13 research outputs found
Genome-Scale Reconstruction and Analysis of the Pseudomonas putida KT2440 Metabolic Network Facilitates Applications in Biotechnology
A cornerstone of biotechnology is the use of microorganisms for the efficient
production of chemicals and the elimination of harmful waste.
Pseudomonas putida is an archetype of such microbes due to
its metabolic versatility, stress resistance, amenability to genetic
modifications, and vast potential for environmental and industrial applications.
To address both the elucidation of the metabolic wiring in P.
putida and its uses in biocatalysis, in particular for the production
of non-growth-related biochemicals, we developed and present here a genome-scale
constraint-based model of the metabolism of P. putida KT2440.
Network reconstruction and flux balance analysis (FBA) enabled definition of the
structure of the metabolic network, identification of knowledge gaps, and
pin-pointing of essential metabolic functions, facilitating thereby the
refinement of gene annotations. FBA and flux variability analysis were used to
analyze the properties, potential, and limits of the model. These analyses
allowed identification, under various conditions, of key features of metabolism
such as growth yield, resource distribution, network robustness, and gene
essentiality. The model was validated with data from continuous cell cultures,
high-throughput phenotyping data, 13C-measurement of internal flux
distributions, and specifically generated knock-out mutants. Auxotrophy was
correctly predicted in 75% of the cases. These systematic analyses
revealed that the metabolic network structure is the main factor determining the
accuracy of predictions, whereas biomass composition has negligible influence.
Finally, we drew on the model to devise metabolic engineering strategies to
improve production of polyhydroxyalkanoates, a class of biotechnologically
useful compounds whose synthesis is not coupled to cell survival. The solidly
validated model yields valuable insights into genotype–phenotype
relationships and provides a sound framework to explore this versatile bacterium
and to capitalize on its vast biotechnological potential
Participation in a mutual fund covering losses due to pest infestation: analyzing key predictors of farmers’ interest through machine learning
In the context of intensified Halyomorpha halys infestations in Italy, this paper provides a very first investigation of key factors that drive fruit growers’ intention to participate in a mutual fund (MF) compensating production losses due to this invasive insect. Data were collected in Veneto Region in Italy, where many farmers suffered H. halys attacks, and interest in the development of innovative risk management tools is growing. The study investigates how behavioral (risk attitude, risk perception) and personality factors (self-efficacy, locus of control) explain farmers’ intention to participate in the MF, additionally controlling for a large number of primary control data (e.g. farmers’ perceptions and characteristics, farm characteristics). The study assumes approximate sparsity and applies the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), a machine learning technique which represents an original approach for research on risk management. Our empirical analysis reveals that farmers’ intention to participate in the MF is driven by an interplay between the perceived risk of production loss, the benefits from participation in the fund, and the farm age, rather than by socio-economic characteristics of the farm. Results provide valuable insights for policymakers and local stakeholders to implement a mutual fund close to the farmers’ needs
An ADMM-Based Method for Computing Risk-Averse Equilibrium in Capacity Markets
Uncertainty in electricity markets introduces risk for investors. High fixed cost and increased dependency on infrequent and uncertain price spikes characterize investments. The risk-averse behavior of investors might lead to poor decision-making and undermines generation adequacy. Electricity market models rarely treat the interaction of market design and risk aversion. The representation of capacity mechanisms in modeling approaches focusing on risk aversion is limited. Our contribution addresses two problems. First,we propose a stochastic market equilibrium model. Investors are represented as risk-averse agents. The conditional value-at-risk is used as risk measure. Second, we propose an algorithm based on the alternating direction method of multipliers to compute a risk-averse equilibrium. We benchmark our approach with a state-of-the-art solver relying on a mixed complementarity problem reformulation. We show that for larger case studies our proposed approach is preferable. The algorithm converges in all cases while conventional solvers fail to compute a risk-averse equilibrium. The methodology is transferable to other risk-averse equilibrium models. With reference to capacity markets, we conclude that they are more beneficial in a risk-averse market. Capacity markets result in lower total cost, while avoiding expected energy not served. This statement still holds with increased price caps in energy-only markets
Selecting Representative Days for Capturing the Implications of Integrating Intermittent Renewables in Generation Expansion Planning Problems
Review of wind generation within adequacy calculations and capacity markets for different power systems
The integration of renewable energy sources, including wind power, in the adequacy assessment of electricity generation capacity becomes increasingly important as renewable energy generation increases in volume and replaces conventional power plants. The contribution of wind power to cover the electricity demand is less certain than conventional power sources; therefore, the capacity value of wind power is smaller than that of conventional plants. This article presents an overview of the adequacy challenge, how wind power is handled in the regulation of capacity adequacy, and how wind power is treated in a selection of jurisdictions. The jurisdictions included in the overview are Sweden, Great Britain, France, Ireland, United States (PJM and ERCOT), Finland, Portugal, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.keywords: Adequacy, Capacity credit, Capacity markets, Market integration, Power system, Wind powerstatus: publishe
Review of wind generation within adequacy calculations and capacity markets for different power systems
ABSTRACT: The integration of renewable energy sources, including wind power, in the adequacy assessment of electricity generation capacity becomes increasingly important as renewable energy generation increases in volume and replaces conventional power plants. The contribution of wind power to cover the electricity demand is less certain than conventional power sources; therefore, the capacity value of wind power is smaller than that of conventional plants. This article presents an overview of the adequacy challenge, how wind power is handled in the regulation of capacity adequacy, and how wind power is treated in a selection of jurisdictions. The jurisdictions included in the overview are Sweden, Great Britain, France, Ireland, United States (PJM and ERCOT), Finland, Portugal, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio