Control Devices Research Articles

A confirmatory factor analysis of road users’ cognitive attitudes towards contributing factors of traffic congestion

Road users’ perceptions about traffic congestion and its contributing factors, influence their traffic congestion satisfaction and travel behaviours. However, how road users interpret traffic congestion factors has not received much attention in studies especially in low and middle-income countries. This study used a stated preference data, obtained from road users during a questionnaire survey, to establish factors, which significantly contribute to traffic congestion. It further employed confirmatory factor analysis to explore how road users’ cognitive assessment of contributing factors of congestion could reveal interrelationships among the factors and their underlying constructs. The study revealed that road users perceive poor functioning traffic signal, presence of potholes on roadway, high traffic volume, presence of on-street market, indiscriminate on-street parking and rainfall as some critical contributing factors of congestion on the roadways in Kumasi. Also, road users perceive the contributing factors of congestion in four main interconnected dimensions namely traffic demand, control devices, side frictions and incidents. The findings of this study can inform the decisions of transport planners and engineers on how to prioritise resources for congestion mitigation and tailor initiatives to address the key factors that need much attention and likely to result in higher payoff and consequently, sustainable transport.

High-linearity wide-bandwidth integrated thin-film lithium niobate modulator based on a dual-optical-mode co-modulated configuration

High-linearity electro-optic (EO) modulators play a crucial role in microwave photonics (MWP). Although various methods have been explored to enhance linearity in MWP links, they are often constrained by the intrinsic nonlinearity of modulator materials, the complexity of external control devices, the bulkiness of structures, and bandwidth limitations. In this study, we present an integrated thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) linear Mach–Zehnder modulator (LMZM), showing, to our knowledge, a record-high spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) of 121.7 dB·Hz4/5 at 1 GHz with an optical power (OP) of 5.5 dBm into the photodetector (PD), based on a wide-bandwidth (>50 GHz) dual-optical-mode (TE0 and TE1) co-modulated configuration with just one RF input. Additionally, compared to conventional MZMs (CMZMs), the LMZM exhibits a >10.6-dB enhancement in SFDR with an OP of >−8 dBm at 1 GHz, and maintains a 6.07-dB SFDR improvement even at 20 GHz with an OP of 0 dBm. The novel LMZM, featuring high linearity, wide bandwidth, structural simplicity, and high integration, holds significant potential as a key component in future large-scale and high-performance MWP integrated circuits.

Electromyography Signals in Embedded Systems: A Review of Processing and Classification Techniques

This article provides an overview of the implementation of electromyography (EMG) signal classification algorithms in various embedded system architectures. They address the specifications used for implementation in different devices, such as the number of movements and the type of classification method. Architectures analyzed include microcontrollers, DSP, FPGA, SoC, and neuromorphic computers/chips in terms of precision, processing time, energy consumption, and cost. This analysis highlights the capabilities of each technology for real-time wearable applications such as smart prosthetics and gesture control devices, as well as the importance of local inference in artificial intelligence models to minimize execution times and resource consumption. The results show that the choice of device depends on the required system specifications, the robustness of the model, the number of movements to be classified, and the limits of knowledge concerning design and budget. This work provides a reference for selecting technologies for developing embedded biomedical solutions based on EMG.

Human-In-The-Loop Myoelectric Pattern Recognition Control of an Arm-Support Robot to Improve Reaching in Stroke Survivors.

The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of using real-time human-in-the-loop pattern recognition-based myoelectric control to control vertical support force or vertical position to improve reach in individuals with chronic stroke. This work attempts to move proven lab-based static arm support paradigms towards a controllable wearable device. A machine learning (linear discriminant analysis)-based myoelectric pattern recognition system based on movement intent as determined by real-time muscle activation was used to control incremental changes in either vertical position or vertical support force during a reach and retrieve task, with the goal of improving reaching function. Performance under real-time control of both options was compared to two unchanging static-support conditions (current gold standard) and a no-support condition. Both real-time control paradigms were successfully implemented and resulted in greater forward-reaching performance as demonstrated by increased elbow extension and horizontal shoulder adduction compared to no-support and was not different from the current gold standard static support paradigms. Muscle activation levels with real-time support were lower than the no-support condition and similar to those observed during the static support paradigms. Real-time detection of user intent was successful in controlling both vertical position and vertical support force and enabled greater reaching distance than without it demonstrating both its feasibility and efficacy albeit with some limitations.

Multicenter, PrOspective, Randomized, Controlled Trial Comparing GenIcular Artery EmbOlization Using Embosphere Microspheres to Corticosteroid iNjections for the Treatment of Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis: MOTION Study Protocol Summary.

Corticosteroid injections are commonly used to treat symptomatic knee osteoarthritis; however, pain relief is usually transient. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) has shown promise as an effective minimally invasive intervention to alleviate symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. The MOTION study is being conducted to compare outcomes following GAE versus corticosteroid injection. This is an international, multicenter, randomized controlled investigational device exemption (IDE) study enrolling adults (≥ 21 years old) with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grades 1-4) across ≥ 45 centers worldwide. Patients will be randomized 1:1 to receive GAE with Embosphere® Microspheres (Merit Medical Systems, Inc.) or corticosteroid injections. The primary efficacy measure is clinical success at 6 months, defined as ≥ 50% improvement in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain Subscale. The primary safety measure is the proportion of patients free from treatment-related safety event(s) through 6-month post-index procedure (GAE or corticosteroid injection). Following the 6-month visit, patients in either cohort who do not achieve clinical success may crossover to the other study arm. Additional study measures will assess safety and efficacy outcomes throughout the 24-month follow-up period. The target sample size is 264 (132 per arm) and is based on the number of patients needed to confirm superior efficacy of GAE versus corticosteroid injections and non-inferiority with respect to safety. The overall study power is > 80%. Findings from the MOTION study are expected to provide information on the magnitude of the therapeutic benefits associated with GAE versus standard of care over 24 months. NCT05818150.

Structure of the control system of a marine vessel in dynamic positioning mode and its software implementation

Currently, dynamic positioning and low-speed maneuvering systems are increasingly in demand and necessary for safe maritime activities. Dynamic positioning systems are widely used mainly in the oil and gas industry, but also in supply vessels, barges and drilling rigs, ocean liners, and cargo ships. The development and analysis of control systems for the effective operation of a ship's control system with dynamic positioning requires the use of a mathematical model of the vessel, on the basis of which a study of synthesized control systems is carried out. The article proposes a general structure for modeling the control system for a vessel with dynamic positioning. The control system is represented by a set of a control object (in our case, a marine vessel), a command input device, a control device (controller), and an information and measuring system. The article considers a mathematical model of plane-parallel motion of a vessel, describing the movement of a vessel in three generalized coordinates: surge, sway, and yaw. As an example, two types of vessels with different propulsion systems are considered: a vessel equipped with two aft azimuth thrusters and a bow tunnel thruster, and a similar vessel, but equipped with a bow azimuth thruster. The forces generated by the propulsion devices of ships are determined through the connection with generalized forces and moments via the thrust allocation matrix for the corresponding kinematic scheme. The given propulsion schemes provide the possibility of holding the vessel in dynamic positioning mode. The description of mathematical models is presented in the form of vector-matrix nonlinear differential equations. The mathematical apparatus used to represent mathematical models of ships allows the use of models for the synthesis and modeling of control systems. The structure of the software implementation of the control system, developed in the Matlab environment, a description of the developed modules, and simulation results are presented.

2-Aminoethanethiol Hydroiodate Additives Induced Phase Stability Improvement of CsPbI3 Films for Use in Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells.

This study investigates the role of 2-aminoethanethiol hydroiodate (2-AET·HI) additives in enhancing the phase stability and photovoltaic performance of CsPbI3 films for inorganic perovskite solar cells. The incorporation of 2-AET·HI into the precursor solution results in a more uniform and compact film morphology. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis reveals that the 2-AET·HI-treated CsPbI3 films retain their black α-phase, even after 300 h at 25% RH and ∼25 °C, whereas the control samples show a rapid transition to the nonphotoactive δ-phase. This improvement in phase stability is reflected in the enhanced photovoltaic performance, with the 2-AET·HI-modified devices exhibiting a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.7%, compared to 15.4% for the control devices. Furthermore, the 2-AET·HI-modified devices display superior long-term stability, retaining 83% of their initial PCE after 192 h in ambient conditions, in stark contrast to the unmodified devices, which degrade rapidly.

Nonstationary Stochastic Responses of Transmission Tower-Line System with Viscoelastic Material Dampers Under Seismic Excitations

The excessive vibration or collapse of a transmission tower-line (TTL) system under seismic excitation can result in significant losses. Viscoelastic material dampers (VMDs) have been recognized as an effective method for structural vibration mitigation. Most existing studies have focused solely on the dynamic analysis of TTL systems with control devices under deterministic seismic excitations. Studies focusing on the nonstationary stochastic control of TTL systems with VMDs have not been reported. To this end, this study proposes a comprehensive analytical framework for the nonstationary stochastic responses of TTL systems with VMDs under stochastic seismic excitations. The analytical model of the TTL system is formulated using the Lagrange equation. The six-parameter model of VMDs and the vibration control method are established. Following this, the pseudo-excitation method (PEM) is applied to compute the stochastic response of the controlled TTL system under nonstationary seismic excitations, and a probabilistic framework for analyzing extreme value responses is developed. A real TTL system in China is selected to verify the validity of the proposed method. The accuracy of the proposed framework is validated based on the Monte Carlo method (MCM). A detailed parametric investigation is conducted to determine the optimal damper installation scheme and examine the effects of the service temperature and site type on stochastic seismic responses. The nonstationary stochastic seismic responses of the TTL system are consistent with those based on MCM, validating the accuracy of the proposed analytical framework. VMDs can effectively suppress the structural dynamic responses, with particularly stable control over displacement. The temperature and site type have a notable influence on the stochastic seismic responses of the TTL system. The research findings provide important references for improving the seismic performance of VMDs in TTL systems.

A Bionic-Based Multi-Objective Optimization for a Compact HVAC System with Integrated Air Conditioning, Purification, and Humidification

This study is dedicated to the development of a multifunctional device that integrates air conditioning, humidification, and air purification functions, aimed at meeting the demands for energy efficiency, space-saving, and comfortable indoor environments in modern residential and commercial settings. The research focuses on achieving a balance between performance, energy consumption, and noise levels by combining bionic design principles with advanced optimization algorithms to propose innovative design and optimization methods. Specific methods include the establishment and optimization of mathematical models for air conditioning, air purification, and humidification functions. The air conditioning module employs a nonlinear programming model optimized through the Parrot Optimizer (PO) Algorithm to achieve uniform temperature distribution and minimal energy consumption. The air purification function is based on a bionic model and optimized using the Deep ACO Algorithm to ensure high efficiency and low noise levels. The humidification function utilizes a mist diffusion model optimized through the Slime Mold Algorithm (SMA) to enhance performance. Ultimately, a multi-objective optimization model is constructed using the Beluga Whale Optimization (BWO), successfully integrating the three main functions and designing a compact segmented cylindrical device that achieves a balance of high efficiency and multifunctionality. The optimization results indicate that the device exhibits superior performance, with a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 400 m3/h, a humidification rate of 1.2 kg/h, a temperature uniformity index of 0.08, and a total power consumption controlled within 1600 W. This study demonstrates the significant potential of bionic design and optimization technology in the development of multifunctional indoor environment control devices, enhancing not only the overall performance of the device but also the comfort and sustainability of the indoor environment. Future work will focus on system scalability, experimental validation, and further optimization of bionic characteristics to expand the device’s applicability and enhance its environmental adaptability.

Recycled Upgrading Hole Transport Material Advances Closed-Loop Sustainable Perovskite Solar Cells.

Developing a thoroughgoing recovery technology that allows simultaneously separating and recovering all functional layers of the end-of-life perovskite solar cells (PSCs), in keeping with maintaining potent device efficiency and eco-environment friendliness, is crucial toward the sustainability of PSCs. Herein, we propose a facile closed-loop recycling strategy to realize the acquisition and reutilization of hole transport material and other retrievable components from obsolete PSCs, employing chlorobenzene and dimethylformamide to sequentially dissolve the spiro-OMeTAD and perovskite layers. Surprisingly, the recycled spiro-OMeTAD, i.e., oxidized spiro-OMeTAD (spiro-OMeTAD•+) endows reinforced conductivity and hole mobility, favorable energy band alignment, and mitigated perovskite defects, thus resulting in expedited hole extraction and lessened nonradiative recombination loss. Along with the dissolution of the spiro-OMeTAD and perovskite layers, other functional materials involving Ag, PbI2, and ITO/SnO2 are concurrently recovered. Note that the solubilizers are also recycled to eliminate the alien reagents to environmental hazards. The refabricated PSC based on the recovered materials delivers an upgrading power conversion efficiency of up to 23.41% together with an open circuit voltage of 1.17V, outperforming the control device based on fresh materials (20.77%, 1.11V). Overall, this strategy holds promise for realizing closed-loop recycling of end-of-life PSCs, and thus pushes future PSCs sustainability.

A Membrane Modification Technique for Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

A Membrane Modification Technique for Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

Influence of fluidic shock control on the combustion flow field of a dual-mode scramjet

Influence of fluidic shock control on the combustion flow field of a dual-mode scramjet

Curcumin-laden hydrogel coating medical device for periprosthetic joint infection prevention and control.

The Periprosthetic Joint Infection (PJI) is one of the most important complications of the joint arthroplasty. This surgical procedure is rising worldwide and is further affecting the public health because of the widespread resistance to antibiotics. New therapeutic strategies and innovative antimicrobial biomaterials development are needed to eradicate pathogens without inducing resistance and accelerating recovery. In this direction, herein Curcumin I- (Cur-) loaded DAC® (Defensive Antibacterial Coating, a hydrogel based on hyaluronic acid conjugated to polylactic acid, hereafter named DAC) has been built on. To incorporate Cur in the DAC, thus obtaining Cur-DAC (Cur≅0.93mg/g), the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) propylene glycol (PG) was used as cosolvent. The drugs combinations of Cur (≅ 0.93mg/g) and Vancomycin (Van) (at low dose that is≅0.033mg/g) within the hydrogel (Cur/Van-DAC) was alsoexperienced . Hydrogels were prepared and characterized by rheological investigations and their erosion together with the drug release profile over the time evaluated in physiological conditions. The nanohydrogels produced upon water dilution were characterized by AFM, DLS, and UV/Vis absorption and emission spectroscopies. Superior Cur stability over pH-, solvent- and photoinduced degradations resulted in the DAC matrix. The photoinduced antimicrobial activity of Cur-DAC against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium was evaluated by spreading loaded DAC-based hydrogel onto titanium disk mimicking prosthesis, thus detecting a good reduction of bacterial load after 30min of exposure to light and a subsequent decrease of cells number at 24h in the absence of nutrients. The drug association in Cur/Van-DAC demonstrated the best activity against MRSA, even in the presence of nutrients, with respect to established DAC loaded with high amounts of Van (ranging from 18.7mg/g to 45.8mg/g) used during the surgery, due to the photoantibacterial activity of Cur, becoming promising to prevent and control joint infections.

Development of a novel passive rate-independent negative stiffness damping device for structural vibration control

Development of a novel passive rate-independent negative stiffness damping device for structural vibration control

CsF Improved Buried Interface for Efficient and Stable Inverted All-inorganic CsPbI2.85Br0.15 Perovskite Solar Cells

CsF Improved Buried Interface for Efficient and Stable Inverted All-inorganic CsPbI2.85Br0.15 Perovskite Solar Cells

Generation of downburst outflow in a traditional wind tunnel using multi-blade flow control device

Generation of downburst outflow in a traditional wind tunnel using multi-blade flow control device

Underestimated industrial ammonia emission in China uncovered by material flow analysis.

Underestimated industrial ammonia emission in China uncovered by material flow analysis.

Разработка программного обеспечения для проверки исправности аппаратных средств электропривода

Modern electric drives have the structural form of electronic units with microprocessor control. In the process of serial production of electric drives, their technical control is required, namely, checking the serviceability of hardware, including logical and analog input and output circuits, power circuits, digital interfaces, built-in sensors and specialized microchips. To carry out such tests and automate them, it is necessary to develop software and hardware for the test and control equipment, as well as specialized software for the electric drive subject to checking. Thus, the development of such software for the electric drive is relevant. The authors have applied the methods of algorithmization of control processes, methods of system analysis, methods of model-based development of software and its debugging, as well as the methods of experimental research. An algorithm is proposed to check the hardware of an electric drive, representing a sequence of actions and calculations associated with the input, output and processing of logical and analog signals, the formation of currents and voltages in power circuits, as well as access control to built-in elements distributed between the electric drive as a subject to check, the test and control equipment and the personal computer used as a control device, the coordination of messages which is carried out via digital interfaces. A test mode is introduced into the electric drive software, isolated from the operation of the electric drive for its intended purpose in the main mode. Hardware handlers as well as a set of parameters and commands are provided. Technical control of the electric drive allows us to promptly identify its faults immediately after manufacture. The proposed algorithm to test the hardware of the electric drive and automation of its implementation facilitates introduction of its technical control in the technological process of production.

Photo-modulated magnetoresistance in aferromagnetic/normal/ferromagnetic tunneljunction based on monolayer black phosphorene.

We use the Floquet theory and the Landauer-Büttiker formula to
investigate the transport characteristics of a ferromagnetic/normal/ferromagnetic
tunnel junction based on monolayer black phosphorene under an off-resonant circularly
polarized light (CPL). The results show that the CPL can control the transmission
spectrum. In fact, the transmission gap of the antiparallel magnetized configuration is
significantly broadened, and the electron blocking effect is enhanced. The transmission
of the parallel magnetized configuration shows significant anisotropy and strong wave
vector filtering effect. We also demonstrate that the CPL enhances the difference
between the conductance of the parallel and antiparallel magnetized configurations,
which in turn leads to a significant increase in tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR),
even reaching TMR=1. In particular, under the combined action of polarized light
and gate voltage, the TMR in the conduction band region increases, while the TMR
in the valence band region decreases. Our results will contribute to the development
of optically controllable TMR devices.

Correlation and regression analysis in assessing the relationship between water indicators: a brief description of long-term measurement data from biosensors

The object of the study is the method for assessing the relationship between the results of long-term observations of water parameters obtained by the method of combined measurements by a biosensor system. The biosensor system is designed for the combined measurement of five water parameters based on physical value sensors. In the paper, the problem under consideration quite fully levels out a significant limitation of the known solutions designed for the simultaneous measurement of three or four water parameters. Existing approaches in their structure combine less than five biosensors-sensors, which significantly limits the simultaneous measurement of five water parameters. One of the main and principal results of the paper is the development of a statistical model for assessing the relationship between the combined measurements of five water parameters. It was revealed that among the five measured parameters, the most influential predictor for acidity, conductivity, turbidity and oxidation-reduction potential is water temperature. The established significant and non-random relationship between the parameters is mainly associated with the effect of temperature on the physical processes occurring with an increase and decrease in water temperature depending on the observation time. These estimates demonstrate a higher, statistically significant relationship between the measurement information data. This is achieved by implementing the method of aggregate measurement of water parameters: temperature, acidity, turbidity, conductivity, oxidation-reduction potential. The efficiency of the statistical model is confirmed by calculating the correlation coefficient based on the Pearson method and the coefficients of determination and reliability of the model. The regression model can be used in practice in developing new or improving known measuring systems and control devices to increase the reliability and effectiveness of water quality control.