Search Results (5,667)

This paper presents a new adaptive modification of active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) with parameter estimation based on a recursive least-squares (RLS) method. The common ADRC used in many applications relies on the simple approach, which assumes the simplification of the object into an integral chain form. However, this model-free ADRC does not guarantee the stability of a closed-loop system in the presence of noticeable modeling uncertainties, so it is compared in this paper to another approach, in which the linear part of the system is included in the ADRC framework (generalized ADRC). This incorporation of the model is examined in the paper for a wide range of model and controller parameters, considering also the presence of external disturbances as well as parameter uncertainties, pointing out the limitations of fixed-gain algorithms. Then, the adaptive modification of the model-based ADRC is proposed, which is equipped with a real-time estimation of model parameters by means of the RLS method in continuous time. The stability conditions of the proposed modification of the algorithm in the closed control loop are also analyzed. It can be concluded that, under appropriate conditions, the inclusion of information about known plant parameters into the ADRC can noticeably improve the conditions of the control system. The proposed adaptive model-based approach enables quality improvement during the control process even with initially unknown parameters, for time-varying parameters, and in the presence of parametric uncertainties and external disturbances. The tests were performed on a real plant—the task of controlling the angular velocity of the direct current (DC) motor was considered. Full article

In this study, the fundamentals of electroencephalography signals, their categorization into frequency sub-bands, the circuitry used for their acquisition, and the impact of noise interference on signal acquisition are examined. Additionally, design specifications for medical-grade and research-grade EEG circuits and a comprehensive analysis of various analog front-end architectures for electroencephalograph (EEG) circuit design are presented. Three distinct selected case studies are examined in terms of comparative evaluation with generic EEG circuit design templates. Moreover, a novel one-channel battery-supplied EEG analog front-end circuit designed to address the requirements of usage protocols containing strong compound muscle movements is introduced. Furthermore, a realistic input signal generator circuit is proposed that models the human body and the electromagnetic interference from its surroundings. Experimental simulations are conducted in 50 Hz and 60 Hz electrical grid environments to evaluate the performance of the novel design. The results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed system, particularly in terms of bandwidth, portability, Common Mode Rejection Ratio, gain, suppression of muscle movement artifacts, electrostatic discharge and leakage current protection. Conclusively, the novel design is cost-effective and suitable for both commercial and research single-channel EEG applications. It can be easily incorporated in Brain–Computer Interfaces and neurofeedback training systems. Full article

The accurate segmentation of prostate cancer (PCa) from multiparametric MRI is crucial in clinical practice for guiding biopsy and treatment planning. Existing automated methods often lack the necessary accuracy and robustness in localizing PCa, whereas interactive segmentation methods, although more accurate, require user intervention on each input image, thereby limiting the cost-effectiveness of the segmentation workflow. Our innovative framework addresses the limitations of current methods by combining a coarse segmentation network, a rejection network, and an interactive deep network known as Segment Anything Model (SAM). The coarse segmentation network automatically generates initial segmentation results, which are evaluated by the rejection network to estimate their quality. Low-quality results are flagged for user interaction, with the user providing a region of interest (ROI) enclosing the lesions, whereas for high-quality results, ROIs were cropped from the automatic segmentation. Both manually and automatically defined ROIs are fed into SAM to produce the final fine segmentation. This approach significantly reduces the annotation burden and achieves substantial improvements by flagging approximately 20% of the images with the lowest quality scores for manual annotation. With only half of the images manually annotated, the final segmentation accuracy is statistically indistinguishable from that achieved using full manual annotation. Although this paper focuses on prostate lesion segmentation from multimodality MRI, the framework can be adapted to other medical image segmentation applications to improve segmentation efficiency while maintaining high accuracy standards. Full article

The scientific literature has shown an increasing demand by citizens and society at large to stop using people who have committed sexual violence against children as a reference in academia. However, research has not explored the fact that in some sectors of society, the rejection of individuals who have exercised sexual abuse against children is entirely deliberate. This study analyzes, for the first time, the incoherence of many academics when it comes to their positioning regarding different renowned authors who commit sexual abuse against children, and the consequences of such incoherence according to several citizens. To that end, social media analytics and interviews with 16 individuals aged 27 to 70 years from different professions, including university professors, construction workers and retired lawyers, were conducted. The results show three main consequences of the incoherence of academics who use as a reference authors who have defended and exercised pederasty: promoting social mistrust toward those academics, as there is no coherence between what they say and do; normalizing and promoting pederasty and impunity toward abusers, creating a sense that “anything goes”; and silencing and revictimizing victims, which creates a context of great vulnerability to develop a healthy sexuality. Full article

Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) is like a device that monitors the internal environment of the body. T lymphocytes immediately recognize the HLA molecules that are expressed on the surface of the cells of the different individual, attacking it defeats microorganisms that is one of the causes of rejection in organ transplants performed between people with unmatched HLA types. Over 2850 and 3580 different polymorphisms have been reported for HLA-A and HLA-B respectively, around the world. HLA genes are associated with the risk of developing a variety of diseases, including autoimmune diseases, and play an important role in pathological conditions. By using a deep learning method called multi-task learning to simultaneously predict the gene sequences of multiple HLA genes, it is possible to improve accuracy and shorten execution time. Some new systems use a model called convolutional neural network (CNNs) in deep learning, which uses neural networks consisting of many layers and can learn complex correlations between SNP information and HLA gene sequences based on reference data for HLA imputation, which serves as training data. The learned model can output predicted values of HLA gene sequences with high accuracy using SNP information as input. To investigate which part of the input information surrounding the HLA gene is used to make learning predictions, predictions were made using not only a small number of nearby SNP information but also many SNP information distributed over a wider area by visualizing the learning information of the model. While conventional methods are strong at learning using nearly SNP information and not good at learning using SNP information located at distant locations, some new systems are thought that prediction accuracy may have improved because this problem was overcome. HLA genes are involved in the onset of a variety of diseases and are attracting attention. As an important area from the perspective of elucidating pathological conditions and realizing personalized medicine. The applied multi-task learning to two different HLA imputation reference panels—a Japanese panel (n = 1118) and type I diabetes genetics consortium panel (n = 5122). Through 10-fold cross-validation on these panels, the multi-task learning achieved higher imputation accuracy than conventional methods, especially for imputing low-frequency and rare HLA alleles. The increased prediction accuracy of HLA gene sequences is expected to increase the reliability of HLA analysis, including integrated analysis between different racial populations, and is expected to greatly contribute to the identification of HLA gene sequences associated with diseases and further elucidation of pathological conditions. Full article

The QuantiFERON CMV (QCMV) test evaluates specific adaptive immune system activity against CMV by measuring IFN-γ released by activated CD8+ T lymphocytes. We aimed to evaluate the QCMV test as a predictive tool for CMV manifestations and acute or chronic lung allograft rejection (AR and CLAD) in lung transplant (LTx) patients. A total of 73 patients were divided into four groups based on donor and recipient (D/R) serology for CMV and QCMV assay: group A low-risk for CMV infection and disease (D−/R−); group B and C at intermediate-risk (R+), group B with non-reactive QCMV and group C with reactive QCMV; group D at high-risk (D+/R−). Group D patients experienced higher viral replication; no differences were observed among R+ patients of groups B and C. D+/R− patients had a higher number of AR events and group C presented a lower incidence of AR. Prevalence of CLAD at 24 months was higher in group B with a higher risk of CLAD development (OR 6.33). The QCMV test allows us to identify R+ non-reactive QCMV population as the most exposed to onset of CLAD. This population had a higher, although non-significant, susceptibility to AR compared to the R+ population with reactive QCMV. Full article

In our industry, active disturbance rejection control already has been used to enhance the performance of the electro-hydraulic servo systems, despite the fact that electro-hydraulic servo systems are usually reduced to first-order and second-order systems. The aim of this paper is to extend the application of active disturbance rejection control to high-order electro-hydraulic servo systems by introducing a new tuning method. Active disturbance rejection control is transformed into two separate parts in the frequency domain: a pre-filter H(s) and a controller T(s). The parameters of the pre-filter and controller can be tuned to satisfy the performance requirements of high-order electro-hydraulic servo systems using quantitative feedback theory. To assess the efficacy of the proposed tuning approach, simulations and an application of a third-order electro-hydraulic servo system have been carried out and the stability of the application with an improved active disturbance rejection controller is analyzed. The results of simulations and experiments reveal that the new tuning method for high-order electro-hydraulic servo systems can obtain a better performance than the bandwidth tuning method and other methods. Full article

The role of pumped storage in global energy structure transformation is becoming increasingly prominent. This article introduces a flexible excitation system based on fully controlled device converters into pumped storage units (PSUs). It can address the issues of insufficient excitation capacity and limited stability associated with traditional thyristor excitation systems. The study focuses on linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC) for the flexible excitation control system of pumped storage units and utilizes intelligent optimization algorithms to optimize the controller parameters. This addresses the inherent problem of traditional PID controllers, which are unable to alleviate the trade-off between response speed and overshoot. At the same time, the robustness and anti-interference of the control system are improved, effectively enhancing the performance of the pumped storage flexible excitation control system. Simulation verifies the feasibility and superiority of the proposed method. Full article

The European Community is striving for a sustainable society as suggested by the UN’s 2015 sustainability goals. The circular economy in the paper and packaging industry is of particular importance here because it consumes many resources. The paper industry in Germany with a fiber recycling rate of 85% in 2022 is already a pioneer and role model for other industries. All materials should be recyclable. Fiber-based composites/laminates are currently becoming increasingly important. Essential questions are: which collection systems and recycling paths should be used for fiber-based composites/laminates, and where are there currently challenges with recycling? To answer these questions, 58 questionnaires answered by German experts and practitioners in the German paper industry were evaluated. Wet-strength papers, adhesives, plastic coatings and wax dispersions were perceived as a problem by 70% of all respondents, and packaging residues by almost 40%. Additionally, 90% stated that the composition of paper for recycling changes regularly due to legislation, trends and innovations, while 60% attributed this to recent changes in legislation. For at least 80%, virgin fibers from packaging are valuable for paper recycling, but only 15% of respondents stated that virgin fibers compensate for the disadvantages of rejects. Almost 90% expected challenges with fiber-based composites/laminates in the existing paper for recycling processes. Overall, the collection and recycling of fiber-based composites/laminates in conventional paper for recycling collection and the recycling system is not desirable. An integrated collection, sorting and recycling system should be considered, especially because a further increase in fiber-based composites is to be expected. In the end, the design for recycling and following recycling guidelines are the key to the recycling industry in the future. Good recyclability of fiber-based composites/laminates would improve their acceptance by paper recyclers. Their virgin fibers are particularly valuable. The results of our study are relevant to the recycling and fiber industry, standard-setting bodies, regulatory authorities and research. The limitation of this study is that experts from the paper industry were interviewed, but the recyclability of the fiber materials was not analyzed by measurement, and the machine technology of the interviewees could not be examined and evaluated. Full article

In response to the phenomenon of interlayer transport channel swelling caused by the hydration of oxygen-containing functional groups on the GO membrane surface, a moderate heat treatment method was employed to controllably reduce the graphene oxide (GO) membrane and prepare a reduced GO composite nanofiltration membrane (mixed cellulose membrane (MCE)/ethylenediamine (EDA)/reduced GO-X (RGO-X)). The associations of different heat treatment temperatures with the hydrophilicity, interlayer structure, permeability and dye/salt rejection properties of GO membranes were systematically explored. The results indicated that the oxygen-containing groups of the GO membrane were partially eliminated after heat treatment, and the hydrophilicity was weakened. This effectively weakened the hydration between the GO membrane and the water molecules and inhibited the swelling of the oxidized graphene membrane. In the dye desalination test, the MCE/EDA/RGO membrane exhibited an ultra-high rejection rate of over 97% for methylene blue (MB) dye molecules. In addition, heat treatment increased the structural defects of the GO membrane and promoted the fast passage of water molecules via the membrane. In pure water flux testing, the water flux of the membrane remained above 46.58 Lm⁻²h⁻¹bar⁻¹, while the salt rejection rate was relatively low. Full article

This contribution provides three church-historical glimpses into concepts and images that deal in different ways with the idea of the union of two parties and communicate it through media. The material under discussion is analysed from a gender perspective. Firstly, the Reformation period is discussed as a process of the valorisation of sexuality, the defence of priestly marriage by Philipp Melanchthon is examined, and attention is drawn to the so-called Oeconomialiteratur, which regulated the cohabitation of spouses. The article then turns to bridal mysticism in order to analyse the gender construction of Jesus and the male members of the Moravians on the basis of the “Kleines Brüdergesangbuch”. It is emphasised that various options can be discussed, but that the concept of a leading masculinity of Jesus is the most appropriate for the description of the multiple masculinity constructions of the specific episode of the so-called “Sichtungszeit” of this community. In a last step, the reception of images and ideas about Katharina von Bora and Martin Luther since the Reformation period will be used to discuss how their marriage and matrimony became denominational identifiers—both for Protestantism and for Catholicism. For this, the double portrait of Katharina von Bora and Martin Luther by Cranach as well as a polemical pamphlet from the time of the Thirty Years’ War and the invention of Katharina von Bora as a pastor‘s wife in the 19th century will be examined. By means of historical hermeneutics and a gender perspective, the article thus determines how media have both enabled the freedom to explore and establish new concepts and ideas as well as been used as a vehicle of regulation. In addition, the church-historical examples analysed also illustrate that wedding, marriage, and matrimony themselves became a medium to structure lives, to communicate religious and social issues, and to reject, construct, consolidate, and pass on denominational identities. Full article

We aimed to develop a novel method for measuring the complement-binding ability of anti-blood type antibodies (ab-Abs), the flow cytometry method for the complement C1q test (FCM-C1q) for detecting antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) caused by ab-Abs in ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation (ABOI-KTx). FCM-C1q distribution was surveyed in 44 healthy participants and 43 dialysis patients (Cohort A). The relationship between AMR and FCM-C1q levels was examined along with ab-Ab titers by the flow cytometry method for the IgG test (FCM-IgG) in 62 ABOI-KTx patients (Cohort B). FCM-IgG and C1q levels were significantly higher in type O participants than in A/B participants in Cohort A. There were minimal differences in the distribution of FCM-IgG and C1q between dialysis and healthy participants. Sixteen cases were suspected of acute rejections (ARs) in Cohort B, of whom nine had AR clinically. One patient with severe AMR was highly suspected of hyperacute rejection along with another patient with severe AMR. Their postoperative FCM-C1q and FCM-IgG levels were elevated. Another two patients showed high FCM-IgG and C1q levels before KTx, and these levels remained low after KTx with no or mild rejection. In conclusion, our results suggest that a high positivity rate for FCM-C1q may predict moderate to severe AMR caused by ab-Abs and poor prognosis in ABOI-KTx. Full article

Microgrid systems face challenges in preserving frequency stability due to the fluctuating nature of renewable energy sources (RESs), underscoring the importance of advanced frequency stabilization strategies. To ensure power system stability in situations where renewable energy significantly contributes to the energy mix, it is essential to implement load frequency controllers (LFCs). Moreover, with the widespread use of electric vehicles (EVs), leveraging battery storage from EVs for microgrid frequency control is becoming increasingly crucial. This integration enhances grid stability and offers a sustainable solution by utilizing renewable energy more efficiently and reducing dependency on traditional power sources. Therefore, this paper proposes an innovative approach to LFCs, using fractional-order control techniques to boost the resilience of the interconnected microgrid systems. The approach centers on a centralized control scheme with a tilt fractional-order integral-derivative featuring an accelerated derivative (TFOID-Accelerated) controller. The accelerated derivative component of this controller is tailored to mitigate high-frequency disturbances, while its tilt feature and fractional integration effectively handle disturbances at lower frequencies. As a result, the proposed controller is expected to efficiently counteract disturbances caused by variability in RESs and/or load changes, achieving a high level of disturbance rejection. Additionally, this paper employs the recent growth optimizer (GO) method for the optimal design of the controller’s parameter set, avoiding the need for complex control theories, elaborate disturbance observers, filters, and precise power system modeling. The GO algorithm enhances fractional-order capabilities, offering a robust solution to the challenges of renewable energy variability and demand fluctuations. This is accomplished by optimizing parameters and simplifying the control system design across different microgrid scenarios. The proposed TFOID-Accelerated LFC demonstrates superior performance in enhancing frequency stability and minimizing oscillations compared to existing controllers, including traditional proportional-integral-derivative (PID), PID-Accelerated (PIDA), and tilt-integral-derivative (TID) controllers. Full article

Establishing the age of cephalopods is crucial for understanding their life history, which can then be used for assessment and management. This is particularly true for the common cuttlefish Sepia officinalis (Linnaeus, 1758), one of the most important resources for coastal fisheries. For this reason, an age analysis of S. officinalis was performed for the first time in the Mediterranean, using beaks and statoliths from 158 wild specimens (55–222 mm mantle length; 23–1382 g total weight) at different maturity stages (immature to mature). Growth increments were counted in the lateral wall of the upper beaks and the lateral dome of statoliths. In both cases, a good relationship was found between the counts and the sizes of the animals. The low values of coefficients of variation between the readings obtained for beaks (3.96 ± 1.87%) and statoliths (4.00 ± 1.89%) showed a high level of precision and accuracy in the readings. However, the analysis was simpler for beaks, which were all successfully analyzed, while it was more complex for statoliths, with 69% being lost due to rejection or overgrinding. Based on daily increments previously validated in statoliths, the beaks were cross-verified by comparing their counts with those from statoliths extracted from the same 83 specimens, obtaining a statistically significant relationship between the two counts, confirmed by the ANOVA test. Absolute growth rates that were assessed using both beaks and statoliths indicated that the two sexes had a higher growth rate at 122 and 182 days, which subsequently declined in older specimens. Due to the relative simplicity of its processing method, the beak was finally proposed as a suitable hard structure to study the age of S. officinalis. We also confirmed the good readability of increments in the lateral wall of the beak, which could be considered a valid alternative to the rostrum surface. Full article

To improve the control performance of a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) under external disturbances, an improved active disturbance rejection control (IADRC) algorithm is proposed. Since the nonlinear function in the conventional ADRC algorithm is not smooth enough at the breakpoints, which directly affects the control performance, an innovative nonlinear function is proposed to effectively improve the convergence and stability. On this basis, the proposed IADRC is constructed, and comparative simulation results with ADRC and other IADRC show that faster response speed, higher accuracy and stronger robustness are obtained. Full article