Optimizing PID controller parameters for robust automatic voltage regulator system through indirect design approach-2

Automatic voltage regulators(AVR)are designed to manipulate a synchronous generator’s voltage level automatically.Proportional integral derivative(PID)controllers are typically used in AVR systems to regulate voltage.Although advanced PID tuning methods have been proposed,the actual voltage response differs from the theoretical predictions due to modeling errors and system uncertainties.This requires continuous fine tuning of the PID parameters.However,manual adjustment of these parameters can compromise the stability and robustness of the AVR system.This study focuses on the online self-tuning of PID controllers called indirect design approach-2(IDA-2)in AVR systems while preserving robustness.In particular,we indirectly tune the PID controller by shifting the frequency response.The new PID parameters depend on the frequency-shifting constant and the previously optimized PID parameters.Adjusting the frequency-shifting constant modifies all the PID parameters simultaneously,thereby improving the control performance and robustness.We evaluate the robustness of the proposed online PID tuning method by comparing the gain margins(GMs)and phase margins(PMs)with previously optimized PID parameters during parameter uncertainties.The proposed method is further evaluated in terms of disturbance rejection,measurement noise,and frequency response analysis during parameter uncertainty calculations against existing methods.Simulations show that the proposed method significantly improves the robustness of the controller in the AVR system.In summary,online self-tuning enables automated PID parameter adjustment in an AVR system,while maintaining stability and robustness.

Optimal Cooperative Secondary Control for Islanded DC Microgrids via a Fully Actuated Approach

DC-DC converter-based multi-bus DC microgrids(MGs) in series have received much attention, where the conflict between voltage recovery and current balancing has been a hot topic. The lack of models that accurately portray the electrical characteristics of actual MGs while is controller design-friendly has kept the issue active. To this end, this paper establishes a large-signal model containing the comprehensive dynamical behavior of the DC MGs based on the theory of high-order fully actuated systems, and proposes distributed optimal control based on this. The proposed secondary control method can achieve the two goals of voltage recovery and current sharing for multi-bus DC MGs. Additionally, the simple structure of the proposed approach is similar to one based on droop control, which allows this control technique to be easily implemented in a variety of modern microgrids with different configurations. In contrast to existing studies, the process of controller design in this paper is closely tied to the actual dynamics of the MGs. It is a prominent feature that enables engineers to customize the performance metrics of the system. In addition, the analysis of the stability of the closed-loop DC microgrid system, as well as the optimality and consensus of current sharing are given. Finally, a scaled-down solar and battery-based microgrid prototype with maximum power point tracking controller is developed in the laboratory to experimentally test the efficacy of the proposed control method.

Adaptive Trajectory Tracking Control for Nonholonomic Wheeled Mobile Robots:A Barrier Function Sliding Mode Approach

The trajectory tracking control performance of nonholonomic wheeled mobile robots(NWMRs)is subject to nonholonomic constraints,system uncertainties,and external disturbances.This paper proposes a barrier function-based adaptive sliding mode control(BFASMC)method to provide high-precision,fast-response performance and robustness for NWMRs.Compared with the conventional adaptive sliding mode control,the proposed control strategy can guarantee that the sliding mode variables converge to a predefined neighborhood of origin with a predefined reaching time independent of the prior knowledge of the uncertainties and disturbances bounds.Another advantage of the proposed algorithm is that the control gains can be adaptively adjusted to follow the disturbances amplitudes thanks to the barrier function.The benefit is that the overestimation of control gain can be eliminated,resulting in chattering reduction.Moreover,a modified barrier function-like control gain is employed to prevent the input saturation problem due to the physical limit of the actuator.The stability analysis and comparative experiments demonstrate that the proposed BFASMC can ensure the prespecified convergence performance of the NWMR system output variables and strong robustness against uncertainties/disturbances.

Controlling the dynamic behavior of decentralized cluster through centralized approaches

How to control the dynamic behavior of large-scale artificial active matter is a critical concern in experimental research on soft matter, particularly regarding the emergence of collective behaviors and the formation of group patterns. Centralized systems excel in precise control over individual behavior within a group, ensuring high accuracy and controllability in task execution. Nevertheless, their sensitivity to group size may limit their adaptability to diverse tasks. In contrast, decentralized systems empower individuals with autonomous decision-making, enhancing adaptability and system robustness. Yet, this flexibility comes at the cost of reduced accuracy and efficiency in task execution. In this work, we present a unique method for regulating the centralized dynamic behavior of self-organizing clusters based on environmental interactions. Within this environment-coupled robot system, each robot possesses similar dynamic characteristics, and their internal programs are entirely identical. However, their behaviors can be guided by the centralized control of the environment, facilitating the accomplishment of diverse cluster tasks. This approach aims to balance the accuracy and flexibility of centralized control with the robustness and task adaptability of decentralized control. The proactive regulation of dynamic behavioral characteristics in active matter groups, demonstrated in this work through environmental interactions, holds the potential to introduce a novel technological approach and provide experimental references for studying the dynamic behavior control of large-scale artificial active matter systems.

Adaptable and Dynamic Access Control Decision-Enforcement Approach Based on Multilayer Hybrid Deep Learning Techniques in BYOD Environment

Organizations are adopting the Bring Your Own Device(BYOD)concept to enhance productivity and reduce expenses.However,this trend introduces security challenges,such as unauthorized access.Traditional access control systems,such as Attribute-Based Access Control(ABAC)and Role-Based Access Control(RBAC),are limited in their ability to enforce access decisions due to the variability and dynamism of attributes related to users and resources.This paper proposes a method for enforcing access decisions that is adaptable and dynamic,based on multilayer hybrid deep learning techniques,particularly the Tabular Deep Neural Network Tabular DNN method.This technique transforms all input attributes in an access request into a binary classification(allow or deny)using multiple layers,ensuring accurate and efficient access decision-making.The proposed solution was evaluated using the Kaggle Amazon access control policy dataset and demonstrated its effectiveness by achieving a 94%accuracy rate.Additionally,the proposed solution enhances the implementation of access decisions based on a variety of resource and user attributes while ensuring privacy through indirect communication with the Policy Administration Point(PAP).This solution significantly improves the flexibility of access control systems,making themmore dynamic and adaptable to the evolving needs ofmodern organizations.Furthermore,it offers a scalable approach to manage the complexities associated with the BYOD environment,providing a robust framework for secure and efficient access management.

Enhancing Safety in Autonomous Vehicle Navigation:An Optimized Path Planning Approach Leveraging Model Predictive Control

This paper explores the application of Model Predictive Control(MPC)to enhance safety and efficiency in autonomous vehicle(AV)navigation through optimized path planning.The evolution of AV technology has progressed rapidly,moving from basic driver-assistance systems(Level 1)to fully autonomous capabilities(Level 5).Central to this advancement are two key functionalities:Lane-Change Maneuvers(LCM)and Adaptive Cruise Control(ACC).In this study,a detailed simulation environment is created to replicate the road network between Nantun andWuri on National Freeway No.1 in Taiwan.The MPC controller is deployed to optimize vehicle trajectories,ensuring safe and efficient navigation.Simulated onboard sensors,including vehicle cameras and millimeterwave radar,are used to detect and respond to dynamic changes in the surrounding environment,enabling real-time decision-making for LCM and ACC.The simulation resultshighlight the superiority of the MPC-based approach in maintaining safe distances,executing controlled lane changes,and optimizing fuel efficiency.Specifically,the MPC controller effectively manages collision avoidance,reduces travel time,and contributes to smoother traffic flow compared to traditional path planning methods.These findings underscore the potential of MPC to enhance the reliability and safety of autonomous driving in complex traffic scenarios.Future research will focus on validating these results through real-world testing,addressing computational challenges for real-time implementation,and exploring the adaptability of MPC under various environmental conditions.This study provides a significant step towards achieving safer and more efficient autonomous vehicle navigation,paving the way for broader adoption of MPC in AV systems.

Resilience-Oriented Approach to the Control of Ventricular Assist Devices

Context: Advanced heart failure (AHF) poses a global challenge, where heart transplantation is a treatment option but limited by donor scarcity. Proposal: This study aims to enhance the performance of ventricular assist devices (VADs) in the face of adverse events (AEs) using a resilience-based approach. The objective is to develop a method for integrating resilience attributes into VAD control systems, employing dynamic risk analysis and control strategies. Results: The outcomes include a resilient control architecture enabling anticipatory, regenerative, and degenerative actions in response to AEs. A method of applied resilience (MAR) based on dynamic risk management and resilience attribute analysis was proposed. Conclusion: Dynamic integration between medical and technical teams allows continuous adaptation of control systems to meet patient needs over time, improving reliability, safety, and effectiveness of VADs, with potential positive impact on the health of heart failure patients.

Virtually coupled train set control subject to space-time separation:A distributed economic MPC approach with emergency braking configuration

The emerging virtual coupling technology aims to operate multiple train units in a Virtually Coupled Train Set(VCTS)at a minimal but safe distance.To guarantee collision avoidance,the safety distance should be calculated using the state-of-the-art space-time separation principle that separates the Emergency Braking(EB)trajectories of two successive units during the whole EB process.In this case,the minimal safety distance is usually numerically calculated without an analytic formulation.Thus,the constrained VCTS control problem is hard to address with space-time separation,which is still a gap in the existing literature.To solve this problem,we propose a Distributed Economic Model Predictive Control(DEMPC)approach with computation efficiency and theoretical guarantee.Specifically,to alleviate the computation burden,we transform implicit safety constraints into explicitly linear ones,such that the optimal control problem in DEMPC is a quadratic programming problem that can be solved efficiently.For theoretical analysis,sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee the recursive feasibility and stability of DEMPC,employing compatibility constraints,tube techniques and terminal ingredient tuning.Moreover,we extend our approach with globally optimal and distributed online EB configuration methods to shorten the minimal distance among VCTS.Finally,experimental results demonstrate the performance and advantages of the proposed approaches.

A Modified Iterative Learning Control Approach for the Active Suppression of Rotor Vibration Induced by Coupled Unbalance and Misalignment

This paper proposes a modified iterative learning control(MILC)periodical feedback-feedforward algorithm to reduce the vibration of a rotor caused by coupled unbalance and parallel misalignment.The control of the vibration of the rotor is provided by an active magnetic actuator(AMA).The iterative gain of the MILC algorithm here presented has a self-adjustment based on the magnitude of the vibration.Notch filters are adopted to extract the synchronous(1×Ω)and twice rotational frequency(2×Ω)components of the rotor vibration.Both the notch frequency of the filter and the size of feedforward storage used during the experiment have a real-time adaptation to the rotational speed.The method proposed in this work can provide effective suppression of the vibration of the rotor in case of sudden changes or fluctuations of the rotor speed.Simulations and experiments using the MILC algorithm proposed here are carried out and give evidence to the feasibility and robustness of the technique proposed.

Autonomous Vehicle Platoons In Urban Road Networks:A Joint Distributed Reinforcement Learning and Model Predictive Control Approach

In this paper, platoons of autonomous vehicles operating in urban road networks are considered. From a methodological point of view, the problem of interest consists of formally characterizing vehicle state trajectory tubes by means of routing decisions complying with traffic congestion criteria. To this end, a novel distributed control architecture is conceived by taking advantage of two methodologies: deep reinforcement learning and model predictive control. On one hand, the routing decisions are obtained by using a distributed reinforcement learning algorithm that exploits available traffic data at each road junction. On the other hand, a bank of model predictive controllers is in charge of computing the more adequate control action for each involved vehicle. Such tasks are here combined into a single framework:the deep reinforcement learning output(action) is translated into a set-point to be tracked by the model predictive controller;conversely, the current vehicle position, resulting from the application of the control move, is exploited by the deep reinforcement learning unit for improving its reliability. The main novelty of the proposed solution lies in its hybrid nature: on one hand it fully exploits deep reinforcement learning capabilities for decisionmaking purposes;on the other hand, time-varying hard constraints are always satisfied during the dynamical platoon evolution imposed by the computed routing decisions. To efficiently evaluate the performance of the proposed control architecture, a co-design procedure, involving the SUMO and MATLAB platforms, is implemented so that complex operating environments can be used, and the information coming from road maps(links,junctions, obstacles, semaphores, etc.) and vehicle state trajectories can be shared and exchanged. Finally by considering as operating scenario a real entire city block and a platoon of eleven vehicles described by double-integrator models, several simulations have been performed with the aim to put in light the main f eatures of the proposed approach. Moreover, it is important to underline that in different operating scenarios the proposed reinforcement learning scheme is capable of significantly reducing traffic congestion phenomena when compared with well-reputed competitors.

A new optimal adaptive backstepping control approach for nonlinear systems under deception attacks via reinforcement learning

In this paper,a new optimal adaptive backstepping control approach for nonlinear systems under deception attacks via reinforcement learning is presented in this paper.The existence of nonlinear terms in the studied system makes it very difficult to design the optimal controller using traditional methods.To achieve optimal control,RL algorithm based on critic–actor architecture is considered for the nonlinear system.Due to the significant security risks of network transmission,the system is vulnerable to deception attacks,which can make all the system state unavailable.By using the attacked states to design coordinate transformation,the harm brought by unknown deception attacks has been overcome.The presented control strategy can ensure that all signals in the closed-loop system are semi-globally ultimately bounded.Finally,the simulation experiment is shown to prove the effectiveness of the strategy.

Asynchronous Learning-Based Output Feedback Sliding Mode Control for Semi-Markov Jump Systems: A Descriptor Approach

This paper presents an asynchronous output-feed-back control strategy of semi-Markovian systems via sliding mode-based learning technique.Compared with most literature results that require exact prior knowledge of system state and mode information,an asynchronous output-feedback sliding sur-face is adopted in the case of incompletely available state and non-synchronization phenomenon.The holonomic dynamics of the sliding mode are characterized by a descriptor system in which the switching surface is regarded as the fast subsystem and the system dynamics are viewed as the slow subsystem.Based upon the co-occurrence of two subsystems,the sufficient stochastic admissibility criterion of the holonomic dynamics is derived by utilizing the characteristics of cumulative distribution functions.Furthermore,a recursive learning controller is formulated to guarantee the reachability of the sliding manifold and realize the chattering reduction of the asynchronous switching and sliding motion.Finally,the proposed theoretical method is substantia-ted through two numerical simulations with the practical contin-uous stirred tank reactor and F-404 aircraft engine model,respectively.

Robust Platoon Control of Mixed Autonomous and Human-Driven Vehicles for Obstacle Collision Avoidance:A Cooperative Sensing-Based Adaptive Model Predictive Control Approach

Obstacle detection and platoon control for mixed traffic flows,comprising human-driven vehicles(HDVs)and connected and autonomous vehicles(CAVs),face challenges from uncertain disturbances,such as sensor faults,inaccurate driver operations,and mismatched model errors.Furthermore,misleading sensing information or malicious attacks in vehicular wireless networks can jeopardize CAVs’perception and platoon safety.In this paper,we develop a two-dimensional robust control method for a mixed platoon,including a single leading CAV and multiple following HDVs that incorpo-rate robust information sensing and platoon control.To effectively detect and locate unknown obstacles ahead of the leading CAV,we propose a cooperative vehicle-infrastructure sensing scheme and integrate it with an adaptive model predictive control scheme for the leading CAV.This sensing scheme fuses information from multiple nodes while suppressing malicious data from attackers to enhance robustness and attack resilience in a distributed and adaptive manner.Additionally,we propose a distributed car-following control scheme with robustness to guarantee the following HDVs,considering uncertain disturbances.We also provide theoretical proof of the string stability under this control framework.Finally,extensive simulations are conducted to validate our approach.The simulation results demonstrate that our method can effectively filter out misleading sensing information from malicious attackers,significantly reduce the mean-square deviation in obstacle sensing,and approach the theoretical error lower bound.Moreover,the proposed control method successfully achieves obstacle avoidance for the mixed platoon while ensuring stability and robustness in the face of external attacks and uncertain disturbances.

Neural Dynamics for Cooperative Motion Control of Omnidirectional Mobile Manipulators in the Presence of Noises: A Distributed Approach

This paper presents a distributed scheme with limited communications, aiming to achieve cooperative motion control for multiple omnidirectional mobile manipulators(MOMMs).The proposed scheme extends the existing single-agent motion control to cater to scenarios involving the cooperative operation of MOMMs. Specifically, squeeze-free cooperative load transportation is achieved for the end-effectors of MOMMs by incorporating cooperative repetitive motion planning(CRMP), while guiding each individual to desired poses. Then, the distributed scheme is formulated as a time-varying quadratic programming(QP) and solved online utilizing a noise-tolerant zeroing neural network(NTZNN). Theoretical analysis shows that the NTZNN model converges globally to the optimal solution of QP in the presence of noise. Finally, the effectiveness of the control design is demonstrated by numerical simulations and physical platform experiments.

Induced pluripotent stem cell-related approaches to generate dopaminergic neurons for Parkinson's disease

The progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in affected patient brains is one of the pathological features of Parkinson's disease,the second most common human neurodegenerative disease.Although the detailed pathogenesis accounting for dopaminergic neuron degeneration in Parkinson's disease is still unclear,the advancement of stem cell approaches has shown promise for Parkinson's disease research and therapy.The induced pluripotent stem cells have been commonly used to generate dopaminergic neurons,which has provided valuable insights to improve our understanding of Parkinson's disease pathogenesis and contributed to anti-Parkinson's disease therapies.The current review discusses the practical approaches and potential applications of induced pluripotent stem cell techniques for generating and differentiating dopaminergic neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells.The benefits of induced pluripotent stem cell-based research are highlighted.Various dopaminergic neuron differentiation protocols from induced pluripotent stem cells are compared.The emerging three-dimension-based brain organoid models compared with conventional two-dimensional cell culture are evaluated.Finally,limitations,challenges,and future directions of induced pluripotent stem cell–based approaches are analyzed and proposed,which will be significant to the future application of induced pluripotent stem cell-related techniques for Parkinson's disease.

Enhancing perianal disease management with integrated physical and psychological approaches

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the study by Hou et al,focusing on the complex interplay between psychological and physical factors in the postoperative recovery(POR)of patients with perianal diseases.The study sheds light on how illness perception,anxiety,and depression significantly influence recovery outcomes.Hou et al developed a predictive model that demonstrated high accuracy in identifying patients at risk of poor recovery.The article explores the critical role of pre-operative psychological assessment,highlighting the need for mental health support and personalized recovery plans in enhancing POR quality.A multidisciplinary approach,integrating mental health professionals with surgeons,anesthesiologists,and other specialists,is emphasized to ensure comprehensive care for patients.The study’s findings serve as a call to integrate psychological care into surgical practice to optimize outcomes for patients with perianal diseases.

Advanced Functional Electromagnetic Shielding Materials:A Review Based on Micro‑Nano Structure Interface Control of Biomass Cell Walls

Research efforts on electromagnetic interference(EMI)shielding materials have begun to converge on green and sustainable biomass materials.These materials offer numerous advantages such as being lightweight,porous,and hierarchical.Due to their porous nature,interfacial compatibility,and electrical conductivity,biomass materials hold significant potential as EMI shielding materials.Despite concerted efforts on the EMI shielding of biomass materials have been reported,this research area is still relatively new compared to traditional EMI shielding materials.In particular,a more comprehensive study and summary of the factors influencing biomass EMI shielding materials including the pore structure adjustment,preparation process,and micro-control would be valuable.The preparation methods and characteristics of wood,bamboo,cellulose and lignin in EMI shielding field are critically discussed in this paper,and similar biomass EMI materials are summarized and analyzed.The composite methods and fillers of various biomass materials were reviewed.this paper also highlights the mechanism of EMI shielding as well as existing prospects and challenges for development trends in this field.

Association of the glycemic background patterns and the diabetes management efficacy in poorly controlled type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND Inadequate glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes(T2DM)is a major public health problem and a significant risk factor for the progression of diabetic complications.AIM To evaluate the effects of intensive and supportive glycemic management strategies over a 12-month period in individuals with T2DM with glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c)≥10%and varying backgrounds of glycemic control.METHODS This prospective observational study investigated glycemic control in patients with poorly controlled T2DM over 12 months.Participants were categorized into four groups based on prior glycemic history:Newly diagnosed,previously well controlled with recent worsening,previously off-target but now worsening,and HbA1c consistently above 10%.HbA1c levels were monitored quarterly,and patients received medical,educational,and dietary support as needed.The analysis focused on the success rates of good glycemic control and the associated factors within each group.RESULTS The study showed significant improvements in HbA1c levels in all participants.The most significant improvement was observed in individuals newly diagnosed with diabetes:65%achieved an HbA1c target of≤7%.The results varied between participants with different glycemic control histories,followed by decreasing success rates:39%in participants with previously good glycemic control,21%in participants whose glycemic control had deteriorated compared to before,and only 10%in participants with persistently poor control,with mean HbA1c levels of 6.3%,7.7%,8.2%,and 9.7%,respectively.After one year,65.2%of the“newly diagnosed patients”,39.3%in the“previously controlled group”,21.9%in the“previously off-target but now worsened'”group and 10%in the“poorly controlled from the start”group had achieved HbA1c levels of 7 and below.CONCLUSION In poorly controlled diabetes,the rate at which treatment goals are achieved is associated with the glycemic background characteristics,emphasizing the need for tailored strategies.Therefore,different and comprehensive treatment approaches are needed for patients with persistent uncontrolled diabetes.

Chyle leak following root of mesentery dissection in pancreaticoduodenectomy with inferior infracolic superior mesenteric artery first approach

BACKGROUND The root of mesentery dissection is one of the critical maneuvers,especially in borderline resectable pancreatic head cancer.Intra-abdominal chyle leak(CL)including chylous ascites may ensue in up to 10%of patients after pancreatic resections.Globally recognized superior mesenteric artery(SMA)first approaches are invariably performed.The mesenteric dissection through the inferior infracolic approach has been discussed in this study emphasizing its post-operative impact on CL which is the cornerstone of this study.AIM To assess incidence,risk factors,clinical impact of CL following root of mesentery dissection,and the different treatment modalities.METHODS This is a retrospective study incorporating the patients who underwent dissection of the root of mesentery with inferior infracolic SMA first approach pancreat-oduodenectomy for the ventral body and uncinate mass of pancreas in the Department of Gastrointestinal and General Surgery of Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital from January 1,2021 to February 28,2024.Intraop-erative findings and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.RESULTS In three years,ten patients underwent root of mesentery dissection with inferior infracolic SMA first approach pancreatoduodenectomy.The mean age was 67.6 years with a male-to-female ratio of 4:5.CL was seen in four patients.With virtue of CL,Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅱ or higher morbidity was observed in four patients.Two patients had a hospital stay of more than 20 days with the former having a delayed gastric emptying and the latter with long-term total parenteral nutrition requirement.The mean operative time was 330 minutes.Curative resection was achieved in 100%of the patients.The mean duration of the intensive care unit and hospital stay were 2.55±1.45 days and 15.7±5.32 days,respectively.CONCLUSION Root of mesentery dissection with lymphadenectomy and vascular resection correlated with occurrence of CL.After complete curative resection,these were managed with total parenteral nutrition without adversely impacting outcome.

Passive activity enhances residual control ability in patients with complete spinal cord injury

Patients with complete spinal cord injury retain the potential for volitional muscle activity in muscles located below the spinal injury level.However,because of prolonged inactivity,initial attempts to activate these muscles may not effectively engage any of the remaining neurons in the descending pathway.A previous study unexpectedly found that a brief clinical round of passive activity significantly increased volitional muscle activation,as measured by surface electromyography.In this study,we further explored the effect of passive activity on surface electromyographic signals during volitional control tasks among individuals with complete spinal cord injury.Eleven patients with chronic complete thoracic spinal cord injury were recruited.Surface electromyography data from eight major leg muscles were acquired and compared before and after the passive activity protocol.The results indicated that the passive activity led to an increased number of activated volitional muscles and an increased frequency of activation.Although the cumulative root mean square of surface electromyography amplitude for volitional control of movement showed a slight increase after passive activity,the difference was not statistically significant.These findings suggest that brief passive activity may enhance the ability to initiate volitional muscle activity during surface electromyography tasks and underscore the potential of passive activity for improving residual motor control among patients with motor complete spinal cord injury.