Finite-region stabilization via dynamic output feedback for 2-D Roesser models

Finite-region stability (FRS), a generalization of finite-time stability, has been used to analyze the transient behavior of discrete two-dimensional (2-D) systems. In this paper, we consider the problem of FRS for discrete 2-D Roesser models via dynamic output feedback. First, a sufficient condition is given to design the dynamic output feedback controller with a state feedback-observer structure, which ensures the closed-loop system FRS. Then, this condition is reducible to a condition that is solvable by linear matrix inequalities. Finally, viable experimental results are demonstrated by an illustrative example

Antiglycation and antioxidant properties of Momordica charantia

The accumulation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) and oxidative stress underlie the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. In many developing countries, diabetes treatment is unaffordable, and plants such as bitter gourd (or bitter melon; Momordica charantia) are used as traditional remedies because they exhibit hypoglycaemic properties. This study compared the antiglycation and antioxidant properties of aqueous extracts of M. charantia pulp (MCP), flesh (MCF) and charantin in vitro. Lysozyme was mixed with methylglyoxal and 0–15 mg/ml of M. charantia extracts in a pH 7.4 buffer and incubated at 37°C for 3 days. Crosslinked AGEs were assessed using gel electrophoresis, and the carboxymethyllysine (CML) content was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated using assays to assess DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities, metal-chelating activity and reducing power of the extracts. The phenolic, flavonol and flavonoid content of the extracts were also determined. All extracts inhibited the formation of crosslinked AGEs and CML in a dose-dependent manner, with MCF being the most potent. The antioxidant activity of MCF was higher than that of MCP, but MCP showed the highest metal-chelating activity. MCF had the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents, whereas MCP had the highest flavonol content. M. charantia has hypoglycaemic effects, but this study shows that M. charantia extracts are also capable of preventing AGE formation in vitro. This activity may be due to the antioxidant properties, particularly the total phenolic content of the extracts. Thus, the use of M. charantia deserves more attention, as it may not only reduce hyperglycaemia but also protect against the build-up of tissue AGEs and reduce oxidative stress in patients with diabetes

Power Outage Estimation: The Study of Revenue-led Top Affected States of U.S.

The electric power systems are becoming smart as well as complex with every passing year, especially in response to the changing environmental conditions. Resilience of power generation and transmission infrastructure is important to avoid power outages, ensure robust service, and to achieve sustained economic benefits. In this study, we employ a two-stage model to estimate the power outage in terms of its intensity as well as the duration. We identify the top three potentially critical states of United States of America, not merely based on duration of the power outage, but by also incorporating outage related revenue loss. In the proposed model, the first stage classifies the intensity of the outage event while the second stage predicts the duration of the outage itself. Moreover, the key predictors are characterized and their association with outage duration is illustrated. We use a comprehensive and publicly available dataset, which provides the information related to historical power outage events, such as electricity usage patterns, climatological annotations, socio-economic indicators, and land-use data. Our rigorous analysis and results suggest that the power outage interval is the function of several parameters, such as climatological condition, economic indicators as well as the time of the year. The proposed study can help the regulatory authorities taking appropriate decisions for long term economic paybacks. It can also help disaster management authorities to take risk-informed resilient decisions for system safety

Assessment of in-vitro antioxidant capacity and polyphenolic composition of frequently used legumes

This study was concerned with the assessment of antioxidant activity and chemical composition of extracts made from nine legume seeds. The legume seeds include : Lablab purpueus (Lab-lab bean), Phaseolus vulgaris (Kidney bean), Vigna radiata (Mung bean, green seed coat variety), Cicer arietinum (Chick pea, dark brown seed coat variety), Vigna radiate (Mung bean, red seed coat variety), Vigna unguiculata (Cowpea, Black eyed bean), Cicer arietinum (Chick pea, white seed coat variety), Trigonella foenumgraecum (Fenugreek), and Phaseolus vulgaris (Black bean). Two methods were used to evaluate antioxidant activity of ethanol extracts of these selected plants: β-carotene bleaching assay and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical method (DPPH). DPPH was also used as a TLC spray to detect separated antioxidant compounds. Ethanol extracts of the five legume seeds showed antioxidant activity with chick pea (Cicer arietinum) exhibiting the highest activity (Fernandez et al.,, 2009). Germination did not increased antioxidant activity as measured by the β-carotene method, in five legumes. However, TLC bioautography clearly indicated that at least four compounds with radical scavenging activity have been biosynthesized during the germination of chick pea seeds. The biosynthesized compounds were more polar compared to those present in ungerminated seeds. This broadens the solubility spectrum of chickpea antioxidants, an advantage for the food industry (Milos and Makhota, 2012). The potential of commercially using legume flours in processed baked and meat products are indicated, adding antioxidant activity to other functionalities. Synergistic studies showed that the antioxidant activity of chick pea could be synergistically increased by addition of the extract of roots of G. Gynandra (Chew et al., 2009) The AlCl3-method was found to be unsuitable for the determination of total flavonoids