Multi-agent systems for power engineering applications - part 2 : Technologies, standards and tools for building multi-agent systems

This is the second part of a 2-part paper that has arisen from the work of the IEEE Power Engineering Society's Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) Working Group. Part 1 of the paper examined the potential value of MAS technology to the power industry, described fundamental concepts and approaches within the field of multi-agent systems that are appropriate to power engineering applications, and presented a comprehensive review of the power engineering applications for which MAS are being investigated. It also defined the technical issues which must be addressed in order to accelerate and facilitate the uptake of the technology within the power and energy sector. Part 2 of the paper explores the decisions inherent in engineering multi-agent systems for applications in the power and energy sector and offers guidance and recommendations on how MAS can be designed and implemented. Given the significant and growing interest in this field, it is imperative that the power engineering community considers the standards, tools, supporting technologies and design methodologies available to those wishing to implement a MAS solution for a power engineering problem. The paper describes the various options available and makes recommendations on best practice. It also describes the problem of interoperability between different multi-agent systems and proposes how this may be tackled

Multi-agent systems for power engineering applications - part 1 : Concepts, approaches and technical challenges

This is the first part of a 2-part paper that has arisen from the work of the IEEE Power Engineering Society's Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) Working Group. Part 1 of the paper examines the potential value of MAS technology to the power industry. In terms of contribution, it describes fundamental concepts and approaches within the field of multi-agent systems that are appropriate to power engineering applications. As well as presenting a comprehensive review of the meaningful power engineering applications for which MAS are being investigated, it also defines the technical issues which must be addressed in order to accelerate and facilitate the uptake of the technology within the power and energy sector. Part 2 of the paper explores the decisions inherent in engineering multi-agent systems for applications in the power and energy sector and offers guidance and recommendations on how MAS can be designed and implemented

Fractal geometry for distribution grid topologies

This paper presents an application of fractal geometry in the design, development and expansion of distribution networks. In order to prove that electrical grids are fractal in form, the fractal dimension of distribution networks is measured using the box-counting algorithm. Then a two dimensional stochastic dielectric breakdown model (DBM) is utilized in order to generate virtual distribution networks. The fractal dimension of the simulated growth patterns varied depending on η which is the exponent of the breakdown probability distribution. By controlling the value of η, growth patterns similar to the actual distribution networks could be produced. Finally, some electrical characteristics (maximum voltage drop, total power losses) of the fractal generated networks are measured and compared with the real distribution networks

Fractal geometry for distribution grid topologies

\u3cp\u3eThis paper presents an application of fractal geometry in the design, development and expansion of distribution networks. In order to prove that electrical grids are fractal in form, the fractal dimension of distribution networks is measured using the box-counting algorithm. Then a two dimensional stochastic dielectric breakdown model (DBM) is utilized in order to generate virtual distribution networks. The fractal dimension of the simulated growth patterns varied depending on η which is the exponent of the breakdown probability distribution. By controlling the value of η, growth patterns similar to the actual distribution networks could be produced. Finally, some electrical characteristics (maximum voltage drop, total power losses) of the fractal generated networks are measured and compared with the real distribution networks.\u3c/p\u3

Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) in Patients Hospitalized for an Exacerbation of Bronchiectasis and/or COPD: FeNO Levels in COPD and Bronchiectasis

Exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) represents an important marker of airway inflammation, yet its role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and/or bronchiectasis is not well studied. We aimed to measure FeNO in patients with COPD, bronchiectasis, and combination of COPD/bronchiectasis during an acute exacerbation (AE) of the underlying disease as well as to describe the characteristics of patients with COPD/bronchiectasis overlap in patients hospitalized for an acute exacerbation (AE). Seventy-nine patients were enrolled in the study as follows: COPD n = 45, bronchiectasis n = 18, and COPD and bronchiectasis n = 16. FeNO was measured with a commercially available analyzer within 24 hours of admission and at discharge. FeNO differed significantly on admission when compared at discharge in the whole group (16.91 ± 16.14 vs 12.48 ± 10.67, p = 0.008, respectively). On admission, FeNO was 17.80 ± 18.77 ppb in COPD patients, 17.12 ± 6.59 in bronchiectasis patients, and 11.55 ± 2.42 in patients with COPD/bronchiectasis overlap. At discharge, FeNO was 12.40 ± 12.11 ppb in COPD patients, 15.50 ± 6.39 in bronchiectasis patients, and 9.00 ± 3.22 in patients with combination. FeNO differed significantly in bronchiectasis patients versus patients with COPD/bronchiectasis overlap at admission (p = 0.043) and at discharge (p = 0.020) and versus COPD patients at discharge (p = 0.043). FeNO decreased significantly during the AE in all groups (p = 0.001 for COPD, p = 0.021 for bronchiectasis, and p = 0.026 for combination). FeNO levels in patients with COPD and/or bronchiectasis exacerbation are possibly increased at admission and decrease at discharge. The differences in FeNO levels between groups may reflect different underlying inflammatory mechanisms. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Bilateral Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Due to Right Common Iliac Artery Aneurysm with a Contained Rupture

Venous thromboembolism (comprising deep venous thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism) is a common disease, often of multifactorial cause. Focal iliac artery aneurysms are relatively rare, and only a few reports exist in the literature describing patients with venous thromboembolism resulting from venous floe disruption due to iliac artery aneurysm. Thus, we report a case of a 65-year-old male presenting with pulmonary embolism and bilateral deep vein thrombosis associated with a contained rupture of the right common iliac artery aneurysm. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland

Immune response to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccines: Is it sustained in the diabetes population?

[No abstract available

Predictors of SARS-CoV-2 IgG Spike Antibody Responses on Admission and Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19 Disease in Fully Vaccinated Inpatients: The CoVax Study

Background: SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have shown high efficacy in protecting against COVID-19, although the determinants of vaccine effectiveness and breakthrough rates are yet to be determined. We aimed at investigating several factors affecting the SARS-CoV-2 IgG Spike (S) antibody responses on admission and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 disease in fully vaccinated, hospitalized patients. Methods: 102 subjects were enrolled in the study. Blood serum samples were collected from each patient upon admission for the semiquantitative determination of the SARS-CoV-2 IgG S levels with lateral flow assays. Factors influencing vaccine responses were documented. Results: 27 subjects had a negative antibody test upon hospital admission. Out of the 102 patients admitted to the hospital, 88 were discharged and 14 died. Both the absence of anti-S SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and poor clinical outcomes of COVID-19 disease were associated with older age, lower Ct values, and a shorter period between symptom onset and hospital admission. Ct values and time between symptom onset and hospitalization were independently associated with SARS-CoV-2 IgG S responses upon admission. The PaO2/FiO2 ratio was identified as an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality. Conclusions: Host-and disease-associated factors can predict SARS-CoV-2 IgG S responses and mortality in hospitalized patients with breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 Infection. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland