The aim of the project is to develop a buck-boost converter that improves the input power factor of AC power supplied by activating the AC input current waveform. Themain functionality of the project is to provide a near unity power factor for the buck-boost operation and reduce the total harmonic distortion. Due to increase in the use of converters in industries and home, low power factor conversion results inhuge losses of power. To fill this gap, a near unity power factor is designed for the buck boost operation. The project will solve the problems of manual monitoring and provides a platform to perform actions without the presence of user near thehydroponics system. For PFC BBC, the suggested control methodology utilizes a Proportional-Integral (PI) controller in the outer voltage loop and an Inductor Average Current Mode Control (IACMC) controller in the inner current loop. TheIACMC has several advantages, including its robustness when line voltage and output load fluctuate significantly. The PI controller is designed using the BBC's state space average concept. MATLAB/Simulink is used to simulate the proposedsystem and its control circuit. The simulation findings indicate that a power factor close to unity can be achieved and that there is virtually no change in power factor when a different duty cycle is applied.

This study investigates a practical method to enhance the efficiency of a campus electrical distribution system by optimizing the control and power circuitry of a capacitor bank panel. The research addresses the persistent issue of low power factor and phase imbalance resulting from non-standard wiring configurations in existing installations. Unlike conventional maintenance procedures, the proposed rewiring strategy systematically redesigns the control and power connections to ensure accurate capacitor switching and reactive power compensation in accordance with operational load variations. A diagnostic improvement evaluation framework was employed, involving pre- and post-rewiring measurements of power factor, load current balance, and reactive power under both normal and full-load conditions. The rewiring intervention increased the power factor from 0.97 to 0.99 during normal operation and from 0.70 to 0.95 under full-load simulation (1100 kVA). These improvements corresponded to a measurable reduction in reactive power demand and overall system losses, indicating a substantial gain in energy efficiency and voltage stability. The findings confirm that targeted control circuit reconfiguration can significantly enhance the operational reliability of capacitor bank systems beyond conventional maintenance practices. This work contributes a replicable, technically validated approach for improving power quality in educational and industrial electrical installations.

The epigenetic rejuvenation promise: Partial reprogramming as a therapeutic strategy for aging and disease.

Abstract Josephson parametric oscillators (JPOs) have potential as fundamental building blocks for large-scale quantum annealing systems. To scale up such systems, both readout and control circuits need to be implemented at cryogenic temperatures. Adiabatic quantum flux parametron (AQFP) circuits are well suited for such environments due to their ultra-low power consumption. This paper proposes a phase-state readout scheme for JPOs based on AQFP circuits, which enables real-time digitization of oscillation phases. A JPO was fabricated, and the concept was experimentally validated at 4.2 K. After confirming stable oscillations in the JPO, a digital readout method using AQFP circuits was demonstrated. Analysis of the probability of obtaining a logical ‘1’ at the output revealed a clear phase-dependent behavior. Furthermore, our simulations predicted a readout fidelity of nearly 100% at millikelvin temperatures, demonstrating the feasibility of AQFP-based phase-state readout for future large-scale quantum annealing systems.

The trackless rubber tired vehicle (TRTV) is a kind of auxiliary transportation vehicle used for underground mining environment. It is pretty difficult to achieve stable braking performance for a hybrid TRTV with a single braking method and control strategy. Firstly, the structure of electromechanical and hydraulic coupling brake system was designed by taking the hybrid TRTV as research object. Then, the control circuit of its hydraulic brake system was determined, and the control strategy was designed according to the braking regulations of the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE). Next, a simulation comparison test was conducted, in which the battery initial SOC values was 0.7 and 0.85 respectively. And the brake system established in this paper was compared with the one in the ADVISOR under the working condition of CYC-WCQ1. Finally, the feasibility of the coupling brake system designed in this paper was verified by bench testing. The error difference between the simulation test and the bench test results was within the allowable range. The fuel consumption of the bench test is 12.38% and 13.33% higher than that of the simulation test, the HC emissions are 11.48% and 13.55% higher, the CO emissions are 10.24% and 10.75% higher, and the NOx emissions are 9.01% and 9.74% higher respectively. It is believed that this research may be valuable for both the development of reliable brake system for hybrid TRTVs used in mining industry.

This study aimed to design and develop a series of digital educational tools that facilitate the teaching and learning of electrical concepts among middle-school students. The tools were created using Scratch 3, which is a visual programming environment developed by MIT. Physical computing is integrated using the Arduino platform. They focused on fundamental electricity concepts, including Ohm’s law, two- and three-way “aller-retour” switch circuits for lighting control, and ON–OFF switch circuits for operating two or three LEDs. In addition, two interactive education assessment tools were developed to support and evaluate the learning outcomes. The integration of digital simulations with real-world circuits enables bidirectional interactions between physical and virtual environments. Students can control real electrical circuits through simulations, while influencing the digital environment through physical input. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of the electric current, voltage, resistance, and circuit logic. Designed for students aged 11–15 years, these tools combine visual representation with hands-on exploration to enhance student engagement and conceptual comprehension. An interactive and experiential learning environment contributes to effective knowledge acquisition and retention in the field of electricity.

Altered intrinsic brain connectivity in misophonia, with and without hyperacusis.

Cell-to-cell variability often limits the efficiency of microbial bioproduction, yet how individual cells fluctuate over time and how these fluctuations shape population-level output remain unclear. To address this issue, we tracked a heterologous betaxanthin pathway in Escherichia coli using microfluidics-assisted time-lapse microscopy, allowing simultaneous measurement of fluctuations in betaxanthin, its biosynthetic enzyme DOD and growth across generations. Here we show that over 50% of high betaxanthin producers become medium or low producers after two divisions. Betaxanthin variation primarily originates from DOD noise, with a smaller contribution from growth rate fluctuations. We further develop a stochastic model to explore various control circuits and find that pathway enzyme or metabolite-based growth selection strategies are most effective in enhancing production. We experimentally validate the model by coupling enzyme expression to nutrient availability, which enriches high producers and boosts titer by 4.4-fold. Our results highlight key sources of metabolic heterogeneity and provide a framework for designing robust microbial processes.

Contextual & physiological markers for individual distress (CP-MIND). Brain health as a comprehensive framework for Mental-health equity.

Abstract Amplitude‐phase programmable metasurfaces (APPMs) have attracted significant attention in recent years for their real‐time control of electromagnetic (EM) waves. However, existing APPMs often face challenges such as low energy efficiency, limited amplitude‐tuning range, and low phase‐modulation resolution. Additionally, achieving high‐precision amplitude and phase modulations simultaneously requires complex control circuits, thereby increasing the system cost and complexity. To address these challenges, an amplifying APPM (AAPPM) is proposed that achieves independent wide‐range amplitude tuning and high‐precision phase control through a novel and simplified architecture. Specifically, the designed AAPPM is embedded with gain‐tunable amplifiers, achieving over 5 dB EM‐energy amplification and ≈30 dB dynamic amplitude‐tuning range. Meanwhile, the AAPPM provides the 1‐bit phase modulations by controlling the states of integrated PIN diodes. With the introduction of time‐coding techniques, it can further achieve wide‐range and high‐precision phase controls of harmonics. To demonstrate its capability, a 6×6 AAPPM prototype is designed, simulated, and measured. The results indicate that AAPPM can achieve EM energy amplification, wide‐range dynamic amplitude control, and high‐precision phase modulation. By implementing various time‐coding strategies, the AAPPM facilitates flexible harmonic beam manipulations. With these distinctive features, the AAPPM shows great potential in wireless communication and radar systems.

This paper introduces a novel 5D hyperchaotic system derived from a 3D chaotic system. The system has a unique equilibrium point at the origin and exhibits two positive Lyapunov exponents, demonstrating a complex multi-layer attractor structure. Its rich dynamical behavior suggests strong potential for applications in secure communications and control systems engineering. In line with these capabilities, we propose a sliding mode control strategy to stabilize the system at the origin. The designed controllers drive system states toward a predefined sliding surface and maintain them there, with convergence and stability rigorously proven using Lyapunov theory. Furthermore, we realize the system as an electronic circuit in Multisim and verify its hyperchaotic behavior through phase portrait analysis in MATLAB.

A long-standing goal of synthetic biology is to reprogram cells by rewiring genetic parts. Despite the expanding library of genetic parts, construction of integrated synthetic circuits with desired specifications remains challenging in part due to intricate dependence on sequence contexts, where unexpected narrow dynamic ranges and leaky expression can plague system performance. To provide an alternative approach to the screening process of iterative design-build-test cycles, SUPER (Synthetic Upcycling Platform for Engineering Regulators), a modular platform for upcycling genetic devices is introduced. Inspired by antagonistic regulation mechanisms, SUPER employs small RNA as an add-on controller to modulate gene expression patterns without genetic modification of target regulators. SUPER not only enhances the performance of RNA-, chemical-, temperature-, and protein-responsive regulators up to 1011%, but also allows to cover an expanded dynamic range up to 22018.9-fold. This enhanced control can provide genetic circuit stability, particularly under strong selective pressures, as demonstrated with a Holin-expressing kill switch integrated with SUPER, maintaining stable functionality for over 30 days. Finally, SUPER combines with an environmental sensor, TlpA36, functioning as a chemical- and temperature-responsive 2-input kill switch. Featuring straightforward design, minimal cellular burden, and expanded tunability, SUPER provides a systematic upcycling framework for genetic circuit construction in biotechnology.

Quadcopters are one of the most widely used types of unmanned aerial vehicles due to their simple design, high maneuverability, versatility and cost-effectiveness. However, controlling the movement of the quadcopter along a given trajectory is a serious problem due to non-linearities, external disturbances and drive limitations. The proportionalintegral-differential (PID) controller is a convenient control tool when using modern optimization methods. The aim of the work is to increase the efficiency of controlling the movement of a quadcopter along a given trajectory using a PID controller, the coefficients of which are optimized by the 3S Optimizer metaheuristic algorithm. The quadcopter is controlled by generating signals for four engines, which provide the appropriate angular velocities to achieve a given position and orientation in space. The quadcopter’s control scheme is designed according to a hierarchical model that includes three nested control circuits. The design of PID controllers using 3S Optimizer is formulated as an optimization problem with limitations on overshoot, rise time, and transition time. Two types of experiments are conducted: 1) checking the response of the control system to input signals in the form of single jumps; 2) checking the ability of the control system to follow a given trajectory. In both experiments, control systems with settings using the 3S Optimizer algorithm shows the best results by almost all criteria.

Objective.This study aimed to develop a miniaturized low-field thoracic magnetic stimulation (LF-ThMS) device to evaluate its effects on peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) in healthy rats. This investigation was motivated by prior findings that LF-ThMS at 10.5 to 13.1 mT increased SpO2in patients with COVID-19. However, its effect on healthy subjects remains unknown. To address this gap before extending research to healthy humans, we first examined its effects in healthy animal models.Approach.A miniature low-field thoracic magnetic stimulation (LF-ThMS) device, also referred to as a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) system, was developed using two 30-turn coils made of 13-gauge magnet wire, encased in nylon sheaths. The coils were powered by a 30 V, 13 A DC source to generate magnetic pulses up to 13.1 mT. A custom control circuit, featuring an ATmega328P microcontroller, relays, and MOSFETs, regulated the pulse frequency and included a safety system to maintain coil temperatures below 38 °C. The device also featured a user interface for customizable and reproducible operation. Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) was monitored using a NONIN 750 pulse oximeter.Main results.The LF-ThMS device successfully generated magnetic flux densities of 10.5, 11.6, and 13.1 mT. However, when we compared SpO2levels between the control condition (before LF-ThMS) and the SpO2levels after the LF-ThMS at these intensities, we did not find a statistically significant difference. Significance.These results suggest that LF-ThMS may not affect SpO2in healthy individuals, and the improvements observed in COVID-19 patients could be due to disease-specific mechanisms or other unknown factors, rather than a general physiological effect of LF-ThMS.

The work shows that a promising direction for the modernization of the educational laboratory base is the use of open systems methods together with the introduction of technologies for the use of virtual devices, based on the use of computer measurement methods. The purpose of the work is to analyze the possibilities of creating virtual laboratory work in various disciplines and their use in professional training of specialists in electrical engineering in higher educational institutions. As a result of the analysis of the most well-known application computer packages intended for the design of electronic units, the authors found that the ability to model both the simplest electrical circuits and power electronics circuits and rather complex control circuits for them, as well as various electrical machines is the main advantage of the Simulink package of the MATLAB environment in comparison with other software tools. Examples of constructing circuits for virtual laboratory work in the metrology course are given. It is shown that virtual laboratory work increases students' interest in the learning process, as well as the level of their skills and abilities.

G Protein-coupled receptors: key targets for maintaining the function of basal ganglia-thalamus-cortical circuits in Parkinson's disease.

Interleaved buck converters (IBC) are widely utilized in step-down voltage applications due to their excellent performance and straightforward design. However, conventional IBCs require individual current sensors and feedback control circuits to maintain phase current balance, resulting in increased cost and design complexity. In this paper, a novel floating dual series capacitor (FDSC) converter based on an interleaved floating structure is proposed. The most distinctive aspect of this proposed converter is its ability to naturally balance the four inductor currents without the need for any current sensors or feedback control. Furthermore, the proposed converter also exhibits lower voltage stress on switching devices and inductors, contributing to improved efficiency and a reduction in overall magnetic volume. To validate the performance characteristics of the proposed converter, a 1.3 kW prototype of the FDSC topology was developed and tested to indicate the analytical results and demonstrate stable current balance even under different operating conditions. The experimental validation highlights the topology’s suitability for high step-down, compact, and efficient applications such as EV auxiliary power supply and voltage regulator modules.

Abstract Ficus carica L . (fig tree) has been widely grown worldwide for its economic value or as an ornamental plant due to its desirable taste and easiness of cultivation in both tropical and subtropical climates. On the other hand, container gardening is one of simple methods by growing fig trees in a pottery or a left-over container. However, regular maintenance for urban settings is often ineffective, increasing the risk of dehydration, rusting, or death of the trees. Further, manual watering tends to waste more water since it lacks precise control over quantity, timing, and distribution. Thus, the study aim was to create an IoT-based system to automatically manage container gardening of fig trees in urban areas, ensuring optimal gardening practices and precise watering to minimize water waste. The system was developed using open-source software and cost-effective devices, that were supported by a sustainable energy supply from the solar panel. Soil humidity and air temperature sensors were connected to the control circuit and were accompanied by an easy-to-use mobile application through a re-mote server. The mobile application enables users to receive important data from the IoT device.

This paper is devoted to the development of an energy-saving intelligent control model for power facilities. Classic power engineering systems, including turbogenerators, boilers, pumps, and distribution grids, are considered. A specific mathematical model for optimal control of turbogenerator operating modes is proposed using intelligent predictive control and a trainable fuel consumption model. The model enables energy loss reduction. The results of a comparative analysis of a traditional PID controller and the developed intelligent model predictive control (IMPC) are presented. Evaluation was conducted using four key metrics: average control error, fuel savings, power loss reduction, and system response time. Experimental data obtained under conditions simulating the operation of a 200 MW turbine control circuit of a power facility were used for the analysis. This model aims to minimize fuel consumption and ensure accurate load schedule compliance. The article describes in detail the structure of the proposed model, its mathematical model, optimization algorithm, and practical significance. An analysis of the model's capabilities was conducted, and it was shown that its implementation allows for a reduction in fuel costs by 5–9%, a reduction in power losses in the network by up to 12%, and a reduction in deviations from the load schedule by 4 times compared to traditional PID control.

IoT-based prepaid smart energy meter with built- in theft detection to improve traditional electricity billing and monitoring systems. With the increasing demand for power and the necessity to stop power theft, the system guarantees real-time measurement, control, and communication. An Arduino Uno microcontroller serves as the central unit, connected to an energy meter to read power usage. A relay module connects or disconnects the load automatically depending on the prepaid balance, while a GSM module facilitates remote recharge of the balance and status reporting. A micro-switch senses unwanted cabinet opening, triggering a buzzer and sends instant notifications through GSM. An LDR-based display gives real-time indication of units consumed, balance available, and credit status. An optocoupler (4N35) provides electrical isolation and immunity to noise, safeguarding the controller circuit. The system is cost-effective, scalable, and reliable for use in domestic as well as small industries with real-time monitoring, theft detection, and automatic recharging due to the integration of embedded hardware and IoT.