Search Results (3,198)

People with type 1 diabetes (T1D) need to monitor their blood glucose level frequently and use insulin to regulate it. T1D typically develops in young individuals and requires lifelong insulin injections for glycemic control. High or low blood glucose levels can lead to serious health issues. To address the challenges posed by regular monitoring and manual insulin injections, automated glucose control methods have been developed. Various insulin regimes are used to manage blood sugar levels, such as traditional regimes that involve one or two injections per day or multiple daily injection therapy, which offers more flexibility in the diet and dosage but still requires patients to monitor their carbohydrate intake and insulin injections. A proportional integral derivative (PID) controller is an automated glucose control method that is commonly used in commercial and research settings due to its simplicity and robustness. However, despite its effectiveness, this method can be affected by external factors like food, exercise, and illness. This study proposes to set an individualized observation frequency (OF) per user for the PID controller for blood glucose control in T1D. Optimizing the OF improves the PID controller’s performance, maintaining or elevating median glucose levels. Tuning the OF offers a simple and effective enhancement for the widely used PID controller. Full article

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the suitability of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples and fixed fresh (FF) samples for single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq). To this end, we compared single-cell profiles from FFPE and matched FF tissue samples of one invasive carcinoma of no special type carcinoma (invasive ductal carcinoma–IDC) and one invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) to assess consistency in cell type distribution and molecular profiles. The results were validated using immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and electron microscopy. Additionally, immune cell proportions identified by IHC were quantified using QuPath and compared to the scRNAseq results. FFPE- and FF-derived libraries demonstrated high-quality sequencing metrics, and cellular heterogeneity was similar. No exclusive cell populations were identified by either approach. The four samples analysis identified six types of epithelial cells, as well as tumoral microenvironment populations. The scRNAseq results from epithelial neoplastic cells were concordant with common IHC markers. The proportion of immune cells identified by IHC in FFPE sections were similar to those obtained by scRNAseq. We identified and validated a previously poorly recognized subpopulation of neoplastic multi-ciliated cells (MCCs) (FOXJ1, ROPN1L). Analysis of FOXJ1 in 214 ER-positive invasive carcinomas demonstrated protein expression in one third of tumors, suggesting frequent focal MCC differentiation. Our results support the suitability of scRNAseq analysis using FFPE tissue, and identified a subpopulation of neoplastic MCC in breast cancer. Full article

The web-wrinkle phenomenon always occurs in the roll-to-roll coating production process, which leads to the decline of coating quality and an increase in waste. A theoretical analysis of the phenomenon is presented, and a simulation research method is proposed for the study. The method is outlined as follows: Initially, the web’s surface on the guide roll is modeled as a thin shell, with the relationship between web displacement and strain established through the nonlinear large deflection theory. The differential equations of the web are derived based on the internal-force equilibrium relationship. Subsequently, the boundary conditions are established according to the transfer of the web on the guide roller’s surface, and the deflected surface functions satisfying these conditions are obtained. The static method was used to determine the critical load for a web wrinkle, considering the friction between the web and the guide roll. Finally, finite element simulation analysis was conducted to ascertain the factors affecting the critical wrinkling load of the web. Through the analysis, the accuracy of the formulas used to calculate the critical compression load of the web was determined. The critical wrinkling load increases with the web thickness, web tension, and modulus of elasticity. The critical compressive stress of a web wrinkle was found to be proportional to the web thickness, modulus of elasticity, tension, and coefficient of friction. The rational selection of these parameters provides a theoretical foundation for improving the quality of coating production. Full article

One type of milling process is the face milling of flat surfaces using a toroidal face cutter. A key feature of this process is that changes in the depth of the cut alter the entering angle, impacting milling dynamics by shifting cutting force proportions. To investigate this phenomenon, an experimental study was conducted on the face milling process using different sets of cutting parameters. Cutting force components were recorded, as these signals provide essential information about the milling process. Statistical indicators were then calculated and analyzed based on the recorded data. Following this, a recursive force analysis was performed, and Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA) indicators were computed. Relationships between the RQA indicators and the cutting parameters, specifically the feed per tooth (f_z) and axial depth of the cut (a_p), were established using response surface methodology. Empirical relationships between these parameters were derived. The results indicate that the RQA indicators like the determinism DET, the entropy ENT, and the length of longest vertical line VMAX are correlated with the cutting parameters for both the feed force (F_f) and the component normal to the feed (F_fN). In the axial direction, the RQA indicators DET, ENT, and VMAX and also the percentage of recurrence points in a recurrence plot RR and the longest diagonal line length LMAX are shown to be relevant for analyzing the dynamics of the face milling process. Full article

With the advancement of the construction of urban underground spaces, it is inevitable that new tunnels will pass through existing pipelines. To ensure the safety and stability of these pipelines, it is essential to strictly control the impact of shield tunneling. The hardening soil model with small-strain stiffness (HSS) comprehensively accounts for the small-strain behavior of soil, and the calculated results are closer to the values measured in engineering compared to those of other models. Consequently, it has been widely adopted in the development and utilization of underground spaces. The selection of parameters for the HSS model is particularly critical when performing numerical simulations. This article establishes the proportional relationships between the small-strain moduli of the HSS model in the loess region of Xi’an through standard consolidation tests, triaxial consolidation drained shear tests, and triaxial consolidation drained loading−unloading shear tests. Additionally, an empirical formula for the static lateral pressure coefficient applicable to loess was derived and validated through engineering examples. Full article

Aspects of increasing digitalization reinforce tendencies to normalize youth, which is reflected in underestimating and misinterpreting mistrust and stress. Creative means of interacting in public urban situations encourages physical and object-related interventions between people. According to the present hypothesis, experiences in the context of these interventions have the potential to help meet growing individualization requirements. However, these requirements are increasingly underestimated and require appropriate trial treatment spaces. We analyze the possibilities of changing social relations in the public–urban spatial structure with the help of the resonance concept. We understand public–urban spatial structures of temporary appropriation as a relevant phenomenon for the ongoing socio-spatial construction of urban reality. By analyzing the resonance levels of appropriation processes, both the proportional world relations and the respective subjective experience can be described: subjects enter into a resonant relationship with objects that represent the outside world by allowing themselves to be affected and emotionally touched and are open to a reciprocal transformation. This article will examine the extent to which the consideration of the premises derived from resonance theory can lead to changed preconditions and expanded points of reference in the field of urban and spatial planning. In relation to the theme of this Special Issue, we hope to open up a discussion about possible perspectives on inclusive urban spatial practice based on resonance and an expanded definition of sociality. Full article

Small Autonomous Surface/Underwater Vehicles (S-ASUVs) are gradually attracting attention from related fields due to their small size, low energy consumption, and flexible motion. Existing dynamic positioning (DP) control approaches suffer from chronic restrictions that hinder adaptability to varying practical conditions, rendering performance poor. A new three-dimensional (3D) dynamic positioning control method for S-ASUVs is proposed to tackle this issue. Firstly, a dynamic model for the DP control problem considering thrust allocation was established deriving from dynamic models of S-ASUVs. A novel Lyapunov-based model predictive control (LBMPC) method was then designed. Unlike the conventional Lyapunov-based model predictive control (LMPC), this study used multi-variable proportional–integral–derivative (PID) control as the secondary control law, improving the accuracy and rapidity of the control performance significantly. Both the feasibility and stability were rigorously proved. A series of digital experiments using the S-ASUV model under diverse conditions demonstrate the proposed method’s advantages over existing controllers, affirming satisfactory performances for 3D dynamic positioning in complex environments. Full article

Objective: In this study, we develop a new formula for predicting all-cause mortality in an ethnicity/region-specific cohort of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). Methods: We included 290 Korean patients with AAV in this study and retrospectively reviewed their medical records regarding clinical data at diagnosis and during follow-up. We introduce a new index, called the NFPM value after the initials of New Formula for Predicting Mortality, which we derived using the independent predictors of all-cause mortality obtained in the multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis. The cut-offs of the parameters for mortality were determined using the highest or lowest tertile of each parameter according to its positive or negative association with all-cause mortality, respectively. Results: The median age was 60.0 years and 35.9% were male patients. Of the 290 patients, 39 died during follow-up (13.4%). In the multivariable Cox analysis, male sex, the five-factor score (FFS), and serum albumin were independent predictors of all-cause mortality. A new formula was developed as follows: NFPM = male sex (yes = 1 or no = 0) + FFS ≥ 2.0 (yes = 1 or no = 0) + serum albumin ≤ 3.2 mg/dL (yes = 1 or no = 0). We demonstrated that patients with a NFPM value ≥ 2 seemed to have an increased risk for all-cause mortality compared to those with a NFPM value < 2. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that it could be clinically useful and significant to develop a new formula to predict all-cause mortality using independent predictors in each different ethnicity/region-specific cohort of AAV. Full article

This study presents a method for the active control of a follow-up lower extremity exoskeleton rehabilitation robot (LEERR) based on human motion intention recognition. Initially, to effectively support body weight and compensate for the vertical movement of the human center of mass, a vision-driven follow-and-track control strategy is proposed. Subsequently, an algorithm for recognizing human motion intentions based on machine learning is proposed for human-robot collaboration tasks. A muscle–machine interface is constructed using a bi-directional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) network, which decodes multichannel surface electromyography (sEMG) signals into flexion and extension angles of the hip and knee joints in the sagittal plane. The hyperparameters of the BiLSTM network are optimized using the quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization (QPSO) algorithm, resulting in a QPSO-BiLSTM hybrid model that enables continuous real-time estimation of human motion intentions. Further, to address the uncertain nonlinear dynamics of the wearer-exoskeleton robot system, a dual radial basis function neural network adaptive sliding mode Controller (DRBFNNASMC) is designed to generate control torques, thereby enabling the precise tracking of motion trajectories generated by the muscle–machine interface. Experimental results indicate that the follow-up-assisted frame can accurately track human motion trajectories. The QPSO-BiLSTM network outperforms traditional BiLSTM and PSO-BiLSTM networks in predicting continuous lower limb motion, while the DRBFNNASMC controller demonstrates superior gait tracking performance compared to the fuzzy compensated adaptive sliding mode control (FCASMC) algorithm and the traditional proportional–integral–derivative (PID) control algorithm. Full article

In this paper, we aim to establish new inequalities of Hermite–Hadamard (H.H) type for harmonically convex functions using proportional Caputo-Hybrid (P.C.H) fractional operators. Parameterized by $\alpha$, these operators offer a unique flexibility: setting $\alpha =1$ recovers the classical inequalities for harmonically convex functions, while setting $\alpha =0$ yields inequalities for differentiable harmonically convex functions. This framework allows us to unify classical and fractional cases within a single operator. To validate the theoretical results, we provide several illustrative examples supported by graphical representations, marking the first use of such visualizations for inequalities derived via P.C.H operators. Additionally, we demonstrate practical applications of the results by deriving new fractional-order recurrence relations for the modified Bessel function of type-1, which are useful in mathematical modeling, engineering, and physics. The findings contribute to the growing body of research in fractional inequalities and harmonic convexity, paving the way for further exploration of generalized convexities and higher-order fractional operators. Full article

This study focuses on the problems of poor control performance, synchronization performance and stability in multi-motor permanent magnet drive systems in mining belt conveyors when a Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller is used to control the multi-motor. In this paper, a system model for three-motor synchronous control of a mine belt conveyor is established. On this basis, an Enhanced first-order Active Disturbance Rejection Controller (Efal_ADRC) is designed based on an optimized nonlinear function. Additionally, a weighted arithmetic mean is used to enhance the compensator of the ring coupling control structure. Finally, the system model is evaluated and simulated using various algorithms. Results show that synchronous control of a multi-Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (multi-PMSM) drive system based on the Efal_ADRC ring coupling control structure has better anti-interference ability, control accuracy and synchronization, which is conducive to the stable and efficient safe operation of the belt conveyor. Full article

This paper presents an intelligent proportional-derivative adaptive global nonsingular fast-terminal sliding-mode control (IPDAGNFTSMC) for tracking temperature trajectories of a hypersonic missile in thermal structural tests. Firstly, the numerical analyses on a hypersonic missile’s aerodynamic heating are based on three different external flow fields via the finite element calculation, which provides the data basis for the thermal structural test of hypersonic vehicles; secondly, due to temperature trajectory differences of a hypersonic missile and the thermal inertia and nonlinear characteristics of quartz lamps in thermal structural test, IPDAGNFTSMC is proposed, consisting of three components: (i) the mathematical model of the thermal structural test is established and further replaced via an intelligent proportional-derivative with a nonlinear extended state observer (NESO) for online unknown disturbances observation; (ii) compared with the traditional sliding-mode control method, the AGNFTSMC method eliminates the reaching phase and the initial control state is trapped on the sliding-mode surface. Therefore, it can alleviate chattering phenomenon, accelerate the convergence rate of the sliding mode, and ensure that there is no singular problem in the entire control process; (iii) the adaptive law is designed to effectively solve problems of convergence stagnation and chattering phenomenon. The Lyapunov stability theory is used to prove the stability of the proposed IPDAGNFTSMC-NESO. Finally, the advantages of the designed control method are verified by experimental simulation and comparison. Full article

As the world faces an escalating challenge of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with phenotypes ranging from allergic chronic immuno-inflammatory diseases to neuropsychiatric disorders, it becomes evident that their seeds are sown during the early stages of life. Furthermore, within only a few decades, human obesity has reached epidemic proportions and now represents the most serious public health challenge of our time. Recent demonstrations that a growing number of these conditions are linked to aberrant gut microbiota composition and function have evoked active scientific interest in host-microbe crosstalk, characterizing and modulating the gut microbiota in at-risk circumstances. These efforts appear particularly justified during the most critical period of developmental plasticity when the child’s immune, metabolic, and microbiological constitutions lend themselves to long-term adjustment. Pregnancy and early infancy epitomize an ideal developmental juncture for preventive measures aiming to reduce the risk of NCDs; by promoting the health of pregnant and lactating women today, the health of the next generation(s) may be successfully improved. The perfect tools for this initiative derive from the earliest and most massive source of environmental exposures, namely the microbiome and nutrition, due to their fundamental interactions in the function of the host immune and metabolic maturation. Full article

Under the background of dual carbon, the retrofitting of the equipment operation system of a refrigeration station and the optimization combination of its control system are significant for its efficient operation and energy saving. The single-direction variable flow technology is often used in the chilled water system in refrigeration stations nowadays. However, the single-direction variable flow technology cannot achieve both thermal balance and flow balance for the chiller system, which is unfavorable for improving energy efficiency and reliability. To improve the reliability and energy efficiency of the refrigeration station equipment, the bidirectional variable flow technology of primary and secondary chilled water pumps was presented. Meanwhile, the feasibility of fuzzy neural networks in bidirectional variable flow systems and their energy-saving effect were studied. Before the energy saving retrofit, the refrigeration station used traditional PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controllers, and the chilled water system used single-direction variable flow technology; After the energy-saving retrofit, the refrigeration station adopted a fuzzy neural network control algorithm to optimize the PID controller parameters, and at the same time, the chilled water system used bidirectional variable flow technology. Through a large number of trial calculations of the established neural network model, it was found that 2 hidden layers and 25 hidden layer nodes can achieve higher accuracy. Specifically, the controller of the central refrigeration station consists of a training neural network and a predictive neural network working in parallel. The task of training neural networks is to learn the relationship between different input parameters and the whole energy consumption. Then it serves as the excitation function of the prediction network. The function of the predictive neural network is to find the control parameters that minimize energy consumption. The application results showed that before and after the retrofit annual power consumption and energy-saving effects were very Significant. After the energy-saving retrofit of the refrigeration station, the energy saving is 422,775 KWh every year, the energy-saving rate is 11.67%, and the annual saving cost is about 0.3382 million yuan. The results demonstrated that bidirectional variable flow technology and its control methods were feasible, reasonable, and worthy of promotion. Full article

Cleanrooms are widely used in various industries, where the precise control of parameters such as CO₂ concentration is crucial for optimal production. Most cleanrooms utilize variable air volume (VAV) air conditioning systems, but existing proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controllers in VAV systems often suffer from long response delays, excessive overshoot, and difficulties in handling dynamic changes in occupant conditions. This study introduces an Improved Crested Porcupine Optimizer (ICPO) to optimize PID controller parameters, aiming to enhance the control of VAV air supply. Additionally, a CO₂ concentration control system for cleanrooms was designed based on an STM32 microcontroller. The results demonstrate that the Improved Crested Porcupine Optimizer PID (ICPO-PID) controller outperforms traditional PID, Fuzzy-PID, and Crested Porcupine Optimizer PID (CPO-PID) controllers in control accuracy, response speed, and robustness. In simulation, ICPO-PID achieves a settling time of just 59 s and an overshoot of only 5.14%. In real-world performance evaluations, ICPO-PID outperforms other controllers in terms of the Integral Absolute Error (IAE) and Integral Squared Error (ISE). Furthermore, ICPO-PID reduces energy consumption by approximately 40% during air volume adjustment compared to traditional PID. These results indicate that ICPO-PID is an efficient and reliable solution for maintaining cleanroom environments with precise CO₂ concentration control. Full article