Robust adaptive control for unmatched systems with guaranteed parameter estimation convergence

This paper provides a modified model reference adaptive control (MRAC) scheme to achieve better transient control performance for systems with unknown unmatched dynamics, where an adaptive law with guaranteed convergence is introduced. We first revisit the standard MRAC system and analyze the tracking error bound by using L₂‐norm and Cauchy‐Schwartz inequality. Based on this analysis, we suggest a feasible way to compensate the undesired transient dynamics induced by the gradient descent–based adaptive laws subject to sluggish convergence or even parameter drift. Then, a modified adaptive law with an alternative leakage term containing the parameter estimation error is developed. With this adaptive law, the convergence of both the estimation error and tracking error can be proved simultaneously. This enhanced convergence property can contribute to deriving smoother control signal and improved control response. Moreover, this paper provides a simple and numerically feasible approach to online verify the well‐known persistent excitation condition by testing the positive definiteness of an introduced auxiliary matrix. Comparative simulations based on a benchmark 3‐DOF helicopter model are given to validate the effectiveness of the proposed MRAC approach and show the improved performance over several other MRAC schemes.     

In Vitro Macrophage Immunomodulation by Poly(ε-caprolactone) Based-Coated AZ31 Mg Alloy

Due to its excellent bone-like mechanical properties and non-toxicity, magnesium (Mg) and its alloys have attracted great interest as biomaterials for orthopaedic applications. However, their fast degradation rate in physiological environments leads to an acute inflammatory response, restricting their use as biodegradable metallic implants. Endowing Mg-based biomaterials with immunomodulatory properties can help trigger a desired immune response capable of supporting a favorable healing process. In this study, electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) fibers loaded with coumarin (CM) and/or zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) were used to coat the commercial AZ31 Mg alloy as single and combined formulas, and their effects on the macrophage inflammatory response and osteoclastogenic process were investigated by indirect contact studies. Likewise, the capacity of the analyzed samples to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been investigated. The data obtained by attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR-ATR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses indicate that AZ31 alloy was perfectly coated with the PCL fibers loaded with CM and ZnO, which had an important influence on tuning the release of the active ingredient. Furthermore, in terms of degradation in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution, the PCL-ZnO- and secondary PCL-CM-ZnO-coated samples exhibited the best corrosion behaviour. The in vitro results showed the PCL-CM-ZnO and, to a lower extent, PCL-ZnO coated sample exhibited the best behaviour in terms of inflammatory response and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-mediated differentiation of RAW 264.7 macrophages into osteoclasts. Altogether, the results obtained suggest that the coating of Mg alloys with fibrous PCL containing CM and/or ZnO can constitute a feasible strategy for biomedical applications.     

Chemistry enhanced shear thickening polishing of Ti–6Al–4V

To obtain the great surface quality of Ti–6Al–4V and achieve high efficiency in the polishing process, the chemistry enhanced shear thickening polishing (C-STP) was proposed, and the polishing performance of different pH slurry was studied. The results show that the material removal rate gradually increases as the pH value decreases from 10 to 1, and the best surface quality is obtained at pH 2. The corrosion current density and potential were measured by potentiodynamic polarization under three typical pH values. It is confirmed that the most massive corrosion rate presents at pH 2, and the passive film is most susceptible to be produced at pH 10. The reaction resistance was measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to clarify the polishing mechanism. Under acidic conditions, the chemical reaction product on the surface can be quickly removed by mechanical action of the abrasive. On the contrary, the passive film formed on the surface under the alkaline condition is difficult to be removed. The corrosion reaction products were determined by X-ray photoelectron, and the chemical reaction under acid-base environment was derived. MRR reached 107.3 nm/min under the selected process parameters, and the surface roughness (S_a) is reduced from 124 nm to 8.6 nm within 15 min.     

Strategies to Modulate Specialized Metabolism in Mediterranean Crops: From Molecular Aspects to Field

Plant specialized metabolites (SMs) play an important role in the interaction with the environment and are part of the plant defense response. These natural products are volatile, semi-volatile and non-volatile compounds produced from common building blocks deriving from primary metabolic pathways and rapidly evolved to allow a better adaptation of plants to environmental cues. Specialized metabolites include terpenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, glucosinolates, tannins, resins, etc. that can be used as phytochemicals, food additives, flavoring agents and pharmaceutical compounds. This review will be focused on Mediterranean crop plants as a source of SMs, with a special attention on the strategies that can be used to modulate their production, including abiotic stresses, interaction with beneficial soil microorganisms and novel genetic approaches.     

Theoretical and Experimental Studies for the Transient Response of Cavity

During the transient state of aero-engine,cavity has evidently transient characteristics in the secondary air system.To investigate transient characteristics,theoretical and experimental studies were implemented for both static and rotating cavities.First of all,the typical transient response phenomena in secondary air system were investigated based on the basic concepts of the dynamic process.According to the basic theory of gas dynamics,the causes of transient phenomena were analyzed in two aspects,external disturbance,and system physical properties.Several dimensionless parameters were introduced to analyze the transient response characteristics of air system.Second,the experimental results of the static cavity indicated that the actual response time increased with the increase of the inlet pressure.The experimental results of the rotor-stator cavity showed that the low rotational speed on the response process had little effect,and the response time gradually increased when the speed continued to increase.Third,the test results of multiple components suggested that when the valve was opening the inlet pressure of the static cavity increased quickly and then reached a stable value,but the pressure of the static cavity,stable pressure cavity and rotor-stator chamber rose gradually.It was also obtained the actual response time of them was increased.The closer the measuring points were to the disturbance source,the shorter the delay time was.     

Chitosan Microspheres as Carriers for pH‐Indicating Species in Corrosion Sensing

Chitosan microspheres containing bromocresol green, cresol red, and phenolphthalein for corrosion detection, through pH change, are synthesized in order to be used in protective coatings for aluminium alloys. Microspheres containing corrosion detection species are characterized morphologically (SEM) and physico‐chemically (FTIR, TGA). Release studies (UV–vis) are performed in corrosion‐promoting conditions (pH, NaCl), and detection studies by immersion in media associated with corrosion activity while microspheres' sensing activity is evaluated visually. Electrochemical characterization of AA2024 substrates in the presence of chitosan spheres is performed to understand material performance, and a color change is observed as a result of local pH increase in cathodic areas when corrosion takes place. These findings can be correlated with the results from release studies and seem a promising approach for corrosion sensing purposes, not only because pH increase is possible to detect due to corrosion, but also because chitosan is considered an environmentally friendly material.     

Impact of Co doping on physical,structural, microstructural and magnetic features of MgZn nanoferrites for high frequency applications

Cobalt (Co) doped MgZn spinel nanoferrites with composition Mg_0.5Zn_0.5Co_x Fe_2-xO₄ at x = 0.0, 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, 0.40, 0.50 were prepared using sol-gel auto ignition method. The characterizations techniques such as FESEM, FTIR, XRD and VSM were used to determine the morphology, force constants, phase, structure and magnetic features of the samples. Lattice parameters, FWHM, d-spacing, crystallite size, micro strains and volume were investigated using high score plus software. Materials analysis using diffraction (MAUD) software was also used to study the Rietveld refinement properties of the Co doped MgZn ferrites. Physical properties such as porosity, X-ray and bulk density were also determined. Force constants of their respective absorption bands were calculated from FTIR of the Co doped MgZn nanoferrites. Single phase structure with cubic phase were observed for MgZn and Co doped MgZn at x = 0.0 whereas second phase was observed at higher Co concentrations respectively. FESEM show regular shape of the particles at low Co concentrations whereas agglomerations were observed at higher Co concentrations respectively. The magnetic properties of the Co doped MgZn ferrites were also investigated from VSM study. Magnetic remanence, coercivity, initial permeability, saturation magnetization, Bohr magneton and anisotropy constant were determined from VSM analysis. The coercivity, saturation magnetization, remanence, anisotropy constant and initial permeability were enhanced with the doping of ‘Co’ in MgZn nanoferrites. Response of the Co doped MgZn nanoferrites at high frequency regime was also evaluated. It can be seen that the response from all the Co doped MgZn nanoferrites was 2.84 GHz–5.96 GHz respectively and suggested the use of these nanoferrites for the operation of nanodevices in the X-band high frequency regime.