Differential graphical games for H∞ control of linear heterogeneous multiagent systems

Differential graphical games have been introduced in the literature to solve state synchronization problem for linear homogeneous agents. When the agents are heterogeneous, the previous notion of graphical games cannot be used anymore and a new definition is required. In this paper, we define a novel concept of differential graphical games for linear heterogeneous agents subject to external unmodeled disturbances, which contain the previously introduced graphical game for homogeneous agents as a special case. Using our new formulation, we can solve both the output regulation and H_∞ output regulation problems. Our graphical game framework yields coupled Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman equations, which are, in general, impossible to solve analytically. Therefore, we propose a new actor‐critic algorithm to solve these coupled equations numerically in real time. Moreover, we find an explicit upper bound for the overall ‐gain of the output synchronization error with respect to disturbance. We demonstrate our developments by a simulation example.     

Full AC analysis of value of DER to the grid and optimal DER scheduling

This paper presents part of the work ComEd and Quanta Technology have performed to quantify the locational and temporal value of DER to avoid distribution grid upgrade investments. It focuses on the formulation of a robust and efficient algorithm for DER optimal dispatch on a distribution feeder to mitigate the violation of current and voltage limits using the allocated cost of capacity and locational marginal value of real and reactive DER injection/withdrawal.     

Effects of yoghurt butter oils on rat plasma lipids,haematology and liver histology parameters in a 150‐day study

Although yoghurt butter oil as a fermented dairy product is widely consumed in several countries, its metabolic effects have not been fully elucidated. In this study, male Wistar rats were treated with standard diet, standard diet enriched with 10% or 20% (W/W) of either cow yoghurt butter oil (CYBO), sheep yoghurt butter oil (SYBO) or cottonseed oil (COT) for 20 weeks. Treatment of rats with CYBO or SYBO (at both concentrations) did not significantly influence haematological parameters, plasma lipids and liver histological structure. However, in contrast to popular belief, COT treatment at the higher dose induced leukocytosis, dyslipidaemia and liver steatosis.     

Extraction of lipid-soluble antioxidants from rosemary leaves using vegetable oils

The objective of this research was to extract carnosic acid and carnosol, natural lipid-soluble antioxidants, from rosemary leaves without the use of chemical aid. Three different vegetable oils [high oleic soybean oil (HOSO), peanut oil (PO) and cottonseed oil (CO)] were used as the medium for extracting rosemary's lipid-soluble antioxidants. Dried rosemary leaves were ground into fine particles, added two of the selected vegetable oils, mixed and heated. The vegetable oil containing the extracted antioxidants was filtered from the rosemary particles and analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). As a control, a common extraction method using ethanol was performed to compare the oil extraction efficiency for carnosic acid and carnosol. HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of carnosic acid and carnosol in all three vegetable oil solutions. Compared to the ethanol extraction, a higher level of the carnosic acid was found in the vegetable oil solutions. Among the vegetable oils, high oleic soybean oil contained the most carnosic acid; however, there were similar amounts of carnosol in all three vegetable oil solutions. The extractions' efficacy was tested on soybean oil's (SO) oxidative stability by adding 2% (w/w) of the antioxidant–vegetable oil solution. The results obtained from peroxide value (PV) and p-anisidine value (AnV) analysis documented a significantly lower degree of oxidation in the soybean oil containing the extracted antioxidant solutions, compared to the pure soybean oil.     

The Tunable Porous Structure of Gelatin–Bioglass Nanocomposite Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications: Physicochemical,Mechanical, and In Vitro Properties

Unidirectional freeze‐casting method is used to fabricate gelatin–bioglass nanoparticles (BGNPs) scaffolds. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show that sol–gel prepared BGNPs are distributed throughout the scaffold with diameters of less than 10 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetric are used to evaluate the physicochemical properties of BGNPs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs present an oriented porous structure and a homogeneous distribution of BGNPs in the gelatin matrix. The lamellar‐type structure indicates an improvement of mechanical strength and absorption capacity of the scaffolds. Increasing the concentration of BGNPs from 0 to 50 wt% have no noticeable effect on pore orientation, but decreases porosity and pore size distribution. Increase in BGNPs content improves the compressive strength. The absorption and biodegradation rate reduces with augmentation in BGNPs concentration. Bioactivity is evaluated through apatite formation after immersion of the nanocomposites in simulated body fluid and is verified by SEM–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), an element map analysis, X‐ray powder diffractometer, and FTIR spectrum. SEM images and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay confirm the biocompatibility of scaffolds and the supportive behavior of nanocomposites in cellular spreading. The results show that gelatin–(30 wt%)bioglass nanocomposites have incipient physicochemical and biological properties.     

Effects of a titanate coupling agent on the mechanical and thermo‐physical properties of talc‐reinforced polyethylene compounds

An experimental study was carried out to investigate the effects of a titanate coupling agent on the mechanical properties, moisture absorption, and thermal conductivity of talc‐filled high‐density polyethylene (HDPE). Talc (0–35 wt %) was used as reinforcement particulate filler in an HDPE matrix and samples were prepared in a micro‐compounder and an injection molding machine. Isopropyl tri(dioctyl)phosphate titanate (0.5 wt %) was used as coupling agent. Composites with and without coupling agent were evaluated for changes in mechanical and thermo‐physical properties, morphology, and void content. Addition of the titanate coupling agent most often resulted in an increase in stiffness and tensile strength. Furthermore, both the void content and the elongation at break of composites were reduced. Results also showed that the coupling agent had no effects on the thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and specific heat capacity of the composites. In addition, it was observed that the coupling agent was more effective at low concentrations of filler. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40449.     

Sono-Fenton regeneration of granular activated carbon saturated with Rhodamine B: Optimization using response surface methodology

This study investigated the combination of chemical and ultrasonic regeneration (Sono-Fenton), used for regenerating granular activated carbon (GAC) saturated with Rhodamine B (RB). This process was modeled and optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD). Effective parameters on regeneration efficiency such as pH, concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and time of ultrasonic irradiation were optimized and modeled using the reduced quadratic method. The fitness of the model was checked by the determination coefficient (R²?=?0.9978). At optimum condition, the effective parameters of pH?=?3.84, concentration of H₂O₂?=?38.28 (mM), and time of ultrasonic irradiation?=?23.11(min), maximum regeneration efficiency (87.88%) was achieved, the results of which were obtained after four-time sequential adsorption–regeneration cycles were acceptable. Desorption and degradation of RB were conducted through the generation of active species, including hydroxyl radicals and high-energy ultrasound. The regeneration efficiency was increased using this combination method. In conclusion, the Sono-Fenton method is suggested to be used more widely in regeneration processes.     

Wireless Information and Power Transfer in Single User OFDM Systems

Wireless Personal Communications - In this article, OFDM-based single-user simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) system for power splitting (PS) and time switching (TS) plans...