well as the NMR shielding tensors and spin-spin coupling constants were obtained by density functional theory (DFT) calculations and then correlated with experimental findings, where available. Furthermore, time-dependent DFT computations reveal insight into the excited states of the compounds. Our results predict a significant change in the conformational landscape of most of the investigated compounds when transitioning from the gas phase to aqueous solution. According to computational data, the 2-nitroimidazole moiety determines to a large extent the spectroscopic properties of its derivatives. Due to the limited structural information available in the current literature for the investigated compounds, the findings presented herein deepen the current understanding of the electronic structures of these five radiopharmaceuticals

Radiopharmaceuticals for PET and SPECT Imaging: A Literature Review over the Last Decade

Positron emission tomography (PET) uses radioactive tracers and enables the functional imaging of several metabolic processes, blood flow measurements, regional chemical composition, and/or chemical absorption. Depending on the targeted processes within the living organism, different tracers are used for various medical conditions, such as cancer, particular brain pathologies, cardiac events, and bone lesions, where the most commonly used tracers are radiolabeled with 18F (e.g., [18F]-FDG and NA [18F]). Oxygen-15 isotope is mostly involved in blood flow measurements, whereas a wide array of 11C-based compounds have also been developed for neuronal disorders according to the affected neuroreceptors, prostate cancer, and lung carcinomas. In contrast, the single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) technique uses gamma-emitting radioisotopes and can be used to diagnose strokes, seizures, bone illnesses, and infections by gauging the blood flow and radio distribution within tissues and organs. The radioisotopes typically used in SPECT imaging are iodine-123, technetium-99m, xenon-133, thallium-201, and indium-111. This systematic review article aims to clarify and disseminate the available scientific literature focused on PET/SPECT radiotracers and to provide an overview of the conducted research within the past decade, with an additional focus on the novel radiopharmaceuticals developed for medical imaging

Influences of Different Extraction Techniques and Their Respective Parameters on the Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities of <i>Xanthium spinosum</i> L. Extracts

The aim of this study was to identify possible influences of extraction methods as well as extraction parameters on the phytochemical and biological profiles of Xanthium spinosum L. extracts. Extraction methods were chosen as follows: classical methods, maceration and Soxhlet extraction; innovative extraction methods, turboextraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and a combination of the latter two. Extracts were subjected to total polyphenolic and flavonoid content spectrophotometric analysis. The phytochemical profile was determined for the best-yielding extracts using HPLC-MS analysis. Following the newly acquired data, another sorting of the extracts was performed. Biological activities such as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions were evaluated, as well as oxidative stress reduction potential, on a Wistar rats inflammation model. Comparable results were achieved with Soxhlet extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction, both surpassing all other tested methods in terms of yields. Bioactive compound concentrations tended to increase with the increase in extraction time and temperature. These maximal values lowered once the degradation points of the bioactive compounds were reached. Extracts demonstrated good protection against Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, they provided good cellular protection and increased the antioxidant defense in the analyzed rat plantar tissue

The Role of DNA Repair (<i>XPC</i>, <i>XPD</i>, <i>XPF</i>, and <i>XPG)</i> Gene Polymorphisms in the Development of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Background and Objectives: Several polymorphisms have been described in various DNA repair genes. Nucleotide excision DNA repair (NER) detects defects of DNA molecules and corrects them to restore genome integrity. We hypothesized that the XPC, XPD, XPF, and XPG gene polymorphisms influence the appearance of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Materials and Methods: We investigated the XPC 1496C>T (rs2228000, XPC Ala499Val), XPC 2920A>C (rs228001, XPC Lys939Gln), XPD 2251A>C (rs13181, XPD Lys751Gln), XPF-673C>T (rs3136038), XPF 11985A>G (rs254942), and XPG 3507G>C (rs17655, XPG Asp1104His) polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in 393 MPN patients [153 with polycythemia vera (PV), 201 with essential thrombocythemia (ET), and 39 with primary myelofibrosis (PMF)] and 323 healthy controls. Results: Overall, we found that variant genotypes of XPD 2251A>C were associated with an increased risk of MPN (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.15–2.08, p = 0.004), while XPF-673C>T and XPF 11985A>G were associated with a decreased risk of developing MPN (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.42–0.76, p p Conclusions: In light of our findings, XPD 2251A>C polymorphism was associated with the risk of developing MPN and XPF-673C>T and XPF 11985A>G single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may have a protective role for MPN, while XPC 1496C>T, XPC 2920A>C, and XPG 3507G>C polymorphisms do not represent risk factors in MPN development

The Effect of Extraction Methods on Phytochemicals and Biological Activities of Green Coffee Beans Extracts

The objectives of the present study consisted of identifying the impact of extraction methods and parameters held over the phytochemistry and biological activities of green coffee beans. Extraction processes belonging to two categories were performed: classical methods—maceration, Soxhlet extraction, and such innovative methods as turboextraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and a combination of the latter two. Total polyphenolic and flavonoid content, as well as in vitro antioxidant activity of the resulted extracts were spectrophotometrically determined. Extracts displaying the highest yields of bioactive compounds were subjected to High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis. The extracts with the best phytochemical profiles were selected for biological activity assessment. In vivo, a model of plantar inflammation in Wistar rats was used to determine antioxidant activity, by evaluating the oxidative stress reduction potential, and anti-inflammatory activity. In vitro antimicrobial activity was also determined. The Soxhlet extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction gave the highest bioactive compound yields. The highest total polyphenolic content was 2.691 mg/mL gallic acid equivalents and total flavonoid content was 0.487 mM quercetin equivalents for the Soxhlet extract subjected to 60 min extraction time. Regarding the antioxidant activity, ultrasound-assisted extraction reached the highest levels, i.e., 9.160 mg/mL Trolox equivalents in the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) assay and 26.676 mM Trolox equivalents in the FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) assay, at a 30 min extraction time and 50 °C extraction temperature. The 60 min Soxhlet extract reached the highest level for the ABTS+ (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) assay, 16.136 mM Trolox equivalents, respectively. Chlorogenic acid was present in the highest concentration in the same Soxhlet extract, 1657.179 µg/mL extract, respectively. Sterolic compounds were found in high concentrations throughout all the analyzed extracts. A proportional increase between yields and extraction parameter values was observed. Increased inhibition of Gram-negative bacteria was observed. The finally selected Soxhlet extract, that of 60 min extraction time, presented a significant in vivo antioxidant activity, with a slight anti-inflammatory activity. Antioxidant levels were elevated after 2 h of extract administration. Pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion was not influenced by the administration of the extract

<i>Epilobium</i> Species: From Optimization of the Extraction Process to Evaluation of Biological Properties

Epilobium species are used in Romanian folk medicine as tinctures, tea, or tablets for ameliorating the symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), but scientific-based evidence is scarce for this species or other endemic plants of the same genus. Therefore, the aims of this research were to evaluate the phytochemical profile of five endemic Epilobium species (E. hirsutum L., E. parviflorum Schreb., E. palustre L. E. dodonaei Vill., and E. angustifolium L.) and to assess their in vitro biological activity. For enhanced recovery of polyphenols, a D-optimal experimental plan was developed using Modde software and the optimal working conditions were ultra-turrax-assisted extraction, for 8 min, with 30% ethanol in water. The optimized extracts were obtained from various plant parts and were further characterized by LC-MS analysis, with the major compound being oenothein B. All extracts demonstrated good antioxidant activity, evaluated by DPPH and TEAC assays. The most prominent antimicrobial potency of optimized extracts was displayed against Bacillus cereus, while against Gram-(+) bacteria, a moderate efficacy was observed. Furthermore, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potential were assessed on normal fibroblasts and prostate carcinoma cell lines. From the evaluated optimized extracts, E. angustifolium aerial parts had the highest selectivity toward killing cancerous cells, followed by E. hirsutum aerial parts extract. For the antioxidant effect, E. hirsutum leaves and E. hirstum aerial parts extracts displayed the highest potency, decreasing ROS at the level observed for the positive control. The highest anti-inflammatory potential, based on the IL-6 and IL-8 levels, was displayed by E. dodonaei aerial parts and E. angustifolium leaves extracts. In conclusion, all five endemic species of Epilobium harvested from Romanian flora possess a diverse phytochemical composition, which supports complex biological activities