Search

A novel zeroing neural network control scheme based on an extended state observer is proposed for the trajectory tracking of a tracked mobile robot which is subject to unknown external disturbances and uncertainties. To estimate unknown lumped disturbances and unmeasured velocities, a third-order fixed-time extended state observer is proposed, and the observation errors converge to zero in fixed time. Based on the estimated values, the zeroing neural network controller is designed for a tracked mobile robot to track an eight shape. The stability of the system is analyzed based on Lyapunov theory. Simulation results are illustrated to show the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulsed electrolysis endowed merits of high current density, low energy consumption, and simple operation; thus, a booming in their publication numbers has been witnessed in recent years. In this review, we aim to summarize the state-of-the-art pulsed current/potential strategy to enhance electrochemical reactions, such as oxygen reduction reactions (ORR), CO2 reduction (CO2RR), CO reduction (COR), etc. It begins with historic analysis of pulsed electrolysis via a bibliometric method, aiming at providing a progress over the course of around 40 years in a quantitative way. Then, the definition along with its influence of electronic effect, double layer effect and mass transport have been reviewed based on a mechanism point of view for the first time. To sum up the review, several current challenges and future prospects of pulsed electrolysis have provided for the future smart design of electrochemical process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of vehicle electrification and intelligent network technologies has led to a new type of mixed and power-heterogeneous traffic flow, comprised of regular vehicles (RVs) and connected and automated vehicles (CAVs), fuel vehicles (FVs) and electric vehicles (EVs). To reduce the energy consumption of mixed and power-heterogeneous traffic flow operating at a signalized intersection, the Ecological Control Unit–Cooperative Adaptive Control (ECU-CACC) is proposed in this paper. The vehicle platoon is divided into units which are named minimum ecological control units (min-ECUs). A bi-level control framework is designed to improve traffic efficiency and reduce energy consumption. The lower-level aims to plan the best ecological trajectory for every min-ECU, and the upper-level optimizes the passing strategies for efficiency through speed coordination. Scenario numerical experiments are performed to verify the effectiveness of the bi-level optimal control model and analyze the energy-saving effect of ECU-CACC under different vehicle mixing situations. The results from the experiment prove the excellent energy-saving potential of the proposed ECU-CACC, which helps the min-ECUs save about 10–20% energy consumption compared with a regular pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient biohybrid photocatalysts were prepared with different weight ratios of Fe2O3 and treated rape pollen (TRP). The synthesized samples were characterized by different analytical techniques. The results showed that carbonized rape pollen had a three-dimensional skeleton and granular Fe2O3 uniformly covered the surface of TRP. The Fe2O3/TRP samples were used for degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) and Escherichia Coli (E. coli) disinfection in water under visible light. The degradation of MB and inactivation of E. coli was achieved to 93.7% in 300 min and 99.14% in 100 min, respectively. We also explored the mechanism during the reaction process, where reactive oxygen species (ROS) including hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals play a major role throughout the reaction process. This work provides new ideas for the preparation of high-performance photocatalysts by combining semiconductors with earth-abundant biomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colibacillosis is an acute and chronic avian disease caused by avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC). Previous studies have demonstrated that RIP2 plays a significant role in APEC infection. Moreover, increasing evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in host–pathogen interactions and the immune response. However, the role of miRNAs in the host against APEC infection remains unclear. Herein, we attempted to reveal new miRNAs potentially involved in the regulation of the immune and inflammatory response against APEC infection, with a particular focus on those possibly correlated with RIP2 expression, via miRNA-seq, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and CCK-8. The results showed that a total of 93 and 148 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were identified in the knockdown of RIP2 cells following APEC infection (shRIP2+APEC) vs. knockdown of RIP2 cells (shRIP2) and shRIP2 vs. wild-type cells (WT), respectively. Among those identified DE miRNAs, the biological function of gga-miR-455-5p was investigated. It was found that gga-miR-455-5p regulated by RIP2 was involved in the immune and inflammatory response against APEC infection via targeting of IRF2 to modulate the expression of type I interferons. Additionally, RIP2 could directly regulate the production of the type I interferons. Altogether, these findings highlighted the crucial role of miRNAs, especially gga-miR-455-5p, in host defense against APEC infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]