A Probabilistic Approach for the Optimal Sizing of Storage Devices to Increase the Penetration of Plug-in Electric Vehicles in Direct Current Networks

The growing diffusion of electric vehicles connected to distribution networks for charging purposes is an ongoing problem that utilities must deal with. Direct current networks and storage devices have emerged as a feasible means of satisfying the expected increases in the numbers of vehicles while preserving the effective operation of the network. In this paper, an innovative probabilistic methodology is proposed for the optimal sizing of electrical storage devices with the aim of maximizing the penetration of plug-in electric vehicles while preserving efficient and effective operation of the network. The proposed methodology is based on an analytical solution of the problem concerning the power losses minimization in distribution networks equipped with storage devices. The closed-form expression that was obtained is included in a Monte Carlo simulation procedure aimed at handling the uncertainties in loads and renewable generation units. The results of several numerical applications are reported and discussed to demonstrate the validity of the proposed solution. Also, different penetration levels of generation units were analyzed in order to focus on the importance of renewable generation

An Innovative Odd-Power Divider by means of a Triple FinLine Waveguide to Microstrip Transition

This paper outlines a novel approach to design a waveguide to microstrip finline transition that allows a division by three, of the RF power traveling inside a rectangular waveguide. The possibility of obtaining an odd power division of microwave and millimeter-wave signals with such finline transition is completely unexplored yet a harbinger of great opportunities. Starting from a 3D CAD model of the structure and continuing with electromagnetic simulations, the obtained results completely describe a transition able to achieve an almost perfect power splitting by three. Multyphisics simulations show an intrinsic resistance to vibrations of such transition, allowing it to be installed on aircraft or satellites modules. Thanks to this achievement, a totally new kind of power devices will come next, exploiting this odd power division. In fact, it will be possible to realize different types of microwave amplifiers, increasing the efficiency and decreasing the occupied size. To the author’s best knowledge, it is the first time a divider by three finline transition is reported in the literature

Study of The Corrosion Processes On Roman And Byzantine Glasses From Northern Tunisia

The present investigation focuses on some glass objects among those discovered in an area around the ancient city of Thugga in northern Tunisia, particularly flourishing during the Roman and Byzantine periods (1). The Late Roman-Byzantine time is not characterised by elaborate vessel shapes derived from precious metal prototypes, but rather by simpler multifunctional forms, as beakers, goblets, and dishes with similar features in the whole Mediterranean world. Also the glass composition seems to change between the 4th and the 5th century, turning to a yellowish-green or olive green colouration of the glass instead of the typical Roman blue-greenish colouration of earlier times. This new glass colouration varies further drastically in the 7th century, when a characteristic light blue-turquoise glass becomes the most widespread. A complete chemical characterization of these objects was carried out in a previous study (2) aimed to investigate the production technology including the chromophores responsible for the different shades. In the present work we have investigated the degradation and corrosion processes affecting some of these shards. It is worth to note that to ascertain the composition of the glass surfaces the analyses have been carried out by means of non-destructive techniques such as XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), SEM-EDX (scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis) and laser-ablation ICP-MS ((Inductively Coupled Plasma \u2013 Mass Spectrometry)

Influence of water on tribolayer growth when lubricating steel with a fluorinated phosphonium dicyanamide ionic liquid

This work aims to elucidate the role of environmental humidity on the tribological behavior of steel surfaces lubricated with an ionic liquid comprised of a fluorinated phosphonium cation-tributyl-3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluoro-octyl-phosphonium-and a dicyanamide anion (i.e. N(CN) 2 - ). Ball-on-disk tribotests were carried out at room temperature and at various levels of relative humidity (RH). Water was found to be required to promote the formation of a tribofilm over the contact area. The reaction layer exhibited a patchy morphology, which resembles that observed formed with conventional antiwear additives such as ZnDTP. A surface-chemical analysis of the tribofilm indicated that the tribofilm is composed of fluorides, oxides, and phosphates, pointing to a stress-induced degradation of the ions and corrosion of the sliding counterparts, which is enabled by the presence of water at the sliding interface. © 2019 by the authors

The use of rapamycin to treat vascular tumours and malformations: A single-centre experience

Objectives: To assess the safety and efficacy of rapamycin in treating children with vascular tumours and malformations. Study design: We performed a retrospective review at a large tertiary care paediatric centre to assess the efficacy and safety of using rapamycin to treat vascular tumours and malformations. Response to therapy was defined by patient-reported symptom improvement, radiological reduction in size of lesions, and/or improvement of laboratory parameters. Results: Forty-two patients (7 with vascular tumours and 35 with vascular malformations) have been treated with rapamycin. Despite 33 of 42 patients being diagnosed in the first year of life, the median age of initiating rapamycin was 11 years. Of the 38 children treated for a minimum of 4 months, 29 (76%) exhibited a clinical response. Twenty-one patients had follow-up imaging studies and of these, 16 (76%) had radiographic decrease in lesion size. Median time to demonstration of response was 49 days. All five children with vascular tumours and all three children with vascular malformations under the age of 4 years showed a clinical response. Response rate was lower for children ≥ 4 years of age (0/2, 0% for vascular tumours; 21/28, 75% for vascular malformations). No patient experienced an infection directly related to rapamycin or discontinued rapamycin due to toxicity. Conclusions: Rapamycin is safe and efficacious in most children with select vascular tumours and malformations. Young children appear to respond better, suggesting that early initiation of rapamycin should be considered

C–H Functionalization Reactivity of a Nickel–Imide

This article discusses C-H functionalization reactivity of a Nickel-Imide

Selectivity and Mechanism of Hydrogen Atom Transfer by an Isolable Imidoiron(III) Complex

This article discusses a mechanistic study of hydrogen atom transfer by an isolable iron (III) imido complex, LᴹᵉFeNAd (Lᴹᵉ = bulky β-diketiminate ligand, 2,4-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenylimido)pentyl; Ad = 1-adamantyl)