Input-Output Feedback Linearization Control of a Linear Induction Motor Taking Into Consideration Its Dynamic End-Effects and Iron Losses

This article proposes a new input–output feedback linearization control (FLC) technique of linear induction motors (LIMs), taking into consideration both the dynamic end-effects and the iron losses. Starting from a previously conceived dynamic model, including the dynamic end-effects and the iron losses, all the theoretical framework of the FLC has been developed. The proposed FLC improves a previous version of FLC in accounting also the iron losses, which in LIMs with fixed-secondary sheet play a pivotal role more than in rotating induction motors (RIMs). The proposed FLC has been experimentally tested on a suitably developed test setup, and experimental comparisons between the proposed FLC, the classic field-oriented control and a previously developed FLC, not accounting for the iron losses, have been shown in variable flux working conditions

Construction of a WebGIS Tool Based on a GIS Semiautomated Processing for the Localization of P2G Plants in Sicily (Italy)

The recent diffusion of RES (Renewable Energy Sources), considering the electric energy produced by photovoltaic and wind plants, brought to light the problem of the unpredictable nature of wind and solar energy. P2G (Power to Gas) implementation seems to be the right solution, transforming curtailed energy in hydrogen. The choice of the settlement of P2G plants is linked to many factors like the distances between the gas grid and the settlement of RES plants, the transportation networks, the energy production, and population distribution. In light of this, the implementation of a Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) into a Geographic Information System (GIS) processing represents a good strategy to achieve the goal in a specific territorial asset. In this work, this method has been applied to the case of study of Sicily (Italy). The paper shows in detail the geomatic semi-automated processing that allows to find the set of possible solutions and further to choose the best localization for new P2G plants, connected to a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) and integrated with a WebGIS visualization for real-time analysis. This system is useful for the management, the development, and the study of hydrogen technologies, in order to link the electrical network and the gas network datasets with economical and infrastructural assets through GIS processing. In the future new factors will join in the process as policies on hydrogen take shape

A Hybrid Observer for Localization from Noisy Inertial Data and Sporadic Position Measurements

We propose an asymptotic position and speed observer for inertial navigation in the case where the position measurements are sporadic and affected by noise. We cast the problem in a hybrid dynamics framework where the continuous motion is affected by unknown continuous-time disturbances and the sporadic position measurements are affected by discrete-time noise. We show that the peculiar hybrid cascaded structure describing the estimation error dynamics is globally finite-gain exponentially ISS with gains depending intuitively on our tuning parameters. Experimental results, as well as the comparison with an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF), confirm the effectiveness of the proposed solution with an execution time two orders of magnitude faster and with a simplified observer tuning because our bounds are an explicit function of the observer tuning knobs

Localization from inertial data and sporadic position measurements

International audienceA novel estimation strategy for inertial navigation in indoor/outdoor environments is proposed with a specific attention to the sporadic nature of the non-periodic measurements. After introducing the inertial navigation model, we introduce an observer providing an asymptotic estimate of the plant state. We use a hybrid dynamical systems representation for our results, in order to provide an effective, and elegant theoretical framework. The estimation error dynamics with the proposed observer shows a peculiar cascaded interconnection of three subsystems (allowing for intuitive gain tuning), with perturbations occurring either on the jump or on the flow dynamics (depending on the specific subsystem under consideration). For this structure, we show global exponential stability of the error dynamics. Hardware-in-the-loop results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed solution

Localization in Structured Environments with UWB Devices without Acceleration Measurements, and Velocity Estimation Using a Kalman–Bucy Filter

In this work, a novel scheme for velocity and position estimation in a UWB range-based localization system is proposed. The suggested estimation strategy allows for overcoming two main problems typically encountered in localization systems. The first one is that it can be suitable for use in environments where the GPS signal is not present or where it might fail. The second one is that no accelerometer measurements are needed for the localization task. Moreover, to deal with the velocity estimation problem, a suitable Kalman–Bucy filter is designed and it is compared, experimentally, with a particle filter by showing the features of the two algorithms in order to be used in a localization context. Additionally, further experimental tests are carried out on a suitable developed test setup in order to confirm the goodness of the proposed approac

ROAD -Robotic Assisted Diving: physiology of diving

Underwater diving on compressed air or other breathing gases results in a range of physiological effects and potentially pathophysiological sequelae over the risk of drowning. Human divers can cease breathing for short dives or they must use a Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) containing air. Being underwater means being under pressure, and that pressure increases rapidly as you dive deeper. That means that the various gas laws come into play, and those laws can impact the "function of living organisms and their parts”. We assist to a change in compliance, resistance and in work of breathing as well as a change in blood volume distribution with some effect on the heart. The different gas laws could giustified some pathophysiological effects like oxygen toxicity, nitrogen narcosis, and decompressions sickness. We discuss all these items

Clinical nutrition in surgical oncology: Young AIOM-AIRO-SICO multidisciplinary national survey on behalf of NutriOnc research group

Malnutrition is a common condition in cancer patients which is usually associated with functional limitations, as well as increased morbidity and mortality. Based on the support of the young sections of Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM), Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO) and Italian Society of Surgical Oncology (SICO) merged into the NutriOnc Research Group, we performed a multidisciplinary national survey with the aim to define the awareness of nutritional issues among healthcare professionals delivering anticancer care. The questionnaire was organized in four sections, as follows: Knowledge and practices regarding Nutritional Management of cancer patients; Timing of screening and assessment of Nutritional Status; Nutritional Treatment and prescription criteria; Immunonutrition and educational topics. The modules focused on esophagogastric, hepato-bilio-pancreatic and colorectal malignancies. Overall, 215 physicians completed the survey. As regards the management of Nutritional Status of cancer patients, many responders adopted the ERAS program (49.3%), while a consistent number of professionals did not follow a specific validated nutritional care protocol (41.8%), mainly due to lack of educational courses (14.5%) and financial support (15.3%). Nearly all the included institutions had a multidisciplinary team (92%) to finalize the treatment decision-making. Cancer patients routinely underwent nutritional screening according to 57.2% of interviewed physicians. The timing of nutritional assessment was at diagnosis (37.8%), before surgery (25.9%), after surgery (16.7%), before radiochemotherapy (13.5%) and after radiochemotherapy (7%). Most of the responders reported that nutritional status was assessed throughout the duration of cancer treatments (55.6%). An important gap between current delivery and need of nutritional assessment persists. The development of specific and defined care protocols and the adherence to these tools may be the key to improving nutritional support management in clinical practice