Fuzzy Logic Energy Management for a Residential Power System Using Renewable Energy Sources

A fuzzy logic energy management algorithm is proposed for a hybrid wind/photovoltaic (PV) power generation unit, an electric vehicle battery, and a heat pump for household applications. The proposed concept refers to two independent power systems—a light electric vehicle and a household that interact through light, interchangeable batteries; moreover, they are powered from a renewable energy system comprising PV panels, wind generator, and appropriate MPPT-based converters. The main features of the concept are the heat pump load that produces thermal energy, as the main electric load of the system, and the storage element that is alternately used by the vehicle, which can be recharged from renewable sources. The presented algorithm allows the implementation, by means of fuzzy tools, of an appropriate energy management control system in order to obtain maximum utilization of the renewable energy. The results show that most of the energy required to charge the battery and to feed the heat pump can be covered from renewable sources

Prime Example Ingress Reframing the Pervasive Game Design Framework (PGDF)

The growing availability of mobile communication infrastructure over the last decade has contributed significantly to the maturity of Pervasive Gaming. The massive suc-cess of games such as Ingress and Pokémon Go made pervasive gaming a viable op-tion for transforming learning. By its adaptability to location and context, pervasive technology is a valuable support for the design of engaging learning experiences. De-spite profound examples of pervasive gaming as learning tool, there is still a lack of reliable methodologies to construct purposeful pervasive learning experiences. The Pervasive Game Design Framework (PGDF) is intended to fill this gap. In this article, we present the PGDF using the example of Ingress. Ingress is a prominent pervasive game, as it has received huge attention since its appearance in 2012. A large commu-nity of players and third-party-tool suppliers has created a rich set of experiences since then. In this research, we examine Ingress according to PGDF’s categories based on a survey among long-term Ingress players (N=133). Founded on this analysis we identify three main benefits for Ingress players. Furthermore, we discuss the conse-quences of these findings on the PGDF. Summarizing, this work strengthens the ap-plicability of the PGDF, in order to enable the construction of enriched pervasive learn-ing experiences

Performance evaluation in database research: principles and experience

International audienceSignificant part of today's database research focuses on improving performance of a specific system. Quantitative experiments are the best way to validate such results. However, performing experiments is not always easy. Besides the complexity of the system under test, designing an experiment, choosing the right environment and parameter values, analyzing the data which is gathered, and reporting it to a third party in an expressive and intelligible way is hard. In this tutorial, we present a general road-map to the above steps, including tips and tricks on how to organize and present code that performs experiments, so that an outsider can repeat them. The tutorial is primarily aimed at MS and PhD students seeking to improve their experiment practices, but more senior attendants may also find it interesting

Retrieval analysis of different orthodontic brackets: the applicability of electron microprobe techniques for determining material heterogeneities and corrosive potential

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the applicability of micro-analytical methods with high spatial resolution to the characterization of the composition and corrosion behavior of two bracket systems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The surfaces of six nickel-free brackets and six nickel-containing brackets were examined for signs of corrosion and qualitative surface analysis using an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA), prior to bonding to patient's tooth surfaces and four months after clinical use. The surfaces were characterized qualitatively by secondary electron (SE) images and back scattered electron (BSE) images in both compositional and topographical mode. Qualitative and quantitative wavelength-dispersive analyses were performed for different elements, and by utilizing qualitative analysis the relative concentration of selected elements was mapped two-dimensionally. The absolute concentration of the elements was determined in specially prepared brackets by quantitative analysis using pure element standards for calibration and calculating correction-factors (ZAF). RESULTS: Clear differences were observed between the different bracket types. The nickel-containing stainless steel brackets consist of two separate pieces joined by a brazing alloy. Compositional analysis revealed two different alloy compositions, and reaction zones on both sides of the brazing alloy. The nickel-free bracket was a single piece with only slight variation in element concentration, but had a significantly rougher surface. After clinical use, no corrosive phenomena were detectable with the methods applied. Traces of intraoral wear at the contact areas between the bracket slot and the arch wire were verified. CONCLUSION: Electron probe microanalysis is a valuable tool for the characterization of element distribution and quantitative analysis for corrosion studies

Studying mixture effects on uptake and tissue distribution of PFAS in zebrafish (Danio rerio) using physiologically based kinetic (PBK) modelling

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitously distributed in the aquatic environment. They include persistent, mobile, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals and it is therefore critical to increase our understanding on their adsorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME). The current study focused on uptake of seven emerging PFAS in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and their potential maternal transfer. In addition, we aimed at increasing our understanding on mixture effects on ADME by developing a physiologically based kinetic (PBK) model capable of handling co-exposure scenarios of any number of chemicals. All studied chemicals were taken up in the fish to varying degrees, whereas only perfluorononanoate (PFNA) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) were quantified in all analysed tissues. Perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA) was measured at concerningly high concentrations in the brain (Cmax over 15 μg/g) but also in the liver and ovaries. All studied PFAS were maternally transferred to the eggs, with FOSA and 6:2 perfluorooctane sulfonate (6,2 FTSA) showing significant (p 85 % of predictions within a 10-fold error and 60 % of predictions within a 3-fold error. At studied levels of PFAS exposure, competitive binding was not a critical factor for PFAS kinetics. Gill surface pH influenced uptake for some carboxylates but not the sulfonates. The developed PBK model provides an important tool in understanding kinetics under complex mixture scenarios and this use of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) is critical in future risk assessment of chemicals and early warning systems

A Review of Water Pollution in Israel and Palestine

Water pollution is a daily risk with a major impact on both populations and ecosystems. An analysis of water pollution types is essential to determine the affected regions and the magnitude of its impact on various components of the geosystem. This study aims to conduct a thorough analysis of water pollution in the Israel and Palestine, focusing on the three main types of pollution: physical, chemical, and biological. The methodology of this article is based on the critical review of 22 scientific papers published between 1972 and 2023, addressing various aspects of water pollution in the analyzed region, from generating sources to their impact. Most studies are authored by researchers affiliated with institutions located in the conflict region, with many samples collected directly from the field and processed in laboratories or GIS environments. The study results highlight chemical pollution often exceeding recommended limits for various analyzed parameters. Biological pollution subjects aquatic ecosystems to significant pressures, including eutrophication and harmful algal blooms. Wastewater is discharged into watercourses in the region, affecting their physical properties. Areas subject to water pollution include the Gaza Strip, the coastal zone, the northern aquifer in Israel, and lakes in the western part of the analysis region, posing potential risks to the health of the populations in Israel and Palestine

A Review of Water Pollution in the Israel-Palestinian Conflict Region

Water pollution is a daily risk with a major impact on both populations and ecosystems. An analysis of water pollution types is essential to determine the affected regions and the magnitude of its impact on various components of the geosystem. This study aims to conduct a thorough analysis of water pollution in the Israel-Palestine conflict region, focusing on the three main types of pollution: physical, chemical, and biological. The methodology of this article is based on the critical review of 22 scientific papers published between 1972 and 2023, addressing various aspects of water pollution in the analyzed region, from generating sources to their impact. Most studies are authored by researchers affiliated with institutions located in the conflict region, with many samples collected directly from the field and processed in laboratories or GIS environments. The study results highlight chemical pollution often exceeding recommended limits for various analyzed parameters. Biological pollution subjects aquatic ecosystems to significant pressures, including eutrophication and harmful algal blooms. Wastewater is discharged into watercourses in the region, affecting their physical properties. Areas subject to water pollution include the Gaza Strip, the coastal zone, the northern aquifer in Israel, and lakes in the western part of the analysis region, posing potential risks to the health of the populations in Israel and Palestine

The Influence of Storage Conditions on the Biochemical Composition and Morphology of Dahlia Tubers

The aim of this study was to assess by means of biometric measurements and FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopic techniques the influence of storage conditions on the morphology and biochemical composition of Dahlia tubers. Investigated samples belong to ‘Kennemerland’ and ‘Red Pygmy’ cultivars of the Dahlia hybrida species, which were preserved over winter at 5-8 °C, 30-40% air humidity in different substrates: sand, sand and sawdust, peat and sawdust. The biometric parameters revealed that the peat and sawdust substrate is the most appropriate one for tubers storage, whereas the sand substrate is the least suitable one. The inulin signature was evidenced in all tuber samples as well as the changes of biochemical composition induced by different storage conditions. The analysis of the FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra demonstrated that the inulin accumulation inside the tubers is favourably influenced by the sand storage, and depends on the cultivar type. Moreover, it was established that the peat and sawdust substrate favours the polyacetylene formation inside the tubers probably because it facilitates the occurrence and development of pathogens inside the tuber. It was also found that the polyacetylene concentration increased, which is associated with the plant response to the pathogen invasion, depends on the cultivar type