Load-following Operating Mode at Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) and Incidence on Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Costs - Compatibility with Wind Power Variability

In this report the capability of nuclear power plants to adapt to the demand is examined and several types of regulations needed for this are explained. From design there exists a power fluctuation margin and this is also an important characteristic of the design rules agreed upon by the European Utility Requirements (EUR rules) that should apply to the new builds in Europe. In the last chapter of this report the fluctuation margins as needed from wind farms are estimated from the experience gained in the wind turbines installations from Scandinavia and from the US. This allows an estimation of the compatibility of wind and nuclear generating units in a geographic area. A central point of this study was to consider to what extent the contribution of NPPs to grid regulation impairs their economical profitability due to possible higher O&M costs. In a liberalised electricity market price components are not communicated. Consequently no precise cost data were available and the study is based on personal communication and on aggregated data from an IAEA database collecting yearly average loss of production of NPPs worldwide. The study shows that the supplementary O&M costs due to load-following like operating mode can be majored by 2% of the theoretical available capacity of a power plant. These supplementary costs allow a power plant to be eligible for regulation which is associated with much higher electricity prices than if the unit is always producing base-load electricity. The conclusion may need to be reconsidered in case of a larger share of intermittent electricity generation. The decisive factor on this is the price at which reserve capacity is to be sold. This will be the adjustment factor and this last is more dependent on the share of the intermittent energy than of the nature of the backup plants.JRC.DDG.F.5-Safety of present nuclear reactor

Nongaussian fluctuations arising from finite populations: Exact results for the evolutionary Moran process

The appropriate description of fluctuations within the framework of evolutionary game theory is a fundamental unsolved problem in the case of finite populations. The Moran process recently introduced into this context [Nowak et al., Nature (London) 428, 646 (2004)] defines a promising standard model of evolutionary game theory in finite populations for which analytical results are accessible. In this paper, we derive the stationary distribution of the Moran process population dynamics for arbitrary $2\times{}2$ games for the finite size case. We show that a nonvanishing background fitness can be transformed to the vanishing case by rescaling the payoff matrix. In contrast to the common approach to mimic finite-size fluctuations by Gaussian distributed noise, the finite size fluctuations can deviate significantly from a Gaussian distribution.Comment: 4 pages (2 figs). Published in Physical Review E (Rapid Communications

Unconventional gas: potential energy market impacts in the European Union

In the interest of effective policymaking, this report seeks to clarify certain controversies and identify key gaps in the evidence-base relating to unconventional gas. The scope of this report is restricted to the economic impact of unconventional gas on energy markets. As such, it principally addresses such issues as the energy mix, energy prices, supplies, consumption, and trade flows. Whilst this study touches on coal bed methane and tight gas, its predominant focus is on shale gas, which the evidence at this time suggests will be the form of unconventional gas with the most growth potential in the short- to medium-term. This report considers the prospects for the indigenous production of shale gas within the EU-27 Member States. It evaluates the available evidence on resource size, extractive technology, resource access and market access. This report also considers the implications for the EU of large-scale unconventional gas production in other parts of the world. This acknowledges the fact that many changes in the dynamics of energy supply can only be understood in the broader global context. It also acknowledges that the EU is a major importer of energy, and that it is therefore heavily affected by developments in global energy markets that are largely out of its control.JRC.F.3-Energy securit

Deep learning-based image analysis reveals significant differences in the number and distribution of mucosal CD3 and γδ T cells between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

Colon mucosae of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) display differences in the number and distribution of immune cells that are difficult to assess by eye. Deep learning-based analysis on whole slide images (WSIs) allows extraction of complex quantitative data that can be used to uncover different inflammatory patterns. We aimed to explore the distribution of CD3 and γδ T cells in colon mucosal compartments in histologically inactive and active inflammatory bowel disease. By deep learning-based segmentation and cell detection on WSIs from a well-defined cohort of CD (n = 37), UC (n = 58), and healthy controls (HCs, n = 33), we quantified CD3 and γδ T cells within and beneath the epithelium and in lamina propria in proximal and distal colon mucosa, defined by the Nancy histological index. We found that inactive CD had significantly fewer intraepithelial γδ T cells than inactive UC, but higher total number of CD3 cells in all compartments than UC and HCs. Disease activity was associated with a massive loss of intraepithelial γδ T cells in UC, but not in CD. The total intraepithelial number of CD3 cells remained constant regardless of disease activity in both CD and UC. There were more mucosal CD3 and γδ T cells in proximal versus distal colon. Oral corticosteroids had an impact on γδ T cell numbers, while age, gender, and disease duration did not. Relative abundance of γδ T cells in mucosa and blood did not correlate. This study reveals significant differences in the total number of CD3 and γδ T cells in particularly the epithelial area between CD, UC, and HCs, and demonstrates useful application of deep segmentation to quantify cells in mucosal compartments

Methods for Compression of Feedback in Adaptive Multicarrier 4G Schemes

In this paper, several algorithms for compressing the feedback of channel quality information are presented and analyzed. These algorithms are developed for a proposed adaptive modulation scheme for future multi-carrier 4G mobile systems. These strategies compress the feedback data and, used together with opportunistic scheduling, drastically reduce the feedback data rate. Thus the adaptive modulation schemes become more suitable and efficient to be implemented in future mobile systems, increasing data throughput and overall system performance.This work has been partly funded by the Spanish government with projects MACAWI (TEC 2005-07477-c02-02), MAMBO2 (CCG06-UC3M-TIC-0698), and European COST Action 289 and is a result of work done within this European actio

Continued safe operation of nuclear power generation plants during the Covid-19 pandemic

An important goal of any pandemic response strategy is to assure the continued reliability of the electricity grid. Electricity production and delivery, two of the most important elements of economic and social infrastructure, must remain reliable during a pandemic because many parts of the infrastructure (e.g. food supply, water, transportation, public health) cannot function without a stable, reliable supply of electricity. More than 100 nuclear power reactor units are currently in operation in the EU and their continued operation during a pandemic is essential to maintain grid stability and ensure the needed power supplies in combination with the other sources of power generation. This report provides an overview of the findings of an investigation into the pandemic preparedness and response actions of nuclear power plant operating organisations in EU and some third countries operating nuclear power reactors. The investigation has been performed by means of media monitoring and information gathering during approximately three weeks, from 16 March – 3 April 2020.JRC.G.10-Knowledge for Nuclear Security and Safet

Increased concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls, hexachlorobenzene, and chlordanes in mothers of men with testicular cancer.

An increasing incidence of testicular cancer has been reported from several countries in the Western world during the last decades. According to current hypothesis, testicular cancer is initiated during the fetal period, and exposure to endocrine disruptors, i.e., xenoestrogens, has been of concern. In this investigation we studied the concentrations of the sum of 38 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), p,p'-dichlorodiphenyl-dichloroethylene, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and chlordanes, in 61 cases with testicular cancer and 58 age-matched controls. Furthermore, case and control mothers were also asked to participate, and 44 case mothers and 45 control mothers agreed. They were of similar age. In cases only the concentration on lipid basis of cis-nonachlordane was significantly increased, whereas case mothers showed significantly increased concentrations of the sum of PCBs, HCB, trans- and cis-nonachlordane, and the sum of chlordanes. Among case mothers the sum of PCBs yielded an odds ratio (OR) of 3.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.4-10 was calculated using the median concentration for the control mothers as cutoff value. For HCB, OR = 4.4 (95% CI, 1.7-12); for trans-nonachlordane, OR = 4.1 (95% CI, 1.5-11); for cis-nonachlordane, OR = 3.1 (95% CI, 1.2-7.8); and for sum of chlordanes, OR = 1.9 (95% CI, 0.7-5.0). No consistent different risk pattern was found for seminoma or nonseminoma testicular cancer

Restrictive spirometric pattern in the general adult population : Methods of defining the condition and consequences on prevalence

Background: Attempts have been made to use dynamic spirometry to define restrictive lung function, but the definition of a restrictive spirometric pattern (RSP) varies between studies such as BOLD and NHANES. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of RSP among adults in northern Sweden based on different definitions. Methods: In 2008-2009 a general population sample aged 21-86y within the obstructive lung disease in northern Sweden (OLIN) studies was examined by structured interview and spirometry, and 726 subjects participated (71% of invited). The prevalence of RSP was calculated according to three different definitions based on pre-as well as post-bronchodilator spirometry: 1) FVC 0.7 2) FVC LLN 3) FVC LLN Results: The three definitions yielded RSP prevalence estimates of 10.5%, 11.2% and 9.4% respectively, when based on pre-bronchodilator values. The prevalence was lower when based on post-bronchodilator values, i.e. 7.3%, 7.9% and 6.6%. According to definition 1 and 2, the RSP prevalence increased by age, but not according to definition 3. The overlap between the definitions was substantial. When corrected for confounding factors, manual work in industry and diabetes with obesity were independently associated with an increased risk for RSP regardless of definition. Conclusions: The prevalence of RSP was 7-11%. The prevalence estimates differed more depending on the choice of pre-compared to post-bronchodilator values than on the choice of RSP definition. RSP was, regardless of definition, independently associated with manual work in industry and diabetes with obesity. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.Peer reviewe

Improved Land Management in the Lake Victoria Basin: Annual Technical Report, July 2000 to June 2001

ICRAF and the Kenyan Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MOARD) are implementing a project on “Improved Land Management in the Lake Victoria Basin.” The project began in 1999 – 2000 with a one-year startup year of activities under the Sida-sponsored National Soil and Water Conservation Programme (NSWCP). The collaborative project of ICRAF and MOARD has now been continued for another three years under the National Agriculture and Livestock Extension Programme (NALEP). This paper summarizes achievements and findings for the project for the year 2000 / 2001. The Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) supports “Improved Land Management in the Lake Victoria Basin” through NALEP. Additional financial support for the activities reported herein was also provided by the Rockefeller Foundation, ICRAF core funds, Danida, the University of Florida and the USAID. Research conducted during 2000 / 2001 addressed a range of issues across a large tract of Western Kenya. A coarse resolution assessment of soil erosion risk conducted for the entire Lake Victoria Basin identified the Nzoia / Yala and Kagera river basins as those with the greatest percentage of land at risk. Biophysical research on land management problem domains has quantified the widespread spatial extent of soil physical and chemical degradation in the Nyando river basin and illustrated four contrasting biophysical problem domains within the basin. District-level data on population density, poverty and agricultural production available from secondary sources have been complemented with baseline household and community survey data collected in 9 villages around the Nyando river basin. The overall picture that is emerging is that while much of the Nyando river basin has experienced some physical and chemical land degradation, there are pockets of severe poverty, severe environmental degradation and extremely low agricultural production. Different approaches to extension, investment and policy may be needed to address poverty – environment – agricultural problems in different parts of the river basin. Reversing trends in environmental deterioration will require interventions on farmers fields and in the many areas between farms that publicly-used, although usually privately-owned. Farmers have demonstrated their willingness to adopt recommended conservation practices on their individual family fields, but the intensity of adoption depends upon the potential returns to investments, their cultural grouping, and the approach that extension providers take to the provision of information and mobilization of community participation. Adoption of improved practices and investments on publicly-used areas between farms requires the mobilization of collective action among small, medium and large groups. Collective action in the Nyando River basin is most likely to be effective where it harnesses local institutional arrangements (e.g. sub-clan affiliations among the Luo) and advances common interests in the provision of high quality water and the generation of additional cash income. Among other opportunities, there appears to be good prospects for market-oriented agroforestry for production of fruit, fuelwood and timber. Changes in local and national policies would help to ensure good returns for smallholder farmers. This report begins with a presentation of a number of major findings, implications of those findings for extension and investment and implications for policy. A summary of progress by activity is then presented, followed by lists of personnel involved, presentations and publications. An annex presents detailed accomplishments by activity