Control Process Research Articles

Digital transformation and industry 4.0 in pharma manufacturing: the role of iot, ai, and big data

The pharmaceutical industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the integration of digital technologies, collectively known as Industry 4.0. This shift is redefining how drugs are developed, manufactured, and distributed. Key technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and big data analytics are at the forefront of this change, enabling smart manufacturing, real-time process optimization, and enhanced supply chain management. IoT facilitates the creation of interconnected production environments where sensors and devices continuously monitor critical parameters, ensuring optimal conditions and predictive maintenance. AI accelerates drug discovery through predictive modeling, automates quality control processes, and employs predictive analytics to enhance maintenance and process improvement. Big data empowers data-driven decision-making, ensures regulatory compliance through comprehensive analysis, and supports the shift toward personalized medicine by enabling customized drug production. Despite the significant benefits, the adoption of these technologies poses challenges, including integration with existing systems, data security concerns, and navigating a complex regulatory landscape. This review explores these technologies' impact on pharmaceutical manufacturing, highlighting successful case studies and best practices. Additionally, it discusses the future directions, including the move towards fully autonomous systems and the importance of collaboration between tech companies, manufacturers, and regulators to drive innovation and ensure compliance. The continued evolution of digital technologies in pharma manufacturing promises to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver more personalized treatments.

Maturity model for evaluating integrity management in public procurement

This article presents the maturity model for evaluating integrity management in public procurement developed from national and international practices for identifying, assessing, and mitigating integrity risks. The model consists of 30 assessment questions weighed across four maturity levels. It was formulated through a comprehensive literature review and validated in four Brazilian public agencies at municipal, state, and federal levels. This model allows for self-assessment of key weaknesses and strengths in contractual risk management and supports the continuous improvement process of internal controls to preserve public value.

Solution of the problem with a small parameter in suspension filtration in a porous medium

Relevance. The necessity to calculate the changes in filtration properties during injection of suspensions for subsequent forecasting of technological parameters of wells. This calculation is complicated by the presence of different-scale effects, since the penetration depth of dispersed particles is orders of magnitude smaller than the characteristic dimensions of the formation. These effects have not been studied in detail before. Aim. To analyze the effect of a small parameter on the behavior of flow characteristics using a mathematical model of suspension filtration in a porous medium. Objects. Colmatation coefficient, filtration coefficient, distribution of concentration of dispersed particles in the formation, porosity, mathematical model of deep-bed suspension migration into a porous medium. Methods. Numerical modeling, explicit finite-difference scheme, solution of a problem with a small parameter, introduction of dimensionless parameters, method of characteristics. Results and conclusions. It is shown that the processes of conformance control and colmatation of a porous medium are described within the framework of a unified system of equations of deep-bed suspension migration into a porous medium. It is identified that the concentration of retained particles is a small parameter that allows reducing the complete system of equations of deep-bed suspension migration into a porous medium to a simplified form, in which the solution can be obtained analytically using the method of characteristics. The authors compared the solutions of the complete and simplified systems of equations of deep-bed suspension migration into a porous medium, indicating their compliance with an error of less than 4 %. They obtained the distributions of the concentration of dispersed particles and porosity in the reservoir during colmatation, showing that over time the colmatation front propagates at a constant rate. It is shown that the colmatation coefficient is a small parameter that significantly determines the nature of oil displacement by water, and a decrease in the colmatation coefficient leads to a decrease in the rate of colmatation and the appearance and growth of the size of the stabilized zone near the displacement front.

The Interpretation of Public Administration Controlling From an Economic Perspective

Objective: The primary objective of this study is to assess the adherence of state/municipal economic companies to the requirements outlined in Government Decree 339/2019 (XII. 23.) concerning the use of budgetary funds. Furthermore, the study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of internal and external control systems and propose measures to enhance the efficiency and transparency of these companies' financial management. Theoretical Framework: The research builds on the principles of public sector governance, focusing on the role of internal control systems and external monitoring in ensuring the proper use of public funds. Government Decree 339/2019 serves as the regulatory basis for evaluating performance, while theories on financial control, transparency, and accountability in public administration are employed to interpret the findings. Method: A qualitative approach was employed, including an audit of selected state/municipal companies. The study utilized data from the ÁSZ (State Audit Office) reports, internal control mechanisms, and management reviews. Performance evaluations were conducted in light of the companies' compliance with regulatory requirements, with a focus on identifying systemic shortcomings and proposing improvements. Results and Discussion: The audit revealed that while the companies generally complied with Government Decree 339/2019, several shortcomings were noted, particularly in the areas of internal control and economic management. External monitoring by the ÁSZ and existing internal control systems contribute to ensuring the proper use of budgetary funds. However, there is a need to strengthen these systems further to address the observed issues. The study suggests the implementation of a management-oriented controlling system, which would emphasize economic decision-making and improve overall performance and transparency. Research Implications: The findings have significant implications for state and municipal economic companies. By adopting a more economically focused internal control system, these entities can enhance their financial management practices, optimize the use of public funds, and foster greater transparency and efficiency in their operations. This approach would not only benefit public administration but also improve service delivery to the general public. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the importance of a management-oriented controlling system based on economic principles in the public sector. It provides practical recommendations for enhancing the internal control and audit processes of state/municipal companies, offering valuable insights for policymakers and public administration professionals striving for greater fiscal responsibility and transparency.

Organizing the automated system of dispatch control over pump units at water pumping stations

The design and operation of modern dispatch control systems for pumping units involves comprehensive solution to separate engineering, technical, and scientific problems. The object of research is information processes enabling the operational modes of electrically driven pumping units at water pumping stations. This paper solves the scientific and technical task related to developing topology, hardware, and software tools, control algorithms, dispatch interface, and researching the modes of operation of pumping units in dispatch control systems at water pumping stations. Algorithms for controlling pumping units have been implemented, the advantage of which is the possibility of automated calculation of parameters for technological PID-controllers, taking into account the current electrical parameters of the frequency-controlled electric drive of pumping units and operating conditions. The WEB-oriented dispatch interface of the SCADA-based pumping unit control system was designed and tested, which enables control process in real time. Features of the developed dispatch control system are improved topology, expanded functionality, energy-saving control modes, and the possibility of further modernization based on the principles of standardization and unification of hardware and software tools and design procedures. The developed dispatch control system for pumping units at water pumping stations has been implemented and is successfully operated at an industrial water supply enterprise. The results provided for an increase in technical and economic indicators during the operation of technological equipment due to the efficiency of control and management procedures, energy-saving operational modes of the frequency-controlled electric drive of pumping units.

Analysis of Russian scientific and technical journals in the field of control theory and systems

The article presents the analysis of Russian journals whose topics are related to the areas of activity of the Scientific Council on Control Theory and Processes at the Department of Energy, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanics and Control Processes of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Results of a survey of the leading Russian scientists in this field of science, including members of the council, helped to form a preliminary list of journals. The characteristics of these journals and their existing ratings are presented.It is noted that the well-known scientometric indicators do not allow one to evaluate the journals’ development pathways directly. A proposed indicator characterizes the average rate of change in a journal’s impact factor over a given time interval. The values of development indicators have been calculated and analyzed according to the Russian Index of Science Citation (RISC) and Scopus databases for the abovementioned journals included in these databases. The development pathways of some individual journals are considered.The article gives conclusions and recommendations that may be useful to the editorial staff – with a view to promoting their publications and to authors – in choosing a journal for publication.

The ASK trial: a randomised controlled feasibility trial and process evaluation of a complex multicomponent intervention to improve AccesS to living-donor Kidney transplantation

Background Following identification of barriers to living-donor kidney transplantation, and subsequent development of a multicomponent intervention, we undertook a feasibility trial of the intervention. Trial design Two-arm, parallel group, pragmatic, individually-randomised, controlled, feasibility trial, comparing the new intervention with usual care, with a mixed-methods parallel process evaluation. Based at two UK hospitals. Participants Individuals were eligible if ≥18 years old, active on the kidney transplant waiting list or had been referred for transplant listing without a contraindication to transplantation. Individuals with a living-donor undergoing surgical assessment were excluded. Intervention i) A meeting between a home educator for a dedicated discussion about living-donor kidney transplantation, living kidney donation and potential donors; ii) A standardized letter from a healthcare professional to a candidate’s potential donors; iii) A home-based education and family engagement session undertaken by a living kidney donor and a nurse specialist. Objective To establish the acceptability and feasibility i) of delivering the developed intervention in existing care pathways, and ii) of undertaking a randomised controlled trial of the intervention. Primary outcomes Recruitment and retention. Randomisation Participants were randomly allocated 1:1 to i) the intervention or ii) usual care, stratified by site. Minimisation was used to ensure balance in sex, age group, and socioeconomic strata, with probability weighting of 0.8. Results 183 people were invited to participate. 62 people (34% recruitment) were randomised. 62/62 (100%) completed nurse assessed follow-up at 6 weeks. 51/62 (82%) completed follow-up questionnaires. 3/30 (10%) in the usual care arm and 9/32 (28%) in the intervention arm had individuals ask to be tested for living kidney donation following recruitment to the trial. Conclusions Intervention and trial delivery are feasible and acceptable. Findings have informed the design of an effectiveness and cost-effectiveness trial. Trial registration ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN10989132 https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN10989132. The trial was registered on 6/11/2020.

Astragaloside IV reduces mutant Ataxin-3 levels and supports mitochondrial function in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3

This study investigated the therapeutic effects of astragaloside IV (AST) on spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), also known as Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), a neurodegenerative disorder. Human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells expressing mutant ataxin-3 protein with 78 CAG repeats (MJD78) were employed as an in vitro model. Protein expression analysis demonstrated that AST treatment reduced mutant ataxin-3 protein expression and aggregation by enhancing the autophagic process in MJD78 cells. Elevated oxidative stress levels in MJD78 cells were significantly reduced following AST treatment, which also enhanced antioxidant capacity, as evidenced by flow cytometry and antioxidant enzyme activity assays. Furthermore, AST treatment ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction in MJD78 cells, including improvements in mitochondrial membrane potential, respiration, and mitochondrial dynamics. In conclusion, AST administration increased antioxidant capacity, reduced both cellular and mitochondrial oxidative stress, and improved mitochondrial quality control processes through fusion, fission, and autophagy. These mechanisms collectively reduced intracellular mutant ataxin-3 protein aggregation, thereby achieving therapeutic efficacy in the SCA3 model.

A novel control strategy for PWM rectifier based on underactuated characteristics

In this paper, a double closed loop controller based on equivalent input disturbances (EID) error perturbation is proposed to solve the problem of abnormal operation of three-phase pulse width modulation (PWM) rectifier caused by load and external conditions. By analysing the buffeting problem and response time problem caused by traditional sliding mode in the current control process, a new current control method of terminal fuzzy sliding mode is designed. The system error is estimated by EID error estimation, and fuzzy control is introduced to improve the accuracy of error estimation, which solves the current buffeting and response problem. In order to solve the problem of response rate and harmonics in the voltage controller design, the extended state observer (ESO) in active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) control is improved, EID error estimation is introduced, the response rate and anti-disturbance ability of the system are further improved, and the harmonics of the system are suppressed. The experimental results show the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.

A Study of Measures that Can Be Taken in the Three Lines Model to Prevent Fraudulent Employee Tendencies

This study aims to determine the measures that can be taken to prevent fraudulent tendencies of employees using the three-line model that can be developed in businesses. In fulfilling this purpose, the five components of the fraud pentagon have been taken into account, which are pressure, opportunity, rationalisation, competence, and arrogance. This study is based on the pentagon theory of behaviour development and committing fraud within organisations. Employees’ tendency to commit fraud based on the five components of the fraud pentagon theory, can be reduced by following measures in efficient three-line processes. This study theoretically examines the fraud pentagon in the field of behavioural accounting. In this study, data were collected using qualitative research techniques. In addition, this study contributes to the integration of fraud prevention practices into the control processes of enterprises

Effects of ketamine on frontoparietal interactions in a rule-based antisaccade task in macaque monkeys.

Cognitive control is engaged by working memory processes and high-demand situations like antisaccade, where one must suppress a prepotent response. While it is known to be supported by the frontoparietal control network, how intra- and inter-areal dynamics contribute to cognitive control processes remain unclear. N-Methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptors (NMDARs) play a key role in prefrontal dynamics that support cognitive control, and its antagonists, such as ketamine, are known to alter task-related prefrontal activities and impair cognitive performance. However, the role of NMDAR in cognitive control-related frontoparietal dynamics remain underexplored. Here, we simultaneously recorded local field potentials and single unit activities from lateral prefrontal (lPFC) and posterior parietal cortices (PPC) in two male macaque monkeys during a rule-based antisaccade task, with both Rule-Visible (RV) and Rule-Memorized (RM) conditions. In addition to altering the E/I balance in both areas, ketamine had a negative impact on rule-coding in true oscillatory activities. It also reduced frontoparietal coherence in a frequency- and rule-dependent manner. Granger prediction analysis revealed that ketamine induced an overall reduction in bidirectional connectivity. Among antisaccade trials, a greater reduction in lPFC-PPC connectivity during the delay period preceded a greater delay in saccadic onset under the RM condition, and a greater deficit in performance under the RV condition. Lastly, ketamine compromised rule coding in lPFC neurons in both RV and RM conditions, and in PPC neurons only in the RV condition. Our findings demonstrate the utility of acute NMDA receptor antagonist in understanding the mechanisms through which frontoparietal dynamics support cognitive control processes.Significance statement A low dose of ketamine is known to induce a transient cognitive control deficit in healthy humans and animals, but it remains unclear whether this deficit is related to a frontoparietal dysconnection. In macaque monkeys performing a rule-based pro- and anti-saccade task, we found that ketamine impaired information coding in frontoparietal neuron, local oscillations and inter-areal synchrony in a rule- and frequency-dependent manner. Notably, under the antisaccade rule, the amount of impairment in task performance could be predicted by the loss in fronto-parietal connectivity in the period just before the monkeys responded. The observations support the utility of NMDA receptor antagonists like ketamine as a tool to understand the role of frontoparietal dynamics in cognitive control.

Optimizing a thermoelectric window frame for heating and cooling: A cross-validated simulation study

AbstractBeyond the design of the system components, the potential application of thermoelectric (TE) systems is influenced by various factors in the control process. To understand the effects of these control factors on TE system performance in buildings, computational models for a TE window frame are established. In this work, two different numerical methodologies are applied to calculate the desired operating current and temperature distributions within the airflows and on the surfaces of the Peltier cells. The simulation results obtained from these methodologies are cross-validated and compared with relevant experimental results from existing studies. The mathematical model iterates the outgoing airflow temperature at non-object sides after determining the object-side temperature under a certain heat load. Additionally, alongside the number of activated Peltier cells and airflow rate, a new factor, termed the distribution of power strength, is considered in the analysis. The results indicate that homogeneous power strength across each Peltier cell yields favorable outcomes in both heating and cooling modes. The coefficient of performance (COP) increases with the activation of more Peltier cells under a constant heat load, while begins to decline beyond a certain threshold. Moreover, the COP is enhanced with a relatively higher airflow rate by strengthening the heat transfer to relieve the temperature difference between both sides. Consequently, based on the result analysis, we propose an optimization strategy for TE systems. This strategy aims to optimize operating currents, the number of working Peltier cells, and operating airflow rates, particularly when working conditions fluctuate.

Enhancing wound healing through innovative technologies: microneedle patches and iontophoresis.

Wound healing is a complex process involving multiple stages, including inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Effective wound management strategies are essential for accelerating healing and improving outcomes. The CELLADEEP patch, incorporating iontophoresis therapy and microneedle technology, was evaluated for its potential to enhance the wound healing process. This study utilized a full-thickness skin defect model in Sprague-Dawley rats, researchers compared wound healing outcomes between rats treated with the CELLADEEP Patch and those left untreated. Various histological staining techniques were employed to examine and assess the wound healing process, such as H&E, MT and immunofluorescence staining. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory and proliferative capabilities were further investigated using biochemical assays. Macroscopic and microscopic analyses revealed that the CELLADEEP patch significantly accelerated wound closure, reduced wound width, and increased epidermal thickness and collagen deposition compared to an untreated group. The CELLADEEP patch decreased nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species levels, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, indicating effective modulation of the inflammatory response. Immunofluorescence staining showed reduced markers of macrophage activity (CD68, F4/80, MCP-1) in the patch group, suggesting a controlled inflammation process. Increased levels of vimentin, α-SMA, VEGF, collagen I, and TGF-β1 were observed, indicating enhanced fibroblast activity, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix production. The CELLADEEP patch demonstrated potential in promoting effective wound healing by accelerating wound closure, modulating the inflammatory response, and enhancing tissue proliferation and remodeling. The CELLADEEP patch offers a promising non-invasive treatment option for improving wound healing outcomes.

Influence of initial state and residual stresses on the modulus-density relationship of geomaterials: insights from multiple experimental setups

ABSTRACT Quality control in pavement construction traditionally relies on density measurements of geomaterials. With the introduction of modulus measurement methods, a shift has occurred due to the operational advantages of modulus-estimating devices over conventional density measurement techniques. Modulus-based methods also provide valuable information for the mechanistic-empirical (ME) design of pavement layers. However, a challenge emerges as a single modulus measurement does not directly correspond to a specific density measurement, leading to concerns about replacing density measurements in quality control processes. While it is generally accepted that a geomaterial's modulus primarily depends on its moisture content and density or void ratio, this study explores the complex relationship between modulus and density, particularly in field scenarios with consistent moisture content. Using three different laboratory-scale test set-ups, characterised by unique loading and boundary conditions, the research highlights the significant role of a geomaterial's initial state in obtaining accurate modulus estimates. The results reveal that identical densities can exhibit variations in modulus due to differences in initial densities and the development of residual lateral stresses. These variations in field conditions often stem from different paving or spreading techniques, emphasising the need for a comprehensive approach when establishing density-modulus correlations..

Investigation of Laser Ablation Quality Based upon Entropy Analysis of Data Science

Laser ablation is a vital material removal technique, but current methods lack a data-driven approach to assess quality. This study proposes a novel method, employing information entropy, a concept from data science, to evaluate laser ablation quality. By analyzing the randomness associated with the ablation process through the distribution of a probability value (reb), we quantify the uncertainty (entropy) of the ablation. Our research reveals that higher energy levels lead to lower entropy, signifying a more controlled and predictable ablation process. Furthermore, using an interval time closer to the baseline value improves the ablation consistency. Additionally, the analysis suggests that the energy level has a stronger correlation with entropy than the baseline interval time (bit). The entropy decreased by 6.32 from 12.94 at 0.258 mJ to 6.62 at 0.378 mJ, while the change due to the bit was only 2.12 (from 10.84 at bit/2 to 8.72 at bit). This indicates that energy is a more dominant factor for predicting ablation quality. Overall, this work demonstrates the feasibility of information entropy analysis for evaluating laser ablation, paving the way for optimizing laser parameters and achieving a more precise material removal process.

Voltage and Fuel Utilization Control Strategy for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Based on Active Disturbance Rejection Control

ABSTRACTSolid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems have become a research focus because of their clean and high‐efficiency properties. Control of output voltage and fuel utilization is critical to the energy management for multi‐energy systems incorporating SOFC energy supply. However, maintaining precise control of the system's voltage in the presence of perturbations can be challenging. Moreover, the system's voltage control process can lead to fuel utilization fluctuations, which may affect the economy and safety. The design of the controller must meet both of these requirements. The stringent control requirements lead to poor parameter adaptability of existing controllers. This paper designs a nonlinear function and adopts a nonlinear/linear active disturbance rejection controller (ADRC) based on state switching to solve the output voltage tracking control problem of SOFC and maintain the fuel utilization rate in the ideal range. The simulation experimental results show that the proposed method has the advantages of strong and superior parameter adaptability with less control effort, which provides theoretical guidance for the design of the output voltage controller of the actual SOFC system.

Construction technology and quality control of new prestressed concrete T beam

Prestressed concrete T beam has been widely used in the construction of modern expressways and railway bridges, and its excellent carrying capacity and economic benefits have been unanimously recognized by the engineering community. However, with the increasing of project scale and the improvement of design requirements, how to improve the construction quality and engineering efficiency of prestressed concrete T beam has become the focus of current research. This paper discusses the production process of new prestressed concrete T beam, including the raw material selection, concrete modulation, steel binding, mold selection and production and prestress application, supervises the whole process of quality control, and proposes solutions to the problems in the project. Through the research on the construction technology and quality control of the new prestressed concrete T beam, it provides a set of valuable engineering practice experience for the relevant personnel in the industry, which is helpful to improve the completion quality and efficiency of the project.

Estimating the Confidence Intervals for the Coefficients of Variation Delta-Gamma Distributions

A common application of the coefficient of variation (CV), which is the ratio of the population standard deviation to the population mean, is frequently used to assess quality control and economic processes, among others. The fiducial quantity approach, Bayesian confidence intervals (CIs) using the Jeffreys, uniform, or normal-gamma-beta (NGB) priors, and highest posterior density (HPD) intervals using the Jeffreys, uniform, or NGB priors were used to provide estimators for the CI for the ratio of CV of two delta-gamma distributions. An evaluation of their performance in terms of average length and coverage probability was carried out using Monte Carlo simulations. The results of this study indicate that the HPD using the Jeffreys prior and fiducial quantity methods are the best for estimating the CI for the ratio of the CV of two delta-gamma distributions. Rainfall data from Mae Hong Son province in Thailand was used to illustrate their practicability when analyzing real-life processes.

Predictive alternating runs and random task-switching sequences produce dissociative switch costs in the Consonant-Vowel/Odd-Even task.

Task-switching is commonly used to investigate working memory and attentional control processes. The current study compares predictive versus non-predictive task-sequencing effects on task-switching performance. Participants completed four blocks of the Consonant-Vowel/Odd-Even (CVOE) task: Two single task pure blocks, a predictable switch block where task switching occurred every two trials, and a random switch block where switching was unpredictable. In addition to mean error rates and response times (RTs), we assessed sequence effects on local switch costs (i.e., switch vs. nonswitch trials) and global costs (i.e., nonswitch vs. pure trials) for both error rates and RTs along with their underlying distributions. Overall, we show that while predictive and random switching produced similar patterns for mean error rates and RTs, a dissociation occurred in RT switch costs. When switching was random, local costs were inflated. In contrast, predictive switching increased global costs. Increased local costs for random versus predictive switching reflect an increase in task-setreconfiguration processes as participants struggle to reconfigure to an unpredictable task type in working memory on a subsequent trial. Separately, increased global costs for predictive switching reflect declines in task-set maintenance processes, as participants must maintain both task types in working memory while simultaneously monitoring their progress through the trial sequencing.

Discrete-Time Hybrid Control Processes with Unbounded Costs

This paper extends the results provided in Jasso-Fuentes et al. (Appl Math Optim 81(2):409–441, 2020b) and Jasso-Fuentes et al. (Pure Appl Funct Anal 9(3):675–704, 2024) regarding the study of discrete-time hybrid stochastic models with general spaces and total discounted payoffs. This extension incorporates the handling of negative and/or unbounded costs per stage. In particular, it encompasses interesting applications, such as scenarios where the controller optimizes net costs, social welfare costs, or distances between points. These situations arise when assumptions of both non-negativeness and boundedness on the cost per stage do not apply. Our proposal relies on Lyapunov-like conditions, enabling, among other aspects, the finiteness of the value function and the existence of solutions to the associated dynamic programming equation. This equation is crucial for deriving optimal control policies. To illustrate our theory, we include an example in inventory-manufacturing management, highlighting its evident hybrid nature.