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[Objective] Current target tracking systems and algorithms for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) detection, designed for fixed optoelectronic equipment with a single field of view, perform well for non-moving targets but fall short in tracking accuracy and real-time requirements for small, moving UAV targets. To facilitate accurate and expeditious tracking of "low, slow, and small" UAVs in complex urban low-altitude environments, this paper proposes an automatic anti-UAV tracking system that incorporates the DSST(discriminative scale space tracker)-KCF(kernel correlation filter) algorithm. [Methods] The system comprises two principal components: The dual-light image acquisition unit and the display control unit. The gimbal camera, which is equipped with infrared and visible light cameras, handles image acquisition. The computer-based display control unit processes real-time images, calculates gimbal control parameters, and displays UAV images. These units are interconnected via gigabit Ethernet for efficient commands and image uploads and downloads. The system initially captures low-altitude images through the dual-optical unit, which are processed in real time using the fusion DSST-KCF algorithm. The proposed algorithm combines the high real-time performance of the KCF algorithm with the high performance of the DSST algorithm to achieve high real-time performance and target scale adaptation. It includes position and scale filters. The position filter uses a cyclic matrix to train the position filter, which subsequently predicts the target position in the subsequent frame. The scale filter, trained on a loop matrix data set, extracts features from the target position center at 33 scales to determine the tracking frame size. Finally, the DSST-KCF-gimbal control strategy maintains the UAV centered in the field of view, ensuring continuous and effective tracking of the target. This algorithm balances multi-scale variations while simultaneously enhancing real-time performance. [Results] The proposed system was tested for real-time UAV tracking in a campus environment. Results demonstrate that the improved algorithm enhances the detection success rate by 31.51% on average and tracking accuracy by 43% on average compared to the original KCF algorithm. By integrating this enhanced algorithm with gimbal control, the tracking system achieves autonomous and stable tracking in real-world conditions. It also maintains stable tracking at a distance of 2.3 km, an altitude of 100 m, and a velocity of 5 m/s, each frame is processed in less than 20 ms. [Conclusions] The test results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system in tracking UAVs across both complex and simple backgrounds, offering high real-time performance and adaptability to different environments. It is also particularly well-suited for tracking small, moving targets in complex urban low-altitude scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The features of the development and use of a multiprocessor computing system together with a cluster of network sensors for modeling heat treatment conditions of metal workpieces are considered. The main goal of the study is the cluster integration of industrial sensors for continuous monitoring and control of metal temperature conditions in various areas of the production process. It is proposed to connect a cluster of sensors to a modular multiprocessor system in order to increase the speed and performance of calculations, which helps to increase the efficiency of managing technological operations. In this case, the data from a network of sensors combined into a cluster are used to monitor the temperature conditions of the metal.

In today's era of modern healthcare, the intersection between medical practices and environmental responsibility has gained significant attention. One such area of focus is the practice of anesthesia, which plays a crucial role in various surgical procedures. Anesthetics such as nitrous oxide and volatile halogenated ethers (desflurane, isoflurane, sevoflurane) are examples of medical gases that are strong greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. During medical procedures, most of these anesthetic agents are released into the atmosphere, which exacerbates their influence on the environment. Also anesthesia delivery systems have traditionally utilized high flow rates of gases, leading to not only excessive consumption but also a considerable environmental impact in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. However, the emergence of low-flow anesthesia (LFA) presents a promising solution for achieving emission reduction and cost savings, thereby aligning healthcare practices with sustainability goals. Understanding LFA involves the administration of anesthetic gases to patients at reduced flow rates compared to conventional high-flow methods. This practice requires precision in gas delivery, often incorporating advanced monitoring and control systems. By optimizing gas flow to match the patient's requirements, LFA minimizes wastage and excessive gas release into the environment, subsequently curbing the carbon footprint associated with healthcare operations. Decreasing volatile anesthetic delivery provides safe and effective strategies for anesthesia providers to decrease costs and reduce environmental pollution. Current literature support in favor of LFA represents an area of cost containment and an opportunity to lessen the environmental impact of anesthesia. This article will cover the concept of LFA, the distinctions between low flow and minimal flow, and the potential advantages of LFA, such as those related to patient safety, the environment, and the economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The features of the development and use of a multiprocessor computing system together with a cluster of network sensors for modeling heat treatment conditions of metal workpieces are considered. The main goal of the study is the cluster integration of industrial sensors for continuous monitoring and control of metal temperature conditions in various areas of the production process. It is proposed to connect a cluster of sensors to a modular multiprocessor system in order to increase the speed and performance of calculations, which helps to increase the efficiency of managing technological operations. In this case, the data from a network of sensors combined into a cluster are used to monitor the temperature conditions of the metal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To increase the efficiency of drying lines for bulk products by automating control using intelligent technology to determine the state of the product and predict its initial moisture content by analyzing a series of control signals and messages in the time domain. Methodology. The author’s model of a drum dryer with axial and furnace burners for drying charge used for the production of iron ore concentrate – pellets – was used. The model was used to generate training and control examples. The performance of the multi-agent technology and the accuracy of predicting the initial moisture content were researched. Findings. The article analyses the factors that complicate the high-quality automatic control of the process of drying bulk products in drum dryers rotating in a furnace with burners. A model of an intelligent predictor is proposed, which identifies the state of the product and predicts its output moisture content on the basis of available control and feedback signals. The operability of the multi-agent system model and of the calculating algorithms for the predicted moisture value was proved. The possibility of using the technology to ensure automatic control of the technological process and high-quality stabilization of the controlled parameter are demonstrated. Originality. The predictor is implemented as a peer-to-peer multi-agent system. This multi-agent system stores and works signal vectors with values placed by the time delays between the change in the corresponding signal and the change in product moisture at the dryer outlet. Each agent contains a description of a specific situation in the dynamics. The technology provides for automatic adjustment of the multi-agent system by analyzing arrays of signals over a long time period and generating new agents in cases where a situation is detected which cannot be described by an array of existing agents. Practical value. The technology provides the initial moisture content calculation by an array of agents and allows the dryer automatic control by levelling the time delay in the feedback channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Intra-operative hypotension is a common complication of surgery under general anesthesia in dogs and humans. Computer-controlled closedloop infusion systems of norepinephrine (NE) have been developed and clinically applied for automated optimization of arterial pressure (AP) and prevention of intra-operative hypotension in humans. This study aimed to develop a simple computer-controlled closed-loop infusion system of NE for the automated control of the mean arterial pressure (MAP) in dogs with isoflurane-induced hypotension and to validate the control of MAP by the developed system. Methods: NE was administered via the cephalic vein, whereas MAP was measured invasively by placing a catheter in the dorsal pedal artery. The proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller in the negative feedback loop of the developed system titrated the infusion rate of NE to maintain the MAP at the target value of 60 mmHg. The titration was updated every 2 s. The performance of the developed system was evaluated in six laboratory Beagle dogs under general anesthesia with isoflurane. Results: In the six dogs, when the concentration [median (interquartile range)] of inhaled isoflurane was increased from 1.5 (1.5-1.5)% to 4 (4-4)% without activating the system, the MAP was lowered from 95 (91-99) to 41 (37-42) mmHg. In contrast, when the concentration was increased from 1.5 (1.0-1.5)% to 4 (4-4.8)% for a 30-min period and the system was simultaneously activated, the MAP was temporarily lowered from 92 (89-95) to 47 (43-49) mmHg but recovered to 58 (57-58) mmHg owing to the system-controlled infusion of NE. If the acceptable target range for MAP was defined as target MAP ±5 mmHg (55 = MAP =65 mmHg), the percentage of time wherein the MAP was maintained within the acceptable range was 96 (89-100)% in the six dogs during the second half of the 30-min period (from 15 to 30 min after system activation). The median performance error, median absolute performance error, wobble, and divergence were - 2.9 (-4.7 to 1.9)%, 2.9 (2.0-4.7)%, 1.3 (0.8-1.8)%, and - 0.24 (-0.34 to -0.11)%·min-1, respectively. No adverse events were observed during the study period, and all dogs were extubated uneventfully. Conclusion: This system was able to titrate the NE infusion rates in an accurate and stable manner to maintain the MAP within the predetermined target range in dogs with isoflurane-induced hypotension. This system can be a potential tool in daily clinical practice for the care of companion dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article considers the application of digital technologies in repair agencies, considering several peculiarities, such as heterogeneous manufactured output, unsteady manufacturing as well as detailed checkout, application of the process-based approach together with automated control systems, automated preproduction engineering, equipment control and information collection, and enterprise management. The unified information environment formed by these systems reduces the number of incorrectly rejected and accepted parts by 75–80% and excludes wrong repair decisions and reduces the time needed for decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has made notable advancements in the intelligent construction of coal mines. However, for longwall top coal caving (LTCC) mining faces, a key obstacle impeding the intelligent transition of the coal-cutting process is automated control. This paper focuses on the aforementioned issue and comprehensively considers the pre-, intra-, and post-coal-caving stages. In this work, diverse detection and monitoring technologies are integrated at various stages through a computer platform, facilitating the construction of an automated coal caving control system with self-perception, self-learning, self-decision-making, and self-execution capabilities. Key technologies include ground-penetrating radar-based top coal thickness detection, inertial navigation-based shearer positioning, tail beam vibration-based identification of coal and gangue, and magnetostrictive sensor-based monitoring of the tail beam and insert plate attitude. In this study, the 12309 working face of the Wangjialing Coal Mine was experimentally validated, and the efficacy of the aforementioned key technologies was assessed. The results demonstrated that the control requirements for automated coal caving are satisfied by the maximum errors. Automatic regulation of coal caving was realized through the implementation of this system, thereby facilitating initiation and cessation and yielding promising experimental outcomes. Overall, this system offers practical insights for intelligent construction in current LTCC mining faces and the sustainable development of coal resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relevance. Energy consumption and efficient use of district heating networks affect the environment, society and the economy. Solutions are needed that can significantly reduce specific thermal energy losses. Using a technically and economically feasible way to assess energy efficiency allows these decisions to be made. Currently, assessing the energy efficiency of buildings raises significant questions among specialists. There is not much modern specialized literature in this area. The problem of energy efficiency requires more rigorous attention to urban planning issues. Thus, refined methods for assessing the energy efficiency of buildings make it possible to simultaneously save capital investments and ensure efficient consumption of thermal energy. Aim. To develop a system for assessing the real heat consumption of buildings to ensure optimization of dispatching of centralized heat supply systems in real time. Methods. Computer modeling of the state of heat consumption of buildings with various characteristics and schemes for their connection to centralized heat supply networks; methods of geographic information analysis. Results. The authors have proposed the system for monitoring the heat consumption of buildings. This system allows assessing the energy efficiency of buildings through the maximum use of computer and software technologies. It is shown that the calculated heat flows of buildings used to predict savings when modernizing buildings do not always correspond to the actual heat loads, which can lead to an incorrect assessment of investment projects. The authors obtained graphical dependences of the quantities influencing specific heat losses on various primary independent factors. Conclusions. The constructed system for monitoring the heat consumption of buildings allows, together with the use of geoinformation analysis methods, obtaining a fairly complete picture of the state of heat consumption for city areas and an assessment of the energy characteristics of buildings.

Background. The relevance of the topic of this work is due to the need to increase the reliability and quality of the results of measuring control of modules of various levels and antenna arrays that are part of the onboard radio engineering complex, as well as to increase the reliability and parametric efficiency of the radio engineering complex. Aim. Development of a method and methodology for integrated control of radio frequency modules of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd levels in the process of design, production and testing based on modern automation tools and processes. Methods. Full-scale experiment, computer modeling, programming, expert assessments, research, autonomous and acceptance tests were used. Results. The choice of a working control model was made. Based on it, an automated workplace has been developed. It includes integrated control and measuring equipment controlled by special software, a software package with a common operator interface. To control the testing process, a software package has been developed that automatically sets the necessary operating modes of the modules and provides a stimulating signal from the vector network analyzer in accordance with the specified parameters. After the end of testing, a test report is generated and printed. If the modules are tested for compliance with technical specifications, the protocol is formed in accordance with GOST. The test sequence is developed using the NI TestStand automated testing environment, and the routines that control the operating modes of the products are developed using C/C++ and NI LabVIEW graphical development tools. The automated workplace implements the following functions: functional electronic control of circuits and nodes of radio frequency modules and the product as a whole, electrical integrity control of circuits and nodes of frequency modules, programming of digital components, conducting complex tests of frequency modules, conducting complex tests of antennas and antenna arrays. The developed algorithm includes a stage of self-testing of the automated workplace hardware. After entering the necessary information, a step-by-step cycle of monitoring the module parameters is started. It begins with the connection of the device under test to the automated workplace and ends with the preparation of a test report and a message about the validity or unfitness of the totality of the measured parameter values. The final conclusion about the operability of the control object is made automatically after the measurement of all parameters is completed in the form of a pop-up dialog box. It contains one of two mutually exclusive statements: «Control successfully passed», «Control failed». Conclusion. The algorithm and methodology of automated control and tuning have been developed, which allows to increase the reliability and accuracy (by 5–15 %) of the measurement results of the electrical parameters of the PPM at the stages of tuning and testing. A software package for automated control has been developed. An automated control workplace has been developed.

With the growing prominence of environmental protection and energy efficiency issues, the improvement of energy efficiency and optimization of comfort in thermal systems have emerged as key research directions. Current studies often overlook the impact of multiple disturbance factors and employ oversimplified comfort modeling methods, along with inflexible automated control approaches. Addressing these challenges, this research delves into three critical aspects. Firstly, an energy efficiency analysis model for thermal systems is constructed, taking into account various disturbance scenarios, thereby enhancing the accuracy of system efficiency analysis. Secondly, a heat comfort modeling method driven by thermal data is proposed, better catering to user requirements. Lastly, an automated control method for thermal systems based on Fuzzy-PID control is implemented, elevating the precision and convenience of system control. These research outcomes hold significant theoretical and practical value in advancing the efficient operation and optimized control of thermal systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the critical impact of informatization automation on plant automation, and takes a water plant’s coagulation dosing automation control system as an example to explore the value of integrated wireless modules in the automation of electrical equipment. Algorithms for directly identifying the parameters of the second-order continuous model by regression model and based on the step response data are investigated, as well as the selection of the DMC algorithm for mathematical modeling of the coagulation dosing automation control. Finally, the effectiveness of the automated dosing system was verified by comparing its effectiveness in improving the qualified rate of precipitation water quality, reducing drug consumption and effluent turbidity, and improving stability. The study’s results showed that after using the coagulation dosing automation system, the water plant’s sedimentation water quality pass rate was increased from the original 85%~95% to 95%~100%. The drug consumption and effluent turbidity were reduced by 20.3% and 33.09% respectively, while the stability was also improved to different degrees. The coagulation dosing automated control system can dosage chemicals more accurately, safely and stably, which has specific reference value for developing the water purification industry.

Driven by artificial intelligence technology and the popularization of the “Internet +” concept, many chemical enterprises have gradually transformed to production automation. However, regarding automation control, these enterprises often still have certain deficiencies. Because of this, this paper proposes an ant colony optimization algorithm to find the best path for the automation control of chemical enterprises. It builds a chemical automation control system based on it. This system mainly focuses on monitoring and managing various aspects of chemical enterprises. After introducing this control system, it conducts in-depth research and Analysis on the production capacity and equipment safety of enterprises. Test results show that the chemical control system constructed in this paper can effectively maintain the standard output of the production equipment in the interval of [16,25] per second, and the maximum output per hour is up to 1017. At the same time, the quality of the production products of the PPM index value continues to be at a high level. In addition, the automated control system can provide early warning of potential equipment hazards by monitoring different levels of current fluctuations. The chemical automation control system proposed in this paper shows excellent performance in detecting and controlling the automated production process in chemical companies.

Climate change has become a major problem for humanity in the last two decades. One of the reasons that caused it, is our daily energy waste. People consume electricity in order to use home/work appliances and devices and also reach certain levels of comfort while working or being at home. However, even though the environmental impact of this behavior is not immediately observed, it leads to increased CO2 emissions coming from energy generation from power plants. It has been shown that about 40% of these emissions come from the electricity consumption and also that about 20% of this percentage could have been saved if we started using energy more efficiently. Confronting such a problem efficiently will affect both the environment and our society. Monitoring energy consumption in real-time, changing energy wastage behavior of occupants and using automations with incorporated energy savings scenarios, are ways to decrease global energy footprint. In this review, we study intelligent systems for energy management in residential, commercial and educational buildings, classifying them in two major categories depending on whether they provide direct or indirect control. The article also discusses what the strengths and weaknesses are, which optimization techniques do they use and finally, provide insights about how these systems can be improved in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the fast material reaction in zinc hydrometallurgy, the traditional national standard photometric method cannot capture the characteristic information of target substances in real time. Herein, a nitrogen protection device is built based on ultraviolet spectrophotometry, supplemented by a programmable logic controller (PLC), to form an automatic control system for the direct detection of target substances (SO42−, Pb2+ and S2−) in zinc hydrometallurgy. The baseline straightness comparison results show that the nitrogen atmosphere can effectively improve the stability of the instrument. Furthermore, the detection sensitivity of SO42−, Pb2+ and S2− under the nitrogen atmosphere is higher than that of the air atmosphere, manifesting in sensitivity increases of 16.23%, 18.05% and 17.91%, respectively. Additionally, devices based on PLC systems show advantages over manual control both in states feedback and information backtrack. Moreover, the regulation time and nitrogen consumption during the regulation process are reduced by 80% and 75%, respectively, which effectively reduces the test cost and improves the equipment utilization rate (from four cycles per day to six cycles per day). The device can meet the requirements of different target substances and different process conditions by changing the electronic control parts and air source, so it has great application potential in the automatic direct measurement of target substances in zinc hydrometallurgy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies performing building simulations showed that the automated control of façades can provide higher levels of indoor environmental quality and lower energy demand in buildings, in comparison to manually controlled scenarios. However, in several case studies with human volunteers, automated controls were found to be disruptive or unsatisfactory for occupants. For instance, automated façades became a source of dissatisfaction for occupants when they did not fulfil individual environmental requirements, did not provide personal control options, or did not correctly integrate occupant preferences with façade operation in energy-efficient controls. This article reviews current evidence from empirical studies with human volunteers to identify the key factors that affect occupant response to automated façades. Only twenty-six studies were found to empirically investigate occupant response to automated façades from 1998 onwards. Among the reviewed studies, five groups of factors were found to influence occupant interaction with automated façades and namely: (1) personal factors, (2) environmental conditions, (3) type and mode of operation, (4) type of façade technology, and (5) contextual factors.. Overall, occupant response to automated façades is often poorly considered in research studies reviewed because of the following three reasons: (i) the lack of established methods or procedures for assessing occupant response to automated façade controls, (ii) poor understanding of occupant multi-domain comfort preferences in terms of façade operation, (iii) fragmented research landscape, on one hand results are mainly related to similar contextual or climatic conditions, which undermines their applicability to other climates, while on the other hand the lack of replication within the same conditions, which also undermines replicability within the same condition. Lastly, this paper suggests future research directions to achieve a holistic and more comprehensive understanding of occupant response to automated façades, aiming to achieve more user-centric automated façade solutions and advanced control algorithms. In particular, research on the impact of personal factors on occupant satisfaction with automated controls is deemed paramount.

The paper analyses the state of applied optimal control theory in automated control synthesis problems and the issues of its practical implementation. The cases of nonlinear and linear plants in a closed and open loop are considered. There are several problems that manifest themselves in the implementation of theoretical solutions or in computer modeling. Such problems include: the choice of the control prediction horizon, the appearance of a static control error, ensuring an adequate stability margin, determining the set values of state variables, and choosing a multidimensional insensitivity zone of the state controller. For each of the problems raised, ways to resolve them are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, applications of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) sensing technologies such as field asymmetric-waveform ion-mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) system in agriculture have accelerated. FAIMS system for VOCs sensing is attractive as it offers high sensitivity, selectivity, real-time monitoring, and portability. However, the development of a robust instrumentation system is needed for precise sampling, high accumulation of VOCs, and careful handling of samples. In this study, we developed a simple semi-automated VOC sampling (SAVS) system using a Raspberry Pi microcontroller, flowmeters, electromechanical solenoid, and cellphone-based app to control cleaning and sampling loops. The system was compared with customized headspace sampling apparatus (CHSA) and validated with a biomarker (acetone) identified to be associated with potato rot development during postharvest storage. The standard error within ion current data across different compensation voltage was lower using the SAVS system than the CHSA. In addition, the maximum peak values across scans displayed a high coefficient of variation using the CHSA (16.23%) than the SAVS system (4.51%). Future work will involve improving system efficiency by adapting multiple sample units, system miniaturization, and automating the flowmeter operation. Such automation is critical to characterize VOCs precisely and automatically across several samples for multiple applications such as pathogen detection, evaluation of crop responses, etc.

Left ventricular (LV) unloading by Impella, an intravascular microaxial pump, has been shown to exert dramatic cardioprotective effects in acute clinical settings of cardiovascular diseases. Total Impella support (no native LV ejection) is far more efficient in reducing LV energetic demand than partial Impella support, but the manual control of pump speed to maintain stable LV unloading is difficult and impractical. We aimed to develop an Automatic IMpella Optimal Unloading System (AIMOUS), which controls Impella pump speed to maintain LV unloading degree using closed-feedback control. We validated the AIMOUS performance in an animal model. In dogs, we identified the transfer function from pump speed to LV systolic pressure (LVSP) under total support conditions (n = 5). Using the transfer function, we designed the feedback controller of AIMOUS to keep LVSP at 40 mmHg and examined its performance by volume perturbations (n = 9). Lastly, AIMOUS was applied in the acute phase of ischemia-reperfusion in dogs. Four weeks after ischemia-reperfusion, we assessed LV function and infarct size (n = 10). AIMOUS maintained constant LVSP, thereby ensuring a stable LV unloading condition regardless of volume withdrawal or infusion (±8 ml/kg from baseline). AIMOUS in the acute phase of ischemia-reperfusion markedly improved LV function and reduced infarct size (No Impella support: 13.9 ± 1.3 vs. AIMOUS: 5.7 ± 1.9%, P < 0.05). AIMOUS is capable of maintaining optimal LV unloading during periods of unstable hemodynamics. Automated control of Impella pump speed in the acute phase of ischemia-reperfusion significantly reduced infarct size and prevented subsequent worsening of LV function. [Display omitted] • We have developed an Automated IMpella Optimal Unloading System (AIMOUS). • AIMOUS controls LV unloading degree using closed-feedback control. • AIMOUS maintained constant LVSP regardless of volume withdrawal or infusion. • AIMOUS in AMI markedly improved LV function and reduced infarct size compared with no Impella support group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies performing building simulations showed that the automated control of façades can provide higher levels of indoor environmental quality and lower energy demand in buildings, in comparison to manually controlled scenarios. However, in several case studies with human volunteers, automated controls were found to be disruptive or unsatisfactory for occupants. For instance, automated façades became a source of dissatisfaction for occupants when they did not fulfil individual environmental requirements, did not provide personal control options, or did not correctly integrate occupant preferences with façade operation in energy-efficient controls. This article reviews current evidence from empirical studies with human volunteers to identify the key factors that affect occupant response to automated façades. Only twenty-six studies were found to empirically investigate occupant response to automated façades from 1998 onwards. Among the reviewed studies, five groups of factors were found to influence occupant interaction with automated façades and namely: (1) personal factors, (2) environmental conditions, (3) type and mode of operation, (4) type of façade technology, and (5) contextual factors. Overall, occupant response to automated façades is often poorly considered in research studies reviewed because of the following three reasons: (i) the lack of established methods or procedures for assessing occupant response to automated façade controls, (ii) poor understanding of occupant multi-domain comfort preferences in terms of façade operation, (iii) fragmented research landscape, on one hand results are mainly related to similar contextual or climatic conditions, which undermines their applicability to other climates, while on the other hand the lack of replication within the same conditions, which also undermines replicability within the same condition. Lastly, this paper suggests future research directions to achieve a holistic and more comprehensive understanding of occupant response to automated façades, aiming to achieve more user-centric automated façade solutions and advanced control algorithms. In particular, research on the impact of personal factors on occupant satisfaction with automated controls is deemed paramount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the management of the technical condition of equipment, devices and installations, the service life of which exceeds the standard value, is one of the most important problems of state security. Today, the relative number of such equipment already exceeds 60%. The results of the analysis of literature data on this problem presented, which confirm its relevance and significance. It is important to note that these findings apply to not only electrical power systems, but many other production systems as well. The main difficulties in solving the analyzed problem, first of all, the paucity of statistical data characterizing the reliability of work, their multidimensional and random nature. The authors propose to solve this problem by moving from average annual reliability indicators to average monthly indicators of operational reliability. A brief description of the solution of individual tasks of this problem for overhead power lines is given, which together represent a new methodology for managing the technical condition of distributed type objects. Science-intensive, cumbersome and labor-intensive calculation algorithms determine the expediency of the transition to intelligent systems. At the same time, the management of the electric power system and its individual production enterprises will monthly receive specialized forms indicating recommendations that optimize the increase in the reliability of overhead power transmission lines by restoring wear and tear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper considers the vital problem of human-machine control of complex process units and complexes with a large variety of states, multidimensionality, variability, and uncertainty. In ferrous metallurgy, these units include coke batteries, blast furnaces, steelmaking outfits (arc furnaces, oxygen converters), foundry and rolling complexes, rolling mills, main shops and production facilities. It is shown that, in the context of the twenty-first century, the model approach to creating control systems for these objects does not exhibit sufficient efficacy. Alternative approaches based on case-based reasoning (CBR) are considered. In particular, they include the full-scale model of and the full-scale approach to developing support systems and management decision-making. The well-known full-scale model procedures for applying the best practices (methods of standard representative situations and exemplary process cycles) are presented. A new CBR method of automated selection and implementation of control actions with the involvement of process operators is proposed for process control systems. A modified CBR cycle of command selection and the corresponding flowchart of the software control system for a cyclic process unit are developed. The improved CBR-cycle includes several additional operations such as the correction of control decisions for selected cases; retrospective optimization of implemented control decisions; preservation of not only the best and optimized, but also erroneous decisions; case base updating; generation of solutions in unique or previously unreported situations. The structure of the case information model is formed by the example of the software control of steel melting at an oxygen converter shop. This structure includes the data on a specific situation in the control system, parameters of selected control actions, and steel melting results. An example of the control program formation for preparing and conducting the upcoming steel heat is developed on the basis of the data about a pre-selected melting case at a modern oxygen converter shop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To develop methods for spatial control over ultrasonic cleaning by using ultrasonic phased array of radiators. To simulate the cleaning process using the developed methods to prove their effectiveness. Methodology. Application of the ultrasonic array as a basic radiator for ultrasonic cleaning enables redistribution of intensity in the bath by increasing it in the most contaminated zones of the cleaned object. Geometric and physical laws provide analytically defined parameters of the beam. Findings. The authors determine basic parameters for the ultrasonic beam through considering input and output data of the 3-D fuzzy interval controller. The focus distance is calculated by means of the arrival time of the threshold signal considering distances between the sensor and the array. The azimuth is directed into the bath center and dependent on its height only. The zenithal angle is calculated as a ratio of intensities of the current arrays and the nearest adjacent ones towards the greatest one. By default, the beam is directed to the bath center for the phased array with the greatest intensity. The simulation reveals that the applied approach enables a 41.5 % increase in intensity in the contamination zone, this improving energy efficiency of cleaning and reducing time required for ultrasonic treatment. Originality. The authors suggest new methods for forming control over ultrasonic cleaning, which enables considering spatial distribution of this process by optimizing energy losses. Practical value. The new approach to spatial control over ultrasonic cleaning enables redirecting intensity in the bath to the most contaminated zones, this allowing an increase in energy efficiency of large mining machines of complicated configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is divided into three main parts. The first part provides an overview of the existing literature on theoretical methods for calculating the optimal air distribution in mines according to the criteria of energy efficiency and providing all sections of mines with the required amount of air. It is shown that by the current moment there are many different formulations of the problem of searching the optimal air distribution, many different approaches and methods for optimizing air distribution have been developed. The case of a single (main) fan is most fully investigated, while for many fans a number of issues still remain unresolved. The second part is devoted to the review of existing methods and examples of the automated mine ventilation control systems implementation in Russia and abroad. Two of the most well-known concepts for the development of such systems are automated ventilation control systems (AVCS) in Russia and the CIS countries and Ventilation on demand (VOD) abroad. The main strategies of ventilation management in the framework of the AVCS and VOD concepts are described and also the key differences between them are shown. One of the key differences between AVCS and VOD today is the automatic determination of the operation parameters of fan units and ventilation doors using the optimal control algorithm, which is an integral part of the AVCS. The third part of the article describes the optimal control algorithm developed by the team of the Mining Institute of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences with the participation of the authors of the article. In this algorithm, the search for optimal air distribution is carried out by the system in a fully automated mode in real time using algorithms programmed into the microcontrollers of fans and ventilation doors. Minimization of energy consumption is achieved due to the most efficient selection of the fan speed and the rate of ventilation doors opening and also due to the air distribution shift control and the partial air recirculation systems introduction. It is noted that currently the available literature poorly covers the issue related to emergency operation modes ventilation systems of mines and also with the adaptation of automated control systems to different mining methods. According to the authors, further development of automated ventilation control systems should be carried out, in particular, in these two areas.

Computer models of neonatal oxygenation could serve as a tool for a comprehensive comparison of closed-loop automated oxygen control systems. The behaviour of such models depends, besides the input data of the inspired fraction of oxygen and the premature infant's breath pattern, on internal parameters of the model. The aim of this study was to perform a sensitivity analysis of a computer model of neonatal oxygen transport to clarify the influence of its internal physiological parameters on the output signal of peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2). We performed a multi-parameter sensitivity analysis using Monte Carlo simulations for randomly generated values of eight internal parameters. The influence on the model output SpO2 signal was evaluated using five characteristics of the output signal. The relations between the parameters and the output characteristics were displayed using scatter plots and analysed by linear correlation, standardized regression, and partial correlation. The main result of the study is that in our model the oxygen consumption in the tissue and the cardiac output have the greatest influence on the SpO2 drop and minimal SpO2 value during simulated desaturation. The rate of development of desaturation and its duration are most affected by the diffusion resistance of the alveolar-capillary membrane. The results of the sensitivity analysis will help to optimize the performance of the computer model of neonatal oxygen transport.

Magnetic force-based manipulation has several advantages, including its minimally invasive feature and insensitivity to biological substances. Consequently, it has exhibited considerable potential in many medical applications, such as targeted delivery in precise medicine, in which microparticles are driven to the desired regions precisely in vivo. This study investigates an automated and accurate delivery of magnetic microparticles using a self-constructed electromagnetic coil system. After establishing a simplified second-order dynamic model of microparticles suspended in a fluidic environment, a visual-based automated controller that incorporates the concept of input-to-state stability (ISS) into fault-tolerant technique is developed. This controller enables microparticles to follow a desired trajectory under model uncertainties and environmental disturbances, and address the problem that the actual magnetic driving force may not reach the required value due to magnetic loss in the coil system simultaneously. Input constraint of the magnetic force provided by the system due to device capability is also considered in the fault-tolerant ISS-based controller design. Simulation and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Maintaining a prescribed peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) target during routine care of neonates is challenging and inspired fraction of oxygen (FiO2) titration practices differ among caregivers and centers. Algorithms for automatic feedback control of SpO2 are being developed and tested, that would adapt to the changing neonatal organism and better maintain the required SpO2 target range. While clinical data is necessary to validate differences in the titration strategies, a continuous physiological model of oxygenation in neonates would facilitate baseline testing of different approaches, manual or automated. The objective of our study was to enhance a mathematical model of oxygenation of the neonate and to compare the performance of the model with available clinical data. We have implemented the diffusion resistance into the model as well as a variable oxyhemoglobin dissociation relationship and the bias between arterial and peripheral oxygen saturation. Values of model parameters were scaled to fit preterm infant scenarios. The comparison of the clinical data and computer simulations suggest that the model can reliably simulate episodes of oxygen desaturation and describe the relation between ventilation, FiO2and SpO2. It appears that the model may be an effective tool to test manual and automatic FiO2titration strategies.

Abstract We have rationally designed and developed a fully automated desktop furnace system that enables programmable chemical vapour deposition growth of carbon nanotubes with controlled height, density, and pattern architecture. Comprising several essential components involving a heating furnace, mass flowmeters, and computer controller, the developed system realizes controlled and practical carbon nanotube growth without resort to expensive and ponderous instruments. By programming, modifying, and loading the reusable recipes in the developed system, systematic and reproducible growths of carbon nanotubes with desired morphology and dimension can be performed. Growth results with controlled height, density, and pattern are demonstrated through the actual operations, confirming the validity and usefulness of the developed system towards various practical applications.

The history of the formation and development of a new field of research in chemical technology, such as the theory of chemical process systems engineering, including methods for the analysis, optimization, and synthesis of chemical process systems (CPSs), is briefly surveyed. A classification of the modern engineering main types is given. Methods and techniques for chemical processes (CPs) and chemical process systems intensification and methods for digitalized physical and chemical engineering, the computer simulation of the texture of nanocomposites, and computer-aided chemical diagnostics in materials science are described. Methods and algorithms are given for the analysis of fractal and statistical characteristics of unsteady gas flows in complex gas pipelines. Methods and techniques for energy conservation in chemical process systems are briefly described; the basic concepts of resource and energy-saving logistics are outlined. A brief description of the principles of the computer-aided synthesis of optimal energy- and resource-efficient chemical process systems is given. The essence of digital transformation and automated management of the operation of production facilities of the chemical, petrochemical, and fuel and energy complexes is briefly outlined. The essence of the multilevel training of chemical engineers and technologists in energy-saving environmentally safe chemical process systems engineering is stated. The main topical priority fields of research in energy- and resource-efficient environmentally safe chemical process systems engineering are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development features and use of multiprocessor computing system with its mathematical support and software for heat treatment modes simulation of metal billets are considered. The application of modern multiprocessor computing technologies is proposed for increasing the speed and efficiency of computation, which enables to effectively control technological processes. Through the special software the multiprocessor system is able to set and control necessary temperature conditions on all plane of cross-sectional of standard at heating and self-control of metal, and if necessary maybe began to control the thermal mode of treatment in the interval of temperatures of annealing.

Magnetic microrobots are vital tools for targeted therapy, drug delivery, and micromanipulation on cells in the biomedical field. In this paper, we report an automated control and path planning method of magnetic microrobots based on computer vision. Spherical microrobots can be driven in the rotating magnetic field generated by electromagnetic coils. Under microscopic visual navigation, robust target tracking is achieved using PID–based closed–loop control combined with the Kalman filter, and intelligent obstacle avoidance control can be achieved based on the dynamic window algorithm (DWA) implementation strategy. To improve the performance of magnetic microrobots in trajectory tracking and movement in complicated environments, the magnetic microrobot motion in the flow field at different velocities and different distribution obstacles was investigated. The experimental results showed that the vision-based controller had an excellent performance in a complex environment and that magnetic microrobots could be controlled to move to the target position smoothly and accurately. We envision that the proposed method is a promising opportunity for targeted drug delivery in biological research.

Digitalization, that is, organizational renewal through new information and communication technologies, has long been invested with a fantasmic logic of affording alternative organizational ideals – democratic and not-for-profit rather than hierarchical and for-profit. Responding to calls to study the darker side of Silicon Valley inspired utopia, this paper investigates how and when organizational work on digitalization fantasies undermines organizational ideal renewal. In particular, this paper draws on the extended case of Alternative Bank (1963–2019) to shed light on how the long-term co-evolution of fantasy sublogics and power types in successive digital transformation projects induces organizational ideal reversal. I provide a theoretical model of how organizational ideal reversal comes about through the co-evolutionary conditioning of 'have your cake and eat it' affordances, mimetic neglect of real ethical affordances, and structural transgression of the ideal in the name of market and technical discipline. Ideal reversal occurs through consecutive phases of unwitting ideal transgression, followed by increasingly cynical and instrumentalizing transgression, and finally a cathartic moment of liberating ideal reversal. I advance several theoretical propositions on how digital fantasy work induces organizational ideal reversal, situating the dark side of fantasy work within a larger societal critique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores how automation efforts with the intent to control work in modern work places can unfold. Building on a longitudinal study of a governmental agency's efforts to implement automated work delivery technology to enforce work guidelines, I show how aspects of work might become more automated but the rationale of automation might fail to manifest as originally intended. Technology and the formal structure inscribed into it to control work might conflict with the demands of work practice. Moreover, the findings show how automated control can be resisted by workers through subversive organizing in teams to reacquire work discretion. Through an analysis of automated control in practice, this paper contributes to discussions of technologies of control and how pragmatic resistance can emerge to counteract such technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]