Scientists have developed ultra-thin heteroprotein films with excellent thermal, mechanical and pH stability which can pave the way for expanding applications of thin films in biomedical and food packaging industries. These films are much thinner as compared to the other protein or plastic films. They are soft and thin and have the advantage of being more flexible than the other films.
In the recent past, several modifications of these protein films with the help of suitable heteroprotein complexes were reported by different research groups. These complexes were usually developed from bulk solutions.
A research group from the physical sciences division of Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, has successfully developed ultrathin monolayer protein films consisting of two globular proteins: bovine serum albumin (BSA) and lysozyme (Lys). They used the technique called using Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique which gives the films thickness in the order of nanometer.
This research work is led by Dr. Sarathi Kundu, Associate Professor, along with Mr. Raktim J. Sarmah, SRF, a Ph.D. student developed a monolayer heteroprotein film – the first one using this technique. They explored the different structures and morphologies of this complex films at variable pH conditions to explore its stability and related properties.
The complex formation between the two proteins occurred at a unique pH of 9.2 as a result of an electrostatic attraction along with hydrophobic interactions. This monolayer complex was formed at the air-water interface, which was later transferred to the silicon substrates at a surface pressure of 18 mN/m for further study. It was shown that the monolayers at the air-water interface can hold its intrinsic structure for a sufficiently longer period of time due to the complexation forming a highly stable film.
Films of such protein complex of BSA and Lys can be useful for fabricating highly stable biodegradable thin films of different protein complexes for expanding its applications in the area of thin-film technology. Diverse physicochemical methods such as parameter alteration or incorporation of different fatty acids or polyol moieties (glycerol, starch, gelatin, etc.) into this protein complex can make the film free standing for diverse applications. This research work was recently published in the esteemed journal of Food Hydrocolloids under the reputed Elsevier publishers.
Researchers have developed a novel method which involves a mathematical metrics to quantify and measure the correctness of performance of yoga asanas in terms of stability and steadiness.
This mathematical metrics based on Electromyography (EMG) a diagnostic procedure that evaluates the health condition of muscles, can help in assessing the correctness of performance and paves way for making appropriate corrections, thus enabling practitioners to derive maximum benefit from the asanas.
The research work led by Dr. S N Omkar along with Dr. Ramesh D V, Associate Professor, Ramaiah Medical College focused on yoga as a therapy to understand muscle behavior and performance in terms of spatial and temporal components while performing yoga asanas. The researchers used EMG to study both physical and physiological parameters.
The study carried out with support from ‘Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation (SATYAM)’ Programme of the Department of Science and Technology, GoI assessed 60 healthy participants aged between 21 – 60 years including male and female for 2 years at the Biomechanics Lab, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. The data was collected for approximately 110 seconds and subjects stayed in the final position for 20 seconds with normal breathing and relaxed mind. The same procedure was followed for various yoga asanas namely Trikonasana, Vrikshasana, Veerabhadrasana-1, Veerabhadrasana-2, Veerabhadrasana-3, Parsvakonasana. Participants with a history of back pain, shoulder, or neck injuries were excluded from this study. It has been published in the ‘International Journal of Yoga’.
According to Dr Omkar, the mathematical metrics can help the yoga performer to do it with near perfection. It also gives a clear picture of the targeted muscles and an insight to the practitioner about the stability of the postures in terms of muscle activity. The practitioner can improve his/her performance with this feedback and maintain mind to muscle connections while performing yoga.
The study provides understanding of the mechanics of Yoga both from a biomechanical as well as a motor control perspective which succeeded in laying a foundational framework for future research in this area.
Publication details:
Devaraju V, Ashitha B R, Kshamith Alva K, Ramesh Debur V, SN Omkar, ‘A Mathematical Method for Electromyography Analysis of Muscle Functions during Yogasana’, International Journal of Yoga | Volume 2 | Issue 3 | 3rd September 2019. II.
Hitachi, Ltd. has announced that it has developed the Hitachi Electronic Signature Service, which implements secure electronic contracts based on blockchain (distributed ledger) technology. The Service digitizes the signatures and seals of paper documents such as contracts exchanged between companies, and promotes to eliminate personal seals. The use of blockchain guarantees the authenticity of signature information and improves resistance to data tampering. The Service provides stable system operation by using the Hitachi Blockchain Service for Hyperledger Fabric for its blockchain platform. The Hitachi Blockchain Service for Hyperledger Fabric is suitable for transactions between multiple corporations and has also been used for traceability systems in inter-company supply chains. The Service will contribute to the establishment of a new sustainable way of working in the age of the New Normal with supporting remote working, operational efficiency and cost reduction.
Hitachi started to operate the Service at the Procurement Department at its head office as of March 2021. After reflecting the feedback in the Service, we will launch sales to corporations in Japan after July 2021. In the future, we plan to roll out to global corporations with a focus on North America. Further, the whole Hitachi Group systematizes and sells a wide range of radical know-how and technology as a service to support new workstyle in the New Normal. We also plan to include the Service in this lineup.
At present, the introduction of remote working, including working from home, is expanding rapidly as a measure to control the spread of COVID-19 infections. Many corporations are in the process of setting up the infrastructure environment for flexible working regardless of location. However, at Japanese corporations, in particular, the procedures for affixing signatures and personal seals to paperwork, including contracts exchanged between corporations, have proven to be a major obstacle to remote working. Additionally, binding and mailing original documents, buying and affixing revenue stamps, and storing documents require a lot of time and money. In this situation, there is rising interest in electronic signatures that use digital technologies as an alternative method, but there are issues around security to prevent data tampering by third parties.
At this time, Hitachi has used its IT expertise to develop the Service, which digitizes the procedures for affixing signatures and personal seals. It is a solution that makes it possible to carry out these procedures anytime and anywhere, thus it realizes remote working, operational efficiency, and cost reduction. At the same time, the Service maintains a high level of security thanks to the blockchain technology. Hitachi offers the Service as SaaS (Software as a Service) with integrated functions and operational administration.
The features of the Service are outlined below.
1. High authenticity by recording information trails in the blockchain
When users sign a document in the Service, hash information(1) and time stamp information(2) for the digital data are recorded in the blockchain. Data stored in the blockchain is highly resistant to tampering, and compared to the use of conventional relational databases(3), the authenticity of the data is improved. In addition, the blockchain infrastructure uses Hitachi Blockchain Service for Hyperledger Fabric, the managed cloud service from Hitachi, and provides stable system operation by the experienced Hitachi team. Further, we strive to expedite the development of the Service by using Hitachi’s unique Blockchain System Development Support Service, which has a group of functions including operational templates and development frameworks.
2. Facilitates unified management of documents by linking to other electronic contract services
Generally, when corporations use electronic signatures and contracts, it may be necessary to use several different systems dependent on the services used by the business partner. This Service offers a function for centralized document management that imports signed documents into the Service by connecting to other electronic contract services via an API(4) that facilitates information exchange between different companies. The connected services will be expanded in the future.
3. The ease of use reflects feedback from users
The Service features operations and functions that match commercial practices based on regional characteristics such as sending documents back in case the signature or seal of the other party does not conform to certification, delegate signatures, and customize the approval flow.
4. Prevent identity fraud by linking to Hitachi’s unique biometric identification technology which identifies individuals by their biological information (option)
Hitachi is in the process of developing an optional function to strengthen security by combining blockchain technology with Public Biometric Infrastructure (PBI)(5) that creates private keys using data encryption based on finger veins and other biometric information made available to Hitachi. The technology is expected to apply to areas where strict authentication is necessary such as medical / healthcare /financial fields and public institutions.
Hitachi started to operate the Service at the Procurement Department at its head office as of March 2021. After reflecting the feedback in the Service, we will launch sales to corporations after July 2021. In addition we plan to link the Service with Hitachi’s TWX-21(6) cloud service for transactions between corporations to increase added value, and to provide the Service as a Lumada(7) solution.
(1) Hash information: A value obtained by processing data through a hash function.
(2) Time stamp information: A digital certificate that ascertains the existence of digital data at a certain time.
(3) Relational database: One of the most widely used databases, the relational database is a model that links sets of tabular data with each other.
(4) Application Programming Interface (API): Specifications for accessing software functions and managed data from external programs.
(5) Public Biometric Infrastructure (PBI): A proprietary Hitachi technology that identifies individuals safely and securely by encrypting, registering and matching biological information such as finger veins, faces, or irises.
(6) TWX-21:A cloud service that provides an online platform for inter-company transactions to approximately 71,000 corporate customers as of October 2020. Provides detailed application services related to corporate activity by business, by role, and by user.
(7) Lumada:General name of solution service technology using Hitachi’s advanced digital technology to generate value from customer data and accelerate digital innovation
About Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is focused on its Social Innovation Business that combines information technology (IT), operational technology (OT) and products. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2019 (ended March 31, 2020) totaled 8,767.2 billion yen ($80.4 billion), and it employed approximately 301,000 people worldwide. Hitachi drives digital innovation across five sectors – Mobility, Smart Life, Industry, Energy and IT – through Lumada, Hitachi’s advanced digital solutions, services, and technologies for turning data into insights to drive digital innovation. Its purpose is to deliver solutions that increase social, environmental and economic value for its customers. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com.
Hitachi, Ltd. has announced that it has developed the Hitachi Electronic Signature Service, which implements secure electronic contracts based on blockchain (distributed ledger) technology. The Service digitizes the signatures and seals of paper documents such as contracts exchanged between companies, and promotes to eliminate personal seals. The use of blockchain guarantees the authenticity of signature information and improves resistance to data tampering. The Service provides stable system operation by using the Hitachi Blockchain Service for Hyperledger Fabric for its blockchain platform. The Hitachi Blockchain Service for Hyperledger Fabric is suitable for transactions between multiple corporations and has also been used for traceability systems in inter-company supply chains. The Service will contribute to the establishment of a new sustainable way of working in the age of the New Normal with supporting remote working, operational efficiency and cost reduction.
Hitachi started to operate the Service at the Procurement Department at its head office as of March 2021. After reflecting the feedback in the Service, we will launch sales to corporations in Japan after July 2021. In the future, we plan to roll out to global corporations with a focus on North America. Further, the whole Hitachi Group systematizes and sells a wide range of radical know-how and technology as a service to support new workstyle in the New Normal. We also plan to include the Service in this lineup.
At present, the introduction of remote working, including working from home, is expanding rapidly as a measure to control the spread of COVID-19 infections. Many corporations are in the process of setting up the infrastructure environment for flexible working regardless of location. However, at Japanese corporations, in particular, the procedures for affixing signatures and personal seals to paperwork, including contracts exchanged between corporations, have proven to be a major obstacle to remote working. Additionally, binding and mailing original documents, buying and affixing revenue stamps, and storing documents require a lot of time and money. In this situation, there is rising interest in electronic signatures that use digital technologies as an alternative method, but there are issues around security to prevent data tampering by third parties.
At this time, Hitachi has used its IT expertise to develop the Service, which digitizes the procedures for affixing signatures and personal seals. It is a solution that makes it possible to carry out these procedures anytime and anywhere, thus it realizes remote working, operational efficiency, and cost reduction. At the same time, the Service maintains a high level of security thanks to the blockchain technology. Hitachi offers the Service as SaaS (Software as a Service) with integrated functions and operational administration.
The features of the Service are outlined below.
1. High authenticity by recording information trails in the blockchain
When users sign a document in the Service, hash information(1) and time stamp information(2) for the digital data are recorded in the blockchain. Data stored in the blockchain is highly resistant to tampering, and compared to the use of conventional relational databases(3), the authenticity of the data is improved. In addition, the blockchain infrastructure uses Hitachi Blockchain Service for Hyperledger Fabric, the managed cloud service from Hitachi, and provides stable system operation by the experienced Hitachi team. Further, we strive to expedite the development of the Service by using Hitachi’s unique Blockchain System Development Support Service, which has a group of functions including operational templates and development frameworks.
2. Facilitates unified management of documents by linking to other electronic contract services
Generally, when corporations use electronic signatures and contracts, it may be necessary to use several different systems dependent on the services used by the business partner. This Service offers a function for centralized document management that imports signed documents into the Service by connecting to other electronic contract services via an API(4) that facilitates information exchange between different companies. The connected services will be expanded in the future.
3. The ease of use reflects feedback from users
The Service features operations and functions that match commercial practices based on regional characteristics such as sending documents back in case the signature or seal of the other party does not conform to certification, delegate signatures, and customize the approval flow.
4. Prevent identity fraud by linking to Hitachi’s unique biometric identification technology which identifies individuals by their biological information (option)
Hitachi is in the process of developing an optional function to strengthen security by combining blockchain technology with Public Biometric Infrastructure (PBI)(5) that creates private keys using data encryption based on finger veins and other biometric information made available to Hitachi. The technology is expected to apply to areas where strict authentication is necessary such as medical / healthcare /financial fields and public institutions.
Hitachi started to operate the Service at the Procurement Department at its head office as of March 2021. After reflecting the feedback in the Service, we will launch sales to corporations after July 2021. In addition we plan to link the Service with Hitachi’s TWX-21(6) cloud service for transactions between corporations to increase added value, and to provide the Service as a Lumada(7) solution.
(1) Hash information: A value obtained by processing data through a hash function.
(2) Time stamp information: A digital certificate that ascertains the existence of digital data at a certain time.
(3) Relational database: One of the most widely used databases, the relational database is a model that links sets of tabular data with each other.
(4) Application Programming Interface (API): Specifications for accessing software functions and managed data from external programs.
(5) Public Biometric Infrastructure (PBI): A proprietary Hitachi technology that identifies individuals safely and securely by encrypting, registering and matching biological information such as finger veins, faces, or irises.
(6) TWX-21:A cloud service that provides an online platform for inter-company transactions to approximately 71,000 corporate customers as of October 2020. Provides detailed application services related to corporate activity by business, by role, and by user.
(7) Lumada:General name of solution service technology using Hitachi’s advanced digital technology to generate value from customer data and accelerate digital innovation
