Performance optimization of integrated gas and power within microgrids using hybrid PSO–PS algorithm

In this paper, a hybrid algorithm consisting of particle swarm optimization and pattern search algorithm is proposed to evaluate and optimize the design and operation of microgrids (MGs) in combined gas and power networks. Key performance indicators (KPIs) are modeled and proposed to evaluate and assess MGs. The paper begins by proposing a comprehensive study to define KPIs, which are used to evaluate the following MG parameters: economical efficiency, reliability, environmental conservation, and power quality. Multi‐objective evaluation functions are then developed by building a relationship matrix of MG and KPI components. The results are then displayed as optimized power generation percentages for each technology with values for four KPI categories: cost, quality, reliability and environmental friendliness. Two case studies are examined in this paper; both the province of Ontario and Toronto regional zone under all system parameters with varying percentage of generation via gas technology. Results indicated that the optimal scenario for both Ontario and Toronto was achieved at hybrid PSO–patern search percentage generation via gas technology with improved cost KPI and other KPIs remaining approximately constant. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The Health Benefits of Selected Culinary Herbs and Spices Found in the Traditional Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest diets in the world. This is often attributed to low saturated fat consumption, moderate wine consumption, and high vegetable consumption. However, herbs and spices associated with these diets may also play an important role in the quality of this diet. This review summarizes the most recent research regarding the anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hypertensive properties of this collection of culinary species. Additionally, this review briefly summarizes studies performed on lesser known herbs from around the world, with the goal of identifying new culinary species that may be useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases.     

Aerosol Development and Interaction in an Urban Plume

Wintertime measurements of atmospheric aerosol over the size range 3-500 nm made approximately 30 m above street level in central Manchester are reported. These are compared with measurements of trace gases. It is found that secondary accumulation mode particles follow closely the values of NO_x in the atmosphere and are closely related to vehicle activity, reaching a maximum at about 9 am. New particle formation close to the observation point is closely related to SO₂ concentrations, predominately during daylight hours, and is a maximum around mid-day but persists after dark. The concentrations of fine and Aitken mode particles were much higher than in nearby rural areas, but the concentration of particles in the size range 200-500 nm were similar at the urban and rural sites. In addition, measurements of ammonia, a gas often important in nucleation kinetics, revealed concentrations up to 17 ppb in Manchester.     

A measurement of the NBS electrical watt in SI units

The National Bureau of Standards (NBS) electric watt in SI units to be: W_NBS/W=K_W =1-(16.69±1.33) p.p.m. The uncertainty of 1.33 p.p.m. has the significance of a standard deviation and includes the best estimate of random and known or suspected systematic uncertainties. The mean time of the measurement is May 15, 1988. Combined with the measurement of the NBS ohm in SI units: Ω_NBS/Ω=K_Ω =1-(1.593±0.022) p.p.m., this leads to a Josephson frequency/voltage quotient of E_J=E₀[1+(7.94±0.67) p.p.m.] where E₀=483, 594 GHz/V     

Sintered Halon as a diffuse reflecting liner for light integration boxes

Sintered Halon G-80, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin available commercially in powdered form, is a superb diffuse reflector. Sintered Halon has 96% absolute reflectance at wavelengths between 300 nm and 380 nm, and about 98% absolute reflectance above 380 nm. It is chemically inert, is mechanically strong, does not fluoresce, and the high reflectance is easy to maintain over time. We have used sintered Halon as a lining in light integration boxes of water Cherenkov detectors. Preparation involves packing Halon powder into a mold to a specific density, then heating the material almost to the melting point (sintering). A method of preparing sintered Halon is presented. Physical properties of sintered Halon have been measured and we present those results here as well.     

Praise or blame? Affective influences on attributions for achievement.

Three experiments showed that mood influences achievement attributions and that cognitive processes underlie these effects. In Experiment 1, happy Ss made more internal and stable attributions for success than failure in typical 'life dilemmas.' In Experiment 2, attributions for real-life exam performance were more internal and stable in a happy than in a sad mood. Dysphoric moods resulted in self-critical rather than self-enhancing attributions, contrary to motivational theories, but consistent with cognitive models and the clinical literature on depression. In Experiment 3 this pattern was repeated with direct self vs. other comparisons, and for self-efficacy judgments. The results are interpreted as supporting cognitive rather than motivational theories of attribution biases. The implications of the results for clinical research, and contemporary affect–cognition theories are considered. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A Stackable Bonding-Free Flextensional Piezoelectric Actuator

A flextensional actuator was designed using commercial multilayer stacked actuator so as to produce large displacements at intermediate force levels. The simple design chosen eliminated the need for bonding the actuators into the frame and permitted easy series connection of multiple units. To satisfy the need for a fiber grating tuning device to interrogate an array of Bragg grating fiber optic stress sensors, a tuning device using four series connected units was constructed. The unit performs well, but the actual measured amplification is less than theoretical expectation. The problem was traced to unwanted flexing of the simple original frame and a hinged more robust flexing beam construction was shown to eliminate the problem.     

Iron Oxide Enhanced Chlorine Decay and Disinfection By-Product Formation

This study investigates the interaction of natural organic matter with iron oxide (goethite) on chlorine decay, disinfection by-product (DBP) formation, and DBP compound speciation [total trihalomethanes (TTHM4) and haloacetic acids (HAA5)]. Batch experiments were conducted with goethite, multiple finished drinking waters, variable chlorine dose, and fixed pH 8. The overall objective was to assess natural organic matter (NOM) adsorption onto goethite and its effect on chlorine decay and DBP formation. Chlorine consumption always increased in the presence of goethite and is attributed to an increase in the reactivity and/or modification of adsorbed NOM. Adsorbed NOM also led to an overall increase in TTHM4, however, HAA5 formation was suppressed during the first 2?h. Chloroform was identified as the increasing species and dichloracetic acid was identified as the suppressed species. This study clearly shows that goethite, which is the predominant iron oxide of pipe deposits, alters both chlorine decay and DBP formation and should be considered when assessing water treatment plant operations and DBP monitoring site selection.     

MRI demonstration of impairment of the blood-CSF barrier by glucose administration to the thiamin-deficient rat brain

Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted spin-echo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has demonstrated that Gd-diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (Gd-DTPA), which normally does not cross the blood-brain or blood-CSF barriers, does so approximately 40 min after administration of glucose to a vitamin B1 deficient rat. The period of the onset of this blood-CSF or blood-brain barrier dysfunction coincides with our previous observations of accumulation of glutamate or glutamate derivatives following an equivalent glucose load under identical conditions of thiamin deficiency, consistent with a relationship between these two observations. The dysfunction was reversed when a thiamin deficient animal was made thiamin replete.