Virtual Error-Based Data-Driven P-Type Adaptive Predictive Control and Its Applications

In this paper, a P-type adaptive predictive control (PAPC) method is presented for a category of unknown multi-input multi-output (MIMO) discrete-time systems with nonaffine nonlinear dynamics. First, the unknown nonlinear model is altered to a linear form containing an unknown pseudo-partial derivative (PPD) matrix utilizing the partial-form dynamic linearization (PFDL). A predictive model is then established by employing the modified projection algorithm, an auto-regressive model, and an output estimation technique. Based on the predictive model, an adaptive learning law that incorporates estimated tracking error information is used to generate the virtual error. Then, a data-driven PFDL-PAPC algorithm is constructed by replacing the actual tracking error in the P-type controller with the virtual one. The bounded convergence properties of the output estimation and tracking error dynamics are theoretically analyzed using the contraction mapping principle. The effectiveness of the PFDL-PAPC method is demonstrated through coupled tanks and actual data-based blast furnace ironmaking experiments

Carnival of Lies

'Brilliant' – Ian RankinVenice. Winter, 1539.When Cesare Aldo learns of a conspiracy to assassinate Duke Cosimo de’ Medici, he is hired to protect the ruler of Florence – with his life, if necessary. The deadly attack that follows leads to bodies, bloodshed . . . and something far more dangerous.Those behind the plot obtain a journal of the duke’s containing explosive secrets that – in the wrong hands – could destroy all of Florence. Aldo must hunt down those responsible and reclaim the journal, or face banishment from the city and everyone he loves.The trail leads him towards the one place Aldo has sworn to never return, a city of masks and lies where he has no allies and far too many enemies: Venice.The fate of a dynasty rests on his shoulders – if he can make it out alive...Carnival of Lies is the fifth Cesare Aldo mystery by D. V. Bishop, preceded by A Divine Fury, City of Vengeance, The Darkest Sin and Ritual of Fire.'A brilliantly entertaining historical thriller that twists and turns like the very calli and canali of Venice itself' – Philip Gwynne Jones, author of the Nathan Sutherland Venice mysterie

From Design to Deployment: A Comprehensive Review of Theoretical and Experimental Studies of Multi-Energy Systems for Residential Applications

Multi-energy systems (MESs) use more than one energy vector to fulfil users' electrical, thermal, and cooling demands. This paper examines the recent developments in the design, optimisation, and implementation of MESs, focusing on residential applications. Firstly, recent advances in the design and optimisation of MESs are explained and analysed. The field is characterised by the proliferation of bespoke optimisation methods suitable for this kind of problem. Secondly, practical implementation in the laboratory of MESs and microgrids supplying electrical and thermal loads is discussed. The hardware requirements, in terms of controllers and converters, are critically analysed. This is contrasted with the real-world implementation of MESs or multi-output microgrids in the real world. A description of the communication infrastructure required for real-world implementation is discussed. Finally, a critical review of the entire process, the areas of challenge, and potential research opportunities are presented

Holnicote Estate combines management strategies to control local deer and grey squirrel populations

Read how Holnicote Estate has combined different management strategies to optimise tree protection across 600 hectares of diverse woodland.Key factssite: Holnicote Estate, West Somersetsize: 5,059 hectares of which 600 hectares is woodlandestablishment method: planting and natural regenerationtype: lowland broadleaved woodland, coniferous woodland, mixed (established and recent) plantation, riparian woodland, ancient woodland, natural regeneration, wood pasture, parkland or orchard, coppicefunding: Landscape Recovery Scheme, Higher Tier Capital Grant, Countryside Stewardship Higher Tierkey objective: nature conservationTree protectionmain mammals causing damage or risk to trees: squirrel and deermain tree protection method: shooting, enhancing natural predation, sheep’s wool and lanolin-based productsduration of main tree protection methods: 3 to 5 year

Brain 3T magnetic resonance imaging in neonates: features and incidental findings from a research cohort enriched for preterm birth

Background and objectives The survival rate and patterns of brain injury after very preterm birth are evolving with changes in clinical practices. Additionally, incidental findings can present legal, ethical and practical considerations. Here, we report MRI features and incidental findings from a large, contemporary research cohort of very preterm infants and term controls.Methods 288 infants had 3T MRI at term-equivalent age: 187 infants born <32 weeks without major parenchymal lesions, and 101 term-born controls. T1-weighted, T2-weighted and susceptibility-weighted imaging were used to classify white and grey matter injury according to a structured system, and incidental findings described.Results Preterm infants: 34 (18%) had white matter injury and 4 (2%) had grey matter injury. 51 (27%) infants had evidence of intracranial haemorrhage and 34 (18%) had punctate white matter lesions (PWMLs). Incidental findings were detected in 12 (6%) preterm infants. Term infants: no term infants had white or grey matter injury. Incidental findings were detected in 35 (35%); these included intracranial haemorrhage in 22 (22%), periventricular pseudocysts in 5 (5%) and PWMLs in 4 (4%) infants. From the whole cohort, 10 (3%) infants required referral to specialist services.Conclusions One-fifth of very preterm infants without major parenchymal lesions have white or grey matter abnormalities at term-equivalent age. Incidental findings are seen in 6% of preterm and 35% of term infants. Overall, 3% of infants undergoing MRI for research require follow-up due to incidental findings. These data should help inform consent procedures for research and assist service planning for centres using 3T neonatal brain MRI for clinical purposes

#Clothbummums: Strategies for increasing the adoption of cloth nappies in the UK

A co-creation workshop was held at Edinburgh Napier University on 1st July 2025 as part of an ongoing research initiative into cloth nappy engagement. The workshop brought together key stakeholders—including parents, businesses, NGOs, social enterprises and Zero Waste Scotland—to collaboratively explore strategies for increasing the adoption of reusable nappies. The day consisted of three fundamental sessions. Session 1 (Research Overview) involved both academics sharing research insights from their recently published work, highlighting consumer well-being as an integral part of successful cloth nappy engagement. They showcased how fashionable products and the processes involved in using them boost a sense of control and mastery, thereby enhancing well-being as a result. Session 2 (Mapping Barriers & Drop-Off points) involved a co-created activity identifying key barriers and drop-off points, including key challenges such as upfront costs, time and effort, societal perceptions and pressures and knowledge gaps relating to effective use. Importantly, this cocreated activity enabled us to shed light on often-neglected actors in this process, identifying a new user group – individuals and organisations that provide guidance and support on cloth nappy usage and the unique challenges they face. Finally, the session provided a comprehensive view of the journey of cloth nappy engagement, starting much earlier than previously thought, at the very beginning of pregnancy, with key points along the way, including the 12-week and 20-week scans, as well as the unique needs at each of these stages. Session 3 (Designing Interventions for the Toolkit) involved an evaluation of key existing toolkits and user manuals related to cloth nappy usage, gathering insights from all stakeholders on what works and what doesn’t for different types of users. Based on the insights from this workshop and the research we shared with the various stakeholders, we were able to identify the following gaps in existing approaches: (1) little to no discussion of well-being throughout the cloth nappy-related guides and communications, (2) a general sacrifice-based view of cloth nappies focusing on saving money or saving on CO2 emissions with little focus on benefits, and (3) no insights or addressing of what potential users worry about the most: the extra chores. Recommendations from this workshop call for improved support, access, and guidance on cloth nappy resources across the UK. The workshop piloted a multistakeholder co-created intervention to increase cloth nappy engagement, which will become the stepping stone for further collaborative development and implementation of an accessible cloth nappy toolkit which addresses the challenges faced by different cloth user groups

Improving And Enhancing Scenario Planning: Futures Thinking

This book presents a contemporary view of the approaches and theories informing global scenario planning and foresight science. The collection of chapters details new and broader views of futures thinking, scenario methodologies, innovative developments, and practical applications that reflect the evolution of the field into the 21st century. The collection of insights is not exhaustive, but rather serves as a bridge from last century’s foundations into this century’s innovations. Our global team of authors span multiple generations and demographics, representing industry leaders, award winning scientists, consultants, and emerging researchers. The chapters are divided across six sections that reflect the path of scenario development, from foundation to validation. This book is best viewed as the latest addition to the robust library of existing volumes in scenario planning and foresight science. The purpose of the book is to provide insights with guidance for practitioners and support for academics

Energy-Capital Substitution, Technological Innovation, and Monetary Policy

China has been actively implementing a green development strategy focused on peak carbon and carbon neutrality. The challenge is to avoid the economic fluctuations caused by energy price increases, promote effective substitution of capital for energy, stimulate innovation in energy utilization technology, and implement appropriate monetary policies to resist the negative impact of external supply shocks on the macro economy. This study constructs a new energy utilization technology progress equation within the NK-DSGE framework to reveal the mechanism of energy price-induced technological progress and clarify the substitution path between energy and capital. The study finds that: (1) Rising energy prices drive broad supply-side cost hikes, notably harming capital efficiency and diminishing capital's substitutability for energy. This worsens factor allocation efficiency, potentially inducing an overall demand decrease, thus causing sustained adverse effects on the economy and society (2) China's current energy technology partly reduces economic fluctuations from energy price shocks. Rising energy prices can drive firms to enhance their energy technology, easing the adverse effects of energy price fluctuations. The study notes that the extent of energy technology mitigation of price shocks relies on energy-capital substitution efficiency in production. Advanced energy technology fosters better energy-capital substitutability, curbing the duration and severity of economic stagflation triggered by energy cost hikes. (3) a monetary policy that focuses solely on the core inflation target is more effective than one that focuses on "temporary" price fluctuations represented by energy prices, implying that central banks need a clear policy target system when formulating monetary policies

Peeping into the Future: Understanding and Combating Generative AI-Based Fake News

The widespread dissemination of fake news in the digital age, accelerated by generative artificial intelligence (GAI), presents a significant challenge to the integrity of information in our interconnected world. This review paper comprehensively analyzes the critical concerns surrounding GAI-generated fake news, including its origin, distribution, societal impact, and the complex challenges associated with its detection. The study explores various techniques GAI systems employ to create misleading content, ranging from textual misinformation to deepfake media, highlighting the alarming scope of fake news proliferation. Additionally, this paper examines the difficulties in detecting fake news through natural language processing, image analysis, and audio analysis, discussing both their advancements and inherent limitations. It also addresses ethical concerns tied to detection strategies, such as privacy violations and the potential erosion of public trust. Furthermore, it identifies a crucial gap in current research: the urgent demand for innovative and scalable solutions to combat the overwhelming surge of fake news in the digital ecosystem. Addressing this challenge is essential in mitigating the impact of GAI-generated fake news. One of the most pressing obstacles in the fight against misinformation today is managing the sheer volume of online fabricated content. The rapid and widespread dissemination of such content emphasizes the need for proactive strategies to curtail its influence before it inflicts significant harm. This evident knowledge gap highlights the necessity for continued research and innovation to strengthen digital security and enhance trustworthiness in online spaces