A rolling horizon optimization framework for the simultaneous energy supply and demand planning in microgrids

This work focuses on the development of optimization-based scheduling strategies for the coordination of microgrids. The main novelty of this work is the simultaneous management of energy production and energy demand within a reactive scheduling approach to deal with the presence of uncertainty associated to production and consumption. Delays in the nominal energy demands are allowed under associated penalty costs to tackle flexible and fluctuating demand profiles. In this study, the basic microgrid structure consists of renewable energy systems (photovoltaic panels, wind turbines) and energy storage units. Consequently, a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) formulation is presented and used within a rolling horizon scheme that periodically updates input data information

Integrated game-theory modelling for multi enterprise-wide coordination and collaboration under uncertain competitive environment

In this work, an integrated Game Theory (GT) approach is developed for the coordination of multi-enterprise Supply Chains (SCs) in a competitive uncertain environment. The conflicting goals of the different participants are solved through coordination contracts using a non-cooperative non-zero-sum Stackelberg game under the leadership of the manufacturer. The Stackelberg payoff matrix is built under the nominal conditions, and then evaluated under different probable uncertain scenarios using a Monte-Carlo simulation. The competition between the Stackelberg game players and the third parties is solved through a Nash Equilibrium game. A novel way to analyze the game outcome is proposed based on a win–win Stackelberg set of “Pareto-frontiers”. The benefits of the resulting MINLP tactical models are illustrated by a case study with different vendors around a client SC. The results show that the coordinated decisions lead to higher expected payoffs compared to the standalone case, while also leading to uncertainty reduction.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Scenario-based dynamic negotiation for the coordination of multi-enterprise supply chains under uncertainty

A novel scenario-based dynamic negotiation approach is proposed for the coordination of decentralized supply chains under uncertainty. The relations between the involved organizations (client, provider and third parties) and their respective conflicting objectives are captured through a non-zero-sum and non symmetric roles SBDN negotiation. The client (leader) designs coordination agreements considering the uncertain reaction of the provider (follower) resulting from the uncertain nature of the third parties, which is modeled as a probability of acceptance function. Different negotiation scenarios are studied: (i) cooperative, and (ii) non-cooperative and (iii) standalone cases. The use of the resulting models is illustrated through a case study with different vendors around aPeer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

RFID: Noves experiències al CRAI de la UB

Podeu consultar el programa complet de la jornada: http://hdl.handle.net/2445/11824

Normal reference values of strength in pelvic floor muscle of women: a descriptive and inferential study

Background: To describe the clinical, functional and quality of life characteristics in women with Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI). In addition, to analyse the relationship between the variables reported by the patients and those informed by the clinicians, and the relationship between instrumented variables and the manual pelvic floor strength assessment.Methods: Two hundred and eighteen women participated in this observational, analytical study. An interview about Urinary Incontinence and the quality of life questionnaires (EuroQoL-5D and SF-12) were developed as outcomes reported by the patients. Manual muscle testing and perineometry as outcomes informed by the clinician were assessed. Descriptive and correlation analysis were carried out.Results: The average age of the subjects was (39.93 ± 12.27 years), (24.49 ± 3.54 BMI). The strength evaluated by manual testing of the right levator ani muscles was 7.79 ± 2.88, the strength of left levator ani muscles was 7.51 ± 2.91 and the strength assessed with the perineometer was 7.64 ± 2.55. A positive correlation was found between manual muscle testing and perineometry of the pelvic floor muscles (p < .001). No correlation was found between outcomes of quality of life reported by the patients and outcomes of functional capacity informed by the physiotherapist.Conclusion: A stratification of the strength of pelvic floor muscles in a normal distribution of a large sample of women with SUI was done, which provided the clinic with a baseline. There is a relationship between the strength of the pelvic muscles assessed manually and that obtained by a perineometer in women with SUI. There was no relationship between these values of strength and quality of life perceived

Gestió de projectes experimentals al laboratori

Els plans d’estudi d'Enginyeria Química tenen assignatures troncals exclusivament de laboratori. Tot i així, la visió tradicional de la docència al laboratori continua essent la d’unes pràctiques complementàries a les assignatures teòriques. Tanmateix, es pot dotar aquestes assignatures d'un discurs propi basat en l’experimentació com a mètode i aprofitar el fet que el laboratori, a diferència de l'aula, és un escenari idoni per a l’aprenentatge i desenvolupament de competències, actituds i aptituds més enllà de la repetició del procés de mesura i del coneixement dels fonaments fisicoquímics dels fenòmens i processos que s’estudien. Des de fa més de deu anys l’Experimentació en Enginyeria Química de l’EUETIB s’ha plantejat com un procés de millora continua vers aquest objectiu. La formulació d’un pla estratègic que en gestionava la transformació va ser premiada el 2007 i actualment incorpora de manera explícita una sèrie de jocs de rol al laboratori orientats a l’aprenentatge de competències en l’àmbit de l’aplicació del mètode científic, la resolució de problemes, la gestió de projectes, la gestió de la qualitat i la millora contínua, la gestió de la seguretat i el medi ambient, la coavaluació i l’avaluació per a l’aprenentatge i la comunicació i el llenguatge.Peer Reviewe

Treatment of uterine prolapse stage 2 or higher: a randomized multicenter trial comparing sacrospinous fixation with vaginal hysterectomy (SAVE U trial)

Contains fulltext : 97471.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)BACKGROUND: Pelvic organ prolapse is a common health problem, affecting up to 40% of parous women over 50 years old, with significant negative influence on quality of life. Vaginal hysterectomy is currently the leading treatment method for patients with symptomatic uterine prolapse. Several studies have shown that sacrospinous fixation in case of uterine prolapse is a safe and effective alternative to vaginal hysterectomy. However, no large randomized trials with long-term follow-up have been performed to compare efficacy and quality of life between both techniques.The SAVE U trial is designed to compare sacrospinous fixation with vaginal hysterectomy in the treatment of uterine prolapse stage 2 or higher in terms of prolapse recurrence, quality of life, complications, hospital stay, post-operative recovery and sexual functioning. METHODS/DESIGN: The SAVE U trial is a randomized controlled multi-center non-inferiority trial. The study compares sacrospinous fixation with vaginal hysterectomy in women with uterine prolapse stage 2 or higher. The primary outcome measure is recurrence of uterine prolapse defined as: uterine descent stage 2 or more assessed by pelvic organ prolapse quantification examination and prolapse complaints and/or redo surgery at 12 months follow-up. Secondary outcomes are subjective improvement in quality of life measured by generic (Short Form 36 and Euroqol 5D) and disease-specific (Urogenital Distress Inventory, Defecatory Distress Inventory and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire) quality of life instruments, complications following surgery, hospital stay, post-operative recovery and sexual functioning (Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire). Analysis will be performed according to the intention to treat principle. Based on comparable recurrence rates of 3% and considering an upper-limit of 7% to be non-inferior (beta 0.2 and one sided alpha 0.025), 104 patients are needed per group. DISCUSSION: The SAVE U trial is a randomized multicenter trial that will provide evidence whether the efficacy of sacrospinous fixation is similar to vaginal hysterectomy in women with uterine prolapse stage 2 or higher. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Netherlands Trial Register (NTR): NTR1866

Gestió de projectes experimentals al laboratori

Postprint (published version