Optimal Sizing of Fixed Capacitor Banks Placed on a Distorted Interconnected Distribution Networks by Genetic Algorithms

In this paper, the optimal sizing of fixed capacitor banks problem in a distorted interconnected distribution system is formulated and solved by a Genetic Algorithm (GA) solution technique to minimize the cost of power production and capacitor banks under the constraints include voltage limits , sizes of installed capacitors and Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the algorithm is applied on IEEE 30-bus test system and the results are given for different cases: Light and heavy harmonic cases. Computer simulation shows that the harmonic components affect the optimal capacitor sizing

A PC-based magnetometer-only attitude and rate determination system for gyroless spacecraft

This paper describes a prototype PC-based system that uses measurements from a three-axis magnetometer (TAM) to estimate the state (three-axis attitude and rates) of a spacecraft given no a priori information other than the mass properties. The system uses two algorithms that estimate the spacecraft's state - a deterministic magnetic-field only algorithm and a Kalman filter for gyroless spacecraft. The algorithms are combined by invoking the deterministic algorithm to generate the spacecraft state at epoch using a small batch of data and then using this deterministic epoch solution as the initial condition for the Kalman filter during the production run. System input comprises processed data that includes TAM and reference magnetic field data. Additional information, such as control system data and measurements from line-of-sight sensors, can be input to the system if available. Test results are presented using in-flight data from two three-axis stabilized spacecraft: Solar, Anomalous, and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer (SAMPEX) (gyroless, Sun-pointing) and Earth Radiation Budget Satellite (ERBS) (gyro-based, Earth-pointing). The results show that, using as little as 700 s of data, the system is capable of accuracies of 1.5 deg in attitude and 0.01 deg/s in rates; i.e., within SAMPEX mission requirements

Earth horizon modeling and application to static Earth sensors on TRMM spacecraft

Data from Earth sensor assemblies (ESA's) often are used in the attitude determination (AD) for both spinning and Earth-pointing spacecraft. The ESA's on previous such spacecraft for which the ground-based AD operation was performed by the Flight Dynamics Division (FDD) used the Earth scanning method. AD on such spacecraft requires a model of the shape of the Earth disk as seen from the spacecraft. AD accuracy requirements often are too severe to permit Earth oblateness to be ignored when modeling disk shape. Section 2 of this paper reexamines and extends the methods for Earth disk shape modeling employed in AD work at FDD for the past decade. A new formulation, based on a more convenient Earth flatness parameter, is introduced, and the geometric concepts are examined in detail. It is shown that the Earth disk can be approximated as an ellipse in AD computations. Algorithms for introducing Earth oblateness into the AD process for spacecraft carrying scanning ESA's have been developed at FDD and implemented into the support systems. The Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) will be the first spacecraft with AD operation performed at FDD that uses a different type of ESA - namely, a static one - containing four fixed detectors D(sub i) (i = 1 to 4). Section 3 of this paper considers the effect of Earth oblateness on AD accuracy for TRMM. This effect ideally will not induce AD errors on TRMM when data from all four D(sub i) are present. When data from only two or three D(sub i) are available, however, a spherical Earth approximation can introduce errors of 0.05 to 0.30 deg on TRMM. These oblateness-induced errors are eliminated by a new algorithm that uses the results of Section 2 to model the Earth disk as an ellipse

Efecto hepatoprotector del insaponificable de los aceites de oliva, linaza y sésamo contra la lesión hepática inducida por tetracloruro de carbono en ratas

In the present study, the hepatoprotective activity of the unsaponifiable matter (UNSAP) of olive oil, linseed, and sesame oils against CCl4-induced liver toxicity in rats was investigated. In a preliminary antioxidant study, UNSAP showed pronounced DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 6.2-10.8 mg/mL). The constituents of UNSAP were determined by GC-MS. The subcutaneous administration of CCl4, caused liver injury. The hepatoprotective effect of UNSAP was comparable to that of α-tocopherol, a standard antioxidant agent. The co-administration of the investigated UNSAP normalized the activities of serum marker enzymes, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Furthermore, the serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) level were found to be alleviated by pre-treatment with the UNSAP. A histopathological evaluation showed marked improvement in the liver of UNSAP- and α-Tocopherol-treated animals. The hepatoprotective effect could be attributed to the antioxidant characteristics of UNSAP.En el presente estudio, se investigó la actividad hepatoprotectora de la materia insaponificable (UNSAP) de los aceites de oliva, linaza y sésamo contra la toxicidad hepática inducida por CCl4 en ratas. En un estudio preliminar de antioxidantes, UNSAP mostró una pronunciada actividad de captación de radicales DPPH (IC50 6.2-10.8 mg / mL). Los constituyentes del UNSAP fueron determinados por GC-MS. La administración de CCl4, por vía subcutánea, causó lesión hepática. El efecto hepatoprotector del UNSAP fue comparable al del α-Tocoferol, un agente antioxidante estándar. La administración conjunta del UNSAP normalizó las actividades de las enzimas marcadoras séricas, alanina aminotransferasa (ALT) y aspartato aminotransferasa (AST). Además, se encontró que la actividad de la fosfatasa alcalina en suero (ALP) y el nivel de malondialdehído hepático (MDA) se mitigan con el tratamiento previo con UNSAP. La evaluación histopatológica mostró una mejoría notable en el hígado de los animales tratados con UNSAP y α-Tocopherol. El efecto hepatoprotector podría atribuirse a las características antioxidantes de UNSAP

Design Wind Loads Including Torsion for Rectangular Buildings with Horizontal Aspect Ratio of 1.6

Limited information is available regarding wind-induced torsional loads on buildings. This paper presents results of tests carried out in a boundary-layer wind tunnel using building models with the same plan dimensions (aspect ratio of 1.6) and located in a simulated open terrain exposure for different wind directions. Synchronized wind pressure measurements allowed estimating instantaneous base-shear forces and torsional moments on the tested rigid building models. Results were normalized and presented in terms of shear and torsional coefficients for two load cases, namely: maximum torsion and corresponding shear, and maximum shear and corresponding torsion. Comparison of the wind-tunnel test results with current torsion- and shear-related provisions in the American standard demonstrates good agreement for low-rise buildings but differences for medium-rise buildings

Actividades antioxidantes, antiinflamatorias y citotóxicas de la fracción insaponificable de aceite de oliva virgen extra

The health benefits of olive oil are well-known. In this study, the unsaponifiable fraction of extra virgin olive oil (Unsap) was investigated for reducing power capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, fer-rous chelating activity and nitric oxide inhibition. The present study was also designed to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic effect of the Unsap against human carcinoma cells. The anti-inflammatory potential of Unsap has been determined via the inhibition of Human Cyclooxygenases. The results showed that Unsap is efficient for ferric reducing antioxidant power and nitric oxide inhibition. Unsap has a selective effect as anti-inflammatory agent. The results showed moderate to good in vitro antitumor activities of Unsap against human liver, lung and pancreas cancer cells with IC50 ranging from 19.6 to 30.4 μg/mL and good selectivity index (≥ 2). In conclusion, Unsap represents a promising and safe antitumor and antioxidant material that supports the need for further investigation.Los beneficios para la salud del aceite de oliva son bien conocidos. En este estudio, se investigó la fracción insaponificable del aceite de oliva virgen extra (Insap) para reducir el poder antioxidante férrico, la actividad quelante ferrosa y la inhibición del óxido nítrico. El presente estudio también fue diseñado para evaluar el efecto citotóxico in vitro del Insap contra las células de carcinoma humano. La potencialidad antiinflamatoria del Insap se ha determinado mediante la inhibición de las ciclooxigenasas humanas. Los resultados mostraron que el Insap es eficiente para reducir el poder antioxidante férrico y la inhibición del óxido nítrico. El Insap tiene un efecto selectivo como agente antiinflamatorio. Los resultados mostraron actividades antitumorales in vitro del Insap de moderadas a buenas contra células de cáncer de hígado, pulmón y páncreas humano con una CI50 que varía de 19,6 a 30,4 μg/ml y por su buen índice de selectividad ( ≥ 2). En conclusión, el Insap contiene material antitumoral y antioxidante prometedor y seguro que será respaldado por investiga-ciones adicionales

Comparison of Wind Tunnel Measurements with NBCC 2010 Wind-Induced Torsion Provisions for Low- and Medium-Rise Buildings

The aim of this study is to assess wind-induced torsional loads on low- and medium-rise buildings determined in accordance with the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC 2010). Two building models with the same horizontal dimensions but different gabled-roof angles (0° and 45°) were tested at different full-scale equivalent eave heights (6, 12, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 m) in open terrain exposure for several wind directions (every 15°). Wind-induced measured pressures were numerically integrated over all building surfaces and results were obtained for along-wind force, across-wind force, and torsional moment. Torsion load case (i.e., maximum torsion and corresponding shear) and shear load case (i.e., maximum shear and corresponding torsion) were evaluated to reflect the maximum actual wind load effects in the two horizontal directions (i.e., transverse and longitudinal). The evaluated torsion and shear load cases were also compared with the current torsion- and shear-related provisions in the NBCC 2010. The results demonstrated significant discrepancies between NBCC 2010 and the wind tunnel measurements regarding the evaluation of torsional wind loads on low- and medium-rise buildings. Finally, shear and torsion load cases were suggested for evaluating wind loads in the design of low- and medium-rise rectangular buildings

Wind-induced Torsional Loads on Low Buildings

Wind-induced instantaneous pressures on low building envelopes continuously vary in temporal and spatial dimensions and this may lead to significant torsional moments on the building's lateral load resisting system. Studies on wind-induced torsional loads on low buildings are very limited. Wind-induced torsion provisions in the American Society of Civil Engineers Standard (ASCE/SEI 7-10, 2010), the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC, 2010), and the European Code (EN 1991-1-4, 2005) were reviewed and compared for three gabled-roof (18.4°) low buildings. Significant discrepancies were found among the provisions of these wind standards in evaluating torsional wind loads on low buildings. In addition, wind-induced torsional loads on low buildings have been measured in a boundary layer wind tunnel. Three low buildings, with the same plan dimensions but different gabled-roof angles (0°, 18.4°, 45°) and two different heights (i.e. full, and half eave building height) were tested in simulated open and urban terrain exposures for different wind directions (from 0° to 180° every 15°). The experimental results were compared with current wind-induced torsional load provisions. It was found that NBCC (2010) underestimates the torsional moments on low buildings significantly