Control Functions Research Articles

A stochastic model for the bacterial growth exhibiting staged growth, desynchronization, saturation and persistence

We consider a model of population growth based on the stochastic variation of the population size-controlled duplication of bacterial cells. It is shown that the proper choice of the control function allows for reproducing a variety of regimes: a logistic growth with saturation, a hindered growth typical for persistent bacterial systems, and a linear population growth detected for some mycobacterial populations. When supplied with the rectangular function having the width equal to the generation time, this approach represents the solution generalizing Rubinow’s age-maturity model reproducing systems with desynchronisation and saturation. The model’s plausibility is confirmed by the direct comparison with real data for the growth of M. tuberculosis populations obtained with the BACTEC MGIT system under different conditions of growth synchronisation.

CONTROL SYSTEMS SYNTHESIS FOR ROBOTS ON THE BASE OF MACHINE LEARNING BY SYMBOLIC REGRESSION

This paper presents a novel numerical method for solving the control system synthesis problem through the application of machine learning techniques, with a particular focus on symbolic regression. Symbolic regression is used to automate the development of control systems by constructing mathematical expressions that describe control functions based on system data. Unlike traditional methods, which often require manual programming and tuning, this approach leverages machine learning to discover optimal control solutions. The paper introduces a general framework for machine learning in control system design, with an emphasis on the use of evolutionary algorithms to optimize the generated control functions. The key contribution of this research lies in the development of an algorithm based on the principle of small variations in the baseline solution. This approach significantly enhances the efficiency of discovering optimal control functions by systematically exploring the solution space with minimal adjustments. The method allows for the automatic generation of control laws, reducing the need for manual coding, which is especially beneficial in the context of complex control systems, such as robotics. To demonstrate the applicability of the method, the research applies symbolic regression to the control synthesis of a mobile robot. The results of this case study show that symbolic regression can effectively automate the process of generating control functions, significantly reducing development time while improving accuracy. However, the paper also acknowledges certain limitations, including the computational demands required for symbolic regression and the challenges associated with real-time implementation in highly dynamic environments. These issues represent important areas for future research, where further optimization and hybrid approaches may enhance the method's practicality and scalability in real-world applications.

Связь функций регуляции активности и управления когнитивными процессами у младших школьников-билингвов и монолингвов на ранних этапах изучения английского языка

The article explores issues about the advantages and difficulties of balanced bilinguals in conditions of language entropy. The purpose of the study is to identify the connection between activity regulation functions and executive functions in primary bilingual schoolchildren at the early stage of learning English under conditions of language entropy. The psychologist's software package “Practice - MSU” was used, the results of which were processed using the Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon T test, and structural equation modeling. Data were obtained confirming the syncretic effect of bilingualism in an educational situation. It has been established that learning English from primary school age by bilinguals is characterized by the productivity of attentional actions, which has effects on other control functions, in particular, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. This is due to the fact that bilingualism strengthens the processes of attention control, since the developing multilingual system requires increased attention resources to control the language being studied. The conclusion is formulated that the activation of the multilingual mental field in an educational situation ensures the activation of the system of regulatory processes of the cognitive level in primary school age. The results obtained touch upon the solution of questions about the psychological and pedagogical conditions of the educational environment, which contribute to increasing the effectiveness of the pedagogical process in the early stages of learning English by primary schoolchildren with different language status.

Формування траєкторії керованих літальних апаратів

Currently, there is an increased interest in the creation of flight control systems for unmanned aerial vehicles, which, taking into account real conditions, would ensure its trajectory and thereby determine the effectiveness of the use of the aerial vehicle. Aircraft navigation, in particular ballistic cruise missiles, requires the formation of high-precision control in order to achieve both final results and local optimization tasks at each of the flight stages: take-off, departure to set trajectories, maneuvering, etc. The development of admissible control and its optimization by computer-mathematical methods of modeling and optimization is a time-consuming process and requires significant expenditures of various types of resources. An element of the effectiveness of such a mathematical apparatus for guaranteeing and increasing the reliability and effectiveness in achieving the set goal is the speed of calculations, which, in turn, requires the simplification of the mathematical model by obtaining functional dependencies for calculating the flight trajectory, avoiding complex mathematical calculations. The complete working model for calculating the desired trajectory of the aircraft will be determined by the specified control functions and will be provided by a system of partial differential equations with time, and the necessary parameters for calculating all aerodynamic forces and moments are tabular data in most cases. A mathematical model for solving the task of forecasting navigation for such complex controlled systems is proposed to be carried out using two coordinate systems: starting and speed. Moreover, all calculations of the velocity vector, which depends on the net effect of three aerodynamic forces acting on the aircraft, should be carried out in the speed coordinate system, and coordinate control of the flight along the entire dynamic trajectory should be determined in the starting system

Ways to Improve the Efficiency of Control Mechanisms in the Sphere of Public Procurement

Introduction. Corrupt practices constitute permanent threats to economic security and the main obstacle to the effective satisfaction of state needs through the mechanisms of the contract system. Control, as an integral function of any management cycle, plays a special role in the sphere of public procurement, since this area is directly related to the use of budget funds. Purpose. The article investigates the main results of the effectiveness of control in the sphere of public procurement at the departmental level (within the framework of the functioning of state control and supervisory bodies), internal control of customers, as well as public control over procurement activities in Russia. Methods. The determination of the possible vectors of control mechanisms in procurement was based on scientific works in the field of legal analysis of monitoring contractual activities by the state and society. In order to assess the effectiveness of control activities, statistical information on the activities of state bodies was studied in the field of procurement using comparative and statistical methods. Results. Based on the results of the analysis of departmental control in various state bodies, we proposed to create a general information base for recording the results of control in the field of procurement. Within the framework of improving the mechanisms of intra-departmental control of customers, the need to introduce standardization mechanisms in the approaches to assessing the performance of contractual services was justified. Conclusion. The system of control in the sphere of procurement for the needs of society and the state has a wide range of opportunities for effective reduction of corruption and its prevention. At the same time, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the system by means of individual point reforms.

Optimizing Smart Power Grid Stability Based on the Prediction of a Deep Learning Model

A smart grid is an electricity transmission system that uses digital technology to control getting and dispatching electricity from all generation sources to satisfy end users' fluctuating electricity demands. It achieves this through deploying technologies such as technology and smart grids, which are pivotal in increasing the power supply's efficiency, reliability, and sustainability to the public. Decentralized Smart Grid Control (DSGC) is a system where the control and decision-making functions are distributed to different grid points instead of in one central place. This paradigm is critical for the fault resistance and efficiency of the grid because it enables the local regions to carry on by themselves, manage electric power flows, respond to changes, and integrate many kinds of energy sources successfully. The grid frequency is monitored via the DSGC to ensure dynamic grid stability estimation. All parties, from users to energy producers, may take advantage of the price of power tied to grid frequency. The DSGC, a vital component of this research, gathered information about clients' consumption and used several assumptions to predict the behavior of the consumers. It establishes a method to assess against current supply circumstances and the resultant recommended pricing information. This research proposes a long short-term memory (LSTM) model to analyze data gathered regarding smart grid characteristics and predict grid stability. The results show a strong capacity for the LSTM model, achieving an accuracy of 96.73% with a loss of just 7.44%. The model also achieves a precision of 96.70%, recall of 98.18%, and F1-score of 97.43%.

Some Results on Pursuit Games for an Infinite System of Ternary Differential Equations

This paper aims to study a one-pursuer, one evader pursuit differential game for a higher level of infinite system that is an infinite system of first order ternary differential equations, and prove completion of pursuit in the game. Both integral constraints and geometric constraints are subjected on the players' control functions, thus two separate cases of pursuit games are examined. In the game, the pursuer wants to take the state of the system into the origin of l2 space at some finite time interval, whereas evader avoids this from happening. For every case, we solve the control problem by establishing the admissible control function. In order to achieve the pursuer's objective, we then construct an admissible strategy for the pursuer and develop an equation for the guaranteed pursuit time of the game.

Cross-cultural adaptation and reliability of the Argentine version of the trunk control test in subjects with sequelae of spinal cord injury

spinal cord injury leaves as a sequel in the acute and chronic period, deficiencies in the stability of joint functions and in the function of voluntary movement control. Those with good trunk control have a greater probability of carrying out activities of daily living by themselves; up to now, we do not have reliable tools in Argentina that evaluate trunk control in these subjects. to cross-culturally adapt the trunk control test to Argentinean Spanish in subjects with sequelae of spinal cord injury and to establish interobserver and intraobserver reliability. the subjects were admitted using a non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Subjects who were between 15 and 75 years old and had a diagnosis of spinal cord injury were included. Subjects who had: another neurological diagnosis, alteration in sensory organs, conditions that prevent the performance of the test, and psychiatric illness were excluded. 30 subjects were included for cross-cultural adaptation and 55 for reliability. Semantic modifications were made to all items and response options. The intraobserver and interobserver reliability of the scale or subdomains did not achieve a sufficient score. the trunk control test was adapted cross-culturally to Argentine Spanish and interobserver and intraobserver reliability was established. The adaptation was achieved through semantic changes and the reliability was not sufficient. In the future, studies should be carried out to improve the reliability and study the validity of the tool.

Protective activity of hirsutidin in high-fat intake and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: In silico and in vivo study

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is defined by a wide variety of metabolic abnormalities, persistent hyperglycemia, and a slew of other complications. Catharanthus roseus L. (apocyanaceae), remarkably notable as Vinca Rosea, appears to be the source of the active component hirsutidin, which is reported in various diseases. ObjectiveThe study intended to appraise the antidiabetic capability of hirsutidin in a high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes in experimental rats. Materials and methodsAn experimental rodent T2DM model was elicited by consuming an HFD regimen with STZ 50 mg/kg, i.p. dose formulated in a 0.1 M cold citrate buffer (pH 4.5). The test drug hirsutidin (10 and 20 mg/kg) and the standard drug glimeclamide (5 mg/kg) were administered daily for six weeks. The efficacy of hirsutidin was observed on several diabetes parameters. The average body weight and an array of biochemical markers were determined, including blood glucose, insulin, dyslipidemia (lipid profile), total protein (TP), liver injury [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT)], inflammation [IL-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA)] and antioxidant status [catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)]. In addition, the concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, and resistin were also assessed. Also, molecular docking studies were undertaken to investigate critical targets associated with diabetes, including TNF-α, insulin, adiponectin, and leptin. ResultsDiabetes induction with HFD/STZ resulted in hyperglycemia (significantly reduced blood glucose and increased insulin level), dyslipidemia (significantly reduced TC, TG and increased HDL), total protein (significantly reduced), oxidative stress and antioxidant status (significantly reduced MDA and increased CAT, SOD and GSH levels), inflammation (significantly decreased IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α), liver damage (significantly reduced AST, ALT), and specific hormones such as adiponectin, leptin significantly improved and resistin significantly reduced as evidenced by biochemical data in this study. Intermolecular interactions of ligands and docking score, hirsutidin proteins TNF-α (2AZ5), Insulin (4IBM), Adiponectin (6KS1), Leptin (7Z3Q) with binding energy of -6.708, -7.674, -7.2 and -7.547 Kcal/mol. ConclusionHirsutidin may have an evidential hypoglycemic outcome and may exhibit potent antidiabetic activity in HFD/STZ-induced T2DM in rats. Treatment with hirsutidin significantly improved glycemic control, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver function. Additionally, it normalized dysregulated levels of adiponectin, leptin, and resistin. Molecular docking confirmed its strong binding affinity to key diabetic targets.

Partial prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer.

Localized prostate cancer treatment aims to balance cancer control with preserving urinary and erectile function. While focal ablative therapies have emerged, their uncertain prognosis prompts exploration of partial prostatectomy. We systematically reviewed its efficacy as a primary treatment, particularly in low-to-intermediate-risk patients. Our review comprehensively analyzed existing studies on partial prostatectomy for localized cancer. We focused on patient selection, surgical techniques, and postoperative outcomes, emphasizing tumor control, continence, and erectile function. Studies involving multiparametric MRI and targeted biopsies for candidate selection were included. Partial prostatectomy, encompassing various techniques, demonstrates promising short-term outcomes in tumor control and functional preservation. Preoperative imaging and biopsy aid in candidate selection. However, longer-term data on cancer recurrence are limited, warranting further investigation. Heterogeneity among studies and the lack of standardized follow-up protocols are notable limitations. Partial prostatectomy offers a minimally invasive and effective treatment option for localized prostate cancer, particularly in selected patients. Preoperative imaging and biopsy play crucial roles in patient selection, while standardized follow-up protocols are needed to assess long-term outcomes. Future research should focus on elucidating its precise role and optimizing patient selection criteria, contributing to improved prostate cancer management strategies. Partial prostatectomy is explored for localized prostate cancer treatment, aiming to balance cancer control with preserving function. Short-term outcomes are promising, but long-term data on recurrence are lacking. Further research is needed to optimize patient selection and standardize follow-up protocols.

Zero-sum games subject to uncertain stochastic noncausal systems considering polynomial control functions

An uncertain stochastic noncausal system (USNS) is an uncertain stochastic singular system that is expected to be regular but not impulse-free. This study investigates zero-sum games (ZSGs) under the constraint of nonlinear uncertain stochastic noncausal systems (USNSs) considering polynomial control functions. Firstly, a method is introduced to convert USNSs into subsystems, including forward uncertain stochastic difference equations as well as backward uncertain stochastic difference equations. Equilibrium equations are then derived to determine the saddle-point equilibrium solution of the zero-sum game (ZSG) for USNSs. Subsequently, a unified framework is developed to find the saddle-point equilibrium and equilibrium value of the ZSG. Additionally, a numerical example and an analysis of the treatment of industrial wastewater are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework.

The sacrificed lives of the caring class: crises of social reproduction, unequal Europe, and modern forms of slavery

AbstractThere have been plenty of interpretations regarding the meaning and function of sacrifice within the discipline of anthropology. Going beyond sacrifice as a ritual and exploring a wide range of its manifestations and functions as contemporary cultural practices, discourses, and underlying logics, we reveal its role in the social organization of social care provision within the framework of neoliberal capitalism. Our analysis supports the theory that sacrifice can have the function of social control, and of preserving hierarchies. The forgoing of a minority of migrant domestic workers to provide intensive social care becomes the (no) solution to the ongoing care crisis. It thus becomes the way to hide structural violence and dilute responsibilities for society, which benefits from the servile conditions under which the labour is performed. The ethnographic material (observations, informal conversations, and interviews) that is part of our analysis originated from fieldwork in Castellón de la Plana, Spain (2018/19). This analysis, however, goes beyond that case, being valid for reflecting on the position of care for elderly and dependent people in our societies, care in general, the current global trend in social care provision, and the new social reproduction regime in which sacrificial logics play an increasing role.

Light-Armed Nitric Oxide-Releasing Micromotor In Vivo.

The delivery of NO at a high spatiotemporal precision is important but still challenging for existing NO-releasing platforms due to the lack of precise motion control and limited biomedical functions. In this work, we propose an alternative strategy for developing the light-armed nitric oxide-releasing micromotor (LaNorM), in which a main light beam was employed to navigate the microparticle and stimulate NO release and an auxiliary light beam was used to cooperate with the released NO to act as a remotely controlled scalpel for cell separation. Benefiting from the advantages of fully controlled locomotion, photostimulated NO release, and microsurgery ability at the single-cell level, the proposed LaNorM could enable a series of biomedical applications in vivo, including the separation of flowing emboli, selective removal of a specific thrombus, and inhibition of thrombus growth, which may provide new insight into the precise delivery of NO and the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Effects of trunk control, upper and lower extremity functions on functional activity, activities of daily living and quality of life in Parkinson's Disease

Effects of trunk control, upper and lower extremity functions on functional activity, activities of daily living and quality of life in Parkinson's Disease

The acute effects of coffee ingestion on postural control and physical function in older adults: A randomised crossover trial

Caffeine consumption can elicit improvements in aspects of physical function in older adults but also, negatively modify standing balance, potentially increasing fall risk. However, balance alterations and changes in physical function induced by commonly consumed caffeine vehicles such as coffee have not been investigated. Therefore, this study investigated coffee ingestion providing 3 mg·kg BW−1 caffeine on balance performance and physical function, in a group of older adults. In a randomised, crossover design, 22 older adults (Male n = 10, Age: 68 ± 6 years) completed bipedal standing balance and physical function assessments (Senior Fitness Test) under one of the following conditions: caffeinated coffee (COF), decaffeinated coffee (DEC), placebo (PLA) or a control (CON) (no fluid ingestion). Centre of pressure (COP) root mean square and power frequency were calculated to characterise postural performance and strategy, respectively. The complexity (i.e., regularity) of the COP signal was also determined by calculating sample entropy. Caffeinated coffee had limited effects on COP outcomes. Frequency of the COP in the anteroposterior direction was greater following COF compared to DEC (P = 0.047;g = 0.29) but there were no statistical differences between COF and PLA or CON (P > 0.05). Furthermore, there were no significant performance differences between any conditions in all tests of physical function (P > 0.05). This suggests that coffee has limited effects on balance performance or physical function but may influence both balance complexity and the strategy utilised to maintain upright stance. Overall, a strong cup of coffee does not significantly influence balance and measures of functional performance in healthy older adults.

On the optimal control function diagrams in the problem of the movement of a platform with oscillators

We consider the problem of the time-optimal movement of a rigid body moving translationally along a horizontal straight line and carrying n-linear oscillators. The only control force is applied to the platform and is limited in magnitude, there is no friction. The system is transferred from a state of rest to a specified distance with vibration damping. The evolution of optimal control functions depending on the distance of movement is investigated. A general approach to constructing a visual diagram reflecting such evolution is proposed. To do this, a geometric interpretation of the necessary optimality conditions is used as properties of an auxiliary “control” curve in n-dimensional space. Numerical examples of constructing diagrams of optimal control functions for a platform with three oscillators are given.

Flexural wave compression behaviors of programmable graded piezoelectric meta-beams

Active electromechanical metamaterials have drawn significant attention due to their remarkable tunability and adaptability in vibration and wave control. Exploiting the electromechanical coupling effect via controlled biased fields enables precise manipulation of the structural vibrations and wave transmissions. In this research, we have developed a programmable graded piezoelectric meta-beam that successfully imitates the wave compression behavior of an acoustic black hole without modifying the structural geometries. The effective parameters of the meta-beam are reshaped into a gradient distribution by tuning the electrical impedances of the digital shunting circuits. With such graded effective parameters, it becomes feasible to tailor the local wavenumber distribution of the meta-beam and hence achieve the desired wave compression. Numerical results validated our proposed paradigm of the programmable black hole in both straight and curved beams. In contrast to the straight beam, curvature of the curved beam reduces the tunable range of the local wavenumber. A comprehensive parametric study was conducted to investigate the influences of the gradient profile, electric damping, and curvature on the wave control function. For a given desired frequency, programmable control of wave compression location and amplified output of electrical signals are achieved.

The Effect of Strategic Control on Customer Satisfaction with E-Marketing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The current study aimed at identifying the effect of strategic control on customer satisfaction with e-marketing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study used the descriptive approach. A questionnaire was prepared and administered to a sample of (315) customers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study found a statistically significant correlation at the significance level of (0.05) between all strategic control dimensions, customer satisfaction with e-marketing, and customer approval of the positivity towards the practices and advantages of strategic control in e-marketing. There is also a statistically significant effect at the significance level of (0.05) for strategic control dimensions: (management information systems, strategic control methods, strategic evaluation) on customers' satisfaction in e-marketing. The current study recommended the need to pay attention to the strategic control function and benefit from its philosophy and the benefits that accrue to supporting customer satisfaction with e-marketing, and raising the efficiency and awareness of employees about strategic control in an organized manner in order to build their capabilities to support and implement control mechanisms and make the necessary improvements.

Analysis of a Simplified Predictive Function Control Formulation Using First Order Transfer Function for Adaptive Cruise Control

This paper presents a formulation and analysis of a low computation Predictive Functional Control (PFC), which is a simplified version of the more advanced Model Predictive Control (MPC) for an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system by using a representation of first order closed-loop transfer function. In this work, a non-linear mathematical model of vehicle longitudinal dynamics is considered as a control plant. Then, a simple Proportional Integral (PI) controller is employed as an inner loop to identify the first-order relationship between its actual and desired trajectory speed according to the reasonable time constant based on the logical response of pedals pressing. To directly control the whole plant, the PFC is formulated as an outer loop to track the desired speed together with the convergence rate based on a user preference while satisfying constraints related to acceleration and safe distancing. Since PFC is formulated based on the first-order transfer function, the prediction and tuning processes are straightforward and specific to this system. The simulation results confirm that the proposed controller managed to track the desired speed while maintaining a comfortable driving response. Besides, the controller also can retain safe distancing during the car following application, even in the presence of unmeasured disturbance. In summary, this framework can avoid the need to formulate an inverse non-linear model that is typically used when deploying a hierarchical control structure to compute the throttle and brake pedals pressing as it has been replaced with an inner loop PI controller. The performance also is comparable yet more conservative due to the simplification. These findings can become a good reference for designing and improving the ACC controller, as the framework can be easily generalized for any type of vehicle for future work.

Obtaining evidence by the court at the request of international commercial arbitration

The article is dedicated to the study of the legal aspects of the procedure for obtaining evidence at the request of the International Commercial Arbitration Court through national courts. The procedure for submitting evidence in international commercial arbitration depends on the rules agreed upon by the parties in the arbitration agreement, as well as the applicable procedural norms of the arbitration institution (e.g., UNCITRAL Rules, ICC, LCIA, etc.). However, there are general principles and stages that are characteristic of most arbitration processes. The participation of national courts in relationships arising in connection with arbitration proceedings is implemented through the exercise of certain functions by the judiciary within the established scope of interaction. It has been determined that the primary goal pursued by the state, by granting national courts the authority to perform functions of assistance and control, is an interest in the implementation of the international commercial arbitration jurisdictional function. These circumstances ensure the effectiveness of arbitration proceedings and their attractiveness for the disputing parties. The general rules for submitting evidence and the powers granted to international commercial arbitration are highlighted, which include the authority to determine the admissibility, relevance, materiality, and significance of any evidence. It is concluded that the general rule is that the international arbitration court has the right to require the parties to submit evidence, as well as the right to request evidence from third parties, which the arbitration tribunal deems necessary for the resolution of the dispute. It is noted that an effective way to obtain the requested evidence is provided by Article 27 of the Law of Ukraine «On International Commercial Arbitration,» which allows the arbitration court to apply to the national court for assistance in obtaining evidence by way of a request for evidence. It is argued that the court’s assistance in obtaining evidence within the context of Article 27 of the Law of Ukraine «On International Commercial Arbitration» should only be considered in the possibility of requesting evidence by the court in accordance with Article 84 of the Civil Procedure Code of Ukraine. The request for evidence, as part of the institution of evidence preservation, in accordance with part 7 of Article 116 of the Civil Procedure Code, is not a form of court assistance to international commercial arbitration, which involves not only obtaining evidence relevant to the subject matter of the case and important for its resolution, but also primarily a way to prevent its potential loss in the future.