Abstract A framework for tuning the parameters of model predictive controllers (MPCs) based on gradient-free optimisation (GFO) is proposed. Efficient calibration of MPCs is often a difficult task given the large number of tuning parameters and their non-intuitive correlation with the output response. We propose an efficient and systematic framework for the tuning of MPC parameters that can be implemented iteratively within the closed-loop setting. The performance of the proposed GFO-based algorithm is evaluated through its application to air-path control for diesel engines over simulations and experiments. We illustrate that the tuned parameters provide satisfactory tracking of reference trajectories over engine drive cycles with only a few iterations. Thereby, we extend existing MPC tuning approaches that calibrate parameters using step responses on the fuel rate and engine speed onto tuning over a full drive cycle response.

This manuscript addresses the parameter and state estimation problem for continuous time nonlinear systems with unknown slowly time-varying parameters, which are assumed to belong to a known compact set. The problem is tackled by using the multi-observer approach under the supervisory framework, which generates parameter and state estimates by using a finite number of sample points of the parameter set, a bank of observers, a set of monitoring signals and a selection criterion. This note proposes a novel dynamic sampling policy for the multiobserver technique and studies its convergence properties. We prove that the parameter and state estimation errors are ultimately bounded where the ultimate bounds can be made arbitrarily small if the parameter varies sufficiently slowly, and the number of samples is sufficiently large.

The aim of this paper is to analyze the safety of forklift brakes. The research methodology used to analyze forklift brake safety is presented using the checklist descriptive method. The study was conducted on 127 forklifts with an average age of 15 years, where it was found that about 10% of the forklifts did not have a proper parking brake and that about 2% of the forklifts had defective service brakes. Finally, the results obtained from the research on brake safety have been discussed and further research has been proposed.

An effective innovation system provides rules and procedures that nurture ideas, research, and increase in knowledge, resulting in new goods/services, new production or organisational processes, or new marketing techniques, and hence is a major source of technological progress does not exist in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In order for Bosnia and Herzegovina to increase and strengthen the commercialization of research and innovativeness of companies, it is necessary to (1) increase investments in R&D at least to the norm of the African Union (1% of GDP), as the European Union norm (3% of GDP) is too high, and (2) design and implement policy measures aimed at stimulating the research and development capacities of the business sector (through tax incentives for staff and capital engagement) to strengthen the activities of commercialization of research and development and links between universities and business companies (e.g., to establish a program for the establishment of technology and innovation centres [one per region]).

The security of each system is essential for its use. In order to make this process as successful as possible, it is advisable to develop a threat model for the system under consideration at the design stage. The purpose of the threat model is to enable the identification of security threats, by whose further analysis we can conclude which are the greatest vulnerabilities of the system and which pose the greatest risk. There exist many different approaches to threat modeling in terms of methods, methodologies, and tools. In this paper, we give an overview of those approaches and apply one of them, i.e., the most represented and mature to a specific system. A STRIDE-based methodology, software-centric method, and Microsoft Threat Modeling Tool (MTMT) mixture has been used to threat model the Web of Things (WoT)-based temperature management system which is in the design phase.

Engaging in non-driving related tasks (NDRTs) while driving can be considered distracting and safety detrimental. However, with the introduction of highly automated driving systems that relieve drivers from driving, more NDRTs will be feasible. In fact, many car manufacturers emphasize that one of the main advantages with automated cars is that it “frees up time” for other activities while on the move. This paper investigates how well drivers are able to engage in an NDRT while in automated driving mode (i.e., SAE Level 4) in real traffic, via a Wizard of Oz platform. The NDRT was designed to be visually and cognitively demanding and require manual interaction. The results show that the drivers’ attention to a great extent shifted from the road ahead towards the NDRT. Participants could perform the NDRT equally well as when in an office (e.g. correct answers, time to completion), showing that the performance did not deteriorate when in the automated vehicle. Yet, many participants indicated that they noted and reacted to environmental changes and sudden changes in vehicle motion. Participants were also surprised by their own ability to, with ease, disconnect from driving. The presented study extends previous research by identifying that drivers to a high extent are able to engage in a NDRT while in automated mode in real traffic. This is promising for future of automated cars ability to “free up time” and enable drivers to engage in non-driving related activities.

Summary This study assessed the potential of probiotic characteristics of bacterial strains isolated from dry-cured sheep ham. It is one of the most common autochthonous processed meat products made in a traditional way on the Pešter plateau (Western Serbia). Isolates were identified as Lactobacillus curvatus (9 strains), Lactobacillus sakei (3 strains), and Enterococcus faecium (4 strains) using MALDI-TOF mass spectrophotometry. The study of probiotic characteristics of 16 dry-cured sheep ham isolates included survival rate through the gastrointestinal tract (GI), the possibility of biogenic amine synthesis, growth on medium with different concentrations of phenol,and antimicrobial activity. The results showed that in simulated gastric juice conditions, the cell number decreased after the first hour of incubation in the tested strains of Lb. curvatus, Lb. sakei and En. faecium except in the case of Lb. curvatus IIos19 where the number of cells remained approximately the same. After the second hour of incubation, the number of cells generally remained at the level of the first hour except in the case of the following isolates: Lb. sakei Ios12, Lb. curvatus IIos18 and En. faecium IIos24, where an increase in the number of cells was noticed after the second hour of incubation. In simulated small intestine conditions, an increase in the number of vital cells after 4 and 6 hours of incubation was observed in the isolates Lb. curvatus IIos4, Lb. sakei (Ios12, IIIos13), and En. faecium Ios1a. Synthesis of biogenic amines was not observed in investigated lactobacilli and enterococci. Analyzed isolates exhibited growth on media with 0.1% and 0.2% phenol, while 5 isolates exhibited decarboxylase activity. Six Lactobacillus strains, Lb. curvatus (IIos6, IIos17, and IIIos1), Lb. sakei (IIIos16, Ios12, and IIIos13) and En. faecium Ios4 inhibited the growth of tested pathogens, including Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579.

This report documents the program and the outcomes of Dagstuhl Seminar 19411 “Social Agents for Teamwork and Group Interactions”. It summarises the three talks that were held during the seminar on three different perspectives: the impact of robots in human teamwork, mechanisms to support group interactions in virtual settings, and affect analysis in human-robot group settings. It also details the considerations of six working groups covering the following topics: datasets, design, team dynamics, social cognition, scenarios

Social robots are designed to coexist with people and learn through their interactions. We, in turn, are expected to develop ways of behaving, communicating, and organizing that support robots. Inspired by this co-evolving relationship, this talk will explore social robots as “companion artifacts”, focusing critical attention on how our concepts of self, cultural practices, social organizations, and sociotechnical infrastructures are co-constructed with existing and imagined social robots. I discuss how “Japanese culture” is repeatedly assembled in relation to social robots, what it means to “domesticate” robotic technologies, and how community-based methods can incorporate diverse sociocultural values into social robotics.