Increasing security of supply by the use of a local power controller during large system disturbances

This paper describes intelligent ways in which distributed generation and local loads can be controlled during large system disturbances, using Local Power Controllers. When distributed generation is available, and a system disturbance is detected early enough, the generation can be dispatched, and its output power can be matched as closely as possible to local microgrid demand levels. Priority-based load shedding can be implemented to aid this process. In this state, the local microgrid supports the wider network by relieving the wider network of the micro-grid load. Should grid performance degrade further, the local microgrid can separate itself from the network and maintain power to the most important local loads, re-synchronising to the grid only after more normal performance is regained. Such an intelligent system would be a suitable for hospitals, data centres, or any other industrial facility where there are critical loads. The paper demonstrates the actions of such Local Power Controllers using laboratory experiments at the 10kVA scale

Prosthesis coupling

A coupling for use in an apparatus for connecting a prosthesis to the bone of a stump of an amputated limb is described which permits a bio-compatible carbon sleeve forming a part of the prosthesis connector to float so as to prevent disturbing the skin seal around the carbon sleeve. The coupling includes a flexible member interposed between a socket that is inserted within an intermedullary cavity of the bone and the sleeve. A lock pin is carried by the prosthesis and has a stem portion which is adapted to be coaxially disposed and slideably within the tubular female socket for securing the prosthesis to the stump. The skin around the percutaneous carbon sleeve is able to move as a result of the flexing coupling so as to reduce stresses caused by changes in the stump shape and/or movement between the bone and the flesh portion of the stump

Analysis of surface tris (2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate on chlorobutyl rubber SCAPE suits

Tris (2,30-dibromopropyl) phosphate was used to confer flame retardant properties on butyl rubber formulations used in protective clothing such as the self-contained atmospheric protective ensembles (SCAPE suits) worn at Kennedy Space Center in support of Apollo, Skylab, and Apollo-Soyuz missions since 1966. Because tris (2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate is mutagenic, surface concentrations of the compound in SCAPE suits were investigated as were as potential methods of removing or isolating it. Analytical procedures for determining surface concentrations of the tris compound on non-porous materials are described. Soap-and-water washing is the most efficient method of removing the compound from fabricated SCAPE suits and unused material

Discourse and identity in a corpus of lesbian erotica

This article uses corpus linguistic methodologies to explore representations of lesbian desires and identities in a corpus of lesbian erotica from the 1980s and 1990s. We provide a critical examination of the ways in which “lesbian gender,” power, and desire are represented, (re-)produced, and enacted, often in ways that challenge hegemonic discourses of gender and sexuality. By examining word frequencies and collocations, we critically analyze some of the themes, processes, and patterns of representation in the texts. Although rooted in linguistics, we hope this article provides an accessible, interdisciplinary, and timely contribution toward developing understandings of discursive practices surrounding gender and sexuality

Harvest index of lupins, Low tillering cereals and Maturity by sowing date in cereals.

Trial 87GE21 Effect of plant density on branching, pod setting and yield development of lupins. Location: Geraldton To determine the influence of plant density and between-plant variability in vegetative growth on the branching, pod setting and yield development of lupins Trial 87GE9 Chemicals to control vegetative growth and improve pod set in lupins. Location: West Binnu To examine the effect of a number of growth regulating chemicals on the branching, pod setting and yield of lupins under conditions favoring high biomass production. Trial 87GE19 Chemicals to control vegetative growth and improve pod set in lupins. Location: Nabawa To examine the effect of a number of growth regulating chemicals on the branching, pod setting and yield of lupins under conditions favouring high biomass production. Trial 87GE72 Effect of plant density on growth and yield of lupins. Location: South Yuna To determine the influence of plant density on the growth, branching, pod setting and yield development of branching and reduced branching lupins under conditions producing different levels of biomass Trial 87E34 Effect of sowing time on yield of lupin varieties. Location: Esperance Downs Research Station. Lupins are well adapted to the cooler, long-season environments of the southern coastal sandplain. of Western Australia. This trial aims to help establish varietal characteristics required to produce high-yielding lupin crops in the cool, long-season environment of southern Australia. The specific aim is to determine the influence of sowing date on the growth and yield of lupin varieties differing in maturity and branching habit in the south-coast environment. LVT Sampling - 1986 and 1987 seasons - Effect of genotype and environment on growth, yield components, harvest index and yield of lupins. Low harvest index (H.I.) is often suggested as the cause of poor lupin seed yields, and it is argued that all vegetative lupin crops have inherently poor pod set and low harvest index. By sampling LVT\u27s across a wide range of sites in 1986 and selected sites in 1987, we aimed to determine the effect of environment on lupin growth, branching, seed yield, H.I. and yield components. Sampling of two branching genotypes and a reduced branching line would permit the assessment of genotypic effects and any G x E interactions. Trial 87C66 Effect of maturity and sowing date on wheat and barley. Location Chapman Research Stations Two similar trials at North Mullewa and East Chapman were not harvested due to severe drought and high weed populations, respectively. Dr J. Hamblin\u27s summary reports the results of three further sowing date trials

Perception of Time Since Smoking Cessation: Time in Memory Can Elapse Faster

Self-reports concerning smoking behaviors are subject to different types of response bias that may severely affect the data quality. This study examined the evidence and extent of backward telescoping bias in reports on time since completely quitting smoking among former smokers. The study goals were to determine whether the extent of bias differs, on average, across subpopulations with diverse sociodemographic characteristics, prior smoking habits and duration of smoking abstinence, and across the survey administration mode (phone, in-person, mixed). The sample included 1,611 subjects who responded to the 2002–2003 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey. Multiple regressions for subjects who quit smoking recently, some time ago, and a long time ago were fitted, where the variance was estimated via the Balanced Repeated Replications approach. The model-based estimates were used to compare the extent of response bias across diverse subpopulations of respondents. Analyses revealed a significantly smaller overall extent of response bias for respondents who were younger (p \u3c 0.01), female (p \u3c 0.01), Non-Hispanic White (p = 0.02), employed (p \u3c 0.01), who were regular (rather than occasional) smokers in the past (p \u3c 0.01), and who quit smoking recently or some time ago as opposed to a long time ago (p \u3c 0.01); a significant overall effect of survey mode was also detected (p \u3c 0.01). Male respondents who smoked occasionally in the past tended to provide the most disagreeing reports. The discrepancy in reports may be due to backward telescoping bias. Studies which use the national survey smoking cessation measures should be aware of not only possible forward telescoping (that has been addressed in the literature) but also backward telescoping. This will help correctly account for possible impaired perception of time elapsed since smoking cessation in former smokers

On Consistency of Self- and Proxy-reported Regular Smoking Initiation Age

Early onset of smoking is associated with heavier tobacco consumption and longer smoking careers. Consequently, obtaining accurate estimates of early smoking is a priority. The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of proxy reports of the age of smoking initiation, and specifically to explore whether there are differences in the consistency of proxy-reported and self-reported smoking behaviors. Data came from the 2002–2003 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey, where the current smoking behaviors and smoking history of participants were reported by self-and proxy-respondents on two occasions, one year apart. Sequential multiple-testing methods were used to assess significance of the differences in reported prevalence of consistent reports among specific sub-populations defined by age, gender and survey administration mode. Results indicated that self-reports are more reliable (more consistent over time) than proxy reports or mixed reports that include self-report at one time point and proxy reports at another. The rate of perfect agreement was also highest for self-reports. The impact of respondent type on the consistency of reports also depended on the target subjects’ age and the survey administration mode (phone or in-person)

Perception of Time Since Smoking Cessation: Time in Memory Can Elapse Faster

Self-reports concerning smoking behaviors are subject to different types of response bias that may severely affect the data quality. This study examined the evidence and extent of backward telescoping bias in reports on time since completely quitting smoking among former smokers. The study goals were to determine whether the extent of bias differs, on average, across subpopulations with diverse sociodemographic characteristics, prior smoking habits and duration of smoking abstinence, and across the survey administration mode (phone, in-person, mixed). The sample included 1,611 subjects who responded to the 2002–2003 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey. Multiple regressions for subjects who quit smoking recently, some time ago, and a long time ago were fitted, where the variance was estimated via the Balanced Repeated Replications approach. The model-based estimates were used to compare the extent of response bias across diverse subpopulations of respondents. Analyses revealed a significantly smaller overall extent of response bias for respondents who were younger (p \u3c 0.01), female (p \u3c 0.01), Non-Hispanic White (p = 0.02), employed (p \u3c 0.01), who were regular (rather than occasional) smokers in the past (p \u3c 0.01), and who quit smoking recently or some time ago as opposed to a long time ago (p \u3c 0.01); a significant overall effect of survey mode was also detected (p \u3c 0.01). Male respondents who smoked occasionally in the past tended to provide the most disagreeing reports. The discrepancy in reports may be due to backward telescoping bias. Studies which use the national survey smoking cessation measures should be aware of not only possible forward telescoping (that has been addressed in the literature) but also backward telescoping. This will help correctly account for possible impaired perception of time elapsed since smoking cessation in former smokers

On Consistency of Self- and Proxy-reported Regular Smoking Initiation Age

Early onset of smoking is associated with heavier tobacco consumption and longer smoking careers. Consequently, obtaining accurate estimates of early smoking is a priority. The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of proxy reports of the age of smoking initiation, and specifically to explore whether there are differences in the consistency of proxy-reported and self-reported smoking behaviors. Data came from the 2002–2003 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey, where the current smoking behaviors and smoking history of participants were reported by self-and proxy-respondents on two occasions, one year apart. Sequential multiple-testing methods were used to assess significance of the differences in reported prevalence of consistent reports among specific sub-populations defined by age, gender and survey administration mode. Results indicated that self-reports are more reliable (more consistent over time) than proxy reports or mixed reports that include self-report at one time point and proxy reports at another. The rate of perfect agreement was also highest for self-reports. The impact of respondent type on the consistency of reports also depended on the target subjects’ age and the survey administration mode (phone or in-person)