Adaptive Coordination Research Articles

Evidence in Practice: How Structural and Programmatic Scaffolds Enable Collaboration in International Development

This inductive study of eight international development interventions analyzes mechanisms that enable integration of evidence in practice, a perennial challenge of learning and collaboration across occupational and organizational boundaries. We demonstrate how structural and programmatic scaffolding practices enabled actors from an array of organizations and communities of practice to collaborate and learn despite the uncertainty and complexity inherent in the international development context. These modular scaffolding practices offered temporary stabilization and support that fostered the counter-normative behaviors and mindsets required for continuous learning and adaptive coordination. Through 226 in-depth interviews with international development experts, including practitioners in eight matched interventions in India, Mexico, South Africa, and Ghana, we identified and analyzed mechanisms that explain the varying effectiveness with which evidence was integrated in each case. Our findings have implications for interorganizational innovation and collaboration under conditions of complexity and uncertainty and for dynamic interactions among individuals, their organizations, and their communities of practice when they are attempting to bring about systemic change.

Spatial variations in leaf trichomes and their coordination with stomata in Quercus variabilis across Eastern Asia

Abstract Leaf trichomes are derived from epidermal cells and serve an important function in regulating leaf heat balance and gas exchange. Variation in leaf functional traits is critical for predicting how plants will react to global climate change. In this study, we aimed to investigate how leaf trichome densities vary along large geographic gradients and how they interact with with stomata in response to environmental change. We investigated the leaf trichome densities of 44 Quercus variabilis populations in Eastern Asia (24° to 51.8° N, 99° to 137° E) and their correlation with climatic factors and stomatal traits. In addition, 15 populations were grown in a common garden to study their adaptive variation and coordination with stomata. The mean value of trichome density in situ conditions was 459.78 trichome mm-2 with a range of 325.79 to 552.38 trichome mm-2. Trichome density increased with latitude and decreased with longitude. Both temperature and precipitation reduced the trichome density. Moreover, trichome density was positively correlated with stomatal density whether in situ or in the common garden, and both increased with drought. Our results suggested that leaf trichomes possess highly adaptive variation and are in close coordination with stomata in response to climate change. Our findings provide new insights toward elucidating the interactions between leaf traits and the adaptive strategies of plants under climate change.

Motor creativity assessment: A test-retest reliability and validity protocol study in fibromyalgia and healthy women

IntroductionPrevious studies have found brain abnormalities and deficits in cognitive functions in people with fibromyalgia. It is known that choreography or creative tasks significantly generate cognitive improvements. Various methods have been described in the literature to evaluate creative activities using electroencephalography (EEG), such as the imagination of dance improvisations. However, there is the notion that creative solutions can emerge during the action and that creative motor action may reflect new, statistically rare, and adaptive coordination and/or the control solutions performed. AimThis study seeks to establish an operational approach to test how constraints are combined to induce variability of movement and how to evaluate it, but without forgetting the ideation or preparation of the activity as a relevant section in the study of motor creativity. To this end, this study aims to validate and test the reliability and applicability of an innovative test of motor creativity: The Motor Creativity Assessment (MCA), with the aim of achieving an objective score of motor creativity that can be used to test patients and monitor the interventions. Material and methodsto correctly satisfy the requirements of the standard protocol for clinical trials, this study has followed the SPIRIT 2013 Statement Items. A total of 13 women with fibromyalgia and 13 healthy women were included in the study. The individual's cognitive impairment, sleep quality, pain, quality of life, level of physical activity, fear of falling, and the impact of fibromyalgia will be studied. This study develops a specific test of motor creativity without the use of objects, with the aim of achieving an objective score of motor creativity. An observation score sheet allows motor creativity to be analyzed and scored by viewing a video of the creative movement test. The Enobio® instrument (Neuroelectrics, Cambridge, MA, USA) and Neuroelectrics® instrument driver software (NIC1) were used to record EEG and heart rate variability signals.

Координация государственного управления и общественных движений в региональной культуроохранной деятельности

The article discusses the main areas of activity for the preservation of cultural heritage and analyzes the regional experience of their implementation in the regions of Siberia in the context of coordinating public administration and supporting public initiatives of regional cultural conservation activities. The technological algorithm of activities from the identification and accounting of cultural heritage objects to their popularization is indicated, which includes: inclusion in cultural protection activities, its design and implementation, civilizational cultural use that does not harm monuments. Six types of coordination were identified: triple collaboration, status-advisory, design-obligatory, implementing, adaptation coordination and scientific popularization.

Enhancing resilience of advanced power protection systems in smart grids against cyber–physical threats

AbstractRecently, smart grids introduce significant challenges to power system protection due to the high integration with distributed energy resources (DERs) and communication systems. To effectively manage the impact of DERs on power networks, researchers are actively formulating adaptive protection strategies, requiring robust communication schemes. However, concerns remain over the occurrence of communication connection failures and the potential risks presented by cyber‐attacks. This work addresses these challenges by investigating the impact of cyber‐attacks on different adaptive overcurrent relays (OCRs) approaches. Here, modern adaptive OCR coordination approaches using different group settings has integrated in evaluating high voltage/medium/low voltage (HV/MV/LV) network model with real network parameters at the MV/LV level. Additionally, a voltage‐based relay is developed and employed to enhance protection system performance under various cyber threats, aiming to reduce tripping time and to minimize energy that is not supplied. The results show that voltage‐based scheme outperform the traditional adaptive OCRs in terms of response time and mis coordination events under cyber‐attacks. In the proposed MV/LV real network scenario characterized by an 89% availability of a 4 MW photovoltaic system, even a brief interruption caused by cyber‐attacks can result in significant cost consequences.

An adaptive protection coordination for microgrids utilizing an improved optimization technique for user-defined DOCRs characteristics with different groups of settings considering N-1 contingency

Due to the increased integration of distributed generation (DG) in electric power systems, optimal coordination of overcurrent relays has become a key problem in power distribution systems. However, there is a lack of expertise in the creation of optimum microgrid coordination that takes into account all N-1 scenarios through the nonstandard relay characteristics. This work presents a novel technique for optimal coordination of directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs) in terms of relay curve settings (A and B), time dial setting (TDS) and plug setting (PS) to achieve the shortest running time and attain optimal settings. The optimization is carried out using a modified version of the Hanger Games Search algorithm (MHGS). The performance of the proposed method is assessed using the 14 bus distribution system while considering all the N-1 contingencies. DIgSILENT software was utilized to perform the required power system analysis, such as power flow and short circuit analysis. The MHGS method is used to determine the best settings for the DOCRs problem. The results are compared to the traditional HGS as well as those obtained by other current optimization approaches provided in the literature in order to demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed MHGS in lowering relay operation time for optimum DOCRs coordination.

ASC: Adaptive Skill Coordination for Robotic Mobile Manipulation

ASC: Adaptive Skill Coordination for Robotic Mobile Manipulation

A Decoupled Adaptive Overcurrent Coordination Considering N-1 Contingency and Distributed Generation using An Effective Evonorm Algorithm

A Decoupled Adaptive Overcurrent Coordination Considering N-1 Contingency and Distributed Generation using An Effective Evonorm Algorithm

Adaptive Coordination of Networked Lagrangian Systems with Nonsmooth Actuator Nonlinearities

Adaptive Coordination of Networked Lagrangian Systems with Nonsmooth Actuator Nonlinearities

Intelligent Coordination for a Swarm of Autonomous Mobile Robots

This study addresses the challenge of formation control and navigation in swarms of mobile robots, presenting an innovative algorithm that integrates behavioral approaches with fuzzy logic to calculate behavior weights for Efficient, adaptive coordination dynamically. Using a leader-follower mechanism enhanced by a virtual leader, the algorithm enables coordinated swarm movement in complex environments. The methodology combines fuzzy logic with a behavioral strategy, allowing mobile robots to adjust their actions based on environmental cues and swarm dynamics without predefned paths. Simulated experiments show the algorithm's capability to maintain formation integrity and navigate obstacles, significantly improving swarm adaptability and operational efficiency. The findings suggest a promising direction for developing intelligent mobile robotic systems capable of complex, autonomous tasks, contributing to the field of swarm robotics with a novel approach to formation control and navigation that balances individual autonomy with collective behavior.

Review: Relay coordination in DGs with Electric Vehicle

This research offers a comprehensive examination of the most effective approach to synchronize overcurrent relays within a protective system alongside protective relay. Every effort has been made to encompass all potential strategies for achieving optimal coordination among overcurrent relays. Both modern approaches, like Harris hawk optimisation, and more traditional ones, such ground-based circuit breakers, are included in this category of overcurrent protection with Electric Vehicle. The operation of a Smart Grid [1] is characterized by varying load demands, generation levels from DGs, and charging/discharging behaviours of EVs. These factors can lead to different fault currents and altered fault impedance profiles at various times. An adaptive coordination scheme can dynamically adjust relay settings based on these changing conditions to optimize sensitivity and minimize coordination time. In this paper briefly discuss traditional approaches but focus mostly on using Harris Hawk Optimisation to enhance the coordination of overcurrent relays. This document compiles citations for all relevant works and offers a concise overview of the study conducted. Furthermore, the outcomes of these methods are documented in their corresponding references.

Adaptive harmonic-based protection coordination for inverter-dominated isolated microgrids considering N-1 contingency

Protection coordination is typically approached considering the main network configuration. Nevertheless, contingencies such as generator or line failures may disrupt power grids. Low fault currents in inverter-based isolated microgrids adversely impact the conventional overcurrent protection schemes. This paper proposes a sensitive and selective protection scheme for isolated microgrids using an adaptive third harmonic voltage generated by inverter-based distributed generators (IBDGs) and adapted to fault severity. The generated harmonic voltage results in a harmonic layer established during faults and is decoupled from the fundamental fault current, which is limited by IBDGs. Harmonic directional overcurrent relays sense the generated harmonic currents and voltages at the relay location to ensure optimal protection coordination (OPC). The OPC problem is formulated as a constrained nonlinear program to determine the optimal relays’ settings. The constraints are defined for the isolated configuration and each potential configuration resulting from an N-1 contingency. A radial microgrid that is part of a Canadian urban distribution network is used to ensure the successful operation of the proposed protection scheme. The results demonstrate the ability of the proposed scheme to protect isolated microgrids and preserve protection coordination without communication.

Optimal data-driven adaptive overcurrent relay coordination for active distribution networks

Massive integration of distributed generation originates the active distribution networks, introducing new control, protection and operation challenges. This paper proposes a strategy for adaptively protecting active distribution networks that undergo frequent changes in operating conditions. Numerical overcurrent relays capable of storing multiple setting groups, each with different settings designed to address various operating conditions, are used to overcome this issue. The proposed strategy uses locally acquired voltage and current measurements to accurately identify the operating conditions during fault occurrence. The identified condition is then used to select the appropriate overcurrent relay settings using a strategy which includes signal characterisation, data recognition, and optimisation to minimise the operating time for both primary and backup relays. Validation of the protection strategy is conducted on the IEEE 34-Bus test system, and the results indicate its ability to accurately detect different operating conditions in both connected and islanded operating modes, even in the presence of high-impedance faults and load variation. The performance rate exceeds 97.27% for all analysed cases, and the proposal identifies the operating condition in less than 20 ms after fault inception, demonstrating its low computational burden and suitability for implementation in field applications.

Adaptive overcurrent protection scheme coordination in presence of distributed generation using radial basis neural network

The operational performance of conventional overcurrent protection relay coordination connected to a distribution network is adversely affected by the penetration of distributed generators (DG) at different buses in the network. To address this problem, this paper proposes a novel adaptive protection coordination scheme using a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN), which automatically adjusts the overcurrent relay settings, i.e., time setting multiplier (TSM) and plug setting multiplier (PSM) based on the penetration of DGs. Short circuit currents and voltages measured at different buses are acquired using the remote terminal units (RTU) connected to different buses within the terminal network. Communication between the various remotes and local end station RTUs is through hybrid communication systems of fiber optic and power line communication system modules. The new adaptive overcurrent protection scheme is applied to the IEEE 33-bus distribution network with and without DGs, for single and multi-DG penetration using both the ETAP and MATLAB software. The simulation results show the proposed scheme significantly improves the protection coordination.

Distributed Coordinated Control for Stabilization of Multi-Inverter Power Plant

For a power plant integrated with multiple parallel inverters, the impedance variation of the power grid and the natural plug-and-play property of the inverters bring stability challenges. One of the issues is nonlinear wideband oscillations of the grid current and voltage. This paper proposes a distributed coordinated control for the stabilization of the multi-inverter power plant. The passivity-based control (PBC) scheme designs the controller of a single grid-connected inverter from the perspective of energy reshaping, which ensures the stability of the entire system when it is extended to multiple inverters in parallel. A nonlinear observer is proposed to discover the changeable frequency drifting of wideband oscillations so that the PBC scheme can adapt to nonlinear disturbances, such as inverter plug-and-play and fluctuated grid impedance. Moreover, to achieve mutual coordination and distributed control of damping characteristics among multi-inverters to ensure the good dynamic performance of the system, an adaptive dynamic coordination loop based on grid impedance identification is incorporated in the PBC scheme. The Lyapunov stability of the system with the proposed PBC controller is proven in the paper. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is verified by simulation and experimental results.

Multi-Objective Traffic Signal Control Using Network-Wide Agent Coordinated Reinforcement Learning

The optimization of intersection signal control can improve traffic efficiency, reduce congestion degree, and improve traffic safety. Aiming at implementing the coordinated adaptive traffic signal control (ATSC) across large-scale arterial network, multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) has been widely concerned and lucubrated. Nevertheless, the existing MARL-based ATSC studies suffers from several limitations: (1) While most existing researches focused on the mobility performance of controlled corridor, there calls for a methodology that aims at combine multi-objective performance on traffic safety, efficiency, and network coordination simultaneously; (2) Most methods ignore the correlations between multiple agents, nor considers the spatial-temporal dependencies among the corelated neighboring intersections due to high communications requirements, which can hardly be achieved in real adaptive coordination control. To overcome the aforementioned difficulties, a multi-objective reinforcement learning model (NACRL) for network-wide coordinated signal control is proposed. Firstly, to enforce a coordinated network control with safety and efficiency considerations, a reward mechanism inspecting both traffic safety and traffic efficiency indicators was designed to achieve ideal performance in terms of mobility, safety and smooth. Secondly, the proposed NACRL conducted a centralized training-decentralized execution framework, this overcomes the critical limitation of data transmission in the field implementation while explicitly analyzing the traffic state over the entire network instead of examining each isolated intersection. Last but not least, the proposed algorithm utilized the attention mechanism to dynamically capture the sophisticated spatial-temporal dependencies over the complex arterial network, which aids the better coordinated control over multi-agents deployed at the intersections across the corridor. To testify the effeteness of the proposed algorithm, extensive experiments were implemented in both large-scale synthetic traffic grid and real-world arterial network. The experiment demonstrated that the proposed NACRL algorithm outperforms other state-of-the-art baselines with simultaneously improved performance in terms of traffic safety, traffic efficiency and network coordination, as well as improved algorithm convergence and interpretability.

Controlling as an enterprise management tool in the digital economy

Purpose. Expansion of the ability to implement an adaptation approach in enterprise management because of the implementation of the new controlling concept (NCC) in a digital economy. Development of the mathematical model of the adaptive approach. Methodology. The study uses general and special methods of cognition: abstract-logical analysis – to determine NCC, its preconditions, new opportunities; inductions and deductions – to establish the importance of adaptation as a NCC component, to harmonize strategic and operational plans; mathematical methods – for presenting an adaptation in structural and logical form; generalization method – for proposing ways of implementing the adaptation; logical abstraction – for development of the scheme of implementation of adaptation approach, and study on the possibility of diversification of the strategy, with the coordination of enterprise sub strategy. Findings. The definition of the new controlling concept is proposed, its preconditions are detailed. Ways of implementing an adaptation approach to managing the enterprise in conditions of dynamic changes are proposed. It is indicated that a new opportunity opened by NCC is the use of diversification of the company’s strategy and the implementation of adaptive coordination of sub strategies in real-time conditions. It is stated that the indicator of development of diversification can be used as an indicator of the adaptation capacity of the enterprise. The requirements for the introduction of NCC and the two main methods for implementing the adaptation approach are specified. Originality. A mathematical model of the adaptive approach for the implementation of NCC has been developed. A mathematized approach has been developed to coordinate sub strategies. A basic block diagram of the realization of the adaptation approach when introducing a new controlling concept has been developed. Practical value. The results of the study can be used by scientists to improve the methods and tools of NCC and by practitioners in the development and implementation of management information systems. The proposed approaches will increase controlling efficiency.

Single-cell transcriptomic architecture and cellular communication circuits of parametrial adipose tissue in pregnant mice

AimsThe activity and interactions of cellular subpopulations in the adipose tissue microenvironment are critical for the coordination of local and systemic adaptation during pregnancy. With a particular interest in parametrial adipose tissue (PmAT), single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) was utilized to unveil the gestative cellular composition and functional shift. Materials and methodsTo identify cell-type-enriched transcriptome profiles, a total of 18,074 cells in adipose tissue were studied. The cell populations were cataloged, and signaling crosstalk between adipocytes and other composition factions via soluble and membrane-bound factors were evaluated. Key findingsA marked decline of pregnancy adipocytes and relative elevation of non-adipocyte fractions were observed. A subpopulation of adipocytes, Adipo_5, with unique properties in the response to estrogen and the embryonic processes involved in pregnancy, was defined. Interactome analysis revealed the potential contribution of PmAT to the establishment of maternal-fetal immune tolerance. During gestation, adipocytes shut down outgoing signaling, resulting in deterioration of the resistin-related incoming signaling network in B cells, which would therefore benefit tissue-specific maternal-fetal tolerance. Furthermore, a subpopulation of adipocytes, Aipo_2, was also considered to take part in a paradigm shift in the process of pregnancy-induced chemical stiffness-triggered vesicular remodeling via the THBS signaling pathway network. SignificanceThese data-derived findings will encourage investigation into the role of pregnant PmTA in pregnancy-related immunological, hypertensive and metabolic disorders, with the ultimate goal of establishing preventive strategies to mitigate these pregnancy-related health challenges. This translational aspect of our work holds significant promise for improving maternal and fetal well-being.

Multipoint surface electromyography measurement using bull’s-eye electrodes for wide-area topographic analysis

BackgroundSurface electromyography (sEMG) is primarily used to analyze individual and neighboring muscle activity. However, using a broader approach can enable simultaneous measurement of multiple muscles, which is essential for understanding muscular coordination. Using the “bull’s-eye electrode,” which allows bipolar derivation without directional dependence, enables wide-area multipoint sEMG measurements. This study aims to establish a multipoint measurement system and demonstrate its effectiveness and evaluates forearm fatigue and created topographic maps during a grasping task.MethodsNine healthy adults with no recent arm injuries or illnesses participated in this study. They performed grasping tasks using their dominant hand, while bull’s-eye electrodes recorded their muscle activity. To validate the effectiveness of the system, we calculated the root mean squares of muscle activity and entropy, an indicator of muscle activity distribution, and compared them over time.ResultsThe entropy analysis demonstrated a significant time-course effect with increased entropy over time, suggesting increased forearm muscle uniformity, which is possibly indicative of fatigue. Topographic maps visually displayed muscle activity, revealing notable intersubject variations.DiscussionBull’s-eye electrodes facilitated the capture of nine homogeneous muscle activity points, enabling the creation of topographic images. The entropy increased progressively, suggesting an adaptive muscle coordination response to fatigue. Despite some limitations, such as inadequate measurement of the forearm muscles’ belly, the system is an unconventional measurement method.ConclusionThis study established a robust system for wide-area multipoint sEMG measurements using a bull’s-eye electrode setup. This system effectively evaluates muscle fatigue and provides a comprehensive topographic view of muscle activity. These results mark a significant step towards developing a future multichannel sEMG system with enhanced measurement points and improved wearability.Trial registrationThis study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Chiba University Graduate School of Engineering (acceptance number: R4-12, Acceptance date: November 04, 2022).

Gender based violence (GBV) coordination in a complex, multi-crisis context: a qualitative case study of Lebanon’s compounded crises (2019–2023)

BackgroundSince 2019 Lebanon has faced multiple compounded crises. Political and social instability, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Beirut Port explosion, alongside the influx of refugees related to the ongoing Syrian conflict, have resulted in a nationwide economic emergency. In the context of the humanitarian response to the Syrian conflict, the UN and government-led gender-based violence (GBV) task force has coordinated the sub-sector since 2012. The compounded crisis, however, created new challenges for GBV coordination and service delivery, which we explore in this paper. We highlight lessons for strengthening GBV coordination in Lebanon and other complex emergencies.MethodsWe conducted 29 remote in-depth interviews, reviewed key policy documents and observed seven GBV task force meetings. We analysed and presented our findings across three key themes: context-relevant and adaptable coordination mechanisms; coordination to support GBV service delivery; and stakeholders’ roles, legitimacy and power.ResultsParallel response frameworks developed to address the multiple crises, created a complex humanitarian architecture within an increasingly challenging operating context, with some perceived inefficiencies. Positively, coordination was integrated under the established government-UN interagency system and the GBV task force maintained GBV sub-sector coordination. The task force was commended for effectively adapting to the evolving context, including working remotely, maintaining essential GBV services, assessing the compounded crises’ impact on programming and adjusting accordingly, and harmonising guidance, tools and approaches. The importance of ensuring a government co-led response was highlighted by both UN and government informants, who pointed to examples where marginalising government leadership compromised coordination effectiveness and sustainability. The participation of local actors had become increasingly important but more difficult, with the impact of the various crises, and remote modalities, challenging service delivery and staff wellbeing.ConclusionExperiences from Lebanon highlight the essential role of government leadership in coordination; the value of investing in local GBV capacity; the significance of effective national, subnational and intersectoral coordination to support service delivery and address cross-cutting GBV issues; the importance of targeted interventions to support marginalised populations; and the need to prioritize the well-being of front-line staff during crisis response. In Lebanon, and other complex crises, donors are encouraged to increase flexible, multiyear funding for GBV coordination and services, while women-led organizations should be at the forefront of recovery efforts, contributing to a more equitable society.