Search

Controlling the connectivity and rigidity of kirigami, i.e. the process of cutting paper to deploy it into an articulated system, is critical in the manifestations of kirigami in art, science and technology, as it provides the resulting metamaterial with a range of mechanical and geometric properties. Here, we combine deterministic and stochastic approaches for the control of rigidity in kirigami using the power of k choices, an approach borrowed from the statistical mechanics of explosive percolation transitions. We show that several methods for rigidifying a kirigami system by incrementally changing either the connectivity or the rigidity of individual components allow us to control the nature of the explosive transition by a choice of selection rules. Our results suggest simple lessons for the design of mechanical metamaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snake robots have redundant kinematic structure which predetermines them for motion in rough and unstructured terrain with obstacles, narrow spaces or environments with different ground levels. Dynamic modeling of snake robots is an important element in the development of control strategies for them. This paper, deals with the dynamic model of a snake robot moving in a pipeline. The model is based on Newton's mechanics with consideration of the viscous as well as Coulomb friction model. The paper uses Hertz theory for modeling of contact between a snake robot and side walls of a pipeline. Based on optimization process results, the friction effects as well as analyses of snake robot propulsive force are investigated. The main contributions of the paper are the developed dynamic model for snake robot motion in a pipeline, open source code of the developed model in MATLAB, and analyses of individual parameters of snake robot motion. • Propulsive force of snake robot moving in a pipeline is significantly affected by friction of the side walls. • One full sine wave formed by snake robot links ensures maximum average velocity. • Considering Coulomb friction the snake robot performs more jerked motion in comparison with viscous friction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public transport service reliability is crucial for all stakeholders, including users, operators, and society. Bus bunching, where two or more buses on the same route travel closely together, significantly undermines service reliability. This paper reviews bus bunching, its causes and consequences, and control strategies from demand, supply, and decision-making perspectives. It identifies gaps in the literature, emphasising the need for realistic evaluations of control methods and real-world applications. The paper reveals that most bunching solutions prioritise operators over public transport users, and the trade-offs posed by these methods require further examinations. Hybrid methods combining holding with other measures have outperformed standalone holding methods but need real-world testing. User-centric approaches, such as encouraging and incentivising passengers to choose less crowded vehicles or wait, have demonstrated some potential in alleviating service bunching. However, their effectiveness in real-world applications present important research directions. In summary, the practical classification and framework presented in this review can assist policymakers in making informed and optimised decisions by considering various variables and performance measures involved in the process, and in finding balanced solutions for passenger and operator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Communicable diseases are one of the main health problems in Iran. This study aimed at demonstrating the progress of communicable diseases management in more than 30 years of its implementation and pointing out its strengths and weaknesses, as well. Materials and Methods: This interview-based study using content analysis method was conducted in 2014. Data were collected through deep interviews. Fifteen interviews were conducted with all experts and health system managers at Iran's communicable diseases management center. The collected data were analyzed using the principles suggested by Strauss and Corbin. Results: The establishment of the communicable disease surveillance system was a revolution in the health system of Iran. The strengths of the system are as follows: networkbased and integrated health services, well-organized and knowledgeable personnel, national and international supports, strategic and operational plans, and expanded programs of immunization. On the other hand, its weaknesses mentioned by the participants were: disease-based case definition, poor public awareness, poor inter-sectoral collaboration and coordination, insufficient resources, delayed or no notifying target diseases, lack of district laws or incomplete implementation of legislation, failure to provide feedback or ignoring for the results of the analysis, and lack of performance evaluation. Conclusion: Although the implementation of the communicable diseases surveillance system was a huge achievement in the health system of Iran, however, it needs more improvements based on the present situation. Revision of the rules, restoration and strengthening of the existing structure, the use of modern information and communication technologies, and the establishment of the monitoring and evaluation system are helpful to increase its success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the huge amounts of wastewater discharge and the high pollution loads in papermaking industry, many greenhouse gases (GHG) are emitted in the papermaking wastewater treatment process. The wastewater dissolved oxygen (DO) control has been considered as the most cost-effective control solution for GHG reduction in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). However, the competition between contaminant removal efficiency and GHG reduction hinders the drastic reduction of GHG emissions from WWTP. In this study, based on the established integrated GHG emission model, explicitly considering the total GHG reduction targets on the premise of effluent compliance, an intelligent control scheme has been developed for an activated sludge process in a paper mill. Regarding DO as the controlled variable, the proposed hierarchical optimal proportional-integral (HOPI) control scheme was established consisting of three layers: 1) Layer 1 for the effluent quality estimation, 2) Layer 2 for the optimal DO set point determined by genetic algorithm with the influent variations to obey discharging norms and reduce GHG emissions, 3) Layer 3 for the DO tracking proportional integral (PI) control with the controller parameters adjusted by the back propagation neural network to track the dynamically optimized DO set points. The simulation results showed that, compared with the open-loop (OL) operation (averaged aeration, 10/h), the proposed HOPI control (averaged aeration, 7.9/h) reduced the GHG emissions by 12.54% under the premise of discharging norms, which was mainly attributed to the reduction of the aeration electricity consumption. In contrast, the PI control (averaged aeration, 12.9/h) increased the GHG emissions by 7.48% compared with the OL operation. Thus, the proposed HOPI control strategy has demonstrated potential for the application of GHG reduction in industrial WWTPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the huge amounts of wastewater discharge and the high pollution loads in papermaking industry, many greenhouse gases (GHG) are emitted in the papermaking wastewater treatment process. The wastewater dissolved oxygen (DO) control has been considered as the most cost-effective control solution for GHG reduction in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). However, the competition between contaminant removal efficiency and GHG reduction hinders the drastic reduction of GHG emissions from WWTP. In this study, based on the established integrated GHG emission model, explicitly considering the total GHG reduction targets on the premise of effluent compliance, an intelligent control scheme has been developed for an activated sludge process in a paper mill. Regarding DO as the controlled variable, the proposed hierarchical optimal proportional-integral (HOPI) control scheme was established consisting of three layers: 1) Layer 1 for the effluent quality estimation, 2) Layer 2 for the optimal DO set point determined by genetic algorithm with the influent variations to obey discharging norms and reduce GHG emissions, 3) Layer 3 for the DO tracking proportional integral (PI) control with the controller parameters adjusted by the back propagation neural network to track the dynamically optimized DO set points. The simulation results showed that, compared with the open-loop (OL) operation (averaged aeration, 10/h), the proposed HOPI control (averaged aeration, 7.9/h) reduced the GHG emissions by 12.54% under the premise of discharging norms, which was mainly attributed to the reduction of the aeration electricity consumption. In contrast, the PI control (averaged aeration, 12.9/h) increased the GHG emissions by 7.48% compared with the OL operation. Thus, the proposed HOPI control strategy has demonstrated potential for the application of GHG reduction in industrial WWTPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the THD and AC losses on the DC cables of offshore wind farm-based multi-terminal HVDC systems when they extract and deliver power from and to more than one connection point. In the paper, the study of a full system PLECS + Simulink model with two branches, including a wind resource, a wind turbine, a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG), a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) rectifier, a Single Active Bridge (SAB) DC–DC converter, an Input Parallel Output Series (IPOS) DC–DC converter, HVDC cables, and a simplified onshore system, is presented. It focuses on the investigation of the output ripple content of multiple DC–DC converters on DC cables under different wind conditions with different voltage and power ratings. The importance of the study is providing a general understanding of the operation of the innovative offshore wind farm-based DC system, as well as the interaction between different DC–DC converters and their influence on cable ripple content under different situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Control strategies were created to reduce the operating costs of ozone stages of effluent treatment plants in paper mills as well as to improve the quality of the effluent. Biologically treated effluents from five mills were subjected to laboratory and pilot tests. All COD target values could be reached and maintained with SAC-based control strategies. Disturbing events were compensated with a deviation of only 2% within maximum 3.1 volume exchanges, depending on the kind of event. The SAC (spectral absorption coefficient) was found to be highly suitable for controlling the ozone dosage. In a SME paper mill, 20% of the operating costs of an ozone plant can be saved. The return on investment for such a system is thus about 8 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This survey introduces 101 new publications on applications of Clifford's geometric algebras (GAs) newly published during 2022 (until mid‐January 2023). The selection of papers is based on a comprehensive search with Dimensions.ai, followed by detailed screening and clustering. Readers will learn about the use of GA for mathematics, computation, surface representations, geometry, image, and signal processing, computing and software, quantum computing, data processing, neural networks, medical science, physics, electric engineering, control and robotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a prosthesis made to compensate for the residual loss of the amputee's limb, the shoulder disarticulation upper limb prosthesis replaces the missing arm function of the shoulder amputee to a certain extent. However, the current upper limb prosthesis mainly interacts with the outside world through the prosthetic hand for grasping and gripping, and the interaction between other parts and the environment is often neglected, which is not in line with the use habits of the human arm. To address this problem, this paper proposes a reinforcement learning–based method for controlling the forearm interaction of a shoulder-disconnected upper limb prosthesis, and analyzes and solves the forces during the interaction, reducing the impact of uncertainty on interaction actions and accelerating training while ensuring the stability of handheld items. We evaluated the performance of the control method during the interaction between the upper limb prosthesis and the external environment through simulation experiments. After the training, the bionic arm was able to push the object into the target range for different objects and pushing distance requirements, which showed the good control effect of the method. Also, the control method can be applied to improve the interaction between the robotic arm and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea, as a healthy drink, has won the favor of many consumers, and its safety and quality have also been widely concerned. The prevention and control of tea diseases and insect pests is the key to ensure the yield and quality of tea and promote the development of tea industry. In this paper, the development status of tea industry in China, the main diseases and insect pests of tea and the control measures were reviewed, in order to provide a reference for the scientific control of tea in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When I fiddle with my hair, or adjust my posture, it is plausible that these activities fall well below my cognitive radar. Some have argued that these are examples of ‘sub‐intentional actions’, actions which are not intentional under any description at all. If true, they are direct counterexamples to the dominant view on which the difference between actions and other events is their intentionality. In this paper, I argue that the case for sub‐intentional actions fails. Firstly, I show that the main argument for the sub‐intentionality of these actions has a structural fault. Secondly, I argue that two apparently natural ways to remedy this fail. Thirdly, I argue that one of the main arguments for thinking of the phenomena as actions undermines thinking of them as sub‐intentional. Finally, I argue that a natural defensive move for the defender of sub‐intentional actions actually undermines the theoretical significance of the view. Ultimately, my aim is to show that although the case for sub‐intentional actions seemed both simple and compelling, it is in fact deeply troubled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new third-order symmetric difference equation transformed into a 3D discrete symmetric map. The nonlinear dynamics and symmetry of the proposed map are analyzed with two initial conditions for exploring the sensitivity of the map and highlighting the influence of the map parameters on its behaviors, thus comparing the findings. Moreover, the stability of the zero fixed point and symmetry are examined by theoretical analysis, and it is proved that the map generates diverse nonlinear traits comprising multistability, chaos, and hyperchaos, which is confirmed by phase attractors in 2D and 3D space, Lyapunov exponents ( L E s ) analysis and bifurcation diagrams; also, 0-1 test and sample entropy (SampEn) are used to confirm the existence and measure the complexity of chaos. In addition, a nonlinear controller is introduced to stabilize the symmetry map and synchronize a duo of unified symmetry maps. Finally, numerical results are provided to illustrate the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Model predictive control (MPC) performance depends on the accuracy of the system model. Moreover, the optimization algorithm of MPC requires numerous online computations. These inherent limitations of MPC hinder its application in power electronics systems. This paper proposes a two-part solution for these challenges for a three-phase inverter with an output LC filter. The first part of the control scheme is a linear and modified model-free approach based on the auto-regressive structure (ARX) with exogenous input. The second part is the computationally efficient optimization algorithm based on the active set method to solve the optimization problem of the MFPC. The objective of the control scheme is to regulate the output voltages of the inverter in the presence of constraints. The constraints are the maximum admissible filter current and optimal duty cycle to avoid any damage to the system. To validate the performance of the proposed control scheme, simulations and hardware-in-loop (HIL) real-time investigations have been performed, comparing the results of the proposed approach with the model-based predictive control. The results showcase the computational efficiency and effectiveness of the MFPC approach, demonstrating its potential for overcoming the limitations of traditional MPC in power electronics systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the urgent issue of minimising the impact of pollutants on aquatic life in river ecosystems. Our innovative approach involves the integration of mathematical modelling and strategic control methods to counteract the negative consequences of industrial and agricultural activities. The model, developed in a one-dimensional context, captures the complex dynamics of species population and pollutant concentration. Using an optimisation framework, we strive to achieve a harmonious balance that limits pollution, enhances species diversity and optimises control expenditure. Ultimately, we seek to harmonise industrial progress with ecological vitality, promoting the sustainability of river ecosystems for generations to come. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing Canine–Human communication during training is an important research. We aim to strengthen the communication between canines and humans during the training of canine remote control using robotic technology. Training using rewards is a widely known technique to boost canine ability. So far, this method has consisted of giving rewards from humans, thus creating a strong connection between humans and canines; however, this method can also cause canines to become overly fixated on the people who feed them. Fixation prevents canines from performing behaviors away from people. For that reason, this study explores the possibility of using robotic technology to reduce canine fixation on their trainer. This paper evaluates dog behavior during training with reduced human intervention using a backpack-like device, which provides food as a reward. This method of training is assessed in two dogs by comparing the training time, number of feedings, and number of times the dog looks at nearby humans, as compared to the traditional method. The suit-mounted feeder was used to train the two dogs to follow a spot-light, achieving a success rate of 96.4% in feeding during training. There was no significant difference in training time or number of feedings required for training with this method compared to traditional human-rewarded training methods. On the other hand, it was suggested that the device could reduce the number of times the dogs looked at their trainer by up to 84.7%. Changes in gait caused by the suit and feeder were also evaluated based on the percentage of the swing phase of gait. The results indicate that the presence or absence of the feeder device does not affect the dog's gait. Continued canine training without fixation on the feeder or the trainer could allow the working dogs to demonstrate its abilities in remote areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a new symmetric fractional-order discrete system. The dynamics and symmetry of the suggested model are studied under two initial conditions, mainly a comparison of the commensurate order and incommensurate order maps, which highlights their effect on symmetry-breaking bifurcations. In addition, a theoretical analysis examines the stability of the zero equilibrium point. It proves that the map generates typical nonlinear features, including chaos, which is confirmed numerically: phase attractors are plotted in a two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) space, bifurcation diagrams are drawn with variations in the derivative fractional values and in the system parameters, and we calculate the Maximum Lyapunov Exponents (MLEs) associated with the bifurcation diagram. Additionally, we use the C 0 algorithm and entropy approach to measure the complexity of the chaotic symmetric fractional map. Finally, nonlinear 3D controllers are revealed to stabilize the symmetric fractional order map's states in commensurate and incommensurate cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The FormCopy (FC) analysis of control proposed by Noam Chomsky develops Norbert Hornstein's movement analysis. This paper points out that there is inconsistency between both analyses and the standard phase theory. Then, it presents a new definition of phase and the PIC that makes reference to ϕ-feature agreement in order to resolve this inconsistency. Minimal Yield (MY) is one of the conditions on Merge that distinguish the FC analysis from the movement analysis. It is a fundamental assumption in the FC analysis but rules out sideward movements employed in the movement analysis. The second part of the paper first introduces Hisatsugu Kitahara's analysis of "proper binding" effects in terms of MY. Then, it shows that this analysis, together with the newly proposed definition of phase and the PIC, correctly predicts a surprising difference between English and Japanese with respect to the "proper binding" phenomenon. This constitutes further evidence for MY and hence for the FC analysis of control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel control approach for integrated converters using Exact Tracking Error Dynamics Passive Output Feedback control and Exact Static Error Dynamics Passive Output Feedback control. By continuously injecting active distributed power systems (DPS) power sources into the utility grid and loads, the approach reduces harmonic current distortion and maintains unity for the grid's power factor. The paper compares existing control methods, such as P, PI, proportional–integral–derivative (PID), energy structuring and damping infusion and interconnection and damping assignment—passivity-based control and considers the impacts of instantaneous fluctuations in reference current elements on the AC side and oscillations in DC voltage generated by the DC-link voltage. Relevant switching state functions are designed, and if the maximum power can be fed exceeds the required power from grid-connected loads, the true, reactive, and harmonic current elements of loads are adjusted dynamically, resulting in in-phase sinewave grid currents. The performance analysis is performed using MATLAB/Simulink, and a smaller research prototype is built and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim A discussion which aims to explore the diversity of decision-making during teenage and young adult cancer treatment. The discussion will be related to the concepts of autonomy, dependence and decision-making in this age group. Background The experience of cancer involves a significant series of treatment decisions. However, other non-treatment decisions also have to be made which can relate to any aspect of everyday life. These decisions occur against the backdrop of young people's disease experience. Design Discussion paper. Data sources A literature search for the period 1990-2013 was undertaken. This included searching the following databases: Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature ( CINAHL), SCOPUS, Medline, DARE, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts ( ASSIA), (Psych Info) and The Cochrane Library. Implications for nursing There is a lack of evidence into the experience of everyday decisions made by young people during cancer treatment. This may affect them in the form of unmet needs that nurses, or other professionals, fail to appreciate. Conclusion Further exploration of how teenagers and young adults experience the range and process of decision-making during cancer treatment could be useful in helping to provide effective supportive care for this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the motor oil performance conditions, it is very difficult to determine the dispersing-stabilizing properties and the degree of dirtiness of the oil. These characteristics, however, have a great effect on the performance life of the oil until its replacement and the reliability of tractor and automobile operation. Relationships of changes in dispersing-stabilizing properties of motor oils with the content of additives and performance time in the engine were obtained by theoretical analysis and practical studies. The results of the studies on improvement of paper chromatographic method to determine the dirtiness of the oils under their performance conditions are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutual aid insurance is a collective type of insurance where the policyholders share the potential losses or risks that they may face. In this paper, we establish a mathematical structure for mutual aid insurance through a three-state (good, bad and death) process, which is driven by an inhomogeneous Markov chain. The objective of maximizing an individual's lifetime utility is achieved by addressing a stochastic control problem that involves both mutual aid insurance and life insurance. We obtain the explicit expressions for optimal consumption, investment strategies, and life insurance premiums by employing the corresponding Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation. In the end, we carry out a numerical analysis to show the significance of mutual aid insurance and demonstrate the optimal mutual aid insurance premium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a critique of the current version of Derk Pereboom's "disappearing agent argument" against event-causal libertarianism. Special attention is paid to a notion that does a lot of work in his argument—that of settling which decision occurs (of the various decisions it is open to the agent to make at the time). It is argued that Pereboom's disappearing agent argument fails to show that event-causal libertarians lack the resources to accommodate agents' having freedom-level control over what they decide. The connection between the disappearing agent argument and the problem of present luck is explored, as is the connection between settling which decision one makes and luck. Pereboom's disappearing agent argument also is distinguished from another argument with the same name that targets intentional action itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The labor exchange agreements signed between Turkey and several European countries in the 1960s resulted in a large population move to Europe. While the majority of workers were men, the share of women had increased over the years. Initially overlooked, women’s transborder mobility came under public scrutiny from the mid-1960s onwards. Migration scholarship has demonstrated that sending states may impose restrictive policies on women’s transborder mobility to regulate their sexuality. However, this research often relies on a binary model (travel bans/no bans) where attention is paid mostly to cases in the former group. Under the rubric of moral panic, this paper offers an analytical framework to explore how control over women’s sexuality can be maintained in contexts where no travel bans are adopted. Drawing on archival research, this study reveals that women’s mobility triggered a moral panic in Turkey, prompting various political demands for prohibitive policies, which were met with state reluctance. Still, the disciplinary control over women’s sexuality was maintained through a transnational network of ethno-national kin, spontaneous and independent of any state authority. While it was not designed to fill any power vacuum, the network effectively exercised disciplinary control over numerous Turkish women, employing discursive and punitive practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is mainly focused on the solution of Sylvester matrix differential equations with time-independent coefficients. We propose a new approach based on the construction of a particular constant solution which allows to construct an approximate solution of the differential equation from that of the corresponding algebraic equation. Moreover, when the matrix coefficients of the differential equation are large, we combine the constant solution approach with Krylov subspace methods for obtaining an approximate solution of the Sylvester algebraic equation, and thus form an approximate solution of the large-scale Sylvester matrix differential equation. We establish some theoretical results including error estimates and convergence as well as relations between the residuals of the differential and its corresponding algebraic Sylvester matrix equation. We also give explicit benchmark formulas for the solution of the differential equation. To illustrate the efficiency of the proposed approach, we perform numerous numerical tests and make various comparisons with other methods for solving Sylvester matrix differential equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every management system includes four steps: organization, planning, performing and control. Maintenance as a system is not excluded in these steps. On a previous work was explained the structure and in the present one is treated the management. Management in maintenance has to be considered as an integral concept of the total control of the quality and it includes all the life's cycle of the assets. The function maintenance is a need that is not denied but sometimes is evident the absence of an own and integral strategy on the management, and are not so well determined the processes that must to be included and the functions of the same ones to allow to decide the actions required and in turn to be able to measure and to control a continuous improvement of it. In this paper we offer the necessary elements to contribute to this purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Ultra‐high voltage converters are usually employed to transform low voltage to high voltage in microgrids to produce renewable energy. However, it is challenging to develop control techniques due to the complicated structure of ultra‐high voltage converters and the numerous power switches and circuit components, which leads to poor dynamic characteristics of the system and a marked increase in fault rates. In order to understand the control theoretical characteristics of the ultra‐high voltage converter and provide a theoretical basis for circuit parameter analysis and control strategy design, this paper takes the boost converter cascaded system as an example to establish an accurate switching linear system model, discusses the control theoretical characteristics of the ultra‐high voltage converter in detail, and uses the decision theorem to draw the conclusion that the system is structurally controllable, reachable, and observable, simplifying the difficulty of analysis. The simulation and experimental findings show that the conclusion was drawn correctly. The research findings will give the boost converter cascaded systems modulation approach and circuit parameter design a theoretical foundation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory experiments offer one way to introduce more realism in education and play a key role for the acquisition of practical skills, especially in engineering. This paper addresses the development of an equipment to teach fundamentals of industrial process control engineering mainly for undergraduate courses at the University of Extremadura. The laboratory consists of the DELTALAB–COSIMI wastewater treatment plant SP244, which is controlled by a CompactRIO-9014 high-performance real-time embedded controller, a kind of programmable logic controller of National Instruments. Learning objectives and a summary of students activities carried out in the laboratory lessons are given to illustrate the possibilities of use of this equipment for teaching of industrial process control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to educate airport operators in how to be better prepared for an active threat incident. The paper does not discuss preventative measures but focuses on lessons learned from a real-life incident that took place in 2017. Information included is derived from a detailed after-action report that focuses on mitigating strategies, communication methods, employee training, and business resumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is the second in a series of two which reviews the current UK evidence base for recovery in mental health. As outlined in the previous paper, over the last 4 years a vast amount has written about recovery in mental health (approximately 60% of all articles). Whereas the first review focused on the peer-reviewed evidence; this paper specifically focuses on the grey/non-peer-reviewed literature. In total, our search strategy yielded the following: 3 books, a further 11 book chapters, 12 papers, 6 policy documents and 3 publications from voluntary sector organizations. Each group of publications was analysed for content, and they are discursively presented by publication group. The findings are then presented as themes in the discussion section. The themes are: social, historical and political critique; philosophy of hope for the individual; individual identity and narrative; models and guidance for mental health practice.We conclude that there is a need for both empirical research into recovery and a clearer theoretical exposition of the concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the distinction between expressive and instrumental motives, six theoretical mechanisms for the formation of trust relationships are elaborated and empirically tested. When expressive motives drive tie formation, individuals primarily attach emotional value to social relationships. Three mechanisms have been tested: the homophily, the balancing, and the gossiping effect. When instrumental, control-related, motives drive tie formation, actors strategically establish relationships because of their potential use for the realization of material benefits or the avoidance of material losses. Again, three mechanisms have been tested: the signalling, the sharing group and the structural hole effect. Longitudinal data come from a sociometric panel study of 17 members of the management team of a German paper factory. Actor-oriented statistical modelling shows that all effects significantly affect trust formation separately. In a simultaneous test incorporating all six mechanisms, the pattern of structural holes turns out to be the major predictor of network evolution. The implications of structural hole theory for modelling the evolution of intra-organizational networks are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In general, the structures of Multi-Active Bridge (MAB) converters that can be found in the literature are usually based on voltage converters. However, in some cases, it could be interesting to have a current-fed input due to load characteristics or operation constraints. This leads to a hybrid MAB structure mixing both current-fed and voltage-fed bridges. In this paper, a new hybrid-fed, fully coupled Triple-Active Bridge (TAB) converter topology with two voltage-fed ports and one current-fed port is studied, modelled and controlled. In the first place, a generalized average model (GAM) is developed for this system. After that, a reduced-order model is elaborated in order to simplify the behavioral study and control of this coupled system. A control strategy was also proposed in this paper, based on the developed mathematical model. Simulation results using Matlab/Simulink are presented to validate this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various philosophers authors have argued—on the basis of powerful examples—that we can have compelling moral or practical reasons to believe, even when the evidence suggests otherwise. This paper explores an alternative story, which still aims to respect widely shared intuitions about the motivating examples. Specifically, the paper proposes that what is at stake in these cases is not belief, but rather acceptance—an attitude classically characterized as taking a proposition as a premise in practical deliberation and action. I suggest that acceptance's theoretical usefulness in the ethics of belief has been hidden by its psychological obscurity. I thus aim to develop an empirically adequate and mechanistically specific psychological profile of acceptance. I characterize acceptance as centrally involving a cognitive gating function, in which we prevent a target belief state from having its characteristic downstream effects on reasoning, cognition, and action, and restructure those downstream processes. I then argue that there is substantial empirical support for the existence of the cognitive mechanisms needed to instantiate this view, coming from the science of emotion regulation. I argue that acceptance involves deploying the same mechanisms used in emotional response modulation to belief states: acceptance is doxastic response modulation. I then propose that having a better understanding of the psychological profile of acceptance leaves us better positioned to appreciate its potential usefulness for making progress on various puzzles within the ethics of belief. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the clinical efficacy of an automatic mobile trainer for gait training in stroke patients. Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) is a rehabilitation method for stroke patients that enhances motor learning through repeated practice. Despite the proven effectiveness of therapist-assisted NDT, it is labor-intensive and demands health resources. Therefore, we developed automatic trainers based on NDT principles to perform gait training. This paper modifies the mobile trainer's intervention patterns to improve the subject's longitudinal gait symmetry, lateral pelvic displacement symmetry, and pelvic rotation. We first invited ten healthy subjects to test the modified trainer and then recruited 26 stroke patients to undergo the same gait training. Longitudinal symmetry, lateral symmetry, and pelvic rotation were assessed before, during, and after the intervention. Most subjects show improvements in longitudinal symmetry, lateral symmetry, and pelvic rotation after using the trainer. These results confirm the trainer's effectiveness of the modified intervention schemes in helping clinical gait rehabilitation for stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we establish a minimal criterion of efficiency for a class of multiobjective variational control problems. Thus, some minimal conditions are formulated so that all local efficient solutions are also global. Also, we present an example to illustrate the mathematical developments derived in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About 10% of the US population suffers from depression (NIMH, 2000/2001) affecting both the client and his/her family members. This study applies Inconsistent Nurturing as Control Theory (Le Poire, 1994) to romantic relationships with depressed individuals (N=68 couples) and examines types and patterns of attempts to curtail depression. Results from in-depth interviews of depressed individuals and their partners suggest partners change their communication strategies over time such that they use more negative strategies before they label depression problematic, actively help and encourage depressed individuals more after the labeling, and revert to a less consistent sequence of positive and negative strategies after the initial control strategies have proven unsuccessful. Implications for health challenges in romantic relationships are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review paper aimed to draw the red line passing through almost 25 years of research on waterjet cutting carried out at WJ_Lab, the waterjet laboratory of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Politecnico di Milano. The purpose was not to just historically analyse the obtained scientific results by themselves but to make them even more useful by introducing the concept of the waterjet digital twin passing through the accuracy improvements due to microAWJ. This strategy effectively creates synergy among the topics and gives the opportunity to researchers in this field to both have an example of how research in industrial manufacturing processes can be guided by scientific and industrial needs, at least from the author's point of view, and to appreciate how it can be made useful for further improvements by introducing a powerful concept as the digital twin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper enhances the agent model of ordinary individuals by incorporating the roles of places in the transmission, prevention, and control in the process, establishing a fundamental connection between these two types of agents through individual travel rules. The impact of real-world prevention and control measures on regional epidemic transmission is studied based on this model. Firstly, based on the analysis of place elements in typical cases of major infectious diseases, we give the classification of places. Secondly, the resident agent and the place agent are constructed and rules are established to form an agent-based major infectious disease transmission model considering the place. Then, the simulation process is established and an ideal regional environment is constructed to simulate overall changes in major infectious disease scale and spread speed. Additionally, evolutionary simulations are conducted for individual isolation intensity and place control time during emergency management stages to compare infection outcomes, and we analyze different roles and application scenarios of specific prevention and control measures. Finally, simulation results from real major infectious disease cases in Yangzhou, China, validate the effectiveness of this model in predicting major infectious disease development trends as well as evaluating prevention and control measure effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global environmental issue of soil contamination with antibiotic-resistance genes has garnered increased attention in recent years due to its impact on ecosystems and human health. Despite this recognition, researchers face challenges in comprehensively understanding the mechanisms underlying the production and dissemination of soil resistance genes, particularly in relation to their implications for human health. This lack of understanding poses a barrier to the development of effective and precise control strategies. Biochar, a sustainable material, exhibits favorable adsorption properties characterized by its large pores and specific surface area. Therefore, we propose to explore the potential application of biochar addition in soil resistance gene management. In order to establish a solid research foundation in this area, in this paper we review the mechanisms underlying the generation and accumulation of soil resistance genes over the last decade, along with their transmission pathways and interfacial interactions. Biochar may help repair soil resistance genes by affecting factors like antibiotic levels, environmental conditions, enzymatic activity, and gene migration mechanisms, opening up new research possibilities. Highlights: The sources, transmission routes and effects on human health of soil ARGs are summarized, and the mechanism of soil ARGs control by biochar is discussed on the basis of the positive effects by biochar. The ways in which biochar affects soil ARGs are analyzed in several directions (soil physicochemical properties, heavy metal content, antibiotic content, microbial structure and enzyme activity) in an attempt to provide a basis for the next studies. The mechanisms of biochar in the regulation of antibiotics and heavy metals for soil ARGs removal are systematically and comprehensively described, while also prospecting the potential application of biochar in soil ARGs removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Contemporary best practices for working with exhibit animals in zoological facilities incorporate behavioral research, theories on operant learning, animal welfare principles, and practical experience to provide animals with largely positive experiences when interacting with their caretakers and their environment. These best practices must be more fully implemented to increase ambassador animal welfare based on taxonomic and individual animal characteristics, experience with present and past caretakers, and ambassador program objectives. This implementation requires training staff to modify animal behavior using the most positive and least intrusive interactions possible. We rigorously consider how to apply best practices to meet ambassador program objectives and animal welfare needs by ensuring appropriate institutional support, the selection of the most suitable animals for the program's objectives, and the creation of an environment where animals recognize that they can choose whether to interact with humans and participate in programs, as well as exert control over their environment. Our synthesis provides a framework showing how staff can continually assess and address the behavioral response of ambassador animals to their environment—along with their interactions with humans during and outside of program usage—with the goal of meeting our most current and evolved criteria for ensuring high animal welfare. There is an ethical need to document and develop best practices for meeting ambassador animals' welfare needs within the context of meeting zoo and aquarium program objectives. This is because ambassador animals experience direct and frequent contact with humans. This paper rigorously synthesizes behavioral research and theory, contemporary practices, and personal experiences to offer key concepts that can be applied to meet ambassador animal welfare needs. These key concepts include addressing an animal's recognition of choice and control, the use of the most positive and least intrusive effective interventions when training animals to participate in programming, and an overall reduction in aversive strategy use. Our model for increasing ambassador animal welfare focuses on seven main areas of concern, including the following: choosing the most suitable animal for the program; choosing the human with the right skills and knowledge for the program; using the most positive, least intrusive, effective training methods; developing a strong trusting relationship between trainer and animal; developing a comprehensive enrichment program; the need for institutional support; and creating opportunities for animals to practice species-appropriate behaviors. Our model will provide guidelines for improved ambassador animal welfare that can be refined with future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the design, modeling, and control of a novel soft-rigid knee joint robot (SR-KR) for assisting motion. SR-KR is proposed to assist patients with knee joint injuries conducting gait training and completing walking movements. SR-KR consists of a novel soft-rigid bidirectional curl actuator, a thigh clamping structure, and a crus clamping structure. The actuating part of SR-KR is composed of soft materials, which ensures the wearing comfort and safety, while the wearing parts contain rigid structure, which ensures the efficient transmission of torque. The bending deformation model of SR-KR is established, which reveal the relationship among SR-KR's bending curvature, working pressure, and output torque. Experiments show that SR-KR can provide more than 26.3 Nm torque for knee joint motion in human gait range. A double closed loop servo control system including attitude servo and pressure servo is built to better apply SR-KR. Mechanical property test, trajectory-driven test, and lower limb wearing test have been conducted, which show that SR-KR has ability to assist in lower limb motion and has potential in the fields of rehabilitation and human enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air suspension is one of the heart of electrified chassis, which plays a key role in vehicle ride comfort, driving stability and safety. In order to further improve the suspension performance to meet the demand of complex and changing road conditions, various new suspension structures have emerged. This paper inherits the advantages of electronically controlled air suspension and proposes a quasi-zero stiffness air suspension system combined with pneumatic negative stiffness mechanism. Aiming at the random uncertainty of the structural parameters of the suspension system due to manufacturing, use environment and wear, a robust controller for a semi-active quasi-zero stiffness air suspension based on polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) is designed. The quasi-zero stiffness air suspension alternative model is established by the coefficient state equation of PCE, and the state feedback control law considering the random parameter uncertainty is obtained based on the H2 control theory solution. Simulations and HiL tests are conducted to verify the effectiveness and real-time performance of proposed PCE-H2 controller. Simulation results show that the performance of PCE-H2 control law is better than that of the conventional H2. The HiL results also show that the PCE-H2 control law considering uncertainty is 3.2% less effective than the conventional H2 control law in overall performance of the suspension. Besides, the control effect of the PCE-H2 control law is 38.7% better in the performance maintenance of the semi-active suspension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing impact of climate change and rising occurrences of natural disasters pose substantial threats to power systems. Strengthening resilience against these low-probability, high-impact events is crucial. The proposition of reconfiguring traditional power systems into advanced networked microgrids (NMGs) emerges as a promising solution. Consequently, a growing body of research has focused on NMG-based techniques to achieve a more resilient power system. This paper provides an updated, comprehensive review of the literature, particularly emphasizing two main categories: networked microgrids' configuration and networked microgrids' control. The study explores key facets of NMG configurations, covering formation, power distribution, and operational considerations. Additionally, it delves into NMG control features, examining their architecture, modes, and schemes. Each aspect is reviewed based on problem modeling/formulation, constraints, and objectives. The review examines findings and highlights the research gaps, focusing on key elements such as frequency and voltage stability, reliability, costs associated with remote switches and communication technologies, and the overall resilience of the network. On that basis, a unified problem-solving approach addressing both the configuration and control aspects of stable and reliable NMGs is proposed. The article concludes by outlining potential future trends, offering valuable insights for researchers in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper proposes innovative modern solutions for an integrated mobile monitoring system with elements of artificial intelligence in the Internet environment based on a mobile communication-information system for collecting, aggregating, processing, and presenting in realtime streams of information objects. It presents the management of communication networks to optimize the transport and processing of information objects based on discrete-event data flow representation and modeling with a hierarchical structure. Qualitative aspects are considered for networks designed for monitoring and notification of geophysical, climatic, and other natural phenomena as well as for anthropogenic systems. A comparison of centralized and decentralized management capabilities is made, as well as the state of the art of network technologies and the possibilities for practical implementation in different network architectures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the problem of stabilization to zero under disturbance in terms of a differential pursuit game. The dynamics is described by a nonlinear autonomous system of differential equations. The set of control values of the pursuer is finite, and that of the evader (disturbance) is a compact set. The control objective, i.e., the pursuer's goal, is to bring the trajectory to any predetermined neighborhood of zero in finite time regardless of the disturbance. To construct the control, the pursuer knows only the state coordinates at some discrete times, and the choice of the disturbance's control is unknown. In the paper, we obtain conditions for the existence of a neighborhood of zero from each point of which a capture occurs in the indicated sense. A winning control is constructed constructively and has an additional property specified in a theorem. In addition, an estimate of the capture time sharp in some sense is produced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bandura's self-efficacy (SE) theory claims that if people believe that they can control the outcome of their behaviour, then they can. SE theory positions the self as the centre and originator of change, beginning with control over belief systems, which determine levels of performance. This conception depoliticizes social mechanisms of control, internalizing them within individual cognitive processes. We argue that SE theory emanates from culturally-positioned and ideologically informed functional trends in US psychology, which perpetuates a blaming-the-victim approach to social problems. Through an examination of the way gender and disability are manipulated in SE research, we show that efficacy is socially construed, and is actually about control over and access to power and the ideological, institutional, and social resources that provide the foundation for taking certain actions. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current energy transition combined with the modernization of power systems has provided meaningful transformations in the transmission, distribution, operation, planning, monitoring, and control of power systems. These advancements are heavily dependent on the employment of new computing and communications technologies, which, combined with traditional physical systems, lead to the emergence of cyber–physical systems (CPSs). In this sense, besides the traditional challenges of keeping a reliable, affordable, and safe power grid, one must now deal with the new vulnerabilities to cyberattacks that emerge with the advancement of CPSs. Aware of this perspective and the severity of the ongoing challenges faced by the industry due to cyberattacks, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive survey of the literature on cybersecurity in cyber–physical power systems. For this, clear definitions, historical timelines, and classifications of the main types of cyberattacks, including the concepts, architectures, and basic components that make up, as well as the vulnerabilities in managing, controlling, and protecting, a CPS are presented. Furthermore, this paper presents defense strategies and future trends for cybersecurity. To conduct this study, a careful search was made in relevant academic and industrial databases, leading to a detailed reporting of key works focused on mitigating cyberattacks and ensuring the cybersecurity of modern CPSs. Finally, the paper presents some standards and regulations that technical and international institutions on cybersecurity in smart grids have created. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, cellular neural networks (CNNs) have become a popular apparatus for simulations in neuroscience, biology, medicine, computer sciences and engineering. In order to create more adequate models, researchers have considered memory effects, reaction–diffusion structures, impulsive perturbations, uncertain terms and fractional-order dynamics. The design, cellular aspects, functioning and behavioral aspects of such CNN models depend on efficient stability and control strategies. In many practical cases, the classical stability approaches are useless. Recently, in a series of papers, we have proposed several extended stability and control concepts that are more appropriate from the applied point of view. This paper is an overview of our main results and focuses on extended stability and control notions including practical stability, stability with respect to sets and manifolds and Lipschitz stability. We outline the recent progress in the stability and control methods and provide diverse mechanisms that can be used by the researchers in the field. The proposed stability techniques are presented through several types of impulsive and fractional-order CNN models. Examples are elaborated to demonstrate the feasibility of different technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]